Bulletin

January 14, 2018

Second Sunday After Epiphany

Prelude: Chaconne                                   François Couperin

Chiming of the Hour

*Hymn: #300 We Are One In the Spirit

Welcome

Joys and Concerns

Choral Introit: O Lord Have Mercy

 Call to Worship

One:    The one who calls you together this day

yearns for each of you and for all the people to hear

and be blessed.

All:      Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.

One:    Blessed is the One who comes bringing

trustworthy words for the healing of the world.

All:      Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.

One:    Come, let us worship together!

Opening Prayer (in unison)

As I rise this day; O God, I give you thanks for breath of life, for the people I see today, for families and friends, and for those whose ways are challenging to my serenity. Help me to give thanks especially for the people who pull me to new understandings and show me sides of life that I have not known or do not welcome. Urge me to follow you today; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession (in unison)

Holy God, you see into each of us and know us fully as creatures in need of your constant care. We confess that we have neither heard your word nor followed your will. We have failed our nation, neighbors, families, friends and ourselves. Give us ears to hear your wisdom. Lead us to honesty and faith so that we may begin with renewed strength. Hear us now as we turn to you with our silent confessions, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.

Moment of Silent Prayer

Assurance of God’s Love

*Gloria Patri: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!

 Responsive Reading – Psalm 139:1-6,13-18

(Page 710 HS in pew bible)

Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – 1 Samuel 3:1-10

(Page 306 HS in the pew bible)

Children’s Message                       Reverend Dick Taber

Lord’s Prayer

(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)

 *Hymn: #834 Precious Lord

Offering of our Gifts

Anthem: How Can I Keep From Singing               Alfred Fedak

Christine Deng, flute

*Doxology: #607 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more; praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication

 Gospel Reading – John 1:43-51

(Page 112 NT in the pew bible)

Sermon: “Who Are You Following?”

Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer

Response: When The Shadows Appear

* Hymn: #339 Lift Every Voice

 Benediction                                      Reverend Dick Taber

Response: #339 Facing The Rising Sun (to be sung by all)

Postlude: Toccata                                      Eugene Gigout

(* Please stand if able.)

Welcome Statement

We, the Salisbury Congregational Church, seek to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and love our neighbors as ourselves.

This Church declares itself to be Open and Affirming to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment regardless of race, ancestry, class, gender identity, physical/mental ability or sexual orientation.

We further declare ourselves to be Affirming of each individual as a child of God, celebrating the total identity of each person.

As a declared Open and Affirming Congregation, we commit ourselves to work toward ending ignorance, fear, hatred, prejudice and discrimination against any person.

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

If you are visiting us today, Welcome!

Please sign our guest book and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons. Fill out a welcome card in the pew to be put on our email list!

Please see an usher:

If you would like to use a hearing device

If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery

Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.

Many thanks to:

John Estabrook for serving as lay reader

Rev. Dick Taber for offering the Children’s Message & Benediction

Erin Swett for leading our Youth Discussion Group

Janet Accardo & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering

Prayer List

Debbie Merwin, Gloria Buckley, Jessica Whelton, George Kieffer, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn, Peter, the family & friends of Erik Rydingsword, family & friends of Barbara Pogue and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Today:             11:15 am Christian Action Meeting

Wednesday:     7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

Thursday:         4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

5:30 pm Deacons’ Meeting

7 pm HousaTonics

Friday:             7:45 am Men’s Bible Study

Next Sunday    10 am & Coffee Hour, The World Café, “A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration” with Rev. Marilyn B. Kendrix

OPPORTUNITIES

THE WORLD CAFÉ

A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration

You are invited to join us, next Sunday, January 21st, during worship and coffee hour, to hear Reverend Marilyn B. Kendrix share with us about A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration.

WELCOMING NEW COVENANT MEMBERS & POTLUCK ~ SUNDAY, JANUARY, 28th

On Sunday, January 28, 2018, we will have a Midwinter potluck lunch after worship. Come and share what you love

about our church, and invite those interested in learning about the life of the church. Bring your favorite midwinter

comfort food to share. We will provide salad and drinks. RSVP to Kathy @ 860-435-2442 [email protected].

[email protected].

COATS & SOCKS FOR BRIDGEPORT

Men’s large and extra-large coats, and socks for men and women are in need. Please bring your donations in to church and they will be delivered to those in need to Bridgeport.