January 21, 2018
Third Sunday After Epiphany
Prelude: Prelude in G Minor Dietrich Buxtehude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #150 As With Gladness Men of Old
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Jesus Stand Among Us
Call to Worship
One: For God alone our souls wait in silence. Our hope is from God, our fortress.
All: God is our rock and salvation. God is our refuge and our deliverance.
One: Trust in God at all times, in all places. Pour out your hearts to the One who hears.
All: All people are valuable in God’s sight. No one is more important than another.
One: Worship God, who is ready to speak to us. Open your lives to God’s steadfast love.
All: All power in the universe belongs to God. Yet God depends on our faithful service.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
We await your message, God of all places and times. Sometimes we do not like what we hear, but we know we need to listen. Your message is inclusive and fair, while we like to make distinctions that favor us and our friends. You call us out of our comfort zones to do new things and try better ways. You direct us to reach out to people with whom we seem to have little in common. Speak your truth to us to go, the people you are eager to reach. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Sovereign God, we reluctantly confess that we have installed our own gods in our lives. They take our time. They use our resources. They exact from us care and devotion. We do not like to hear that our way of life is endangered. Yet we sometimes realize that innocent steps into self-indulgence are really deliberate strides away from you. We hear distant echoes of warning and judgment. O God, we want to return to you before it is too late. We repent of everything in our lives that cuts us from you. 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!
Reading from the New Testament – Luke 2:22-38
(Page 71 NT in pew bible)
Reading from the New Testament – Luke 4:16-22
(Page 74 in the pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School)
Welcome and Blessing of Adeline Ceceilia Halloran
*Hymn: #486 Child of Blessing, Child of Promise
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Eric Thiman
*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 – Matthew 2:1-12
(Page 2 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Sudden Insight”
Reverend Marilyn B. Kendrix
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Response: Breathe the Holy Spirit Into Every Heart
* Hymn: Arise, Your Light is Come! Insert
Benediction Reverend Marilyn B. Kendrix
Response: Thus With Quickened Footsteps
Postlude: Fugue in G Minor Dietrich Buxtehude
(*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:
Bob Maxwell for serving as lay reader
Rev. Marilyn B. Kendrix for offering the Sermon & Benediction
Sharon Tingley & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering
Please join us after worship for a discussion with Reverend Marilyn Kendrix in the Parish Hall.
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: During Coffee Hour The World Café, “A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration” with Rev.
Marilyn B. Kendrix
11:30 am Church Council Meeting
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday 11:15 am Midwinter Comfort Food Potluck
OPPORTUNITIES
THE WORLD CAFÉ
A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration
You are invited to join us this morning during 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 or [email protected].