March 4, 2018
Third Sunday in Lent
Prelude: The Ten Commandments Johann Sebastian Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: # 157 I Danced in the Morning
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: Sonatina in C Major Muzio Clementi
Isabella Deng, piano
Call to Worship
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
All: We celebrate the steadfast love of God, our Creator. Surely God is faithful to all who live in covenant.
One: From the sun’s rising to its setting, the creation speaks. Day and night, earth’s creatures announce God’s works.
All: The commandments of God’s law are clear, enlightening the eyes. God’s law is perfect, calling forth our best.
One: God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
All: The ordinances of God are true and righteous. In following them, we gain wisdom and strength.
One: Come let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
All-wise and all-loving God, we are drawn together in this place because all our knowledge and discernment is not enough to give meaning to our lives. All the pieces of our busy days need a center, and we have come to see that center in the “foolishness” of the cross. There, Love went the distance for us. There, the paths, of service were lifted up above our passion for personal gain. We are frightened by what you may ask of us, but we long for the wholeness only you can offer. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our rock and redeemer. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
We have to come to your temple, loving God, because this is your place, not ours. We confess that we sometimes forget whose house this is. We forget that all the world belongs to you as we scramble for all we can claim for ourselves. Our actions deny your love, which is at the heart of your perfect law. Our minds have justified the bending and the breaking of your law to suit current trends and feelings. We cry out for forgiveness and the opportunity for a fresh start. Clear us of hidden faults and redeem us from those we recognize and confess. 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: #582 Glory to God whose goodness shines on me, and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me, and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 19
(Page 613 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Exodus 20:1-17
(Page 82 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #516 For the Bread Which You Have Broken (v.1&2)
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic.
Communion Prayer (in unison)
Gracious God, you have once again shown us your love by bringing us to this meal. We go from this table, renewed in faith, renewed in courage, and strengthened by your presence. Thank you for loving us so tenderly. Thank you for challenging us to know you better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #516 For the Bread Which You Have Broken (v.3&4)
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Sacerdotes Domini William Byrd
Holy art thou, God our lord. We offer our prayers of thanks to you Lord God, and humbly we praise you for your tender mercy and we pray to you with a reverent spirit, Alleluia.
*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 2:13-22
(Page 113 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Holy Disrupters”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: Dresden Amen
Hymn: #838 Standing on the Promises
Benediction
Response: Dresden Amen
Postlude: Psalm XIX Benedetto Marcello
(* 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.
Today’s hosts are the Christian Action Committee.
Many thanks to:
Isabella Deng for playing our Introit
Betsy Beck for serving as lay reader
Pat Palmer & Joe Catania for ushering
Prayer List
Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn, Peter, and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
Family & friends of: Gloria Buckley, Gordon Weekly, George Kieffer, Richard Hayes and Kelly Bannister.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
Tuesday: 12 pm Recovery Yoga in the Parish Hall
5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
6 pm Community Yoga in the Parish Hall
Wednesday: 6 pm Deacons’ Lenten Dinner
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 10 am Kids’ Yoga in the Nursery
10 am Mommy & Me yoga in the Parish Hall
4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Saturday: 9:30 am Sinfonietta Rehearsal
4 pm Memorial for Gloria Buckley
Next Sunday: 3 pm Sinfonietta Concert
OPPORTUNITIES
EASTER LILY SIGN UP
You are invited to contribute an Easter lily in the name of a loved one and take the plant home with you after the Easter service. Donations are $15 for each plant. Please send a check, along with a form to the office, or to pay by credit card, please use the ‘Give Online’ button on the website by March 23rd.
LENTEN DINNERS
You are invited to join the congregation for dinner this Wednesday evening. The Deacon’s will host a simple meal of soup and salad from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm. All are welcome! To sign up, access the Sign Up Genius in the Weekly e-blast.
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.