March 11, 2018
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Forty Days and Forty Nights Paul Heinlein
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #377 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: He came down that we may have love.
Call to Worship
One: Light has entered our world; rejoice!
Light is God’s gift to each, and to all together.
All: Give thanks to God for days of watchful care.
The steadfast love of God endures forever.
One: Let those whom God has redeemed rejoice!
Let them tell the world of God’s good news!
All: We will thank God for wonderful works.
We will rejoice in God’s love for all humankind.
One: By God’s word, we are delivered from destruction.
By God’s mercy, we are healed and made whole.
All: Our voices will join in songs of joy.
Our lives will offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.
One: Come let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
God of infinite patience, we call on you once more, knowing that you have every reason to question our coming together. We have worshiped without expectation. We have gathered without diligent preparation, as if meeting you laid no requirements on us. Amid the complexities of our lives, we have forgotten to set aside times to be still before you. Sometimes we feel as if we are bitten by snakes all week long, so we assemble here for some relief and healing. O God, will you meet us as we are: Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Healing God, we are sick through our sinful ways. We are impatient, complaining, and troubled. We love the night because it hides the evil we have done and the doubt that shows on our faces. By our self-indulgent habits, we are destroying ourselves and depriving others. As a church, we seem content to be dead in our trespasses, for we are afraid to embrace the changes that come with the new life you offer. We cry out to you in our trouble. Save us from our distress. 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 107:1-3,17-22
(Page 687 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Numbers 21:4-9
(Page 174 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer~Kevin Wolgemuth
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #749 Come! Live in the Light!
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked Geoffrey O’Hara
*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 3:14-21
(Page 114 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “For God So Loved the World”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: He came down that we may have love.
Hymn: #634 To God Be the Glory
Benediction
Response: He came down that we may have love.
Postlude: Ah, Holy Jesus Johann Crüger
(* 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:
John Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Erin Swett for leading the Youth Discussion Group
Joe Catania & John Arnold for ushering
Kevin Wolgemuth for providing the Children’s Message.
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
Tuesday: 12 pm Recovery Yoga in the Parish Hall
5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
6 pm Community Yoga in the Parish Hall
Wednesday: 11 am Service at Noble Horizons
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
5:30 pm Deacons’ Meeting
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 10:00 Guest Preacher – Fr. Jerry Connors
11-11:30 –Reflections of a Prison Chaplain
11:30 am Church Council Meeting
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.