April 8, 2018
Second Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Victory! The Strife is Over G.Palestrina
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #233 The Day of Resurrection!
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: River Runs Deep
Call to Worship
One: Life has been revealed to us in this Easter season. Gather once more to testify to life.
All: We declare to each other what we have experienced. In community we find the life God intends.
One: Early believers were one of heart and soul.
We, too, are called to find common ground in Christ.
All: How very good and pleasant it is
When kindred live together in unity.
One: Peace be with you as we celebrate resurrection. Christ is with us to renew our faith.
All: We are here to testify to God’s grace.
We will share our story and ourselves.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
You pour out upon us the oil of gladness, gracious God, as we gather in the name of our risen Savior. You have given us the Word of Life; we have heard and seen your greatest gifts of all and testify to that experience by our presence here. Let Jesus Christ be known among us, in our own conversations and in our prayers. May our thoughts center on the message that light has come to chase away the shadows, community has been born to remove our isolation, joy has been heaped upon us that we might share it with the world. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
We have taken the name Christian, but few of us are primarily known by that name. We have experienced Easter radiance, but we seldom reflect the light of our risen Savior. We have heard the message of salvation, but it grows cold on our lips and is of little influence on our lives. Sometimes we delude ourselves that, because we are basically good people, there is no sin in us. We deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Sin is separation from you, and we have allowed great chasms and built high walls to keep you out of our lives. Forgive us. 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: #581 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 133
(Page 706 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church – Acts 4:32-35
(Page 148 NT in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Special Music: Together In Peace
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: God Is Standing By
*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 20:19-31
(Page 141 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Peace Be With You”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Alleluia, Alleluia Give Thanks!
*Hymn: Let There Be Peace On Earth (see insert)
Benediction
Response: Amen
Postlude: Et Filii et Filiae French Melody 15 c.
(* 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 Michael Parris & Sue Bucceri
Many thanks to:
Member of the Hotchkiss Gospel Choir and director Michael Brown for providing special music this morning.
Dick Tabor for serving as lay reader
Erin Swett for leading the Youth Discussion Group
Prayer List
Rosalie Bellotti, Sandra Schafer, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Peter, Connie, Cheryl and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR
Today: 11:15 am Trustees Meeting
Tuesday: 12 pm Recovery Yoga in the Parish Hall
4 pm Bell Choir Performs at Noble Horizons
6 pm Community Yoga in the Parish Hall
7 pm Bell Choir Performs at Geer Village
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 10 am Mommy & Me Yoga in the Nursery Room
10 am Kids’ Yoga in the Parish Hall
4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
2:30 – 10 pm Music Rehearsal
Saturday: 9 am Music Rehearsal
12 pm Music Luncheon
Sunday: 3 pm PTU Concert ~The Creation
Call To The Annual Meeting
The 273rd Annual Meeting, Part II, of the Congregational Church of Salisbury will be held following the worship service on Sunday, April 29, 2018, for the purpose of:
- Presentation of Reports from Boards and Committees
- The Nominating Committee’s Report
- The Election of Officers and Committees
- Other Business
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF SALISBURY
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
SALISBURY, CONNECTICUT
CREATED BY GOD
CALLED BY JESUS CHRIST
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
DEDICATED TO LOVING AND SERVING
GOD AND NEIGHBOR
The Reverend Dr. Diane Monti – Catania, Pastor