July 22, 2018
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Ballade Richard The Lion Hearted
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #401 Here In This Place
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #749 Come! Live in the Light
Call to Worship
One: As God is our shepherd we need nothing else.
All: We rest in green pastures and walk by still waters, which renews and refreshes our spirits.
One: God guides us along paths of righteousness
All: And walks with us through shadowed valleys so we are not afraid. The shepherd’s staff comforts us.
One: God set the banquet table for us in the presence of our enemies. There, we’re anointed with oil and our cup overflows.
All: Goodness and mercy shall never depart from us as long as we dwell in the house of God.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Caring and Gracious God, you are the shepherd who gathers us together today to celebrate with grateful thanksgiving the community in which we live. We are nourished by its diversity, brought about by the unique gifts each person contributes. Be with us in this time of worship and encourage us to never cease welcoming the strangers we meet and accepting the gifts they bring. Grant that they will enrich our lives and will be a reminder of the joy that comes when all will be one in you. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we live in a diverse community. There are people of different colors and abilities. There are people with different sexual orientations. There are people on the left and the right, young and old, rich and poor. Yet, our church doesn’t reflect this diversity. We would love others as you do, but we can’t. We’ve erected walls built upon our biases, fears, and insecurities that keep us apart. Forgive us that we cannot love unconditionally as you. Help us to take down those walls so we may welcome the stranger and truly be one community together. 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 in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 23
(Page 617 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scriptures – 2 Samuel 7:1-14a
(Page 349 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #761 Called as Partners In Christ’s Service
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: O Lord On High W.A. Mozart
Abby Adam, soprano
*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
Scripture Reading – Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56
(Page 50 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Spirituality of a Journey”
Francis Tapon
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
(To be sung by all) Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying. Send us love; send us power; send us grace.
*Hymn: #766 The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound
Benediction
Benediction Response: #749 Sing! Sing a new song!
Postlude: Fanfare for Trumpet Henry Purcell
(* 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 join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. Today’s hosts are Barbara & Lee Collins.
Please see an usher if you would like to use a hearing device.
Many thanks to:
Francis Tapon for the sermon
Charlie Norman for serving as lay reader
Abby Adam for enhancing our service with beautiful music
Kathy Mera & Stephanie Tierney for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Salvo Family, Tristan Sorensen, Tom Splaine, Joe K., Linda & Peter Davis, John & Jan Hazard, Stan & Pam Brown, Ron Ham, Sal Accardo, Don & Bonnie Cuneo, Violet Hvasta, Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, Sandra Schafer, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, 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
Pastor Diane will be on vacation beginning Monday, July 23 and returning Sunday, August 5. Please contact a Deacon in case of an emergency.
CALENDAR
Monday: 3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
OPPORTUNITIES
COFFEE HOUR
The Coffee Hour sign up is in the Parish Hall. If you have never served at Coffee Hour and would like to “learn the ropes,” please sign your name in the column marked “helper” and you will be paired with an experienced Coffee Hour server. If you have served before, please sign up for a Sunday or two and consider inviting someone new to join you!