August 19, 2018
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Aria in F Major G.F. Handel
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #403 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #288 Spirit of the Living God
(Sung by all) Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me; fill me; use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Call to Worship
One: God is gracious and merciful and trustworthy. Let us join our voices in giving thanks.
All: The works of God are all around us. Those who share in God’s work lack for nothing.
One: We are called to faithfulness, as God is faithful. We are people of the covenant, gathered to please God.
All: Holy and awesome is God’s name. The fear of God is the beginning of the wisdom.
One: Come, then, as wise and faithful people. Come as a beloved community of the redeemed.
All: We are amazed that God remembers us. We reach out to the God who cares for us.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
God of steadfast love, your works delight our hearts and expand our thoughts. Your grace and mercy draw us together to praise you and to celebrate your wonderful deeds. Dwell among us today, and reign within the lives of each one gathered here, helping us to grow in discernment and understanding. Grant wisdom and courage that we may walk in your ways and keep your commandments. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
O God, we confess that we have lived so comfortably in the abundance of our times that we have made things our gods. We spend our days dreaming of (and working for) possessions that cannot satisfy. The pursuit of riches replaces the quest for faith and faithful relationships. We do not know you, God, and our relationship with others is superficial at best. Redeem us, we pray, from our self-destructive ways and restore us to your covenant community. 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 111
(Page 691 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
(Page 377 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #408 There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Morning Has Broken E. Farjeon/Cat Stevens Steven Geyer, Tenor
*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 – Ephesians 5:15-20
(Page 238 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “What Would You Ask For?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to your Children Praying
(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: #407 Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers
Benediction
Response/ Postlude: Let There Be Peace On Earth Sy Miller & Jill Jackson Steven Geyer, Tenor
(* 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.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Today’s host is Sue Bucceri.
Many thanks to:
Charlie Norman for serving as lay reader
Steven Geyer for enhancing our service this morning with beautiful music
Stephanie Tierney & Roger Crain for ushering
Prayer List
Salvo Family, Tristan Sorensen, Tom Splaine, Joe K., Linda & Peter Davis, John & Jan Hazard, Stan & Pam Brown, Sal Accardo, Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, 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
The family & friends of Shirley Rogers, Nancy Tuckerman, Ann Kaufman and Jane Fitting
CALENDAR
Today: 11:30 am Church Council Meeting
Monday: 3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
Saturday: 11 am Memorial Service for Nancy Tuckerman
6 pm Salisbury Band Dinner
OPPORTUNITIES
Rising Strong: Women’s Retreat to be held with United Congregational Church, Bridgeport from Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 9 at Silver Lake Conference Center. Saturday, September 8 will feature a mini ‘Mindfulness Retreat’ led by Kathy Voldstad. Come for part or all! See Pastor Diane for more info.