September 2, 2018
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Prelude in G Minor Dietrich Buxtehude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #32 I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: Morning Has Broken Farjeon and Stevens Steven Geyer, tenor
Call to Worship
One: Come to listen for all God seeks to teach us. God has given us birth by the word of truth.
All: We are drawn to God as to a lover. We leap for joy when we know God cares.
One: Every perfect gift comes to us from God. God’s image is a part of each one of us.
All: God’s grace has been poured into our lives. Wisdom and understanding are offered to us.
One: Who will dwell on God’s holy hill? Those who walk uprightly and speak the truth.
All: We will honor God by honoring our neighbors. We will act toward them as we wish to be treated.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Our hearts overflow with longings too great for words, gracious God. You have been so good to us, yet we are dissatisfied. We have many things to enjoy, but seldom have we found our home with you. Meet us here to anoint us with the oil of gladness. Awaken us with singing and speak your truth to draw us away from the lure of the wickedness. May this time of worship help us to become wise and understanding people, eager to live as the body of Christ, making a difference in the world as Jesus did so long ago on the Galilean shore. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
O God, we admit that all is not well with us. We are easily angered and slow to forgive. We speak without listening and pretend to listen without really hearing. Our tongues become weapons rather than instruments of healing. We are more critical than helpful toward the poor in our midst. Hidden in our hearts are the attitudes that produce avarice, deceit, and violation of our promises to you and to one another. Turn us around so we can accept your forgiveness and learn to love ourselves as you want us to be, through Jesus Christ. 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 45:1-2, 6-9
(Page 635 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –Song of Solomon 2: 8-13
(Page 765 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #450 Be Thou My Vision
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: All Good Gifts Schwartz and Claudius 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 – James 1:17-27
(Page 278 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Be Doers of the Word”
Bruce McEver
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: #708 We Give Thee but Thine Own
Benediction
Response: #546 Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Postlude: Fugue in G Minor Dietrich Buxtehude
(* 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 the Hospitality Committee.
Many thanks to:
Bruce McEver for preaching today
Steven Geyer for providing beautiful music
Deacon Sheryl Kennedy for leading worship
Jennifer Oberto for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & Jim Hussey for ushering
Prayer List
Dick Taber, Tom Splaine
Please contact the office if you would like to add a name to the prayer list. Names may be added at any time by calling the office 860-435-2442 or
emailing [email protected]. Please make sure
you have permission from someone to add their name to this public list.
CALENDAR
Monday: Office Closed ~ Labor Day
Wednesday: 9 am Music Committee Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Friday-Sunday: Rising Strong Women’s Retreat at Silver Lake Conference Center
Next Sunday: 9:15 am Deacons’ Breakfast
10 am Worship with Communion; Nursery Care, Sunday School & Youth Group Begins
11:30 am Trustees Meeting
11:30 am Fall Festival Committee Meeting
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.