October 14, 2018
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Trumpet Tune Jeremiah Clarke
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #465 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #590 Halleluia
Call to Worship
One: Come, all who look for God with unseeing eyes. Come, all who listen for God but hear nothing.
All: Oh, that we knew where to find God! We want to hear and understand God’s Word.
One: The word of God is living and active. It pierces and judges and opens us to God’s grace.
All: We cannot hide from God who knows us. God understands our thoughts and intentions.
One: Leave everything to follow Jesus in this hour. This is the time to embrace new ways.
All: Here we set the patterns for everyday life. Here we are strengthened for every day’s challenges.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
We seek to gather as children of your realm, reigning God. This is the time and place of your dominion. We recognize that you, not we, prescribe the rules under which life can be rich and full and free. Help in this hour to embrace the best we know. Open our thoughts and feelings so we may learn better ways. We approach you with boldness, daring to question and make requests, knowing that your grace and mercy exceed our wildest imaging, and your guidance is ever available to those who ask. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, hear us if you can. Know that many times we feel forsaken and terrified more than supported and comforted. We cry out and hear no answers. We suffer and find no relief. We are tempted to blame you even though we are the ones who cut off communication. We complain in the midst of plenty and groan over imagined slights. When we feel mocked and scorned and despised, we turn inward with the hurt instead of opening ourselves to your healing touch. Have mercy on us, and help us in our time of need. Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
Gloria Patri: Glory Be To The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen, Amen….
Responsive Reading – Psalm 22:1-15
(Page 615 in the Hebrew Scripture in the pew Bible)
Anthem: # 695 Change My Heart, O God
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –Job 23:1-9, 16-17
(Page 580 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
Children will collect donated food, we will bless the food and the children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
*Hymn: #722 Lord Speak To Me That I May Speak
Offering of our Gifts
Offertory: Gloria Antonia Vivaldi
*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 – Mark 10:17-31
(Page 56 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Never Stop Praying”
Leo Gafney
Pastoral Prayer & Silent 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: #744 Arise, Your Light Has Come
Benediction
Response: #600 Amen
Postlude: Toccata Eugene Gigout
(* 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. All are welcome. Today’s host is Alice Kent.
Please see an usher if:
You would like to use a hearing device
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Many thanks to:
Leo Gafney for serving as our guest preacher today
Kathy Mera for serving as lay reader
Prayer List
Dick Taber, Tom Splaine, Jack & Sue Ritchie, Laura Hawks, Harriet, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard
Family & Friends of Barbara Smith (Amy Clulow’s mom)
CALENDAR
Today: 11 am Discussion following worship with Leo Gafney
11 am Mural Painting
11:30 am Trustees Meeting
Monday: 3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
5 pm Christian Action Meeting in the Conference Room
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 11:30 am Budget Informational Session
3 pm Two Harps Concert