November 25, 2018
Reign of Christ
Prelude: Prelude in C Major J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn:#35 Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit:#413 Come into God’s Presence
Call to Worship Erika Knapp
One: Rejoice in the light of the morning!
Give thanks for the sun’s energy, even through clouds!
All: God has spoken to us and meets us here. We live in covenant with the Eternal One.
One: Gather in the Spirit of Jesus, whose name we bear! Thank God for the truth that lives in spite of death!
All: We celebrate the faithful witness of Jesus Christ. We seek to share the good news that Christ reigns.
One: The Spirit encounters us here that we might learn. The Spirit inspires us that we might serve.
All: God anoints us for ministry, giving us tasks to do. God’s word is on your tongues, that the world may believe.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison) Erika Knapp
Speak to us, eternal God, through the representatives you anoint to proclaim your Word. Grant that all in authority will speak truthfully, rule justly, and serve selflessly. Find your dwelling place today, not just in the sanctuary, but in our hearts and lives – and not just today, but every day. Clothe your priests with faithfulness and all your faithful people with garments of joy. May we know your grace and peace as we honor your majesty, bowing in awe before the one who was, and is, and is to come. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Loving God, we confess that we have been more like thorn bushes than oaks of righteousness. We sometimes repel rather than attract others to the gospel. Pride and deceit fill our days more than grace and peace. We tire of satisfying the poor and bread and upholding the covenant and decrees you have offered us. We turn away from your anointed one, questioning his role in history and his relevance for us. We admit that our inner faith battles are often the screen we used to keep from facing our sin, admitting our guilt and seeking reconciliation. Open our eyes, heal our open wounds, and embrace us in your love that we might be forgiven. 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: #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 132: 1-12, (13-18)
(Page 706 in the Hebrew Scripture in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scripture – 2 Samuel 23:1-7
(Page 371 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Rite of Confirmation of Erika Knapp
Invitation: We invite Erika Knapp and her parents to come forward to affirm her baptism by being confirmed.
Pastor’s Introduction
Questions of the Candidate
Pastor: Erika, do you desire to affirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
Candidate: I do.
Pastor: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ?
Candidate: I do.
Pastor: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
Candidate: I do.
Pastor: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and the word of Jesus Christ as best as you are able?
Candidate: I promise, with the help of God.
Pastor: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ’s presence and furthering Christ’s mission in all the world?
Candidate: I promise, with the help of God.
Pastor: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world?
Candidate: I promise, with the help of God.
Pastor’s Prayer
Act of Confirmation (Parents and Pastor place hands on Erika)
Pastor: By your baptism you were made one with us in the Body of Christ, the church. Today we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
Welcome
Pastor: Let us, the members of the Salisbury Congregational Church express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
All: We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Greeting of Christian Love and Blessing
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
*Hymn: #620Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Offering of our Gifts
Offertory: Be Still Hank Beebe
*Doxology:#607 Praise Godfrom whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more;
praise Triune Godwhom we adore. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading– John 18:33-38
(Page 138 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Who’s Got the Power?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Affirmation of Faith (back cover of hymnal)
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #413Praise the Lord together singing
*Hymn: #32I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Benediction
Response: Everywhere that we can be, thou, God art present
Postlude: Fugue in C Major J.S. Bach
(* 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.
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:
Sheryl Kennedy for serving as our lay reader
Sara Morrison & Sal Accardo for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber,Tom Splaine, Laura Hawks, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard.
The family & friends of: John Arnold, Jack Ritchie, Fred Palmer, Harriet Hoffman, Scott Miller.
CALENDAR
Monday: 1-5 pm Salisbury Duplicate Bridge Club
5:30 pm Bereavement Support Group in the Parish Hall Library
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 5:30 pm Deacons’ Meeting
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
5:30 pm Hanging of the Greens ~ Salisbury Boys School