December 9, 2018
Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Puer Natus Est Everett Titcomb
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn:#82Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #752Dona nobis pacem (Sung by all.)
Lighting of the Second Candle ~ Peace
One: In this holy place, O God, we seek to prepare a path through the wilderness of our lives.
All: Quiet our souls that we may hear your voice.
One: Keep us mindful of the work yet to be done in your Kingdom.
All: Remind us to see that work through the lens of possibility.
One: Help us remember the covenant of hope you forged with our ancestors, even as we yearn for your presence in our world today.
All: Illuminate your path, that our feet may be guided toward the way of peace.
One: Today we light the second candle on our Advent wreath, the candle of Peace.
All: May the Peace of the coming Christ child live within us all.
(The candle of Peace is lit)
Advent Response: #85 Light Two Candles(Sung by all.)
Call to Worship
One: Listen! Listen for a messenger from God. The way is being prepared for Christ’s coming.
All: We are here to listen for a word from God. We have gathered to prepare for Christ’s advent.
One: Come with your joys and sorrows, laughter and tears. There is a place for you in the company of seekers.
All: We thank God for our acceptance in the church. We rejoice to offer the love of Christ to others.
One: We are partners in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Claim anew today this opportunity and responsibility.
All: We are glad God is doing great things among us. We want to rejoin ourselves to God’s work in the world.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
How good is it to gather where garments of sorrow and affliction are removed. Here, we are wrapped in the beauty of God’s glory and welcomed to life at its fullest. Surely you restore us to our best, mighty God, and equip us for productive living. Make a difference within and among us today so we can work for a better tomorrow. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we have tried to cover up our sins, yet you know the disorder we caused in our lives. You have witnessed our poor choices and our destructive habits. We have denied our baptism and ignored the responsibilities of discipleship. The good we do is often self-serving, while we avoid the full claims of gospel partnership. Hear our cries of repentance and turn our lives around, that we may know the wonder of your forgiveness. 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 from Luke 1:68-79
(Page 70 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scripture – Malachi 3:1-4
(Page 1088 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Sacrament of Baptism
Theodore William George Ullman
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
*Hymn:#623 I’ve Got Peace like a River
Offering of our Gifts
Solo:Magnificat J.S. Bach
Jennifer Oberto, soprano
*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– Luke 3:1-6
(Page 72 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “I’ve Got Peace”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Prayer Response: #752 Dona nobis pacem (Sung by all.)
*Hymn: #93Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Benediction
Response: #752 Dona nobis pacem (Sung by all.)
Postlude: The First Nowell Alec Wyton
(* 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. Thank you to the Youth Group for hosting coffee hour.
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:
The Trustees for lighting the advent candle of peace
Sheryl Kennedy for serving as our lay reader
Becky Belcher & Joe Catania for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Siddhi, Evan Adsit, 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.
The family & friends of: John Arnold, Jack Ritchie, Fred Palmer, Harriet Hoffman, Scott Miller.
CALENDAR
Today: 3 pm Christmas Concert
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: 11 am Worship at Noble Horizons
12-6 pm Blood Drive ~ Parish Hall
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 am Children’s Pageant
4 pm Chorus Angelicas
OPPORTUNITIES
| POINTSETTIA DONATIONSIf you would like to dedicate a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of your loved one, please call the church office or pick up a dedication form at church. Plants are $15 each and will decorate our sanctuary. Deadline for dedications is December 14. TREE GIVINGThe Christian Action committee has set up the Giving Tree to support Women’s Support Services in Sharon, CT. The tree will be up in the sanctuary until December 16. Ornaments will be for various gift cards and the like for the WSS staff to be able to lend additional client support in times of individual need. Ornaments should be returned with the donations and placed in the box by the tree – DEADLINE DECEMBER 16TH. |
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