December 16, 2018
Third Sunday of Advent
Prelude: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Wilbur Held
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn:#105 People Look East
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #126Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child
Lighting of the Third Candle ~ Joy
One: With joy we await the coming of Christ, even as we struggle to make sense of living in a topsy-turvy world.
All: We seek God’s wisdom for our purpose outside these walls.
One: Let our prayers be filled with light and love for those in need.
All: Let our words be a healing balm for those who seek comfort.
One: Let our actions demonstrate we are a safe harbor for those living in fear.
All: In this season of Advent, let us be fully present to what it means to be the church.
One: As we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of Joy, we are reminded of God’s promise of salvation through the humble birth of a child.
All: Surely the light is coming!
(The candle of Joy is lit)
Advent Response: #85 Light Three Candles(Sung by all.)
Call to Worship
One: Rejoice, give thanks; call on God’s name; the Holy One is in our midst.
All: How good it is to come home to God’s house! How good it is to gather in Christ’s presence!
One: Sing aloud! Exult with all your heart; the Sovereign One has done glorious things.
All: We offer up our anxieties, seeking God’s peace. We face our plenty, eager to share.
One: Shout your praise! Express your joy! The God of our salvation welcomes us.
All: God’s love is renewing us in these moments; God’s strength is becoming our song!
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
God of our baptism, renew in us today the gifts of your Holy Spirit and fire. We have come together, eager for good news. We are here for instructions, ready to do the work you call us to do in the world. Equip us in this time of worship to draw deeply from the waters of salvation. Fill us with your love that we may pass it on. Recall us to truth and excellence and justice in all we say and do. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
What shall we do, O God? We can never do enough to deserve your love. We confess that we are not always truthful. We have defaced the purity of love for us. We have embraced ugliness and oppression rather than loveliness and grace. We have distorted your cries for justice in order to benefit ourselves. We have given less than our best to others and to you. Forgive us. 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 Isaiah 12:2-6
(Page 785 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scripture –
Zephaniah 3:14-20
(Page 1073 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
*Hymn:#132 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Glory to God Pepper Chopin
*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 3:7-18
(Page 73 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Repent and Rejoice!”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #126 Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child
*Hymn: #266 (v.1&2) #134 (v.3&4) Joy to the World
Benediction
Response: #126 Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child
Postlude: Joy to the World Wilbur Held
(* 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:
The Christian Action Committee for lighting the advent candle of Joy
Kathy Mera 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.
CALENDAR
Today: 11 am Children’s Pageant
4 pm Chorus Angelicas 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: 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 Christmas Caroling
OPPORTUNITIES
| ANNUAL APPEAL Please mail in your pledge card or drop it in the offering plate during Worship. If you need a new card you can pick one up at the church. You can also pledge online. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICEWorship on Christmas Eve will begin at 5:30 pm with a Prelude by our Bell Choir followed by worship at 6 pm. All are welcome to join us! BIBLE STUDYMen’s Ecumenical Bible Study meets onFridays 7:45am. All men are welcome.Women’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 4:30pm in the Parish Hall Library. They are studying scripture associated with Handel’s Messiah. All women are welcome, no previous experience necessary. |
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