February 24, 2019
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Processional In G Major John Stanley
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: In My Life, Lord
In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my life, Lord, be glorified today.
Singing Call to Worship – Reverend Sara will lead
Come, let us worship God. (Come, let us worship God)
Welcome, everyone (Welcome, everyone)
To the love of God. (To the love of God).
Food for the hungry …
Love for the lonely. . .
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Companion of the Lonely, Binder of Wounds,
Seeker of Lost Souls, Friend of the Poor, Giver of Rest,
Origin of Peace, Voice of the Voiceless, Counselor of the Confused, Shelter from the Storm,
Creator of Heaven and Earth, Source of All That Is,
God Who Loves Each of Us . . .
We, in all our conditions and situations, O Holy One,
give thanks, for You are our Hope.
We ask that You give us the strength to endure
and the willingness to serve Your world.
So be It! Alleluia! Amen!
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Loving God, we acknowledge the many times and many ways we have neglected to be Your church. Sometimes we are complacent in our appreciation of the ministry we share. Sometimes we choose to fulfill our ideas and desires rather than follow Your path. Renew and redirect us to your purpose for us as the Body of Christ in the world today. Challenge our depth of conviction to our mission as bearers of your Good News and followers of Jesus. Hear us as we turn to you, seeking your forgiveness and grace. Amen.
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.
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group.)
*Hymn: Insert “Christ, Be Our Light” (vs 1,3,4,5)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: There is a Happy Land Mary McDonald
*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 – Matthew 25: 34-40
Sermon: “When Did WE See YOU?”
Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq.
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: In Your Church, Lord
In your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.
In your church, Lord, be glorified today.
*Hymn – Insert “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
Benediction
Response: #315 verse.1 In the Midst of New Dimensions
Postlude: Toccata in F Major Dietrich Buxtehude
(* Please stand if able.)
Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq. serves as the Senior Minister of United Congregational Church of Bridgeport UCC, the oldest institution in the City – gathered in 1695. She also serves as the President/CEO and Executive Director of nOURish BRIDGEPORT, inc., a 501c3 non-profit she founded 10 years ago to serve the needs of the people in need in the largest, and yet poorest, city in Connecticut, through direct service programs: Community Supper, Food Pantry, Baby Center, Domestic Violence Food Pantry, English as a Second Language program, Emergency Winter Shelter, Farmers Market, Thanksgiving Feast, Community Gardens. She is proud that our church is an active Mission Partner with nOURish. (formerly known as the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives, Inc.) A leader known for building community and collaborative efforts, Reverend Sara serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Family Justice, Green Village Initiatives, the YMCA of Bridgeport, the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, the Interfaith Tent of Abraham, and the City Lights Arts Gallery. She has also begun “United Enterprises” – a back-office bookkeeping business for other non-profits. Reverend Sara has been ordained 23 years and in active ministry for 27. She received her Master of Divinity with highest honors from Brite Divinity School at TCU (1995), her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center (1988), and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from TCU (1985). As her Southern accent will attest, she was raised in Hodgenville, Kentucky – birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.
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:
Reverend Dr. Betsey Mauro for leading Worship
Bob Maxwell for serving as our lay reader
Stephanie Tierney for giving the Children’s Message Becky Belcher & Michael Voldstad for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Roberta Fay, J. Kevin Carroll, Siddhi, Evan Adsit, Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber, Tom Splaine, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard
The family & friends of Laura Hawks
CALENDAR
Today: 1 pm SWSA Chili Dinner
Monday: 1 pm Salisbury Duplicate Bridge Club
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 5 pm Deacons’ Meeting
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 11:30 am Church Council
OPPORTUNITIES
To receive our weekly eblast and other Church announcements, please email Melissa at: [email protected]. If you are NOT online-please call Kathy (860-435-2442) to be put on a phone list for emergency closings.