April 23, 2017
Second Sunday of Easter
Prelude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #14 For The Beauty of the Earth
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit
Call to Worship
One: We come again to celebrate resurrection.
God gives us new birth into a living hope.
All: Death has no power over us.
Christ goes before us in the new life God offers.
One: Blessed be the God of our Savior Jesus Christ!
Our faith, tested by fire is renewed.
All: Our hearts are glad, our souls rejoice.
God shows us the path of life.
One: Again, Jesus said to us: Peace be with you.
Come to receive life in Christ’s name.
All: We rejoice in God’s amazing good news.
In God’s presence, we find fullness of joy.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Your Easter people gather to praise you, amazing God. Continue to make your ways known to us. Fill us with your presence. We cannot live apart from you. Your counsel and instruction are with us day and night. We have only to open ourselves to your direction. Inspire in us fullness of joy, we pray, as we respond in faith to the risen Christ and embrace the tasks you set for us. Build up our sense of community that we may truly care for one another through all life’s trials. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Forgive us, God, for seeking to limit your truth to what we can understand. Forgive us for chasing after gods of our own making. We are so busy with them that we forgot to open ourselves to your larger reality. We reduce the circles of connection and caring that Jesus demonstrated. Goodness is crucified by our narrow prejudices, and our doubts plunge into despair. Be to us a refuge, granting us courage to face the questions that haunt us until they lead to deeper understanding. Hear us now as we turn to you with our silent confessions, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
Gloria Patri: 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.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 16
(Page 610 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church– Acts 2:14a, 22-32
(Page 144 NT in the pew bible)
Sacrament of Baptism for George Theodore Stempski
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #475 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading – John 20:19-31
(Page 141 in the pew bible)
Sermon “Learn From the Earth”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Choral Response
*Hymn: #435 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Benediction
Response: Amen
Postlude
If you are visiting us today, Welcome! Please sign the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Our host today is Cynthia LaPier.
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:
Linda Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Bob Weber & John Arnold for ushering
Prayer List
Jack Bowman, Terre Lefferts, Hatsie Baltus, Emma Mae, Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, The Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, Schaper family, family and friends of Walter Crain
CALL TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
The 272nd Annual Meeting, Part II, of the Congregational Church of Salisbury will be held following the worship service this morning, Sunday, April 23, 2017 for the purpose of:
- Presentation of Reports from the Boards and
Committees including an update on the 2016 Epiphany Fund
- The Nominating Committee’s Report
- The Election of Officers and Committees
- Vote on Trustee’s recommendation to sell the parsonage.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: Following worship ~ 272nd Annual Meeting
Monday: 6 pm Debtors Anonymous Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
5:30 pm Deacon’s Meeting
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 11:30 am Christian Action Meeting
2 pm PTU Lecture ~ Meeting House
3 pm PTU Concert ~ Meeting House
OPPORTUNITIES
SILVER LAKE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon is now open. Take a look at the many great offerings by visiting: www.silverake.ctucc.org. Brochures can also be picked up at the Opportunity Table at in the Parish Hall.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY/MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Women’s Bible Study meets on Thursday afternoons in
the Parish Hall Library at 4:30 pm. All women are welcome to attend.
Men’s Bible Study meets on Friday mornings at 7:30 am in the Parish Hall. All men are welcome to attend.
CREATED BY GOD
CALLED BY JESUS CHRIST
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
DEDICATED TO LOVING AND SERVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR
The Reverend Diane Monti – Catania, Pastor