October 8, 2017
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: These are the Ten Holy Commandments J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #687 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Lord, listen to your children praying
Call to Worship
One: The God who frees us invites us to worship.
The God of law welcomes our loyal response.
All: The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
One: God is present with us, eager to speak to us.
Our Creator is here to test us and to keep us from sin.
All: The law of God is perfect, reviving the soul.
God’s decrees are sure, making wise the simple.
One: We tremble before God, yet are not afraid.
We are ready to listen to God’s word.
All: May our awe before God be pure and enduring.
May our thoughts and our words be acceptable to God.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
O God, our rock and redeemer, enlighten us today through the ancient witness of your faithful people. Lead us to desire the guidance of your word. Remind us of your ordinances that are true and righteous altogether. May they shape our living and warn us when we are in error. We seek to honor your name, to divest ourselves of idols, to keep this day of rest and worship. Work with us to develop right relationships in our families and with all your children near and far, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we have no righteousness of our own. We have bent and ignored your law. Your commandments inform us but do not transform. We give lip service to your law but seek to avoid its implication for our lives. We recognize some of our errors, but many are hidden from us. We devote our energies to accumulating possessions that function as idols in our lives. We depend on them more than we honor you. Save us, we pray, from great transgressions and help us to reorder our days. 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: #584 Glory, glory, glory, glory to God on high! (repeat). And on earth peace to all people in whom God is well
pleased. (repeat)
Responsive Reading – Psalm 19
(Page 613 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Exodus 20: 1-21
(Page 82 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #749 Come! Live in the Light
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying Medema/Hayes
*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 21:33-46
(Page 29 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Lord, listen to your children praying
* Hymn: #634 To God Be the Glory
Benediction
Response: Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace
Postlude: Psalm XIX Benedetto Marcello
(* 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 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:
Bob Maxwell for serving as lay reader
Theresa Carroll for serving as Youth Discussion Leader
John Arnold and Michael Voldstad for ushering
Prayer List
Dartanian Oyanadel, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Reverend Terry Ryan, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Helen Ham, Harriet, Rich Reifsnyder, Lynn Reifsnyder, Emily and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
Monday: Office Closed ~ Holiday
Tuesday: 5:30 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 11:30 am Christian Action Meeting
11:30 am Church Council Meeting
2 pm World Café Dialogue with Tom Key
OPPORTUNITIES
FALL FESTIVAL ~ 2017
Be sure to stop by the Parish Hall as all items in the Treasure Trove are 1/2 price today.
FLOWERS
If you would like to provide flowers for a Sunday service, please contact Linda Estabrook for assistance: 860-824-5896.
WORLD CAFÉ
You are invited to join us next Sunday, October 15th, at
2 pm, for a dialogue with Tom Key titled “Understanding the Reformation.”
MINDFULNESS RETREAT AT SILVER LAKE
On Saturday, October 21, from 9:00-3:00 Kathy Voldstad will lead a Mindfulness Retreat at Silver Lake Conference Center. To reserve your space, contact Pastor Diane or sign up on the Marbletop Table.