November 5, 2017
Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: I Call To Thee Lord Jesus Christ J.S.Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #610 O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: #595 Holy, Holy, Holy
Call to Worship
One: O give thanks to the Lord, who is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so:
All: God’s steadfast love endures forever!
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Most astounding God, you lead us through deserts and grant us safe crossings. You save us from trouble and deliver us from distress. You satisfy our hunger and quench our thirst with righteousness and mercy. When we lose our way, you pull us back to you and overwhelm us with love. All honor and glory are yours, our master, our teacher, our friend. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Lord God, only you are holy. Yet we imagine that we are righteous, excusing our own faults while pointing out those of others. We are quick to lay burdens upon our neighbors but slow to help with their own. We take credit and give blame. In spite of the grace you have shown us, we are slow to show mercy. Forgive us, O God, and wash us clean, that we may serve you with joy and thanksgiving. 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 107:1-7, 33-37
(Page 687 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Joshua 3:7-17
(Page 242 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #375 Shall We Gather At The River (v.1 & 2)
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic.
Communion Prayer (in unison)
Loving Spirit, we give thanks for enlivening us through this meal. Help us to be emboldened by the grace and joy offered in this meal that we might be your implements of compassion, justice, forgiveness, and healing in the world. Amen.
*Hymn: #375 Shall We Gather At The River (v.3 & 4)
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: With What Shall I Come Before the Lord J.N. Beck
*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 23:1-12
(Page 31 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Called to Care”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response: #595 Holy, Holy, Holy
* Hymn: #320 The Church of Christ in Every Age
Benediction
Response: #70 What Does The Lord Require of You
Postlude: In Thee is Gladness J.S. Bach
(* 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.
Today’s hosts are Sue Bucceri & Jane Capecelatro.
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:
John Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Ward Belcher for serving as Youth Discussion Leader
Pat Palmer for ushering
Prayer List
Dartanian Oyanadel, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Carolyn and Peter, family and friends of Jane Dwelley, family and friends of Evan Rashkoff, and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
2 pm Worship at Noble Horizons
3 pm The Red Altar presentation
Monday: 9 am – 12 pm Called to Care Training Session
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
5 – 7 pm Steam Rollers Football Dinner
OPPORTUNITIES
THE RED ALTAR ~ ASIAN IMMIGRATION
This afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., we will present the
The Red Altar, featuring Eth-Noh-Tec., a nationally and internationally acclaimed story-telling duo from San Francisco. This presentation is free and open to the public.
WOMEN’S & MEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
Women’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 4:30 pm in the Parish Hall Library. All women are welcome.
Men’s Ecumenical Bible Study meets on Friday at 7:45 am. They are studying the “Parables of Jesus”. All men are welcome.
If you would like to provide flowers for a Sunday service, please contact Linda Estabrook at (860) 824-5896.