December 31, 2017
First Sunday after Christmas
Prelude: The Shepherds Came Helmut Walcha
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #336 We Gather Together
Welcome
Joys and Concerns Theresa Carroll
Call to Worship Chico Aller
One: Rejoice in God, who is our life and salvation.
Christ has come to make us heirs of God’s promises.
All: God commanded, and we were created. We are children of the Most High.
One: Praise God from the heights of heaven.
Praise God, all people of the earth.
All: God opens our eyes to see the light. We will be called by a new name.
One: Men and women, you and aged, sing of God’s glory;
Shout your praise.
All: God has made us heirs of promise. We will praise God’s holy name.
One: Come let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison) Chico Aller
Faithful God, by whose Spirit all people and places become holy, lead us by that Spirit today. We have come to celebrate a birth that offers us rebirth. We have gathered that you might claim us as heirs, with Christ, of eternal life. Unite our hearts and minds in a chorus of praise, that the life of this church might be quickened, renewed, and refocused. May your faithful people become a crown of beauty in your hands. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison) Karin Noyes
We bring our prayers to you, gracious God, sensing that there is more to life than the ways we have known. We are drawn to the Messiah, yet we shrink from following where faith leads. We are afraid of what we might lose if we are guided by the Spirit. Thoughts of sacrifice and servanthood are not appealing to us. We are reluctant to enter into a close relationship with you. We think we know, better than you, what is best for us. Forgive our arrogance. Help us to see the Christ. 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 Karin Noyes
Rejoice in God! Exalt God’s name! You will be clothed with garments of salvation. They will fit you better than anything you have known. The robes of righteousness are not heavy burdens, but offer a freedom you have not felt before. You will become a crown of beauty, a new creation, in the hands of a loving God.
*Gloria Patri: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading: Psalm 148 Kathy Mera
(Page 716 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
(Page 846 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #375 Shall We Gather at the River?
Offering of our Gifts Cynthia LaPier
Offertory: Still, Still, Still Traditional German Carol
Andrea Bargabos, soprano
*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 Bob Maxwell
With joyous praise, we return to you a portion of all you have given us. May our giving exceed the demands of the law. You have invited us to sacrifices benefiting our blessings. You have asked us to care for those less privileged. What we offer in these moments is a beginning. We will ponder again your amazing grace in granting us life, in offering the child Jesus to bring us back to you, and in giving us the name “Christian.” Praise be to you, O God. Amen.
New Testament Reading: Romans 12 Sheryl Kennedy
(Page 196 NT in the pew bible)
Deacon’s Message: Why I Come to the Church Betsy Beck
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer Lorna Edmundson
* Hymn: Christians Rise (Insert)
Benediction Lorna Edmundson
Postlude: The Old Year Has Passed Away 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 see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Today’s host is Nancy Rossi.
Many thanks to:
Cynthia LaPier & Bob Maxwell for ushering
Prayer List
Gloria Buckley, Jessica Whelton, Barbara Pogue, George Kieffer, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn, Peter and the family and friends of Erik Rydingsword and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: No Sunday School
Monday: Holiday ~ Office Closed
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 11:15 am Trustees Meetings
OPPORTUNITIES
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Women’s Bible Study is held on Thursdays at 4:30 pm in the Parish Hall Library. All women are welcome to attend!
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Bible Study is held on Friday mornings at 7:45 am in the Parish Hall. This discussion group is open to all men!
COATS & SOCKS FOR BRIDGEPORT
Men’s large and extra-large coats, and socks for men and women are in need. Please bring your donations in to church and they will be delivered to those in need to Bridgeport.