January 28, 2018
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Prelude: Allegro from Concerto in G Major Antonio Soler
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #1 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: #579 Lord, Have Mercy
Call to Worship
One: Great are the works of God, and greatly to be praised.
God’s righteousness endures forever.
All: We come together as a congregation of believers.
We give thanks to God with whole hearts.
One: God is gracious and merciful and trustworthy.
At all times, God is mindful of the covenant.
All: The works of God’s hands are established among us. We can count on God’s righteousness and faithfulness.
One: Awe before God is the beginning of wisdom. All who approach God in fear have good understanding.
All: Holy and awesome is God’s name.
We call on God to empower our worship.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
In the light of your new day, O God, I rise to greet you always on the path in front of me. Let me follow with integrity where you will lead. Give me courage to know the difference between what is false and what is true. Teach me to love my neighbor as you love me. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Holy and all-powerful God, who commands all spirits, comforts those in distress, and casts out destructive forces, we confess that we are unable to do your will. We protect what is familiar and reject what is unknown. We admire those with courage but excuse ourselves when we fault from the truth. We forget that you are always with us, and that with you all things are possible. 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: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 111
(Page 691 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
(Page 218 HS in pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School & Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #733 We All Are One in Mission
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Surely the Lord Is in This Place Carl Mueller
*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 – Mark 1:21-28
(Page 43 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Community and Covenant”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Response: #599 Amen
* Hymn: # 546 Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Benediction
Response: #601 Amen
Postlude: Finale from Concerto in G Major Antonio Soler
(*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 our midwinter potluck following worship. All are welcome.
Many thanks to:
Lorna Edmundson for serving as lay reader
Erin Swett for leading the Youth Discussion Group
Sharon Tingley & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering
Prayer List
Gordon Weekly, Debbie Merwin, Gloria Buckley, Jessica Whelton, 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, the family & friends of Erik Rydingsword, family & friends of Barbara Pogue and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
Pastor Diane will be out of town Wednesday, January 31st through Saturday, February 10 and will be returning Sunday, February 11th.
For pastoral emergencies, please contact a deacon.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:15 am Midwinter Comfort Food Potluck
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 Trustees Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
WELCOMING NEW COVENANT MEMBERS & POTLUCK
This morning following worship, we will have a Midwinter potluck lunch. Come and share what you love about our church, with those interested in learning about the life of the church.
PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING ~ BUILDING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
All are welcome to join us, Sunday, February 11th for an Honest Conversation with Muslim Neighbors. The dialogue
starts at 1:30 pm followed by a concert at 3 pm in the Meeting House.
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.