February 11, 2018
Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude: Canon in B Minor Robert Schumann
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #343 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: The Lord Is My Song
Call to Worship
One: God summons us from the sun’s rising to its setting.
Listen, for the mighty One speaks to us.
All: Our God comes and does not keep silence.
Through fire and tempest, God is with us.
One: God gathers those faithful to the covenant.
Be quick to respond to God’s invitation.
All: We seek a double share of the prophet’s spirit.
We look for a vision to claim our souls.
One: Open your ears to the good news of the gospel.
Open your eyes to the glory of God.
All: We have come to share knowledge of Jesus Christ.
We gather, we seeking transformation and empowerment.
One: Come let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Speak to us, Mighty One, for we are eager to listen. Bless us, as we cry out to you for strength and vision. You have acted in times past to save your people. Save us now. You have sent prophets to change the world. Change us now. You have granted light in Jesus Christ. Shine on us now. Let us see your glory. Lift us to the mountaintop in this time of prayer. Stay close to us melt away our doubts, and do not leave us, we pray, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
When the gospel is veiled from us, mighty God, we feel alone. How easy it is to lose our direction and go the wrong way! At times we feel as if we are perishing under the demands of our day, unable to see clearly what is most important. We become enslaved to our routines and enticed by shallow distractions. We fill all our hours with doing so there is no time for reflection and prayer. Forgive us, O God, and restore balance to our lives. 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 50:1-6
(Page 639 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – 2 Kings 2:1-12
(Page 412 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #157 I Danced in the Morning
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Sing Joyfully! Dale Wood
*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 9:2-9
(Page 54 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: ‘A Portion of Spirit’
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Response: O Lord, Hear My Prayer
Hymn: #475 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Benediction
Response: Amen
Postlude: In Thee Is Gladness Johann Sebastian 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 hosts are Sheryl Knapp & Karin Noyes.
Many thanks to:
Linda Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Erin Swett for leading our Youth Discussion Group
Stephanie Tierney & Michael Voldstad for ushering
The flowers today are donated by Anne Williams in honor of her daughter, Amanda Paley’s birthday.
Prayer List
Debbie Merwin, 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, family & friends of Barbara Jaquette, friends & family of Gloria Buckley, family & friends of Gordon Weekly and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 12-5 pm SWSA Award Ceremony in the Parish Hall
1:30 pm PTU Dialogue in the Meeting House
3 pm PTU Concert in the Meeting House
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
Saturday: 1 pm Open Recital Rehearsal
Next Sunday 11 am “Unbirthday” Celebration
3 pm Open Recital
OPPORTUNITIES
PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING ~ BUILDING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
All are welcome to join us this afternoon for an Honest Conversation with our Muslim Neighbors.
The dialogue begins 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.