April 29, 2018
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Cantilena Josef Rheinberger
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #714 God of the Fertile Fields
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Amen, We Praise Your Name
Call to Worship
One: Come to worship God whose love was revealed in Jesus.
Let all the ends of the earth turn to our God.
All: We will worship the Almighty and sing praises. We will proclaim good news to others.
One: Beloved, we are called to love as God loved us. We are to love one another as sisters and brothers.
All: Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. We seek to let God’s love be perfected in us.
One: Remember that you have been baptized.
God claims you and has high expectations of you.
All: Christ is the vine; we are the branches.
We will bear fruit when we abide in the vine.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Open our senses to your direction, amazing God, so we may be alert to opportunities you give us. Fill us with good news to share with those who seek meaning for their lives. We are here because we need the good news ourselves. There is much in life that we do not understand. We seek to know your Word and to be led by it. Recall us to the vows of our baptism, reconfirming in us the covenant promises that link us to you and to one another. As we meet you here, our hearts are lifted up in praise. May our worship glorify your name and be pleasing to you. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we have ignored our origin in you and denied your rule over the nations. We have pursued illusions of self-interest rather than abiding in your love. We have turned away from brothers and sisters as if they were enemies to be hated. We are afraid to love those who differ from us or who have the power to harm us. We hesitate to take the risks of caring for fear that we may be hurt. Discipleship seems too demanding. O God, release us from our fears and failures to trust your love and live with bold generosity. 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: #581 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 22:25-31
(Page 616 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church – Acts 8:26-40
(Page 154 NT in the pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
*Hymn: #720 Jesus Calls Us
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Down By The Riverside Mary McDonald
*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
Scripture Reading – John 15:1-8
(Page 133 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “The Church for a New Day”
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Amen, We Praise Your Name
*Hymn: #727 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
Benediction
Response: #598 Amen, We Praise Your Name
Postlude: Chorale from Suite Gothique Leon Boellmann
(* 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!
Welcome to Reverend Dr. Jonathan B. Lee
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan B. Lee is currently the Philanthropy Officer for the Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ in New York City. He served previously as Director of Advancement at Hartford Seminary and as pastor to UCC congregations in Connecticut for 21 years. He was baptized, confirmed and ordained at the First Congregational Church of Stratford and educated at Bates College, Andover Newton Theological School, and Hartford Seminary.
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. Today’s host is the Hospitality Committee. All are welcome.
Many thanks to:
Karin Noyes for serving as lay reader
Sal Accardo for ushering
Prayer List
Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, Jeff Krock, Ron Ham, Sandra Schafer, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Peter, Connie, Cheryl and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR
Today: 11:15 am Annual Meeting
3:00 pm Litchfield North Annual Mtg-Kent
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 10:30 am Baby Yoga in the Nursery
6 pm National Day of Prayer ~ Town Hall
(Meeting House if inclement weather)
7 pm HousaTonics
Sunday: 11:15 am Trustees Meeting
11:15 am Mural Project
Pastor Diane will be on vacation May 1- 3. For pastoral emergencies, please contact a Deacon.
Call To The Annual Meeting
The 273rd Annual Meeting, Part II, of the Congregational Church of Salisbury will be held following the worship service this morning for the purpose of:
- Presentation of Reports from Boards and Committees
- The Nominating Committee’s Report
- The Election of Officers and Committees
- Other Business