July 1, 2018
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: March in B Flat George Frideric Handel
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #340 This Is My Song
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #469 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
(To be sung by all) Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your spirit in this place. Lord listen to your children praying. Send us love; send us power; send us grace.
Call to Worship
One: Sing Praises to God, all you faithful ones
All: God hears us in our fear and our sorrow
One: Where there was no way
All: God leads us in a new way
One: Where there was no mercy
All: God surprises us with fresh mercy
One: Where there was weeping
All: God invites us to step into a new dance.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
O Faithful God, you yearn to be so close to us that we can know you in every breath, in every hope, in every relationship. You long for us to trust in your power to bring to life new possibilities where there has been no hope. Meet us here today and teach us to recognize the ways of life and hope into which you are leading us. So may our desires become your desires, our work become your work, and our community the place where you are sought and found. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Call to Confession
Litany of Confession
When we resist your call to open our hearts to allow
the freshness of your grace to enter:
God have mercy.
When we close our eyes to your new and unexpected possibilities of healing and reconciliation.
Christ have mercy.
When we let fear overwhelm us, and cling to the security of what we know instead of risking new steps toward your freedom and justice:
God have mercy.
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 in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 130
(Page 705 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
(Page 341 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #337 My Country, “Tis of Thee (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)
Gracious God, you have once again shown us your love by bringing us to this meal. We go from this table, renewed in faith, renewed in courage, and strengthened by your presence. Thank you for loving us so tenderly. Thank you for challenging us to know you better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #337 My Country, “Tis of Thee (v. 3 & 4)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Julia W. Howe
*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 5:21-43
(Page 48 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Sin or Suffering?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
(To be sung by all) Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your spirit in this place. Lord listen to your children praying. Send us love; send us power; send us grace.
*Hymn: #338 O Beautiful for Spacious Skies
Benediction
Response: #338 refrain only (To be sung by all)
America! America! God shed his grace on thee; and crown they good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
Postlude: March from Scipio George Frideric Handel
(* 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.
Many thanks to:
Karin Noyes for serving as lay reader
Stephanie Tierney & Sarah Morrison for ushering
Prayer List
Steve M., John & Jan Hazard, Stan & Pam Brown, Ron Ham, Sal Accardo, Don & Bonnie Cuneo, Violet Hvasta, Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, 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
Monday: 3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
Wednesday: Fourth of July ~ Office Closed
Saturday: 4:30 pm Wedding in the Meeting House
OPPORTUNITIES
COFFEE HOUR
The Coffee Hour sign up is in the Parish Hall. If you have never served at Coffee Hour and would like to “learn the ropes,” please sign your name in the column marked “helper” and you will be paired with an experienced Coffee Hour server. If you have served before, please sign up for a Sunday or two and consider inviting someone new to join you!
are ever in need of emergency services, the EMTs will take this card and be better able to treat you, with this
information handy. Pick one up in the Parish Hall or church office.