October 7, 2018
World Communion Sunday
Prelude: Jig William Selby
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #511 Come Behold! The Feaste of Heaven
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #505 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing
Call to Worship
One: God’s Word has been living among us! We gather in the name of Jesus Christ.
All: Christ is a part of God’s ongoing creation. We gather before the One who is heir to all things.
One: Long ago, God spoke to our spiritual ancestors. Today, God continues that revelation through Jesus.
All: Who are we that God is mindful of us? Yet God crowns us with glory and honor.
One: Jesus has named us as brothers and sisters. We are called to recognize all humanity as children of God.
All: The realm of God is for all people. God’s dominion is over all creation.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
We have trusted in you, eternal God, and that trust brings us to this time of worship. In this place, your steadfast love becomes evident again as we sing our songs of thanksgiving and tell of your wondrous deeds. We are grateful for the life and witness of Jesus, whom you sent among people to make possible our reconciliation and healing. For the saving grace available wherever you reign, we give thanks. Help us to be childlike, to receive your blessing, and to welcome your embrace. Take us into your arms, we pray. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
All-seeking God, we would like to wash our hands in innocence, but we cannot escape from the guilt we carry. We compare ourselves favorably with people we label worthless or hypocrites, but that very judgment breaks faith with you. We avoid bribery and other evil devices, yet we would still like to have advantages for ourselves over others. We are not bloodthirsty, but we have not yet adopted the way of peace. We humbly seek forgiveness as little children in need of your welcoming love. 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: Glory Be To The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen…
Responsive Reading – Psalm 8
(Page 605 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Anthem: Bread of the World Palestrina
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Genesis 2:18-24
(Page 3 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
*Hymn: #530 One Bread, One Body (Choir only)
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: #530 One Bread, One Body
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
Offering of our Gifts ~ Neighbors in Need
Offertory: Largo J.George Schetky
*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 – Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
(Page 264 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Bread of Life”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to your Children Praying
(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: #515 I Come With Joy
Benediction
Response: #515 v. 5 (choir) Together Met
Postlude: Postlude in A George J. Webb
(* 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 Nursery Care
Many thanks to:
Bob Maxwell for serving as lay reader
Prayer List
Natalie Crain, Dick Taber, Tom Splaine, Jack & Sue Ritchie, Laura Hawks, Harriet, Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard and Joe K.
Family & friends of Don Cuneo, Family & Friends of Barbara Smith (Amy Clulow’s mom)
CALENDAR
Today: Fall Festival
Monday: Office Closed ~ Columbus Day
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 11 am Worship at Noble
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: 11 am Muriel Painting
11:30 am Trustees Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
SAVE THE DATE
Leo Gafney will be our guest preacher and presenter on Sunday, October 14. He is the co-facilitator of the Men’s Interfaith Bible study group with Dick Taber. Leo is a former Jesuit priest who earned a Master’s degree in Theology and Mathematics and a Doctorate in Education. He was the founding principal of a small inner-city school in Baltimore. His latest book is “Never Stop Praying”.