October 21, 2018
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Fugue in C “Jig” Dietrich Buxtehude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #320 The Church of Christ in Every Age
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: Jesus Stand Among
Call to Worship
One: Let your minds ponder the manifold works of God. Let your spirits soar amid the wonders of creation.
All: There is pulsating life all around us.
The earth is full of God’s creatures.
One: Sun and rain proclaim God’s infinite imagination. Moon and stars sing the glory of the Eternal One.
All: It is God who shares with us wisdom and understanding. We depend on God for the gift of life.
One: We gather to worship and praise the God of all people. We come to learn from the God we only dimly perceive.
All: We reach out for answers to our questions. We long to find meaning and purpose for our days.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Source of all things, how can we approach glory so vast that all space and time is surrounded by you? We cannot comprehend the marvels of the earth. How shall we honor your majesty? You are so unknowable, yet evidence of your work is on every hand. The mystery of life in all its many forms, the discoveries we are allowed to make, the sweep of knowledge entrusted to our use, the amazing resources of this planet-all speak of a God who cares, who honors us, who provides for our salvation. Let this time of meeting honor you and equip us to do your will. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Reigning God, we confess that we, like the disciples of James and John, seek places of honor, privilege, and reward. We succumb to the temptation to compare ourselves with others to our advantage. We want privilege without pain, greatness without the grind of hard work. We expect rewards for our efforts. We talk about serving you, but we do not want the rank of servant. We have lots of ideas about what you might do to intervene in the world and little commitment to what we might do in your name. Forgive us and help us, gracious God. Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you, 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, Amen….
Responsive Reading – Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c
(Page 682 in the Hebrew Scripture in the pew Bible)
Anthem: #21 Many and Great, O God, Are Thy Works
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Job 38:1-7, 34-41
(Page 595 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
*Hymn: #21 Many and Great, O God, Are Thy Works
Offering of our Gifts
Offertory: Sing, Ye Righteous Lodovico Viadana
*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 10:35-45
(Page 57 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Whose Plans?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent 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: #37 Let All Things Now Living
Benediction
Response: Thus With Quickened Footsteps
Postlude: Toccata in G Major Johann Pachelbel
(* 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 join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Today’s hosts are Jane Capecelatro & Laura Hawks.
Please see an usher if:
You would like to use a hearing device
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Many thanks to:
Charlie Norman for serving as our lay reader
Joe Catania & John Arnold for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Joan & Richard Good, Fred Palmer, Dick Taber, Tom Splaine, Jack & Sue Ritchie, Laura Hawks, Harriet, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard
CALENDAR
Today: 11:00 am Budget Information Session
3 pm Two Harps Concert
Monday: 11:30 am Salisbury Bridge Club
3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
Tuesday: 5 pm SOAR Cooking Class
5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 5:30-7 pm Deacons’ Meeting
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: Following Worship ~The 274 Annual Meeting, Part I
CALL TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
The 274th Annual Meeting, Part I, of the Congregational Church of Salisbury will be held following the worship service on Sunday, October 28, 2018 for the purpose of:
- Discussion of the 2019 budget;
- Any other business that needs to come before the congregation.