January 13, 2019
First Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Suite Gothique Minuet Leon Boëllmann
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn:#307 God of Grace and God of Glory
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #792 There Is a Balm in Gilead
Call to Worship
One: Gather from East to West, from North to South. God is calling us; listen, for God is naming you.
All: The voice of God thunders through our midst. The voice of God is powerful and full of majesty.
One: Bow in awe before the one who created you. God knows you completely. God accepts you, as you are.
All: The voice of God commands our attention. The voice of God is like fire and tornado.
One: God reaches out to strengthen, not condemn us. God brings us through terror to a place of peace.
All: Ascribe to God glory and strength. Worship God in awe, wonder, and joy!
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
God of cleansing waters and purifying fires, touch our lives today to recall us to the power of our baptism and reconfirm our commitment to Jesus Christ. Name us again as your own people; precious, gifted, created to glorify you in fullness of life, in peace with ourselves and one another. Send your Holy Spirit once more to energize our worship and enliven our witness in the world. Hear us as we pray for one another and for the church in every place. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, the waters of faithfulness run deep, and we have been afraid they will overwhelm us. The fires of your Spirit burn brightly, and we fear we may be consumed if we display too much enthusiasm. We retreat to safe places where we hope to avoid challenges, conflicts, and uncertainty. When we shrink from risks, we miss much that enriches life. We fail to notice your amazing activity among those who respond to your leading. Free us, we pray, for daring service. 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: #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 29
(Page 621 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scripture – Isaiah 43:1-7
(Page 822 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn:#69 I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I am, Lord)
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: There’s A Place In The Valley Besig & Price
*Doxology:#607 Praise Godfrom whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more;
praise Triune Godwhom we adore. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading– Philippians 1:3-10
(Page 239 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “God Be With You”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #792 There Is a Balm in Gilead
Ending An Authorized Ministry
Recognition of the End
Moderator: On December 5, 2010, this local church called Diane Monti-Catania to serve as Pastor.
Pastor: I thank Salisbury Congregational Church, its covenant partners and friends, for the love, kindness, and support shown me these last eight years.
I ask forgiveness for the mistakes I have made.
I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.
Congregation: We receive your thankfulness, offer forgiveness, and accept that you now leave to minister elsewhere. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We ask your forgiveness for our mistakes. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us at your departure.
Pastor: I forgive you and accept your gratitude, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.
Vows of Release (Please Stand)
Moderator: Do you, the covenant partners and friends of Salisbury Congregational Church release Diane from the duties of Pastor?
Congregation: We do, with the help of God.
Moderator: Do you offer your encouragement for her ministry as it unfolds in new ways?
Congregation: We do, with the help of God.
Moderator(to the Pastor): Do you, Diane, release this local church from turning to you and depending on you?
Pastor: I do, with the help of God.
Moderator: Do you offer your encouragement for the continued ministry here and on the relationship with another who will come to serve?
Pastor: I do, with the help of God
Church officers come forward. Rev. Rhonda Myers, representing the Litchfield North Association of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, addresses them.
On behalf of the Litchfield North Association of the CT Conference and the United Church of Christ, I witness to the words spoken: words of thankfulness, forgiveness, and release.
The member churches of our association and conference hold each of you in prayer. We pledge our support in the transitions signified in this service.
Officers: Thanks be to God. (return to seats)
Special Music: Up to the Mountain Patty Griffin
Charlie Noyes (tenor) & Betsy Beck (piano)
Moderator: Let us pray together
Congregation:
God, whose everlasting love for all is trustworthy, help each of us to trust the future, which rests in your care. The time we were together in your name saw our laughter and tears, our hopes and disappointments. Guide us as we hold these cherished memories but move in new directions, until that time to come when we are completely one with you and with each other, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Moderator(to the Pastor): Go now, surrounded by our love and led by the promises of God, the presence of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*Hymn:#611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Benediction
Response: The Lord Bless You and Keep You Peter Lutkin
Postlude: Suite Gothique Toccata Leon Boëllmann
(* 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 a potluck lunch and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
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:
Kathy Mera for serving as our lay reader
Linda & John Etsabrook for the beautiful flowers
Sharon Tingley & Roger Crain for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Roberta Fay, J. Kevin Carroll, Siddhi, Evan Adsit, Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber,Tom Splaine, Laura Hawks, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard.
CALENDAR
Today: 11 am Potluck Lunch
Monday: 9:30 am Staff Meeting
1 pm Salisbury Duplicate Bridge
Wednesday: 5:30 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: 11:30 am Church Council Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
HONORING PASTOR DIANE
- Everyone is invited to a pot-luck luncheon in the Parish Hall after Worship today. Don’t worry if you haven’t brought food – there’s plenty for everyone.
- Be sure to add a card of memories, thanks and good wishes for Pastor Diane to the tribute box. There will be cards and envelopes available at the luncheon tables for those who haven’t had an opportunity to write a message. If you prefer, you can send your cards c/o Melissa Adam, Tributes, Salisbury Congregational Church, PO Box 392, Salisbury, CT 06068.
- A monetary gift will be presented to Silver Lake in Pastor Diane’s name. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to the Congregational Church of Salisbury (with “Diane-Silver Lake” in the memo line) and send to the church office.
CORNER FOOD PANTRY
Shopping bags will be distributed during Worship on 1/20 for you & your families to fill. We will then collect them during Worship on 1/27. Here are a few suggestions with what they are in need of. Thank you for your support.
Soups (hearty, like Progresso)
Sugar: 1lb or 5lb
Flour: 1lb or 5lb
Ground Coffee
Vegetable Oil
Canned Meats
Canned Fruit
Canned or Dried Beans
Boxed Milk (like Dairy Pure)
Fruit Juices (Bottled)
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Mustard
Cake Mixes
Pasta Sauce
Jam or Jelly (including Sugar Free)
Cracker
Snacks