March 10, 2019
First Sunday in Lent
Prelude:Air from Water Music G.F. Handel
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn:#267 Come, Christians, Join to Sing
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #741Guide My Feet
Call to Worship
One: Gather to remember and share stories of faith;
rejoice in the goodness of the loving God.
All: Before our stories began there was God;
through all our days, God walks with us.
One: Worship the one who gives and sustains life;
sing praises to the one who is our refuge.
All: There is no place we can go where God is not; amid life’s terrors, God’s promises hold true.
One: Delight in God, whose protection we enjoy; dance with the God, who frees us for new possibilities.
All: We call out to God, expecting to be heard; we listen, knowing there is truth to be received.
One: Come, let us Worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
God of history, whose Word is alive in us, write your truth into our lives this day. Work your signs and wonders in our midst. Show us your salvation. Be present in our troubles and in our triumphs. Lead us away from bondage to things that do not matter. Show us the better land you intend for us, where barriers no longer divide and true community is born. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Sovereign God, we confess our desire to reshape your world to our own advantage. We are more concerned with what we eat than with who will get to eat today. Our own security is more important to us than the health and safety of all your children. The first fruits of our labor grace the altars of our own desires instead of honoring you. We prefer that you keep your distance from us unless we need you. We like promises without commands, gifts without responsibilities. O God, we confess that our ways don’t work. Turn usaround for true worship and service, as forgiven and forgiving people. Amen.
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 91:1-2, 9-16
(Page 674 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scriptures: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
(Page 226 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
*Hymn: #749Come! Live in the Light!
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross Fanny Crosby
*Doxology:#607 Praise God from 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: Luke 4:1-13
(Page 74 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: Unsung Heroes Robert Kuhn
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #741Search My Heart
*Hymn:#761 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service
Benediction
Response: #741Guide My Feet
Postlude: Allegro Maestoso from Water Music G.F. 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 join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments 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:
Robert Kuhn for providing us with the Sermon
Linda Estabrook for serving as our lay reader
Pat Palmer & Becky Belcher Feen for serving as an usher
Prayer List
Jean Gallup, Roberta Fay, J. Kevin Carroll, Siddhi, Evan Adsit, Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber,Tom Splaine, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard, Pauline. The family & friends of Laura Hawks
The Deacons on call this week will be
Linda & John Estabrook
(860) 824-5896
CALENDAR
Monday: 1 pm Duplicate Bridge Club
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 5 pm Deacons’ Meeting
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Sunday: 11:30 am Church Council Meeting
5 pm Torrington Dinner
WHAT IS GOD CALLING YOU TO DO?
In this time of transition in the life of Salisbury Congregational Church, we invite you to get involved! Please share with the Nominating Committee your talents, interests, and availability. Please take a moment to respond to a short survey so that we can get in touch with you. You may also fill out the paper form that is available at the church office or at the service on Sunday. If you are willing to serve on a Board or Committee, great! If you are willing to provide food, work with children, contribute flowers, provide a ride to a neighbor in need, thank you! If you are not sure what you can provide, but would like to help, a member of the Nominating Committee would be happy to chat with you about the needs of the church to find the right fit for you. Thank you for your stewardship of our congregation!