The gospel of John provides us with so many beautiful, dramatic scenes as it presents its unique vision of the Good News. What if the story of the man born blind were… a Broadway musical? And what about that old saw, “Seeing is believing”? Is THAT in the Bible?
Join the Rev. Jeff Kellam as he presents the musical of his dreams, and adds a PS to the summer sermon series. We worship together at 10:30 AM in our sanctuary, live-streaming the service for those at home or on the road right here. You are invited!
Union Presbyterian Church
August 15, 2021
Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Liturgist: Peg Corwin Guest Preacher: Rev. Jeff Kellam
(Note: no children’s sermon.)
Prelude Chris Bartlette, organ
“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Franklin Ritter
©2011, Lorenz Publishing Company, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Welcome Rev. Jeff Kellam
Call to Worship Peg Corwin
Draw near to the light of God’s love.
We want to walk as children of light.
God is light for all who stumble in darkness
and who yearn for guidance, understanding, and peace.
Once we see more clearly where that light leads,
we will need courage, determination, and a lot of heart.
The worship of God on this Sabbath Day is the best way to begin.
Let us worship God!
Hymn #231 W & R
“Arise, Your Light Is Come,” Ruth Duck
©1992, GIA Publications, Inc., All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Arise, your light is come! The Spirit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today.
Arise, your light is come! Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captive’s liberty, good tidings to the poor.
Arise, your light is come! All you in sorrow born,
Bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.
Arise, your light is come! The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing, God’s power will make us strong.
Call to New Life Peg Corwin
The Scriptures remind us that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Yet, we must admit that sometimes we have preferred the shadows, followed darker paths, and tried hiding from the one who calls us into the light of God’s love. The Scriptures also encourage us to “fling away the things we would do in darkness,” and prepare ourselves for the challenges of the new day. Let us pray together.
Prayer for Wholeness and Peace
God of mercy,
you sent jesus Christ is seek and save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from your truth and from your holy will.
We have failed in love, forgotten to be just,
and have turned away from your wisdom.
Forgive us our sin and restore us to your ways,
put a new and right spirit within us,
and walk with us into this new week.
-silence –
And we pray
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
By your grace, grant us new life.
In your love, help us share the light of Christ
with neighbor and stranger alike.
Assurance of God’s Grace Peg Corwin
It is written: “If God is for us, who can be against us?
Neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come,
nor anything else in all creation,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God
which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
Sharing of the Peace Peg Corwin
While the grace, mercy, and peace of God can be personal, those gifts are not private.
Our new life is shared within the community of faith.
Let us then share God’s gift of peace with one another.
Peace be with you!
And also with you!
Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace.
Scripture Ephesians 5:8-14 Peg Corwin
Scripture John 9:1-41 Ellie Rivera and others
Meditation “Now, I See!” Rev. Jeff Kellam (and Chris singing)
Prayers of the People Rev. Jeff Kellam
The Lord’s Prayer Contemporary English Version, Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your
kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in
heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we
forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever.
Call for Offering Rev. Jeff Kellam
Doxology Chris Bartlette, piano
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
(Public Domain)
Prayer of Dedication Rev. Jeff Kellam
Hymn #76 W & R
"We Are Singing, For the Lord Is Our Light,” Hal H. Hopson
©1994, Hope Publishing Company, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
We are singing, for the Lord is our light.
The Lord is the strength of our lives; of whom should we be afraid?
Though foes may be near to destroy, the Lord will be our light.
We are marching, for the Lord is our light.
One thing have we asked of the Lord, yes, this is the thing we seek:
To dwell in the house of the Lord; to live with God forever.
We are dancing, for the Lord is our light.
When burdens are heavy to bear, our shelter is God alone.
Our feet are lifted high; yes, high upon a rock.
We are praying, for the Lord is our light.
We walk in the strength of the Lord, God’s love is ever sure.
We shout that the world may hear, we sing a joyful song.
We are singing, for the Lord is our light.
Benediction Rev. Jeff Kellam
Postlude Chris Bartlette, piano
“The Light of the World Is Jesus,” Mark Hayes
©1988, Shawnee Press, Inc., All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.