The chaos of the resurrection behind them, several disciples decide to go fishing. A stranger on the beach turns out to be someone they know well.
Join us this Easter Season as we continue to encounter the risen Christ along with the disciples. Worship with us in our Liberty Avenue Parking lot (weather permitting) the First Sundays of the month through September. Bring a camp or beach chair if you are able. First Sunday videos available by 6:00 PM right here if you happen to be at home or on the road. You can always find our videos on our YouTube page.
3rd Sunday in Eastertide
Walking With Simon
John 21:1-19
Union Presbyterian Church
May 1, 2022
Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Liturgist: Cathie Makowka Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube
Prelude Colin DeLap, piano
“Praise to the Lord, The Almighty,” Phillip Keveren
©2005, Hal Leonard Corporation
Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847
Welcome Rev. Pat Raube
Call to Worship
Gather us in, the lost and the lonely, the broken and breaking,
the tired and the aching who long for the nourishment found at your feast.
Gather us in,
the done and the doubting, the wishing and wondering,
the puzzled and pondering, who long for the company found at your feast.
Gather us in,
the bright and the bustling, the movers, the shakers,
the kind laughter-makers, who long for the deeper joys found at your feast.
Gather us in,
from corner or limelight, from mansion or campsite,
from fears and obsession, from tears and depression,
from untold excesses, from treasured successes,
to meet, to eat, be given a seat,
be joined to the vine, be offered new wine,
become like the least, be found at the feast:
Gather us in!
Hymn #293 W & R
“Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” Brian Wren
©1986, Hope Publishing Company, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna!
Celebrate this day of days!
Christ is risen! Hush in wonder:
All creation is amazed.
In the desert all surrounding,
See, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding
Bring a taste of love unknown.
Christ is risen! Raise your spirits
From the caverns of despair.
Walk with gladness in the morning.
See what love can do and dare.
Drink the wine of resurrection,
Not a servant, but a friend.
Jesus is our strong companion.
Joy and peace shall never end.
Christ is risen! Earth and heaven
Nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of new creation
Where the world is still in pain.
Tell its grim, demonic chorus:
“Christ is risen! Get you gone!”
God the First and Last is with us.
Sing Hosanna, everyone!
Call to New Life
God made this world, and intended it to be a good place.
We know we can do better, and we can do our part to make that a reality.
Let us open ourselves, offer ourselves, to God for strength, healing, and inspiration.
Prayer for Wholeness and Peace
O God, because you made the world,
and intended it to be a good place,
and called its people your children;
because, when things seemed to be at their worst,
you came in Christ to bring out the best in us,
so, gracious God, we gladly say:
Goodness is stronger than evil.
Love is stronger than hate.
Light is stronger than shadow.
Truth is stronger than lies.
Because confusion can reign inside us, despite our faith;
because anger, tension, bitterness, and envy distort our vision;
because our minds sometimes worry small things all out of proportion;
because we do not always get it right, Lord, we want to believe:
Goodness is stronger than evil.
Love is stronger than hate.
Light is stronger than shadow.
Truth is stronger than lies.
Because you have promised to hear us, and are able to change us,
and are willing to make our hearts your home,
we ask you to confront, forgive, and encourage us, as you know best.
Then, let us cherish in our hearts that which we proclaim with our lips:
Goodness is stronger than evil.
Love is stronger than hate.
Light is stronger than shadow.
Truth is stronger than lies.
Alleluia! Amen.
Assurance of God’s Love
With the whole church:
We affirm that we are made in God’s image,
befriended by Christ, and empowered by the Spirit.
With people everywhere:
We affirm God’s goodness at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.
With all creation:
We celebrate the miracle and wonder of life and the unfolding purposes of God, forever at work in ourselves and the world. Thanks be to God. Amen!
Sharing of the Peace
Christ offers us peace—a peace far better than that the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
May the peace of God be with you.
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of God’s peace.
Scripture John 21:1-14 Cathie Makowka
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Children’s Message Rev. Pat Raube
Music: "That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright” (Public Domain)
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Sentences of Scripture Rev. Jeanette Mater
People were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” ~Luke 18:15-17
Words of Introduction
Presentation
Pastor (to the congregation): Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support and care to this child about to be baptized, as she lives and grows in Christ?
Congregation: We do.
Renunciation and Affirmation
… And now, together with all God’s people in this place:
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Thanksgiving Over the Water Rev. Jeanette Mater
The Baptism
The Blessing
Prayer for the Parents Rev. Jeanette Mater
Prayer for the Child
The Welcome Rev. Pat Raube
And now, together, let the people of God welcome the newly baptized child into this larger church family.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ.
Scripture John 21:15-19
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word:
Thanks be to God!
Meditation Rev. Pat Raube
Anthem
“All That Is Hidden,” Bernadette Farrell
©1988, OCP, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
If you would follow me, follow where life will lead:
Do not look for me among the dead,
For I am hidden in pain, risen in love;
There is no harvest without sowing of grain.
Refrain:
All that is hidden will be made clear.
All that is dark now will be revealed.
What you have heard in the dark
Proclaim in the light;
What you hear in whispers
Proclaim from the housetops
If you would honor me, honor the least of these:
You will not find me dressed in finery.
My Word cries out to be heard;
Breaks through the world:
My Word is on your lips and lives in your heart.
If you would speak of me, live all your life in me:
My ways are not the ways that you would choose;
My thoughts are far beyond yours,
As heaven from earth:
If you believe in me my voice will be heard.
If you would rise with me,
Rise through your destiny:
Do not refuse the death which brings you life,
For as the grain in the earth must die for rebirth,
So I have planted your life deep within mine.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Invitation
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
… Therefore we gladly join our voices to the song of the church on earth and in heaven:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are filled with your glory:
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest.
The Words of Jesus
Prayers of the People
The Communion
O taste and see that the Lord is good!
Let your gentleness be known to everyone: the Lord is near.
Music: “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Melody Bober
©2008, Alfred Publishing Company
Used by permission. CCLI License #CSPL068847
Prayer of Thanksgiving After Communion
In gratitude, deep gratitude, for this moment, this meal, these people, we give ourselves to you. Take us out to live as changed people, because we have shared the Living Bread and cannot remain the same. Ask much of us, expect much from us, enable much by us, encourage much through us. In this way, Lord, may we live to your glory, both as inhabitants of earth and citizens of heaven. Amen.
Hymn #306 W & R
“Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!” Herbert Brokering, David Johnson
©1968, ©1995, Augsburg Fortress, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Alleluia! Jesus is risen!
Trumpets resounding in glorious light!
Splendor, the Lamb, heaven forever!
Oh, what a miracle God has in sight!
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Walking the way, Christ in the center
Telling the story to open our eyes;
Breaking our bread, giving us glory:
Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Jesus the vine, we are the branches;
Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;
Heaven to earth, Christ to the people,
Gift of the future now flowing to me.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Weeping, be gone; sorrow, be silent:
Death put asunder, and Easter is bright.
Cherubim sing: “O grave, be open!”
Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
City of God, Easter forever,
Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,
River of life, saints and archangels,
Sing with creation to God the I Am!
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Benediction
Postlude Colin DeLap, piano
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” Melody Bober
©2008, Alfred Publishing Company
Used by permission. CCLI License #CSPL068847
Where an * is indicated, please rise in body and/or in spirit.
“W & R” ~ the red Worship and Rejoice hymnal.
“PH” ~ the blue Presbyterian Hymnal
Portions of the liturgy taken or adapted from “A Wee Worship Book” by the Wild Goose Worship Group.