A Vision

Sunday, July 17, 2022
10:30 AM 11:30 AM 10:30 11:30

Union Presbyterian Church 200 E Main St Endicott, NY, 13760 United States (map)

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Jesus has fed people and healed people, and the signs of God’s power are strong in him. But no one is ready for the vision of him walking on water.

What does it mean? How can we understand this unfathomable moment?

We continue our engagement this morning with the translations of Dr. Wil Gafney, as found in “A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year W.” (More about this can be found on the Home Page of this website.)

Join us for worship in our sanctuary, or right here if you are worshiping from home or on the road. You can also find the live-stream on our YouTube page. Worship videos are available Sunday after 1 PM. Come along for this adventure—all are welcome!

A Vision

Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14, 18-19; John 6:14-20

Union Presbyterian Church

July 17, 2022

Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Liturgist: Barbara Ann Dailey Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube

Prelude “All That Thrills My Soul,” Gail Smith Colin DeLap

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847

Welcome Rev. Pat Raube

Call to Worship Barbara Ann Dailey

Our Lord, Fount of Wisdom:

We gather to worship you.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God:

We gather to praise you.

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace:

You whose glory outshines all names,

We stand in your presence and sing out with joy.

Hymn  #24 W & R “God, You Spin the Whirling Planets,” Jane Parker Huber

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.    

God, you spin the whirling planets,

Fill the seas and spread the plain,

Mold the mountains, fashion blossoms,

Call forth sunshine, wind, and rain.

We, created in your image,

Would a true reflection be

Of your justice, grace, and mercy,

And the truth that makes us free.

You have called us to be faithful

In our life and ministry.

We respond in grateful worship,

Joined in one community.

When we blur your gracious image,

Focus us and make us whole,

Healed and strengthened as your people,

We move onward toward your goal.

God, your will is still creating,

Calling us to life made new,

Now reveal to us fresh vistas

Where there’s work to dare and do.

Keep us clear of all distortion,

Fashion us with loving care,

Thus, new creatures in your image,

We’ll proclaim Christ everywhere.

Call to New Life

Prayer for Wholeness and Peace

Great and loving God, if you are the everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, how is it that you concern yourselves with us? What are we, that you are mindful of us? And yet we know that you designed us in love, even as you spun the whirling planets into existence. You have created us to be your children, and we know that you love us. Help us now, God. In times of chaos and consternation, be our still point. In times of struggle and strife, be our peace. In times of temptation and test, be our guide. Show us how to love you with our whole heart and soul, mind and strength, and to love one another as you have loved us. Let this be all we know, and all we need to know, in your holy name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

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

May the peace of God be with you. 

And also with you.

Let us share a sign of God’s peace with one another.

Scripture Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14, 18-19 Barbara Ann Dailey

God, give the ruler your justice,

and your righteousness to a ruler’s son.

May the [next] ruler judge your people with righteousness,

and your afflicted ones with justice.

May the mountains raise up well-being for the people,

and the hills, righteousness.

May the ruler do justice for the poor of the people,

grant deliverance to those born in need,

and crush the oppressor.

For the ruler delivers the needy when they call,

the oppressed and those who have no helper.

The ruler has pity on the poor and the needy,

and saves the lives of the needy.

From oppression and violence the ruler redeems their life,

and precious is their blood in the sight of their ruler.

Blessed be the Fount of Justice, the God of Israel,

who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be her glorious name forever;

may her glory fill the whole earth.

Amen and Amen.

Children’s Message Rev. Pat Raube

Music: “Lord, We Bring to You Our Children,” Public Domain

Scripture John 6:14-20 Rev. Pat Raube

When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done [multiplying the loaves and fish], they said, “This indeed is the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized they were about to kidnap him in order to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

And when it was evening, his disciples went down to the sea. And they boarded a boat and headed across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea surged; a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about twenty-five stadia [three or four miles], they saw Jesus walking upon the sea and coming near the boat and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; be not afraid.”

Response  Holy Wisdom, Holy Word: 

Thanks be to God! 

Meditation Rev. Pat Raube

Anthem “Oceans,” Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, Salomon Ligthelm

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith will stand

I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Prayers of the People    Rev. Pat Raube

The Lord’s Prayer   

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into  temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

Prayer Response  #450 W & R 

“Be Still and Know,” Jack Schrader 

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE. 

Be still and know that I am God, 

Be still and know that I am God. 

Call for Offering Rev. Pat Raube

Doxology  

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” Brian Wren  

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.    

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; 

Praise God, all creatures high and low. 

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Pat Raube

Hymn  #96 W & R “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

(Public Domain)

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro' all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.

Benediction Rev. Pat Raube

Go into the world in peace.

Have courage!

Hold fast to what is good.

Return no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the faint-hearted,

support the weak,

help the suffering.

Honor all people.

Love and serve the Holy One, your God,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit,

be with each and all of us,

This day and forevermore.

The Spirit is with us, so go in peace.

Thanks be to God. Amen

Postlude  Colin DeLap

“What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” Melody Bober

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

Scripture translations by the Rev. Dr. Wilda A. Gafney can be found in “A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year W.”