The story of the wise ones is mysterious, and also very real. They go looking for a newborn king, and the fear of the reigning king at being usurped turns into a deadly rage. How are we like the wise ones? What does it look like to be seekers of Jesus Christ in 2023?
Join us this morning when we will celebrate the ordinations and installations of Deacons and Elders, and gather around the Lord’s Table for strength for our journey together. Join us in our beautiful sanctuary or here, online, if you are at home or on the road. You are invited! We will seek together.
Epiphany Sunday
From Generation to Generation: We Keep Seeking
Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Union Presbyterian Church
January 8, 2023
Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Liturgist: Karl Wokan Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube
Prelude Colin DeLap
“What Is This Lovely Fragrance?” Brad Nix
Announcements Karl Wokan
Prayer Concerns Rev. Pat Raube
Prelude Colin DeLap
“We Three Kings,” Larry Shackley
©2014 Hope Publishing Co., All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Welcome Rev. Pat Raube
Call to Worship
Calling all seekers, all dreamers, all believers…
Calling all glass-half-full optimists and lighthouse keepers…
Calling all star-chasers and bedtime prayer speakers…
Bring your questions, your hope, your faith and your fear into this space.
God is Here.
Hymn #233 W & R “We Three Kings” (verses 1, 2, and 5) (Public Domain)
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Call to New Life
Prayer for Wholeness and Peace
God of starlight, we know that faith isn’t a vending machine. Good news can’t be bought or manufactured. It does not arrive with the push of a button. Instead, in this noisy world, we have to look for you in our midst. We have to walk toward you, just as the Magi did. We have to believe that love really can change the world. We have to seek the stars beyond the city lights. Forgive us for forgetting that. Forgive us for seeking you with only part of our hearts. We long to be more like the Magi; may we walk your way every single day. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Friends, there is nothing but good news.
Since that very first day, God has taken the pieces of our hearts that we have offered up, and said, “I can work with that.” Even in our failings, God has washed us with words of grace, belonging, and love.
No matter what star we’ve followed,
no matter how far we’ve walked,
no matter how lost we got—we belong to God.
God loves us. God forgives us. God claims us.
God is love. End of story. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Sharing of the Peace
May the peace of God be with you.
And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of God’s peace.
Scripture Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth
and thick darkness the peoples,
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together; they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried in their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you;
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Anthem Choir
“Walk In the Light,” Joseph M. Martin
©1998, Lorenz Publishing Company
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE,
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Walk in the light of His love,
Walk in the light of His Word.
Walk in the light as He is in the light,
Walk in the light of the Lord.
Walk in the light of His love,
Walk in the light of His Word.
All people walk in the light as He is in the light,
Walk in the light of the Lord.
Do not walk in darkness
Searching for a way.
Do not walk in darkness,
Turn and face the day.
See the dawn is breaking,
All people come and celebrate, come now and sing.
Jesus is the Light of the world,
He is the Light of the world.
Walk in the Light.
Walk in the light of His love,
Walk in the light of His Word.
All people walk in the light as He is in the light,
Walk in the light of the Lord.
Walk in the light of His love,
Walk in the light of His Word.
All people walk in the light as He is in the light,
Walk in the light of the Lord, of the Lord.
Walk in the light of the Lord.
Children’s Message Rev. Pat Raube
Music: “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise,” Christopher Wordsworth, George Elvey
©1982, Jubliee Hymns. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Scripture Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people, Israel.’”
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word:
Thanks be to God!
Meditation “We Keep Seeking” Rev. Pat Raube
Ordination and Installation of Deacons and Elders
For Ordination and Installation: Ellie Rivera as Deacon
For Installation: Deacons Larry Goetz, Barbara Lustgarten, Mary Ann Scott; Ruling Elders Mitch Mueller, Ondra Murray, Jane Park
Sentences of Scripture
There are varieties of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives them.
There are different ways of serving God,
but it is the same Lord who is served.
God works through each person in a unique way,
but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.
To each is given a gift of the Spirit to be used for the common good.
Together we are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.
Statement on Ordination
Presentation
Clerk of Session:
Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Pastor: … All are invited to respond:
God is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. You are invited now to turn away from sin and to say “no” to evil, and its power in the world. Do you?
I do.
Jesus is God’s love made visible. You are invited now to turn towards him, trusting in his grace and love, and to call him “Lord,” “Master,” “Savior,” “Shepherd,” “Teacher,” and “Healer.” Do you?
I do.
You are invited now to follow Jesus, joyfully learning from him and showing his love. Will you?
I will, with God’s help.
Profession of Faith
With the whole church of Jesus Christ—universal, holy, and tracing its roots back to Jesus’ apostles— let us confess our faith:
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 for Baptism
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…By your Holy Spirit renew us, that we may be empowered to do your will and continue forever in the risen life of Christ, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Constitutional Questions
Clerk of Session Questions to the Congregation
Do we, the members of the church, accept Ellie, Larry, Barb, and Mary Ann as deacons, and Mitch, Ondra and Jane as ruling elders, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ?
We do.
Do we agree to pray for them, to encourage them, to respect their decisions, and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ who alone is Head of the Church?
We do.
Laying on of Hands for Ordination
[The Congregation is invited to raise their hands in blessing.]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
… Above all we praise you for Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life to set others free. Anointed by your Holy Spirit, he proclaimed your reign on earth, revealing your saving love in all he said and did.
Gracious God, pour out your Spirit upon your servant Ellie, whom you called by baptism as your own. Grant her the same mind that was in Jesus Christ.
Loving God, we also give you thanks for your servants, Larry, Barb, Mary Ann, Kevin, Mitch, Ondra and Jane, as they continue in the ministry to which you have called them. Help them to rely on the gifts of your Spirit and to follow Christ faithfully in this calling.
In the walk of faith and for the work of ministry, give to all your servants a spirit of truthfulness, that they may show the compassion of Christ in the actions of daily living and rightly govern your people. Give them gladness and strength, discipline and hope, humility, humor, and courage. Give us all an abiding sense of your presence.
… Show us the transforming power of your grace in our life together, that we may be effective servants of the gospel, offering a compelling witness in the world to the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of Ordination and Installation
Ellie, Larry, Barb, Mary Ann, Mitch, Ondra and Jane, you are now deacons and ruling elders, ordained and installed to ministries of service and governance in the Church of Jesus Christ and for this congregation.
Welcome
Charge to the Newly Ordained and Installed
The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
~ 1 Peter 4:7-11
Hymn #248 W & R “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” Kathleen Thomerson
©1970, Celebration, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE,
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God:
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God;
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
And show me the way to the Father.
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God:
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I’m looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God:
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper/ Prayers of the People
The Invitation
The Light of the World has dawned; come, let us adore him.
We have seen the star in the East;
let us bow before the newborn Sovereign.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The Great Thanksgiving
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest!
…Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
The Story of the Supper
The Gracious Spirit
Prayers of the People
… With hope in our hearts, we pray the words your son taught us, saying…
The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
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.
The Communion
Music: “A Medley for Communion,” Robert Lau
©2012, Lorenz Publishing Co., All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
Prayer After Communion
God of all good, the song of the angels is becoming fainter; the star in the sky is setting; the kings and princes are gone, and the shepherds are back with their flocks. By this holy meal, we pray, give us strength to do the real work of Christmas: to find the lost, to heal the broken; to feed the hungry; to rebuild the nations; to bring peace among peoples; and to make music in every heart. We pray with joy, in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Hymn #236 W & R “As With Gladness Men of Old” (Public Domain)
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore your splendor see.
As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet
Ever seek the mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to you, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds thy glory hide.
Benediction (Responsive)
As you leave this place, may you go knowing that
from generation to generation,
we have been claimed and loved.
From generation to generation,
God has been by our side.
From generation to generation,
we are not alone.
The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow
knows you by name, loves you, and calls you forth,
saying, “Go be the person you are called to be,
love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.”
May it be so. Amen.
Postlude Colin DeLap
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain,” John Carter
©1987, Hope Publishing Company, All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.
License #A-728112. All rights reserved.
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
Liturgy by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
Ordination and Installation Liturgy Adapted form PCUSA Book of Common Worship.