Last Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Reign of Christ

Sunday, November 26, 2023
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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This morning we welcome the Rev. Michelle Wahila to our virtual pulpit, preaching from her home in France! Michelle leads our worship as we recognize and celebrate Christ the King.

Join us for worship in our beautiful sanctuary, or right here online. Worship videos are available here or on Youtube following the service. You are invited!

Reign of Christ Sunday

Psalm 100:1-5; Ephesians 1:15-23

Union Presbyterian Church

November 26, 2023

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

Liturgist: Pat Sullivan Preacher: Rev. Michelle Wahila

Welcome Rev. Michelle Wahila

Announcements Pat Sullivan

Prelude Colin DeLap

“Crown Him With Many Crowns and Rejoice, the Lord is King,” Marilynn Ham

Used by permission, CCLI license #CSPL0698847

Call to Worship (Written by Cara Heafey, UK) Pat Sullivan

(responsive)

Holy is the Creator of the heavens and the earth
Of sunlight and starlight, forest and ocean.
Holy is the composer of birdsong and thunderstorm.
Let all creation sing praise!

Holy is the One who was born in a stable
Who knelt down in the dust to wash feet.
Holy is the One whose crown was twisted thorns.
Let all creation sing praise!

Holy is the Spirit who confounds the powerful,
Who lifts up the silenced and forgotten.
Holy is the love that breaks the rules of empire.
Let all creation sing praise!

Hymn #23 W & R

“All Creatures of Our God and King”

(Public Domain)

All creatures of our God and King,

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia, Alleluia!

O burning sun with golden beam,

And silver moon with softer gleam,

O praise him, O praise him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

O rushing wind that art so strong,

You clouds that sail in heaven along,

O praise him, Alleluia!

O rising morn in praise rejoice,

O lights of evening, find a voice,

O praise him, O praise him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

O flowing water, pure and clear,

Make music for your Lord to hear,

Alleluia, Alleluia!

O fire so masterful and bright,

Providing us with warmth and light,

O praise him, O praise him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

All you who are of tender heart,

Forgiving others, take your part,

Sing praises, Alleluia!

All you who pain and sorrow bear,

Praise God and on him cast your care,

O praise him, O praise him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,

And worship him in humbleness,

O praise him, Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,

And praise the Spirit, Three in One,

O praise him, O praise him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Call to New Life Pat Sullivan

Each one of us is drawn into Christ’s resurrection life and into His work of love and compassion. As Christ is light, so we are called to be light in this world. Light, love, and compassion. This is the way of Christ. This is the way of hope.

Prayer for Wholeness and Peace

O Divine, Creator and ruler of all,

Teach us to see your face among the poor—

Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty,

Welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked,

And visiting those who are sick, lonely, or in prison.

When we see your divine image in those around us,

We share in your abundant light and love.

Remind us that you are in all, through all, and over all –

That your work is our work.

Allow us to both give and receive love and compassion in your name,

As signs of hopefulness

For this life and the next.

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Who is coming indeed,

To reign with justice, compassion, and love.

Amen.

Words of Assurance

Sharing of the Peace

O God, teach us to be still, and to know that you are God.

Teach us to be still, and to rest in your presence.

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 100:1-5 Pat Sullivan

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Time for Young Disciples Rev. Michelle Wahila

Music: “Crown Him With Many Crowns”

Scripture Ephesians 1:15-23

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Response  Holy Wisdom, Holy Word: 

Thanks be to God! 

Sermon “A Homily for Reign of Christ Sunday” Rev. Michelle Wahila

Affirmation of Faith (from the Confession of 1967)

The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for women and men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience, the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to all, moves people to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ.

The new life finds its direction in the life of Jesus, his deeds and words, his struggles against temptation, his compassion, his anger, and his willingness to suffer death. The teaching of apostles and prophets guides men and women in living this life, and the Christian community nurtures and equips them for their ministries.

The members of the church are emissaries of peace and seek the good of all in cooperation with powers and authorities in politics, culture, and economics. But they have to fight against pretensions and injustices when these same powers endanger human welfare. Their strength is in their confidence that God s purpose rather than human schemes will finally prevail.

Anthem Choir

“Forever, King!” Dan Forrest

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Who is God, that we should praise Him?

Who is He, that we should sing?

Who is this exalted Savior,

Crowned the everlasting King?

Why fall at His feet in worship,

Alleluias to Him bring?

Architect of every atom,

Author of each passing hour,

Chief of all the changing seasons,

Maker of each field and flower,

Speaking all into existence,

God of majesty and power!

Morning stars, all sing together,

Shout for joy, ye sons of God!

Rocks and stones, O be not silent,

Streams and rivers, give Him laud!

Clouds that frame the dome of heaven,

Sound your thunder and applaud!

Can creation fail to praise Him?

How can we refuse to sing?

Come, fall at His feet in worship,

Alleluias to Him bring!

Reigning in eternal brightness,

Crown our Christ forever King!

Morning stars, all sing together,

Shout for joy, ye saints of God!

Rocks and stones, O be not silent,

Streams and rivers, give Him laud!

Clouds that frame the dome of heaven,

Sound your thunder and applaud!

Prayers of the People    Rev. Jeff Kellam

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   #475 W & R     

“Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ,” Frank von Christierson 

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Come with the vision and the strength I need   

To serve my God, and all humanity;   

Fulfillment of my life in love outpoured—   

My life in you, O Christ, your love in me.   

Call for Offering Rev. Jeff Kellam

There is hopefulness in giving, for future work that will be done, and for the ways that we can participate in God’s life-giving reign. In this place, loving hearts and willing hands seek to do the work of Christ. Your giving supports the mission to serve our neighbors and care for our worshipping community. May our giving be a sign of love and hope for this community and for God’s world.

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. Jeff Kellam

Hymn  #87 W & R

“Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” David Evans

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.    

Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before his throne rejoice;
Praise is his gracious choice:
Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
Christ is our Guide and Friend;
To us he’ll condescend;
His love shall never end:
Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again,
Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore
His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore,
"Alleluia! Amen!"

Benediction Rev. Michelle Wahila

Postlude  Colin DeLap

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” Don Wyrtzen

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