Angry

Sunday, February 12, 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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We are in an era in which anger has become an essential element in public discourse, from the politicians we send to Washington or to our local Board of Education, all the way to the ways we speak to strangers on social media. Jesus has some words about anger, and so does modern psychology. What can we make of Jesus’ words on this topic?

Join us for worship this morning in our beautiful sanctuary or here, online, if you are at home or on the road. You are invited! We will listen alongside those who gathered on the mountain, to receive Jesus’ wisdom for us.

Anger/ Angry

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Matthew 5:21-26

6th Sunday After Epiphany 

February 12, 2023  

Union Presbyterian Church  

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

Liturgist: Cindy Surrena Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube   

Prelude  “How Great Is Our God,” Glenda Austin Colin DeLap  

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068846

Welcome Rev. Pat Raube

Call to Worship    Cindy Surrena

Steady our steps, O God, as we travel the journey set before us.

Let us walk in the way of light and pursue the path of peace.

Keep us on your course of life, as we seek to be faithful,

And as we gather to praise you, our Lord and our God.

Let us love the Lord our God and walk in God’s ways.

Let us worship our Creator, our Redeemer, our Sustainer: the Lord.

* Hymn #63 W & R “Give to Our God Immortal Praise” (Public Domain)

Give to our God immortal praise;
Mercy and truth are all his ways:
Wonders of grace to God belong;
Repeat his mercies in your song.

He built the earth, he spread the sky,
And fixed the starry lights on high:
Wonders of grace to God belong;
Repeat his mercies in your song.

He fills the sun with morning light;
He bids the moon direct the night:
His mercies ever shall endure,
When suns and moons shall shine no more.

He sent His Son with power to save
From guilt and darkness and the grave:
Wonders of grace to God belong;
Repeat his mercies in your song.

Through this vast world he guides our feet,
And leads us to his heavenly seat:
His mercies ever shall endure,
When this our world shall be no more.

* Call to New Life  

* Prayer for Wholeness and Peace (unison)  

Generous God, we are baptized as your people, called to live and serve together as your church. We confess that we have sought to live for ourselves, not reaching out to others and honoring the divine image in all your children. Forgive us, we pray. In your abundant mercy give us the grace to be your church, confessing our faults, offering forgiveness, and working for reconciliation. Turn our hearts to your intentions that we may hold fast to one another and draw near to your presence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

* Words of Assurance  

Let our spirits be content, 

Let our mouths praise God with joyful lips: 

For the love of God is from everlasting to everlasting. 

The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger,  

and abounding in steadfast love. 

We will bless the Lord as long as we live. 

We will rest in the knowledge that God loves us,  

claims us, and never leaves us. 

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 peace. 

Scripture Reading Deuteronomy 30:15-20

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall certainly perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him, for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”  

Anthem  “Forgive Us Now,” Dave Brown

Used by Permission. CCLI License #CSPL068847

Forgive us now, O God of love

For all the pain that we have sown

For all the broken hearts we’ve left

And all the words we’ve left unsaid

Forgive us gracious God of life

Forgive us now, O mother love

For all the idols we have built

For all the time we’ve worshipped there

In company of dark despair

Forgive us mother of all hope

As we forgive, may we be healed

As we reach out, may you be near

And take our hand to comfort bring

So we can face the start again

Forgive us now, O holy one

For crimes committed in your name

For all the holy wars we wage

For all the children we enslave

Forgive us now O holy one

Forgive us now, O Jesus Christ

For all the pride before the fall

For all the times our heart was cold

For all the monologues we’ve told

Forgive us Jesus of new life

As we forgive, may we be healed

As we reach out, may you be near

And take our hand to comfort bring

So we can face the start again

Forgive us now, O God of love

Time for Young Disciples Rev. Pat Raube 

Music: “My Lord! What a Morning” (Public Domain)

Scripture Reading Matthew 5:21-26 

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word 

Thanks be to God! 

Sermon Rev. Pat Raube  

Installation of Ruling Elder Kevin Kelley

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 Installation

Presentation

Profession of Faith

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love?

I do.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

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.

Constitutional Questions

Clerk of Session Questions to the Congregation

Do we, the members of the church, accept Kevin as a ruling elder, 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 him, to encourage him, to respect his decisions, and to follow as he guides us, serving Jesus Christ who alone is Head of the Church?

We do.

Prayer of Installation

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.

Gracious and eternal God, with joy we give you all 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.

Loving God, we give you thanks for your servant Kevin, as he continues in the ministry to which you have called him. Help him 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.

Gracious God, sustain your church in ministry. Ground us in the gospel. Secure our hope in Christ, strengthen our service to the outcast and those in need, and increase our love for one another. 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 Installation

Kevin, you are now a ruling elder, installed to your ministry 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 #575 W & R “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service,” Albert F. Bayly

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.

Lord, whose love through humble service

Bore the weight of human need,

Who upon the cross, forsaken,

Offered mercy’s perfect deed;

We, your servants, bring the worship

Not of voice alone, but heart,

Consecrating to your purpose

Every gift that you impart.

Still your children wander homeless;

Still the hungry cry for bread;

Still the captives long for freedom;

Still in grief we mourn our dead.

As, O Lord, your deep compassion

Healed the sick and freed the soul,

Use the love your Spirit kindles

Still to save and make us whole.

As we worship, grant us vision,

Till your love’s revealing light

In its height and depth and greatness,

Dawns upon our quickened sight,

Making known the needs and burdens

Your compassion bids us bear,

Stirring us to tireless striving,

Your abundant life to share.

Called by worship to your service,

Forth in your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the agèd,

Love in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, good will and comfort,

Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

That your servants, Lord, in freedom

May your mercy know and live.

Prayers of the People 

The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional Version) 

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.       

Eternal Spirit of the living Christ,   
We know not how to ask or what to say;   
We only know our need, as deep as life,   
And only you can teach us how to pray.   

Call for Offering 

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 

* Hymn #469 W & R “Lord of All Hopefulness,” Jan Struther

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.      

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,

Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,

Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,

Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,

Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,

Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,

Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,

Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,

Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,

Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,

Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

* Benediction From Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals,  

by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro 

May the peace of Christ go with you: wherever he will send you. 

May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. 

May he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you. 

May he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors. 

Postlude Colin DeLap   

 “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus,” Philip Keveren

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 today’s liturgy were adapted from the Presbyterian Outlook’s weekly resource, Order of Worship, February 12, 2023. 