Finding God in the Flames 5: Campfire on the Beach

Sunday, July 30, 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 is the only time we catch Jesus cooking over a campfire, and it is one of his resurrection appearances. The disciples have gone back to fishing (for fish, not people), but Jesus makes himself known to them in a miracle of abundance and a breakfast of bread and fish for his disciples. In contrast to just a few chapters ago, when Peter stood by a campfire in the dark and denied Jesus twice, now he stands by a campfire in the morning light and affirms his love for Jesus three times. This campfire story stands as a beautiful companion piece to communion–not the Last Supper, but the First Breakfast.

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

Ordinary Time: Finding God in the Flames 5 

Campfire on the Beach

Psalm 119:129-136; John 21:1-17

Union Presbyterian Church   

July 30, 2023   

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

Liturgist: Peg Williams Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube    

Welcome Rev. Pat Raube   

Announcements Peg Williams    

Prelude Chris Bartlette   

“Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love,” John Carter

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE,

Call to Worship (responsive) Peg Williams   

Lord, we have come to the lakeshore
where you have prepared a place for us.
Nourish us with your word,
sustain us with your calling,
reassure us with your presence
warm us with the fires of your love.
Lord, let us sit awhile with you
and simply be your friend. 

Hymn #347 W & R

“Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore,” Cesáreo Gabaraín

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE,

Lord, you have come to the lakeshore

Looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;

You only asked me to follow humbly.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

And while smiling have spoken my name;

Now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me;

By your side I will seek other seas.

You know so well my possessions;

My boat carries no gold and no weapons;

You will find there my nets and labor.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

And while smiling have spoken my name;

Now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me;

By your side I will seek other seas.

You need my hands, full of caring,

Through my labors to give others rest,

And constant love that keeps on loving.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

And while smiling have spoken my name;

Now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me;

By your side I will seek other seas.

You, who have fished other oceans,

Ever longed for by souls who are waiting,

My loving friend, so now you call me.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

And while smiling have spoken my name;

Now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me;

By your side I will seek other seas.

Call to New Life Peg Williams   

Prayer for Wholeness and Peace    

Loving Christ, 
you are all we need, 
yet we do not think to ask. 
You overflow with mercy and forgiveness,
abundantly nourish us with love,
make neighbors of strangers,
and have the power to redeem 
even the worst parts of our lives.
Yet we hold back, 
as if the promises are not really for us,
as if all these miracles were meant for someone else.

[silent prayer]

Help us to trust you, Lord Jesus,
to reach for you first,
you who never forsakes us.
We pray in your saving name. 
Amen.

Words of Assurance     

The Lord is kind and merciful;   

Slow to anger and filled with steadfast love.   

In the name of our brother, our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ,   

We are forgiven. We are free. Alleluia! 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 119:129-136

Your decrees are wonderful;
    therefore I obey them with all my heart.

When your word is opened it gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.

Order my footsteps in your word;
    let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Rescue me from those who oppress me,
    and I will keep your commandments.

Let your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.

My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your teaching.

Time for Young Disciples   Rev. Pat Raube  

Music: “Bible," Roger Summers

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.       

Scripture John 21:1-17     

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 his outer garment, for he had taken it off, 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.

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.”

Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word   

Thanks be to God!   

Sermon “Campfire on the Beach”   

Affirmation of Faith From the Iona Community, Scotland 

We believe in God above us, 

maker and sustainer of all life, 

of sun and moon, of water and earth, of all God’s children. 

We believe in God beside us, 

Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, 

born of a woman’s womb, servant of the poor. 

He was tortured and nailed to a tree. 

A man of sorrows, he died forsaken. 

He descended into the earth to the place of death. 

On the third day he rose from the tomb. 

He ascended into heaven to be everywhere present, 

and his kingdom will come on earth. 

We believe in God within us, 

the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire, 

life-giving breath of the church, 

Spirit of healing and forgiveness, 

source of resurrection and of life everlasting.  

Amen.  

Anthem

“Miraculous Catch,” John Bell, Graham Maule

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.        

“James and Andrew, Peter and John,

Men of temper, talent and tide,

Your nets are empty, empty and bare.

Cast them now on the opposite side.”

“Jesus, you’re only a carpenter’s son:

Joints and joists are part of your trade,

But ours the skill to harvest the deep.

Why presume to come to our aid?”

“Friends of mine and brothers through love,

I mean more than fishing for food.

I call your skill to service my will,

Cast your lives to harvest the good.”

“Stir then the waters, Lord, stir up the wind.

Stir the hope that needs to be stretched.

Stir up the love that needs to be ground,

Stir the faith that needs to be fetched.”

James and Andrew, Peter and John

And the ones who walked by his side,

Hear how the Lord calls each by their name

Asking all to turn like the tide.

Prayers of the People      

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. 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     

Hymn  #566 W & R

“Your Servant Comes This Hour,” Constance Cherry

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.       

Your servant comes this hour
In true humility,
Believing in your call, O God,
And answering, "Lord, send me."

Your servant kneels in prayer,
Awaiting from above
The touch which sets their life apart
For ministries of love.

Your servant stands this day
Implanted in the word;
Prepared to share the holy truth,
Proclaim it lamp and sword.

Your servant leaves this place
With confidence secure,
And by the Holy Spirit bears
The fruit which shall endure.

Benediction    

Postlude    Chris Bartlette  

"Hymn to Joy,” Jeanne Cotter

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.       

 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   

The Call to Worship and the Prayer for Wholeness and Peace were adapted from the resource “Finding God in the Flames” by the Rev. Carol H. Prickett. The Affirmation of Faith was taken from The Iona Community Worship Book, Wild Goose Publications. 