Guest Preacher Rev. Jeff Kellam: Storms

Sunday, August 13, 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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Jesus goes off by himself to pray, but his disciples get caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. In the midst of the storm, they wonder… Just who is that walking toward us on the water?

This morning we welcome the Rev. Jeff Kellam, our beloved Pastoral Associate, to the pulpit. Jeff, along with Mr. Rogers, is one of only two persons in the Presbyterian Church (USA) to be ordained to a Ministry of Electronic Media. His rich history of ministry through radio (Celebration Rock and Celebration Jazz) as well as service to congregations continues into retirement, as he hosts the Encounter TV Program (through the Broome County Council of Churches) and serves as the official photographer for Bill Carter and Presbybop.

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

“Just Who Is That?”

Psalm 105:1-6; Matthew 14:22-33

August 13, 2023

Union Presbyterian Church

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

Liturgist: Diane Sommerville Preacher: Rev. Janet Abel

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS Diane Sommerville

PRELUDE Colin DeLap

“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” Mark Hayes.

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847

*CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive) Diane Sommerville

Welcome to this time of shared prayer,

when we encourage one another.

We need this time together.

Here we remember the faith we hold in common,

in addition, find renewal and encouragement.

It can be difficult to sense God’s presence

in the news and in our daily lives.

Bring us together to hear and see you,

even when we are in the midst of a storm.

Let us worship God. Amen.

*HYMN #455 PH “All Creatures of Our God and King,” William Henry Draper

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.   

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou fertile earth, that day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them God's glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

And everyone of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

All creatures, your Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness.
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

*CALL TO NEW LIFE

*PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS AND PEACE (unison)

O God, whom earthquake, wind and fire cannot contain, we’re often shaken by powerful forces in this life. Our doubts multiply and our faith wearies. Please forgive us and help us. Amen.

*WORDS OF ASSURANCE (responsive)

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 READING Psalm 105:1-6

O give thanks to the Lord, and call upon God’s name;
make known the deeds of the Lord among the peoples.

Sing to the Lord, sing praises;
and speak of all God’s marvelous works.

Glory in God’s holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Search for the strength of the Lord;
continually seek God’s face.

Remember the marvels God has done,
the wonders and the judgments of God’s mouth,

O offspring of Abraham, God’s servant,
O children of Jacob, God’s chosen ones.

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES ”Storms” Rev. Janet Abel

Music: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side,

while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up

the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by

This time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was

against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a

ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said,

“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came

toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and,

beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his

hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When

they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him,

saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

RESPONSE: Holy Wisdom, Holy Word 

Thanks be to God! 

SERMON “Just Who is That?” Rev. Janet Abel

*AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed-Ecumenical Version 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
creator of heaven and earth. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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, 
is seated at the right hand of the Father, 
and will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

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. 

ANTHEM “Walking ‘Cross the Sea,” Pepper Choplin

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

I saw Jesus walking ‘cross the sea,

Oh, I saw Jesus walking ‘cross the sea.

I said “Help me walk on the water,

That’s where I want to be.”

He said, “Go where your faith will take you.

Now come on out to me.”

He said, “Come on out to me.”

So I stepped out on the water,

But I was sinking down.

I stepped out on the water,

But I was sinking down.

But the winds, the waves, the waters

Were stirring all around.

I said, “Help me, Lord, I’m sinking,

Surely I will drown.”

Then I felt Jesus,

He was holding onto my hand.

Then I felt Jesus,

He was holding onto my hand.

He said, “O what little faith you have,

You poor and doubtful man.

Rise up, put your faith in me

And surely you will stand,

Now rise and stand.”

I held onto Jesus,

We were walking ‘cross the sea.

Oh, I held onto Jesus,

We were walking ‘cross the sea.

And when I stepped back in the boat

I fell upon my knees.

I said, “Surely You’re the Son of God,

Surely You’re the Son of God,

You are the Son of God,

Have mercy, have mercy on me.”

He is calling, Jesus still is calling,

“Come and walk with me.”

Now Jesus still is calling,

“Come and walk with me.

Wherever faith will take you,

I promise I will be.

Wherever you are walking,

Even when you’re sinking,

Go where faith will take you,

Rise up and walk with Me.”

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.     

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

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  # 562 PH “Eternal Father Strong to Save” Public Domain)

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm has bound the restless wave,
Who bade the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word
The wind and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid its rage did sleep:
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who did brood
Upon the chaos wild and rude,
And bade its angry tumult cease,
And gave, for fierce confusion, peace:
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power,
All travelers guard in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad praise from air and land and sea.

*BENEDICTION  

POSTLUDE Colin DeLap

“Glory and Praise to Our God,” Mark Hayes

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.    