Outdoor Worship at Union Presbyterian Church: I Am Among You

Sunday, September 10, 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’s passage begins on an ominous note: How should we deal with those whose behavior is harming the church? By the end of the passage, Jesus is affirming his presence in the midst of even the smallest gatherings of the faithful.

Join us this morning at Union Presbyterian Church for worship with the Lord’s Supper, followed by a picnic lunch provided by our Membership and Fellowship Committee! A wonderful day for everyone of all generations. The service will be recorded and the video posted here later in the day. We hope you’ll join us!

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

I Am Among You

Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20

Union Presbyterian Church Worships at Highland Park

September 10, 2023

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

Liturgist: Carlton Sackett Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube

Welcome

Announcements Carlton Sackett

Prelude Colin DeLap

 “Be Still, My Soul,” Chris Rice.

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847

Call to Worship (responsive) Carlton Sackett

We gather today in this place

dedicated to community well-being.

We gather where we might have a walk or a swim.

We share here our Holy Book, and a Holy Meal.

We gather to be church out in God’s world.

We gather where we will be fed with God’s Word

and with the Lord’s Supper, each picnic bench God’s table.

We gather to lift our heart and our spirits,

to remind us of our connection to this community we love.

Thanks be to God for this day!

Thanks be to God for this hour!

Let us join in worship.

Hymn #20 W & R

“Like a Mighty River Flowing,” Michael Perry

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Like a mighty river flowing,
Like a flower in beauty growing,
Far beyond all human knowing
Is the perfect peace of God.

Like the hills serene and even,
Like the coursing clouds of heaven,
Like the heart that's been forgiven
Is the perfect peace of God.

Like the summer breezes playing,
Like the tall trees softly swaying,
Like the lips of silent praying
Is the perfect peace of God.

Like the morning sun ascended,
Like the scents of evening blended,
Like a friendship never ended
Is the perfect peace of God.

Like the azure ocean swelling,
Like the jewel all-excelling,
Far beyond our human telling
Is the perfect peace of God.

Call to New Life

Prayer for Wholeness and Peace

God, you have called us together, to be the body of Christ. You have reminded us that we are one in this magnificent and complex universal Church. But all around us we see fractures in the body, differences that sow suspicion, and the certainty that one group is are right and others are wrong. This is no way to be a body. Help us, God of love. Help us to worship and serve you in true humility. Heal our fractures and rifts, let us be your gentle hands to help heal broken hearts and bind up their wounds. This we ask, trusting in your to lead us. 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 Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Time for Young Disciples Rev. Pat Raube

Music: "He Came Down,” Jane Holstein

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Scripture Matthew 18:15-20

“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If that person refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Response  Holy Wisdom, Holy Word: 

Thanks be to God! 

Sermon “I Am Among You”

Affirmation of Faith The Nicene Creed [Ryan: #2]

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Anthem Mary

“As the Deer,” Martin Nystrom

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

As the deer pants for the water,

So my soul longs after You.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship You.

You alone are my strength, my shield,

To You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship You.

I want You more than gold or silver,

Only You can satisfy.

You alone are the real joy-giver

And the apple of my eye.

You alone are my strength, my shield,

To You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship You.

You’re my Friend and You’re my Brother

Even though You are a king.

I love You more than any other,

So much more than anything.

You alone are my strength, my shield,

To You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart’s desire

And I long to worship You.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

The Invitation

The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Sanctus

“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,” Marty Haugen

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 

God of power, God of might, 

Heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. 

Hosanna in the highest. 

Blessed is He who comes  

In the name of the Lord. 

Hosanna in the highest, 

Hosanna in the highest. 

The Words of Institution

Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

we proclaim your life, death, and resurrection until you come again.

The Generous Spirit

The 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. 

The Communion

Music during Communion:

“According to Thy Gracious Word”

(Public Domain)

“How Great Thou Art,” Chris Rice.

Used by permission, CCLI License #CSPL068847

Prayer After Communion

Thank you God

Thank you God

for all this food

for all this food

for all this love

for all this love

for being here with us

for being here with us

and for sending us out

and for sending us out.

Lord, send us out

Lord, send us out

into your world

into your world

a world of pain

a world of pain

that needs your love

that needs your love.

In Jesus’ name

in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Hymn  #389 W & R

“Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands,” Fred Kaan

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.     

Put peace into each other's hands
And like a treasure hold it;
Protect it like a candle flame,
With tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other's hands
With loving expectation;
Be gentle in your words and ways,
In touch with God's creation.

Put peace into each other's hands,
Like bread we break for sharing;
Look people warmly in the eye:
Our life is meant for caring.

As at communion, shape your hands
Into a waiting cradle;
The gift of Christ receive, revere,
United round the table.

Put Christ into each other's hands,
He is love's deepest measure;
In love make peace, give peace a chance
And share it like a treasure.

Benediction

Go out into the world in peace.

Have courage.

Hold onto what is good.

Return no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the faint-hearted.

Support the weak.

Help the suffering.

Honor all persons.

Honor all creation.

Love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And may grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us, this day, and every day. Amen.