A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
February 23, 2025 10:30 am
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Meditation
“Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship! Please sign in using the pew folder, passing it back down the row so all can greet one another by name, and place the sheet in an offering plate. We’re glad you’re here! During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “<>.”
Invocation
One: Holy Love, bear in us a new beginning. Soften our hearts and still our minds into Your gracious embrace. Hold the worries and wanderings of our lives. Gift us with the renewing energy of Your Holy Spirit. Let it meet our fatigue and form in us a deepened commitment to your vision of the beloved community.
Yes, mold us with Christ-love into agents of Your blessing, for the good of the world. May the cup of our lives run over with this of Your desire. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.
¨ The Call Deb Beisheline, Reader
One: Open up before God, keep nothing back; God will do what needs to be done:
All: Keep company with God,
One: Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
All: Wait passionately for God,
One: God will validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
All: Work for the good and don’t quit.
One: Down-to-earth people will move in and take over,
All: One righteous will outclass fifty wicked.
One: The bold quest is with God.
All: Don’t leave the path.
One: God holds the hand of the righteous.
All: Quiet down with God, be prayerful.
One: Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don’t quit;
All: Before long the crooks will be bankrupt.
One: Bridle your anger, trash your wrath,
All: Cool your pipes—it only makes things worse.
One: Be God-centered, so you will be delivered from evil,
All: When we turn to God, we are rescued.
~Ps37:1-11, 39-40 (adapted from The Message)
¨ Hymn #294 There’s a Spirit in the Air Orientis Partibus
1. There’s a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
“Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world!”
2. Lose your shyness, find your tongue,
tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!
3. When believers break the bread,
when a hungry child is fed,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
4. Still the Spirit gives us light,
seeing wrong and setting right:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!
5. When a stranger’s not alone,
where the homeless find a home,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
6. May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!
7. There’s a Spirit in the air,
calling people everywhere:
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
¨ Prayer for Confession (unison)
God of the grand reversal, we confess our easy attachment to revenge in its many forms. Instead of interrupting violence, it has been easy to practice it in word and deed. It has been easy to worship the lie of scarcity instead of trusting your promise of abundance. By this, the way of the world has worked into our hearts and minds.
Forgive us and free us from ourselves. Equip us anew with an outpouring of Your love. By this of You, form us into channels of grace. Deepen our love, expand our generosity, and mold us and the world with Your abundant mercy. Let the heart and mind of Christ take up residence in us anew. Amen.
¨ Words of Grace
I have good news! The Holy One, Love Almighty, interrupts our missteps and misdeeds, our distractions and our detours. In Christ Jesus, God has shown us what forgiving love has already done and continues to do.
It heals, it mends, and makes a new chapter possible. This is the forgiving power of God that embraces you and me, here and now. It is the good news! You can trust it with your life. Thanks be to God!
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Word and Worship
Special MusicCome, Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus Kenneth Kosche
Union Church Choir; Charles Hoffman, cello; Stanly Kramer, violin
Come, let us fix our eye son Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Scripture Reading Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.”
And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
“Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me; do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there, since there are five more years of famine to come, so that you and your household and all that you have will not come to poverty.'”
And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Children’s Moment as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s blessings guard, protect and guide you. God bless you, God bless you. Our savior’s loving arms be ever ’round you. God bless you, God bless you.
Scripture Reading Luke 6:17-38
Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke:
You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all.
God’s kingdom is there for the finding.
You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry.
Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal.
You’re blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the morning.
“Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don’t like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this. But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get.
And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games. There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it.
“There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
~The Message
Sermon There’s a Spirit in the Air Rev. Christina Ryan Perkins
Video Reflection
A chance to take in what we have heard.
Living Prayer
Ringing the Peace Bell
The Union Church Peace Bell was created by Jeff Enge in honor of Union Church member Carl Eschbach (1904-1998). A twin bell hangs in Berea’s sister province in Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Invitation to Generosity
Jesus reminds us that God works by a different economy. He tells us, “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” Friends, by this, joy is given space to rise. May we discover it growing in us as we bring our gifts to God.
Offertory Somebody’s Knockin’ Proulx Union Church Choir
Somebody’s knockin’ at your door; O sinner, why don’t you answer?
Knocks like Jesus…
Can’t you hear Him? …
Jesus calls you …
Can’t you trust him?…
Every Time I Feel the Spirit trad. Spiritual Union Church Choir
Evert time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray.
Upon the mountain when my God spoke, out of God.s mouth came fire and smoke. All around me, it looked so shine, I asked my Lord if it was all mine.
Ol’ Jordan River, chilly and cold, it chills the body but not the soul. There ain’t but one train that’s on its track, it runs to heaven and it runs right back
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle table. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
¨ Use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. No registration required, but registering once makes future generosity simply entering an amount and a click.
¨ Baskets for checks or cash are located at the head of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation.
¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
¨ Give by Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology Old Hundredth
To God all glorious heavenly Light,
To Christ revealed in earthly night,
To God the Spirit now we raise
Our joyful songs of thankful praise. Amen.
Prayers of the Community
Gracious and loving God, we come to you with hearts that need to be opened to your word and your love. There is so much around us that tears at us and causes us to tremble. Keep us ever mindful of your presence and the hope that you have given us in your Son Jesus Christ.
Guide us, we pray, as your people, struggling to spread the good news. Keep us focused on the mission and ministry you have called us to work for the good. We know, Lord, that there will often be bumps and holes in the road along the way and you will reach out your hand to steady us.
Raise up leaders with conviction and bring wisdom and compassion to those currently in power that this world might truly be as you created it to be—a world of peace, hope and love – May your will be done–as we pray …
Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Hymn #59 Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling Nettleton
1 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling
in the holiest realms of light,
Holy Spirit, ever brooding
o’er a world of gloom and night,
Holy Spirit, ever raising
earthbound souls to glory high;
living, life-imparting Spirit,
you we praise and magnify.
2 Holy Spirit, ever breathing
on the church the breath of life;
Holy Spirit, ever striving
through your people’s ceaseless strife,
Holy Spirit, ever forming
in our worship we will praise you
for your fruit and gifts unpriced.
3 Holy Spirit, ever working
through the church’s ministry –
quickening, strengthening, and absolving,
setting captive sinners free;
Holy Spirit, ever binding
age to age and soul to soul,
in community never ending,
you we worship and extol.
From Here to There
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Today we honor Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) as part of our celebration of Black History Month. Woodson was educated at Berea College and Harvard and has been called the “father of black history,” in part for his founding of “Negro History Week,” the precursor of Black History Month.
Berea College now honors his legacy through their Center for Interracial Education. Never has interracial harmony been more important: When a high-ranking State Department official is on record as saying “Competent white men must be in charge” and that Blacks must “learn their place and bend the knee to MAGA,” we must redouble our efforts to seek unity rather than division.
¨ Benediction
May you be blessed with the courage to interrupt revenge with love.
May you be strengthened with a gratitude that freely shares with others.
May you discover again and again the merciful embrace of the Holy One.
And may the love of God, empower you to help change the world with forgiveness.
Amen and Amen!
¨ Benediction Song What Love Demands Mark Hayes
Those who are able & willing are invited to fill the aisles as we sing the Benediction Response together. If you’re at home or in the balcony, you are part of the embrace too. The embrace is as wide as God’s love!
What Love Demands was commissioned by Union Church, and is dedicated to the public health workers, medical personnel, chaplains, and front-line essential workers who answered love’s demands in a time of national pandemic.
It is dedicated to them by the people of Union Church, Berea, KY, in memory of Mr. Tom Warth, Dr. Richard and Ms. Judy Drake, and Ms. Mary Lou and Dr. Lester Pross.
Our Prayers for Others
¨ Each week we join millions of Christians who pray for one another through the ecumenical prayer cycle and, locally, the Berea Ministerial Association’s prayer cycle (World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer cycle: union-church.org/ministries/prayer). Let us hold the people of France, Germany and Monaco and our brothers and sisters at Wayside Christian Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those affected by the devastating losses in the current conflict in the Middle East, and prayers that the cease-fire will hold.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Jerry Cooper, Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie.
¨ All those suffering from mental strain, trauma, and disease, and those who care and worry for them: may God soothe and heal all who are troubled.
¨ Our Kentucky neighbors, who are once again facing the devastation of flooding.
¨ We pray for our country, and those who are directly affected by the actions and inaction of our government to address the needs of its people and the world.
¨ Members and Friends who need safer housing and income security.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ The Guild family as Will continues his struggle with brain cancer and stroke.
¨ Muse Watson, recovering at home from surgery
¨ Rev. Kent’s cousin, Kathy, undergoing chemotherapy for esophageal cancer and having some bit of improvement.
¨ Ally Nurre, having some complications from a recent knee replacement.
¨ Kelly Mehler, continuing care at home, and feeling pretty well.
¨ Barb Taylor’s brother, Richard Thayer, who recently lost his handicapped child; and Richard’s wife, who has had a heart attack. They live in Washington State.
¨ We’re sorry to share news of the passing of Annriette Stolte. A memorial service will be held in the fall, and we’ll announce plans as we know them.
¨ Prayers for the Blackburn family, at the death of Dottie, at 96. Arrangements will be shared as known.
¨ Good friend of Betty Sarafin, Elsie Knappenberger, who has lost her oldest granddaughter, Fallon, to suicide, leaving behind 2 children, in Tulsa, OK.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Feb. 23 – Nancy Shinn; 24 – Heather Hammond; 26 – Triss Holland; 28 – Rachael White; 29 – Bruce Spencer
Anniversaries: Feb. 29 – Charles & Audrey Coyne
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know.
We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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