A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
The Baptism of Jesus 10:30 am
Meditation
Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.
~Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Any lifetime that is spent without seeing the master
Is either death in disguise or a deep sleep.
The water that pollutes you is poison;
The poison that purifies you is water.
~ Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi
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 “<>.”
¨ The Call Donna Daniels, Reader
When they ask you why you love
the rain, the ocean, the river,
tell them
it is because
unlike the people
who should have
loved you better,
the water was never afraid
to touch you;
even when you were
at your most damaged
and broken. ~ Nikita Gill
One: Prophets have shouted, Angels have sung, the Wise have come and gone;
All: But the Spirit of the Lord remains.
One: Organs have played, trumpets have blared, bells have rung out;
All: But the voice of God remains.
One: Children grow, governments change, perspectives shift;
All: But the work of Love and Justice remains.
One: Beloved, let us come to the waters and turn ourselves anew to the touch of love and praise.
¨ Hymn #407 How Firm a Foundation Foundation
1How firm a foundation, for you has been laid,
by God in the Word, in the sacrifice paid!
What more can God say to you that has been said,
to you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2 “Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, I will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”
3 “When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of woe shall not over you flow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
delivering you from your deepest distress.”
4 “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; for I have designed
your soul to make pure just as gold is refined.”
5 “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.“
¨ Prayer of Approach & Confession
One: As we come once again to the shore of this new week, we seek your presence anew, Lord.
All: Sprinkle us with hyssop, Lord, and we shall be cleansed. Wash us in the waters of your spirit and we shall be made whole.
One: Wash us clean from us all that obscures you and your love. Dissolve any hardness of heart and take from us the stains of of unbecoming action and thought. We ask for forgiveness not to forget what we have done, but in order that we might be free to fulfill your greater vision. May we rise from our prayers as Christ rose from the Jordan, forgiven and free to serve you aright.
One: This we pray in Jesus name,
All: Amen.
¨ Words of Assurance
¨ 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 Music Open My eyes, That I May See Clara H. Scott
Union Church Choir and Orchestra
1. Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear, and while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere. Open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Scripture Reading Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight and honored and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.
Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth — everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
~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 3:15-17, 21-22
As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Sermon What Water Can Carry Rev. Kent Gilbert
Water of Blessing Remembered and Renewed
All God’s children are beloved. Today, with many other Christians, we celebrate a renewal of Baptismal Vows, using both words and water. During the readings and music, a branch from a Christmas tree will be used to sprinkle water over the congregation as a reminder that like the rain, the grace of God falls on all people.
Whether baptized or not, we invite all who will to join in prayers for grace and wholeness, and for strength to resist the powers of harm in this world. May this be a way to recommit to service in the way of Jesus.
Waters of Blessing Litany
One: God calls us to the water to find a new way:
a new grace,
a new hope,
a new faith,
a new life.
All: God calls; we come.
One: Come to the water and let go of the outworn:
outworn habits,
outworn pains,
outworn angers,
outworn burdens.
All: God calls; we come.
One: God blesses the water and it
heals us,
cleans us,
renews us,
refreshes us.
All: God blesses; we praise.
One: Come to the water and receive
blessing,
freedom,
mercy,
love.
All: God blesses; we praise.
One: Bless to us this water with your presence, Lord. Amen. Receive this water, gift of God, and hear for yourself how God names you: Beloved.
All: By the waters of baptismal grace we promise to love and serve God by following the Christ.
We pray to boldly and creatively embody the life and ministry of Jesus by celebrating the transforming power of God, the compassion of Christ, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Asperges Hymn#286 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness Spirit
Asperges is a Latin term that means “to sprinkle” or “to moisten with dew.” In the context of the Christian liturgy, asperges is a ritual during which the celebrant sprinkles holy water over the congregation as a sign of purification and spiritual cleansing.
Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
1. You moved on the waters, you called to the deep, then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; and over the eons you called to each thing: “Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”
2. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand, and you goaded your people with a law and a land; when they were confounded by their idols and lies, then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
3. You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill, then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still; and down in the city you called once again, when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
4. You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams; our women see visions, our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions your people arise.
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.
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.
Star Words …
The use of star words, also called “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany offered today.
Simply draw a word from one of the baskets near the communion servers and allow that word to be a light to you this year.
Star Words Prayer …
Holy God who lights our way, We thank you for this moment of respite along the journey, a moment to be filled with good things, to be reminded of our belovedness and sent out to be your hands and feet in the world.
Though we’d often prefer a straightforward, step-by-step plan for our lives, you’ve instead given us an invitation …
to wander,
to seek,
to take a different road,
to be guided by a star.
May these star words be a map to you, guiding us to look under every rock and around every corner, seeking you out everywhere, because everywhere is exactly where you are.
And next year, when the road leads back to this very place, may we find that you were with us every step of the way. With hope we pray, amen.
Offertory Out of Deep, Unadorned Water Fred Kaan Union Church Choir and Orchestra
1. Out of deep, unordered water God created light and land, world of bird and beast, and later, in God’s image, woman, man.
Chorus: There is water in the river bringing life to tree and plant. Let creation praise its giver: there is water in the font.
2. Water on the human forehead, birthmark of the love of God, is the sign of death and rising; through the sea there runs a road. Chorus.
3. Standing round the font remind us of the Hebrews' climb ashore. Life is hallowed by the knowledge: God has been this way before. Chorus.
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.
Silent Prayers & Prayers of the Community Donna Daniels, Reader
Sweet source and reservoir of love, pour into your people again today. Flow through the hurt and pains of our living, bending the channel of our lives to grace. Fill our cups to overflowing that all sin and sorrow might be washed away. With such grace may we never become greed-ridden or pride-full, but help us water the garden of compassion and care, healing and restoration for all of creation.
Help us care for our sick and for our inflamed. Help us mend and not tear. Help us right all that we have put wrong. Lord of Spirit and Dove, help us love what you love, with better resolve and greater skill than ever before, just as your love demands.
We pray in the name of your beloved, Jesus the Christ, who taught us to reach to you as…
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 Wade in the Water African-American Spiritual
Union Church pays royalties to benefit the Berea College Black Music Ensemble when the congregation uses African-American spirituals and other traditional uncredited music.
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
James Earl “Jimmy” Carter. Today we join millions around the world as we honor Jimmy Carter, 39th US President. Carter brokered the historic peace deal between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China and negotiated arms limitation with USSR, to name a few accomplishments. His moral compass and strict honesty sometimes worked against him in Washington politics.
An energy crisis, inflation and the Iranian Revolution damaged his Presidency, but in the ensuing 40+ years Carter secured his legacy, working tirelessly for decent housing, disease reduction, world peace and human dignity. His legacy will long outlive him.
¨ Benediction
¨ Benediction Response Woyaya (We Will Get There)
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 Iraq, Iran and Syria; and our brothers and sisters at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ Mary Ellen Sarafin, Betty’s sister, suffering from cirrhosis.
¨ 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.
¨ 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, ands those who care and worry for them:: may God soothe and heal all who are troubled.
¨ 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.
¨ Dottie Blackburn is in The Terrace for rehab. Cards welcome. 1043 Brooklyn Blvd., Berea.
¨ Teri VanPelt, at the death of her beloved cousin, Terry Lake, on January 2, in Indiana.
¨ The friends and families of Debra Fouts and Tammy Clemons (especially her wife of over 30 years, Timi), both of whom recently passed, and were dear friends of several Union Church folks.
¨ Jen Eich’s 5-yr old niece, Harper, recovering from serious pneumonia.
¨ Kerry Jones, out of the hospital an recuperating at home from his stem cell transplant.
¨ Muse Watson, due to have surgery for an infection on Tuesday.
¨ Families affected by the fires in Los Angeles, including Union family Jim & JoAn Gaines and the Sehl-Hajmomenian family.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Jan. 13 – Siddharthini Wilton; 14 – Gaige Biggs, Levi Broadbridge; 15 – Hattie Parks, Terry Beishline; 16 – Larry Shinn, Kent Gilbert
Anniversaries: Jan. 14 – Terry & Deb Beishline
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know.
We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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