January 10, 2021, Worship Bulletin and Prayer Concerns

A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

Baptism of Jesus Sunday

January 10, 2021

10:30 am 

Meditation

Water is like magic, it makes a child feel small

The brave and true for centuries

Have followed when it called

Water rushing by a child who has never seen the sea

Makes me think there must have been something

More than summer going on..

—Holly Near, “Water Come Down” 

From There to Here: We Gather

Welcome

As the Berea community responds to the governor’s suggestion to avoid gathering in large groups, we worship online to limit the risk of exposure to Covid-19. We’re delighted to welcome you into this virtual circle of God’s healing love and light.

The Call

“The light of our physical world is produced by the sun by day and the moon reflection of the sun and the stars by night. The sun generates light, energy, and heat, all of which make life on earth possible. The true light of the world lies behind this universe of light as the one in whom all things were created. This true light makes life possible in a more profound sense and makes abundant life possible for humans and all creation. Epiphany season represents the way in which the true light of the world, the creator of all things, has become manifest to redeem life and bring life to its fullness.During the winter months, many of us suffer from “seasonal affective disorder” due to light deprivation and need additional light to overcome sadness, depression, and the loss of energy. In the midst of this geological season of the deprivation of light, Epiphany reminds us that we too may suffer from “Christ deprivation disorder,” that we may lack the light of Christ in our personal lives and in our communal lives together. The celebration of Epiphany enables us to bask in the light of the glory of God manifest in our world in Jesus.The encounter with the light of the world is not just for some. It is for all.” — David Rhoads

Passing the Peace at Home

Building the Community: News that Connects Us

Today we light the Justice Candle in honor of the Psalmist and all those who remind us that God is with us, though the mountains should shake and tremble.

The Living Word Among Us    

Special Music River Flows In You by Yiruma, Dr. Bernardo Scarambone, Piano

Epistle Lesson  Acts 19:1-7, Doug Hindman, Reader

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.

Children’s Moment              Please join in singing as we bless children everywhere:

May God’s blessing 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. 

Gospel Lesson  Mark 1:4-11 Teresa Gowler, Reader

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

Sermon                    Come and see: “My Soul Has Grown Deep Like the Rivers”, Rev. Kent Gilbert

Living Prayer

Ringing of 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.

Prayer Reflection and Prayer Action: Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Today, with many other Christians, we celebrate a renewal of our 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. 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 all who will to recommit to service in the way of Jesus. All God’s children are beloved.

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.

A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union

Our gifts help sustain this particular community of caring by sustaining the building, pastors and staff, and all the materials that make our ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need. In addition, a portion of our contributions flows out to aid those in need via many external agencies.

Many friends give online, and you can use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. You don’t have to register to make a contribution, but if you do, it can make future generosity that much easier. You can even give by text! Text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”)

Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!

Offering Music

Our Prayers for Others

You are very welcome to email or phone prayer requests to the office for the bulletin. Please do so by 10 am Thursdays, and be sure you have permission to share the information.

¨ 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. Let us hold the people of Iran, Iraq, and Syria; and our brothers and sisters at the Berea Evangelistic Center in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.

¨ For Elsie Hardman, Joan English’s mother now at home with her and receiving hospice care.

¨ For Delores Carpenter recovering from wrist surgery.

¨ For the Patrick family, grieving the loss of Guy.

¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.

¨ Robert Rorrer, who will have a surgical biopsy this week.

¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller, Lois Morgan, Barb Smith, Jan Hamilton

¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.

¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the  over 2800 Kentucky residents, and 39 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.

Prayers of the People Steve Gowler, Reader

Lord of the waters, wash us all free of the sin and sorrow that muddies our hearts and clogs our soul. All that obscures our vision, wipe from our eyes. As the spirit tore apart the heavens to descend on Jesus, tear through our silent remorse, our active complacency, our ineffective intentions to reach the soul of your people. Descend upon us and wash us through that we can set down what breaks hearts and take up the building bricks of justice troweled with the fire of love. By such a baptism, send us the hearts of prophets and make ours the hands of healing. We are the unsure and the unworthy, but we pray to be the willing, and so we offer ourselves to you in the name of the one who taught us to 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.

From Here to There

Closing Hymn You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore Pescador De Hombres, Sharona Nelson, Soloist

1. Tú has venido a la orilla, no has buscado ni a sabios, ni a ricos, tan sólo quires que yo te siga.

Estribillo (Refrain): Jesus, me has mirado a los ojos; sonriendo has dicho mi nombre; en la arena he dejado mi barca; junto a ti buscaréotro mar.

You have down come to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy, but only asking for me to follow. 

Refrain: O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name. On the sand I’ve abandoned my small boat; now with you I will seek other seas.

2. Tú sabes bien lo que tengo: en mi barca no hay oro ni espadas; tan sólo redes y mi trabajo. Estribillo.

You know full well my possessions, neither treasure or weapons for conquest weapons, just these my fishnets and will for working. Refrain.

3. Tú necesitas mis manos, mi cansancio que a otros descanse, amor que quiera seguir amando. Estribillo.

You need my hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary—A love that’s willing to go on loving. Refrain.

4. Tú, Pescador de otros mares, ansia eternal de almas que esperan. Amigo Bueno, que asi me llamas. Estribillo.

You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning: as loving Friend, you have come to call me. Refrain

Benediction

OUR FELLOWSHIP PRINCIPLES:

“Union Church welcomes all followers of Christ and works with all who work with Him;            respecting each person’s conscience; working by love,

endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.”

Come to Coffee Hour after worship! Let’s visit a bit!!  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387600761?pwd=aU5QcGt3RnRrVGRCZkZlWnFHRU9PQT09