First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

August 8, 2021

Photo by Zach Long

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Grant us rest, Holy One.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

Prelude from “Lyric Suite” by Alfred V. Fedak

Call to Worship

One: When we are in the pits of despair,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When we’re beyond exhaustion,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When we feel all alone,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When hope is far away
Many: God is still with us.
One: No matter who we are or where we go,
Many: God is with us.

Hymn #505: When Our Confidence Is Shaken

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy One,
You who are always with us,
Help us accept your gifts:
the rest, the nourishment, the hydration, and the love.
Remind us not to empty our own wells,
and to allow you to refill them.
Help us let ourselves rest – and act –
and be revived.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Holy One,
You are with us day in and day out,
loving, supporting, and encouraging us.
You know us.
You see what we do, and what we don’t do,
you hear what we say, and what we refrain from saying.
You love us as we are.
You know what we need, and what we can do,
you encourage us.
You see the pain of the world, and
you respond with love.
You hear the aching of our hearts, and you
seek to heal.
You see the injustices, and you seek justice.
Remind us to trust you,
not only to guide us,
but also to help us along the way.
Remind us that we do not have to be all things,
nor do all things,
but simply respond to your love
in kind.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) 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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Will You Come and Follow Me by Tom Trenney

Scripture Reading – Psalm 14

Children’s Time – Elijah, Angels, and Comfort

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #2202: Come Away With Me

Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 19:4-8

Sermon – God, Stress, and Abundant Lives

Responding

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory: “On God and Not Human Trust” by Johann Pachelbel

Prayer of Presentation

Holy One who is always with us,
Your gifts bring us life, and life abundant.
May we savor what you offer, and
give it away with generosity.
Amen

Hymn #334: Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Benediction

May you find rest, complete stress cycles, and be a blessing to God’s world.
Amen

Postlude

“Celebration” by Charles Callahan