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

August 22, 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

“My soul / longs for You.”
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

“Sicilienne” by Maria Teresa von Paradis

Call to Worship

One: As we move through the dry valleys of life,
Many: God is with us.
One: As we walk the stony paths of life,
Many: God is with us.
One: When we reach mountaintops,
Many: God is with us.
One: No matter where we go.
Many: God is with us.

Hymn #147: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

You Who Are,
With you there is abiding peace,
profound joy,
never-ending love,
hope without end.
Your presence brings us strength,
wisdom, and healing.
We seek you,
sometimes we even seek you well.
May our hearts be opened,
so we can feel you
seeking us
too.
Amen

Silent Prayer

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

For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter

Mission Moment

Haiti Earthquake – Jan Huston

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is working with partners in Haiti to how to best meet the immediate needs of survivors following last week’s devastating earthquake. We can help by making a gift to International Disaster Response. You can do this by giving a check to FUMC with “disaster response” in the notation, by giving online on the FUMC website, or by giving online at the UMCOR website using the link mentioned.

Children’s Time – God’s House

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 #2042: How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely

Scripture Reading – Psalm 84

Sermon – Blessings on the Journey

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: “You Are Holy” by Per Harling

Prayer of Presentation

You Who Are,
All of creation sings of your glory.
While we continue to wait to sing together,
we offer our praises in other ways.
May the gifts that we give be received for the
building of the kindom.
May they be used with generosity and abundance.
May wisdom guide those who decide how to
share your gifts. Amen

Hymn #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Benediction

May you find that life-giving rain comes early, and God’s blessings are abundant along your journey! Amen

Postlude

“Rondeau” by Jean Joseph Mouret