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

September 19, 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

“We are made in your image, 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

“Sicilienne” by Marie Teresa van Paradis arr. Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: Holy One, as we seek to be faithful,
Many: guide our speaking.
One: God of Love, as we seek to be authentic,
Many: guide our silence.
One: God of Relationships, as we seek to live your love,
Many: guide our listening.

Hymn #593: Here I Am, Lord

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God, Wisdom of the universe, you bear the pain of your people. Grant us the gift of wisdom, that we may discern your way and live justly and graciously amid the struggles of this world. 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

Teach Me, O Lord by Philip Stopford

Children’s Time – Speaking of Love

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: God Be In My Head

Scripture Reading – James 3:1-12

Sermon – Speaking

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: “Praise His Holy Name” by Calvin Hampton

Prayer of Presentation

In giving, we receive.
In speaking, we learn.
In listening, we become whole.
In sharing, we become rich.
In connecting, we know ourselves.
Holy One, bless our gifts,
as you bless us
in the giving.
Amen

Hymn #463: Lord, Speak to Me

Benediction

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, God of Relationships. Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” by CS Lang