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

October 17, 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

“Open my eyes.”
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

Ornamented Chorale on “Hymn to Joy” by David Christiansen

Call to Worship

One: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Many: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
One: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Many: yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our God, great, eternal, wonderful, utterly to be trusted: you give life to us all, you help those who come to you, you give hope to those who appeal to you. Forgive our sins, secret and open, and rid us of every habit of thought, which is foreign to the gospel. Set our hearts and consciences at peace, so that we may bring our prayers to you confidently and without fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

Children’s Time

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 #114: Many Gifts, One Spirit

Scripture Reading – Mark 7:1-8,14-15

Sermon: The Face of Good – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: Chant donné by Maurice Duruflé

Hymn: The Loving Ways of Jesus

Benediction

May God guide us in living the Divine love as we show grace and mercy in our thoughts and actions. Amen.

Postlude

On the Swedish tune “Bred Dina Vida Vingar” by J. Wayne Kerr