First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 2nd Sunday After Christmas

January 23, 2022

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

“Joyful One, fill us with joy.”
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

“Shepherds Pipings” by Helmut Walcha

Call to Worship

One: May the spirit of joy fill your heart.
Many: And also you!
One: May the hope of God renew you.
Many: And also you!

Hymn #62: All Creatures of Our God and King

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Good Gifts,
Help us find balance,
to enjoy and savor the goodness of life,
while attending to the needs of those who are sick and struggling.
May our joy make space for justice,
our hope for compassion,
our delight for consideration.
May your presence in our lives
be visible in all we do,
and in how we love.
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

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Children’s Time: God as Co-Regular

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

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.

Scripture Reading – John 2:1-12

Sermon: “To a People Called Hope” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “In Bethlehem a Wonder” by Helmut Walcha

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?

A Winter Prayer

God of Good Gifts,
From the midst of the darkness,
from the midst of the cold,
from the midst of the pandemic,
we have found our way to praise you.
Despite it all, we know you are with us,
we know you are for us,
we know you seek our well being,
we know you seek the kindom.
We offer ourselves in response to your goodness,
may our offerings be blessed,
to be a blessing for all your people.
Amen

Hymn #644: “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”

Benediction

May hope in God guide your way. Amen

Postlude

Der Tag der ist so Freudenreich (This day that is so rich with joy) by Johann Sebastian Bach