First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 5th Sunday After Epiphany

February 6, 2022

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

“God of Love, guide us.”
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

How Firm A Foundation (Traditional American Melody) Arr. by Michael Sharp

Call to Worship

One: Dear ones, lay down your burdens.
Many: God can lift them up.
One: Dear ones, pick up hope.
Many: In God, we find our hope again.

Hymn #577: “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Perfect Light of Revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, you shine in and through us.
With you, we are able to be beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening creation with deeds of justice and mercy.
With you, we are able to use nonviolence to build your kindom.
With you, we are able.
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 61:1-4 and Luke 4:21-30

Children’s Time: God Gifts Us with Feelings

Hymn #408: “The Gift 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.

Sermon: “The Only Way” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Worship You, Almighty God” with “Holy, Holy, Holy” Arranged by Mark Hayes

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?

Prayer of Nonviolence

Holy God,
As we seek sanctification (to be filled with your love),
we notice there are things to let go of, and new skills to pick up.
As we seek to live your nonviolence, may we also notice what needs to be let go of, and what needs to be picked up.
And may all that we give be blessed, whether we give it to you, or give it away.
And may all that we gather be blessed, whether we gather it for ourselves, or for others of your beloveds.
Amen

Hymn #399: “Take My Life, and Let It Be”

Benediction

God’s love leads us towards love, which leads us to nonviolence.
May God guide us along the ways of nonviolence, to love. Amen

Postlude

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Arranged by Gail Smith