First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 7th Sunday After Epiphany

February 20, 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

“Wellspring of life, we trust in 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

“Speak, O Lord” Arranged by Dave Mincy

Call to Worship

One: It has been said we are like plants,
Many: We need water, sun, and air.
One: Of course, we need more than that too.
Many: We need God, each other, and rest!
One: And more! We have many needs,
Many: And God has many ways to meet them.

Hymn #568: “Christ for the World We Sing”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Wellspring of Life,
We need you.
You are with us.
Thank you.
We need each other.
Help us find each other.
Thank you.
We need rest.
Help us gift each other with rest.
Thank you. 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: Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26

Children’s Time: Sermon on the Plain, Explained

Hymn #549: “Where Charity and Love Prevail”

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: “Like a Tree” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Lieder ohne Worte,” Op. 19, #1 Andante con moto by Felix Mendelssohn

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 Scrappy Prayer

God, despite your dreams,
We are all a little scrappy.
We’ve gotten this far in life, (thanks!)
but we have our share of bruises and injuries to show for it.
Here we are.
As we are.
Giving thanks,
seeking you,
trusting you,
and giving to you of what we can.
Please bless our gifts,
so others might have a few less scars along the way.
Amen

Hymn #2283: “For All the Saints”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, grow where you are!
And learn from those who grow elsewhere.
Amen

Postlude

“Glorify Thy Name” Arranged by Fred Bock