First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the First Sunday in Lent

March 6, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

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

“Grant us peace, grant us all peace.”
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

“Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed” Arranged by Lavawan Riley

Call to Worship (from Pastor Vicki Flippin of Summerfield UMC, Connecticut)

One: We have wandered a wilderness for two years.
Many: Seven hundred thirty days.
One: Lord, have mercy.
Many: We are famished.
One: We have done without community.
Many: We have done without routine.
One: We have done without childcare.
Many: We have done without touch.
One: We are famished.
Many: We come to this space hungry,
One: Untethered,
Many: Feeling wild.
One: We come to find some grounding
Many: For this uncertain journey

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

A Prayer for Ukraine by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, ELCA

O Lord, God of life, as you care for all creation, give us your peace. May our security come not from weapons, but from respect. May our strength come not from violence, but from love.
May our own wealth come not from money, but from sharing.
May our path be not one of ambition, but of justice. May our victory not be one of revenge, but of forgiveness. Unarmed and confident, help us to defend the dignity of all creation. Sharing today and always the bread of solidarity and peace. 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: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13

Children’s Time: “Why Do We Use Purple for Lent?”

Hymn #694: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

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: “Testing Kinship Loyalty” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Give Me Jesus” African-American Spiritual

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 Prayer for Peace, in a Pandemic, Early in Lent

Holy One, Peaceful One,
We are horrified by what is happening to your people,
the ones being attacked
(the ones attacking)
the ones getting sick
the ones trying to offer healing
the ones who are tired
the ones about to buckle.
We’re worried.
Grant us peace.
Grant us wisdom,
for the facing of this hour.
And guide us
that the gifts you give us
and the gifts we give you
may be means of peace.
Amen

Hymn #2123: “Loving Spirit”

Benediction

God is hope.
God is a wellspring of hope!
Go, people of hope,
and trust what will be.
Amen

Postlude

“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” GESANGBUCH, Wittenberg