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

March 20, 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

“Show us how to find the things in life.”
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 Beautiful” Arranged by Marilyn Ham

Call to Worship

One: Take note, God is here.
Many: We are in God’s holy presence.
One: Take note, you are loved.
Many: God’s presence is one of love.

Hymn #2202: “Come Away with Me”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy One,
We notice that you specialize in turning things upside down,
mostly the values of the world replaced with the values of your beloved community.
Help us notice the difference, and let go of the values of the world,
so that we can build that community.
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: Psalm 63:1-8 and Isaiah 55:1-9

Mission Moment: International Mission Trip

Children’s Time: “Satisfies”

Hymn #618: “Let Us Break Bread Together”

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: “Bread That Satisfies” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Gave My Life for Thee” Arranged by Mary McDonald

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 Satisfying Bread Prayer

Life-Giving One,
You offer us water, milk, and wine, bread and cup,
baptism and new life.
You offer us second chances (as many times as we need),
and hope when everything seems hopeless.
You offer rest, and life abundant.
In response, we offer to you our gifts:
our time, our energy, our resources, and our love.
May they be a source of satisfying bread for others.
Amen

Hymn #620: “One Bread, One Body”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, let the Holy One guide you to the kindom values,
and help you let go of the bread that does not satisfy. Amen

Postlude

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