First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 8, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Shepherd, call to us now.”
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

“The Love of God” Arranged by Bruce Greer

Call to Worship

One: Welcome, students of God.
Many: We gather as those seeking wisdom and connection.
One: Welcome, beloveds of God.
Many: We worship out of a need to connect with Love.
One: Welcome, followers of Jesus.
Many: We seek to live lives reflecting Jesus.

Hymn #2114: “At the Font We Start Our Journey”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Leader,
You invite us to follow you,
and promise to lead the way.
But we get scared,
and often distracted.
Sometimes we can’t even
figure out
which way you are leading.
Help us discern,
help us notice,
help us follow.
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: Acts 9:36-43 and John 10:22-30

Time for Young People: “Friend of God”

Hymn #463: “Lord Speak to Me”

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: “Voices” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” from Brother James’ Air Arranged by Anna Laura Page

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 Listening Prayer

Leader,
You say we will
know your voice,
and sometimes we do,
but sometimes we
struggle.
We are trying.
Trying to listen.
Trying to respond.
Trying to live your love.
We are trying with
the gifts we give.
Help us, please!
Help these gifts be
useful for the kindom.
Help us listen.
Amen

Hymn #310: “He Lives”

Benediction

God is with us. May we follow God’s lead. Amen

Postlude

“Rondo Giocoso” by Douglas Wagner