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

May 22, 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

“Peace-maker, fill our hearts.”
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

“Servant Medley” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: Lift up your hearts, holy ones,
Many: We lift them up to God.
One: Let down your guards, beloved ones.
Many: We let them down for God.
One: Allow yourself to be present, dear ones,
Many: Here, in the present, we worship God.

Hymn #307: “Christ is Risen”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creator of the universe,
you made the world in beauty,
and move all of creation towards glory.
We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured
by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,
your Spirit may appear
in justice, love, 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: Psalm 67 and John 14:23-29

Time for Young People: “The Sneetches” and “Reflections on The Sneetches”

Hymn #2145: “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”

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: “Radical…Peace?” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Intermezzo on Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni

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?

Peace Prayer

Peace-maker,
Help us dream of shalom.
Show us visions of peace.
Guide our hearts to your kindom.
And may our gifts
all of our gifts
bring peace and justice
to your beloveds.
Amen

Hymn #2171: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”

Benediction

May the Holy One who dreams with us, live out God’s dreams in us. Amen

Postlude

“We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise” Arranged by Fred Bock