First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Sixth Sunday after the Pentecost

July 17, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

“You Who Are, help us Be.”
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

“Holy Is The Lord” by Franz Schubert

Call to Worship

One: Dear Ones, come and find the quiet center!
Many: We seek the room for hope to enter.
One: Clear the chaos and the clutter.
Many: We are here to be at peace, and simply be.
One: May our hearts open for compassion.
Many: May God find room to dream and move in us

Hymn #2128: “Come and Find the Quiet Center”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of Hope,
You are ever seeking goodness
for your people.
You are ever dreaming a better way.
You are nudging us toward justice and
compassion.
You are celebrating steps toward
fuller lives,
large and small.
As we seek to connect with You,
help us open our hearts,
open our minds,
and listen with grace,
so we can take part in your
life-giving work. 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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Amos 8:1-12 and Psalm 52

Time for Young People

Hymn #441: “What Does the Lord Require”

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: “What is Justice?” – Rev. Joe Paparone

Responding

Offertory: “Bless Be The Tie That Binds” Arranged by Marilynn Ham

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 Seeking Compassion

God of Hope,
Before we can act,
we need to see your vision
for how life can be,
and how your people can be cared for.
As we begin to see what you want,
and what justice looks like,
free our hearts
to make it so.
May the gifts we give:
our prayers, our presence, our gifts,
our service, and our witness,
be blessed for the work of the kindom.
That is, may all that we give,
help this country and world
act with compassion to those
who are vulnerable.
Amen

Hymn #592: “When the Church of Jesus”

Benediction

Go, to seek justice.
Go, to live compassion.
Go, to share love.
Go, and know you are enough for this moment that God calls you to! Amen

Postlude: “All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name” Arranged by Mark Hayes