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

July 24, 2022

Photo by Zach Long
Today’s worship focuses on the 50 years of explicit homophobia in The United Methodist Church, and it comes in three parts: Lament, Prayer, and Dreaming. We will lament those 50 years and the harm caused, pray for a better way, and dream with God what the church could and should look like

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.

Prelude

Meditation on “Bradbury” by William B. Bradbury
“A History Lesson” by Reverend Sara Baran
Scripture Reading: Psalm 13 with Alan Marshall
A Prayer Litany of Remembering
Response:
One: God of Love,
Many: We bring you our brokenness.
Witness of Karyn McCloskey

Hymn #2048: “God Weeps”

Praying

Where Are We Now?

Hymn #2200: “O Lord, Hear My Prayer”

A Prayer Litany of Seeking

Response:
One: God of Love. . .
Many: Guide your church, heal your world.
A Time for Considering Gifts and Giving
Offertory: “The Lord’s Prayer” Arranged by Fred Bock

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.

Dreaming

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hymn #383: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”

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: “A Glimpse of God’s Vision” – Rev. Sara Baron

Witness of Sylvester Doyer

Responding

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?

Anthem: “Draw the Circle Wide” by Mark Miller

Benediction

With Postlude: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Arranged by Carol Tornquist