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

August 7, 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

“Show us your ways, God of Goodness.”
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, Holy” by Jimmy Owen

Call to Worship

One: They say they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Many: Not our worship, but our love.
One: What does the love look like?
Many Seeking justice, doing good, rescuing the oppressed, defending those without power, pleading for those without resources.

Hymn #2175: “Together We Serve”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of justice,
you show us truth with compassion.
Let your hope restore us,
that we may walk in your way,
seeking justice and doing good. 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: Isaiah 1:1,10-20; Luke 12:32-40

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

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: Rev. Jane Baker

Responding

Offertory: “My Lord, What a Mornin’” Arranged by Calvin Taylor

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 to do Good

Holy One,
We are too easily distracted
to consistently follow your ways,
so we are thankful for your patience and grace.
May the gifts we give to each other and to your beloveds in this world be blessed
to be gifts that bring goodness, justice, and hope.
Amen

Hymn #2241: “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”

Benediction

Dear ones, we are made for relationship. We are made for God and for each other. Take care of each other, and trust that it matters! Amen

Postlude: “We Are God’s People” Arranged by Fred Bock