First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 21st Sunday after the Pentecost

October 30th, 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.

Jesus Prayer

“You lead us out in joy, and back in peace.”

Prelude

“Speak to My Heart / Breathe on Me” by B.B. McKinney

Call to Worship

One: Sing to the Holy One a new song!
Many: God does marvelous things.
One: Our Creator is one of steadfast love and faithfulness.
Many: We gather to share our joy with the Divine!

Hymn: “We Are Called to Be God’s People”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Creator,
We look at your creation,
and we are awed.
We look at your people,
and we are amazed.
We gather together,
and laughter emerges.
You have given us so many sources of joy.
Guide us towards them.
Help us notice.
Remind us to savor.
May your joy live in us.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

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

Poem: “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter” by J.R.R. Tolkein

Scripture Reading: Psalm 98:1-6

Time with Young People: “Joy”

Hymn: “Speak, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

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: “Joy and Protest”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: “Give Thanks” by Henry Smith arranged by Fred Bock

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 of Joy

Hymn #2279: “The Trees of the Field”

Benediction

Postlude: “Benediction” by Don Phillips