First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
First Sunday of Advent

November 27th, 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

“We rejoice, we rejoice in you”

Prelude

“We Gather Together”, Netherlands Folk Hymn, Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: As one year ends and another begins.
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: As old dreams die and we feel set adrift
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: When we’re stuck in situations and long to be free
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: Despite sorrow and grief of nearly unbearable loss
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: In a world full of cruelty and strife, where fear and hunger abound
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: In the darkest of times, when we can’t see our next step.
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.

Hymn #206: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Hope” by Larry McArthur

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 1

Praying

Unison Prayer

Living Hope, we gather in hope and thanksgiving because we trust in you to hear out cries for a new year.
With room in our lives for new dreams burning bright
With freedom from the chains that once bound us
Filled with the love and laughter of children
And where all Your people know peace and plenty.
We offer ourselves to You, to be your hands and feet in the building the kindom and the vessels that bring
Your light to each other and to the world. Amen.

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

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: Genesis 16:7-13

Special Music: A Star in the East (The Southern Harmony 1854)

Time with Young People

Hymn #276: “The First One Ever”

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

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: “Hope”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: Aria and Musette from Divertimento No 4 by James Oswald

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?

Hymn #2122: “She Comes Sailing on the Wind”

Benediction

Postlude: Allegro from Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Major Op. 3 by Thomas Augustine Arne