First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18th, 2022

Photo by Larry McArthur

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

“Sinfony” from The Messiah, by Georg Friedrich Handel

“Air, Bourrée, Gavotte and Gigue” from Suite #3 in D Major, by Johann Sebastian Bach

Musical Call to Worship

“Prepare the Way of Zion”

Call to Worship

One: In an occupied land where the clatter of swords and hoofbeats of war horses drowned out the laughter of children…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: In a place where widows and orphans, sojourners and the poor, struggled to find food and shelter…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: In a world where those in power oppressed, raped and abused God’s beloveds…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: Now in this time and place, where swords still clatter, where people are hungry and house-less, where power and privilege oppress, rape, and abuse…
Many: Adonai, Lord of Light, Emmanuel we stand watchful for a holy hush to fall over the land and ask You to stand with us in this time and share Your peace.

Hymn #221: “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Peace” by Barbara Armstrong

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 4

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Hope, we wait in anxious anticipation for a holy hush, for a night of silence, for a choir of angels to speak to the shepherds of Your people and for kings and wise ones to recognize the wisdom of a child. We gather war-weary and scarred, with the shrapnel of injustices buried uncomfortably beneath our skin. We gather despite shame of having too little or too much, despite mistakes and misunderstandings, despite the abundance or lack of power and privilege. We gather with love, joy, and thanksgiving and ask for your help in pushing past the barriers the world puts in our way, that keep us from knowing the peace that you bring. God of Love, we offer ourselves to You, to be your hands and feet in building the kindom and the vessels that bring Your light and peace 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

Anthem

“Cradle Hymn” by Gordon Young

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Time with Young People

Anthem

“Bethlehem Morning” by Kirby Shaw, from a traditional melody

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Solo Vocalist

“Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton, Arranged by Craig Courtney

Verbal Reflection: “Peace”

Musical Reflection

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, Arranged by Sandra Eithun

Responding

Offertory: “Oh Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, arranged by Mark Hayes

A Time to Consider 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 Peace

Hymn #234: “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”

Benediction

Postlude: “Allegro” from Sinfonia in G Major by Tomaso Albinoni