First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Epiphany Sunday

January 8th, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

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

“Gather us in, Radical Love.”

Prelude

“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” by John Hatton

Call to Worship

One: Welcome, you who hunger and thirst for justice.
Many: We come seeking.
One: Welcome, you who are horrified by power plays.
Many: We come hoping.
One: Welcome, you who are exhausted by hierarchies.
Many: We come for a different way of life.
One: Welcome, beloveds of God.
Many: We come to remember and learn the ways of God.

Hymn #244: “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Radical Love,
The constancy of your love astounds us. The extents of your grace amaze us. Your capacity for mercy astonishes us. Help us take it all in.
Let it change us from the inside out. And then, Radical Love,
let it live in us.
Amen

Pastoral Prayer

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: Isaiah 60:1-6

Hymn #2094: Carol of the Epiphany

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon: “Radical Experience of Acceptance”

Responding

Offertory: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by Timothy R. Matthews arranged by Bill Wolaver

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 Radical Acceptance

Hymn #251: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

Benediction

Postlude: “The March of the Wise Men” by Harvey B. Gaul