First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 22nd, 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

“You are, the Rock Who Gave Us Birth.”

Prelude

“His Name Is Wonderful” by Audrey Mieir, Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: There is hope.
Many: In God, there is always hope.
One: There is enough.
Many: God gives with abundance.
One: Breathe deeply, dear ones. You are safe here.
Many: Thanks be to God!

Hymn #2012: “Let Us with a Joyful Mind”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God Who Sees,
Being alive is not easy.
Struggles arise, violence comes, trauma emerges, and often stays. We seek healing, but we can’t always find it.
We want to grow, but sometimes we fade.
And you are with us. And you are love.
And love wins.
Remind us to have hope, show us where to turn, let us rest in you, until healing can come.
Again and again, whenever we need it.
Whatever has been, whatever is, whatever will be, you are God. Praise be.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Pastoral 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: Psalm 18:2-11,16-19

Time with Young People

Hymn #127: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-7

Sermon: “Rebuilding After Trauma”

Responding

Offertory: “Sonata in C Major, K. 545, Andante (2nd Movement)” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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 Rebuilding

Hymn #528: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”

Benediction

Postlude: “How Firm a Foundation”, Traditional American Melody, arranged by Michael Sharp