
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
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?