First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Third Sunday after the Epiphany

January 29nd, 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

“Creator, create in us a loving spirit.”

Prelude

“More Love to Thee, O Christ” by William H. Doane, Arranged by Larry Wolz

Call to Worship

One: Sing aloud, shout with joy!
Many: We rejoice in song and in spirit!
One: Let your fears go.
Many: We trust in God!
One: Release the shame you hold.
Many: Our shame is transformed into praise.
One: Welcome home, beloveds.
Many: We have come to our shared home to worship God.

Hymn #408: “The Gift of Love”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God our Hope,
This life we lead is full of wonder.
This life we lead is full of pain.
We’re awed by the beauty of a single snowflake,
and startled by their power together.
Yet we worry about those sleeping outside in snow storms.
We’re amazed at the beauty of the people you’ve made,
but heartbroken at the ways your beloveds are treated.
Sometimes the shifts from awe to horror are so fast we get whiplash.
Help us hold it all, dear One.
Help us find our footing in this beautiful and broken world.
Keep our hearts open to see each other’s struggles
and the wonder all around us.
Deepen our humanity, Holy One.
Photo by Barbara Armstrong
Help us hold what needs to be held,
and help us let go of what needs to be let go.
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: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Time with Young People

Hymn #129: Give to the Winds Thy Fears

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-6,9-10

Sermon: “Everything Is Good”

Responding

Offertory: “My Jesus, I love Thee” by Adoniram J. Gordan, Arranged by Cindy Berry

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 Thanksgiving

Hymn #2120: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

Benediction

Postlude: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” by John Zundel, arranged by Don Phillips