First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 5th, 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, Holy Spirit”

Prelude

“Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision” by Robert Cull and a Traditional Irish Melody, Arranged by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: Open your hearts,
Many: God is here!
One: Open your hearts,
Many: God’s love still has more to do here!

Hymn #660: “God is Here”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Us All,
Remind us, as often as we need it,
of the common features of our humanity.
Of the realities of being embodied,
of the shared experiences of emotions,
of love and hurt, joy and anger,
sadness and grief.
Let them tie us together,
so we can hold each other up.
Remind us, as often as we need it.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

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: Isaiah 16:1-5

Poem: “My Grandmother Washes Her Feet in the Sink of the Bathroom at Sears” by Mohja Kahf

Time with Young People

Hymn #2126: All Who Hunger

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:1-6

Sermon: “Welcoming. . . Enemies?”

Responding

Offertory: “Change My Heart, Oh God” by Eddie Espinosa, 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 for our Enemies

Hymn #117: “Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past”

Benediction

Postlude: “Benediction” by Don Phillips