First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 12th, 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

“God is love. Let us love like God.”

Prelude

“Speak, O Lord” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, Arranged by Dave Mincy

Call to Worship

ONE: Let us worship the eternal God, the source of love and life.
ALL: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the risen one, who lives among us.
ONE: Let us worship the Spirit, the holy fire, who renews us.
ALL: To the God of love be praise
In all times and places
Let us worship God!

Hymn #120: “Your Love, O God”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of justice and compassion,
as we come into worship,
Remind us of who we are.
Remind us where our help comes from.
Remind us of what we are called to be.
Call us back from our own ways.
Give us the courage to love and to love boldly
Even when it is not popular.
Even when others tell us to hate.
Renew us and restore us to right relationships with others and with You.
May it be so, Amen.

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Elaine Troy

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: Song of Songs 4:9-15

Hymn #475: Come Down, O Love Divine

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10

Sermon: “What Is Love? Baby Don’t Hurt Me”, Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck

Responding

Offertory: “I Love You, Lord” by Laurie Klein, Arranged by Bruce Greer

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?

Offertory Prayer

For gifts of a baby’s laughter and sunshine.
For gifts of crisp mornings and rainbows of autumn leaves.
For gifts of a quiet moment and warm cup of tea.
For these and all the gifts given,
May we give them back to the world in need of more love, more care,
and more peace. Amen.

A Prayer for our Enemies

Hymn #2223: “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”

Benediction

Postlude: “Nettleton” from John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music; Arranged by James Roberts