Online Worship
Worship for Easter Sunday
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Easter Sunday
April 9th, 2023
Photo by Larry McArthur
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
“Alleluia.” (Which means, “God be praised.”)
Prelude
“Galliard Battaglia” by Samuel Scheidt arranged by Robert King
“Three Pieces” by Ludwig Maurer arranged by Robert Nagel
III. “Allegro grazioso, un poco agitato”
“Sonata” from “Die Bankelsangerlieder” Anonymous, arranged by Robert King
“With the Lord Begin Your Task” (based on Psalm XIX) by Benedetto Marcello arranged E.S. Bach
Call to Worship
One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Many: He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
One: In a time of deep despair and grief
Many: Hope showed up.
One: When all seemed lost,
Many: God showed the way.
One: Nothing can stop God.
Many: Love always wins in the end. Alleluia!
Hymn #302: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Praying
Unison Prayer
Praise Worthy God,
You who bring hope out of despair,
life out of death,
joy out of sorrow,
healing out of trauma,
and laughter out of tears,
we are here to celebrate You.
To have hope.
To be alive.
To rejoice.
To heal.
To laugh.
And for that, we give you thanks.
Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent 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 49:1-13
Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Poem: “Apple Blossoms” by Susan Kelley-DeWitt
Time With Young People
Scripture Reading: John 20:1-8
Sermon: “Yes to Hope”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “Rejoice, The Lord Is King” John Darwall
arranged by John Rutter
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
Hymn #312: “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”
Benediction
“Sonata per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli arranged by Robert King
