First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
3rd Sunday of Easter / Native American Ministries Sunday

April 23th, 2023

Photo by Sue Learner

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 God, we listen for you.”

Prelude

“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” by Kathleen Thomerson

Call to Worship

One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you live the life I have given
to you?
Many: Like a still, deep pool in the desert, we will live in a way that reflects your love back onto your world.
One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you walk this path I have given to you?”
Many: Like the creatures of the forest, we will walk in a way that respects all life created by your hand.
One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you reach out to the world beyond yourselves?”
Many: Like the branches of a sapling, we will strive to reach beyond the safe and the familiar, touching the world in your name. Help us to remember we all are connected through the endless circle of life
and creation. Teach us to trust and follow the example of Jesus Christ who lived a life of sacrifice, walked a path of goodness and mercy, and reached beyond human differences.
Amen.

Hymn #311: “Now the Green Blade Riseth”

Passing the Peace

Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Creator God, as you have gathered us in generations past, lead and guide us this day
As we seek your wisdom and your vision for our people.
Give us eyes to see one another as you see us,
People of one God,
Connected to one another and to you
In all our relations, and in your son Jesus.
Give us ears to hear the wisdom of our elders
And the laughter of our children.
Give us words of blessing and healing for a hurting world.
Open our hearts and lead us on the path of peace.
We stand together on sacred ground with grateful hearts,
Knowing that the One who promises is faithful and true.
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: Deuteronomy 5:11-22

Poem: “Catlin’s Creed” by George Catlin

Mission Moment: Native American Ministries Sunday by Jan Huston

Time With Young People

Hymn #560: Help Us Accept Each Other

Scripture Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Sermon: “Love Your Neighbor”, Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Open My Eyes That I May See” by Clara Scott, arranged by Don Phillips

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

Benediction

“Praise His Greatness Medley”, arranged by Mark Hayes