First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
4th Sunday of Easter

April 30th, 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 (from Sarah Bessey Field)

Inhale: God with us.
Exhale: Still, always.

Prelude

“Sounds of Joy” by Barbara B. Kinyon

Call to Worship

One: Let us share good news: those who are oppressed,
Many: are not crushed.
One: Those who are knocked down
Many: are not destroyed.
One: God is with us,
Mary: still, always.

Hymn #303: “The Day of Resurrection”

Passing the Peace

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

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Resurrection,
you who meet us in our brokenness and love us towards wholeness,
you who speak life into life and even into death,
you who never give up,
we ask you to pick us up, wipe us off, and set us on your path again.
And we ask you to keep doing it as long as we need that help.
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: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Poem: “In Blackwater Woods” by Mary Oliver

Time With Young People

Hymn #318: Christ Is Alive

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:18-23

Sermon: “Perplexed, but NOT in Despair”, Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Simple Gifts” Traditional, Arranged by Bill Ingram

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 #307: “Christ Is Risen”

Benediction

“I Will Praise Him / May Jesus Christ Be Praised” Arranged by Carol Tornquist