Online Worship
Worship for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 15, 2021
Photo by Zach Long
Getting Centered
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
“Grant us wisdom, for the facing of these days.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.
Prelude
“Ave Maria” by Giulio Caccini
Call to Worship
One: We center ourselves for worship.
Many: We come as wisdom seekers.
One: Grant us wisdom.
Many: We come to discern together.
One: Grant us compassion.
Many: Guide us, Holy One.
Hymn #577: God of Grace and God of Glory
Connecting in Prayer
Shared Prayer
Wisdom,
The world feels heavy on opinions,
and light on wisdom these days.
We are out of our depths,
trying to swim in murky waters with unknown undertows.
Yet we know you are with us,
we know you care,
we know you can guide us.
Show us the way
to listen well enough to you
that we can traverse these days
with grace and compassion.
Amen
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.
Word and Reflection
Choir Anthem
Ubi Caritas by Michael John Trotta
Children’s Time – Solomon and Big Tasks
Passing of the Peace
If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.
Hymn #451: Be Thou My Vision
Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon – The Fabled Wisdom of Solomon
Responding
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: “I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart” by Moses Hogan
Prayer of Presentation
Wise One,
You are the trust worthy one, but you trust us with the care of this world!
Guide our actions and our words,
bless our gifts and let them be useful to share your love.
Amen
Hymn #130: God Will Take Care of You
Benediction
May God’s wisdom guide you, bit by bit, until you find your way. Amen
Postlude
“God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” by Cathy Mokelbust
