First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 29, 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

“Heart / of my own heart.”
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

“Chanson” by Kevin Norris

Call to Worship

One: Like the sweetness of an August tomato,
Many: God surprises us with goodness.
One: Like the juicy goodness of a summer peach,
Many: God’s love cannot be contained.
One: Like the robust flavor of fresh sweet corn,
Many: God’s wonders are beyond our imagination.

Hymn #544: Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

One Who Sees Us Clearly,
You love us.
You see who we are, what we do, how we act,
and you love us.
Your love is not conditional,
nor is it generic.
You know us and love us.
What a basis that is for our lives!
We are known,
and we are loved as we are.
Holy One,
may we live out your love.
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

The Gift of Love by Hal Hopson

Children’s Time – Power of Love

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 #430: O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

Scripture Reading – Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Sermon – Friend, Lover, Parent

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: “Siyahamba”

Prayer of Presentation

Heart of our own hearts,
When it comes to friends and family,
what we have is theirs.
When it comes to you,
all that we have we hold in trust from you.
As we give to you of our time, our talents,
and our treasures,
we ask that you receive them,
bless them with wisdom,
and use them with abundance.
We give out of our gratitude,
and we give with hope.
Amen

Hymn #572: Pass it On

Benediction

The God Who Is knows you as you are, loves you as you are, and is ready to connect with you when you are ready. May you find your ways to connect with the Holy One! Amen

Postlude

“Festive Trumpet Tune” by David German