First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

April 24, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Peace be with you, always.”
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

“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” by Lavawan Riley

Call to Worship

One: People of God, lean in.
Many: We’re listening.
One: Beloveds of God, get ready.
Many: We are preparing.
One: Jesus followers, pay attention.
Many: We are here, you have our attention.
One: Today you will hear of God’s dreams!
Many: May we be ready to enact them!

Hymn #2115: “Chris Has Risen”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Shalom,
In this Season of Easter we celebrate life,
and we yearn for the fullness of life
to reach all corners of the earth.
We recognize the radical call
to change the world
from one that values some
to one that values all,
and lets life become abundant everywhere.
Change our hearts,
loving one.
Kindle in us a passion for your work.
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

Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32 and John 20:19-31

Hymn #433: “All Who Love and Serve Your City”

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.

Sermon – Rev. Joe Paparone

Responding

Offertory: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”” arranged by Don Phillips

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?

A Shalom Prayer

God of Shalom,
As we listen to your beloveds
who live in poverty in our country,
we learn again how far
we are from living your dreams.
As we give to you out of our gratitude
for who you are,
may you bless our gifts
so they can bring about
your kindom
here on earth.
Amen

Hymn #312: “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”

Benediction

May the God of shalom, of peace, of wholeness be with you
and move in you
to create shalom
for everyone. Amen

Postlude

“Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” Arranged by Crystal Davis Clay