First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 20th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 23th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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.

Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Prelude

“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by George Stebbins

Call to Worship

One: How good it is to gather together,
Many: How wonderful it is to be able to share our joy!
One: How important it is to lift each other up,
Many: How lovely it is to attend to goodness!

Hymn #506: “Wellspring of Wisdom”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Lead Us Holy One,
Lead us down the roads of wonder,
into moments of awe,
so we stop to connect with you.
Lead us to still waters,
into experiences of safety,
so we know we can connect with you.
Lead us into clarity,
show us when to say “no”
so that we don’t fill our lives
so full we forget to connect with you.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Terry Phillips

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: Psalm 84:1-7

Time with Young People

Hymn #352: “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14

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: “Pride vs. Humility?”

Poem: “God Says Yes to Me” by Karyn McCloskey

Responding

Annual Conference Report

Offertory: “Nocturne in C-sharp Minor” by Frédéric Chopin

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 Prayer of Clarity

Hymn #120: “Your Love, O God”

Benediction

Postlude: “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” by Ludwig van Beethoven