Worship for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

May 22, 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-maker, fill our hearts.”
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

“Servant Medley” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: Lift up your hearts, holy ones,
Many: We lift them up to God.
One: Let down your guards, beloved ones.
Many: We let them down for God.
One: Allow yourself to be present, dear ones,
Many: Here, in the present, we worship God.

Hymn #307: “Christ is Risen”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creator of the universe,
you made the world in beauty,
and move all of creation towards glory.
We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured
by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,
your Spirit may appear
in justice, love, and peace.
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: Psalm 67 and John 14:23-29

Time for Young People: “The Sneetches” and “Reflections on The Sneetches”

Hymn #2145: “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”

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: “Radical…Peace?” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Intermezzo on Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni

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?

Peace Prayer

Peace-maker,
Help us dream of shalom.
Show us visions of peace.
Guide our hearts to your kindom.
And may our gifts
all of our gifts
bring peace and justice
to your beloveds.
Amen

Hymn #2171: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”

Benediction

May the Holy One who dreams with us, live out God’s dreams in us. Amen

Postlude

“We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise” Arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

May 15, 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

“Hope. Love.”
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

“The Bond of Love” Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: They’ll know we are Christians…
Many: by our love!
One: But, will they?
Many: Sometimes that’s harder than it sounds.
One: Sometimes we’re not as loving as we wish.
Many: And yet.
One: And yet God is not done with us yet?
Many: And yet God is not done with us yet.
Thanks be to God!

Hymn #384: “Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Eternal Love,
It is because of you that we hope.
It is because of you that we know ourselves to be loved and lovable.
It is because of you that we seek the kindom.
It is because you
and yours
have loved us, that we have love to share!
We are so grateful.
to be formed in love
and to have love to share!
Guide us,
that our love may be a source of life!
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: Revelation 21:1-6 and John 13:31-35

Time for Young People: “I Believe in the Sun”

Hymn #432: “Jesu, Jesu”

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: “Love. One. Another.” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go” – St. Margaret, Arranged Mark Hayes

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 Loving Prayer

O Holy One,
May the gifts we give,
in love,
be used
for love.
Amen

Hymn #560: “Help Us Accept Each Other”

Benediction

May the words be true: may we be known by our capacity to share God’s love, with one another and with the world. Amen

Postlude

On “Nettleton” (Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing) from John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

May 8, 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

“Shepherd, call to us now.”
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

“The Love of God” Arranged by Bruce Greer

Call to Worship

One: Welcome, students of God.
Many: We gather as those seeking wisdom and connection.
One: Welcome, beloveds of God.
Many: We worship out of a need to connect with Love.
One: Welcome, followers of Jesus.
Many: We seek to live lives reflecting Jesus.

Hymn #2114: “At the Font We Start Our Journey”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Leader,
You invite us to follow you,
and promise to lead the way.
But we get scared,
and often distracted.
Sometimes we can’t even
figure out
which way you are leading.
Help us discern,
help us notice,
help us follow.
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 9:36-43 and John 10:22-30

Time for Young People: “Friend of God”

Hymn #463: “Lord Speak to Me”

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: “Voices” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” from Brother James’ Air Arranged by Anna Laura Page

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 Listening Prayer

Leader,
You say we will
know your voice,
and sometimes we do,
but sometimes we
struggle.
We are trying.
Trying to listen.
Trying to respond.
Trying to live your love.
We are trying with
the gifts we give.
Help us, please!
Help these gifts be
useful for the kindom.
Help us listen.
Amen

Hymn #310: “He Lives”

Benediction

God is with us. May we follow God’s lead. Amen

Postlude

“Rondo Giocoso” by Douglas Wagner

Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

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

May 1, 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

“God of abundance, calm our fears.”
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

“Come, Christians Join to Sing” arranged by Bill Ingram Riley

Call to Worship

One: We gather to praise God,
Many: because God is with us.
One: We set our hearts on holy things,
Many: because God is a God of compassion.
One: We take time to worship,
Many: because we have known the wonder of love.

Hymn #454: “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creator of the universe,
you created the world with enough:
enough food, enough beauty, enough love.
When humans distort your creation,
with poverty, sickness, selfishness,
war and greed,
forgive us, and change our hearts,
so that your creation may glorify you with justice, love, and peace.
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: Psalm 30 and John 21:1-19

Time for Young People: “Zooming Out”

Hymn #314: “In the Garden”

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: “The Other Side of the Boat” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “This is My Song (or Be Still My Soul)” Arranged by Jason W. Krugs

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 Barrier Dropping Prayer

Creative One,
When we are stuck,
you are able to show us how to be freed.
When we are scared,
you are able to show us how to be generous.
When we put up barriers,
you are able to show us how to trust enough to let them fall.
As we offer to you our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our lives as witness,
we ask for your blessings on our gifts, that they may build the kindom and free others from their fear.
Amen

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Hymn #311: “Now the Green Blade Riseth”

Benediction

When you keep on doing the same thing, without the results you want,
may you hear God’s still-small-voice,
urging you to try the other side,
and may you be astounded by the results. Amen

Postlude

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” to the tune of MARION Arranged by Arthur Messiter

Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

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

Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 17, 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

“Alleluia, alleluia!”
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.

Easter Photo Show

See the pictures!

Prelude

“Galliard Battaglia” by Samuel Scheidt B
“Sonata from Die Bankelsangerlieder”
“Canzona per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli

Call to Worship

One: When God is up to something,
Many: God wins.
One: When love is up to something,
Many: Love wins.
One: If you try to stop God, to stop love,
Many: God breaks in anew.
One: Nothing, nothing!
Many: Not even the power of death!
One: Can stop God’s love.
Many: Alleluia, thanks be to God!

Hymn #302: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Life and Love,
We are an Easter people.
We are defined by your refusal to accept the world’s “no.”
We are defined by the ways you make a way out of no way,
that you spring forth with life
when it looked like death had won.
You are eternally new.
You are infinitely creative.
You are love.
And we are yours.
And we are grateful.
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: Isaiah 65:17-25 and John 20:1-8

Children’s Time: “Happy Easter!”

Hymn #318: “Christ Is Alive”

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: “The Richness of the Unknown” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Tone Poem on “Were You There” arranged by Virginia Halberg

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?

An Easter Prayer

God of Life and Love,
In all that you do, you enhance life and share love.
In all that we do, we seek to enhance life and share love.
May the gifts that we give, and the ones that we receive, be blessed as sources of life and love.
Amen

Hymn #304: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

Benediction

One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen indeed!
One: Go, people of a living God, and live out God’s love.
Many: Amen!

Postlude

“With the Lord Begin Your Task” by Johann Sebastian Bach arranged by Benjamin Culli

Worship for Palm Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

April 10, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

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

“God of justice, help us hear.”
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

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” by J.R. Sweney

Call to Worship

One: Hosanna!
Many: Blessed be the ones who come in the name of the Lord!
One: Peace be on earth!
Many: God saves!

Hymn #280: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Giver of light,
your steadfast love endures forever.
Open our hearts to the Blessed One
who entered Jerusalem
on a borrowed colt.
Open before us the
gates of your justice,
that we may enter,
and guide others in.
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: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19:28-40

Children’s Time: “Palm (not Psalm) Sunday”

Hymn #277: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”

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: “Nonviolent Protests” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “What Wondrous Love Is This”

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 Palm Sunday Protest Prayer

Holy One,
We have seen how you’ve worked through your prophets,
and through those faithful to you,
to change the world for the better.
We see how you work for justice.
We offer ourselves to you,
to work with you in justice work,
in kindom building,
in giving and receiving love.
Guide us, individually and together,
so the gifts we give
may be useful to your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #278: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

Benediction

Dear Ones, get up on your colts, and ride towards Jerusalem.
God is doing new things for justice, and calls us to work along side.
Thanks be to God! Amen

Postlude

“Open the Gates of the Temple” by Joseph Knapp

Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

April 3, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

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

“Holy One, help us let go of the past.”
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

“Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit (Kyrie, God the Creator Eternal)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: God tells us to let go of the past.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God is up to a new thing.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God calls us into the present.
Many: Here we are, and here we will stand.
(Even if we don’t feel ready.)

Hymn #506: “For the Fruits of this Creation”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

You Who Have Done Great Things For Us,
What a wonderful thing it is to live in this world!
The natural beauty astounds us!
The uniqueness and capabilities of humans amaze us!
There is generosity and beauty in abundance!
So many people see you and your goodness!
The miracles of life are stunning.
Help us see,
and remember,
the good and awe inspiring all around.
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: Psalm 126 and Isaiah 43:16-21

Children’s Time: “Tears to Joy”

Hymn #383: ““This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, verses 1-4

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: “Forgetting” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Christe, du Lamm Gottes (O Lamb of God Most Holy)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

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 Present to this Moment Prayer

God of Now,
Many of us slip too easily into the past,
worrying about how we might have acted differently,
remembering with joy what was,
aching for those we’ve lost,
aching for that which we’ve lost.
Many of us slip too easily into the future,
dreaming of what will come,
hoping for renewal,
wishing away the present.
Yet, you meet us here, in the present.
Even when it is hard,
even when it is scary,
even when it feels out of control.
We meet each other here, in the present,
knowing we are neither who we were,
nor who we will be,
but only who we are right now.
We give to you our gifts,
here in the present,
hoping they are useful now,
and useful for building a better future.

Hymn #388: “O Come and Dwell in Me”

Benediction

God is with you, here and now.
And you are ready and able to be with God in God’s new things.
Thanks be to God. Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (Who only lets God Guide)” by Johann Sebastian Bach