Worship for All Saints Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for All Saints Sunday

November 7, 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

“Remember the Saints”
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

“In Memoriam” by Flor Peeters

Call to Worship

One: I will bless God at all times;
whose praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Many: My soul makes its boast in God;
let the afflicted hear and be glad.
One: O magnify God with me, and
let us exalt the divine name together.
Many: Happy are those who take refuge in God!

Hymn #64: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Living God, shake us out of our contentment with a divided Church. In our thanksgiving for the saints in heaven, deliver us from imagining them as all our sort of people. And in our dealing with our fellow Christians on earth, show us how to be true to our consciences without being untrue to the law of 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

Children’s Time

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 #558: We Are the Church

Scripture Reading – Matthew 5:1-10

Sermon: “The Gift of the Saints” – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: “For All the Saints (Sine Nomine)” by Raymond H. Haan

Hymn #711: For All the Saints

Benediction

Celebrate the saints of your past by becoming a saint for someone’s future.
Amen

Postlude

Elegy on Sine Nomine (from the Triptych) by Alfred V. Fedak

Worship for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

October 31, 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

“Let me treasure giving.”
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

“Elegy” by George Thalben-Ball

Call to Worship

One: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
Many: the ordinances of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
One: More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
Many: sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
One: Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Many: But who can understand one’s own errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
One: Also keep your servant from the insolent;
let them not have dominion over me!
Many: Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

Hymn #145: Morning Has Broken

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy Spirit, hear us as we pray. Take the
faltering and stumbling words we say and turn
them into songs. So you will help us give to
God the praise we want to give. Holy Spirit,
speak to us as we pray. Bring merciful and
forgiving words today from God the Author of
our faith. Thus you will help us find the peace
we need to find and to live the life we ought to
live. 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

Children’s Time

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 #549: Where Charity and Love Prevail

Scripture Reading – Luke 12:16-21

Sermon: “Stored Treasures, Lapsed Morals” – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: Trumpet in Dialogue” (from Suite on the First Tone) by Louis Clerembault

Hymn #664: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing

Benediction

Let us go to share our treasures through love. Amen.

Postlude

“Festive Trumpet Tune” by David German

Worship for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

October 24, 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

“Love be our duty.”
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

“I Want A Principle Within” by Robert J. Powell

Call to Worship

One: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Many: I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
One: Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.
Many: When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
One: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God,
Many: who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
One: who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
Many: the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those
who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
One: The LORD watches over the strangers; upholds the orphan and
the widow, but brings to ruin the way of the wicked.
Many: The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD!

Hymn #410: I Want a Principle Within

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our God, in mystery and silence you are present with us, bringing new life out of destruction, hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty. We thank you that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole. Help us to perceive your presence in the unfolding of our lives, and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit, that we may know the joy you give your people. 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

Children’s Time

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 #581: Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service

Scripture Reading – Mark 12:38-44

Sermon: Duty – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: “Angélus” (from Sand Salvator) by Henri Mulet

Hymn #408: The Gift of Love

Benediction

May we serve God through love as we fulfill our duty in service to all we meet.
Amen.

Postlude

Finale from Variations on “The Gift of Love” by Janet Linker

Worship for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

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

October 17, 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

“Open my eyes.”
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

Ornamented Chorale on “Hymn to Joy” by David Christiansen

Call to Worship

One: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Many: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
One: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Many: yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our God, great, eternal, wonderful, utterly to be trusted: you give life to us all, you help those who come to you, you give hope to those who appeal to you. Forgive our sins, secret and open, and rid us of every habit of thought, which is foreign to the gospel. Set our hearts and consciences at peace, so that we may bring our prayers to you confidently and without fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

Children’s Time

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 #114: Many Gifts, One Spirit

Scripture Reading – Mark 7:1-8,14-15

Sermon: The Face of Good – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: Chant donné by Maurice Duruflé

Hymn: The Loving Ways of Jesus

Benediction

May God guide us in living the Divine love as we show grace and mercy in our thoughts and actions. Amen.

Postlude

On the Swedish tune “Bred Dina Vida Vingar” by J. Wayne Kerr

Worship for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

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

October 10, 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

“Support of life. Life of Support.”
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

“Tierce En Taille” by Francois Couperin

Call to Worship

One: O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Many: Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart
One: who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
Many: in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
One: who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent
Many: Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Hymn #384: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God,
open my eyes that I may see the needs of others;
open my ears that I may hear their cries;
open my heart so that they need not be without succor;
let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the
strong, nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich.
Show me where love and hope and faith are needed,
and use me to bring them to those places.
And so open my eyes and my ears
that I may be able to do some work of peace for you. 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

Children’s Time

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 #548: In Christ There Is No East or West

Scripture Reading – Romans 3:21-26

Sermon: Paul and the Cherry Pickers – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow by Johann Pachelbel

Hymn #438: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord

Benediction

Be in peace as God gives you peace. Amen.

Postlude

“Dialogue on the Trumpet” by Francois Couperin

Worship for World Communion Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for World Communion Sunday

October 3, 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

“Food of life, drink of 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

“Allegretto” on Dove of Peace by Robert J. Powell

Call to Worship

One: We come together to remember and celebrate.
Many: We remember how Jesus lived a life of love.
We celebrate that we can do the same.

Hymn: We Come Recalling Jesus’ Love

A poem by Bill Pattison

We come recalling Jesus’ love for people from far and near
And in the cup and bread we find our call to share and care.
By coming to this act of praise we learn to see the way
That leads to serving in his name the folks we meet each day.
We celebrate the joy it is to live among good friends
And in the strength of unity we welcome strangers in.

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God, in this service we recall how Jesus shared meals with his friends. They ate bread and drank wine together. After his death, his friends continued to remember him through such sharing. Help us remember the loving ways of Jesus as we share in this time together. 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.

Mission Moment

Schenectady Community Ministries – Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos

For decades, the First United Methodist Church has been an active presence in and for Schenectady standing for welcome and hospitality, justice and equity, seeking ways to bridge the gaps that exist because poverty is a system imposed on many in our community. In the 1960s, pastoral and lay leaders of the FUMC were instrumental in encouraging the founding of the former Schenectady Ecumenical Urban Ministry, now the Schenectady Community Ministries. FUMC was instrumental some years later in the establishment of SiCM’s food pantry, housing the pantry for many years. FUMC’s footprint in SiCM is wide and deep through continued and faithful financial support (which we greatly need!), with volunteers and board leaders (for which we are blessed and grateful for), and with your continued witness as a faith community member of SiCM.

These many years later, the collaborative witness and commitment to justice of the FUMC alongside the other member faith communities that make up the SiCM collaborative continues to impact and be present with Schenectady. Together we manage the largest food pantry in Schenectady County (serving over 10,000 households/year), manage the count-wide summer meals program (distributing over 50,000 meals to children and youth), and manage a community farm with over 1.5 acres of urban farmland. Together we built a community hub that is set to open soon as an expanded safe space for everyone that knows SiCM to be generative, welcoming space. Together. We are able do this only together. This World Communion Sunday I encourage you to thank God for the opportunity of working across every diversity that makes
the human creation in seeking to build a faithful, just, verdant and equitable world – starting with everyone that calls Schenectady home.
To learn more about the work you are a part of through SiCM, and to join and support that work, please visit us online at sicm.us/donate or send me an email at ed@sicm.us. I look forward to reading from you!

Word and Reflection

Children’s Time

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 #618: Let Us Break Bread Together

Scripture Reading – Mark 4:30-32

Sermon – The Aphorism That Grew – Rev. Bill Pattison

Communion

Invitation from Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos

(You are invited to take your own elements, pray and consume as the Spirit moves you.)

Prayer: Because Jesus called people his friends, and broke bread with them and shared the cup with a thankful heart, so now we break bread and share the fruit of the vine, asking you to blend your action with ours so that we may be united in all our living.
All: Amen.
Sharing the Elements

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?

Hymn #614: For the Bread Which You Have Broken

Benediction

Be in peace as God gives you peace. Amen.

Postlude

On “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” by David Cherwien

Worship for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

September 26, 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

“God is 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

“Prelude in G Major” by Felix Mendelssohn

Call to Worship

One: Blessed are those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked;
Many: or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
One: but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
Many: and on God’s law they meditate day and night

Hymn #97: For the Fruits of This Creation

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. As we gather in this place, fill our very being. As we worship, we remember our siblings who are worshiping elsewhere throughout the world. Inspire each of us to work more faithfully for the justice and dignity of life everywhere. Raise our vision above the barriers that separate us. Give us wisdom as we deal with one another. Help us to recognize and to respect different ways, rather than to judge. In the name of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve, awake in us the desire to seek your way of serving in the world. 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.

Mission Moment

Schenectady Community Ministries Food Program – Jan Huston

Next Sunday is World Communion Sunday. On that day First UMC has traditionally tried to do something to alleviate hunger. This year the Intersectional Justice team chose to focus on hunger in Schenectady. You are encouraged to contribute to the Schenectady Community
Ministries (SiCM) Emergency Food program next week either by bringing nonperishable food or by making a financial contribution. Checks or money can be put in the offering box. Checks can be made out to FUMC with SiCM in the notation. Or you can donate online by going to the church website.

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell

Children’s Time

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 #2185: For One Great Peace

Scripture Reading – James 3:13-18

Sermon – Seeking Wisdom – Rev. Bill Pattison

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: “Praise His Holy Name” by Calvin Hampton

Prayer of Presentation

Generous, giving God;
we offer our gifts to you
in gratitude
for all the blessings
you rain down upon us.
Your sunshine warms us,
your earth feeds us,
and your word nourishes us.
More than just gifts of money,
we give ourselves—our time and our energy—
that we might be doers of your word and not just hearers only.
Amen.

Hymn #115: How Like a Gentle Spirit

Benediction

Be in peace and share your peace with others. Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

September 19, 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

“We are made in your image, Holy One.”
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

“Sicilienne” by Marie Teresa van Paradis arr. Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: Holy One, as we seek to be faithful,
Many: guide our speaking.
One: God of Love, as we seek to be authentic,
Many: guide our silence.
One: God of Relationships, as we seek to live your love,
Many: guide our listening.

Hymn #593: Here I Am, Lord

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God, Wisdom of the universe, you bear the pain of your people. Grant us the gift of wisdom, that we may discern your way and live justly and graciously amid the struggles of this world. 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

Teach Me, O Lord by Philip Stopford

Children’s Time – Speaking 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: God Be In My Head

Scripture Reading – James 3:1-12

Sermon – Speaking

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: “Praise His Holy Name” by Calvin Hampton

Prayer of Presentation

In giving, we receive.
In speaking, we learn.
In listening, we become whole.
In sharing, we become rich.
In connecting, we know ourselves.
Holy One, bless our gifts,
as you bless us
in the giving.
Amen

Hymn #463: Lord, Speak to Me

Benediction

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, God of Relationships. Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” by CS Lang

Worship for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

September 12, 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

“Teach us of equality, Holy One.”
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 Heart of Peace” by Mons Leidvin Takle

Call to Worship

One: Siblings in Christ, come, take a seat.
Many: We gather to worship the Great Equalizer.
One: Beloveds of God, prepare your hearts for worship.
Many: We let go of the hierarchies of the world, to enter into the realm of God.

Hymn: For Everyone Born

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of All of History,
Twenty years ago, the United States was united in grief and horror.
We remember when the towers fell and the lives were lost;
we remember the dust and the smoke, the despair, and the grief.
We remember that sense of vulnerability and shock.
We remember the heroes, those who rushed to help,
who guided the wounded down innumerable flights of stairs,
who rose to overwhelm those who held death in their hands.
We remember the hours and the days of binding wounds
and healing hurts, giving comfort, drying tears.
We remember words of support and compassion
from nations far and wide. We remember.
As we remember,
may we seek justice and peace where it is within our ability,
and rely on you when the ability escapes us.
May we live your love when hate seems to reign.
May we bear witness to the cause of peace.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of All History,
September 11th, 2001 existed within the bounds of history.
Those who attacked were responding to experiences in their own lives, and
those who protected responded to experiences in their lives.
Countless people acted out of selfless love,
many of whom sacrificed everything.
Loved ones of those who died still grieve.
Our national history was transformed on that day.
Our war in Afghanistan started,
asking huge sacrifices of those who serve in our military,
and even more from Afghani citizens who worked with us.
Twenty years later we look in horror at the ways we’ve abandoned our allies,
and at the outcome of our presence.
Life transformed on that day,
and the impacts are felt deeply today.
Loving God, we have so many requests of you:
be a source of strength and peace to those
who are grieving,
be a source of hope to those
who are still hurting,
be a source of wisdom to those
who make decisions,
be a source of grace to those
who have been harmed,
be a meaning maker for all of us,
that we can take from our history the
motivation to do better,
and leave behind the anger that would
guide us to do more harm.
Amen

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

“Dona Nobis Pacem by Mark Miller

Children’s Time – James on the Rich and the Poor

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 #592: When the Church of Jesus

Scripture Reading – James 2:1-10, 14-17

Sermon – Mutuality

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 Want Jesus to Walk With Me” by Edward Boatner

Prayer of Presentation

God of Equity,
You know us.
You know what we have, and what we don’t have.
You know what we can give, and
what we simply cannot give.
We offer to You our prayers, our presence, our gifts,
our service, and our witness.
We offer it to You in gratitude for what we have,
and in hope for what might be.
We give knowing that we can only give of what we have.
We give trusting that you will make what we have given a blessing to others. We give in hope and trust.
Amen

Hymn #729: O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines

Benediction

May God guide us toward mutuality, towards authentic connections, toward humility, and always – always – towards love! Amen

Postlude

“Processional in F# minor” by Stephen H. Best

Worship for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

September 5, 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

“Slow us down, God of eternity.”
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

“Gather Us In” by Marty Haugen (arr. John Behnke)

Call to Worship

One: Gentle hearts, gather peace.
Many: We trust that the God of Peace is with us.
One: People who do good, gather wisdom.
Many: We trust that the God of Wisdom is with us.
One: Care givers, gather love.
Many: We trust that the God of Love is with us.

Hymn #430: O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Eternal God,
We leap to respond.
We leap to answer.
We leap to act.
Often we leap too fast.
We forget to look, plan, assess,
and check our assumptions.
Help us leap to listen,
but be slow to respond.
Help us leap to care,
but be slow to anger.
Help us leap to love,
but be wise in our actions.
Help us, eternal one,
to remember that
we have enough time
to slow down,
even now.
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

We Give Thee But Thine Own by Fred Gramman

Mission Moment – UMCOR Hurricane Ida

Jan Huston

Another disaster = Another time when Christian Love in Action is needed!
In response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida, much of which is still becoming clear, UMCOR remains in prayer for the many communities impacted by this major storm.
UMCOR is in coordination with conference disaster response coordinators in the region to assess the scale of damage and has awarded a grant to the Louisiana Conference to support initial emergency relief efforts.
Once the situation evolves, early response teams will be invited by the conference to help with needs such as debris removal and the tarping of roofs.

Join the work of U.S. Disaster Response by making a gift:

• Write a check to FUMC with 901670 or US Disaster Response in the notation
• Give cash in the donation box using an envelope labeled UMCOR
• Give online on FUMC’s website
• Give online at the UMC Mission project website

Children’s Time – What is Religion?

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: Be Doers of the Word of God

Scripture Reading – James 1:17-27

Sermon – Interconnected

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: “Bwana Awabariki” by Eugen Butler

Prayer of Presentation

Generous, giving God;
we offer our gifts to you in gratitude for all the blessings you rain down upon us.
Your sunshine warms us, your earth feeds us, and your word nourishes us.
More than just gifts of money, we give ourselves — our time and our energy— that we might be doers of your word and not just hearers only.
Amen.

Hymn #438: Forth In Thy Name, O Lord

Benediction

Dear ones, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. In doing so, you make space for God to work! Amen

Postlude

“Jubilation” by Fred Gramann