Worship for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Worship for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 22, 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

“My soul / longs for You.”
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 Maria Teresa von Paradis

Call to Worship

One: As we move through the dry valleys of life,
Many: God is with us.
One: As we walk the stony paths of life,
Many: God is with us.
One: When we reach mountaintops,
Many: God is with us.
One: No matter where we go.
Many: God is with us.

Hymn #147: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

You Who Are,
With you there is abiding peace,
profound joy,
never-ending love,
hope without end.
Your presence brings us strength,
wisdom, and healing.
We seek you,
sometimes we even seek you well.
May our hearts be opened,
so we can feel you
seeking us
too.
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

For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter

Mission Moment

Haiti Earthquake – Jan Huston

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is working with partners in Haiti to how to best meet the immediate needs of survivors following last week’s devastating earthquake. We can help by making a gift to International Disaster Response. You can do this by giving a check to FUMC with “disaster response” in the notation, by giving online on the FUMC website, or by giving online at the UMCOR website using the link mentioned.

Children’s Time – God’s House

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 #2042: How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely

Scripture Reading – Psalm 84

Sermon – Blessings on the Journey

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: “You Are Holy” by Per Harling

Prayer of Presentation

You Who Are,
All of creation sings of your glory.
While we continue to wait to sing together,
we offer our praises in other ways.
May the gifts that we give be received for the
building of the kindom.
May they be used with generosity and abundance.
May wisdom guide those who decide how to
share your gifts. Amen

Hymn #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Benediction

May you find that life-giving rain comes early, and God’s blessings are abundant along your journey! Amen

Postlude

“Rondeau” by Jean Joseph Mouret

Worship for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 15, 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

“Grant us wisdom, for the facing of these days.”
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

“Ave Maria” by Giulio Caccini

Call to Worship

One: We center ourselves for worship.
Many: We come as wisdom seekers.
One: Grant us wisdom.
Many: We come to discern together.
One: Grant us compassion.
Many: Guide us, Holy One.

Hymn #577: God of Grace and God of Glory

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Wisdom,
The world feels heavy on opinions,
and light on wisdom these days.
We are out of our depths,
trying to swim in murky waters with unknown undertows.
Yet we know you are with us,
we know you care,
we know you can guide us.
Show us the way
to listen well enough to you
that we can traverse these days
with grace and compassion.
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

Ubi Caritas by Michael John Trotta

Children’s Time – Solomon and Big Tasks

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 #451: Be Thou My Vision

Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

Sermon – The Fabled Wisdom of Solomon

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’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart” by Moses Hogan

https://youtu.be/KgXvSbGtexo

Prayer of Presentation

Wise One,
You are the trust worthy one, but you trust us with the care of this world!
Guide our actions and our words,
bless our gifts and let them be useful to share your love.
Amen

Hymn #130: God Will Take Care of You

Benediction

May God’s wisdom guide you, bit by bit, until you find your way. Amen

Postlude

“God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” by Cathy Mokelbust

Worship for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 8, 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

“Grant us rest, 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

Prelude from “Lyric Suite” by Alfred V. Fedak

Call to Worship

One: When we are in the pits of despair,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When we’re beyond exhaustion,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When we feel all alone,
Many: God is still with us.
One: When hope is far away
Many: God is still with us.
One: No matter who we are or where we go,
Many: God is with us.

Hymn #505: When Our Confidence Is Shaken

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy One,
You who are always with us,
Help us accept your gifts:
the rest, the nourishment, the hydration, and the love.
Remind us not to empty our own wells,
and to allow you to refill them.
Help us let ourselves rest – and act –
and be revived.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Holy One,
You are with us day in and day out,
loving, supporting, and encouraging us.
You know us.
You see what we do, and what we don’t do,
you hear what we say, and what we refrain from saying.
You love us as we are.
You know what we need, and what we can do,
you encourage us.
You see the pain of the world, and
you respond with love.
You hear the aching of our hearts, and you
seek to heal.
You see the injustices, and you seek justice.
Remind us to trust you,
not only to guide us,
but also to help us along the way.
Remind us that we do not have to be all things,
nor do all things,
but simply respond to your love
in kind.
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

Will You Come and Follow Me by Tom Trenney

Scripture Reading – Psalm 14

Children’s Time – Elijah, Angels, and Comfort

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 #2202: Come Away With Me

Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 19:4-8

Sermon – God, Stress, and Abundant Lives

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: “On God and Not Human Trust” by Johann Pachelbel

Prayer of Presentation

Holy One who is always with us,
Your gifts bring us life, and life abundant.
May we savor what you offer, and
give it away with generosity.
Amen

Hymn #334: Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Benediction

May you find rest, complete stress cycles, and be a blessing to God’s world.
Amen

Postlude

“Celebration” by Charles Callahan

Worship for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 1, 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

“You who are / help us be.”
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

“Lord of the Dance” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: Wherever you’ve been on your journey, welcome.
Many: God invites us all in.
One: Wherever you are on your journey, welcome.
Many: God loves us as we are.
One: Wherever you are going on your journey, welcome.
Many: Wherever we go, God is with us.

Hymn #127: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God Who Listens,
You listen to what we say, and what we don’t say,
what we do and what we don’t do,
what we want and what we need,
who we love,
and what we fear.
You know us, and you listen to us.
Being heard, being known, being loved heals us.
Help us listen, like you Holy One.
Help us listen with compassion,
help us listen to understand and to heal.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God We Can Trust,
As the people learned to trust you in the desert,
we too are learning to trust you when
our lives are disrupted and disjointed.
When we struggle, we can remember
you are close at hand.
When we worry, we can rely on you.
Open our hearts to you, to each other,
to all the world,
so that we can be your love,
and you can heal us all.
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

Lord of the Dance

Scripture Reading – Psalm 14

Children’s Time – Trusting God in the Desert

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 #2126: All Who Hunger

Scripture Reading – Exodus 16: 2-4, 9-15

Sermon – Every. Single. Time.

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: “My Lord, What a Morning” by Lois Land

Prayer of Presentation

God who listens and cares,
You have given us so much, and
we seek to respond with our gratitude.
May the gifts that we offer to you and
your kindom be blessed,
to be used with wisdom and compassion.
Amen

Hymn #463: Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak

Benediction

God is trustworthy, God feeds us, God listens and cares. Go, trusting God, and receiving God’s gifts. Amen

Postlude

“Fantasia” by Johann Pachelbel

Worship for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

July 25, 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 of silence, help us listen”
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

“Offertoire” by Théodore Dubois

Call to Worship

One: Speaking truth is hard work.
Many: People don’t like it.
One: Speaking truth is holy work.
Many: It is a piece of God’s loving labor.

Hymn #395: Take Time to Be Holy

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

One who calls prophets, One who calls teachers,
One who calls artists, One who calls healers,
One who calls us all,
The work you ask us to do for the kindom is so diverse.
Sometimes it even seems at odds with itself,
but you are the mastermind,
the one who sees,
the one who finds in chaos
the capacity to build love.
Help us listen to what you ask of us,
and trust each other
even when what we’re called to do differs.
Help us be faithful to what you ask of us,
and supportive of all. Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of words, and no words,
Humans fight about authority – who
has it right and who has it wrong (and
how they can prove it).
Sometimes when someone is really
great at something, we assume they
know more about everything. But they
don’t.
Sometimes when someone is really
smart in one area, we assume they
know about other areas too, but they
don’t.
We don’t know who to trust, or how to
decide.
We don’t know where authority lies.
And often we struggle to trust ourselves, and to trust our own sense of your wisdom.
But you are with us anyway. And we have wisdom anyway.
Guide us towards you, and towards ourselves.
Help us find our way to trust.
To letting go of authority, and leaning into grace. 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

We Give Thee But Thine Own by Neil Harmon

Scripture Reading – Psalm 14

Children’s Time – Candles

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 #400: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Scripture Reading – 2 Samuel 11:1-15

Sermon – A God Who Cares (about people)

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 the Beauty of the Earth” by Calvin Hampton

Prayer of Presentation

God of silence, God of words,
You know both what we give and what we keep.
Bless them both.
Bless all of our lives, all of our work, all of our
relationships, all of our contributions.
We seek to give them to you,
to be used in the service of love.
Amen

Hymn #426: Behold a Broken World

Benediction

Dear ones, God is talking to you. Maybe in the quiet, maybe in the chaos,
but God is talking. Listen. It will bless you. Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” by C. S. Lang

Worship for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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

July 18, 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

“You are / always with us.”
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

“Cantilene” by Malcolm Archer

Call to Worship

One: Our Holy One, the one who cares for us, invites us to worship.
Many: In worship, we are led to safe, still waters.
One: God notices, and cares for our needs.
Many: God invites us to see the needs of others.
One: God offers us rest,
Many: and God calls us to action.
One: In all that we are, God is with us.
Many: Thanks be to God.

Hymn #518: O Thou, In Whose Presence

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Good Shepherd,
If we’re honest, sheep are quite dependent on their shepherds.
If we’re honest, we’re quite dependent on you.
This isn’t always comfortable, or easy, but it is true.
We’re dependent on each other too.
Help us, Holy One, to be dependable for each other,
because we keep on learning to be dependent on you.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Good Shepherd,
A shepherd is only as good as their care for their sheep.
What a funny thing to remember that you are inter-dependent with us.
What a wonderful thing to consider that we truly matter to you.
For millennia, people have been relieved to think of you caring for us as a shepherd cares for their vulnerable sheep.
It seems we know we are vulnerable, and need of care.
Yet often we fight it, and fight you, and act like toddlers wanting to do everything ourselves.
Guide us, Holy One, to the wisdom of interdependence. Help us find empathy for ourselves and for others.
Open our hearts.
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

Way Maker by Sinach

Mission Moment: Update from Belinda Forbes

FUMC is fortunate to have a Covenant Relationship with our missionary, Dr. Belinda Forbes. Belinda is a United Methodist dentist living and working in Nicaragua. She works with Acción Médica Cristiana (Christian Medical Action). This agency works to improve the health and well-being of Nicaraguan people, particularly in the poorer regions of this country which is the second poorest in our hemisphere. Many of us have had an opportunity to meet Belinda when she has visited her supporting churches. Some of us have experienced awe and respect while working with her and her agency in Nicaragua. We are pleased that we are able to contribute a small part to their work.

Belinda has sent an email updating her work and that of AMC. She has included a 2-minute video that highlights the work that we are able to help support. We hope you will watch the video and learn more about how God’s love is shared through our missionary support. Watch Belinda’s Video here. Her email to us is:

Greetings,
Friends and Supporters of Mission in Nicaragua!
My best wishes for health and safety in this time when many readers in the US are reuniting with loved ones and getting outdoors, and churches are returning to in-person worship, or continuing with virtual gatherings, a space where I have been able to connect with you.
My thanks to you, especially to my supporting churches who have made their 2021 donation to missionary Advance 12109Z which allows me to serve and do my best to be a witness to Christ’s love in the world on your behalf. If you have not yet sent your support or have a specific time in the year when this is scheduled, please see the information below as a reminder for how to ensure that your gift
reaches the correct destination.

For a brief update on the mission you support in Nicaragua, the link below (above) is to a 2-minute video that can be used in worship or other mission meetings. If you would like the video file, please feel free to email me.
There is plenty of ongoing work in health and development as God
enables and empowers, more updates will follow!
May God bless each of you.
Grace and peace, Belinda
Dr. Belinda Forbes

Children’s Time – Jamaica Miles

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 #2058: Shepherd Me, O God

Scripture Reading – Psalm 23

Sermon – Jamaica Miles

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: “Come to Me” by Dan Forrest

Prayer of Presentation

Caregiver,
As you have given to us so that we can be cared for,
we give our gifts to you to care for others.
Bless them. May they be used well, with wisdom, for your work.
May all that we give become useful to you.
Amen

Hymn #732: Come, We That Love the Lord

Benediction

Dearly beloved of God, take in the green pastures, and still waters,
the eternal presence always with you,
the mercy and hope of God,
savor it,
and share it. Amen

Postlude

“God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens”

Worship for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

July 11, 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

“Plumb line of our hearts, tune us to you.”
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

“Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: The God of Compassion calls us together.
Many: We seek to be living compassion.
One: The God of universal justice leads us on our ways.
Many: We seek to be sources of justice.
One: God sets a plumb line among the people.
Many: We are called to be God’s plumb line.

Photo from Sara E. Baron

Hymn #126: Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy Plumb Line,
How lucky we are to have your guidance.
You seek well-being for all your people,
you define justice with compassion,
you show us the way that leads to life.
When we are tempted to tip the truth in our favor,
you keep the line.
We seek to listen to your wisdom,
and be led by your compassionate justice.
Help us, Holy One.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Compassion,
Our hearts break with those who are grieving, knowing that the pain is immeasurably deep, and those who grieve are changed by their loss.
Our hearts break with those who are hungry, knowing that you seek a world where abundance is shared, and that each hungry person is a tragedy.
Our hearts break with those who are unhoused, whether in their own country or from their own country, knowing that being displaced shakes confidence in all that is good and trustworthy.
Our hearts break with those who are incarcerated, when broken lives meet broken systems that break families and communities all the more.
Our hearts break with those who have been told by church or faith community that they are unworthy of love, when all people are worth of your love and ours.
Our hearts break with those who are afraid, unable to provide for themselves or their loved ones, with no where to turn.
Our hearts break for the caregivers whose capacities have run out, and those who need care and can’t find the care they need.
Our hearts break for those living with addiction and trauma, fighting for well being when it is always an uphill battle.
Oh dear one, our hearts break, and break, and break.
We have caught glimpses of the world as it should be, and it is not the world as it is.
Our greatest hope is in knowing that your heart breaks, and others of your beloveds also live with broken hearts aware of the pain and suffering of those in this world, and willing to let the brokenness transform us, so we can be part of transforming the world.
May it be so. 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

The Ground by Ola Gjello

The heavens and the earth are filled with Your glory.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Lamb of God, who carries the sins of the world.
Grant us peace

Scripture: Amos 7:7-15

Children’s Time: Plumb Lines and Levels

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 #433: All Who Love and Serve your City

Scripture Reading – Mark 6:14-29

Sermon: God’s Plumb Lines and Our Values

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: “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” by William Dawson

Prayer of Presentation

Plumb line of Compassion,
With the gifts we give to this community
and to the world,
we see to share your love, share our love,
and build the kindom.
Bless all that we give,
that it may be useful to your work,
and abundant in sharing your love.
Amen

Hymn #2223: They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Benediction (Franciscan)

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and
superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain,
rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen

Postlude

“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” by Thomas Boatner

Worship for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

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

July 4, 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

“Just as I am, You love me.”
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

“Aria” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: Sometimes, we are too soft.
Many: Sometimes, we are too hard.
One: Sometimes, we are too naive.
Many: Sometimes, we are too distrustful.
One: Holy One, we are full of errors and imperfections.
Many: Holy One, you are full of grace for us.

Hymn #534: Be Still, My Soul

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Unfailing Grace,
Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown,
and people are not without giftedness except in their own minds. We see, and expound upon our own failings.
Far too often we project self-judgements onto you.
We forget.
We forget that you are love.
We forget that are grace.
We forget that your steadfast love endures forever.
And we forget that the foibles we beat ourselves up over
are still lovable to you.
Remind us to come to you with open hearts and minds,
so we can hear your love and grace,
learn from it,
and live it.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Elegant Grace,
Help us to see as you see, with love and grace
instead of fear and judgement.
Help us notice the wonderfulness in imperfections,
the joy in irregularity,
the elegance in uniqueness.
Guide us to let go of assumptions of what perfection looks like
what life should like like
what you look like
what we’re to look like.
Make space for us to see. Make space for us to be, just as you made us to be. 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

Will You Come and Follow Me by Tom Trenney

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Children’s Time: Prophets, Kids, and Hometowns

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 #2130: The Summons

Scripture Reading – Mark 6:1-13

Sermon: Fuller Cycles

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: “With a Voice of Singing” by Martin Shaw

Prayer of Presentation

Unfailing Grace,
The gifts that we offer, we offer in gratitude. We know You.
We trust You.
We seek to unite our lives with You.
Bless what we give, and make it as useful as can be in building your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #593: Here I Am, Lord

Benediction

Be still, dear souls, the Spirit of Grace abides with you, and you are loved. Amen

Postlude

“Rejoicing in D Major” by Stephen H. Best

Worship for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

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

June 27, 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

“Holy One, we are here.”
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

“Cantilena” by Josef Rheinberger

One: Through the abundance of your steadfast love,
Many: We will enter your kingdom.
One: We will bow down towards your holy temple
Many: in fear of you.
One: Guide us, Lord, in your righteousness,
Many: make your way straight before us.

Hymn #378: Amazing Grace

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

by Dominic MiMezza

God bless these confirmands and welcome them.
Watch them as they grow.
Guide them as they learn.
Help us teach what needs to be taught.
Help us welcome them into our family. Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of endings and beginnings, and everything in between,
We celebrate today endings:
endings of “preparatory membership,”
endings of work towards particular degrees,
endings of an exhausting school year,
endings of particular phases of life.
Because they are so connected, the endings each bring a beginning:
the beginning of full church membership,
beginnings of new degrees or studies,
beginnings of new jobs and careers,
beginnings of times of needed rest and renewal.
In only noticing the ends and the beginnings though, we miss most of life.
Help us find the holy in the every day.
Guide us to find the joys, even when things are busy and overwhelming.
Show us the wonder, even in the mundane and repetitive.
As each of us live this one, glorious
life we are gifted by you,
guide us to see it,
notice it,
appreciate it,
and share the love in it,
as you would have us do.
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

I Waited for the Lord by Felix Mendelssohn

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-33

Children’s Time: Baptism and Confirmation

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 #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Scripture Reading – Mark 5:21-43

Creeds

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: “Rejoice Greatly” by George Frideric Handel

Prayer of Presentation by Emmalia Shappy

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sharing your eternal love with all,
and we give you our offerings as an expression of our love for you.
We pray for our gifts to be used to extend your kingdom.
Amen

Hymn #64: Holy, Holy, Holy

Benediction by Dominic DiMezza

May the strength of the Lord, love of Christ, and grace of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Show strength by having a fulfilling day.
Show love by having compassion for others.
Show grace by being understanding and the bigger person wherever possible.
Amen

Postlude

“God of Grace and God of Glory” by Johann Sebastian Bach