Worship for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

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

June 20, 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

“Peace, be still”
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

“Sarabande” by Jason Krug

Call to Worship

One: In the midst of tribulation,
Many: Holy one, stand with us.
One: When the storms of life are raging,
Many: Loving God, stand with us.
One: When we’re attacked from within and from the outside,
Many: God of stillness, bring us peace.

Hymn #509: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Peace,
Our hearts yearn for you, and for your peace.
Help us to open our hearts to receive your gifts.
Guide us towards your peace and stillness.
Grant us wisdom to follow your paths,
and trust your ways.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Peace, Wholeness, Hope, Holy One,
From the midst of anxiety we cry out to you,
“God of love, hear our prayer.”
In fear and discomfort we cry to you,
“God of hope, hear our prayer.”
In pain and illness we cry,
“God of healing, hear our prayers.”
In wonder and awe, we cry to you,
“God of life, hear our prayers.”
In sadness and dismay, we cry to you,
“God who loves, hear our prayers.”
In all we do, in all we are, we cry to you.
Holy God, hear our prayers.
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

And Peace Shall Guard You by Michael John Trotta

Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

Mission Moment: Juneteenth, Virgia Phoenix

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into effect, which freed enslaved people of African descent, declaring: “all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free…” It turns out that everyone was not freed by this proclamation. In fact, there were more than 250,000 still enslaved in Texas who didn’t get the news until a full two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, when troops, led by Major General Granger, arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with the announcement of their freedom. Upon receiving the news, the people celebrated with prayers, dancing, singing, festivities, reunions and food.

The word Juneteenth is a combination of the month June and the date 19. Even though it was first celebrated in Texas, it was an annual celebration in many parts of the United States. For many years, advocates have striven to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It was declared a state holiday in New York in 2020. S. Res. 547 designated June 19, 2018, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Activity in Congress for many years culminated in the passage by the House and Senate this year to make Juneteenth a national holiday. President Biden signed the proclamation on June 17, 2021, just in time for official celebrations nationwide. Traditional to the celebration of Juneteenth is red foods that are representative of the bloodshed of the enslaved. Bar B Q, Watermelon and red soda are referred to as the “red trinity.” A significant reminder of the struggle can be found in James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Children’s Time: Stand By 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.

Hymn #512: Stand By Me

Scripture Reading – Mark 4:35-41

Sermon: “God’s Peace – In the Midst of the Storm” by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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 Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord”

Prayer of Presentation

Peace that Passes Understanding,
For all the ways you have brought us peace, we bring you thanks. For all the ways you have brought peace into the world through us, we give you thanks. With the gifts we offer to this community and to the kindom, we seek to bring peace and offer our gratitude for all you do. May our gifts be blessed to be useful.
Amen

Hymn #476: Lonely the Boat

Benediction

Peace. Be still. God is with you. Amen

Postlude

“Fugue in g minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for the Third Sunday after Pentecost

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

June 13, 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

“Source of shade, may we rest”
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

“Prière” by Léon Boëllmann

Call to Worship

One: God in the Spirit revealed in Jesus Christ, calls us by grace
Many: to be renewed in the image of our Creator, that we may be one in divine love for the world.
One: Today is the day, God cares for the integrity of creation, wills the healing and wholeness of all life, weeps at the plunder of earth’s goodness.
Many: And so shall we.
One: Today is the day, God embraces all hues of humanity, delights in diversity and difference, favors solidarity transforming strangers into friends.
Many: And so shall we.

One: Today is the day, God cries with the masses of starving people, despises growing disparity between rich and poor, demands justice for workers in the marketplace.
Many: And so shall we.
One: Today is the day, God deplores violence in our homes and streets, rebukes the world’s warring madness, humbles the powerful and lifts up the lowly.
Many: And so shall we.
One: Today is the day, God calls for nations and peoples to live in peace, celebrates where justice and mercy embrace, exults when the wolf grazes with the lamb.
Many: And so shall we.
All: Today is the day, God brings good news to the poor, proclaims release to the captives, gives sight to the blind, and sets the oppressed free.
And so shall we.

Hymn #311: Now the Green Blade Riseth

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Oh Holy Gardener, the One who tends our souls.
Plant in us Your seeds of love and justice.
Remind us that big trees come from small seeds,
and big fires start as single sparks.
Remind us again that life-giving movements start as single acts of resistance.
The act of staying seated,
the act of throwing a brick,
the act of speaking a truth
are seeds you can nourish,
sparks you can feed.
Grant us wisdom to know your truth.
Grant us courage to be your mouthpiece, speaking truth to power.
Grant us compassion, to comfort the world’s afflicted.
And when the burdens become too heavy, grant us rest
in the shade of your Garden…
So that tomorrow, we can do it all again. Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Loving God, when life is like a hot sun beating down on us,
you are shade that helps us breathe and recover.
Life has been like a hot sun beating down on us.
Help us take this time to savor the rest and healing you offer.
With many of our support systems disrupted,
and life as we knew it changed forever,
we are still – often – overwhelmed.
Guide us into the shade where we can stop, and be.
With grief that feels like it flows endlessly on,
and grief piled up on more grief,
we worry that we can go no further.
Help us hear you calling us by name,
inviting us to stop pushing beyond our capacities,
to connect with your Spirit,
and trust in you.
When the day continues on, and the shade moves with the angles,
remind us that we are allowed to keep on receiving the gift,
and nudge us to move to receive your shelter.
When we are ready, show us others in the shade with us,
remind us we aren’t alone,
and bless us with new life from new connections. 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 Will Sing With the Spirit by John Rutter

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Mission Moment: Summer Lunch Program, Jan Huston

Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) is currently planning distribution of summer lunches. Because of COVID, children will be given pre-packaged, bagged lunches. FUMC’s week to help is July 19—23. Volunteers are needed for 2 different jobs:

1. 2 people are needed daily at the central library for ½ hour – 11:00 to 11:30 – to hand out lunches. We will not be reading to or playing with the children.
2. 3 or 4 or more people are needed daily from 8:00—11:00, or any part of that time, to help pack lunches at the SiCM site at 83 9 Albany St.

We hope that participating at SiCM will help us get an updated understanding of SiCM and a better feel for the community. Please try to volunteer for one of these tasks by contacting Jan Huston, or the Church Office.

Children’s Time: Seeds 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 #97: For the Fruits of This Creation

Scripture Reading – Mark 4:26-34

Sermon: “Shade” by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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

God who gives us rest,
Thank you for all that you give to us.
Please receive this offerings as signs of our gratitude and our hope.
May they be blessings for others who need your gifts as well.
Amen

Hymn #583: You Are the Seed

Benediction

May God’s shade give you rest, and life, hope, and restoration. Amen

Postlude

“Chaconne” by Louis Couperin

Worship for the Second Sunday after Pentecost

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

June 6, 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 Love, Center us 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

“Lord of the Dance” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: From the depths of despair,
Many: we have cried out for God.
One: From the heights of wonder,
Many: we have shouted our praises.
One: From the midst of our living spaces,
Many: we have worshipped.
One: In the midst of the people of God,
Many: we have worshipped.
One: Our humanity cries out for God.
Many: Our very beings need to worship.

Hymn #68: When In Our Music God is Glorified

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Steadfast Love,
You who created us, love us.
We are so grateful.
You who give us life, wish for us to live abundant.
We are so grateful.
You who offer us love, offer it to all people.
We are so grateful.
We seek, with all our hearts, to be expressions of your steadfast love
for all people.
Guide us, please, Holy One.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Steadfast Love that Endures Forever,
How good you are to us.
You put in place a rhythm, a schedule to life that brings abundance to life.
You ask us to separate work from rest,
to take time for recovery,
to connect with you and each other.
You commanded Sabbath,
a rest,
a break,
a different day from the other 6.
You commanded us to take a gift you
give to us.
Scriptures are full of words of worship,
showing us how deep the human need to connect to you
and each other
is in our souls.
We give you thanks for worship, in its many formats and styles,
as a break,
a respite,
a gift.
6 days a week we seek to build your kindom,
today we seek to let it be build in us.
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

Simple Gifts Shaker Folk Song

Scripture: Psalm 130

Children’s Time: Just Like 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.

Hymn #92: For the Beauty of the Earth

Scripture Reading – Mark 3:20-35

Sermon: “Only Love Can Do That” by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “Everything Possible” by Fred Smith

Prayer of Presentation

Wellspring of Love,
You have given us so many gifts, including time to rest and time to worship. We are grateful and wish to respond as we can. Please accept the gifts of our presence when we are able to connect, our financial gifts when we are able to give, our service when it is possible to serve, our witness of love, and our lives devoted to your kindom. Bless all that we offer, to make it useful for your work -and your rest. Amen

Hymn #496: Sweet Hour of Prayer

Benediction

The God of Love is capable of transformation. Neither anger nor hate can stand against the power of God’s love. May God’s transformational power be found in you and through you! Amen!

Postlude

“The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” by Benedetto Marcello

Worship for Pentecost Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Pentecost Sunday

May 30, 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 homelands and diasporas, you are with us 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

“Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire” by Wilbur Held

Call to Worship

One: Peace.
Many: Paz.
One: Shalom.
Many: Salaam.
One: Pace.
Many: Paix.
One: Skén:nen.
Many: Rugare.

Hymn #558: We Are the Church

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Us All,
First there was Jesus, teaching and healing.
Then hope died.
But, you God, brought hope and life back,
and there was a time of visions and prophesies.
You, Holy One, weren’t done yet though.
You were only getting started.
Then there was Pentecost,
and the Spirit of Jesus entered the people,
and hope and life lived on in them.
The church was born,
the body of Christ, alive and well in the world,
sharing love,
being hope,
building the kindom.
Bless us again, Holy One.
Breathe into us the Spirit,
fill us with life anew,
make us into the body of Christ,
let us be vessels of your peace.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Homelands and Diasporas,
You are with us wherever we go, thank you.
Yet we as humans yearn for home.
We are aware of the many people in the world who have been forced from their homelands, and seek a new, safe home.
We are also aware of the people in the world whose lives have been displaced by COVID and no longer feel like home is familiar or safe.
We send our love and care to your displaced, the homeless, the displaced, and the discombobulated peoples.
We ask for your guidance in care for each other, and in care for ourselves, that we may find our homes in you, and be safe homes for your beloveds.
As we speak and act, may our love and yours intermingle, to make this world a better home for more people.
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

A Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Mission Moment – Virgia Phoenix

Peace with Justice
The Peace with Justice Program of the United Methodist Church was officially established at the 1980 General Conference, although peace with justice efforts date back to John and Charles Wesley. Methodism and social action have gone hand in hand struggling against injustice locally and globally.
Peace with Justice is related to our covenant with God in bringing about Shalom. This is realized through an understanding of the Biblical and theological foundations which inform our growth and actions in church and society.
We are called to acknowledge the brokenness in our world and to work for peace and justice in all facets of society affecting the human condition and all of God’s creation. New and emerging concerns play out in real time and challenge
us to respond accordingly.

Within the United Methodist Church, the Peace with Justice program is authorized by the Discipline and falls under the
supervision of the General Board of Church and Society. Each Annual Conference names a Coordinator who is responsible for promoting peace with justice ministries within that Conference.
One of the special observances occurring annually is Peace with Justice Sunday. Historically celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost or on a date deemed appropriate by the local church. On this Sunday, a special offering is received for the purpose of supporting Peace with Justice ministries at the local level and throughout the Connection. One half of the offering stays in the annual conference to be administered by the conference Peace with Justice Coordinator and Board of Church and Society. The other half goes to the General Board for Peace with Justice Ministries beyond the annual conference.

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 #603: Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire

Scripture Reading – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Sermon: “Come, Holy Spirit” by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “Spirit, Open My Heart” by Alfred V. Fedak

Prayer of Presentation

God of homelands and diasporas,
You are with us, wherever we are, wherever we go.
May our gifts to the kindom,
spread the sense of home
into the world.
Amen

Hymn #420: Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Benediction

May God who is with you, in you, among you, beside you, and beyond you, keep on surprising you! Amen

Postlude

“Entrée” by Théodore Dubois

Worship for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

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

May 16, 2021

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 then and now, help us be present”
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

“Liebster Jesus, wir sind hier (Blessed Jesus, we are here)” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: We seek.
Many: We seek peace.
One: We seek.
Many: We seek wholeness.
One: We seek.
Many: We seek hope.
One: We seek.
Many: We seek the Divine.

Hymn #496: Sweet Hour of Prayer

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of All Time,
You are with us now, as you were in the past, as you will be in the future.
You are our North Star, our guiding light, our map, and our compass.
On you we can depend.
When we find ourselves lost in memories of the past, you are with us,
and can guide us home.
When we find ourselves lost in worries for the future, you are with us,
and can guide us home.
Wherever we are, wherever we go, you are with us.
As you call us into the present now,
may we open our hearts to receive and give your good gifts.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Eternal One,
We’ve lived in weird time warps for a long time now.
Time hasn’t been behaving,
and the regular rhythms of life that we depend on have been disrupted.
For some, more possibilities are emerging again,
and it is time to decide what to bring back,
to answer the question “what matters.”
For others, long waits remain before change is possible,
and this limbo retains its power.
There is some unexpected sadness in it all.
Even as the world reawakens,
it does not return to what it once was.
Many we loved are no longer with us.
Much of what we valued has changed
and will not ever look the same.
Be with us Holy One,
and help us,
as we face the present and the future.
Give us courage to meet what is with love,
and to make space for our own sadness and grief.
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

Behold, How Good by Michael John Trotta

Scripture: Psalm 1

Mission Moment – Rev. Bob Long

United Methodist Economic Ministries, Salem, Maine

“Luv that place n people that work there” … “Friendly people, great quality, great
prices.” So evaluate two shoppers. And a volunteer says: “I love being able to call
these folks family. I am one of the lucky team players at U.M.E.M. We serve a lot of
families and it is truly a blessing to be a part of this experience in life’s journey.”

Faith, love, justice and compassion lived with joy.

The Mission: The United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, Maine, exists to be in partnership with rural communities in western Maine to create healthy, sustainable communities within the region. In response to God’s call in Christ to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and care for the homeless (Matthew 25:35-37), the UMEM seeks to promote social justice and provide material, educational, and spiritual support as first steps toward self-sufficiency in this region of severe economic challenge.
The Story: In 1969, the Rev. Charles Reid was assigned to two small, rural churches near Salem, Maine. There he witnessed the need of the hard-working people in the area. Many struggled economically; poverty and the people in its grip were apparent. Although the residents of the community were strong and hardy, many families struggled to meet basic, daily needs like food, clothing, and adequate shelter. With the assistance of their churches and other local congregations, Rev. Reid and his wife Norma moved a building to the current site the Salem UMEM and began a thrift shop, which offered good, used clothes at affordable prices. Norma Reid stocked the accompanying Food Cupboard with items from her own pantry.
Prom Shop: provides gowns and dress suits with quick alterations so outfits really fit and a memorable prom becomes an affordable event. Christmas Shop – where parents get a voucher allowing them to “shop” in privacy for their children’s gifts.

Fuel bank: where a few gallons of heating oil or dry wood is offered.
Food pantry: where embarrassed users are assured that they have come to the right place. The important thing is providing the resources for the family with a warm and affectionate welcome.
In the early 1970’s, summer mission teams began working the ministry during the warm Maine summers to help local families stay safer, warmer, and drier during the harsh Maine winters. The UMEM’s outreach has expanded over the years to include new locations: the Solon Thrift Shop and Food Cupboard in the fall of 1995 and the Howland Thrift Shop which
started serving its neighbors in 2017. Since its inception nearly 50 years ago, the UMEM has continued to provide first-step support for residents of western Maine to promote self-sufficiency as a means to break cycles of poverty. The core of their services continues to be the Food Cupboards, Thrift Shops, and Summer Mission Teams. The scope and nature of outreach continues to evolve to meet the needs within their communities. UMEM strives to create healthy, sustainable communities through respect for and day-to-day connection with the people they serve!
Those who make it work: The Ministry is guided by a compassionate, skilled and engaging Executive Director, Rev. Michele St. Cyr, and six equally passionate and devoted staff who oversee the extensively used Food Cupboard, two Thrift Shops, maintaining of all facilities, coordination of Summer Ministries, emergency assistance to families in the area, seasonal assistance at specific times of the year, and all financial matters for these outreach offerings. The staff is enhanced by many reliable and compassionate volunteers. Salem Economic Ministries also partners with The United Way of Tri-Valley, Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, The Salvation Army, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission and the Brunswick UMC.

For years, The Rev. Arthur Hagy led teams from former Troy Conference on summer VIM work weeks at Salem. Their contributions were substantial to the ongoing work there. Funds are now being gathered for renovation of the Bunk House, which when completed this summer will be named for Rev. Hagy.

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 #2004: Praise the Source of Faith and Learning

Scripture Reading – John 17:6-19

Sermon: “Like Trees Planted by Streams of Water” by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “South African Gloria” by William Bradley Roberts

Prayer of Presentation

God of All Time,
With the gifts of our lives and our resources, we seek to build your kindom. Bless all that we offer with wisdom and abundance to be used well. Amen

Hymn #560: Help Us Accept Each Other

Benediction

May God who is always with you, hold you in the grief you hold now, and may you find yourself able to trust God even in the grief that will come. Amen

Postlude

“Processional Voluntary in C” by David Lasky

Worship for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

May 9, 2021

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

“Love and Comfort, guide 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

“Folktune” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

Hymn #62: All Creatures of Our God and King

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Love and Comfort,
in this sacred time set aside for
connection to you,
we offer our hearts to be filled.
We wish to share love and
comfort in your world,
and we know we need to
receive to share.
May we be blessed to give and
receive your love and comfort,
with you and others.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Love and Comfort, (Mothering God Who Gives Us Birth).
In this Season of Easter, we remember and attend to
Your power to bring Life,
even when it seems there is no Life,
even out of death.
We as humans are especially vulnerable.
We have especially needy baby-hoods,
and prolonged childhoods,
when we are dependent on the care of others to stay alive.
To have life at all is dependent on others.
To have life in abundance is dependent on the love and care we receive.
Yet, not all who parent have the skills they need to offer love and care.
And we grief with and for them and their children.
Not all who have love and care to give have opportunity to parent.
And we grief with and for them.
For all the place we have received love, care, and comfort, we give you thanks.
For all the capacities in us to give love, care and comfort, we give thanks.
For the chance to seek to be a community that grows in each other’s capacity
for love, care, and comfort, we give you thanks.
May your nurturing Spirit live in us,
transform us,
and along with us, nurture the world around us,
which aches for love and comfort.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father 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

Love One Another by Bob Dufford

Scripture: Acts 10:44-48

Mission Moment – Rev. Bob Long

Reconciling Ministries Network New Statement

Founded in 1984, Reconciling Ministries Network seeks to mobilize “United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform the Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. RMN envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, RMN strives to transform the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice, and inclusion for all of God’s children.” rmnetwork.org
Much has changed since the Reconciling Ministries Network established its first statement. Understanding. Experience. Research and implementation. Communication. Economic disparities. Ecumenical and Interfaith partnerships. International relationships. Processes of address and engagement. The political realm. And also, the movement of the Spirit.
Today we more fully understand that the dynamics that drive prejudice, exclusion and even hatred against any particular group are similar to those that target all groups. And so we network for effectiveness against these expressions no matter who they target .…“intersectional” is the term for networking together in this manner.
Most recently Reconciling Ministries Network has established an updated statement to reflect a similar outlook.
Its new suggested statement:

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation,
who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

In recent years, First UMC has moved from “worded” statements of support for LGBTQ people to displaying of rainbows inside and outside our facilities to bring our expressions more up to date and more into the open. In the same way, First UMC places its own effective Reconciling statement against the backdrop of this suggested updated RMN statement, so that our statement may be seen more openly in the wider context.
I urge you to read this new RMN statement regularly to dialogue with it until its content becomes firmly fixed in your spirit.

Children’s Time: On the Day You Were Born

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 #1012 (UU Teal): When I Am Frightened

Scripture Reading – John 15:9-17

Sermon: “Humans: Needing Love and Comfort” by Rev. Sara E. Baron and Rev. Lynn Gardner

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” by John Rutter

Prayer of Presentation

God of Love and Comfort,
You are always close at hand.
We can always reach out for you
and you are always there.
As we offer our gifts of prayers, presence, tithes, offerings, service, and witness,
we ask for your blessings on our gifts.
May they be used for the building of your kindom,
and may our gratitude be given as we give these gifts to you.
Amen

Hymn #2050: Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth

Benediction

May you find the God of Love and Comfort who is close at hand,
find God’s people who know how to love and offer comfort,
and find in yourself the gifts of love and comfort ready to share. Amen

Postlude

“Prelude to a ‘Te Deum’” by Marc Antoine Charpentier

Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

May 2, 2021

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

“Vinegrower, let your life grow in 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

“Von Gott will ich nicht lassen” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: Beloved, let us love one another.
Many: Love is from God.
One: God is love.
Many: We love because God first loved us.
One: As we see and love our siblings in Christ, we love God.
Many: As love grows in us, so too does our connection to God.
One: For God is love.
Many: Those who know love, know God.

Hymn #2115: Christ Has Risen

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Vinegrower,
Sometimes we get lost in what you are asking for from us.
We try to be the vine and the branches, the flowers and the fruit, and the vinegrower as well.
We forget that you are the life-source, the soil-tender, the waterer, and the sun that shines.
We forget that all you ask of us is to do our part: to be the branches, and let life move in us and through us.
Help us let go of the work that isn’t ours, so we can do what you ask of us.
Amen
-Park Avenue UMC, published in Shaping Sanctuary, Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Vinegrower, God who is Love,
Help us shake off our frustrations, like sand off our feet, and make space where frustration once lived for compassion to grow.
Help us speak our truths in love, with integrity and honesty, and make space for deep connections to grow, rooted in truth.
Help us tell our stories with clarity, so that past hurts can begin to be healed.
Help us to love our siblings (all our siblings) so we can be a part of your love.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father 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 et Amor by Maurice Durufle

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Crop Walk

Today (May 2, 2020) is the CROP Hunger Walk!
We have 3 ways to participate:

1. ZOOM – Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) will have a virtual kick-off rally at 12:30 on Zoom. Zoom meeting ID is 891 7893 6666. Passcode is 536964.
2. WALK – Meet at Kiwanis Park on route 5S in Rotterdam to walk with FUMC friends on the bike trail at 2:00PM. The distance you walk will be up to you. Free medium and large T-shirts will be available. OR you can walk whenever and wherever you want.
3. GIVE – This is the most important part. You can give online through our website, or at the event web page OR you can send a check payable to FUMC with note: CWS/CROP.

75% of all donations will go to Church World Service to help people in all parts of the world with hunger, community development, recovery from disasters, and other needs. 25% of our donations will remain in our community to reduce hunger here.

Children’s Time: Pruning and Growing

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 #2246: Deep in the Shadows of the Past

Scripture Reading – John 15:1-8

Sermon: “On Being Pruned” by Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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 Philip Stopford

Prayer of Presentation

Vinegrower, God who is Love,
We thank you for the ways your life and love grow in us.
We thank you for the pruning you do, and the space it makes for life and love to grow even stronger.
With the gifts we give, we offer our lives to you in gratitude.
May all that we give be blessed to be a blessing, for the building of the kindom.
Amen

Hymn #571: Go Make of All Disciples

Benediction

Dear ones, go from this worship breathing deeply,
resting well,
trusting God,
letting fruit grow through you,
by the grace and power of God. Amen

Postlude

“Riguadon” by Andre Campra

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

April 25, 2021

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’s Love Abundantly for All”
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

“Fanfare and Processional” by Lynn Trapp

Call to Worship

One: Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Many: He takes care of us, his flock.
One: Jesus is the model shepherd.
Many: He shows us how to care for each other.
One: God asks us to share God’s love.
Many: Our love must be in action, not just words with no meaning.
One: God loves us because of who God is.
Many: We love each other because of who we are

Hymn #559: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creating and Sustaining God, your great commandment in Christ is that we love one another as Christ has loved us. We confess that we fail to embrace your liberating love. We divide where you would unite. We exclude where you would embrace. We choke the breath from your Word when its truth does not accommodate our fears. Forgive our hardness of heart. Mend our broken human family. Breathe into us the living Word of all-inclusive love. We ask in the name of your Child, our Brother, Jesus, the Healer of our souls. Amen.

-Park Avenue UMC, published in Shaping Sanctuary, Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Steadfast God, we are living in times that seem to swing from extreme highs to lows and back again. We celebrate with our black and brown siblings who feel like their lives do matter, and grieve as one more, two more, too many more black and brown bodies are assaulted and killed by those who are supposed to protect them. We rejoice in the possibilities that are opened up by the new vaccines yet mourn that so many continue to die. We need your calming grace, your love poured out upon us, as we navigate these difficult times. We ask for prayers for those in our lives who struggle with illness that they may experience healing, for those whose grief for lost or distanced loved ones weighs heavily on their souls that they may be comforted, for those in all manner of hardship that they may soon experience relief and the dawning of a new day where new beginnings are possible. And most of all, we ask for your grace to rain down so that, as Jesus of Nazareth did before us, we may greet all your children with an open heart full of love, ready to reach out in service and compassion as you would have us do. We ask all this through Jesus, your Son and our Lord, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father 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 Lord Is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-24

Mission Moment – Mary Ann Marshall

Community Land Fund

The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region has been in existence since 1985. They work to expand equitable access to capital – regardless of race, gender, or geography.
When you invest money in the Community Fund of the Capital District, the money is used to make low-interest loans to support community and economic development. They loan money to: Women and minority owned businesses and businesses started by people of low income; Nonprofits providing essential community services; Community development projects that make our neighborhoods healthy, safe places to live. Before loans are approved, they are viewed by their trained team of lending professionals. They want to ensure that each project is viable. Their team stays with borrower long after the papers are signed, to help ensure their successes. As a result of their mentoring, training and other types of technical assistance, the Community Loan Fund is proud to report that they have one of the lowest default rates in the region.
Investors include individuals, banks, local companies, faith-based institutions and credit unions. The Community Loan Fund is certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution. When individuals invest money, they pool that money with other investments to build new businesses, develop new community projects, and support the valuable work of local nonprofits.

What are the results? With more than 750 donors, investors and volunteers, the Community Loans Fund has: Made 939 loans to nonprofits, small businesses, and homeowners totaling more than $62.9 million; Financed more than 1,569
affordable housing united; Created or retained more than 2,906 jobs; Leveraged more than $223 million in local community and economic development; Provided training and technical assistance to thousands of minority and women entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders.
The Community Loan Fund has offices in Albany and Schenectady. Their website is mycommunityloanfund.org.

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 #314: The Gift of Love

Scripture Reading – John 10:11-18

Sermon: “Love In Action” by Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “Ubi Caritas” by Ola Gjello

Where charity and love are, there God is.
The love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.
Let us fear and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love each other

Prayer of Presentation

Gracious God, we thank you for the abundance you have bestowed on us, abundance that has enabled us to share what we have with those who are in need. Help us to use these gifts wisely to support love in action in your world. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.

Hymn #579: Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here

Benediction

Despite all the ups and downs of life in this world, the love of God in Christ never fails, diminishes or excludes. As we experience that love we are refreshed, nurtured, filled. May we share it with all we encounter through active service, healing compassion and a heart that is always reaching out. Go in peace.

Postlude

“Chaconne” by Robert J. Powell

Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

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

April 18, 2021

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, peace be with 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

“Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David N. Johnson

Call to Worship

One: Breathe out, dear one,
Many: God is with us.
One: Breathe in, dear one.
Many: God is with us.
One: Let go of the week behind you,
Many: we are here with God.
One: Make space for your heart to be with God.
Many: We are here to worship.

Hymn #318: Christ is Alive

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Peacemaker,
Your yearning for wholeness saturates all of creation,
yet you are patient with us as we struggle to come on board with you.
Guide our hearts dear one,
that we may yearn for the things you yearn for,
and let go of our fears and all that holds us back.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Peacemaker,
We seek to breathe your peace into our hearts, our minds, our strength, and our souls, so that we can be your peace in the world.
We see a world so deeply in need of peace, healing, compassion, and hope.
We also see a world with amazing moments of peace, powerful powers of healing, astounding instances of compassion, and incredible reasons for hope.
Week in and week out those in our midst are vaccinated, and new possibilities emerge.
Week in and week out we thank you for the development of the vaccines and the protection they offer.
There are wonderful signs of compassion in our government, even as we know there remains much to do.
The powers of human resilience amaze us, even as we are aware that many are being stretched beyond their resilience.
Oh dear one, this life of ours is complicated.
Help us find peace in the midst of it all.
Help us be peace in the midst of it all.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father 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

Paschal Lamb, Who Suffered For Us by Carl Schalk

Scripture: Hosea 5:15-6:6

Mission Moment – Jan Huston and Bob Long

CROP Walk

This week’s mission moment features a video about the CROP Walk. The script was written by Bob Long. Linda Smith assisted in the recording. Schenectady’s CROP Walk is sponsored by Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM). The website for the Schenectady CROP Walk is https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/schenectady. On this website you can register as an individual or as part of our FUMC team. You can also donate online here. Or you
can skip the website and donate by sending a check to the church with CWS/CROP in the notation. There will be a short virtual rally at 12:30 on May 2 via zoom. Zoom meeting ID is 891 7893 6666. Passcode is 536964. More information is in the April Spire. We hope to see you at 2:00 on May 2 at the Kiwanis Park on route 5S in Rotterdam. Or feel free to walk anywhere else. The goal is to raise money.

Children’s Time: Rainy Day

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 #314: In the Garden

Scripture Reading – Luke 24:36b-48

Sermon: “Three Days? Can You Count?” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “This Joyful Eastertide” by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

Prayer of Presentation

Peacemaker,
May our gifts bless and build your kindom,
and may your peace within us become peace in your world.
Amen

Hymn #311: Now the Green Blade Riseth

Benediction

Resurrection People, may God’s hope planted in you come to fruition. Amen

Postlude

“Christ lag in Todesbanden” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Christ lay in death’s bonds.
He is risen again
and has brought us life
For this we should be joyful,
praise God and be thankful
and sing Allleluia!

Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

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

April 11, 2021

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

“Our God, of abundant life”
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

“Peal con Brio” by Karen Thompson

Call to Worship

One: Hear the Good News:
Many: Love wins!
One: Rest assured of that truth.
Many: Not only does love win, but hope abides.
One: Let hope roll down like an ever-flowing stream.
Many: God never gives up.
One: Justice is coming!
Many: Easter is here.

Hymn #303: The Day of Resurrection

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Shared Prayer
God of Resurrection, Easter God,
God of Abundant Life,
You are working within us and
around us to magnify life itself.
Help us attend to your work.
Guide us out of the way when we get in the way.
Show us how to help.
Remind us to rest, and to trust each other,
so that what is meant to be life-giving doesn’t become death-dealing.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Abundant Life, In this Easter season we encounter the metaphors of the natural world coming to life right before our eyes day in and day out.
And yet the heaviness of the world remains every present. The pandemic takes more lives every day, grief, loneliness, fear, exhaustion and anxiety continue.
There are so many emotions, there is so much to respond to. Sometimes the heavy is so big we can’t see the wonder. Sometimes the wonder is so bright we almost forget the heavy. And sometimes we feel guilty forgetting for a moment – either way.
Help us make space for your grace, in our lives, and in the world. Let us feel what we feel, grow into our realities, see your work, and face the heaviness too.
Help us with the joys, the concerns, the anger, the fear, the wonder, the beauty, and all the rest.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father 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

Christ Goes Before by Carl Schalk

Scripture: Psalm 133

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Belinda’s Easter Message
Today’s mission moment is an Easter reflection by Dr. Belinda Forbes. Belinda is a United Methodist missionary in Nicaragua. She is a dentist and is married to a Nicaraguan physician, Gerardo Gutiérrez. They work with Acción Médica Cristiana (AMC/ Christian Medical Action) in the poorest areas of Nicaragua, which is the second poorest country in this hemisphere. AMC works to improve the health of the people by focusing on the basics – clean water supplies, sanitation, health education, disease prevention, maternal and childcare, and teaching local community health workers. Our church has a covenant relationship with Belinda. That means that we have committed to sending a certain amount of financial support each year. The amount is based on the numbers of members we have. Missionaries are expected to visit their supporting churches every few years. Several people from FUMC and the former Troy Conference have been fortunate to work with Belinda and other members of AMC when we have gone on Volunteers in Mission trips. Many more of us have been able to enjoy being with Belinda when she has visited FUMC and reported on conditions in Nicaragua and her work there. She sent the following Easter message to her supporting churches. Sara and I wanted to share it with all of you.

“Que barbaridad!” This expression can mean many things in Nicaragua, but when Padre Angel Torellas (r.i.p.) said it years ago at an Easter Mass in the Centro Cultural Batahola Norte, a Catholic center in Managua known for its beautiful musicians and revolutionary murals, it was a reprimand (literally, “how barbaric!”) to the sparse number of congregants gathered for what is the most important day of the Christian calendar. He went on to scold the “fieles” (faithful) for spending more time on Jesus’s death with Good Friday processions and fanfare than the importance of the Resurrection three days later.
As I listened it occurred to me that in my Protestant upbringing, we did the exact opposite. We gingerly “passed over” (no pun intended) the Passion of Christ to avoid bad feelings and the deep pain that this moment implies for us as Christians, in order to get to the good stuff – a new outfit, a glorious worship service, Easter egg hunts, overindulgent parties or lunch out (Easter and Mother’s Day are traditionally the busiest times in restaurants in the US, at least pre-pandemic.)
It seems to me that there is no one day to focus on during Holy Week, but the week itself as the culmination of the Lenten journey. The triumphant entrance to Jerusalem with “Hosanna’s” (Save us!) ringing in the air, which quickly turned to shouts of “Crucify him!” (read, “save us” but not like that…”), then death….and all it implies; pain, loss, grief…if ever there has been a year or more to understand this part of Holy Week, the pandemic has been that… Then, victory. Death is overcome, sins are forgiven, hope lives on once more. From the fireworks of Midnight Masses and to the cantatas of Sunrise Services, we are now called to be the Easter people today and every day to share the love of Christ wherever we find ourselves.
Happy Easter! Grace and peace, Belinda

This picture is the central mural in Batahola Norte. It depicts a brown baby Jesus in the center. On the left are some of the revolutionary heroes and poets. The right side includes women and peasants (campesinos).

Children’s Time: Doubt and Faith

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 #307: Christ Is Risen

Scripture Reading – John 20:19-31

Sermon: “Journey with Jesus” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Again” by Philip Stopford

Prayer of Presentation

God of Easter,
As we watch new life emerge this spring,
we notice the ways you nurture life in us and in the world.
As we give our gifts to you,
we offer them so they too can nurture life in us and in the world.
Amen

Hymn #312: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Benediction

Dear ones, may your journeys be blessed, and with God’s help may we support each other along the way. Amen

Postlude

“Rondo Passacaglia” by Cynthia Dobrinski