Worship for the First Sunday After Christmas

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the First Sunday After Christmas

December 27, 2020

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 come down, we savor 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

“Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych

Call to Worship

One: Love comes down at Christmas,
Many: Love is born at Christmas.
One: Hope comes down at Christmas.
Many: Hope is born at Christmas.
One: In these days, we celebrate God with us.
Many: Thank you, God, for being with us!

Hymn #218: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Embodied Love,
We seek you today, as we seek you all days.
In this Holy Season, we expect to find you.
May joy be with those who seek and find.
May hope and patience be with those who seek without finding.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Embodied Love,
We bring to you very embodied struggles: illnesses and injuries, grief, broken hearts, sore backs, exhaustion, and a hunger for something more.
Thank goodness you care about bodies. May your love, strength, and peace be found in abundance in this world, and most fully
with those who need them most.
We also bring to you embodied joys: people we love being vaccinated (YAY!), watching dear ones open presents, elongating days, a bright “star,” birthdays, books, help when we need it, new life, new joy, new hopes.
We are grateful for all the joys, and we are savoring them as well as we can.
Help us with patience, dear one.
Help us show love.
Help us!
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

Noel, Noel by Carol Schalk

Scripture: Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Mission Moment

The Gift of Central Park – Barbara Armstrong
As this is Christmas time, I think that it is appropriate for me to talk about this wonderful gift present in the heart of the City of Schenectady. It is a place that I go to frequently to find serenity in this disruptive time. It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around the fore-thinking that went into the formation of this park so long ago. I wonder if those folks would have dreamt the extent to which this beautiful park would benefit so many people along the way.

The original thoughts behind the formation of the park system came at a time when the city was rapidly growing and areas in the city were becoming dumpsites that were becoming eye sores. Mayor George Lunn, a pastor who was elected on the Socialist ticket, believed that the ‘common man’ needed a place to relax from their busy work week and put this on the top of his list for tasks that he wanted to accomplish during his time in office. A park’s commission was formed and three areas in the city were identified for development. The history of this is present in Bill Buell’s book George Lunn-The 1912 Socialist Victory in Schenectady.

The original size of the park was 120 acres and was purchased from three different families. The largest purchase was made from the DeForest family. Henry DeForest was an ex-congressman and was mayor of the city twice. Unfortunately, he died before realizing the benefits of the park, however his wife was responsible for the building of the brick entrance opposite the end of Wright Street, which was considered the grand entrance to
the park. Central Park was named not for its location in the city but because this park was easily accessed by the surrounding neighborhoods and was accessible by the trolley line.
In the original construction of the park, there were roads cut to travel around and through the park, the dredging of marshland that became the Iroquois Lake and clay tennis courts put in where the current Rose Garden now sits. Over the years, additional land purchases were made to increase the size of the park to 470 acres. Some of this purchase has allowed the city to have a municipal golf course, a soccer field, basketball courts and a beautiful baseball diamond. Currently there is an area of the park that allows for bike treks through the woods, expanded nature trails, competitive disc Frisbee course, and a cooperative gardens area. The cooperative garden center is composed of four greenhouses and a heated outbuilding and serves many different programs including the Roots and Wisdom program, Master Gardener program, Youth Agricultural program and the 4H
program. There is rumor that parts of Charles Steinmetz’s greenhouse were used in the construction of the greenhouses within the park.

I could write on about this special place, but want to conclude this as it is already too long. My favorite place in the park has to be the rose garden. This area was established in the late fifties and continued through the seventies at which time it had deteriorated and was no longer cared for and was abandoned. In 1995, a small group of volunteers decided to revive this space
to its full glory, what you see today. I often park my car along the adjacent street and enter and exit the park though this pristine spot. I’ve witnessed weddings in this area, graduates and families posing for special photographs and even recently, a woman dressed in a prom-style gown dredging through the snow and sitting in the snow for a beautiful photo shot.
In conclusion, I think one of the great gifts of this city and why I call it my home, is the people who live here. They give their gift of time to serve this city, either through its food pantries, the library system through the Friends of the Library, working as ushers or bartenders to support our beautiful Proctor’s Theater or through the planting of a garden for its beauty or its nourishment. So I encourage you to take a walk or drive your car around the park and thank those who were responsible for creating this beautiful place that has endured through the years.

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 #242: Love Came Down at Christmas

Scripture Reading – Luke 2:22-40

Sermon – 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 Anthem: Before the Marvel of This Night by Carl Schalk

Prayer of Presentation

Embodied love,
With the gifts we give, we seen to be embodiments of your love.
May all that we offer be received for the building of your kindom,
and the spreading of your hope.
Amen

Hymn #249: There’s a Song in the Air

Benediction

God offers you comfort, consolation, rest, and hope. May you receive it well. Amen

Postlude

“Christmas Carol Medley”

Lessons and Carols

Worship for the Second Sunday of Advent

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

December 6, 2020

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

“Peace Like a River / flow into 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

“Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Savior of the Nations, Come) by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: God’s message comes.
Many: God sends comfort.
One: Good, we need comfort.
Many: God sends peace.
One: Good, we need peace.
Many: God sends hope.
One: Good, we need hope.
Many: God is with us.
Thanks be to God!

Hymn #510: Come, Ye Disconsolate

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Photo by Alice Nash

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Peace Like a River,
We keep trying to access you, to find calm, to find peace, but stress and strain pull us away.
Yet, we remember that your peace isn’t dependent on our actions,
nor on our circumstances.
Your peace is a gift from you,
and you always offer it to us.
It is close at hand.
May we catch a glimpse of your peace with us,
and then to let it in.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Peace Like a River,
You are with us, close at hand, offering us your gifts,
and you are with us when sorrow and exhaustion come too.
In the midst of many struggles,
and in the midst of many joys,
we reach out to you, to be our Steady Rock.
When we cannot find the way,
we reach out to you, to be our Compass.
When everywhere we turn is darkness,
we reach out to you, knowing you are with us in the dark,
helping us grow and heal.
When lights emerge,
we reach out to you, to help us see what you see.
Dear one, be with the world, and all who need you.
Offer strength to those who are weakened,
healing to those who are struggling,
love to those who are aching,
hope to the hopeless,
and peace to all.
And may we keep reaching to you,
so that we may be able to savor your blessings,
and be your blessings in the world. 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

E’en So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come by Paul Manz

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

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 #200: Tell Out My Soul

https://youtu.be/3E7QWLyDWe8

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:1-8

Sermon – 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 Anthem: Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Robert Hobby

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art,
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now our gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit, rule in all our hearts alone,
By thine own sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
Rule in us. Hope of all. Come expected Jesus, come.

Prayer of Presentation

Peace Like a River,
In the moments when we experience your peace, we realize how profound it is. Like all of your blessings, as we receive them, we wish to give them to more and more people. With the gifts we give to the church and to the world – our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness – we seek to give so that others can receive. May our gifts be blessed to be blessings.
Amen

Hymn #215: To a Maid Engaged to Joseph

Benediction

May the God of Peace be in your heart all throughout this week,
Guiding you, strengthening you, supporting you. Amen

Postlude

“Savior of the Nations, Come” by Johann Pachelbel

Worship for the First Sunday of Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the First Sunday of Advent

November 29, 2020

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

“Living Hope, live in 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

“Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (Wake, Awake for Night is Flying) by Johannes Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: As we enter into this holy season of Advent,
breathe deeply.
Many: We are ready for this season of waiting and hoping.
One: As we enter into this holy season of Advent, be alert.
Many: God is with us, and we will pay attention to see God at work.

Hymn #202: People Look East

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Photo by Alice Nash

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Living Hope,
Breathe into us, again, the breath of life.
Breathe into us, again, the breath of hope.
May this Advent season of waiting and hoping,
be a source of life for us,
and for the world.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Photo by Sue Learner

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Living Hope,
The exiles sitting by the rivers of Babylon yearned for You to act, to change their reality, to bring justice, and to heal them. So do we.
The ancient Judeans, paying tribute to empire after empire, yearned for Your Kingdom to come again, a place of abundant life and security. So do we.
Your prophets of old named the yearning for Your presence to be felt at hand, to shake things up and shake things out, to mold the people into the community you wanted them to be. So do we.
The early Christians lived in fear and frustration, but also in trust and hope, knowing that you were with them, urging each other to take note of your awe-inspiring grace. So do we.
As we join our hearts with your peoples of many times and places, we yearn, we wait, and we hope.
As we join our hearts together, we keep on learning how to trust you more.
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

A Stable Lamp is Lighted by David Hurd

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Alternative Giving – Sustain Ministry Program
FUMC’s Sustain Ministry is a program we are suggesting for alternative giving. This program began many years ago when visitors to the church were stealing toilet paper from the rest rooms. Toilet paper and other hygiene items are not covered by food stamps and some people needed other ways to obtain them. In response, Bill and Donna Price put an attractive basket by the back door of the church and filled it with toilet paper. They included cards encouraging people to take a roll if they needed it. The cards reminded the recipients that God loved them.

The program has grown to where we now have 300 families registered to receive basic supplies of toilet paper, soap, diapers, and tissues each month. Other hygiene items are sometimes included as the supplies are purchased from the Regional Food Bank for 16 cents/ pound. If the food bank has a surplus of other items, we receive and distribute them, too.
Our program has been on “pause” during the pandemic, but we have continued to obtain supplies from the food bank. FUMC volunteers have been giving the supplies to other community programs for distribution until we are able to open our building for this service again.
This important Schenectady program is partially supported by our church benevolence budget, but additional donations are needed. You can give by sending a check made out to the church with “Sustain” in the notation. Or you can go to the church’s website and give online. If you want to give a gift to Sustain in
someone’s honor at Christmas, attractive cards are available at church that you
can give to the honoree. Contact Linda to get cards recognizing your gifts.

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 #210: All Earth is Waiting (Toda la Tierra)

In Spanish:

Scripture Reading – Mark 13:24-37

Sermon – 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 Anthem: Prepare the Royal Highway by Timothy Shaw

Prayer of Presentation

God of Hope,
You have brought us this far,
and we trust you will be with us for the rest of our journey.
The gifts we offer to you of our time, our talents, and our treasures,
aim to make it possible for others to survive this journey as well.
May they be blessed to be a blessing.
Amen

Hymn #204: Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

Benediction

God who is Living Hope is stronger than any fear,
may you make space to let God create healing in you. Amen

Postlude

“Wake, Awake for Night is Flying” by Paul Manz


Photo by Sue Learner

Worship for Thanksgiving Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Thanksgiving Sunday

November 22, 2020

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 give you thanks.”
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” (Homage to the 18th Century) by David N. Johnson

Call to Worship

One: Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Many: When we can we will.
One: Give thanks with a heavy heart.
Many: When we can we will.
One: Know that God is with you.
Many: Thanks be to God.

Hymn #131: We Gather Together

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer (from Allie Scott)

Holy One,
source of all good things in this world,
Let’s be honest. It’s 2020.
You’ve seen this year happen.
In a year of pandemic, and politics,
and isolation, and exhaustion,
We feel a lot more like saying,
“How long, O Lord?”
Instead of “in all things, give thanks.”
Give us eyes to see your wonders, O God,
even in a year like this one.
Give us hearts that overflow with gratitude
for the ways we’ve made it through.
For binge-worthy shows and new crafting skills;
For fresh pots of coffee and surprise deliveries
of bread;
Fires to burn and rooms to paint;
Good Lord, we give you thanks.
For decent internet connection and love-to-hate-it Zoom;
For the ding of a text and long phone chargers;
For online shopping and unemployment checks;
Good Lord, we give you thanks.
For annoying pets and their insistence that we get outside;
For calls for justice so all can breathe;
For music and podcasts and good books to read;
Good Lord, we give you thanks.
For brilliant nurses and dedicated doctors;
For Pharmacists currently making miracles happen;
For family and community, even from far away;
Good Lord, we give you thanks.
For the miracle that we haven’t disowned our children;
For the reminder that we’re in this together;
And the reality that you are God and we are not;
Good Lord, we give you thanks.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Holy One,
For those getting together this week, may they be safe.
For those staying apart this week, may they find ways to be connected.
As we watch the numbers rise, our broken hearts break further open.
We know the medical community is exhausted.
We know essential workers are underappreciated.
We know those who are alone are carrying heavy burdens of loneliness.
We know those who are balancing too much are near breaking.
We know far too many people are ill,
far too many people have died,
and far too many people are grieving.
Worse, people have to grieve alone.
Difficult decisions are being made,
plans are being readjusted,
and there is less light with every passing day.
Oh Holy One, what a time for Thanksgiving.
Bless our smaller and quieter tables.
Bless our sadness and our grief.
Bless the tiny little wonders that still give us life.
As we work through the struggles,
help us take enough time to offer our thanks,
and notice what there is to be grateful for.
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

Alleluia by Randall Thompson

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:7-18

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Alternative Giving – Church World Service Blanket Program

For many years, FUMC has supported the Church World Service (CWS) blanket program through our alternative giving at Christmas. For only $10.00 you can provide a warm, sturdy blanket to someone in need. Blankets go to people suffering from climate disasters, fires, displacement, low-income or other situations in which they might be cold. CWS has both lightweight and heavy blankets so that donations can be appropriate in each environment. Blankets are given within the US and also internationally wherever there is a need.

When I was in Arizona with the United Methodist Primetimers “Immigration Immersion” program, I saw CWS blankets in shelters for migrants both in Tucson and in Nogales, Mexico. (See photos.) Virgia has seen CWS blankets being used in Albany.
You can give to this program by writing a check to FUMC with “CWS blankets” in the notation or by donating on the church website. If you would like to give as an alternative gift in someone’s honor and want a card to give to the person you are honoring, contact Linda at the church office.

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: We Are Gathered – Amanda Udis-Kessle

Scripture Reading – Luke 17:11-19

Sermon – “Giving Thanks – 2020 Style” – 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 Anthem: Now Thank We All Our God by Johann Sebastian Bach

Stewardship

Our Stewardship light is different in all of us.
We give how we can with our hearts

Prayer of Presentation

Holy One,
This week as we bring our attention to our gratitude,
we are able to attend to the multitude of gifts you have given us.
It is overwhelming.
With our offerings to this faith community,
and to your beautiful world,
we embody our gratitude to you.
May your love, peace, joy, and wisdom
bless all that we give,
and make it useful for the building of the
kindom.
Amen

Hymn #62: All Creatures of Our God and King

Benediction

As you go from this time of worship,
into this week of gratitude,
may you be aware of God’s presence with you,
and the many gifts of love that surround you. Amen

Postlude

“Now Thanks We All Our God” by Michael Burkhardt

Worship for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 24th Sunday After Pentecost

November 15, 2020

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

“May we learn / to 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

“Wade in the Water” by Sandra Eithun

Call to Worship

One: Like sheep, we are vulnerable.
Many: Like sheep, we are in need of care.
One: God is like a good shepherd.
Many: God cares for each and for all.

Hymn #660: God Is Here

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Compassionate Caregiver,
We are amazed at the ways that you care for us, and for all. We are grateful for the ways that we experience your compassion, the ways that you know us and understand us. As we savor your compassion, may it transform us from the inside out, that we may also be compassionate in our care of your beloveds.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Compassionate Caregiver,
You have called us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to build compassion into our words and actions, and we try to do so.
It can be hard sometimes, though, to have our hearts wide open to others, because a lot of pain comes in. It can be hard now, to see grief, death, illness, fear, injustice, brokenness, exhaustion, and lonesomeness. Our hearts are sore, Holy One, and in need of compassion themselves.
Thank you for loving us, for caring about it, for being willing to listen to even the smallest of aches or delights in our lives. Thank you for loving us so deeply that we are healed simply by attending to your presence. Thank you for loving the whole world, so that when we feel too small, we can remember that you are already enough.
Guide the leaders of the world and its countries, may they learn your compassion. Take care of the caregivers of the world and its inhabitants, may they be held up with your strength.
Heal our broken hearts God, but let them keep breaking so we keep on learning more and more love and compassion.
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

Teach Me, O Lord by Philip Stopford

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

UMCOR – Hurricane Eta
Another severe hurricane! Another opportunity to help even in a pandemic by donating to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief).

Hurricane Eta is the latest storm in another season of severe hurricanes and tropical storms. Eta has caused deaths and devastation in Central America and is still affecting Florida and the Southeastern US. One area particularly hard-hit
is northeastern Nicaragua. This is one of the poorest sections of that country. It is where Acción Médica Cristiana (AMC/ Christian Medical Action) has several offices and clinics. AMC is the agency with which our missionary, Dr. Belinda Forbes, works. Several of our Volunteers in Mission teams have worked with AMC in this area of Nicaragua. The
need is great. The people work hard and have little.

Donations to UMCOR can be given online on our FUMC website or at UMC Mission’s Web Site. Or you can donate by writing a check to FUMC with an advance number or name in the notation. The advance number for donations to US disaster relief is 901670. The number for donating to Acción Médica Cristiana is 14846A.

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 #434: Cuando El Pobre / When the Poor Ones

1.
Cuando el pobre nada tiene y aun reparte,
cuando el hombre pasa sed y aguano da,
cuando el débil a su hermano fortalece,
[Estribillo]
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
2.
Cuando sufre un hombre y logra su consuelo,
cuando espera y no se cansa de esperar,
cuando amamos, aunque el odio nos rodee,
[Estribillo]
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
3.
Cuando crece la alegria y nos inunda,
cuando dicen nuestros labios la verdad,
cuando amamos el sentir de los sencillos,
[Estribillo]
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
4.
Cuando abunda el bien y llena los hogares,
cuando un hombre donde hay guerra pone paz,
cuando “hermano” le llamamos al extraño,
[Estribillo]
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
1.
When the poor ones who have nothing share with strangers,
when the thirsty water give unto us all,
when the crippled in their weakness strengthen others,
[Refrain]
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
2.
When at last all those who suffer find their comfort,
when they hope though even hope seems hopelessness,
when we love though hate at times seems all around us,
[Refrain]
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
3.
When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing,
when our lips can speak no words other than true,
when we know that love for simple things is better,
[Refrain]
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.
4.
When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance,
when we learn how to peace instead of war,
when each stranger that we meet is called a neighbor,
[Refrain]
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us

Scripture Reading – Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon – “Compassion” – 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?

Stewardship

Our church plays an important role in the community and the Kingdom that will
hopefully continue long into the future.
As Stewardship Chair I have asked some members of the congregation to give
their reasons for supporting the church. Here are Terry and Anne Phillips’
reasons for giving.

Prayer of Presentation

May our gifts of compassion,
transform this world,
into your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #437: This Is My Song

Benediction

May the listening of the God of compassion,
Make space within you for peace. Amen

Postlude

“God of Grace and God of Glory” by Paul Manz arr. M. L. Thompson

Worship for the 23rd Sunday After Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 23rd Sunday After Pentecost

November 8, 2020

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

“Humble and gentle One / you are rest for my soul.”
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

“Allein Gott in der Höh sei Her” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: This is the day that the Lord has made,
Many: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
One: The heavens declare the glory of God –
Many: Not in words but in a glorious technicolor light show.
One: Every day shouts in wordless language
Many: That God made it all.

Hymn #66: Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands! The heavens declare Your glory, the arch of sky displays Your handiwork. In Your love you have given us the power to behold the beauty of Your world robed in all its splendor. The sun and the stars, the valleys and hills, the rivers and lakes all disclose Your presence. The roaring breakers of the sea tell of Your awesome might; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air bespeak Your wondrous will. In Your goodness You have made us able to hear the music of the world. The voices of loved ones reveal to us that You are in our midst. A divine voice sings through all creation.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

God of the sunrise, we awaken to greet you on the morning you have created. Everything around us reminds us of your love. We come here with our hearts open and our minds seeking you. Still our anxiousness, quiet our minds, restore our souls. Remind us when we worry that you are the God of life and breath, that you refresh our spirits. Be with those who are lonely and afraid, those who suffer, those in the hospital. Gather us all up in your loving care and give us the courage to be the people you call us to be. 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

Keep God’s Light by Mark Patterson

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Nelson Mandela Quote

Children’s Time: All Saint’s Childrens’ 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 #2212: My Life Flows On / How Can I Keep From Singing

Sermon – “What Do We Do While We Wait” – Rev. Dana Carroll

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 Anthem

“Praise His Holy Name” – Keith Hampton

Prayer of Presentation

We bring to you our gratitude, for our lives, our relationships, the love that surrounds us, for your creation, for beauty, for kindness. Bless these gifts that we offer. Amen

Hymn #585: This Little Light of Mine

Benediction

As you go from this worship, remember that God is with you, and all of us, in the present and in the waiting. Amen

Postlude

“Rondeau” by Jean Joseph Mouret

Worship for All Saints Day

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for All Saints Day

November 1, 2020

Photo by Alice Nash

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

“For all the saints / we give you thanks.”
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

“Sine Nomine” by John Weaver

Call to Worship (by Rev. Vicki Flippin)

One: For all the saints who poured love and wisdom and hot chocolate into our lives,
Many: For all the saints whose smiles and touch we miss the most,
One: For all the saints who helped us find our voice,
Many: For all the saints whom we cannot bear to live without,
One: For all the saints whom we have begun to forgive,
Many: For all the saints who forgave us more often than we deserved,
One: For all the saints whose lives continue in ours,
Many: We honor you this day.
One: We hold your sacred life up to God.
Many: We bear witness to the future we have shaped out of your existence

Hymn #711: For All the Saints

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy God,
God of Life and Death,
While this holy day is set aside to give thanks for the saints,
we experience it as bittersweet.
Often, the loss of our saints still weigh us down.
This year some of our saints haven’t had their lives celebrated yet.
Yet we seek to live, and to live lives worthy of theirs.
Help us today,
to give thanks,
to stay present,
to be inspired,
and to be honest about loss and gratitude.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Holy God,
God of Life and Death,
We know of course, that there is no life without death,
and no death without life,
but death still takes us by surprise,
sends us into tailspins
and jolts us to our cores.
This year the world has seen tragic death
more time than our minds can comprehend.
This year we have lost dearly beloved members of our church family,
and we haven’t even been able to stay goodbye.
This year has been lived with the threatening veil of death
– for ourselves and our loved ones –
looming over us.
It feels almost mean to call you the God of life AND death,
and yet you are.
Your power and love are larger than even life itself.
You are the one who can bring meaning out of even death.
Today we turn to you,
with gratitude for lives well lived,
and with consternation at lives lost.
Guide us Holy One, on this,
Your Holy Day.
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

Come to Me by Dan Forrest

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos
While we are celebrating All Saints’ Day, people with Mexican heritage are celebrating Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and in other Latin American countries. It is rooted in
ancient Aztec traditions but was moved from summer to November to coordinate with Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. This year it is being celebrated Nov. 1 and 2.

Celebrations include setting up altars to remember those who have died. Special foods are prepared. Some are traditional on that day; chocolate and sugar skulls might be put on the altars. A sweet bread, Pan de Muertos, is one
of the traditions. It is baked to resemble a pile of bones. The bones are placed in a cross to symbolize the 4 paths of the universe in pre-Columbian mythology. Other foods might be favorites of the persons who are being remembered.
Marigolds are the most recognizable flower associated with this day. The flowers are placed on graves with the idea that the vibrant colors and powerful scents will lure souls back to the land of the living. They also symbolize the
fragility of life since they bloom in early summer and die with the first frost. The bright color of marigolds is associated with the sun. Some families have picnics in the cemeteries near the graves of their loved ones.

There are many other traditions associated with this festival. Some can be seen in the Disney movie Coco. Some people wear masks or colorful costumes, in some places there are parades, there is humor and poetry. It is a celebration! There are many websites with more information. One of the best ones I found is dayofthedead.holiday. It includes recipes, coloring sheets for adults and children, mask patterns, history, and many traditions.

Children’s Time: God’s Paintbrush Part 2

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.

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

Hymn #708: Rejoice in God’s Saints

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

Sermon – “For All the Saints” – Rev. Sara E. Baron

All Saints Celebration

Church Members* and Friends who have recently departed

Robert MacKeown*	Mary Ann Balmer	Matt Zwoboda
Charles Chilberg*	Cindy Amell	Bonnie Bailey
Shirley Rivest*	George Michel	Nicole Bryant
Alma Polsinelle*	Carol Brumbaugh	Bishop John Yambasu*
Marylois Tupper*	Louise Lichorat	Christopher
C. Joseph Waring*	Chris Kleinienst	Jim Cronin
Joan Townsend*	Kevin Van Dunk	Malcolm Boggs
Claire Racicot*	Ann Stamm	Bob Bailey
Nancy Walden*	Melinda Shepard	John Drexel
Jan Guzior*	Lori Acquatta	Michael Micklas

Saints whose departure we are still grieving include:

Leon Adkins. Jr.*

Robert Earl Berry

Pete Huston*

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 Anthem

“Hark I Hear the Harps Resounding” – Craig Carnahan

Prayer of Presentation

Holy God of Life and Death,
May our gift to this church,
and to your world
bring life in abundance.
May our gifts also make space
for the learning of the wisdom of death.
Amen

Hymn #433: Hymn of Promise

Benediction

May God grant you grace,
that in pain you may find comfort,
in sorrow hope,
in death resurrection. Amen
– From United Methodist Book of Worship, Service of Death and Resurrection, pg. 142

Postlude

“Power of Life” by Mons Leidvin Takle

Worship for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

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

October 25, 2020

Photo by Alice Nash

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

“Lover of our souls / teach us compassion.”
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

“Festive Processional” by David Lasky

Call to Worship

One: Love the Lord your God,
Many: We love God with all our hearts, soul and minds.
One: Love your neighbors.
Many: We seek to love our neighbors in word and action.
One: May your life be guided by love.
Many: May we find compassion.

Hymn #402: Lord I Want To Be A Christian

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Lover of our Souls,
Lover of our Beings,
Your love is the center of the universe,
and of our lives.
It is in you that we live, and breath,
and have our beings.
May we continue to learn your love,
from the inside out,
so we can rest in it and
share it with the world.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Lover of our Souls, Lover of our Beings,
We seek to savor life itself, as a gift.
We have been reminded that life is a gift,
as we lose those we love.
We seek to savor beauty as a source of awe.
We know that we need to store up the wonder of fall,
to keep colors in mind through winter.
We bring our gratitude to healing, and hope,
even as we worry for those who are ill or injured,
or nearing the end of life.
May your loving support be with all who are struggling,
and may it help us find ways to show support beyond ourselves.
Amen

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

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 Gift of Love by Hal Hopson

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Thinking of Voting Early?

Voting Hours:

Saturday, October 24	9AM to 2PM
Sunday, October 25	9AM to 2PM
Monday, October 26	12AM to 8PM
Tuesday, October 27	9AM to 5PM
Wednesday, October 28	12AM to 8PM
Thursday, October 29	9AM to 5PM
Friday, October 30	9AM to 5PM
Saturday, October 31	9AM to 2PM
Sunday, November 1	9AM to 2PM

Poll Sites:

If you are registered in a county, you are eligible to vote early at any of the
sites offered in your county. Phone numbers for County Boards of Election
are listed below.

• Schenectady County: 518-377-2469
  • Central Library, 99 Clinton St., Schenectady
  • South Schenectady Fire Dept., 6 Old Mariaville Rd., Rotterdam
  • Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd., Glenville
  • Niskayuna Town Hall, 1 Niskayuna Circle, Niskayuna
• Saratoga County 518-885-2249
  • Halfmoon Library, 45 Moe Rd., Clifton Park
  • Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Dr., Saratoga
  • Board of Elections, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa
• Albany County 518-487-5060
  • Albany Board of Elections, 260 Pearl St., Albany
  • Pine Grove UMC, 1580 Central Ave, Albany
  • Boght Comm Fire Dept., 8 Preston Dr., Cohoes
  • Guilderland Fire Dept., 2303 Western Ave., Guilderland
• Rensselaer County 518-270-2990
  • Holy Cross Armenian Church, 255 Spring Ave., Troy
  • Schodack Town hall, 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton
  • Brunswick Office Building, 336 Town Office Rd., Troy

Children’s Time: God’s Paintbrush Part 2

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.

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

Hymn #2168: Love the Lord Your God

(You may want to substitute “humankind” for “mankind” as you sing.)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-46

Sermon – “Love” – 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 Anthem

“We Are Singing for the Lord Is Our Light” – Traditional Zulu Song, arranged by Hal Hopson

Prayer of Presentation

Lover of our Souls, Lover of our Beings,
We offer you our gratitude,
our love,
and gifts in service to your kindom.
May the gifts we give be blessed
to be used with love,
and for love.
Amen

Hymn #432: Jesu, Jesu

Benediction

May God’s compassion find its way into you,
and through you. Amen

Postlude

“Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven


Photo by Barbara Armstrong