Worship for the 7th Sunday of Easter

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

May 24, 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

“Open us O God, to life all around.”
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

String Quartet No. 62 “Emperor”, Movement 2 by Franz Haydn

Call to Worship – Psalm 33:1-4;20-22

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: All you who are righteous, shout joyfully to the Lord!
Many: It’s right for those who do right to praise God.
One: Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre!
Many: Sing praises to him with the ten-stringed harp!
One: Sing to him a new song!
Many: Play your best with joyful shouts!
One: Because the Lord’s work is right, his every act is done in good faith.
Many: We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
One: Our heart rejoices in God because we trust his holy name.
Many: Lord, let your faithful love surround us because we wait for you.

Hymn #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Eternal God, who created all things from the void, teach us to know the power of silence and prayer. Fill our emptiness with your peace and your love and fill our darkness with your light. Our world seems to have stopped turning as we face the unknown before us. Some days it feels as if it will never end, the world is too silent, the emptiness too vast. Yet, out of the void comes Spring, and new life – from the flowers and trees to the wildlife and a new baby to remind us that the world is indeed turning, and just as day follows night we have hope that we will once again be together, that You will never leave us alone. Help us to see the beauty and the life around us, help us to feel joy and hope in tomorrow and in You. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Lord of the Dance, you came to bring us life in abundance, and a joy that endures forever. You have shown us hope for the future through the birth of a tiny babe, who grew up to teach his Disciples how to live as God intends. He was killed, and everyone thought it was done. His Disciples were lost, alone and afraid of retribution, hiding behind closed doors until suddenly everything changed. Walls could not keep out the love, the joy and the hope that was the risen Christ.

As we remember and celebrate the Ascension, we are reminded that Jesus is not timebound in the dusty pages of an ancient text. Instead, as the saying goes, he who was once in one place is now in all places at all times.
Sometimes we forget all of this, but today we remember, and we pray.
Lord, we come before you with sorrows and with celebrations.

In difficult times like this, we can shut ourselves off from the love and grace you shower on us and instead protect ourselves from the many hard things that confront us. Help us to remember that we don’t do anything alone, you are there to help us get through, providing us with family and friends to walk our journey with us.

We ask that you bring relief to all those affected by the virus and by the efforts taken to slow it down. Remind your children to keep others safe by following safety guidelines, while business owners try to do the same. Comfort all who are grieving from losses small and large, especially the family of the young man in the Texas Kempf’s church who was killed in an accident.

Walk with all who are undergoing treatments for cancer, COVID or other acute or chronic diseases, especially Jean and Lisa’s friend undergoing breast cancer therapy.

Keep safe all who live in areas with virus surges. Help us to reach out to those who are alone, lonely, hungry for food or attention, in a manner that is safe for us and for them.

And God, we rejoice with Pastor Sara and Kevin on the birth of their little boy, Isaiah Michael Baron. We pray for him and for Pastor Sara and Kevin, as they grow into their new responsibilities with the love and support of their community of family and friends.

We celebrate with all who are graduating this year. Even though communal graduation ceremonies can’t be held, help them to find other rituals to mark the passage of their lives from one stage to the next.

We celebrate nice weather, beautiful flowers, and that we have chosen to express our love and care for each other and our community through our social distancing efforts.

O God, remind us that in you we live, and breathe, and have our being. You are our hope, and with you by our sides we are never truly alone, even when there is no one in sight. We ask all this through your son, Jesus, who came among us and showed us the way. 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

Do Not Be Afraid – Philip Stopford

Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine, you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you;
you will never sink beneath the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. Refrain
When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. Refrain.
You are mine, O my child. I am your Father, and I love you, I love you with a perfect love. Refrain.

Scripture – Ephesians 1:15-23 (English Standard Version)

Mission Moment – Bob Long

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate
For several years now, Schenectady area clergy from differing faiths – and from various perspectives within faiths – have sought to bring their various constituencies into a larger, mutually affirming and harmonious community. The goal was, and is, to clearly honor and express each faith, while making clear how much we actually hold in common.
The early public expression of this goal was the reintroduction of Schenectady Area Thanksgiving Interfaith Celebrations held each year in the sacred space of a differing faith. What joy was discovered in doing so.
When the current President began early in the 2016 presidential campaign to hurl hate-filled vindictiveness at almost everyone except white male Americans, actions of hatred began to multiply — nationally and locally.
Several clergy began to discuss what might be done to openly counteract expanding incidents of intentional hate speech and actions aimed at Muslims, Jews, Mexicans, African Americans, LGBTQ people, women.
Rabbi Matt Cutler, Rabbi at Congregation Gates of Heaven, who has guided this group since its earliest discussions said: “We’ve … been experiencing a polarizing nature of hatred, discrimination and general intonation that has torn at us rather than brought us together. We still live in the same community and have to build bridges to address social issues that have long been present, and new ones that rose to the surface.”
Agreement became unanimous among clergy who were in discussion. Now that hatred and division were being publicly given sanction, it was time to present a decisive public solidarity of commitment to the essential values which we all share in our differing faiths. There needed to be intentional gatherings to express grace, acceptance, affirmation and mutual support for those being persecuted. They needed to be well publicized and public expression of uniting values.
Thus arose Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, a non-partisan, multi-faith, and interfaith coalition working to promote harmony, respect, and fellowship in the greater Schenectady area.
Activities and events that have been sponsored by Schenectady Clergy Against Hate include:

• Raising community awareness, opening discussion and collaborating around healing values
• Volunteering at the Northeast Regional Food Bank
• “Soup Sabbath” fundraisers to support the Schenectady Inner City Ministry
• Worship using words of faith traditions to share perspectives on what it means to be American today
• Story-telling events by youth and adults of differing faiths
• Community conversation entitled “Discrimination, Bigotry, and Hatred in our Community”
• Prayer Vigils following attacks on synagogues, mosques, churches (1,100 people gathered at Gates of Heaven to affirm support following the massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh)
• Candlelight March to houses of worship
• Interfaith Healing Service
• Participation in the Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrations
• Yearly distribution of school items for children and youth
• Speaking publicly against Children Being Caged at the Mexican Border and against gun violence
• Participating in events supporting LBGTQ rights
• and many others.

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate has been honored by Congressman Paul Tonko, the Niskayuna Town Board, the Capital Area Council of Churches, and the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments, it is OK to wait. Sharing might work well this way: think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t know at all. In this way, God’s peace (wholistic well-being) is spread to all.
Please note you can also share the peace online through our Facebook page, or yours

Hymn #2171: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:44-53 (English Standard Version)

Sermon – Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

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

“Clap Your Hands” by Alfred V. Fedak

Clap your hands, O faithful people! Shout to God a song of praise!
From the dust of conquered nations, God a realm of grace shall raise.
In appointed courts of glory faithful to God’s name always.
May we prosper all our days.
With a shout, and blast of trumpet, God shall mount a throne on high;
Let our praise, as finest incense, rise to meet God in the sky.
Fill the world with glad rejoicing, Heav’n shall sing and earth reply.
All God’s works to glorify.
Let your hearts be filled with gladness, as the Lord your life shall bless;
Live as heirs of God’s great justice, wear the cloak of righteousness.
God will grant us earth’s dominion, all things good and nothing less.
All things good for our gift of faithfulness.

Prayer of Presentation

Gracious God,
We bring these gifts before you as a sign of hope and expectation that we can make a difference for your children and your world. But we cannot do it alone, we need each other and we need you. Help us to take these gifts and, joining them with our talents and our time, use them to help birth the beloved community, where everyone shares in the rights and responsibilities of a civilized society. We ask through Christ the Lord, Amen

Hymn #261: Lord of the Dance

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Lord of the Dance

Benediction

May the newness of a Spring morning and the giggle of a child remind you that we are all part of something larger, we are all connected, we are all loved. Amen

Postlude

Trumpet Concerto, Movement 3 by Franz Haydn
Performed by Wynton Marsalis, Trumpet

Worship for the 6th Sunday of Easter

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

May 17, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

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

“In You we live and move and have our being.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Sandra Eithun

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: The God of everywhere, and all time, is with you.
Many: We are not alone.
One: Every breath you take, is in and with God.
Many: We are connected by the Divine.
One: So breathe with ease, dear ones.
Many: God is with us.
One: And prepare to worship.
Many: God is good, and we are ready to worship

“A Fern Growing Out of Volcanic Lava” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: Stone Rolled Away

Hymn #660: God Is Here

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: God Is Here

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
Jesus’ commandment seems so simple:
“Love one another as I have loved you”
but we have spent our lives trying to live up to it,
without ever truly succeeding.
And now, love itself has been upended,
we show our love with distance and caution!
Guide us, God of Creation,
help us see all the wonders around us,
and show us how to love each other well,
so we may love the world itself well.
Amen

Silent Prayer

“A Surprise from Mother Nature” by Barbara Armstrong
2019 Photo Show Theme: Surprise

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body, this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body without hearing them first.

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
As Jesus-followers, we are committed to working with you to build the kindom. From this perspective, it makes sense that we take our labor seriously. We want to use our time and talents well, for the communal well-being. In this time when so much has changed, we bring you prayers about labor:
gratitude for those doing “essential work”
concern for those doing “essential work”
a yearning for justice for workers to be paid fairly for their work
gratitude for those able to go back to work
concern for those missing their work
a yearning for justice for those whose work is not meaningful or
appreciated.
gratitude for those whose “hobbies” are their meaningful work (especially when they keep us healthy and loved)
concern for those who aren’t sure what to do with their time
a yearning for justice for those whose capacity to share their gifts is limited by others lack of openness or creativity.
We are holding time tenderly right now, knowing how different it is for people based on their circumstances. For some, time marches painfully slowly, for others there is so little time and so much to do. We bring our prayers about time:
gratitude for games that can be played online
for ways we can connect with church family, and other loved ones
for good books, and other works of art
for the time used to bring loved ones home again
concern for those exhausted and have no time to rest
for those grieving without the moments of being held up by community
for the interminable time between when medical tests are taken, and when results come back
for the limbic time of being ill, and no one knowing when or if recovery will come
yearning for times of shared joy,
and even of shared sorrow –
when we can integrate our lives with each others, safely.
We seek, as well to hold each other tenderly, and to hear each other well. We raise together the prayers named within our community:
gratitude for Fran’s cousins who became grandmothers,
and Andrew’s friends who became parents,
for Hazel’s bendy pencil,
and (cat) Nightmare’s “amens”
concern for Anita, struggling with both cancer and with chemo
for Ann, with terrible headaches,
for kids without nurturing home environments
and for adults without safe homes
yearning for wholeness, peace, justice, and compassion.
All this we bring to you, trusting that you listen, care, and respond. Thank you for being with us through these days, and throughout our lives, and for all the ways you share your love in our 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

I Will Not Leave You Comfortless – Everett Titcomb

Scripture – Acts 17:22-31

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Part 1: Mission E-Academy
The Northeast Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission program has a mission academy every spring. It is usually a several-day retreat with many different course offerings. This year it is being given online. You don’t have to pack a bag and travel and the only cost is a suggested donation! Many of the courses are related to the current pandemic. Some of the titles are COVID-19 Pandemic: Crisis Spiritual Care for Congregations, Online ERT recertification, Systemic Racism and Discrimination during COVID-19, UMC Social Principles in the context of mission, Foundations of Disaster Ministry, and Food Insecurity during COVID-19. Instructors come from UMCOR, Board of Church and Society, NY State Disaster Interfaith Services, New England Conference, NY Conference, and more. I strongly encourage you to go to the website and
see what interests you. It’s a good opportunity!

Sign on a humanitarian aid office in southern Arizona” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid
Part 2: Request to FUMC members and friends to offer mission moments.
During this unusual time we are going to try experimenting with Mission Moments. We are inviting you to share your thoughts and concerns. Sharing can be done either by writing a few paragraphs or by producing a video which would be part of the online worship service. The Intersectional Justice team has come up with some suggestions for topics – you probably have more! Some possibilities are:

• Where do you see God at work in the world today?
• What is your favorite non-profit (other than FUMC)?
• What helping agencies in Schenectady do you like and why?
• What gives you joy these days?
• What are you grateful for?
• Have you found a way to help others while remaining physically distant?
• Maybe the current situation is taking all of your time and energy. If so, have you found a way to provide some self-care for yourself?
• What is your “mission” and why do you do what you do?
• How is your Bridging the Distance group working?
• Can you recommend a book, TV program, movie, etc? Why?
• If you have extra time, have you found a way to make it satisfying?

There are many other suggestions – I’ll share more another time. Please consider offering your thoughts in a mission moment. Contact Jan Huston with questions or to schedule a time. We are getting to know each other in new ways through zoom. Let’s try this way, too!

Children’s Time

(Please read to kids as appropriate)
Did you know that grownups are afraid of things too? Well, we are. Several weeks ago I was in the sanctuary at church, and noticed how lonely it looked all alone. I took a picture of it, and submitted it to the photo show under the theme “The Women Were Silent” and the title “The Pews are Silent but God and the Church Are Not.” The picture reminded me that “the church” isn’t just the name for the building we meet in, but is also the name for the people who come
together to worship God on Sunday, and who seek to live out God’s love every day.

It felt like a good reminder.
But then, as I was preparing worship, I looked through the pictures from last year’s photo show and realized I’d submitted almost the exact same picture last year under the title “I’m Afraid of This.” (I had entirely forgotten!)

It seems funny, now. I was afraid of the church being empty last year, and yet this year the empty church is a sign of hope! We aren’t at the church building because we love each other enough to take care of each other by staying apart.
So, I’m learning that the very things we can be afraid of can be OK after all. I hope that’s true for you too.
Will you pray with me? (Pinkies) God, help us face our fears, and notice when they become blessings! Amen

Passing 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 #88: Maker, In Whom We Live

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Maker, in Whom We Live

Scripture Reading: John 14:15-21

Sermon – Bishop Deborah Kiesey

Responding

Offering

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?

“Believe in the Beauty of Nature,
H.G. Reist Wildlife Sanctuary, Niskayuna”
by Alice Nash.
2019 Photo Show Theme: Believe

Offertory Anthem

“South African Gloria” by William Bradley Roberts

Prayer of Presentation

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
We recommit ourselves to the building of your kindom,
to responding to the needs of your people,
and building a society and world where all can thrive.
The gifts we offer, we give towards this kindom building,
and we ask that you guide us in the use of them,
that they may be useful in your work.
Amen

Hymn #384: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Benediction

May the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the compassion of the Spirit be with you now and always. Amen

Postlude

“Inception” by Jason Krug


“Wolf Creek Falls, Knox, NY” by Alice Nash
2019 Photo Show Theme: Yes

Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

May 10, 2020

“Dauphin Island Sunrise” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show: See and Believe

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 our Refuge, we seek your steadfast love.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Vocalise” by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Performed by Renee Fleming – Soprano

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Come out of the storm for a little while, beloveds of God.
Many: We prepare ourselves to worship, to be in the midst of beauty, expressing gratitude, seeking truth, savoring God.
One: Come and be where you are safe.
Many: We open our hearts to the God of love.

Hymn #2212: My Life Flows On

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: My Life Flows On

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
Steady us with your steadfast love, Holy One.
When we are rocked by the winds of change and confusion,
you provide a stronghold for us.
When our emotions are strong and changeable, like hurricanes within,
you let us cling to you, and provide a plumb-line to guide us.
May we let go enough, to rest in you, and regain our strength.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

“See and Bee-lieve” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
As we consider how you shelter us,
we are also grateful for our physical shelter,
for homes (including new ones)
for our church building,
and for all those invested in caring for our homes and our church and our places of refuge.
Our gratitude helps us see more clearly the struggle of those without:
those without adequate physical shelter, including migrants and those
who are homeless,
and those whose physical shelters are not safe, including those living
with abusers.
We are so grateful for the mask-makers in our midst,
for their care and their labor,
and for our increased safety.
Our gratitude helps us see more clearly the struggle of those without:
the medical workers without adequate protective gear,
the many in the world without clean running water to wash their
hands,
those unable to wear or access masks.
We are delighted in the chance we had to decorate our space with rainbows,
to share your message of love and joy,
to create art together – but safely.
Our delight reminds us of the work we do to name in the world that your love knows no bounds, and we raise our prayers for those who have heard other messages.
We have celebrated birthdays for people of many ages, in this time of upheaval, and we are grateful for their lives and for the creative ways celebrations have occurred. The moving celebrations remind us to consider those who are disconnected and lonely, to them we send our prayers and love.
In this time of change, there have been unexpected connections that have
enriched life, and we offer our thanks for them. May we continue to be open to such connections, as a way of savoring you.
As a community that loves to learn, we have always had a special space in our hearts for teachers, but now we name our gratitude even more strongly: for those who are adapting learning environments and trying to reach the hardest to reach students, we give you thanks. For the retired teachers who can grasp the difficulties and support their active colleagues (as well as for their years of work), we give you thanks. For the parents who have become teachers, we give you thanks. For all the learners who are experiencing new forms of teaching, we give you thanks. Strengthen them all, dear God, they need your support.
For those who have been sick or injured and are healing, we praise your name.
For those who have been isolated in hospitals and are now with their loved ones, we give you thanks!
For those offering life-giving care of all forms, we are grateful.
And, as we raise our voices in praise and gratitude, we acknowledge the deep needs in the world
for those who are ill or injured, that they may find healing
for those who are exhausted by their labors, that they may get rest
for those without work who are righteously afraid for their well being,
that society may step up with practical solutions
for those who are hungry, that they may be fed, and soon
for those who are grieving, that they may discover they are not alone
in their pain,
for those experiencing loss, confusion, and disorientation, that they
may find your steadiness.
We bring you so much, Holy One. Our hearts and minds are full of worries and gratitude. May you who knows the deepest parts of our beings, hear our
prayers, and may we be open to hearing your responses.
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

All Things Bright and Beautiful – John Rutter

Scripture – Psalm 31:1-5; 15-16

“Sea and Believe” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Mission Moment: Franciscan Blessing – Jan Huston

This week’s mission moment is a Franciscan blessing. I first heard it when we were preparing to leave Nicaragua after 2 weeks there with a VIM team. The pastor who was our liaison there shared this blessing with us. Jean Gustafson posted it recently on facebook. I was glad to be reminded of it and want to share it with you.

A Franciscan Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Children’s Time

Passing 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.

“A Bird’s Nest in my Spring Wreath!!” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #318: Christ is Alive

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Christ is Alive

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14

Sermon: “Rock and Refuge”

Responding

Offering

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?


“We must believe in both good (humanitarian aid — water in the desert)
and bad (the wall with wire on top).” by Jan Huston.
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Offertory Anthem

“How Firm a Foundation” – Mack Wilberg

Prayer of Presentation

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
For all the gifts you have given that steady us, we give thanks, and offer our responses of gratitude and commitment.
For all the ways you call us into relationships and service to your world,
we give you thanks, and respond with the gifts we have to offer to share your love in the world.
Amen

Hymn #2218: You Are Mine

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: You Are Mine

Benediction

May you always remember to steady yourself on God, your rock and your refuge.
Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” – Norman Crocker, Organist Christopher Herrick


“The Fog Will Lift” by Amanda Taylor
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

May 3, 2020

“After an early morning shower in the Arizona desert” by Jan Huston
Photo Show: Very Early in the Morning

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Shepherd us God, from death into 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

“Highland Cathedral” Arranged by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Come away for a while, from all that exhausts you.
Many: We seek the Holy One, and God’s rest.
One: Come and be with God, who is love.
Many: We let go of our worries and fears, to connect with God.
One: In word and song, in image and reflection, we become.
Many: We seek to become more loving, more whole.
One: On this Sabbath day, may we all know rest.
Many: And may our spirits be filled.

Hymn #2128: Come and Find the Quiet Center

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: Come and Find the Quiet Center

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God who Shepherds Us,
A shepherd is charged with caring for the whole flock,
and for each sheep.
So too, do you care for the whole,
and for each.
You seek to give us what we need,
and to ensure the resources you give are distributed fairly.
May we be a good part of your flock:
responsive to your gifts,
and trusting you enough to make space for others to receive them too.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

“Tree in the Fog” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Good Shepherd,
If you were anyone but you,
we would worry that you were exhausted.
How lucky we are to have a caregiver who never wearies, nor sleeps,
yet urges us to rest and recover!
Holy One, we don’t always know how to do what you urge,
for some of us there is too much downtime and we’re underwhelmed;
for others there are never ceasing demands and we’re running ragged.
Guide us, that we may be moved towards wholeness.
So many in this beautiful and hurting world are grieving, Holy One.
So many are ill.
So many are scared.
So many are lonely.
We are grateful for your presence and healing with all who are struggling.
In many ways, life is on pause. Grief has come, but celebrations of life await. Love has come, but weddings await. We wait, in this liminal space, hoping that our waiting brings life, hoping that our actions and choices matter.
You are a Resurrection God and we are your Easter people. Even in the midst of life on pause, in this ever so long Holy Saturday, we see your hand at work. Beauty and wonder break through. Hearing each other’s voices is a gift, as is seeing each other’s faces. Connections bring us life. New jobs await some, and shared play await others. We are still able to feed your beloved people, we are able to share our love in the world, and with each other. The “small wonders” we can find in these days that lift up our spirits, might have been there for us all along, and we are grateful that we now take notice of them.
You, Good Shepherd, are a God of Life, and we know you to be working towards whole and abundant life for all people. We thank you for what we are able to do to work with you, from social distancing, to sharing our gifts. We ask for your guidance to move our own lives and the lives of your beloveds (all) more fully into wholeness. May your guidance be our way.
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 – John Rutter

Scripture – Psalm 23 (The Inclusive Bible)

“Treasures Discovered On an Early Morning Walk at Sky Lake” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Mission Moment: Crop Walk and Belinda Forbes – Jan Huston

First – Today is the Virtual CROP Walk. Please read the information in the
announcements and respond as you are able. Donations relieve hunger locally
through the Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) and throughout the world through Church World Service.
Second – Our missionary in Nicaragua, Dr. Belinda Forbes, recently made a
video which is part of a series on Global Mission during a Pandemic. She was interviewed by Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church. She discusses some of the response to the corona virus in Nicaragua and also shares a message of faith and hope.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments, it is OK to wait. Sharing might work well this way: think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then think of
other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t know at all. In this way, God’s peace (wholistic well-being) is spread to all.
Please note you can also share the peace online through our Facebook page, or yours.

“Watch Me!” by Terry Phillips
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #133: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10 (The Inclusive Bible)

The Stillness of a New Day” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Sermon: “What Voice to Listen To”

Responding

Offering

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?

“Silenced by Injustice” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: The Women Were Silent

Offertory Anthem

“Paschal Lamb, Who Suffered For Us” – Carl Schalk

Prayer of Presentation

Good Shepherd,
We are reminded, again, to offer our lives to you and the building of your kindom.
May the gifts we have be given with hope and humility,
and received with wisdom.
We seek to be a part of your work in the world,
and the gifts we give are a part of that work.
Sometimes what we give doesn’t seem like enough,
sometimes it feels like too much,
in all cases we hope it is useful to you.
Amen

Hymn #405: Seek Ye First

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Seek Ye First

Benediction

May you find your breath, your emotions, and your voice – all as a means to
finding God’s voice within. Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” – C.S. Lang


“Red” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

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

April 19, 2020

“The Stillness of a New Day” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show: Very Early in the Morning

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.

Prelude

“Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David N. Johnson
Harmonic Brass and Matthias Eisenberg (Organ)

Call to Worship / Poetry As Prayer “Listening as Wisdom”

By Tina Datsko de Sánchez on Progressive Christianity
If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
We tune our hearing to silence.
We wait on the source of being.
Our minds release the roar of thoughts.
We incline our hearts to listen
for the still small voice of Wisdom.
It is Sophia who beckons.
Holy Wisdom, be now among us,
fill our hearts with your dancing light,
give us to know our true being.
Let us be beacons of God’s peace,
shining with the light of justice,
living out God’s love in the world.

Hymn #2215: Chris Has Risen

Christ has risen while earth slumbers, Christ has risen where hope died,
as he said and as he promised, as we doubted and denied.
Let the moon embrace the blessing; let the sun sustain the cheer;
let the world confirm the rumor: Christ is risen, God is here!
Christ has risen for the people whom he died to love and save;
Christ has risen for the women bringing flowers to grace his grave,
Christ has risen for disciples huddled in an upstairs room.
He whose word inspired creation can’t be silenced by the tomb.
Christ has risen and forever lives to challenge and to change
all whose lives are messed or mangled, all who find religion strange.
Christ is risen, Christ is present making us what he has been
evidence of transformation in which God is known and seen.

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy Wholeness,
On this second Sunday of Easter,
we wonder what it means to be called to abundant life
right now.
We wonder how you call us to wholeness,
given our current restraints.
We seek to be centered in your love,
to trust in our goodness,
and sometimes we are.
(And sometimes we are not.)
Guide us, Holy One,
show us the way,
especially when we can’t find it ourselves.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

“Rainbows are a longtime message of hope.” by Jane Baker
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Holy Wholeness,
As spring begins to take a deeper hold on our world,
we see signs of hope all around us.
And yet, at the same time, the global pandemic is also taking a deeper hold in our world.
Our emotions are wide ranging, and often very strongly felt.
We have such deep gratitude: for the chance to worship you and celebrate
Easter “together,” for safe moves, for the gifts of technology to connect, for beautiful music, for meaningful prayers, for sermons and liturgies that touch our souls, for those who are well, for those we connect to, for the ones who have given us gifts that matter, and for all those offering their work and service and care for the well-being of the whole.
We have such deep worries: for those who are ill, for those who are grieving, for those unable to get the medical care they need, for those offering medical care without adequate protection, for those who aren’t working, for those who don’t have enough, for those who are lonely, for those who are trying to do the impossible (work and teach from home, for example), for those in nursing homes and elder care facilities, for those making difficult decisions, for all those struggling with mental illness and addiction, for those who are afraid, for those who need to travel.
And more!
Sometimes are are overwhelmed with gratitude, other times with despair, and
many of us are on emotional roller coasters.
Holy One, may we make peace with the ups and downs of life right now, find
ways to be patient with ourselves and others, savor the goodness, and acknowledge the challenges.
May we join you in life, as wonderful and as hard as it is.
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

Blest Are the Eyes That Have Not Seen You – Fred Gramann

Scripture – Genesis 2:4b-7

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.
If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

^4bIn the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, ⁵when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; ⁶but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— ⁷then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.

Mission Moment – Beth Long Velasquez

“Let’s Pool Our Resources”: Safety Net in a time of social distancing and quarantines.
In late March, as we struggled to make the difficult but necessary decision to suspend SUSTAIN Ministry distributions through at least May due to the COVID19 situation, we were torn at the decision knowing that the need for essential personal hygiene items in the community would continue, if not increase at this time. This was particularly true regarding baby diapers as SUSTAIN is one of the few programs that addresses this need each month in Schenectady. Of approximately 150 local recipient households that we serve each month, about 120 are families with at least 1 child in diapers and we were all concerned about not being able to meet this need. That was when I saw the subject line on a email from the Schenectady County Public Health Services reaching out to local community outreach programs: “Let’s Pool Our Resources.”

Good Afternoon,
Thank you all for your tremendous efforts in assisting the community in getting their needs met. We wanted to reach out and hopefully interest you in linking with the growing initiative, Schenectady County COVID-19 Response Coalition, that grew out of the growing needs related to COVID19
and also the related decrease in available volunteers at local safety net organizations. The initiative is running out of the Mont Pleasant Boys and Girls Club, and the primary focus is to deliver (for no cost) resources (food, formula, diapers, etc) to the community as quickly as possible, as well as link community members to additional supports they may need…

So between March 31 and April 6, SUSTAIN transferred approximately 2,500 lbs of baby diapers, 500 lbs of adult incontinence products and 100 lbs of baby wipes to the Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition for distribution until we can safely begin holding monthly distributions again. Until that time, we have also suspended SUSTAIN’s Regional Food Bank pickups so that these highly needed items can be distributed to groups like the Coalition to meet the immediate need in our community.
From the Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition
website:

Schenectady County has partnered with The Schenectady Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club, and other local organizations to address the basic needs of the community during the coronavirus epidemic. The Coalition operates a hotline out of the new Boys and Girls Clubhouse in Mont Pleasant to help address coronavirus-related non-medical issues; and ensure those who are quarantined or isolated, seniors, and other at-risk individuals get the basic supplies they need while they remain at home. Schenectady County residents in need of supplies should call (518) 621-3536. Staff will work with callers to identify their needs, including any dietary or allergy restrictions, and set up a drop-off time. Representatives from the County Department of Social Services will also be on hand to assist with shelter, temporary assistance programs and Medicaid issues. Staff will also have information about resources available to address other identified needs.

More information about the Coalition can be found on their website.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

“The Bulbs Will Come to Life Again” by Sara Baron
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #420: Breathe on Me Breath of God

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Breathe on Me Breath of God

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-29

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.
If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

“Orange Tulip” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid

¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ ²²When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
²⁴But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
²⁶A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ ²⁸Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ ²⁹Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Sermon: “Our Bodies Remember”

Responding

Offering

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.
This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.
As government stimulus checks come in, it is a time to consider if you are able to use some of what you receive to support others.

Offertory Anthem

“This Joyful Eastertide” – Charles Wood

Prayer of Presentation

Holy Wholeness,
We seek to give gifts to you,
to express our commitment to your vision for the kindom,
and our gratitude for your acts of love
in our lives and in the world at large.
May all the gifts we give be useful to your kindom,
and used with wisdom. Amen

Hymn #666: Shalom to You

Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends.
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving,
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom

Benediction

May God’s wholeness settle onto you, and bring you peace. Amen

Postlude

“Rigaudon” – Andre Campra


“Believe You Will Find The Way” by Joel Fuschino
2019 Photo Show Theme: Believe

Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 12, 2020

Photos by Sue Learner unless otherwise noted

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.

Breath prayer

God of life, in you we hope
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

“Procession of the Nobles” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Harmonic Brass and Matthias Eisenberg (Organ)

“Concerto in E Flat, Allegro” by Johann Baptist Georg
Harmonic Brass

“Serenade No. 13 for Strings in G Major, K. 525” and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Allegro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Harmonic Brass

“Suite Gothique, Toccata” by Leon Boellmann
Dominick Giaquinto (organ)
Organ of the First United Methodist Church of Schenectady

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.

One: Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen, indeed!
One: Alleluia!
Many: Alleluia, Amen!
One: Love cannot be stopped, God never ceases,
Many: Christ is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Hymn #302: Chris the Lord Is Risen Today

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here:
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Life and Love,
On this day of celebrating your powers of life,
and your powers of love,
we are aware of the changes in our lives and our world.
May we be centered into this time of worship,
able to let go and savor You,
so that we may emerge refreshed,
alive,
washed in love,
and able to celebrate You throughout this week.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

Photo credit to Amanda Taylor. “A New Day Washes In”

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

God of Life and Love,
On this holiest of Sundays, we have gathered to worship you again,
from the distances of our homes,
seeking to do no harm, and to limit the contagion.
Love looks different than it has before,
now being shown by staying away, instead of staying close.
The notion of sacrifice has changed in front of us too,
from being a gift given to you, and made holy in the giving,
to being requested of people because we are unable to protect them.
We yearn, and we mourn.
We struggle, and we delight.
We are both lost and found.
This is a strange time, Holy One.
And we are so grateful to have you to rely on during it.
We bring you our profound gratitude for all the sources of life and love among us,
for all that uplifts and sustains.
We bring you all of our fears and aches, for all those who are struggling near and far, and all those who are vulnerable.
And, while we struggle at times, we offer you our trust,
knowing that you are with us,
that you are seeking good,
that you are bringing wholeness in as quickly and profoundly as it can come.
Guide us to life.
Guide us to love.
In your name.
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 Is Now Arisen – K. Lee Scott

Now the song is begun, for the battle is done, and the victory won:
now the foe is scattered: death’s dark prison shattered:
Sing for joy; and today raise the lay, Christ is now arisen!
They that followed in pain shall now follow to reign,
and the crown shall obtain; they were sore assaulted, they shall be exalted:
Sing for joy; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
For the foe nevermore can approach to that shore, when the conflict is o’er:
there is joy supernal; there is peace eternal;
Sing of life; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Then be brave, then be true, Ye despised and ye few, for the crown is for you:
Christ, who went before you, spreads His buckler o’er you.
Sing of strength; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Lo, the victory is won, and the foe is scattered, death’s dark prison shattered!
Hallelujah, earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Come today raise the lay, Christ is now arisen!

Scripture – Jeremiah 31:1-6

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

¹At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of
all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
²Thus says the Lord:
The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
³the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
⁴Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O virgin Israel!
Again you shall take your tambourines,
and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
⁵Again you shall plant vineyards
on the mountains of Samaria;
the planters shall plant,
and shall enjoy the fruit.
⁶For there shall be a day when sentinels will call
in the hill country of Ephraim:
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.’

Mission Moment: Get Out and Go Hiking – Dana Carroll

Please note: In the very short time since this was written, things have changed. The Indian Kill Preserve and Plotterkill Preserve have closed.
(Information is included for when they reopen.)
Please use caution, social distancing, and face masks when you go out, even to hike.
Climbing the Walls?
Are you going stir crazy during this social distancing period? Missing your friends? Becoming a couch potato? Well, here’s a good idea for you. Go walking in one of the local Nature Preserves. Fresh air will not hurt you. If you take care, you can ask one of your friends to join you but still maintain social distancing. Drive in separate cars and meet at the Preserve. Just remember, no hugging, no touching, and stay 6 feet apart.
Wear layers and boots (in the spring it might be muddy), and get outside. It’s nice to have a day pack to put your jacket in when you get hot, and don’t forget a water bottle.
Our area has the most beautiful trails on God’s green earth. They are not difficult or long, they are easy to find, and they are well-marked so you can find your way. And, walking in the woods is a great way to pray. If you are not good at sitting quietly to pray (I’m not), you are going to love praying in the woods. Just walking on the trails is a prayer; you don’t have to have any words! And you can even let out a couple yells if you want. God loves that!
Here are five trails to get you started. You might be able to get these on you phone GPS. When you get to the trail head, it’s a good idea to use your phone to take a photo of the Preserve map.
Vischer Ferry Preserve. This is probably the easiest of all of these right now, because it is less muddy this time of year. It’s not a forest and it doesn’t have a trail head. It is a 740 acre preserve virtually in the Mohawk River, near the hamlet of Vischer Ferry. You can walk on a stone dust trail along the river and see lots of wildlife. I was there last week and I saw my first Hooded Merganser. Take binoculars if
you have them.
Directions: Take Balltown Road (Route 146) into Rexford and at the light at Stewart’s; turn east onto Riverview Road. Drive roughly 8 miles and the preserve is on the right at the intersection of Van Vranken Road. The parking lot is there at the Whipple Truss Bridge.
Indian Kill Nature Preserve, Hetcheltown Road, Glenville. This is 100 acres of woods following the banks and bluffs of the Indian and Alplaus Kills. A “Kill” is a stream or river. Some of the mature forests on the steep slopes were probably never timbered and contain very old maples, oaks, and beeches. The valley of the Alplaus and the steep bluffs of the Indian Kill were formed by the large water flows at the end of the last ice age. You can see and hear the river all along the hike.
Directions: Go north on Rt. 50 to Glenridge Road. Turn right on Glenridge Road and go 1.3 miles to the traffic circle at Maple Ave. Take the third exit of the traffic circle which puts you heading north on Maple Ave. Go 1/4 mile to the intersection of Maple and Hetcheltown where the preserve is on your left.
Sanders Preserve, Sanders Road, Glenville. The Sanders Preserve is overgrown farmland with no development other than trails. You can hike on either side of the road. You will pass through an old forest of hemlock, oak, and hickory. It’s fun to take the red trail down to the waterfall in the summer, but this time of year you might want to pick a trail that’s higher and drier. I hiked this a couple of weeks ago and it was a little muddy but not too bad.
Directions: Take Route 5 west from Scotia and turn right on Washout Road. Go approximately 1.7 miles to Sanders Road. Turn right and go a short distance to the parking lot on right with a sign.
Plotter Kill Preserve, Route 159, Rotterdam. This is 632 acres of the most beautiful waterfalls and views in our area. The cliffs and stream bed reveal the geology of the area. Alternating bands of sandstone and darker faking shale tell of a time when sands and then clays were successively deposited on the bottom of an ancient sea some 4.5
million years ago. Be very careful because the cliffs along the stream are hazardous. Stay back from the edge.
Directions: Take I-890 to Campbell Road (exit 2A), right on Campbell Road, then right on Putnam Road to NY Rt. 159 (Mariaville Road). Turn right on Route 159 and go 1.9 miles to the Preserve sign. For the Coplon Road entrance, turn right on Coplon Road just ahead. For the Route 159 entrance, continue 0.4 mile to the driveway and sign on the right.
Lisha Kill Natural Area, Rosendale Road, Niskayuna. This is more than 135 acres an old hemlock forest characteristic of those in the precolonial Mohawk Valley. The main loop is indicated by red markers. Trails are hilly and may be slippery. A hiking stick is recommended. Stay on the trails and use caution along the edge of the cliff.
Directions: The preserve entrance is on Rosendale Road in Niskayuna 0.2 mile west of junction with River Road, adjacent to the former grange hall. There is a small wooden sign along the road. Parking is limited to about 5 cars. Enter the woods on a trail at rear of the parking lot.
Notes: I have walked in all of these nature preserves. I gleaned most of this detailed information from a book called Natural Areas of Schenectady County, NY by ECOS, the Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn #157: Jesus Shall Reign

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Jesus Shall Reign

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

¹When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary
the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ²And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ ⁴When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. ⁵As they entered
the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. ⁶But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ ⁸So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Sermon: “Life and Love”

Responding

Offering

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.
This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

“Sing With All the Saints in Glory” – Carl Schalk
Listen here to To the King of Glory

Sing with all the saints in glory, sing the resurrection song!
Death and sorrow, earth’s dark story, to the former days belong.
All around the clouds are breaking; soon the storms of time shall cease;
In God’s likeness we awaken, knowing everlasting peace.
Oh, what glory, far exceeding all that eye has yet perceived!
Holiest hearts for ages pleading never that full joy conceived.
God has promised, Christ prepares it; there on high our welcome waits.
Every humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed the eternal gates.
Life eternal! Heaven rejoices: Jesus lives who once was dead!
Shout with joy, O deathless voices! Child of God, lift up your head!
Life eternal! Oh, what wonders crowd on faith; what joy unknown,
When, amid earth’s closing thunders, saints shall stand before the throne!

Photo by Dana Carroll – “Dauphin Island Sunrise”

Doxology – Festive Toccata on “Old Hundredth” by Purdue Bells

Prayer of Presentation

God of Life and Love,
As we seek to live into your eternal life,
and love with the depths of your grace,
we give our gifts to you, hoping that they may be useful to the building of the kindom.
May they be blessed, to be used with wisdom and abundance. Amen

Hymn #303: The Day of Resurrection

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: The Day of Resurrection

Benediction

As you look may you see what the God of Resurrection is up to today! Amen

Postlude

“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah – George F. Handel
Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Worship for Palm Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

April 5, 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.

Breath prayer

King of Kings, lead us now.
OR
Leader of all, lead us now.
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting,
or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude: All Glory, Laud and Honor

Chris Stroh – Organist

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.

One: We remember the crowds lifting high the palm branches,
Many: But sometimes we shudder thinking of the danger of crowds.
One: We hear of the shouts of Hosanna, and the hope in the air,
Many: But Hosanna and hope aren’t feeling entirely natural.
One: We imagine Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey,
Many: And we remember how radical that was,
One: How Jesus stood up for the people, even to the powers of empire,
Many: And God’s hope returns.
Hosanna!

Hymn #280: All Glory, Laud and Honor

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
As ancient people shouted “save us, we pray”
we join in their chorus,
asking for your help in the world today,
your guidance in our day to day lives,
and your wisdom when it becomes time to rebuild.
We know you are with us,
and with all.
May we find the moments to breath deeply,
see beauty,
savor goodness,
and connect with you.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

Photo credit to Sue Learner

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
We bring to you our gratitude for all that help us to connect and to survive:
for the people whose work cares for us,
for the signs of springs,
for flowers and buds,
for this faith community,
for generosity and courage being expressed by so many people,
for times when the whole world works together.
We thank you for loving relationships, safe homes, and good health.
Which all serve to remind us of the struggles of those who don’t have such
gifts.
We bring our attention to those in broken or abusive relationships, who live in inadequate or unsafe homes, for those who are ill and those who are
grieving.
We continue to offer gratitude for frontline workers and essential workers,
whose work cares for us all, but comes with risk. We seek to keep them
safe and support in all the ways we can, and ask you to surround them with
our love.
We bring our attention to those living with cancer and other illnesses, many of whom are even more isolated right now, and without their communities of support.
We bring our attention to those who live with addiction, and are struggling
without the forms of support that usually sustain them.
We bring our attention to all those struggling with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and addiction, knowing that the very real stresses of day to day life right now are overwhelming for many.
We are deeply aware of the many who have lost jobs and are worried about
having enough resources to survive. May we become a society that cares
for its people, and supports those who are unable to access enough
otherwise.
We are aware, as well, of the record number of migrants and refugees
around the world right now who are not in safe places, or getting access to
care. With them, we name all those who are homeless, and exposed. May
mercy surround them, and may we find ways to care for them well.
In particular, we name together Zach, who has been sick; Matt who has
cancer but can’t get chemo; Mary who lost her son at age 36; Lynn who is
struggling in isolation in a nursing home; Otto in whose nursing home there
is now great danger; the residents of Glen Eddy and other facilities where
the virus has been found; and those grieving for Marylois.
In all that we name together, we trust that you are already present, Holy
One. In all that we name together, we seek goodness, love, light, and
peace for those who need blessings.
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

Hosanna! Blessed Is He – Hal H. Hopson

Scripture Psalm 118:1-2,19-29

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
118:2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
118:23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
118:25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
118:26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you
from the house of the LORD.
118:27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.
118:29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures
forever.

Mission Moment: Food pantries and food banks during the coronavirus pandemic – Jan Huston

Food pantries and food banks are among the many organizations struggling
during the current crisis. They need our help!
Food Pantries
Recently WAMC interviewed Natasha Pernicka, executive director of The Food
Pantries for the Capital District. Their website states, “Given unprecedented times The Food Pantries for the Capital District is working to ensure that our local food pantries are prepared in the face of circumstances that are devastating to the most vulnerable community members.”
Ms. Pernicka coordinates the 68 food pantries in this area. Four were closed at the time of the interview. The rest continue to try to fill the need for food for local families.
The pantries are facing several difficulties:

1. They are short-staffed. Many of their usual volunteers are older people who need to stay home. Other volunteers are unable to serve because their children are home from school.
2. Schools are closed. Many workers are losing income. Businesses are hurting. Seniors are isolated. The need for food has increased greatly.

Food pantries are considered an essential service and remain open. There is no income requirement for being eligible to receive food – just a need. People needing food can call the food access referral line – 518-458-1167 ext. 108
Some of the ways they are working to maintain safe conditions as they work are:

1. Clients are asked to make appointments so that they can be physically distant from each other and from volunteers.
2. Bags of food are pre-packed instead of having clients browse and choose their foods.
3. They are working on being able to deliver food when needed.
4. Volunteers who might have ridden in the truck in the past now drive their own vehicles and follow the delivery trucks.

Ways to help during the current crisis are:

1. Donate money. Donating money is more effective than having a food drive. Food pantries are able to purchase food from the food banks at a reduced price. $1.00 can buy 6.25 pounds of food. The best way to donate is by using the website listed above. Also at this time grocery stores are often low on stock so it is not beneficial to reduce their inventory.
2. Volunteer if possible. The primary need is for volunteers who are able to lift heavy boxes. Volunteer by calling the above number
   or by going to the website.

Food Banks
Ms. Pernicka stressed the difference between food pantries and food banks. Pantries are where the food is distributed. Food banks are warehouses where large amounts of food are stored and are available for purchase by pantries and similar organizations. FUMC’s Community Breakfast program buys food from the Regional Food Bank in Latham. At this time food banks are well stocked, although they are also in need of volunteers to sort through what they have. The pantries need financial donations so that they can access the food for distribution.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn #278: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

21:1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
21:2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.
21:3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.”
21:4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
21:5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, .ook, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;
21:7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.
21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
21:11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in
Galilee.”

Sermon: “Dry Bones Live”

Responding

Offering

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 banking team is going to be in the
office on Wednesday of this week – so if
you are mailing a check, you might actually
want to stop now, write it out, and put it out
for the postal service. Thanks!! This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

“To the King of Glory” – Katherine K. Davis and the Choir of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack, New Jersey
Listen here to To the King of Glory

Prayer of Presentation

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
With these gifts we offer to you our gratitude and our hope.
May they be used for the building of your kindom and the lessening of suffering.
Amen

Hymn #277: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Healer of our Every Ill

The hymnal lyrics and the video lyrics do not match

Benediction

It is God who saves us, may we be ready to receive God’s acts! Amen

Postlude

Toccata on “All Glory, Laud and Honor” – Michael Burkhardt
Tom Leonard – Organist

Worship for the Fifth Sunday In Lent

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

March 29, 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.

Breath prayer

Breath of Life, soften our breaths.

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: “Adagio” from Sonata No. 1 in G minor

– Johann Sebastian Bach

Listen Here to Adagio

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.

One: Out of the depths, we cry together to God.
Many: Lord, hear our voices.
One: We name and offer our worries and fears to the Holy One.
Many: In the midst of our caution,
we also remember that God is with us.
One: We are not alone.
Many: Goodness and love will continue to show their strength.
One: We wait for better news and better days,

Many: More than those who watch for the morning.

Hymn

I Believe in the Sun
– Mark Miller
The words of the song were found etched into the walls of Auschwitz. The words are:

I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when I don’t feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.

Listen here to I Believe in the Sun

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

Source of Life,
Even in the darkest of days,
You are at work to move us towards life.
Today we bring to you heavy grief,
and profound concern,
knowing that you are listening to us,
and experiencing pain with us.
Today we are with the ancient Israelites in exile,
wondering if all is lost.
And today we hear again the words of Ezekiel,
promising us that the dry bones will live again.
May we hear what you are saying today,
and find comfort and hope in worshipping you.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

Photo credit to Sue Learner

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Source of Life,
There are so many sources of wonder and goodness around us.
And there are real sources of fear, anxiety, grief, and sorrow.
So much is spiraling out of control around us.
Yet we find so much to be grateful for.
It is complicated, Holy One.
We thank you for the ministries we can still do,
and for the ways we can help.
We thank you for all who are contributing to our collective well being.
We thank you for the ways we can connect, and for the sweet moments in life.
And we bring our attention to the many who are vulnerable, including those
offering life-giving gifts that may threaten their well-being.
We bring our attention to the ill and injured, to all those receiving care or giving it.
We also bring our attention to all who are lonely, in need of human contact or a
good long hug. The benefits of social distancing are clear, but the costs are real.
We remember that there are still natural disasters, and people responding to
them, including in Tennessee.
We are aware of grief and suffering, and how much harder it is to grieve without
community support.
We bring to you all our concerns about life and death, and all of our joys and
gratitudes, because we trust that you listen, care and respond. May we sense
your care.
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

God Is Here – Glenn Wonacott
Listen here to God is Here

Scripture Psalm 130

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my
supplications!
130:3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
130:4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
130:6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
130:7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and
with him is great power to redeem.
130:8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Mission Moment: 350.org – Elaine Troy

(from wikipedia) 350.org is an international environmental organization addressing the climate crisis. Its stated goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement. The 350 in the name stands for 350ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide, which has been identified as the safe upper limit to avoid a climate tipping point. As of 2019, the current level has reached 415 ppm.
Through online campaigns, grassroots organizing, mass public actions, and collaboration with an extensive network of partner groups and organizations, 350.org has mobilized thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. It is one of the many organizers of the Global Climate Strike from September 20 to 27, 2019 which evolved from the Fridays for the Future movement. Specific 350.org Campaigns are listed in the Wikipedia article accessed through the link (Click on the blue word – Campaigns) 350.org was founded by American environmentalist Bill McKibben and a group of students from Middlebury College in Vermont. Their 2007 “Step It Up” campaign involved 1,400 demonstrations at famous sites across the United States. McKibben credits these activities with making Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama change their energy policies during the 2008 United States presidential campaign. Starting in 2008, 350.org built upon the “Step It Up” campaign and made it into a global organization. McKibben is an American environmentalist and writer who wrote one of the first books
on global warming for the general public, and frequently writes about climate change, alternative energy, and the need for more localized economies. NASA climate scientist James Hansen contended that any atmospheric concentration of CO2 above 350 parts per million was unsafe. James Hansen opined in 2009 that “if humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change
suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm, but likely less than that.” In May 2013, two independent teams of scientists measuring CO2 near the summit of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, recorded that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere exceeded 400 parts per million, probably for the first time in more than 3 million years of Earth history. 2 °C (3.6 °F) was agreed upon during the 2009 Copenhagen Accord as a limit for global temperature rise. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, 1.5˚C of warming was introduced as a limit, reflecting the significant difference in impacts between 2˚C and 1.5˚C, especially for climate-vulnerable areas. This was re-affirmed in the 2018 report by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, where the world’s leading scientists urged action to limit warming to 1.5˚C. In order to stay below a 2˚C increase, scientists have estimated that humans can pour roughly 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fossil-fuel companies have about 2,795 gigatons of carbon already contained in their proven coal and oil and gas reserves, and is the amount of fossil fuels they are currently planning to burn. 2,795 gigatons is five times higher than the limit of 565 gigatons that would keep Earth under a global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius which is already unsafe according to the latest science.

Children’s Time

Passing 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.
This may take several breaths or moments.
Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn

420: Breathe on Me, Breath of God
If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Listen and Watch Breathe on Me, Breath of God here

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

37:1 The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit
of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.
37:2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and
they were very dry.
37:3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD,
you know.”
37:4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry
bones, hear the word of the LORD.
37:5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you,
and you shall live.
37:6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover
you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I
am the LORD.”
37:7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly
there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
37:8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them,
and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them
37:9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to
the breath: Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and
breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”
37:10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and
they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
37:11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel.
They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off
completely.’
37:12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: I am going
to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will
bring you back to the land of Israel.
37:13 And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and
bring you up from your graves, O my people.
37:14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your
own soil; then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken and will act,” says
the LORD.

Sermon: “Dry Bones Live”

Responding

Offering

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. This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

I Want Jesus to Walk With Me – Larry Shackley
Listen here to I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Prayer of Presentation

Source of Life,
You breathe into us the breath of life,
not just once,
but continually.
For the gifts we now have: for food, for drink, for shelter, for connections,
we give you thanks.
Give us strength as we continue to seek the well being of your people,
and receive our gifts of love as we give them today.
May we as individuals and as a Body of Christ model life and love in your world.
Amen

Hymn

Healer of Our Every Ill – Marty Haugen
If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Healer of our Every Ill

The hymn words are in the video

Benediction

The God of LIFE, of hope, of compassion, and of courage is with you. Savor
your time with God and God’s many gifts. Amen

Postlude

Praeludium and Allegro – Fritz Kreisler
Listen to and watch Praeludium here