Lenten Photo Show
Lenten Photo Show
Lenten Photo Show
Lenten Photo Show
Lenten Photo Show 2024
The First United Methodist Church of Schenectady invites you to participate in its 2024 Lenten Photo Show.
You can participate in either or both of two ways:
- SUBMIT PHOTOS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN
- VISIT THE SHOW ON THE FUMC WEB SITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE AND AS PART OF EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE, MARCH 31, 2024
- SUBMIT PHOTOS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN
For each of five weeks during Lent, First United Methodist Church of Schenectady has chosen a different Lenten theme. During each of these weeks we will be accepting one to three photos that you have taken that reflect the weekly theme. The themes are:- February 14-20: FIRST DAY
- February 21-27: DAZZLING CLOTHES
- February 28-March 5: PREPARED
- March 6-12: NOT HERE
- March 13-19: THE WOMEN
You may submit your photos either electronically or in hard copy.
- To submit your photos electronically, save them as JPG files of between 300bpi and 3MB, attach them to an email, enter ‘Photo Show’ as the subject of the email, type your name, address, telephone number, and the theme your photos represent in the body of the email, and send to
fumcphotoshow@gmail.com. - To submit your photos in hard copy, print them out on 8×10 photo paper, enclose them and a completed copy of this form in an envelope, and send the envelope to FUMC Lenten Photo Show, 603 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. Copies of this form may be downloaded from the church’s website at www.fumcschenectady.org or may be obtained by calling the church office at 518-374-4403.
- On a weekly basis, the photos submitted for each of the themes will be posted on First United Methodist Church’s website (www.fumcschenectady.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fumcschenectady).
- VIEW THE SHOW ON THE FUMC WEB SITE OR ON FUMC’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND AS PART OF EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE ON MARCH 31, 2024
On a weekly basis, the photos submitted for each of the themes will be posted on the First United Methodist Church’s web site and Facebook page
The submission form for the photo show can be downloaded here: 2024 Photo Show Flyer for website
Carl Lecture
Carl Lecture 2023: Bishop Karen Oliveto
We live in an age of intense political, social, and religious division. Where is hope to be found? How can we, in the midst of brokenness, dream a better world? Where can we draw strength for the journey as we create Beloved Community? Bishop Karen Oliveto will explore the importance of imagination and play as we rediscover hope and joy.
Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference is the first openly LGBTQAI Bishop in the United Methodist Church.
Online Worship
Worship for the 4th Sunday of Easter
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
4th Sunday of Easter
April 30th, 2023
Photo by Sue Learner
Gathering
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 (from Sarah Bessey Field)
Inhale: God with us.
Exhale: Still, always.
Prelude
“Sounds of Joy” by Barbara B. Kinyon
Call to Worship
One: Let us share good news: those who are oppressed,
Many: are not crushed.
One: Those who are knocked down
Many: are not destroyed.
One: God is with us,
Mary: still, always.
Hymn #303: “The Day of Resurrection”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Praying
Unison Prayer
God of Resurrection,
you who meet us in our brokenness and love us towards wholeness,
you who speak life into life and even into death,
you who never give up,
we ask you to pick us up, wipe us off, and set us on your path again.
And we ask you to keep doing it as long as we need that help.
Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Poem: “In Blackwater Woods” by Mary Oliver
Time With Young People
Hymn #318: Christ Is Alive
Scripture Reading: Luke 7:18-23
Sermon: “Perplexed, but NOT in Despair”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “Simple Gifts” Traditional, Arranged by Bill Ingram
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?
Offertory Prayer
Hymn #307: “Christ Is Risen”
Benediction
“I Will Praise Him / May Jesus Christ Be Praised” Arranged by Carol Tornquist
Online Worship
Worship for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
3rd Sunday of Easter / Native American Ministries Sunday
April 23th, 2023
Photo by Sue Learner
Gathering
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
“Creator God, we listen for you.”
Prelude
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” by Kathleen Thomerson
Call to Worship
One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you live the life I have given
to you?
Many: Like a still, deep pool in the desert, we will live in a way that reflects your love back onto your world.
One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you walk this path I have given to you?”
Many: Like the creatures of the forest, we will walk in a way that respects all life created by your hand.
One: Our God and Creator asks, “How will you reach out to the world beyond yourselves?”
Many: Like the branches of a sapling, we will strive to reach beyond the safe and the familiar, touching the world in your name. Help us to remember we all are connected through the endless circle of life
and creation. Teach us to trust and follow the example of Jesus Christ who lived a life of sacrifice, walked a path of goodness and mercy, and reached beyond human differences.
Amen.
Hymn #311: “Now the Green Blade Riseth”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Praying
Unison Prayer
Creator God, as you have gathered us in generations past, lead and guide us this day
As we seek your wisdom and your vision for our people.
Give us eyes to see one another as you see us,
People of one God,
Connected to one another and to you
In all our relations, and in your son Jesus.
Give us ears to hear the wisdom of our elders
And the laughter of our children.
Give us words of blessing and healing for a hurting world.
Open our hearts and lead us on the path of peace.
We stand together on sacred ground with grateful hearts,
Knowing that the One who promises is faithful and true.
Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:11-22
Poem: “Catlin’s Creed” by George Catlin
Mission Moment: Native American Ministries Sunday by Jan Huston
Time With Young People
Hymn #560: Help Us Accept Each Other
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:8-10
Sermon: “Love Your Neighbor”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “Open My Eyes That I May See” by Clara Scott, arranged by Don Phillips
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?
Offertory Prayer
Hymn #2223: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”
Benediction
“Praise His Greatness Medley”, arranged by Mark Hayes
Give Back
Electronic Giving
Electronic Giving is now an option at FUMC.
First United Methodist Church is now able to receive donations electronically. Using this new electronic donation capability is totally voluntary and your ability to contribute to FUMC as you have done in the past is not affected in any way.
Electronic Giving is a convenient, consistent way to help our church grow. Both one-time donations and scheduled periodic donations may made be made electronically. Giving may be initiated on a computer or a smart phone. Donations may be charged to credit cards, debit cards or bank accounts. You will no longer need to write out checks and prepare envelopes every week. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an uninterrupted basis.
If you are interested in using this new electronic system to make pledge payments, to make donations to church benevolences, to repay student loans or for other purposes, please click on the button labeled “DONATE” to go to the FUMC electronic donations page. The page will walk you through the process of signing up. You can also use the page to make changes to electronic donations that you’ve previously se t up. If you would prefer to sign up on a paper form, you may pick up an authorization form from Linda Smith in the church office.
This electronic giving capability is being provided through Vanco Payments Solutions which has been endorsed by the United Methodist Church. The system will be evaluated after a year of operation.
If you have any questions about this new capability, feel free to contact Financial Secretary Chris LaRocca at 518-399-9050.
Online Worship
Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
2nd Sunday of Easter
April 16th, 2023
Gathering
It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.
Breath Prayer
“May we doubt, and may we hope.”
Prelude
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” by John B. Dykes arranged by Lavawan Riley
Call to Worship
One: Easter people, let us worship.
Many: Alleluia!
One: Easter people, let us sing!
Many: Alleluia!
Hymn #304: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Praying
Unison Prayer
God of Easter,
Our forefathers in faith spent Easter evening hiding in an upstairs room.
They didn’t let the good news penetrate too far.
They didn’t allow themselves to hope.
They let fear win.
But you didn’t.
You don’t.
You call us from fear,
into hope,
into good news,
into sharing your love with the world.
You showed up in that upstairs room,
and you show up where we hide too.
May we be ready
to follow where you lead. Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:3-5, 12-14
Hymn #317: O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing, v. 1, 6-9
Poem: “Who Are We to Bet Against Glory” by Julia Hamilton
Time With Young People
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-30
Sermon: “Doubt, Peace, and Blessing”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “Breathe On Me” by B.B. McKinney, arranged by Fred Bock
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?
Offertory Prayer
Hymn #2115: “Christ Has Risen”
Benediction
“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” by Douglas E. Wagner, arranged by Arthur Messiter
Online Worship
Worship for Easter Sunday
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Easter Sunday
April 9th, 2023
Photo by Larry McArthur
Gathering
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
“Alleluia.” (Which means, “God be praised.”)
Prelude
“Galliard Battaglia” by Samuel Scheidt arranged by Robert King
“Three Pieces” by Ludwig Maurer arranged by Robert Nagel
III. “Allegro grazioso, un poco agitato”
“Sonata” from “Die Bankelsangerlieder” Anonymous, arranged by Robert King
“With the Lord Begin Your Task” (based on Psalm XIX) by Benedetto Marcello arranged E.S. Bach
Call to Worship
One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Many: He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
One: In a time of deep despair and grief
Many: Hope showed up.
One: When all seemed lost,
Many: God showed the way.
One: Nothing can stop God.
Many: Love always wins in the end. Alleluia!
Hymn #302: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #2026: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Praying
Unison Prayer
Praise Worthy God,
You who bring hope out of despair,
life out of death,
joy out of sorrow,
healing out of trauma,
and laughter out of tears,
we are here to celebrate You.
To have hope.
To be alive.
To rejoice.
To heal.
To laugh.
And for that, we give you thanks.
Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 49:1-13
Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Poem: “Apple Blossoms” by Susan Kelley-DeWitt
Time With Young People
Scripture Reading: John 20:1-8
Sermon: “Yes to Hope”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “Rejoice, The Lord Is King” John Darwall
arranged by John Rutter
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?
Offertory Prayer
Hymn #312: “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”
Benediction
“Sonata per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli arranged by Robert King
Online Worship
Worship for Palm Sunday
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Palm Sunday
April 2nd, 2023
Photo by Amanda Taylor
Gathering
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 who hears, hear our prayers”
Prelude
“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” by Ithamar Conkey, arranged by John Cooper
Call to Worship
One: Hosanna!
Many: God save us!
One: Truly, God, we could use some help!
Many: Hosanna!
Hymn #278: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”
Passing the Peace
Song of Transition #557: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” verse 1
Praying
Unison Prayer
God Who Save the People from Oppression,
God Who Threatens the Status Quo,
God Who Works for the Common Good,
God Who is With Us,
God Who Holds the Living and the Dead, the grieving and the violent.
Save us. Help us. Help. Amen
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
Poem: “Hymn for the Hurting” by Amanda Gorman
Sung Prayer: “God, Our Nation Feels the Loss”
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:23-4:7
Hymn #277: Tell Me The Stories of Jesus
Time With Young People
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11
Sermon: “Protest or Revolt”, Rev. Sara E. Baron
Responding
Offertory: “I Gave My Life for Thee” by Philip B. Bliss, arranged by Mary McDonald
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?
Offertory Prayer
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, … we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Holy indeed are you, … as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Lord Jesus come in glory!
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gather here … now and forever, Amen
