Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 17, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Alleluia, alleluia!”
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.

Easter Photo Show

See the pictures!

Prelude

“Galliard Battaglia” by Samuel Scheidt B
“Sonata from Die Bankelsangerlieder”
“Canzona per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli

Call to Worship

One: When God is up to something,
Many: God wins.
One: When love is up to something,
Many: Love wins.
One: If you try to stop God, to stop love,
Many: God breaks in anew.
One: Nothing, nothing!
Many: Not even the power of death!
One: Can stop God’s love.
Many: Alleluia, thanks be to God!

Hymn #302: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Life and Love,
We are an Easter people.
We are defined by your refusal to accept the world’s “no.”
We are defined by the ways you make a way out of no way,
that you spring forth with life
when it looked like death had won.
You are eternally new.
You are infinitely creative.
You are love.
And we are yours.
And we are grateful.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25 and John 20:1-8

Children’s Time: “Happy Easter!”

Hymn #318: “Christ Is Alive”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “The Richness of the Unknown” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Tone Poem on “Were You There” arranged by Virginia Halberg

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?

An Easter Prayer

God of Life and Love,
In all that you do, you enhance life and share love.
In all that we do, we seek to enhance life and share love.
May the gifts that we give, and the ones that we receive, be blessed as sources of life and love.
Amen

Hymn #304: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

Benediction

One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen indeed!
One: Go, people of a living God, and live out God’s love.
Many: Amen!

Postlude

“With the Lord Begin Your Task” by Johann Sebastian Bach arranged by Benjamin Culli

Worship for Palm Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

April 10, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“God of justice, help us hear.”
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

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” by J.R. Sweney

Call to Worship

One: Hosanna!
Many: Blessed be the ones who come in the name of the Lord!
One: Peace be on earth!
Many: God saves!

Hymn #280: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Giver of light,
your steadfast love endures forever.
Open our hearts to the Blessed One
who entered Jerusalem
on a borrowed colt.
Open before us the
gates of your justice,
that we may enter,
and guide others in.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19:28-40

Children’s Time: “Palm (not Psalm) Sunday”

Hymn #277: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Nonviolent Protests” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “What Wondrous Love Is This”

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?

A Palm Sunday Protest Prayer

Holy One,
We have seen how you’ve worked through your prophets,
and through those faithful to you,
to change the world for the better.
We see how you work for justice.
We offer ourselves to you,
to work with you in justice work,
in kindom building,
in giving and receiving love.
Guide us, individually and together,
so the gifts we give
may be useful to your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #278: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

Benediction

Dear Ones, get up on your colts, and ride towards Jerusalem.
God is doing new things for justice, and calls us to work along side.
Thanks be to God! Amen

Postlude

“Open the Gates of the Temple” by Joseph Knapp

Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

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

April 3, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Holy One, help us let go of the past.”
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

“Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit (Kyrie, God the Creator Eternal)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: God tells us to let go of the past.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God is up to a new thing.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God calls us into the present.
Many: Here we are, and here we will stand.
(Even if we don’t feel ready.)

Hymn #506: “For the Fruits of this Creation”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

You Who Have Done Great Things For Us,
What a wonderful thing it is to live in this world!
The natural beauty astounds us!
The uniqueness and capabilities of humans amaze us!
There is generosity and beauty in abundance!
So many people see you and your goodness!
The miracles of life are stunning.
Help us see,
and remember,
the good and awe inspiring all around.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 126 and Isaiah 43:16-21

Children’s Time: “Tears to Joy”

Hymn #383: ““This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, verses 1-4

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Forgetting” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Christe, du Lamm Gottes (O Lamb of God Most Holy)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

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?

A Present to this Moment Prayer

God of Now,
Many of us slip too easily into the past,
worrying about how we might have acted differently,
remembering with joy what was,
aching for those we’ve lost,
aching for that which we’ve lost.
Many of us slip too easily into the future,
dreaming of what will come,
hoping for renewal,
wishing away the present.
Yet, you meet us here, in the present.
Even when it is hard,
even when it is scary,
even when it feels out of control.
We meet each other here, in the present,
knowing we are neither who we were,
nor who we will be,
but only who we are right now.
We give to you our gifts,
here in the present,
hoping they are useful now,
and useful for building a better future.

Hymn #388: “O Come and Dwell in Me”

Benediction

God is with you, here and now.
And you are ready and able to be with God in God’s new things.
Thanks be to God. Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (Who only lets God Guide)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for the Third Sunday in Lent

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

March 20, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Show us how to find the things in 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

“How Beautiful” Arranged by Marilyn Ham

Call to Worship

One: Take note, God is here.
Many: We are in God’s holy presence.
One: Take note, you are loved.
Many: God’s presence is one of love.

Hymn #2202: “Come Away with Me”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy One,
We notice that you specialize in turning things upside down,
mostly the values of the world replaced with the values of your beloved community.
Help us notice the difference, and let go of the values of the world,
so that we can build that community.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 and Isaiah 55:1-9

Mission Moment: International Mission Trip

Children’s Time: “Satisfies”

Hymn #618: “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Bread That Satisfies” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Gave My Life for Thee” Arranged by Mary McDonald

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?

A Satisfying Bread Prayer

Life-Giving One,
You offer us water, milk, and wine, bread and cup,
baptism and new life.
You offer us second chances (as many times as we need),
and hope when everything seems hopeless.
You offer rest, and life abundant.
In response, we offer to you our gifts:
our time, our energy, our resources, and our love.
May they be a source of satisfying bread for others.
Amen

Hymn #620: “One Bread, One Body”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, let the Holy One guide you to the kindom values,
and help you let go of the bread that does not satisfy. Amen

Postlude

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Arranged by Gail Smith

Worship for the Second Sunday in Lent

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

March 13, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Mother Hen, gather us in.”
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 Am Thine, O Lord” Arranged by Don Phillips

Call to Worship

One: The Bible repeats this important truth:
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is a fact on which we can build our lives.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is the ground of our beings.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is the glue of the universe.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Hymn #2236: “Gather Us In”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Mother Hen,
We see hens spreading out their wings to gather their chicks together safely,
we see how many can be protected by one,
we see the instinct to shelter the vulnerable.
We know it is like that for you.
You wish to gather us together,
under your wings,
to be sheltered.
All of us.
But we keep on kicking people out from under your wings,
or starting fights from within your shelter,
or invading each others spaces.
Sometimes, we even walk away from what you offer.
Forgive us, Holy One,
for misusing your holy shelter,
for forgetting it belongs to everyone,
for breaking your heart when we wander away.
Help us make peace
with each other
so we can all live under your wings together.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-6, 26-29 and Luke 13:31-35

Children’s Time: “God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever”

Hymn #348: “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Mother Hen” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” Arranged by Fred Bock

I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt his presence there.
I climbed the Hill of Calvary
Where on the cross He died.
I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt Him close to me.

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?

A Winged Prayer

Mother Hen,
How like you to be vulnerable for us.
How like you to yearn for us but let us go.
How like you to choose a metaphor of weakness to remind us of the strength of love.
With our offerings
(with our prayers,
with where we put our bodies and where we put our attention,
with what we give in donations,
with what we do with our time,
with the ways we show love)
we put ourselves back under your wings,
letting you love us as you will.
Bless what we give, to make it useful to protect all your chicks,
and bless those who are most in need of your model of vulnerability.
Amen

Hymn #118: “The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young”

Benediction

Dear ones, you are beloved by a God of love, who yearns to gather you up.
That means you don’t have to try to be lovable, because you already are.
Let go of fear and trying, and let God gather you up. Amen

Postlude

“Crown Him With Many Crowns” Arranged by Anna Laura Page