Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 19th, 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

“You welcome us in, time and time again.”

Prelude

“Praise Him, All Ye Little Children” by Carey Bonner, Arranged by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: Breathe in, breathe out, let yourself be here.
Many: We are here, together!
One: Breathe in, breathe out, find your center here.
Many: God is with us!

Hymn #2114: “At the Font We Start Our Journey”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Mountaintops and Valleys,
God of Rainforests and Deserts,
As we gather today,
we prepare to welcome beloveds into this Body of Christ,
and we are so excited!
We are excited for what you are doing in their lives,
and in ours.
We are reminded of the wonders of life,
and of community,
and the joy that comes from connecting with each other
in you.
In days when we are hurting,
remind us of the celebrations of each person,
and our place in your loving family.
When we are parched,
remind us of the flowing waters of baptism
that run through our lives. Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Elaine Troy

Pastoral 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: Zechariah 8:1-8

Poem: “May we raise children who love unloved things” by Nicolette Sowder

Time With Young People

Baptisms

Hymn #611: Child of Blessing, Child of Promise

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:24-35

Sermon: “There is No Single Way to Follow Jesus”, Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Children of the Heavenly Father”, Traditional Swedish Melody, 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

For gifts of a baby’s laughter and sunshine.
For gifts of crisp mornings and rainbows of autumn leaves.
For gifts of a quiet moment and warm cup of tea.
For these and all the gifts given,
May we give them back to the world in need of more love, more care,
and more peace. Amen.

A Prayer of the Body of Christ

Hymn #605: “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”

Benediction

Postlude: “Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God” from the Paris Antiphoner, 1681

Worship for the Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 12th, 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 is love. Let us love like God.”

Prelude

“Speak, O Lord” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, Arranged by Dave Mincy

Call to Worship

ONE: Let us worship the eternal God, the source of love and life.
ALL: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the risen one, who lives among us.
ONE: Let us worship the Spirit, the holy fire, who renews us.
ALL: To the God of love be praise
In all times and places
Let us worship God!

Hymn #120: “Your Love, O God”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of justice and compassion,
as we come into worship,
Remind us of who we are.
Remind us where our help comes from.
Remind us of what we are called to be.
Call us back from our own ways.
Give us the courage to love and to love boldly
Even when it is not popular.
Even when others tell us to hate.
Renew us and restore us to right relationships with others and with You.
May it be so, Amen.

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Elaine Troy

Pastoral 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: Song of Songs 4:9-15

Hymn #475: Come Down, O Love Divine

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10

Sermon: “What Is Love? Baby Don’t Hurt Me”, Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck

Responding

Offertory: “I Love You, Lord” by Laurie Klein, Arranged by Bruce Greer

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

For gifts of a baby’s laughter and sunshine.
For gifts of crisp mornings and rainbows of autumn leaves.
For gifts of a quiet moment and warm cup of tea.
For these and all the gifts given,
May we give them back to the world in need of more love, more care,
and more peace. Amen.

A Prayer for our Enemies

Hymn #2223: “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”

Benediction

Postlude: “Nettleton” from John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music; Arranged by James Roberts

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 5th, 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

“Gather Us In, Holy Spirit”

Prelude

“Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision” by Robert Cull and a Traditional Irish Melody, Arranged by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: Open your hearts,
Many: God is here!
One: Open your hearts,
Many: God’s love still has more to do here!

Hymn #660: “God is Here”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Us All,
Remind us, as often as we need it,
of the common features of our humanity.
Of the realities of being embodied,
of the shared experiences of emotions,
of love and hurt, joy and anger,
sadness and grief.
Let them tie us together,
so we can hold each other up.
Remind us, as often as we need it.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

Pastoral 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 16:1-5

Poem: “My Grandmother Washes Her Feet in the Sink of the Bathroom at Sears” by Mohja Kahf

Time with Young People

Hymn #2126: All Who Hunger

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:1-6

Sermon: “Welcoming. . . Enemies?”

Responding

Offertory: “Change My Heart, Oh God” by Eddie Espinosa, Arranged by Mark Hayes

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?

A Prayer for our Enemies

Hymn #117: “Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past”

Benediction

Postlude: “Benediction” by Don Phillips

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Third Sunday after the Epiphany

January 29nd, 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

“Creator, create in us a loving spirit.”

Prelude

“More Love to Thee, O Christ” by William H. Doane, Arranged by Larry Wolz

Call to Worship

One: Sing aloud, shout with joy!
Many: We rejoice in song and in spirit!
One: Let your fears go.
Many: We trust in God!
One: Release the shame you hold.
Many: Our shame is transformed into praise.
One: Welcome home, beloveds.
Many: We have come to our shared home to worship God.

Hymn #408: “The Gift of Love”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God our Hope,
This life we lead is full of wonder.
This life we lead is full of pain.
We’re awed by the beauty of a single snowflake,
and startled by their power together.
Yet we worry about those sleeping outside in snow storms.
We’re amazed at the beauty of the people you’ve made,
but heartbroken at the ways your beloveds are treated.
Sometimes the shifts from awe to horror are so fast we get whiplash.
Help us hold it all, dear One.
Help us find our footing in this beautiful and broken world.
Keep our hearts open to see each other’s struggles
and the wonder all around us.
Deepen our humanity, Holy One.
Photo by Barbara Armstrong
Help us hold what needs to be held,
and help us let go of what needs to be let go.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Pastoral 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: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Time with Young People

Hymn #129: Give to the Winds Thy Fears

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-6,9-10

Sermon: “Everything Is Good”

Responding

Offertory: “My Jesus, I love Thee” by Adoniram J. Gordan, Arranged by Cindy Berry

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?

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Hymn #2120: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

Benediction

Postlude: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” by John Zundel, arranged by Don Phillips

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 22nd, 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

“You are, the Rock Who Gave Us Birth.”

Prelude

“His Name Is Wonderful” by Audrey Mieir, Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: There is hope.
Many: In God, there is always hope.
One: There is enough.
Many: God gives with abundance.
One: Breathe deeply, dear ones. You are safe here.
Many: Thanks be to God!

Hymn #2012: “Let Us with a Joyful Mind”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God Who Sees,
Being alive is not easy.
Struggles arise, violence comes, trauma emerges, and often stays. We seek healing, but we can’t always find it.
We want to grow, but sometimes we fade.
And you are with us. And you are love.
And love wins.
Remind us to have hope, show us where to turn, let us rest in you, until healing can come.
Again and again, whenever we need it.
Whatever has been, whatever is, whatever will be, you are God. Praise be.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Pastoral 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: Psalm 18:2-11,16-19

Time with Young People

Hymn #127: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-7

Sermon: “Rebuilding After Trauma”

Responding

Offertory: “Sonata in C Major, K. 545, Andante (2nd Movement)” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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?

A Prayer of Rebuilding

Hymn #528: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”

Benediction

Postlude: “How Firm a Foundation”, Traditional American Melody, arranged by Michael Sharp

Human Relations Day

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Human Relations Day

January 15th, 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

“Beloved God, form us into beloved community.”

Prelude

“Give Me Jesus” African-American Spiritual, Arranged by Anna Laura Page
https://youtu.be/2gqP60-01os

Call to Worship

One: It’s coming: the Kindom of God is coming!
Many: Let your Reign, O God, be acknowledged among all people. We stand on the threshold of truth.
We are perched on the branches of justice.
One: Across the horizon we see the outline of peace and harmony.
Many: With privilege comes responsibility,
With responsibility comes accountability, With accountability comes honesty,
With honesty comes faithfulness.
All: God of Creation and history, equip us to live faithfully in your Kindom!

Hymn #378: “Amazing Grace”

Praying

Unison Prayer, from “Inward Journey” by Howard Thurman

Our Father, fresh from the world with the smell of life upon us, we make an act of prayer in the silence of this place. Our minds are troubled because the anxieties of our hearts are deep and searching. We are stifled by the odor of death which envelopes the earth because in so many places brother fights against brother. The panic of fear, the torture of insecurity, the ache of hunger – all have fed and rekindled ancient hatreds and long-forgotten memories of old struggles when the world was young and Thy children were but dimly aware of Thy Presence in the midst. For all this we seek forgiveness. There is no one of us without guilt, and before Thee we confess our sins: we are proud and arrogant; we are selfish and greedy; we have harbored in our hearts and minds much that makes for bitterness, hatred, and revenge.
While we wait in Thy Presence, search our spirits and grant to our minds the guidance and the wisdom that will teach us the way to take, without which there can be no peace and no confidence anywhere. Teach us how to put at the disposal of Thy Purposes of Peace the fruits of our industry, the products of our minds, the vast wealth of our land, and the resources of our spirit. Grant unto us the courage to follow the illumination of this hour to the end that we shall not lead death to any man’s door, but rather may we strengthen the hands of all in high places and in common tasks who seek to build a friendly world of friendly men, beneath a friendly sky. This is the simple desire of our hearts which we share with Thee in quiet confidence. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Mary Ann Marshall

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 52:1-10

Mission Moment: “Street Soldiers” with Maura Furey

Poem: “Meditations of the Heart” by Howard Thurman

Hymn #533: We Shall Overcome

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Sermon: “Foolish and Wise”

Responding

Offertory: “Freedom Summer” by the Staples Singers

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?

A Prayer of Beloved Community

Hymn #474: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Benediction

Postlude: “Rock of Ages” with “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” arranged by Bill Wolaver

Epiphany Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Epiphany Sunday

January 8th, 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

“Gather us in, Radical Love.”

Prelude

“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” by John Hatton

Call to Worship

One: Welcome, you who hunger and thirst for justice.
Many: We come seeking.
One: Welcome, you who are horrified by power plays.
Many: We come hoping.
One: Welcome, you who are exhausted by hierarchies.
Many: We come for a different way of life.
One: Welcome, beloveds of God.
Many: We come to remember and learn the ways of God.

Hymn #244: “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Radical Love,
The constancy of your love astounds us. The extents of your grace amaze us. Your capacity for mercy astonishes us. Help us take it all in.
Let it change us from the inside out. And then, Radical Love,
let it live in us.
Amen

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

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 60:1-6

Hymn #2094: Carol of the Epiphany

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon: “Radical Experience of Acceptance”

Responding

Offertory: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by Timothy R. Matthews arranged by Bill Wolaver

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?

A Prayer of Radical Acceptance

Hymn #251: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

Benediction

Postlude: “The March of the Wise Men” by Harvey B. Gaul

Worship for the First Sunday After Christmas

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
First Sunday after Christmas

January 1st, 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.

Prelude

“Once in Royal David’s City” by Henry Gauntlett

Call to Worship

One: What a curious time it has been …
Many: While Mary and Joseph make a home with the baby
One: Birth in a barn, angels winging about, shepherds coming to see, figuring out life with a newborn …
Many: While Mary and Joseph make a home with the baby
One: Wise men come with a star story and gifts for a king …
Many: While Mary and Joseph make a home with the baby
One: But home is not to be forever, fleeing all three to avoid Herod’s sword …
Many: Refugees in Egypt, settling down, until it’s safe to go back, where Mary and Joseph make a home with the child Jesus in Nazareth. God of dreams, God of safe passage, bring us always to You, our Home.

Hymn #219: “What Child Is This”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Light and Compassion, You call us to make our home in You, to rest in knowing that we are loved and cared for. But so many of us don’t really know what a home is, or what it means to be home. We are refugees, fleeing from war or famine or violence in our hometowns, only to be turned away, or vilified, in the places we try to find safety. We suffer violence at the hands of those who say they love us, making where we live a dangerous place. We live on the edge of losing it all to climbing rents, expensive food, jobs that don’t offer a living wage or that disappear when the stock market falls. Many of us can never relax, the traumas of war, or crime, or abuse and neglect making us wary of what’s coming next. But You promised us One who would come and teach us about You, One who would be God with Us, and Jesus was born. Teach us O Lord how to be home, help us to know Your Peace and rest in Your reassurances, so we can share Your Love with all your children, and work for a world where justice brings a safe place to live and thrive. We ask in the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, the living Christ in our midst. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

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 63:7-9

Hymn #228: He Is Born

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

Sermon: “Going Home”

Responding

Offertory: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” by Terre Johnson

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?

A Prayer of Home

Hymn #229: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”

Benediction

Postlude: “Glorify Thy Name” by Donna Adkins, arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for Christmas

Our live Christmas Dawn service can be viewed starting at 6:30 AM.

https://youtu.be/UC6Ib9p-H5I

Worship for the 4th Sunday in Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18th, 2022

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.

Prelude

“Sinfony” from The Messiah, by Georg Friedrich Handel

“Air, Bourrée, Gavotte and Gigue” from Suite #3 in D Major, by Johann Sebastian Bach

Musical Call to Worship

“Prepare the Way of Zion”

Call to Worship

One: In an occupied land where the clatter of swords and hoofbeats of war horses drowned out the laughter of children…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: In a place where widows and orphans, sojourners and the poor, struggled to find food and shelter…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: In a world where those in power oppressed, raped and abused God’s beloveds…
Many: A holy hush fell over the land and You stepped into time to share Your peace.
One: Now in this time and place, where swords still clatter, where people are hungry and house-less, where power and privilege oppress, rape, and abuse…
Many: Adonai, Lord of Light, Emmanuel we stand watchful for a holy hush to fall over the land and ask You to stand with us in this time and share Your peace.

Hymn #221: “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Peace” by Barbara Armstrong

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 4

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Hope, we wait in anxious anticipation for a holy hush, for a night of silence, for a choir of angels to speak to the shepherds of Your people and for kings and wise ones to recognize the wisdom of a child. We gather war-weary and scarred, with the shrapnel of injustices buried uncomfortably beneath our skin. We gather despite shame of having too little or too much, despite mistakes and misunderstandings, despite the abundance or lack of power and privilege. We gather with love, joy, and thanksgiving and ask for your help in pushing past the barriers the world puts in our way, that keep us from knowing the peace that you bring. God of Love, we offer ourselves to You, to be your hands and feet in building the kindom and the vessels that bring Your light and peace to each other and to the world. Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

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

Anthem

“Cradle Hymn” by Gordon Young

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Time with Young People

Anthem

“Bethlehem Morning” by Kirby Shaw, from a traditional melody

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Solo Vocalist

“Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton, Arranged by Craig Courtney

Verbal Reflection: “Peace”

Musical Reflection

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, Arranged by Sandra Eithun

Responding

Offertory: “Oh Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, arranged by Mark Hayes

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?

A Prayer of Peace

Hymn #234: “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”

Benediction

Postlude: “Allegro” from Sinfonia in G Major by Tomaso Albinoni