Third Sunday of Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Third Sunday of Advent

December 11th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“Holy Joy, Guide us towards you.”

Prelude

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: When the world values profits over people and encourages hoarding of resources,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of sharing.
One: When the world seeks to find differences and divides us one from another,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of diversity.
One: When the world craves power and turns plow blades into swords,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of a just peace.
One: When the world scorns and shames us because of who we are
Many: Lord teach us the joy of acceptance.
One: When the world encourages silence and the ignoring of injustice,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of resistance.

Hymn #210: “Todo la Tierra (All Earth is Waiting)”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Joy” by Virgia Phoenix

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 3

Praying

Unison Prayer

Gracious God, we gather with joy and thanksgiving. We ask for your help in pushing past the barriers the world puts in our way, that keep us from knowing the joy that you bring. Holy One, remind us that like the loaves and fishes, shared resources will always be enough. Adonai, remind us that we are made in your image and you delight in each one of us. Emmanuel, remind us that you came into this world as a little baby whose true power came from gentleness and compassion. Lord of Light, remind us that when we resist evil and stand with the marginalized, we stand with You. 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 joy 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

Scripture Reading: Judges 13:2-7

Mission Moment: Heifer International with Donna Haines, Church World Service: Blankets with Virgia Phoenix

Time with Young People

Hymn #2095: “Star Child”

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-56

Sermon: “Joy”

Responding

Offertory: “What Child is This” with “Rocking”, English Melody (Greensleeves) and Czech Lullaby

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 Joy

Hymn #216: “Lo, How a Rose, E’er Blooming”

Benediction

Postlude: “My Soul Proclaims with Wonder” by J. Harold Moyer

Second Sunday of Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Second Sunday of Advent

December 4th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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 who see us and love us, help us see what you see.”

Prelude

“Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love” by Randy Edwards

Call to Worship

One: In a time where promiscuity was punished by stoning, an unwed young woman pushed past fear and responded “yes” with love and gave birth to God incarnate.
Lord teach us to love boldly.
One: In a tradition where descendants ensured immortality, a betrothed man pushed past pride and responded “yes” with love to raising a child not of his blood.
Many: Lord teach us to love with humility.
One: In a place where disgrace of family could result in loss of community, a respectable married woman refused to be shamed and responded with love and joy for her unwed cousin’s unborn child.
Many: Lord teach us to love unabashedly.
One: In a time, tradition, and place rigid in expectations and harsh with those who don’t meet them, a family risked everything and welcomed Love Incarnate, God-Among-Us into the world.
Many: Lord teach us to love without limits.

Hymn #202: “People, Look East”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Love” by Bob Coppola

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 2

Praying

Unison Prayer

Gracious God, we gather in love and thanksgiving. We ask for your help in pushing past the barriers the world puts in our way, that keep us from loving fully.
Holy One, remind us, that when we seek to do Your will, we need not be afraid.
Emmanuel, remind us that when we follow your path of love and light, we’ll find our way to life eternal.
Lord of Light, remind us that when we embrace one whom the world scorns, we welcome you into our midst.
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 love to each other and to the world. Amen.

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

The Lord’s Prayer

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:15-22

Mission Moment: FUMC Community Breakfast Program, Sylvester Doyer

Time with Young People

Hymn #2092: “Like a Child”

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-45

Sermon: “Love”

Responding

Offertory: “Emmanuel Medley” by Bob McGee from a Plainsong Chant, 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?

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, and it is a good and a joyful thing […] 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 […] we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ’s offering, 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 gathered here […] Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your Holy Church, all honor and glory is yours Creator God, now and forever,
Amen.
And now with he confidence of the children of God, let us pray:

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.

A Prayer of Love

Hymn #200: “Tell Out My Soul”

Benediction

Postlude: “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” from the Wittenberg Gesangbuch (1784), arranged by Anna Laura Page

Service for the First Sunday of Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
First Sunday of Advent

November 27th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“We rejoice, we rejoice in you”

Prelude

“We Gather Together”, Netherlands Folk Hymn, Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: As one year ends and another begins.
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: As old dreams die and we feel set adrift
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: When we’re stuck in situations and long to be free
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: Despite sorrow and grief of nearly unbearable loss
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: In a world full of cruelty and strife, where fear and hunger abound
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.
One: In the darkest of times, when we can’t see our next step.
Many: We gather in hope and give You thanks.

Hymn #206: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Hope” by Larry McArthur

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 1

Praying

Unison Prayer

Living Hope, we gather in hope and thanksgiving because we trust in you to hear out cries for a new year.
With room in our lives for new dreams burning bright
With freedom from the chains that once bound us
Filled with the love and laughter of children
And where all Your people know peace and plenty.
We offer ourselves to You, to be your hands and feet in the building the kindom and the vessels that bring
Your light 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

Scripture Reading: Genesis 16:7-13

Special Music: A Star in the East (The Southern Harmony 1854)

Time with Young People

Hymn #276: “The First One Ever”

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

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: “Hope”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: Aria and Musette from Divertimento No 4 by James Oswald

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?

Hymn #2122: “She Comes Sailing on the Wind”

Benediction

Postlude: Allegro from Trio Sonata No. 5 in D Major Op. 3 by Thomas Augustine Arne

A Service of Thanksgiving

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
A Service of Thanksgiving

November 20th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“We rejoice, we rejoice in you”

Prelude

“We Gather Together”, Netherlands Folk Hymn, Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: We come to give thanks.
Many: We come to give thanks for the goodness of our lives.
One: We come to give thanks.
Many: We come to give thanks for God’s constant presence with us.
One: We come to give thanks.
Many: We come to give thanks, because we need to give thanks.

Hymn #62: “All Creatures of Our God and King”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Love,
We give you thanks for all that you have given to us.
When they are present, we thank you for joy, for health, for strength, for peace.
When we are struggling, we thank you for the gift of your presence, assuring us we are never alone in our struggles.
We thank you, even, for grief, and for its reminders that we have known love, even when we ache with its loss.
We thank you for people and places that welcome us and give us the freedom to be as we are with you.
We thank you for each other, for the ways we are able to show each other love.
For the ways we are able to learn from each other.
For the ways we open each other to the wonders of you.
We give you our thanks, we give you our hearts.
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

Poem: “What Now” by Jacob Griffin Hall

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Mission Moment: Belinda Forbes’s Ministry in Nicaragua

Time with Young People

Hymn #2004: “Praise the Source of Faith and Learning”

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

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: “Rejoice”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: “Kingsfold” English Folk Song, arranged by Charles Maggs

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?

Hymn #694: “Come, Ye Faithful People, Come”

Benediction

Postlude: “A Joyful Ring” by Barbara B. Kenyon

Worship for All Saints Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for All Saints Sunday

November 6th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“Holy One, thank you for the saints.”

Prelude

“Ave Verum Corpus” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Call to Worship

One: As we gather, we remember.
Many: We hold in our hearts those who have taught us love, and remember their lessons.
One: As we gather, we give thanks.
Many: We hold in our souls those who have formed us, and we offer thanks for their lives.

Hymn #711: “For All the Saints”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of Relationships,
You knit together your people
in one communion and fellowship,
in the mystical body of Christ.
Grant us grace
so to follow your holy saints
to your unspeakable joys,
which you prepared for your people.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Eileen Deming

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

Poem: “If I Carry My Father” by Marjorie Saiser

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:1-5,17-21

Time with Young People

Hymn #707: “Hymn of Promise”

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

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: “Passing Faith Down Generations”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: “Almighty God” by Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh

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?

All Saints Prayer

Hymn #2283: “For All the Saints”

Benediction

Postlude: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther

Worship for the 21st Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 21st Sunday after the Pentecost

October 30th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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.

Jesus Prayer

“You lead us out in joy, and back in peace.”

Prelude

“Speak to My Heart / Breathe on Me” by B.B. McKinney

Call to Worship

One: Sing to the Holy One a new song!
Many: God does marvelous things.
One: Our Creator is one of steadfast love and faithfulness.
Many: We gather to share our joy with the Divine!

Hymn: “We Are Called to Be God’s People”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Creator,
We look at your creation,
and we are awed.
We look at your people,
and we are amazed.
We gather together,
and laughter emerges.
You have given us so many sources of joy.
Guide us towards them.
Help us notice.
Remind us to savor.
May your joy live in us.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

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

Poem: “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter” by J.R.R. Tolkein

Scripture Reading: Psalm 98:1-6

Time with Young People: “Joy”

Hymn: “Speak, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

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: “Joy and Protest”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: “Give Thanks” by Henry Smith arranged by Fred Bock

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 Joy

Hymn #2279: “The Trees of the Field”

Benediction

Postlude: “Benediction” by Don Phillips

Worship for the 20th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 20th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 23th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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.

Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Prelude

“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by George Stebbins

Call to Worship

One: How good it is to gather together,
Many: How wonderful it is to be able to share our joy!
One: How important it is to lift each other up,
Many: How lovely it is to attend to goodness!

Hymn #506: “Wellspring of Wisdom”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Lead Us Holy One,
Lead us down the roads of wonder,
into moments of awe,
so we stop to connect with you.
Lead us to still waters,
into experiences of safety,
so we know we can connect with you.
Lead us into clarity,
show us when to say “no”
so that we don’t fill our lives
so full we forget to connect with you.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Terry Phillips

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 84:1-7

Time with Young People

Hymn #352: “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14

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: “Pride vs. Humility?”

Poem: “God Says Yes to Me” by Karyn McCloskey

Responding

Annual Conference Report

Offertory: “Nocturne in C-sharp Minor” by Frédéric Chopin

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 Clarity

Hymn #120: “Your Love, O God”

Benediction

Postlude: “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Worship for the 19th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 19th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 16th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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 where will our help come? Our help comes from God.”
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 Will Praise Him / When Morning Gilds the Skies” by Margaret J. Harris and Joseph Barnby, arranged by Carol Tornquist

Call to Worship

One: From where will our help come?
All: Our help comes from God.
One: Our help is in the name of the Lord
All: The Maker of heaven and earth
One: To God we lift our voices
All: We lift our voices in praise.
One: Come, let us praise our helper
All: We come to sing praise, Hallelujah!

Hymn #451: “Be Thou My Vision”

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 and audacity to persist,
even when we are tired.
Even when we are discouraged.
Even when we feel alone.
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 Alice Nash

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: Genesis 32:22-31

Time with Young People

Hymn #464: “I Will Trust in the Lord”

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8

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: “Persist”

Responding

Offertory: Sonata in G Major, Op. 49, No. 2 Tempo di Menuetto (2nd Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven

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

ALL: 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.

Hymn #121: “There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy”

Benediction

Postlude: “To God Be the Glory / My Tribute” by William Doane and Andraé Crouch

Worship for the 18th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 18th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 9th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“Open us to You, right here, right 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

“How Majestic Is Your Name” by Michael W. Smith, arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: God you are our home,
Many: even when we are exiles.
One: God you are our wholeness
Many: even when we are broken.
One: God, you are life,
Many: God, you are grace,
One: God, you are hope,
Many: God, you are justice.
One: We come to worship to be at home with you.
Many: We come to worship, to connect with your wholeness.

Hymn #2182: “When God Restored Our Common Life”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of the Exiles,
You ask hard things of us.
You keep us from getting stagnant.
You push us toward love (even when
we don’t want to).
You keep on caring about the common good.
You keep on calling us to life.
Thanks.
May we help each other listen.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Barbara Armstrong

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 Luke 17:11-19

Time with Young People

Poem: “When Giving Is All We Have” by Alberto Rios

Hymn #433: “All Who Love and Serve Your City”

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

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: “Now”

Responding

Offertory: “Peace Like a River”

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?

Stewardship Moment

A Prayer of Now

Hymn #2183: “Unsettled World”

Benediction

Postlude: “Halle Halle Halle”

Worship for the 17th Sunday after the Pentecost, World…

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 17th Sunday after the Pentecost, World Communion Sunday

September 25th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

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

“We come to be fed, Bread of 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

“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” by Ithamar Conkey

Call to Worship

One: In the shadow of the cross, wracked with sorrow and pain
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In the catacombs of Rome, cloaked in secrecy and faith
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In fields of cotton and tobacco, enslaved and abused
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: On battlefields and in bomb shelters, despite fear and uncertainty
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In the wake of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, fires, and floods, consumed by exhaustion and hopelessness
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In bars and nightclubs, on street corners and in doorways, rejected and excluded by “your Church”
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: And for centuries, in chapels, churches, and cathedrals on ordinary Sabbath days,
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: Today we gather here in love, to claim this piece of our inheritance, to join our path with all who have partaken of this meal since the Last Supper, with gratitude for the stewards who came before, in fellowship with those throughout the world remembering and celebrating today, and in preparation for those who will lead into the future.
Many: Lord we come to this table today. Your table, not ours. Opened to all so that many may become one in you. We stand together in gratitude for your love and faithfulness throughout the ages. We acknowledge our imperfections and the abundance of your grace. We take up our part in this time and place to steward the many gifts
you have given us, so that all who are hungry may be fed.

Hymn #547: “O Church of God United”

Praying

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: Psalm 37:1-9

Time with Young People

Poem: “Is God a Bread Maker” from “Calling God She” Rev. Dr. Barbara Thorington Green

Hymn #632: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether”

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

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: “Bread of Life”

Responding

Offertory: “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

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?

World Communion Table

One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…we join in their endless praise, saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
…We have testified that this mystery of salvation found in Jesus Christ is for all,
when we say:
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Spirit of Love,
live in us now!
…Now as those called and empowered by God let us join with Christ in 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, forever. Amen

A Prayer of Gratitude

Hymn #439: “In Christ There Is No East Or West”

Benediction

Postlude: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Peter Lutkin