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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/yHcFU1O54Tk

Scripture Reading: John 20:1-8

Sermon: “Yes to Hope”, Rev. Sara E. Baron

https://youtu.be/cn4wD6UrB5k

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

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

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

Benediction

Fanfare on “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” from Gesangbuch der H.W.K. Hofkapelle, 1784, arranged by Vicki Collinsworth

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