Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 2, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Vinegrower, let your life grow in us”
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

“Von Gott will ich nicht lassen” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: Beloved, let us love one another.
Many: Love is from God.
One: God is love.
Many: We love because God first loved us.
One: As we see and love our siblings in Christ, we love God.
Many: As love grows in us, so too does our connection to God.
One: For God is love.
Many: Those who know love, know God.

Hymn #2115: Christ Has Risen

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Vinegrower,
Sometimes we get lost in what you are asking for from us.
We try to be the vine and the branches, the flowers and the fruit, and the vinegrower as well.
We forget that you are the life-source, the soil-tender, the waterer, and the sun that shines.
We forget that all you ask of us is to do our part: to be the branches, and let life move in us and through us.
Help us let go of the work that isn’t ours, so we can do what you ask of us.
Amen
-Park Avenue UMC, published in Shaping Sanctuary, Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Vinegrower, God who is Love,
Help us shake off our frustrations, like sand off our feet, and make space where frustration once lived for compassion to grow.
Help us speak our truths in love, with integrity and honesty, and make space for deep connections to grow, rooted in truth.
Help us tell our stories with clarity, so that past hurts can begin to be healed.
Help us to love our siblings (all our siblings) so we can be a part of your love.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Ubi Caritas et Amor by Maurice Durufle

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Crop Walk

Today (May 2, 2020) is the CROP Hunger Walk!
We have 3 ways to participate:

ZOOM – Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) will have a virtual kick-off rally at 12:30 on Zoom. Zoom meeting ID is 891 7893 6666. Passcode is 536964.
WALK – Meet at Kiwanis Park on route 5S in Rotterdam to walk with FUMC friends on the bike trail at 2:00PM. The distance you walk will be up to you. Free medium and large T-shirts will be available. OR you can walk whenever and wherever you want.
GIVE – This is the most important part. You can give online through our website, or at the event web page OR you can send a check payable to FUMC with note: CWS/CROP.

75% of all donations will go to Church World Service to help people in all parts of the world with hunger, community development, recovery from disasters, and other needs. 25% of our donations will remain in our community to reduce hunger here.

Children’s Time: Pruning and Growing

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.

Hymn #2246: Deep in the Shadows of the Past

Scripture Reading – John 15:1-8

Sermon: “On Being Pruned” by Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Photo by Alice Nash
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: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Philip Stopford

Prayer of Presentation

Vinegrower, God who is Love,
We thank you for the ways your life and love grow in us.
We thank you for the pruning you do, and the space it makes for life and love to grow even stronger.
With the gifts we give, we offer our lives to you in gratitude.
May all that we give be blessed to be a blessing, for the building of the kindom.
Amen

Hymn #571: Go Make of All Disciples

Benediction

Dear ones, go from this worship breathing deeply,
resting well,
trusting God,
letting fruit grow through you,
by the grace and power of God. Amen

Postlude

“Riguadon” by Andre Campra

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 25, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“God’s Love Abundantly for All”
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

“Fanfare and Processional” by Lynn Trapp

Call to Worship

One: Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Many: He takes care of us, his flock.
One: Jesus is the model shepherd.
Many: He shows us how to care for each other.
One: God asks us to share God’s love.
Many: Our love must be in action, not just words with no meaning.
One: God loves us because of who God is.
Many: We love each other because of who we are

Hymn #559: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creating and Sustaining God, your great commandment in Christ is that we love one another as Christ has loved us. We confess that we fail to embrace your liberating love. We divide where you would unite. We exclude where you would embrace. We choke the breath from your Word when its truth does not accommodate our fears. Forgive our hardness of heart. Mend our broken human family. Breathe into us the living Word of all-inclusive love. We ask in the name of your Child, our Brother, Jesus, the Healer of our souls. Amen.

-Park Avenue UMC, published in Shaping Sanctuary, Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Steadfast God, we are living in times that seem to swing from extreme highs to lows and back again. We celebrate with our black and brown siblings who feel like their lives do matter, and grieve as one more, two more, too many more black and brown bodies are assaulted and killed by those who are supposed to protect them. We rejoice in the possibilities that are opened up by the new vaccines yet mourn that so many continue to die. We need your calming grace, your love poured out upon us, as we navigate these difficult times. We ask for prayers for those in our lives who struggle with illness that they may experience healing, for those whose grief for lost or distanced loved ones weighs heavily on their souls that they may be comforted, for those in all manner of hardship that they may soon experience relief and the dawning of a new day where new beginnings are possible. And most of all, we ask for your grace to rain down so that, as Jesus of Nazareth did before us, we may greet all your children with an open heart full of love, ready to reach out in service and compassion as you would have us do. We ask all this through Jesus, your Son and our Lord, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-24

Mission Moment – Mary Ann Marshall

Community Land Fund

The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region has been in existence since 1985. They work to expand equitable access to capital – regardless of race, gender, or geography.
When you invest money in the Community Fund of the Capital District, the money is used to make low-interest loans to support community and economic development. They loan money to: Women and minority owned businesses and businesses started by people of low income; Nonprofits providing essential community services; Community development projects that make our neighborhoods healthy, safe places to live. Before loans are approved, they are viewed by their trained team of lending professionals. They want to ensure that each project is viable. Their team stays with borrower long after the papers are signed, to help ensure their successes. As a result of their mentoring, training and other types of technical assistance, the Community Loan Fund is proud to report that they have one of the lowest default rates in the region.
Investors include individuals, banks, local companies, faith-based institutions and credit unions. The Community Loan Fund is certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution. When individuals invest money, they pool that money with other investments to build new businesses, develop new community projects, and support the valuable work of local nonprofits.

What are the results? With more than 750 donors, investors and volunteers, the Community Loans Fund has: Made 939 loans to nonprofits, small businesses, and homeowners totaling more than $62.9 million; Financed more than 1,569
affordable housing united; Created or retained more than 2,906 jobs; Leveraged more than $223 million in local community and economic development; Provided training and technical assistance to thousands of minority and women entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders.
The Community Loan Fund has offices in Albany and Schenectady. Their website is mycommunityloanfund.org.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #314: The Gift of Love

Scripture Reading – John 10:11-18

Sermon: “Love In Action” by Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

Offertory: “Ubi Caritas” by Ola Gjello

Where charity and love are, there God is.
The love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.
Let us fear and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love each other

Prayer of Presentation

Gracious God, we thank you for the abundance you have bestowed on us, abundance that has enabled us to share what we have with those who are in need. Help us to use these gifts wisely to support love in action in your world. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.

Hymn #579: Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here

Benediction

Despite all the ups and downs of life in this world, the love of God in Christ never fails, diminishes or excludes. As we experience that love we are refreshed, nurtured, filled. May we share it with all we encounter through active service, healing compassion and a heart that is always reaching out. Go in peace.

Postlude

“Chaconne” by Robert J. Powell

Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

April 16, 2021April 16, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

April 18, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Peace be with you, peace be with me”
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

“Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David N. Johnson

Call to Worship

One: Breathe out, dear one,
Many: God is with us.
One: Breathe in, dear one.
Many: God is with us.
One: Let go of the week behind you,
Many: we are here with God.
One: Make space for your heart to be with God.
Many: We are here to worship.

Hymn #318: Christ is Alive

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Peacemaker,
Your yearning for wholeness saturates all of creation,
yet you are patient with us as we struggle to come on board with you.
Guide our hearts dear one,
that we may yearn for the things you yearn for,
and let go of our fears and all that holds us back.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Peacemaker,
We seek to breathe your peace into our hearts, our minds, our strength, and our souls, so that we can be your peace in the world.
We see a world so deeply in need of peace, healing, compassion, and hope.
We also see a world with amazing moments of peace, powerful powers of healing, astounding instances of compassion, and incredible reasons for hope.
Week in and week out those in our midst are vaccinated, and new possibilities emerge.
Week in and week out we thank you for the development of the vaccines and the protection they offer.
There are wonderful signs of compassion in our government, even as we know there remains much to do.
The powers of human resilience amaze us, even as we are aware that many are being stretched beyond their resilience.
Oh dear one, this life of ours is complicated.
Help us find peace in the midst of it all.
Help us be peace in the midst of it all.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Paschal Lamb, Who Suffered For Us by Carl Schalk

Scripture: Hosea 5:15-6:6

Mission Moment – Jan Huston and Bob Long

CROP Walk

This week’s mission moment features a video about the CROP Walk. The script was written by Bob Long. Linda Smith assisted in the recording. Schenectady’s CROP Walk is sponsored by Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM). The website for the Schenectady CROP Walk is https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/schenectady. On this website you can register as an individual or as part of our FUMC team. You can also donate online here. Or you
can skip the website and donate by sending a check to the church with CWS/CROP in the notation. There will be a short virtual rally at 12:30 on May 2 via zoom. Zoom meeting ID is 891 7893 6666. Passcode is 536964. More information is in the April Spire. We hope to see you at 2:00 on May 2 at the Kiwanis Park on route 5S in Rotterdam. Or feel free to walk anywhere else. The goal is to raise money.

Children’s Time: Rainy Day

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #314: In the Garden

Scripture Reading – Luke 24:36b-48

Sermon: “Three Days? Can You Count?” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory: “This Joyful Eastertide” by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

Prayer of Presentation

Peacemaker,
May our gifts bless and build your kindom,
and may your peace within us become peace in your world.
Amen

Hymn #311: Now the Green Blade Riseth

Benediction

Resurrection People, may God’s hope planted in you come to fruition. Amen

Postlude

“Christ lag in Todesbanden” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Christ lay in death’s bonds.
He is risen again
and has brought us life
For this we should be joyful,
praise God and be thankful
and sing Allleluia!

Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

April 11, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Our God, of abundant 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

“Peal con Brio” by Karen Thompson

Call to Worship

One: Hear the Good News:
Many: Love wins!
One: Rest assured of that truth.
Many: Not only does love win, but hope abides.
One: Let hope roll down like an ever-flowing stream.
Many: God never gives up.
One: Justice is coming!
Many: Easter is here.

Hymn #303: The Day of Resurrection

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Shared Prayer
God of Resurrection, Easter God,
God of Abundant Life,
You are working within us and
around us to magnify life itself.
Help us attend to your work.
Guide us out of the way when we get in the way.
Show us how to help.
Remind us to rest, and to trust each other,
so that what is meant to be life-giving doesn’t become death-dealing.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Abundant Life, In this Easter season we encounter the metaphors of the natural world coming to life right before our eyes day in and day out.
And yet the heaviness of the world remains every present. The pandemic takes more lives every day, grief, loneliness, fear, exhaustion and anxiety continue.
There are so many emotions, there is so much to respond to. Sometimes the heavy is so big we can’t see the wonder. Sometimes the wonder is so bright we almost forget the heavy. And sometimes we feel guilty forgetting for a moment – either way.
Help us make space for your grace, in our lives, and in the world. Let us feel what we feel, grow into our realities, see your work, and face the heaviness too.
Help us with the joys, the concerns, the anger, the fear, the wonder, the beauty, and all the rest.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Christ Goes Before by Carl Schalk

Scripture: Psalm 133

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Belinda’s Easter Message
Today’s mission moment is an Easter reflection by Dr. Belinda Forbes. Belinda is a United Methodist missionary in Nicaragua. She is a dentist and is married to a Nicaraguan physician, Gerardo Gutiérrez. They work with Acción Médica Cristiana (AMC/ Christian Medical Action) in the poorest areas of Nicaragua, which is the second poorest country in this hemisphere. AMC works to improve the health of the people by focusing on the basics – clean water supplies, sanitation, health education, disease prevention, maternal and childcare, and teaching local community health workers. Our church has a covenant relationship with Belinda. That means that we have committed to sending a certain amount of financial support each year. The amount is based on the numbers of members we have. Missionaries are expected to visit their supporting churches every few years. Several people from FUMC and the former Troy Conference have been fortunate to work with Belinda and other members of AMC when we have gone on Volunteers in Mission trips. Many more of us have been able to enjoy being with Belinda when she has visited FUMC and reported on conditions in Nicaragua and her work there. She sent the following Easter message to her supporting churches. Sara and I wanted to share it with all of you.

This picture is the central mural in Batahola Norte. It depicts a brown baby Jesus in the center. On the left are some of the revolutionary heroes and poets. The right side includes women and peasants (campesinos).

Children’s Time: Doubt and Faith

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #307: Christ Is Risen

Scripture Reading – John 20:19-31

Sermon: “Journey with Jesus” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Again” by Philip Stopford

Prayer of Presentation

God of Easter,
As we watch new life emerge this spring,
we notice the ways you nurture life in us and in the world.
As we give our gifts to you,
we offer them so they too can nurture life in us and in the world.
Amen

Hymn #312: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Benediction

Dear ones, may your journeys be blessed, and with God’s help may we support each other along the way. Amen

Postlude

“Rondo Passacaglia” by Cynthia Dobrinski

Worship for Easter Sunday

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 4, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Alleluia / A-le-lu-ia”
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

Improvisation – Toccata on “The Strife Is O’er” by Alfred V. Fedak1

Call to Worship

One: Christ the Lord is risen today!
Many: Christ is risen, indeed!
One: Easter people, raise your voices!
Many: Sounds of heaven on earth do ring!
One: Raise your joys and triumphs high!
Many: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hymn #302: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Life,
many years ago, faithful women
were trusted to
proclaim the good news
of Jesus’ resurrection,
and the world was changed
forever.
May we learn from them,
keep faith with them,
witness as boldly,
and love as deeply.
May our faith be as true.
Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Life,
Last year we said to ourselves,
“Easter is just delayed,”
and we waited
to hear the brass,
to smell the lilies,
to wander through the photo show.
Last year we laughed at the idea of combining holidays,
Pentecost and Easter? Homecoming and Easter?
This year we know enough,
to be present to this holy moment when it comes,
not to delay or wait,
because now is the sacred time we are in.
This year we know that this is Easter,
even without the sanctuary,
or the organ.
This is Easter.
God lives.
Life abounds.
Hope is alive.
This. Is. Easter.
This is life.
It doesn’t look like the one we knew,
and there are so many new challenges,
yet this is our one, holy, sacred life.
We’ve found you, Holy One,
in the most unexpected places and moments.
We’ve noticed you holding us up when we couldn’t hold ourselves up.
We’ve seen you in the kindness of strangers.
We’ve found wonders that were around us all along,
but we were too busy to notice.
And dear one, we have grieved.
The grief has reminded us to live.
Not to waste this life you have given us.
And so God of Good Friday and of Easter,
we are here to worship you
with hearts and minds
open to this moment,
this Sacred Day.
May it transform us anew.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Hallelujah, Amen by George Frideric Handel

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:1-6

Mission Moment – Anne Phillips

Young Parents United

Young Parents United, Inc.(YPU) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting teen parents in the Capital Region. Located at 34 Jay Street in Schenectady, New York. The issues associated with teenage parents and their children profoundly impact families and society on many levels.

Young Parents United offers support and services, advocacy and resource coordination designed to meet the unique needs of teen parents and their children. YPU breaks destructive cycles and opens the doors for growth and opportunities for achieving successful outcomes for struggling teen parents right here in our local community. The impact is far reaching as their supportive programs aim to build independence, life and parenting skills among teen parents – resulting in improved parenting skills, stability and self-sufficiency, while transforming unhealthy patterns.
YPU offers extensive case management, mentoring, child development and parenting skill training, educational programs, assistance with housing stability, high school education completion, college planning, employment assistance, homework help, childcare planning, a safety network, social connections, family activities and much more.

The organization works with other human service and nonprofit organizations in the community to provide direction, to support positive change for adolescent parents and to help change the landscape for very young parents, their children and society for generations to come. Please visit the website for program information and more details by going to:
their web site or send questions to their their e-mail.

Children’s Time: The story of the Wooden Egg

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #2115: Christ Has Risen

Scripture Reading – Matthew 28:1-10

Sermon: “Quiet Resurrection” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory: 2021 Lenten Photo Show Slideshow, Presented also as an offering

Prayer of Presentation

God of Life,
Bless our lives, make them useful and wonderful as we grow in love.
Bless our gifts, make them useful and wonderful in building your kindom.
Bless our community, make it useful and wonderful in service to the kindom.
Amen

Hymn #304: Easter People. Raise Your Voices

Benediction

May God’s quiet resurrections in your life be noticeable and
transformative. Amen

Postlude

“Toccata” by Léon Boëllmann

Worship for Palm Sunday

March 28, 2021March 28, 2021
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

March 28, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“God of the Peoples, show us your ways.”
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

“Trumpet Tune” by Michael McCabe

Call to Worship

One: Hosanna!
Many: Indeed, God saves!
One: In the midst of oppression,
Many: God acts to bring freedom.
One: In the midst of fear,
Many: God acts to bring courage.
One: In the midst of chaos,
Many: God shows us the way.

Hymn #278: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Palm Trees and Protests,
It is so difficult to live up to the model of Jesus.
He was loving,
empowering,
self-less.
He took risks because they mattered,
and he paid for them.
Help us along the way, Dear One.
Remind us that at each moment you call us to be and do what we can do.
Help us become more loving,
empowering,
self-less.
And help us find grace along the way,
for ourselves and for others,
when we aren’t there yet.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God of Holy Days and Holy Weeks,
Our Christian story this week confounds and discomfits us.
Jesus was doing your work,
empowering the people,
loving the lost,
claiming your reign,
and the people were enthralled.
The powers of the day were not.
This week we face the story of the powers of the day,
their punishments,
their end-of-life power,
their ability to break up connections,
and lead people to shiver in fear in dark rooms.
We know the end of the story, and your powers,
but those are next week’s narrative.
This week we are called into the pain, the fear, the disempowerment.
In remembering, we are called to notice where it is still happening.
And that, Dear One, is very hard work.
Help us to do it anyway.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Hosanna to the Son of David by Dan Shutte

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

The official UMCOR Sunday was 2 weeks ago, but UMCOR is always somewhere in the world working to improve lives! After I had sent Linda my mission moment for UMCOR Sunday, I received an email from Belinda Forbes, our missionary in Nicaragua. She sent some links which she suggested using for UMCOR Sunday. I want to share them with you now.

The first is a video showing how UMCOR is helping with recovery from the 2 severe hurricanes in Nicaragua. The voice on the video is Belinda’s.

Her second reference is an article published by Global Ministries about UMCOR-supported hurricane response in Central America and its importance. We are hearing about the large number of people coming to our southern border from Central America. The situations in their homelands were desperate even before the hurricanes in 2020.

It is hoped that help from UMCOR and other agencies as well as, hopefully, other governments, might mitigate the need to flees from their countries. This article describes some of the effects of the hurricanes and some of UMCOR’s efforts in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #277: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Scripture Reading – Mark 11:1-11

Sermon: “Protest Parade and State Sponsored Violence” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory: 2020 Lenten Photo Show Slideshow, Presented also as an offering

Prayer of Presentation

God who chooses the rejected stones for the cornerstone,
You have astounded us time and time again,
with your love,
and the ways you choose us and ask us to participate in building your kindom.
We offer you our gifts,
and ask that they be blessed,
to be a blessing,
in service to your work.
Amen

from 2020 Lenten Photo Show, Barbara Armstrong

Hymn #280: All Glory, Laud and Honor

Benediction

May God guide us, help us, show us the way,
and give us the courage we need to do the work we are called to. Amen

Postlude

Toccata on “All Glory, Laud and Honor” by Michael Burkhardt

Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 21, 2021March 21, 2021
by Administrator

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

March 21, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Bread of Life, we seek your nourishment.”
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

“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” by Michael Burkhardt

Call to Worship

One: The days are surely coming, says God.
Many: The days are coming when new life will emerge.
One: The days are coming when we will gather together.
Many: The days are coming when all will know God.
One: The days are coming when hope will live.
Many: The days are coming, and we will be ready.

Hymn #420: Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Bread of Life, Wine of Compassion,
You feed our spirits,
care for our bodies,
and take care of the whole.
You are the source of life,
and nurture,
and hope.
We are ready to be fed again
with your soul-food,
and be prepared for the journeys that come,
and the demands of grace.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Bread of Life,
You feed us.
You nourish us.
In doing so, we are moved towards wholeness.
In each step in our life further into grace,
we become more able to live your love in the
world,
and share it with all your people.
Along the way, we notice the suffering of your
beloveds,
and it moves our hearts,
and unsettles our guts.
Today we name the struggles of Amelia and young people with serious health concerns, of Paul and adults with serious health concerns, of Claudia and all those worried for their loved ones, of all who are grieving, of all who have lived
through sexual harassment and continue to struggle, and of those who receive the micro and macro aggressions of racism. May all those who struggle know your healing, your peace, and your support.
As we move deeper into love, we also move deeper into love with the earth and all its goodness, and your people and all their wonders.
Today we name the joys of getting vaccine shots and all the work that made that possible, the joy of healing, jobs that bring joy, opportunities to connect, good conversations, good books, grace and compassion, and of spring. We offer our gratitude for the work you and many did to make it possible to ease the lives of so many in poverty with new legislation, and we seek to work with you to continue to make new opportunities possible.
We seek your nourishment, loving God, and we seek to be your nourishment.
May it be so.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

I Waited for the Lord by Felix Mendelssohn

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Mission Moment – Virgia Phoenix

Water

World Water Day (March 22) is an annual observance sponsored by the United Nations. It was first observed in 1993. The theme for 2021 is: Valuing Water. The day will focus on what it means to people around the world to value water. Concerns such as water scarcity, pollution, supply, and water and climate change are features to be addressed with a variety of activities. Clean, fresh and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities impact a great part of the world population. The absence results in many health problems, deaths due to chronic diarrhea and many long-term complications especially in children.
The availability or lack of water is the most important humanitarian crisis that is being experienced in real time. With the big snowstorm in the South and Southwest and the failure of the Power Grid in Texas, the loss of water was a
critical example of unforeseen circumstances. We saw a gigantic reality that had been improperly attended for years.
When the Corona Virus invaded the world and made its debut in America, the issue of water exposed the vulnerability of a large segment of the population. This is especially true of underserved, impoverished and Native communities where there is a paucity of resources. Even though hand washing was always good advice, it was strongly advised as one means of mitigating the spread of the virus. However, the reality became clear how many people around the world did not have access to clean water. In some cases, no water at all.
Even though the most essential commodity of our existence is water and the USA is considered to be far advanced over other countries, the water problem is acute. For years, citizens have been advocating for safe and clean water to little avail. In fact, the infrastructure in some cities needs to be completely changed due to life threatening elements such as lead in the water delivery system. Others have issues with chemicals and pollution in the lakes, rivers and ground water (the sources of water for many communities.) These chemicals and pollutants were dumped by manufacturers of industrial and household products in common use today and some agricultural runoff.

Compassionate efforts have been made by benevolent institutions and individuals to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations here and around the world. Some sponsor wells or systems that are life changing. The list is long and there is at least one to appeal to individual interest. The United Methodist Church through UMCOR is an important contributor to this effort. Many organizations sponsor water projects; among them are: Heifer International, Rotary International and the Navajo Water project-DigDeep. Prominent individuals have embraced the cause for clean water. Well-known personalities such as Matt Damon whose water.org is dedicated to supplying clean water in underserved areas of the world. Charitywater.org has received support from donors who appreciate its philosophy and organizational structure. African Reflections Foundation has been a visible presence in the Capital District. It promotes water projects in Tanzania through public events, art and apparel sales.
The extent to which water projects have proliferated around the world is indicative of the seriousness of the issue. As we approach World Water Day, many citizens in Jackson, Mississippi, are still waiting for water. You are invited to consider the many options that are personally appealing.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #618: Let Us Break Bread Together

Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Sermon: “God’s Extended Table” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem: “Ave Verum” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Prayer of Presentation

One who feeds us,
In your name, we feed your beloveds.
In your name, we offer your grace.
In your name, we seek to live our lives to build the kindom.
May the gifts we give be blessed to be useful in your work.
Amen

Hymn #2255: In the Singing

Benediction

Dear ones who know God, may your lives make God visible to those who do not yet know the God of grace. Amen

Postlude

Aria from “Twelfth Concerto Grosso” by Georg Friedrich Handel

Worship for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021
by Administrator

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

March 14, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Open our hearts Holy One, so we can see.”
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

“Ah, Holy Jesus” by Andrew Clarke

Call to Worship

One: Like the people wandering in the wilderness,
Many: we often feel dismay.
One: Like the ancients lost and afraid,
Many: we don’t always know the way.
One: Like the wanderers making sense of tragedy,
Many: we seek to find meaning in life.
One: Like your people throughout the ages, God,
Many: we seek you.

Hymn #384: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God Who Seeks Us,
One Who Reaches Out,
Source of Our Wholeness,
Sometimes we get in the way of our connection with you.
Help us get out of our own ways,
so we can savor you,
and follow you.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God Who Seeks Us,
God Who Holds Us Close,
God Who Offers Us a Safe Place to Land,
Sometimes we find it hard to find You,
sometimes we get in our own ways,
sometimes guilt gets between us,
sometimes we don’t know how to let it go.
Help us forgive ourselves,
so we can connect with you.
Sometimes we’re overwhelmed with the wonder around us,
the early signs of spring,
unexpected growth in ourselves or our loved ones,
a sign of love we’d never expected.
Help us savor the goodness of the world,
and help us reflect it back to the world in need of more goodness.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the brokenness of the world,
the unfairness of it all,
the ways people are failed,
the institutions that are meant to care for them.
Help us see clearly what is broken,
and find the ways to move the world towards your healing.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

The Tree of Life by K. Lee Scott

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

The United Methodist church has 6 “Special Sundays” on which specific ministries are highlighted and offerings to support these ministries are encouraged. Today is UMCOR Sunday. UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, provides relief globally in many forms. In the past year, we have been particularly aware of the aid UMCOR gives in times of disasters.

The offering for UMCOR is collected the fourth Sunday in Lent and provides major support for immediate assistance in the wake of natural and human-caused disasters and helps support on-going ministries of food, shelter, health, and peace. UMCOR Sunday giving allows 100 percent of designated gifts to be used for the specified disaster response or other ministry. There is a small amount for UMCOR in our FUMC benevolence budget, but we hope you will consider giving additional money to help enable UMCOR to “be the hands and feet of Jesus.” You can send a check to the church made out to FUMC with “UMCOR” in the notation. Or you can go to the church’s website and donate online.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #2196: We Walk By Faith

Scripture Reading – John 3:14-21

Sermon: “Lifted Up, I Guess” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem: “If Thou But Trust in God to Guide You” by David Cherwien

Prayer of Presentation

God Who Seeks Us, God we seek,
Thank you for always seeking us out, and never letting us go.
Thank you for being close at hand whenever we need you.
Thank you for enriching our lives with your presence, and with the gift of wonder,
and with the wonder of relationships.
With our gratitude, we offer our gifts to you.
With hope, we ask for them to be blessed to be used for the kindom. Amen

Hymn #579: Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here

Benediction

God’s powers of life and love are unstoppable. May you leave this worship time filled up with life, with love, and with hope. Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott (If You But Trust in God to Guide You” by Johann Gottfried Walther

Worship for the Third Sunday in Lent

March 7, 2021March 7, 2021
by Administrator

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

March 7, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Justice-Seeker, help us pay attention.”
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

“If You But Trust in God to Guide You” by Robert J. Powell

Call to Worship

One: It has been a year since we gathered together for worship.
Many: For some, even longer.
One: We have learned a lot about Ourselves and our faith.
Many: We know more of what we value.
One: We are more than ready to worship God like we used to,
Many: yet still we await gathering safely.
One: God is with us wherever we are.
Many: Today we worship at home, and next year by the grace of God, in the sanctuary.

Hymn #116: The God of Abraham Praise

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Justice-Seeker,
Since we last gathered in your beautiful sanctuary,
the children have grown
(and some have been born);
the teens have graduated,
or learned to drive,
or gotten jobs,
and gotten very sick of online learning;
the adults have struggled,
and gotten sick and sometimes gotten better,
been exhausted and sometimes gotten rest;
and dear ones have passed on to glory.
What precious time a year is,
how strange it is to have had this one.
Guide us, holy one,
to make sense of this past year,
to see it with your eyes,
to grow with it and from it.
Show us, justice-seeker,
how to be in this moment,
and be your blessing in this your world.
May all those who need you feel your presence,
and may all those depending on your strength
be upheld by it.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

God Who Breathed Life Into Us All,
What a precious and awesome gift our lives are.
We are so aware of both life and death these days,
as we hear how many have died in the pandemic,
and as we grieve within our own community.
In some ways this past year has been an aside from our lives,
in other ways it has been as precious as any other year.
We remain discombobulated by the forms life takes these days,
and in seeking answers to unanswerable questions.
Sometimes the tolls of the past year are unbearably heavy, God,
and we need you to help us stay together.
Keep us going, dear one.
Give us strength,
give us patience,
give us love to share.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Fauré

Scripture: Psalm 19

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Is It Time to Volunteer Again?
This week’s mission moment has 2 parts:
Part 1: Once again we are asked to assist with disaster recovery.

Filling volunteer needs during the pandemic has been a concern. Those of us who are older or have underlying conditions have generally followed the advice to stay home as much as possible. A few FUMC members have continued to serve needs of our breakfast guests by providing take-out breakfasts and, when safer, to offer the opportunity to eat in the church. Sustain has been on hold although items which would be distributed through that program have been channeled by volunteers to another program in Schenectady. Some of the volunteer needs in our community have been filled by people whose regular jobs were on pause, such as employees of the public library.
But the needs continue!! As the positivity rate is going down and as more of us are fully vaccinated, two local organizations have expressed the need for more volunteers.
The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY says, “Volunteers are vital to the Food Bank and help us get fresh food out as quickly as possible to our hungry neighbors. Right now, we need additional volunteers to sort the large volume of donated items we have available! We have weekday, weeknight, and weekend shifts, so there are many opportunities for individuals, families with kids in school, and people who work during the day to assist with this important work.” A recent volunteer is quoted as saying, “It was so much fun! The people there provided masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and everyone was socially distanced –a very safe environment. If you are looking for an easy, fun, meaningful way to make a difference for those struggling with food insecurity, I highly recommend volunteering for a few hours.” The Regional Food Bank’s web address is regionalfoodbank.net.

Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) also needs volunteers. They are continuing to try to meet the increasing needs in Schenectady which have resulted from the pandemic. The food pantry is open 3 days/ week with a mass distribution once a month. Food is delivered to 20-30 homes daily! In their new facility, they will have cooking and parenting classes. And more! SiCM has a new video about safety precautions and volunteering at the pantry — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiZfWp4Bec8. For more information contact the church office.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #444: O Young and Fearless Prophet

Scripture Reading – John 2:13-22

Sermon: “Angry Jesus” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem: “Nearer My God to Thee” by Mark Patterson

Prayer of Presentation

Justice-Seeker,
Sanctify our gifts to you,
so they may bring justice and build the kindom.
We offer our gifts in gratitude to you,
and in hope for the world.
Amen

Hymn #521: I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Benediction

Dear Ones, get mad, get informed, and get organized. God’s kindom is waiting! Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott (If You But Trust in God to Guide You” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for the Second Sunday in Lent

February 28, 2021February 28, 2021
by Administrator

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

February 28, 2021

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Life-source, help us connect with you.”
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

Largo by Mark Thewes
https://youtu.be/Ezfh1pMPBYA

Call to Worship

One: Come, bring your attention to the things of God.
Many: We let go of what holds us back.
One: Be present to this moment and the One Who Loves All.
Many: Here we are, here we worship.

Hymn #451: Be Thou My Vision

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy Spirit,
In this season of Lent, prepare us to be Love.
In this season of pandemic, let us be Love.
In this season of grief, let us remember Love.
In this season of waiting, let us savor Love.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

God Be In My Head by John Rutter

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Texas Relief and Lent
This week’s mission moment has 2 parts:
Part 1: Once again we are asked to assist with disaster recovery.

This time it’s for the winter storm in Texas that left many people without water and electricity. Even though those necessities are being restored, there is extensive damage to homes and other facilities. We can help by sending money to UMCOR Disaster Relief, advance # 901670 (umcmission.org/advanceproject/901670). Or we can donate to the Texas Annual Conference.
As usual, donations can be given by writing a check to FUMC with the designation in the notation or by going to the church’s website and donating online.
Part 2: Fasting during Lent

Fasting during Lent is a tradition for many people. Pope Francis has suggestions if you want to fast during Lent:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #525: We’ll Understand It Better By and By

Scripture Reading – Mark 8:31-38

Sermon: “Self-Denial in a Plague?” by Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem: “Adoramus te, Christe” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee,
who by Thy Holy Cross hast redeemed the world.

Prayer of Presentation

God who moves us further into life,
May the gifts we are able to give bless the lives of others,
and may wisdom guide their use in building your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Benediction

May God help you keep on going on, even when it seems like there is nothing more in you. And may you feel God’s presence guiding you when you are most lost. Amen

Postlude

“Prayer for the Innocents” by Michael Helman

Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 2, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #2115: Christ Has Risen

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Children’s Time: Pruning and Growing

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #2246: Deep in the Shadows of the Past

Scripture Reading – John 15:1-8

Sermon: “On Being Pruned” by Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offering

Offertory: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Philip Stopford

Prayer of Presentation

Hymn #571: Go Make of All Disciples

Benediction

Postlude

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 25, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #559: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-24

Mission Moment – Mary Ann Marshall

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #314: The Gift of Love

Scripture Reading – John 10:11-18

Sermon: “Love In Action” by Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

Offertory: “Ubi Caritas” by Ola Gjello

Prayer of Presentation

Hymn #579: Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here

Benediction

Postlude

Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

April 18, 2021

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #318: Christ is Alive

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture: Hosea 5:15-6:6

Mission Moment – Jan Huston and Bob Long

Children’s Time: Rainy Day

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #314: In the Garden

Scripture Reading – Luke 24:36b-48

Sermon: “Three Days? Can You Count?” by Rev. Sara Baron

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday