Third Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Third Sunday after the Epiphany

January 29nd, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Creator, create in us a loving spirit.”

Prelude

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

Call to Worship

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

Hymn #408: “The Gift of Love”

Praying

Unison Prayer

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

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Time with Young People

Hymn #129: Give to the Winds Thy Fears

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

Sermon: “Everything Is Good”

Responding

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

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Hymn #2120: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

Benediction

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

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 22nd, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

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

Prelude

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

Call to Worship

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

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

Praying

Unison Prayer

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

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Rev. Sara E. Baron

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 18:2-11,16-19

Time with Young People

Hymn #127: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-7

Sermon: “Rebuilding After Trauma”

Responding

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

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Rebuilding

Hymn #528: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”

Benediction

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

Human Relations Day

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Human Relations Day

January 15th, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Beloved God, form us into beloved community.”

Prelude

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

Call to Worship

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

Hymn #378: “Amazing Grace”

Praying

Unison Prayer, from “Inward Journey” by Howard Thurman

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

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Mary Ann Marshall

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:1-10

Mission Moment: “Street Soldiers” with Maura Furey

Poem: “Meditations of the Heart” by Howard Thurman

Hymn #533: We Shall Overcome

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Sermon: “Foolish and Wise”

Responding

Offertory: “Freedom Summer” by the Staples Singers

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Beloved Community

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

Benediction

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

Epiphany Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Epiphany Sunday

January 8th, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Gather us in, Radical Love.”

Prelude

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

Call to Worship

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

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

Praying

Unison Prayer

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

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Hymn #2094: Carol of the Epiphany

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon: “Radical Experience of Acceptance”

Responding

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

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Radical Acceptance

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

Benediction

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

Worship for the First Sunday After Christmas

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
First Sunday after Christmas

January 1st, 2023

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Gathering

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

Prelude

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

Call to Worship

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

Hymn #219: “What Child Is This”

Praying

Unison Prayer

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

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 63:7-9

Hymn #228: He Is Born

Time with Young People

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

Sermon: “Going Home”

Responding

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

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Home

Hymn #229: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”

Benediction

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

Worship for Christmas

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

https://youtu.be/UC6Ib9p-H5I

Worship for the 4th Sunday in Advent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18th, 2022

Photo by Larry McArthur

Gathering

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

Prelude

“Sinfony” from The Messiah, by Georg Friedrich Handel

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

Musical Call to Worship

“Prepare the Way of Zion”

Call to Worship

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

Hymn #221: “In the Bleak Midwinter”

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

Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 4

Praying

Unison Prayer

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

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Carolyn Micklas

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Anthem

“Cradle Hymn” by Gordon Young

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Time with Young People

Anthem

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

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Solo Vocalist

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

Verbal Reflection: “Peace”

Musical Reflection

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

Responding

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

A Time to Consider Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer of Peace

Hymn #234: “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”

Benediction

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

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