Worship for the 5th Sunday After Pentecost

July 5, 2020July 5, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5, 2020

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

“I am because we are, thanks be to God.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Cantilene” by Malcolm Archer
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Call to Worship

From Shaping Sanctuary, edited by Kelly Turney
One: We come here by the grace of God, who knows each of us by name and calls us each God’s beloved child.
Many: From our separate homes, our socially distant lives we come together as one body, gathered in by the Spirit as a mother hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings.
One: Young, older, gay, straight, transgender, brown, black, white and all the glorious shades given us by God,
Many: We hear our names called to join in worship!
One: This is where we come together to follow God’s vision of a beloved community for all people.
Many: Liberation and unity, independence and interdependence, justice and faith, expressed through all our many, varied gifts. Let us worship together!

Hymn #2008: Let All Things Now Living

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Mary Scifres, The Abingdon Worship Annual 2020
Prophetic One, you call us to new places and new ways. You challenge us to dance new steps and to sing new songs. We yearn to follow you with confidence and joy, but our resistance is often stronger than our willingness. At times, our steps falter. At moments, we can’t even hear your voice. Strengthen us with your mercy. Renew us with your grace. Sing to us with your compassion. Connect us with the yoke of unconditional love, that we may follow joyously, dance confidently, and sing praise and love with every act and with every word of our lives. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Gracious God, we are overwhelmed. There is so much going on, some good and much not so good, and in our need to stay apart we don’t have our usual supports to help us through troubled times. We see some good happening now as the world is coming together to push for the end of racism and for justice for so many black and brown people who suffer from the end result of centuries of oppression. Yet, we still have far to go. Every day we see reminders of why the protests are needed, and how many hearts are filled with anger and hatred. Help us, O Lord, to effect the changes that are needed to make our world a safe and just place for all your beloveds.
We are also struggling with the reason for all this social distancing, a virus that has claimed so many lives and sickened so many more. Just when we thought/hoped the worst was over for now, it has come roaring back in so many places across our country. We ask for wisdom to live our lives in ways that protect each other from unnecessary risk, and for your help in reminding all your children to wear a mask and keep their distance, since through these measures thousands of lives will be saved.
We also acknowledge that there is the rest of life going on besides the virus, and ask for your help and healing for:

Those facing chronic or acute illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune
disorders, and other illnesses or injuries that sap our strength and weaken
the body and soul;

Those with anxiety and depression, made worse because we are missing
our loved ones – family members, friends – and when we see them we
cannot touch;

Those who are alone, lonely, hungry for food or attention; and

Those who grieve, many alone, in this unsettled time.

We have room in our hearts for celebrating too:

Those who shelter in place and wear masks to protect each other;

The birth of children, especially the newest baby Kempf and baby Isaiah;

All the graduates, especially those in the youth group who are going out in the world to new adventures;

All those things, large and small, that make us smile and remind us that we are not alone, the world is still as it was, day follows night, and we will overcome these trials as we have others in our lives.

God of love and mercy, shower us with your grace, and help us to shower others with the love that we learn from You. Teach us your wisdom so that we make the right choices for today, and the best plans for tomorrow. For it is because we are loved that we can then love others. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Come to Me – Dan Forrest

Scripture – Romans 7:15-25a

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Summer Lunches

Volunteers are needed to help serve summer lunches to children in Schenectady. FUMC is responsible for providing volunteers July 13—17 (Mon.—Fri.) at Schenectady Central Library. Our time is 1:30-2:30. We need 2 or 3 people each day. The program is entirely mobile this year. Children will be given 2 bags – one with lunch for that day and one with breakfast for the following day. They will take the bags from the site to eat them. There will be no games or reading with the children this year. Volunteers are
needed to interact with the children and keep them safe, to meet the delivery vans and distribute lunches, to help keep the sites clean, to follow NY State guidelines, to maintain social distancing, and to show that the community cares!!
Some facts: SiCM is the only USDA Summer Meals Program in Schenectady
County. Over half of Schenectady’s youth live below the poverty level. Over 80% qualify for free lunch. Last year SiCM served 43,397 lunches and approximately 11,887 breakfast in Schenectady and Scotia – total meals=55,284! This could not be done without volunteers.
Please let Jan Huston know ASAP if you can help and which day/s you are
available. Since most of our summer activities are not available, here is an opportunity to get outside with people while providing a needed service during this stressful, divisive time.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #375: There is a Balm in Gilead

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:16-19;25-30

Sermon – “Decluttering as an Act of Faith” – Rev. Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

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 Anthem

“Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”
Jessye Norman, Soprano

Prayer of Presentation

God of Justice, we bring these gifts before you, given from the depth of our hearts to build your kingdom on Earth. Help us to use them wisely to support justice for those on the margins and to do as Jesus did, to welcome all people to join with us in a life of abundant love and grace. We ask through Christ the Lord, Amen

Hymn #593: Here I Am, Lord

Benediction

May you leave this worship service, and the sacred gathering on Sunday morning, with hearts refreshed and a renewed commitment to finding God in the small things, the ordinary things, and even the difficult things. So that as we are called upon to collaborate in the making of God’s kingdom on Earth, we can find the courage and the strength to answer the call. Amen

Postlude

“Prelude to a Te Deum” by Marc Antoine Charpentier

Worship for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost

June 28, 2020June 28, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Fourth Sunday after Pentecost /
Graduation Sunday

June 28, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Lead me, Lord – Lead me in thy righteousness.”
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

“Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: We rejoice in our faithful covenant with God;
Many: We rejoice and give thanks to God for all that God has done for us.
One: We rejoice as a member of the Body of Christ;
Many: We rejoice in this faithful congregation with its distinguished Past and its dynamic future.
One: We pledge to continue to faithfully participate in the ministries at FUMC;
Many: Doing what we can, with whom we can, that God might be glorified.

Hymn #131: We Gather Together

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O Great and Gracious God, breathe again your sacred Spirit upon us, that we may see the peace of Christ and be filled with resurrection joy. Teach us how to speak Jesus’ words of forgiveness so that we can be your agents of reconciliation in this troubled and broken world. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

God of Grace, you have endowed us with talents and capabilities beyond the imagination of our finite minds. Shed upon us the light of your infinite understanding that we can behold ourselves as you see us. Empower and encourage us to make known your hopes and promises for a better tomorrow. May we walk together in your presence, with your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, and your strength in our wills. Enrich our courage that we may become Ambassadors of Encouragement, brightening the lives of those we meet, and rejoicing in your ever-present Spirit. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

A Gaelic Blessing – John Rutter

Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of Christ,
of Christ the light of the world to you.
Deep peace of Christ to you.

Scripture – Isaiah 41:6-7

Mission Moment – Children and Youth Ministries

Celebrating our Youth

On Saturday, June 20th, we celebrated the work and graduations of FUMC’s youth group. Five members are graduating from high school this year. They are recognized in the list of graduates. In addition, we expressed appreciation to Willy Bulger and Julian Kintz, members of the group who are
not graduating at this time. We hope you will enjoy the video of the celebration.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #357: Just As I Am, Without One Plea

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-5

Sermon – “Ambassadors of Encouragement” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“You Are Holy” by Per Harling, arranged by John Helgen

You are holy, you are whole.
You are always ever more than we ever understand.
You are always at hand.
Blessed are you coming near;
blessed are you coming here
to your church in wine and bread,
raised from soil, raised from dead.
You are holy, you are wholeness, you are present,
let the cosmos praise you Lord!
Sing hosanna in the highest!
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to our God.

Prayer of Presentation: #587

You who are over of us, You who are one of us:
Give us a pure heart that we may see you;
A humble heart, that we may hear you;
A heart of Love, that we may serve you;
A heart of faith, that we may live in you. Amen.

Hymn #664: Sent Forth By God’s Blessing

Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
The people of God from his dwelling take leave.
God’s sacrifice ended, O now be extended
The fruits of this Mass in all hearts who believe.
The seed of his teaching, our inner souls reaching,
Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
His grace shall incite us, his love shall unite us
To further God’s kingdom and answer his call.
With praise and thanksgiving, to God who is living,
The tasks of our ev’ryday life we embrace.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
We claim as our neighbor all those of each race.
One bread that has fed us, one light that has led us
Unite us as one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
Give honor to Christ and his name that we bear.

Benediction

We go seeking justice for all of God’s children.
We go following Jesus’ example of gathering all into Grace.

Postlude

“Prelude to a Te Deum” by Marc Antoine Charpentier

Worship for Graduation Sunday

June 21, 2020June 21, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Third Sunday after Pentecost /
Graduation Sunday

June 21, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“I give thanks for all blessings – past, present, and future.”
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

“Cantilena” by Josef Rheinberger
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Welcome to each and every one of you!
Many: We thank you for thinking about us with your welcome.
One: May the joy we have found in Christ Jesus become your joy too.
Many: We have found a welcoming presence among you.
One: Thanks be to God who has welcomed each one of us!
Many: May we share that same loving welcoming with others.

Hymn #369: Blessed Assurance

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Together, let us pray –
For the people of this congregation…
For those who suffer and are in trouble…
For the concerns of this local community and neighborhood…
For our nation as it struggles…
For the world, its peoples, and its leaders…
For the Church Universal as it seeks to welcome all. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

God of Life and Love, we thank you for the mystery planted in us: the paradox of life from death, of selflessness from selfishness, of a desire for justice from an attitude of just us, of a heart of love from a heart of stone. Blessed is your risen Christ, the Lord of growth and discovery, of beauty and joy, of peace and justice, who makes all things new. Set within us your heart of Love, that we may give of ourselves in love to one another and to the people we meet. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

And Peace Shall Guard You – Michael John Trotta

Peace shall guard you, peace shall guard you.
In all things, with thanksgiving, make your need known;
and peace shall guard you. It shall guard your hearts and your minds.
For nothing be anxious, but in all things,
and with thanksgiving make your hearts known.
And peace shall guard you.
In all things with thanksgiving, make your need be known
and peace shall guard you.

Scripture – Isaiah 55:1,12

Mission Moment – Barbara Armstrong

Book Discussion: The Time Is Now – A Call to Uncommon Courage

Recently a small group of us from our church gathered on the back lawn to share their thoughts on a book we all read as a recommendation made by the Intersectional Justice Committee. It was a blessing to see those who gathered and we were even joined by a member from another neighboring congregation. The book discussed was The Time Is Now – A Call to Uncommon Courage written by Joan Chittister. It sparked a lively conversation about what a prophet is and if in fact there exists modern day prophets today. She cited many whom she believed to be modern day prophets “who speak the truth to a culture of lies.” They are people who stand up to power and say no, but also who say yes to justice, equal rights, embracing and celebrating our differences and to the wholeness of oneself. Among the questions put forth was if in fact there might be some prophets that have
been or are members of our FUMC family.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the way in which the book was written. It was composed of several chapters each exploring a quality that is seen in prophets and how that quality might be beneficial in today’s everyday living. The group explored many of the very challenging situations we are living with today and how important these qualities would be in helping us to find solutions as we move forward. She closed each chapter with a reflection and a quote from great individuals from the past. One such quote that I enjoyed was as follows: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Can you guess who that was written by?

All in all it was an easy read and it led us to some wonderful discussion. Our next book will be Weird Church-Welcome to the Twenty-first Century by Beth Ann Estock and Paul Nixon. The Welcoming Committee at FUMC is also reviewing this book and all are welcome to join in the discussion. The Intersectional Justice Committee is planning to gather at Central Park, opposite the Rose Garden to share insights and be in community with one another. You should be prepared to laugh, learn and listen. We are encouraging people to be safe and wear their masks and to bring a lawn chair that is comfortable.
In Sister Chittister’s concluding chapter she shared a quote by Maimonides, “Be not a whisper that is lost in the wind; be a voice that is heard above the storms of life.”

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments, it is OK to wait. Sharing might work well this way: think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t know at all. In this way, God’s peace (wholistic well-being) is spread to all.
Please note you can also share the peace online through our Facebook page, or yours

Hymn #273: Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBgmYwMw9qo
Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all,
healing pain and sickness, blessing children small,
washing tired feet, and saving those who fall;
Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all.
Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you;
make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do.
Let me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too,
till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:6-9

Sermon – “You’re Welcome” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“With a Voice of Singing” by Martin Shaw

Prayer of Presentation: #587

Bless thou the gifts our hands have brought;
Bless thou the work our hearts have planned.
Ours is the faith, the will, the thought;
The rest, O God, is in thy hand.

Hymn #451: Be Thou My Vision

Benediction

Knowing that I am God’s beloved, I openly share my welcoming spirit with those who most need to feel welcomed.

Postlude

“Sarabande” by Jason Krug

Worship for Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, 2020June 14, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on High!”
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

“Prière À Notre Dame” by Léon Boëllmann
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: God of Love, You care for us as Shepherd,
Many: Leading us to fresh pasture and living water.
One: You care for us as Holy Parent,
Many: Drawing us closer, to you and each other,
Within your tender embrace.
One: You care for us as Savior,
Many: Forgiving all who reach out to you in faith.

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Almighty God, your blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan. Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations. And, as you know the weakness of each of us, let each find you to be our personal and mighty Savior. Through and with Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Almighty God, pour upon us your wisdom and grace as we embark on this week’s journey of discovery. Enkindle in our hearts the fire of our love, that warmed by your presence and inspired by your spirit, we seek your purpose for each of us. May we bring glory to you in the way we live our lives and minister to your people. Bless us in our mission to be all that we can become, through the holy power and peace of your Trinitarian Being. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Open Thou Mine Eyes – John Rutter

Scripture – Isaiah 12

Mission Moment – Dana Carroll

My Square Foot Garden Brings Me Joy
This is my Square Foot Garden. I’ve had many vegetable gardens in my life and they all drove me crazy because they inevitably were overcome with weeds; weeds that clung to the ground like a cat trying to avoid taking a bath. My Square Foot Garden doesn’t have many weeds, and the ones it does have are easy to pull. I spend only a few minutes pulling weeds when I walk out to admire my garden.

The Square Foot Gardening idea was invented by Mel Bartholomew. He is an engineer and a gardener and he noticed that traditional methods of gardening are not as efficient as they should be. Rows of vegetables waste too much space, water, fertilizer and effort. Gardening can be much easier to manage. So Square Foot Gardening was born.
My Square foot garden is made of 4 foot boxes built with 2×6 boards that are not treated. You can put dirt in the box but it is better to make your own soil with equal parts compost, peat moss and vermiculite. This soil is so nice and soft that it makes it much easier to plant and to pull weeds. I never till it and it never gets walked on and therefore it remains soft and pliable.

Each 4 foot square box is divided into 16 one square foot sections. I use white, plastic lattice for the dividers. The planting is done mathematically according to the size of the plant. For instance, you can plant 16 carrot seeds in 1 square foot, but only 1 tomato plant. Zucchini takes up 9 of the small squares.
To save room I grow peas, cucumbers and tomatoes on three sets of verticals that I built using rebar, conduit, and webbing. Admittedly it took some work that first year building the boxes and the verticals. But now that it’s done it makes my gardening much easier.

Because I never have to till, and because these raised beds drain so well, I can plant very early. I fill up all my boxes in April, with seeds of cool weather crops. That’s spinach, lettuce, broccoli raab, peas, onions, beets, arugala, turnips and broccoli. Around Memorial Day I plant seeds of green beans and squash and I buy tomato plants and eggplants. If my early plants are in the way, I just eat them to make room.
I got a wonderful surprise this spring. Last fall I planted spinach and I was disappointed that it didn’t produce. But early this spring, there it was! It waited all winter and gave me a delicious, early crop.
If you want to try it, you might want to buy Mel Bartholomew’s The New Square Foot Gardening. If you have questions, contact me.

Children’s Time

Passing the Peace

Hymn #454: Open My Eyes! That I May See

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Sermon – “Responding Resourcefully to Temptation” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“Will You Come and Follow Me” by Tom Trenney

Prayer of Presentation

Receive these gifts, O Lord, and use them as you will to bring assurance to all who struggle; hope to all who are discouraged; and peace to all who are embattled in ways they’ve never imagined.

Hymn #395: Take Time to Be Holy

Benediction

We commit ourselves individually and as a community to the way of Christ: to take up the cross; to seek abundant life for all of humanity; to struggle for peace with justice and freedom; to risk ourselves in faith, hope and love, praying that God’s Kingdom may come.

Postlude

“Fugue in G Minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Dominick Giaquinto, Organ

Worship for Peace with Justice Sunday

June 7, 2020June 7, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Christian Education Sunday / Peace with Justice Sunday

June 7, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“In You we live and move and have our being.”
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

“Processional in E Flat” by David N. Johnson
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Our Loving God calls us together as a Family of Christ.
Many: To transform us with that holy love.
One: To transform our eyes,
Many: That we may see God’s grace.
One: To transform our hands,
Many: That we may serve others.
One: To transform our spirits,
Many: That we may be the healing body of Christ,
One: Gathered to worship,
All: And sent out to serve.

Hymn #347: Spirit Song

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer – UMH 313:3

Death has lost its old dominion, let the world rejoice and shout!
Christ, the firstborn of the living, gives us life and leads us out.
Let us thank our God, who causes hope to spring up from the ground.
Christ is risen, Christ is giving life eternal, life profound.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer – Rev. Dr. Brolin C. Parker

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

O God! Torn and confused, sometimes lonely and enraged, greet this new day with suspicion.
Spirit of Life, show me the gate to healing. May I find in my heart the tools to craft a way through the pain.
O God, when even those tools fail me, may other hands reach out and may I
welcome them and know them as Your hands, gently holding me. Keep me from
collapse, shaping me and molding new strength until I am ready to try again. O God, be present! Amen and Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

A Prayer for Peace – Michael John Trotta

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Scripture – Isaiah 35:5-7

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Christian Education Sunday & Peace with Justice Sunday
Today’s mission moment has 2 parts. Today is both Christian Education Sunday (first Sun. in June) and Peace with Justice Sunday (first Sun. after Pentecost).
Christian Education Sunday
Thanks go to the people who have worked with our children and youth this year:
Babyfold – Barb Armstrong with help when needed by Amanda Taylor
Elementary – Elaine Troy and Amanda Taylor. Special music opportunities have been provided by Frankie and Pam DiMezza, Barb Armstrong, and Drew Vickery.
Youth – Sylvester Doyer and Cliff DaVis. Most of our youth are graduating from high school this year. We will honor them on June 20 and 21.
Peace with Justice Sunday – June 7, 2020
Peace with Justice Sunday is one of 6 special Sundays celebrated in the United Methodist Church. The offering witnesses to God’s demand for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. A short video shows some of the uses of the money donated on this special day.

While half of all funds received by churches is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society for support of a global grant program, the rest stays within the Upper NY area and will be used to provide grants for programs, projects, trainings and resources to aid Peace with Justice efforts locally. The primary objectives of projects receiving grants from the Upper NY Conference are to understand causes and seek alternatives
to individual, national, and international violence; promote reconciliation, transformation, and restoration of relationships; address root causes of poverty and promote self-development of peoples and communities; and to work to end human rights injustices designed to oppress minority groups.
Some projects outside of our conference which have benefitted from this offering are a peace ministry uniting Arizona border communities, a program in Liberia equipping United Methodists to implement the denomination’s Social Principles in order to address social-justice issues, and a program in U.S. communities working to decrease human trafficking.
To donate to the Peace with Justice offering you can send a check made out to FUMC with the notation “Peace with Justice” or you can go to the church’s website and donate online.

Children’s Time

Passing the Peace

Hymn #408: The Gift of Love

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-3,42-43

Sermon – “Am I Dreaming?” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“For Everyone Born” Arr. Tom Trenney

Prayer of Presentation

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Hymn #577: God of Grace and God of Glory

Benediction

Bear witness to the love of God in this world, so that those to whom love is a stranger, will find in you, rich, generous, and compassionate friendship.

Postlude

“Chaconne” by Louis Couperin
Performed by Dominick Giaquinto, Organ

Worship for Pentecost Sunday

May 30, 2020May 30, 2020
by Administrator

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Pentecost Sunday

May 31, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire by Wilbur Held

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: In the midst of darkness there is light.
Many: In the midst of blindness, we will be given sight.
One: Our Savior, Jesus the Christ, brings healing love to us.
Many: Let the light of Jesus’ love break through our blindness and
fill our world with glory.
One: Remove the bonds that trap us in darkness, Lord.
Many: Wipe away all our fears so that we may live boldly in your Love.

Hymn #702: Sing With All the Saints in Glory

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer – UMH 465:1-3

Holy Spirit, Truth divine, dawn upon this soul of mine;
Word of God and inward light, wake my spirit, clear my sight.
Holy Spirit, Love divine, glow within this heart of mine;
Kindle every high desire; perish self in thy pure fire.
Holy Spirit, Power divine, fill and nerve this will of mine;
Grant that I may strongly live, bravely bear, and nobly strive.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer – Rev. Brooke Newell, Pastor of Queensbury UMC

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Satisfy us with your love in the morning, and we will live this day in joy and praise. We praise you, O God our creator, for your handiwork in shaping and sustaining your wondrous creation. Especially we thank you for the ministry of the church and its members…Those who provide for public safety and wellbeing: paramedics, police, health workers, and fire fighters…Families and those who are like family for us… Opportunities to be a blessing to the world around us…Warm days. We dare to pray for others, God our Savior, claiming your love in Jesus Christ for the whole world, and committing ourselves to caring for others in his name. Especially we pray for: All who are sick with the corona virus …doctors, nurses, and those on the front lines of the health crisis… Teachers learning new technology and children learning from home…Those who feel isolated and alone…All who are struggling to make ends meet. As you cause the sun to rise, O God, bring the light of Christ to dawn in our souls and dispel the shadows of hatred and fear. Give us grace to reflect Christ’s glory; and let his love show in our deeds, his peace shine in our words, that all may give him praise, now and forever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

I Will Sing With the Spirit – John Rutter

I will sing with the spirit, alleluia.
And I will sing with the understanding also: alleluia.

Scripture – Isaiah 41:1,9-10

Mission Moment – Sue Learner

Face Mask Project
On March 20, Marcia Steiner, Vice President of the Foundation for Ellis Medicine reached out to Schenectady Clergy Against Hate to solicit assistance in making cloth face masks to protect workers at Ellis Hospital from COVID-19 exposure. Kathleen Morris, the President of a local quilter’s guild, QUILTSchenectady, was asked to coordinate this mask-making effort. Even though Ellis Hospital decided not to use the hand-made masks, other organizations were in need of such protection. Eventually, on April 2, the CDC guidelines changed, recommending that everyone wear a face mask in public.

Through QUILTSchenectady, a process was soon developed. Completed masks were to be dropped off at designated ‘hubs,’ which would then be picked up by a ‘hub manager,’ and distributed to requesting organizations. Proctor’s employee, Chelsea Moore, made calls to area organizations, assessing their face mask needs.

The Clergy Against Hate message was passed along to Rev. Eileen Deming, who sent out requests to all our fabric ministry folks at First United Methodist Church (FUMC), including Jan Huston. Jan is a member of QUILTSchenectady, and asked Kathleen Morris to contact Sue Learner to coordinate FUMC’s participation.

We let Kathleen know that FUMC was happy to serve as a face mask drop-off hub. We set up a covered plastic bin outside the Chapel Street entrance, and from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, people could leave their masks. We also had a box set up in the Gathering Room, so that church members with keys could drop off masks at any time. We would deliver the masks twice a week to the hub manager for distribution. Our hub manager, Felicia Campo, deployed drivers to pick up masks from other drop off sites through the area, and deliver them to the health care and related organizations that had requested them.

After a few weeks, most mask makers were running low on elastic. This was needed for attaching the masks to a person’s face. Several folks decided to make masks with ties instead of elastic ear loops, as elastic became very difficult to acquire. Early on, QUILTSchenectady had ordered a large quantity to help alleviate this shortage but delivery was coming from a manufacturer in China and was slow in arriving. It arrived on April 21, and we were able to deliver elastic to 5 FUMC mask makers. More was available in the drop-off bin for any who needed it.

On May 19th, we received notice that the mask-making project had ended. Since March 22, members of QUILTSchenectady and sewing friends have made over 10,000 face masks, serving over 64 local organizations (listed below). This included rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, senior living complexes, ambulance companies, social service organizations, physician offices, and others. In addition, approximately 2,000 masks were also given to friends, family, and individuals who needed them, including a Navajo reservation. As of May 21, there were more than 1250 masks dropped off at the FUMC site alone!

Albany Medical Center- Accounts Payable	Albany
Avila Retirement Community	Albany
Bethesda House	Schenectady
Better Health of NorthEast New York	Gloversville
Better Health of NorthEast NewYork	Gloversville
Capital District Food Pantry	Albany
Center for Nursing and Rehab	Hoosick Falls
Center for the disabled	Albany
Clifton Park Senior Center	Clifton Park
Coburg Village Independ Living Retirement Community	Rexford
Cocoa House	Schenectady
Community Care Physicians- troy branch	Troy
Community Hospice	Rensselaer
Conifer Park	Schenectady
Double H Ranch	Lake Luzern
Dr Rahman	Albany
Dutchess County Hospital	Dutchess County
Ellenville Community Hospital
Four Winds	Saratoga Springs
Hannaford Pharmacy Dept	Schenectady
Heritage Home for Women	Schenectady
Home Instead Senior Care	Schenectady
Home of The Good Shepherd	Saratoga Springs
HOPE House	Albany
HOPE House- Other Locations	Albany
Josephs House	Troy
Judson Meadows Assisted Living	Scotia
Kingsway Community	Schenectady
Ladies of Charity- Carol Sirincione
Lefebzre Chiropractors	Waterford
Lexington Community House	Albany
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County
Loretta critical nurse	?
Midge Consler- Nursing Service / Home	Syracuse
Mohawk Ambulance	Schenectady
Nathan Litauer	Gloversville
Niskayuna Co-Op	Niskayuna
North East Parent and Child / Northern Rivers	Albany
Northern Rivers	Schenectady
Oakwood Community Center	Troy
Planned Parenthood	Albany
Podiatry Associates	?
Prestwick Chase	Saratoga Springs
Proctors	Schenectady
RASP (Ganesvoort)	Ganesvoort
Refugee Group	?
Schenectady ARC	Schenectady
Schenectady City Missions	Schenectady
Schenectady County Office for Child and Fam	Schenectady
Schenectady Foundation	Schenectady
Schenectady Inner City Ministry Food Pantry	Schenectady
ST Luke’s Food Pantry	Schenectady
St Peters Hospital (Nurse)	Albany
St. Peters Hospital	Albany
St. Vincent’s Food Pantry	Schenectady
Teresian House	Albany
The Charlton School	Burnt Hills
The Wesley Community	Saratoga Springs
Town of Greenburgh Paramedics	N. Greenbush
Transitional Services	Unknown
Wellspring Domestic Violence	Saratoga Springs
Westview Senior Center	Albany
Wildwood Programs	Schenectady
Glendale Nursing Home	Schenectady

Our efforts have not been isolated to just QUILTSchenectady and First UMC. Many sewers responded to the need for masks simultaneously. It is difficult to quantify all that has been done. However, QUILTSchenectady has
coordinated with the following groups to make and distribute well over 30,000 masks: Quilters of the Gloversville/Johnstown/Amsterdam area (coordinated by Diana Marshall of the Gloversville Sewing Center), and The Mooncatcher Project (coordinated by Elle Von Wellsheim).

These masks are washable and reusable. When wearing them is no longer necessary, the masks should be washed and saved for any future unfortunate outbreak. Please make sure you urge friends and family to do the same.

Thanks go out to all who created masks. Thanks go out to Eileen Deming and Jan Huston for proposing this opportunity to help our community, and also to Linda Smith for securing the drop-box each day.

If you feel moved to make a donation to help offset the $1,800 spent on the elastic that was ordered and given to all who needed it, please send it to the Guild’s Treasurer:

Maryann McDermott
177 Chepstow Road,
Schenectady, NY 12303

Children’s Time

Passing the Peace

Hymn #707: Hymn of Promise

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-3,42-43

Sermon – “Together… Really?” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“Spirit, Open My Heart” by Alfred V. Fedak

Prayer of Presentation – From a previous UMC Hymnal

We give thee but thine own, what e’er the gift may be;
All that we have is thine alone, a trust, o Lord, from thee.

Hymn #732: Come, We That Love the Lord

Benediction

We leave this time of worship with the Peace of Christ.
Peace in our body, Peace in our soul, Peace in our spirit, and Peace to be whole.

Postlude

“The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” by Benedetto Marcello
Performed by Dominick Giaquinto, Organ

Worship for the 7th Sunday of Easter

May 24, 2020May 24, 2020
by Administrator

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

May 24, 2020

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Open us O God, to life all around.”
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

String Quartet No. 62 “Emperor”, Movement 2 by Franz Haydn

Call to Worship – Psalm 33:1-4;20-22

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: All you who are righteous, shout joyfully to the Lord!
Many: It’s right for those who do right to praise God.
One: Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre!
Many: Sing praises to him with the ten-stringed harp!
One: Sing to him a new song!
Many: Play your best with joyful shouts!
One: Because the Lord’s work is right, his every act is done in good faith.
Many: We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
One: Our heart rejoices in God because we trust his holy name.
Many: Lord, let your faithful love surround us because we wait for you.

Hymn #140: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Eternal God, who created all things from the void, teach us to know the power of silence and prayer. Fill our emptiness with your peace and your love and fill our darkness with your light. Our world seems to have stopped turning as we face the unknown before us. Some days it feels as if it will never end, the world is too silent, the emptiness too vast. Yet, out of the void comes Spring, and new life – from the flowers and trees to the wildlife and a new baby to remind us that the world is indeed turning, and just as day follows night we have hope that we will once again be together, that You will never leave us alone. Help us to see the beauty and the life around us, help us to feel joy and hope in tomorrow and in You. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen

From a prayer by Ruth C. Duck, Bread for the Journey

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.

Lord of the Dance, you came to bring us life in abundance, and a joy that endures forever. You have shown us hope for the future through the birth of a tiny babe, who grew up to teach his Disciples how to live as God intends. He was killed, and everyone thought it was done. His Disciples were lost, alone and afraid of retribution, hiding behind closed doors until suddenly everything changed. Walls could not keep out the love, the joy and the hope that was the risen Christ.

As we remember and celebrate the Ascension, we are reminded that Jesus is not timebound in the dusty pages of an ancient text. Instead, as the saying goes, he who was once in one place is now in all places at all times.
Sometimes we forget all of this, but today we remember, and we pray.
Lord, we come before you with sorrows and with celebrations.

In difficult times like this, we can shut ourselves off from the love and grace you shower on us and instead protect ourselves from the many hard things that confront us. Help us to remember that we don’t do anything alone, you are there to help us get through, providing us with family and friends to walk our journey with us.

We ask that you bring relief to all those affected by the virus and by the efforts taken to slow it down. Remind your children to keep others safe by following safety guidelines, while business owners try to do the same. Comfort all who are grieving from losses small and large, especially the family of the young man in the Texas Kempf’s church who was killed in an accident.

Walk with all who are undergoing treatments for cancer, COVID or other acute or chronic diseases, especially Jean and Lisa’s friend undergoing breast cancer therapy.

Keep safe all who live in areas with virus surges. Help us to reach out to those who are alone, lonely, hungry for food or attention, in a manner that is safe for us and for them.

And God, we rejoice with Pastor Sara and Kevin on the birth of their little boy, Isaiah Michael Baron. We pray for him and for Pastor Sara and Kevin, as they grow into their new responsibilities with the love and support of their community of family and friends.

We celebrate with all who are graduating this year. Even though communal graduation ceremonies can’t be held, help them to find other rituals to mark the passage of their lives from one stage to the next.

We celebrate nice weather, beautiful flowers, and that we have chosen to express our love and care for each other and our community through our social distancing efforts.

O God, remind us that in you we live, and breathe, and have our being. You are our hope, and with you by our sides we are never truly alone, even when there is no one in sight. We ask all this through your son, Jesus, who came among us and showed us the way. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Do Not Be Afraid – Philip Stopford

Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine, you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you;
you will never sink beneath the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. Refrain
When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. Refrain.
You are mine, O my child. I am your Father, and I love you, I love you with a perfect love. Refrain.

Scripture – Ephesians 1:15-23 (English Standard Version)

Mission Moment – Bob Long

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate
For several years now, Schenectady area clergy from differing faiths – and from various perspectives within faiths – have sought to bring their various constituencies into a larger, mutually affirming and harmonious community. The goal was, and is, to clearly honor and express each faith, while making clear how much we actually hold in common.
The early public expression of this goal was the reintroduction of Schenectady Area Thanksgiving Interfaith Celebrations held each year in the sacred space of a differing faith. What joy was discovered in doing so.
When the current President began early in the 2016 presidential campaign to hurl hate-filled vindictiveness at almost everyone except white male Americans, actions of hatred began to multiply — nationally and locally.
Several clergy began to discuss what might be done to openly counteract expanding incidents of intentional hate speech and actions aimed at Muslims, Jews, Mexicans, African Americans, LGBTQ people, women.
Rabbi Matt Cutler, Rabbi at Congregation Gates of Heaven, who has guided this group since its earliest discussions said: “We’ve … been experiencing a polarizing nature of hatred, discrimination and general intonation that has torn at us rather than brought us together. We still live in the same community and have to build bridges to address social issues that have long been present, and new ones that rose to the surface.”
Agreement became unanimous among clergy who were in discussion. Now that hatred and division were being publicly given sanction, it was time to present a decisive public solidarity of commitment to the essential values which we all share in our differing faiths. There needed to be intentional gatherings to express grace, acceptance, affirmation and mutual support for those being persecuted. They needed to be well publicized and public expression of uniting values.
Thus arose Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, a non-partisan, multi-faith, and interfaith coalition working to promote harmony, respect, and fellowship in the greater Schenectady area.
Activities and events that have been sponsored by Schenectady Clergy Against Hate include:

Raising community awareness, opening discussion and collaborating around healing values
Volunteering at the Northeast Regional Food Bank
“Soup Sabbath” fundraisers to support the Schenectady Inner City Ministry
Worship using words of faith traditions to share perspectives on what it means to be American today
Story-telling events by youth and adults of differing faiths
Community conversation entitled “Discrimination, Bigotry, and Hatred in our Community”
Prayer Vigils following attacks on synagogues, mosques, churches (1,100 people gathered at Gates of Heaven to affirm support following the massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh)
Candlelight March to houses of worship
Interfaith Healing Service
Participation in the Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrations
Yearly distribution of school items for children and youth
Speaking publicly against Children Being Caged at the Mexican Border and against gun violence
Participating in events supporting LBGTQ rights
and many others.

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate has been honored by Congressman Paul Tonko, the Niskayuna Town Board, the Capital Area Council of Churches, and the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission.

Children’s Time

Passing the Peace

Hymn #2171: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:44-53 (English Standard Version)

Sermon – Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“Clap Your Hands” by Alfred V. Fedak

Clap your hands, O faithful people! Shout to God a song of praise!
From the dust of conquered nations, God a realm of grace shall raise.
In appointed courts of glory faithful to God’s name always.
May we prosper all our days.
With a shout, and blast of trumpet, God shall mount a throne on high;
Let our praise, as finest incense, rise to meet God in the sky.
Fill the world with glad rejoicing, Heav’n shall sing and earth reply.
All God’s works to glorify.
Let your hearts be filled with gladness, as the Lord your life shall bless;
Live as heirs of God’s great justice, wear the cloak of righteousness.
God will grant us earth’s dominion, all things good and nothing less.
All things good for our gift of faithfulness.

Prayer of Presentation

Gracious God,
We bring these gifts before you as a sign of hope and expectation that we can make a difference for your children and your world. But we cannot do it alone, we need each other and we need you. Help us to take these gifts and, joining them with our talents and our time, use them to help birth the beloved community, where everyone shares in the rights and responsibilities of a civilized society. We ask through Christ the Lord, Amen

Hymn #261: Lord of the Dance

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Lord of the Dance

Benediction

May the newness of a Spring morning and the giggle of a child remind you that we are all part of something larger, we are all connected, we are all loved. Amen

Postlude

Trumpet Concerto, Movement 3 by Franz Haydn
Performed by Wynton Marsalis, Trumpet

Worship for the 6th Sunday of Easter

May 17, 2020May 17, 2020
by Administrator

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

May 17, 2020

“FUMC from the Air” by Peter Frisoni

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Sandra Eithun

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: The God of everywhere, and all time, is with you.
Many: We are not alone.
One: Every breath you take, is in and with God.
Many: We are connected by the Divine.
One: So breathe with ease, dear ones.
Many: God is with us.
One: And prepare to worship.
Many: God is good, and we are ready to worship

“A Fern Growing Out of Volcanic Lava” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: Stone Rolled Away

Hymn #660: God Is Here

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: God Is Here

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
Jesus’ commandment seems so simple:
“Love one another as I have loved you”
but we have spent our lives trying to live up to it,
without ever truly succeeding.
And now, love itself has been upended,
we show our love with distance and caution!
Guide us, God of Creation,
help us see all the wonders around us,
and show us how to love each other well,
so we may love the world itself well.
Amen

Silent Prayer

“A Surprise from Mother Nature” by Barbara Armstrong
2019 Photo Show Theme: Surprise

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body, this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body without hearing them first.

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
As Jesus-followers, we are committed to working with you to build the kindom. From this perspective, it makes sense that we take our labor seriously. We want to use our time and talents well, for the communal well-being. In this time when so much has changed, we bring you prayers about labor:
gratitude for those doing “essential work”
concern for those doing “essential work”
a yearning for justice for workers to be paid fairly for their work
gratitude for those able to go back to work
concern for those missing their work
a yearning for justice for those whose work is not meaningful or
appreciated.
gratitude for those whose “hobbies” are their meaningful work (especially when they keep us healthy and loved)
concern for those who aren’t sure what to do with their time
a yearning for justice for those whose capacity to share their gifts is limited by others lack of openness or creativity.
We are holding time tenderly right now, knowing how different it is for people based on their circumstances. For some, time marches painfully slowly, for others there is so little time and so much to do. We bring our prayers about time:
gratitude for games that can be played online
for ways we can connect with church family, and other loved ones
for good books, and other works of art
for the time used to bring loved ones home again
concern for those exhausted and have no time to rest
for those grieving without the moments of being held up by community
for the interminable time between when medical tests are taken, and when results come back
for the limbic time of being ill, and no one knowing when or if recovery will come
yearning for times of shared joy,
and even of shared sorrow –
when we can integrate our lives with each others, safely.
We seek, as well to hold each other tenderly, and to hear each other well. We raise together the prayers named within our community:
gratitude for Fran’s cousins who became grandmothers,
and Andrew’s friends who became parents,
for Hazel’s bendy pencil,
and (cat) Nightmare’s “amens”
concern for Anita, struggling with both cancer and with chemo
for Ann, with terrible headaches,
for kids without nurturing home environments
and for adults without safe homes
yearning for wholeness, peace, justice, and compassion.
All this we bring to you, trusting that you listen, care, and respond. Thank you for being with us through these days, and throughout our lives, and for all the ways you share your love in our world.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

I Will Not Leave You Comfortless – Everett Titcomb

Scripture – Acts 17:22-31

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Part 1: Mission E-Academy
The Northeast Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission program has a mission academy every spring. It is usually a several-day retreat with many different course offerings. This year it is being given online. You don’t have to pack a bag and travel and the only cost is a suggested donation! Many of the courses are related to the current pandemic. Some of the titles are COVID-19 Pandemic: Crisis Spiritual Care for Congregations, Online ERT recertification, Systemic Racism and Discrimination during COVID-19, UMC Social Principles in the context of mission, Foundations of Disaster Ministry, and Food Insecurity during COVID-19. Instructors come from UMCOR, Board of Church and Society, NY State Disaster Interfaith Services, New England Conference, NY Conference, and more. I strongly encourage you to go to the website and
see what interests you. It’s a good opportunity!

Sign on a humanitarian aid office in southern Arizona” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid
Part 2: Request to FUMC members and friends to offer mission moments.
During this unusual time we are going to try experimenting with Mission Moments. We are inviting you to share your thoughts and concerns. Sharing can be done either by writing a few paragraphs or by producing a video which would be part of the online worship service. The Intersectional Justice team has come up with some suggestions for topics – you probably have more! Some possibilities are:

Where do you see God at work in the world today?
What is your favorite non-profit (other than FUMC)?
What helping agencies in Schenectady do you like and why?
What gives you joy these days?
What are you grateful for?
Have you found a way to help others while remaining physically distant?
Maybe the current situation is taking all of your time and energy. If so, have you found a way to provide some self-care for yourself?
What is your “mission” and why do you do what you do?
How is your Bridging the Distance group working?
Can you recommend a book, TV program, movie, etc? Why?
If you have extra time, have you found a way to make it satisfying?

There are many other suggestions – I’ll share more another time. Please consider offering your thoughts in a mission moment. Contact Jan Huston with questions or to schedule a time. We are getting to know each other in new ways through zoom. Let’s try this way, too!

Children’s Time

(Please read to kids as appropriate)
Did you know that grownups are afraid of things too? Well, we are. Several weeks ago I was in the sanctuary at church, and noticed how lonely it looked all alone. I took a picture of it, and submitted it to the photo show under the theme “The Women Were Silent” and the title “The Pews are Silent but God and the Church Are Not.” The picture reminded me that “the church” isn’t just the name for the building we meet in, but is also the name for the people who come
together to worship God on Sunday, and who seek to live out God’s love every day.

It felt like a good reminder.
But then, as I was preparing worship, I looked through the pictures from last year’s photo show and realized I’d submitted almost the exact same picture last year under the title “I’m Afraid of This.” (I had entirely forgotten!)

It seems funny, now. I was afraid of the church being empty last year, and yet this year the empty church is a sign of hope! We aren’t at the church building because we love each other enough to take care of each other by staying apart.
So, I’m learning that the very things we can be afraid of can be OK after all. I hope that’s true for you too.
Will you pray with me? (Pinkies) God, help us face our fears, and notice when they become blessings! Amen

Passing the Peace

Hymn #88: Maker, In Whom We Live

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Maker, in Whom We Live

Scripture Reading: John 14:15-21

Sermon – Bishop Deborah Kiesey

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“South African Gloria” by William Bradley Roberts

Prayer of Presentation

God of Creation, God who is in all of creation,
We recommit ourselves to the building of your kindom,
to responding to the needs of your people,
and building a society and world where all can thrive.
The gifts we offer, we give towards this kindom building,
and we ask that you guide us in the use of them,
that they may be useful in your work.
Amen

Hymn #384: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Benediction

May the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the compassion of the Spirit be with you now and always. Amen

Postlude

“Inception” by Jason Krug

“Wolf Creek Falls, Knox, NY” by Alice Nash
2019 Photo Show Theme: Yes

Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 10, 2020May 10, 2020
by Administrator

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

May 10, 2020

“Dauphin Island Sunrise” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show: See and Believe

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“God our Refuge, we seek your steadfast love.”
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

“Vocalise” by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Performed by Renee Fleming – Soprano

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Come out of the storm for a little while, beloveds of God.
Many: We prepare ourselves to worship, to be in the midst of beauty, expressing gratitude, seeking truth, savoring God.
One: Come and be where you are safe.
Many: We open our hearts to the God of love.

Hymn #2212: My Life Flows On

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: My Life Flows On

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
Steady us with your steadfast love, Holy One.
When we are rocked by the winds of change and confusion,
you provide a stronghold for us.
When our emotions are strong and changeable, like hurricanes within,
you let us cling to you, and provide a plumb-line to guide us.
May we let go enough, to rest in you, and regain our strength.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

“See and Bee-lieve” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
As we consider how you shelter us,
we are also grateful for our physical shelter,
for homes (including new ones)
for our church building,
and for all those invested in caring for our homes and our church and our places of refuge.
Our gratitude helps us see more clearly the struggle of those without:
those without adequate physical shelter, including migrants and those
who are homeless,
and those whose physical shelters are not safe, including those living
with abusers.
We are so grateful for the mask-makers in our midst,
for their care and their labor,
and for our increased safety.
Our gratitude helps us see more clearly the struggle of those without:
the medical workers without adequate protective gear,
the many in the world without clean running water to wash their
hands,
those unable to wear or access masks.
We are delighted in the chance we had to decorate our space with rainbows,
to share your message of love and joy,
to create art together – but safely.
Our delight reminds us of the work we do to name in the world that your love knows no bounds, and we raise our prayers for those who have heard other messages.
We have celebrated birthdays for people of many ages, in this time of upheaval, and we are grateful for their lives and for the creative ways celebrations have occurred. The moving celebrations remind us to consider those who are disconnected and lonely, to them we send our prayers and love.
In this time of change, there have been unexpected connections that have
enriched life, and we offer our thanks for them. May we continue to be open to such connections, as a way of savoring you.
As a community that loves to learn, we have always had a special space in our hearts for teachers, but now we name our gratitude even more strongly: for those who are adapting learning environments and trying to reach the hardest to reach students, we give you thanks. For the retired teachers who can grasp the difficulties and support their active colleagues (as well as for their years of work), we give you thanks. For the parents who have become teachers, we give you thanks. For all the learners who are experiencing new forms of teaching, we give you thanks. Strengthen them all, dear God, they need your support.
For those who have been sick or injured and are healing, we praise your name.
For those who have been isolated in hospitals and are now with their loved ones, we give you thanks!
For those offering life-giving care of all forms, we are grateful.
And, as we raise our voices in praise and gratitude, we acknowledge the deep needs in the world
for those who are ill or injured, that they may find healing
for those who are exhausted by their labors, that they may get rest
for those without work who are righteously afraid for their well being,
that society may step up with practical solutions
for those who are hungry, that they may be fed, and soon
for those who are grieving, that they may discover they are not alone
in their pain,
for those experiencing loss, confusion, and disorientation, that they
may find your steadiness.
We bring you so much, Holy One. Our hearts and minds are full of worries and gratitude. May you who knows the deepest parts of our beings, hear our
prayers, and may we be open to hearing your responses.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

All Things Bright and Beautiful – John Rutter

Scripture – Psalm 31:1-5; 15-16

“Sea and Believe” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Mission Moment: Franciscan Blessing – Jan Huston

This week’s mission moment is a Franciscan blessing. I first heard it when we were preparing to leave Nicaragua after 2 weeks there with a VIM team. The pastor who was our liaison there shared this blessing with us. Jean Gustafson posted it recently on facebook. I was glad to be reminded of it and want to share it with you.

A Franciscan Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Children’s Time

Passing 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.

“A Bird’s Nest in my Spring Wreath!!” by Jan Huston
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #318: Christ is Alive

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Christ is Alive

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14

Sermon: “Rock and Refuge”

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“How Firm a Foundation” – Mack Wilberg

Prayer of Presentation

Our Rock and Our Refuge,
For all the gifts you have given that steady us, we give thanks, and offer our responses of gratitude and commitment.
For all the ways you call us into relationships and service to your world,
we give you thanks, and respond with the gifts we have to offer to share your love in the world.
Amen

Hymn #2218: You Are Mine

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: You Are Mine

Benediction

May you always remember to steady yourself on God, your rock and your refuge.
Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” – Norman Crocker, Organist Christopher Herrick

“The Fog Will Lift” by Amanda Taylor
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 2, 2020May 2, 2020
by Administrator

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

May 3, 2020

“After an early morning shower in the Arizona desert” by Jan Huston
Photo Show: Very Early in the Morning

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

“Shepherd us God, from death into 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

“Highland Cathedral” Arranged by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.
One: Come away for a while, from all that exhausts you.
Many: We seek the Holy One, and God’s rest.
One: Come and be with God, who is love.
Many: We let go of our worries and fears, to connect with God.
One: In word and song, in image and reflection, we become.
Many: We seek to become more loving, more whole.
One: On this Sabbath day, may we all know rest.
Many: And may our spirits be filled.

Hymn #2128: Come and Find the Quiet Center

If you wish to sing along, the words are here: Come and Find the Quiet Center

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God who Shepherds Us,
A shepherd is charged with caring for the whole flock,
and for each sheep.
So too, do you care for the whole,
and for each.
You seek to give us what we need,
and to ensure the resources you give are distributed fairly.
May we be a good part of your flock:
responsive to your gifts,
and trusting you enough to make space for others to receive them too.
Amen

We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.
If you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.

Silent Prayer

“Tree in the Fog” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Pastoral Prayer

You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.
Normally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,
this one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body
without hearing them first.

Good Shepherd,
If you were anyone but you,
we would worry that you were exhausted.
How lucky we are to have a caregiver who never wearies, nor sleeps,
yet urges us to rest and recover!
Holy One, we don’t always know how to do what you urge,
for some of us there is too much downtime and we’re underwhelmed;
for others there are never ceasing demands and we’re running ragged.
Guide us, that we may be moved towards wholeness.
So many in this beautiful and hurting world are grieving, Holy One.
So many are ill.
So many are scared.
So many are lonely.
We are grateful for your presence and healing with all who are struggling.
In many ways, life is on pause. Grief has come, but celebrations of life await. Love has come, but weddings await. We wait, in this liminal space, hoping that our waiting brings life, hoping that our actions and choices matter.
You are a Resurrection God and we are your Easter people. Even in the midst of life on pause, in this ever so long Holy Saturday, we see your hand at work. Beauty and wonder break through. Hearing each other’s voices is a gift, as is seeing each other’s faces. Connections bring us life. New jobs await some, and shared play await others. We are still able to feed your beloved people, we are able to share our love in the world, and with each other. The “small wonders” we can find in these days that lift up our spirits, might have been there for us all along, and we are grateful that we now take notice of them.
You, Good Shepherd, are a God of Life, and we know you to be working towards whole and abundant life for all people. We thank you for what we are able to do to work with you, from social distancing, to sharing our gifts. We ask for your guidance to move our own lives and the lives of your beloveds (all) more fully into wholeness. May your guidance be our way.
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

The Lord Is My Shepherd – John Rutter

Scripture – Psalm 23 (The Inclusive Bible)

“Treasures Discovered On an Early Morning Walk at Sky Lake” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Mission Moment: Crop Walk and Belinda Forbes – Jan Huston

First – Today is the Virtual CROP Walk. Please read the information in the
announcements and respond as you are able. Donations relieve hunger locally
through the Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) and throughout the world through Church World Service.
Second – Our missionary in Nicaragua, Dr. Belinda Forbes, recently made a
video which is part of a series on Global Mission during a Pandemic. She was interviewed by Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church. She discusses some of the response to the corona virus in Nicaragua and also shares a message of faith and hope.

Children’s Time

Passing 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. This may take several breaths or moments, it is OK to wait. Sharing might work well this way: think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then think of
other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don’t really know, then those you don’t know at all. In this way, God’s peace (wholistic well-being) is spread to all.
Please note you can also share the peace online through our Facebook page, or yours.

“Watch Me!” by Terry Phillips
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #133: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10 (The Inclusive Bible)

The Stillness of a New Day” by Barbara Armstrong
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Sermon: “What Voice to Listen To”

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

“Paschal Lamb, Who Suffered For Us” – Carl Schalk

Prayer of Presentation

Good Shepherd,
We are reminded, again, to offer our lives to you and the building of your kindom.
May the gifts we have be given with hope and humility,
and received with wisdom.
We seek to be a part of your work in the world,
and the gifts we give are a part of that work.
Sometimes what we give doesn’t seem like enough,
sometimes it feels like too much,
in all cases we hope it is useful to you.
Amen

Hymn #405: Seek Ye First

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Seek Ye First

Benediction

May you find your breath, your emotions, and your voice – all as a means to
finding God’s voice within. Amen

Postlude

“Tuba Tune” – C.S. Lang

“Red” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Very Early in the Morning

Worship for the 5th Sunday After Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5, 2020

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #2008: Let All Things Now Living

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture – Romans 7:15-25a

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #375: There is a Balm in Gilead

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:16-19;25-30

Sermon – “Decluttering as an Act of Faith” – Rev. Michele Cole

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

Prayer of Presentation

Hymn #593: Here I Am, Lord

Benediction

Postlude

Worship for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for Fourth Sunday after Pentecost / Graduation Sunday

June 28, 2020

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #131: We Gather Together

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture – Isaiah 41:6-7

Mission Moment – Children and Youth Ministries

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

Hymn #357: Just As I Am, Without One Plea

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-5

Sermon – “Ambassadors of Encouragement” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

Offering

Offertory Anthem

Prayer of Presentation: #587

Hymn #664: Sent Forth By God’s Blessing

Benediction

Postlude

Worship for Graduation Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for Third Sunday after Pentecost / Graduation Sunday

June 21, 2020

Getting Centered

Breath Prayer

Prelude

Call to Worship

Hymn #369: Blessed Assurance

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Word and Reflection

Choir Anthem

Scripture – Isaiah 55:1,12

Mission Moment – Barbara Armstrong

Passing the Peace

Hymn #273: Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:6-9

Sermon – “You’re Welcome” – Rev. Ray Stees

Responding

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Fourth Sunday after Pentecost /
Graduation Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Third Sunday after Pentecost /
Graduation Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Second Sunday after Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Christian Education Sunday / Peace with Justice Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Pentecost Sunday