Worship for the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

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

September 6, 2020

2020 Photo from Zach Long

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

“Connector / sanctify our relationships”
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

“Sicilienne” by Maria Theresia von Paradis
Transcribed for organ by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: From the silence, or from the noise,
Many: We bring our attention to the things of God.
One: From loneliness, or overstimulation,
Many: We move into worship.

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Connecting Spirit,
As we struggle to be apart from people we love,
we remember that You still connect us to each other,
as you have always.
You are part of the spirit of love and connection
in all relationships,
and you hold space for our love when we are apart.
May we find ways to connect with you and with each other,
so as to find peace and hope.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Connecting Spirit,
At times we ache for connection with those we love.
(Both those who have passed away and those we are simply distanced from.)
We know some are deeply struggling, and wish we could support them.
It can be hard, right now.
And at times, it can be wonderful too.
At times we get blessed with connections that we never expected.
At times your grace astounds us.
We ask for your blessings on all who are struggling, who are ill, who are injured,
who are grieving, and who are lonely. We seek your help to know how to support your people.
We see the brokenness of the world, including the racial injustice.
Guide us to recognize our part in it,
and to be a part of changing it.
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

Ubi Caritas – Michael John Trotta

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.
“Where there is charity and love, God is there.”

Scripture – Romans 13:8-14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yeLoGCmhWOs4hC3ZVIL5jLqyAJegy2N4/view

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

“This”
This picture with its Bible verse was on Facebook recently. It inspired a friend of mine to try to lovingly save a friendship that was deteriorating because of political differences. They are still working on greater understanding and maintaining the friendship in spite of their differences.

Caleb Callahan
August 2
This!
He stands because of his conscience (his family serves in military).
Teammates understand and embrace him. They kneel because of conscience (their family experiences inequality). He understands and embraces them.
This is what it looks like to LOVE your neighbor.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 131:7-8

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #549: Where Charity and Love Prevail

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:15-20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/156LkxWKF08o1sEyjEOUm9IWZEPcnEhNV/view

Sermon – “Love in Community” – Rev. Sara E. Baron

Questions for Reflection:

• Where do you most tend to try to prove your worth?
• What most effectively reminds you that you are already beloved of God, as you?
• What parts of kindom building bring you joy?
• How does it feel to be reminded that Peter was imperfect and still of value?
• What would it look like in your life to allow yourself a bit more grace to love LESS arduously?

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart” – Moses Hogan

I’m gonna sing ‘till the Spirit moves in my heart
I’m gonna sing ‘till the Spirit moves in my heart
I’m gonna sing ‘till the Spirit moves in my heart
I’m gonna sing ‘till Jesus comes
It was grace that brought me
It was grace that taught me
It was grace that kept me
And it’s grace that will lead me home
I’m gonna pray ‘till the Spirit moves in my heart
I’m gonna pray ‘till Jesus comes
Can’t you feel the spirit moving?
I’m gonna shout ‘till the Spirit moves in my heart
I’m gonna shout ‘till Jesus comes
I’m gonna sing till my Jesus comes
– Copyright 1995, Hal Leonard

Prayer of Presentation

Connecting Spirit,
As we give our gifts to this church,
and to the world,
we seek your blessings on them.
May these gifts be useful in the building of the kindom,
and may we be blessed to see them at work.
Amen

Hymn #97: For the Fruits of This Creation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZjppmwhdwc

Benediction

As you move from worship back into the rest of life, may this time apart give you the energy and capacity to share God’s love in the world! Amen

Postlude

“Celeration” by Charles Callahan
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Worship for the Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

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

August 23, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“Holiness / we seek your grace”
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” by Charles Callahan

Call to Worship

One: The Spirit of God gives many gifts.
Many: We have been blessed with the Spirit’s gifts.
One: The gifts look and sound different,
Many: yet come from the same source.
One: We seek to savor these gifts,
Many: and express our gratitude for them.

Hymn #92: For the Beauty of the Earth

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Spirit of Grace,
May we savor your goodness,
and soak up your love.
We wish to be living grace,
and we know you are the source of such capacity.
Amen

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Spirit of Grace,
We struggle with grief because we are humans and there are those we have loved, and lost. There are also experiences and identities we have loved, and lost. Be with us as we grieve. May all who are grieving feel your support and experience your compassion.
May all who need healing be able to receive it from you and from caring people. We are amazed at the wonders of life and its vivacity. Thank you for the little and big things that bring life and joy. Help us savor them.
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

O Sacrum Convivium – James Biery

O Christ, come and dwell within, through this sacred mystery.
We celebrate the memory of your holy Passion.
Jesus’ love enfolds our hearts
We receive your covenant of eternal glory! Alleluia

Scripture – Romans 12:1-8

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

“Dehumanizing people debases us all”
Jimmy Carter releases statement on George Floyd protests
(Please consider contributing a mission moment. It can be an experience, a poem, something meaningful that you recently learned, a brief book review, an insight, or maybe something else. Send your idea to me – Jan Huston.)


Axios (online) June 3, 2020 Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Former President Jimmy Carter released a statement on Wednesday describing himself and his wife as “pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks.”
Why it matters: All living American presidents have now officially weighed in on the civil unrest rattling the nation.

• Former President George Bush W. Bush released his statement on the ongoing protests Tuesday, saying it is “time for America to examine our tragic failures.”
• Former President Bill Clinton said on Saturday that Americans “need to see each other as equally deserving of life, liberty, respect, dignity, and the presumption of innocence,” and called on people to ask themselves a set of “hard questions.”
• Former President Obama said last week that events like George Floyd’s death “shouldn’t be ‘normal’ in 2020 America,” and plans to host a virtual town hall on the topic on Wednesday evening.

Of note: Carter did not mention Floyd by name, instead focusing on “the victims’ families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty.”
Carter’s full statement:
“Rosalynn and I are pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks. Our hearts are with the victims’ families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. “As a white male of the South, I know all too well the impact of segregation and injustice to African Americans. As a politician, I felt a responsibility to bring equity to my
state and our country. In my 1974 inaugural address as Georgia’s governor, I said: “The time for racial discrimination is over.” With great sorrow and disappointment, I repeat those words today, nearly five decades later. Dehumanizing people debases us all; humanity is beautifully and almost infinitely diverse. The bonds of our common humanity must overcome the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.
“Since leaving the White House in 1981, Rosalynn and I have strived to advance human rights in countries around the world. In this quest, we have seen that silence can be as deadly as violence. People of power, privilege, and moral conscience must stand up and say “no more” to a racially discriminatory police and justice system, immoral economic disparities between whites and blacks, and government actions that undermine our unified democracy. We are responsible for creating a world of peace
and equality for ourselves and future generations.
We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this.”

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #114: Many Gifts, One Spirit by Al Carmines

God of change and glory, God of time and space,
When we fear the future, give to us your grace.
In the midst of changing ways give us still the grace to praise.
Refrain:
Many gifts, one Spirit, one love known in many ways.
In our difference is blessing, from diversity we praise
One Giver, one Lord, one Spirit, one Word
Known in many ways, hallowing our days.
For the Giver, for the gifts, praise, praise, praise!
God of many colors, God of many signs,
You have made us different, blessing many kinds.
As the old ways disappear, let your love cast out our fear.
Freshness of the morning, newness of each night,
You are still creating endless love and light.
This we see, as shadows part, many gifts from one great heart.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon – “Rock” – Rev. Sara E. Baron

Questions for Reflection:

• Where do you most tend to try to prove your worth?
• What most effectively reminds you that you are already beloved of God, as you?
• What parts of kindom building bring you joy?
• How does it feel to be reminded that Peter was imperfect and still of value?
• What would it look like in your life to allow yourself a bit more grace to love LESS arduously?

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“Simple Gifts” – Traditional
Yo Yo Ma – Cello
Alison Krauss – Soprano

Prayer of Presentation

Spirit of Grace,
As we live our lives,
as we see what you are up to,
we are amazed.
The gifts we have received astound us.
May the gifts we give be blessed to be blessings as profound as what we have received.
Amen

Hymn #2153: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Benediction

May you find ways to soak up God’s love, share your gifts, and build the kindom.
Amen

Postlude

“Rejoicing in D Major” by Stephen H. Best
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ

Worship for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 16, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“O God, make me an instrument of your justice”
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

“Ave Maria” by Giulio Caccini
David Read – Baritone acc. Dominick Giaquinto – Organ (FUMC)

Call to Worship

One: Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
Many: You gave me room when I was in distress.
One: Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Many: How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
One: How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
Many: But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD hears when I call.

Hymn #117: O God Our Help in Ages Past

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. As we gather in your presence, fill us with your very being. As we worship today, we remember our brothers and sisters who are worshiping elsewhere throughout the world. Inspire each of us to work more faithfully for justice. Raise our vision above the barriers of color and culture that we use to separate us. Give us wisdom as we deal with one another. Help us to recognize and to respect different ways, rather than to judge. In the name of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve, we now must reach out our hands with help and open our hearts in love. Awake in us the desire to seek your way of service in the world. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Give us, O God, the strength to break the bonds of tradition that victimize your people. May we call on the oppressors to see the harm they do. May we
work with the oppressed to lift our communal life out of the swamp for self-righteous greed. May we truly find peace through justice for all. 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 Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray – Hall Johnson

Scripture – Amos 5:18-24

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
(Please consider contributing a mission moment. It can be an experience, a poem, something meaningful that you recently learned, a brief book review, an insight, or maybe something else. Send your idea to me – Jan Huston.)


Bethany Stiles of the Regional Food Bank sent an update:
COVID-19 Week 20 Service Update:
Three Cheers for Volunteers!
In any given year, volunteers provide an immense service to the Food Bank by helping us accomplish more than we ever could on our own. In a year like this one, our volunteers are more important, and appreciated, than ever. Whether it’s sorting donated food in one of our warehouses, hosting a food drive, raising funds, or harvesting veggies at our Patroon Land Farm, volunteers expand our capacity and help us get more food out to more hungry people.

Volunteers and staff work together seven days a week and adhere to strict sanitation protocols to keep everyone safe. We appreciate their support so much. Imagine our delight when a volunteer thanked US for the opportunity to serve.

I’m signed up at the Food Bank for a number of dates in August. But things have changed: I’m returning to work, finally, after four months. So I’m afraid I won’t be doing any of these shifts, which actually leaves me feeling a bit wistful. I’ve very much enjoyed my experience at the Food Bank. Not only is it work of immeasurable importance, especially now, but you guys are so pleasant and cheerful. It’s motivating! If only more workplace supervisors were possessed of such qualities.

We are honored to work with volunteers like this, who give so generously of their time and share our commitment to meeting people’s basic needs. If you would like to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, please visit
our website.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #729: O Day of Peace

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Sermon – “The Way to Peace” – Rev. Bill Pattison

The Loving Ways of Jesus
The loving ways of Jesus
we model every day
Through kindly acts of mercy
in what we do and say
We have the power in us
to live in harmony
And sharing Earth’s resources
we aim for unity
The lessons Jesus taught us
allow us all to see
That everyone around us
forms one humanity
That what we see reflected
in others is ourselves
So let us welcome strangers
just as they see themselves

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“Will You Come and Follow Me” by Tom Trenney

Prayer of Presentation

We offer ourselves, O God, to work toward peace through justice. May our gifts be used to build a more just society. Amen.

Hymn #428: For the Healing of the Nations

Benediction

Let us move from worship to service while aiming for peace through justice. Amen.

Postlude

“Sinfonia from Cantata 29” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Vincent Dubois – Organ

Worship for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 9, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“Lift every voice and sing”
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

“Lord of the Dance” by Charles Callahan
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ (FUMC)

Call to Worship

One: O come and let us praise God.
Many: Who lifts our spirits to sing.
One: Who shows us the path to equal opportunity
Many: Who leads us through change into a new reality

Hymn #97: For the Fruits of This Creation

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Gracious and loving God, you have shown us the way of love. In this time of worship, help us to hear your voice in the music, the words and the silence. Help us to hear your call to reach out in such a way that we are no longer strangers, but united in doing your will. Fill us with a sense of
mission and ministry, and show us ways to respond. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Our God, we gather our hearts together in prayer for the opportunities we have to be good stewards. Show us where we can best invest for the well-being of all. Help us understand the potential we have for good as we engage in economic activity. Let love of neighbor guide the choices we make in both where we offer aid and where we buy the goods we need for daily living. Help us control the ebb and flow of economic life to provide smooth sailing for all your family. 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

We Give Thee But Thine Own – Neil Harmon

We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be;
for all we have is thine alone a trust, O Lord from thee.
May we thy bounties thus as stewards true receive,
and gladly, as thou blessest us, to thee our first fruits give.
To comfort and to bless, to find a balm for woe,
to tend the lone and fatherless is angel’s work below.
And we believe thy word, though dim our faith may be;
Whate’er we do for thine, O Lord, we do it unto thee; we do it unto thee.

Scripture – Ezekiel 34:1-10

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

An Essay from John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
John Lewis, the civil rights leader who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death, to be published upon the day of his funeral. It was published in the New York Times on July 30, 2020.


While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.
That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.
Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.
Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.
Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.
You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.
When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #2115: Holy Manna

Scripture Reading: Mark 25:14-30

Sermon – “Refusing to Play the Game” – Rev. Bill Pattison

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“For the Beauty of the Earth” by Calvin Hampton

David Read – Baritone, acc. Dominick Giaquinto, Organ
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies,
For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to you we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!
2019 Photo Show theme “Yes” – “Yes! Dusk in Vale Park” by Alice Nash
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,
For each perfect gift of yours to our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine, flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Lord of all, to you we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!

Prayer of Presentation

As we share our resources, O God, help us to see the value of living in harmony with your diverse family. And let the song of life be an ode to the joy of shared love. Amen.

Hymn #671: Lord Dismiss Us With Your Blessing

Benediction

Let us be the peace we want to be. Amen.

Postlude

“God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens”

Worship for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

August 2, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“We are one in the Spirit”
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

Prelude from A Lyric Suite by Alfred Fedak
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ (FUMC)

Call to Worship

One: We come together while in many places
Many: To share a time across times
One: To be one in spirit
Many: And one in love.

Hymn #2130: Will You Come and Follow Me

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God, in mystery and silence you are present with us, bringing new life out of destruction, hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty. We thank you that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole. Help us to perceive your presence in the unfolding of our lives, and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit, that we may know the joy you give your people. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Photo from Alice Nash

Pastoral Prayer

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

Our God, because of a pandemic we are scattered across time and space—isolated from each other. Yet because of your universal Spirit, we are together as one wherever we are and whenever we share this service. Help us learn from this experience of being a community unhinged from a familiar frame that you are the glue holding us together in love. 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

Ubi Caritas – Ola Gjeilo

Where charity and love are, God is there.
The love of Christ has gathered us together.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us revere and love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love one another. Amen

Scripture – Galatians 3:23-29

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors
Please consider contributing a mission moment. It can be an experience, a poem, something meaningful that you recently learned, a brief book review, an insight, or maybe something else. Send your idea to me – Jan Huston.

Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors (AZJFON), a United Methodist Immigration Ministry, is the organization that coordinated the United Methodist Primetimers visits to Tucson so that participants could learn about immigration. Click here to learn more.

“Lighting a Candle for Children Separated from Parents at the Border”
Rev. Kelley Dick, AZJFON Board Member &
Minister at Sahuaro Christian Church; June 2020
Saguaro Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a commitment to be an inclusive, intergeneration, missional and sacred community of faith. We live this out in a number of different ways. We have been holding a daily candle vigil for the children who were separated from their parents at the border for the past 770 days. We hold it on Saguaro Christian Church’s Facebook page every day at 10am.
Our vigil began first at a border crossing in Nogales, Son. We were on an Agape trip serving alongside our sister church Comunidad Familiar Cristiana in Nogales, Son. As our group was waiting in line to cross the border, we caught up with the news going on in America. Report after report, story after story of the horrific family separations caught our attention just as the small children waiting to seek asylum caught Owen’s (the other minister at Saguaro) 2 daughter’s attention. It was as if the world shifted on its axis, we knew we had to do something, but what? All the way home and into the next day we prayed and texted and prayed and read and soon the daily vigil was born. In 2018, immigrant children along the southern border were separated from their families as a result of Trump’s “Zero Tolerance Policy.” Many were reunited, but some are still separated. Even now, questions remain regarding the care of children within detention centers. We’ve seen the stats, we’ve read the reports, we know that families are still separated. It is our hope that by holding this vigil that we will ignite in others the desire to help change the system.
The lighting of the candle reminds us that even in the worst conditions that God is still present. So we light the candle to remind us all of the light inside each of us is the same light inside each of the families separated at the border. We will pray until all are reunited. But prayer should also move us to action. May this action be our prayer in motion. We can all do something. We invite you to continue to pray, protest and be an agent of change alongside us. Three ways we encourage you to help justice happen are:

1. Reach out to those in power and make your voice heard. Policy makers are policy changers. We recommend the “5 Calls” app or “ResistBot.”
2. Give money, resources, and time to organizations and churches who are helping immigrant families navigate the asylum process.
3. Do your research, be knowledgeable and know together we can make a difference.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #534: Be Still My Soul

Scripture Reading: Mark 7:24-30

Sermon – “An Inclusive Community” – Rev. Bill Pattison

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“O Sing! Rejoice!” by George Handel, arr. Patrick Liebergen

O sing! Rejoice! Lift up a joyful song to God with every voice!

Prayer of Presentation

We share, O God, the gifts of who we are, not just what we have earned, that the world may be a better place. Amen.

Hymn #2223: We Are One in the Spirit

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.
All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.
Copyright: Words: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation),
Music: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation)

Benediction

Let us bring a sense of community to all we meet. Amen.

Postlude

“Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius
Cantus


Photo by Barbara Armstrong

Worship for the 8th Sunday After Pentecost

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

July 26, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire”
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

“Prayer for the Innocents” by Michael Helman

Call to Worship

One: Bless our God, O peoples,
Many: let the sound of God’s praise be heard,
One: who has kept us among the living,
Many: and has not let our feet slip.

Hymn #155: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

O God, in mystery and silence you are present with us, bringing new life out of destruction, hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty. We thank you that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole. Help us to perceive your presence in the unfolding of our lives, and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit, that we may know the joy you give your people. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

As we come into this time of prayer, O God, we bring our concerns for a world in so much need that it is difficult to know how to help. Yet you have shown us that doing something is better than doing nothing when that something builds a person. Help us work contractors for the love of neighbor. Help us to build systems of compassion through open communication. Most of all, help us to see you in our neighbor and our neighbor in you. 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 Ground – Ola Gjeilo

Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is he who comes. Hosanna in the highest.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world. Grant us peace

Scripture – 2 Kings 2:6-10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0zP9eT3GV

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

Antiracism Training Is Available
Please consider contributing a mission moment. It can be an experience, a poem, something meaningful that you recently learned, a brief book review, an insight, or maybe something else. Send your idea to me – Jan Huston.


A coalition of community organizations across the Capital Region has announced plans for antiracism training. The kickoff of the Capital Region antiracism Training Initiative will be on Mon. July 27 at 5:30. Ibram X. Kendi will discuss the ideas in his book, How to be an Antiracist, in a virtual presentation by Collaborative Studios on Proctors’ revived public access channel. In Albany and Schenectady it can be accessed on Spectrum Channel 1302 and Verizon Fios Channel 37. It is also available on Collaborative Media’s Facebook page and You Tube channel. It will be available on demand for 2 weeks on the cable channels.
After the kickoff event, a 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge will launch on Aug. 10. The curriculum will include daily suggested readings, podcasts, and videos on a variety of topics, including the formation and deepening of community connections. Some of the partners in this event are Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga, Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, Samaritan Counseling, United Way, NAACP Schenectady, Schenectady City School District, and Proctors’ Collaborative.
Anyone interested in participating in any aspect of the initiative can sign-up for an email newsletter.
FUMC’s book group will be discussing Dr. Kendi’s book, How to be an Antiracist, on Sat. Aug. 22. More information about that meeting is in today’s announcements.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #2009: Oh God Beyond All Praising

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:50-53

Sermon – “Where Did the Body Go?” – Rev. Bill Pattison

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” by Edward Boatner
David Read – Baritone (acc. Dominick Giaquinto – FUMC Organ)

Prayer of Presentation

When we share in love, we share through God, for God is love. May what we offer for the work of our church reflect both the love of God and our love for God. We pray in service to our neighbors. Amen.

Hymn #312: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Benediction

Let us be the peace, the love, and the joy we want to build. Amen.

Postlude

“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” by Martha Lynn Thompson

Worship for the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

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

July 19, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
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

“Aria” by Charles Callahan
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ


“He Listens to Him, in Our Church” by Sue Clark

Call to Worship

One: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Many: Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
One: O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
Many: and by night, but find no rest.
One: Yet you are holy,
Many: enthroned on the praises of Israel.

Hymn #139: Praise Ye the Lord

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Our God, great, eternal, wonderful, utterly to be trusted: you give life to us all, you help those who come to you, you give hope to those who appeal to you. Forgive our sins, secret and open, and rid us of every habit of thought which is foreign to the gospel. Set our hearts and consciences at peace, so that we may bring our prayers to you confidently and without fear. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Our God, in the complex interplay of life and death we so often find it easy to lose hope. Yet death is a part of life and we need to face its
reality. We need not, however, get lost in its finality. Our loved ones are always with us, their ways always influence us. May we learn to mourn in the context of love and thus live in the presence of all our loved ones. 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

As the Bridegroom to His Chosen – John Rutter

As the bridegroom to his chosen, as the king unto his realm,
As the keeper to the castle, as the pilot to the helm,
As the captain to the soldiers, as the shepherd to the lambs.
So, Lord, art thou to me.
As the fountain in the garden, as the candle in the dark,
As the treasure in the coffer, as the manna in the ark,
As the firelight in the winter, as the sunlight in the spring,
So, Lord, art thou to me.
As the music at the banquet, as the stamp unto the seal,
As refreshment to the fainting, as the wine cup at the meal,
As the singing on the feast day, as the amen to the prayer,
So, Lord, art thou to me.
As the ruby in the setting, as the honey in the comb,
As the light within the lantern, as the father in the home,
As the eagle in the mountains, as the sparrow in the nest,
So, Lord, art thou to me.
As the sunshine in the heavens, as the image in the glass,
As the fruit unto the fig tree, as the dew unto the grass,
As the rainbow on the hilltop, as the river in the plain,
So, Lord, art thou to me.

Scripture – Psalm 22:1-8

Mission Moment – Jan Huston

VIM in Nicaragua Memory
Please consider contributing a mission moment. It can be an experience, a poem, something meaningful that you recently learned, a brief book review, an insight, or maybe something else. Send your idea to me – Jan Huston.


Today’s mission moment is focused on a photo I took in Nicaragua in 2005. We were in the mountainous area of Matagalpa – a beautiful area where coffee was grown. Families arrived at 6 AM standing together in the back
of trucks so that they could spend the day picking coffee. That’s when I decided to try to always buy fair trade coffee. When we finished with our tasks for the day (some doing clinics, some doing construction), a few of the local children would come by our housing place to play or just see the North Americans. We were able to mend the dress of one little girl while she was still wearing it. I always think of those children when we are
singing verse 2 of hymn 2092:

1. Like a child love would send to reveal and to mend,
   like a child and a friend, Jesus comes.
   Like a child we may find claiming heart, soul, and mind,
   like a child strong and kind, Jesus comes.
2. Like a child we will meet, ragged clothes, dirty feet,
   like a child on the street, Jesus comes.
   Like a child we once knew coming back into view,
   like a child born anew, Jesus comes.
3. Like a child born to pray and to show us the way,
   like a child here to stay, Jesus comes.
   Like a child we receive all that love can conceive,
   like a child we believe, Jesus comes.

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #581: Lord Whose Love in Humble Service

Scripture Reading: Mark 15:1-15

Sermon – “What Happened to Jesus?” – Rev. Bill Pattison

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“My Lord What a Morning” by Lois Land
The Phillips Quartet – FUMC

Prayer of Presentation

We share our resources so that others may be resourced. May God’s Spirit bless the lives of those we aid. Amen.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Benediction

Jesus has gone before us in serving, love and enabling; may we follow in kind. Amen.

Postlude

“Trumpet Tune in D” by David N. Johnson

Worship for the Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

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

July 12, 2020

2020 Photo from Dominick Giaquinto

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

“The earth is the Lord’s.”
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

“Offertoire” by Théodore Dubois
Dominick Giaquinto – Organ


The Sower located in the FUMC Narthex

Call to Worship

One: Happy are those whose way is blameless,
Many: who walk the path of God’s law.
One: Happy are those who keep God’s decrees,
Many: who seek him with their whole heart,
One: who also do no wrong,
Many: but walk in God’s ways.

Hymn #577: God of Grace and God of Glory

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

As on a first day you began the work of creating us;
So on this first day, our God, freshen and remake us;
And as the week is new, let our lives begin again
Because of Jesus who shows us your loving power.
Amen.

Silent Prayer

2016 Photo Show: “Hope … That We Will All Learn To Play Together” by Barbara Armstrong

Pastoral Prayer

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

Our God, as we share in this time of prayer, help us be aware of those in need: those in our congregation, those in the city of Schenectady and surrounding communities, those across New York State, those across our nation, those around the world. If we see an opportunity to help, may we respond. If we see an injustice, may we proclaim it wrong. If we see a place where love is needed, may we react with compassion. Guide us O God, always in the paths of peace. 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

Gabriel’s Message – Traditional Basque Hymn

Scripture – Isaiah 7:10-17

Mission Moment – Michele Cole

Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP)
Today’s mission moment was submitted by Michele Cole. I hope everyone will
consider suggesting a mission moment this summer. Doing so can be another way to maintain and even increase our connections while we are apart. If you have had a joyful or meaningful experience or learned something interesting, please consider sharing it by emailing it to Jan Huston. It might even be something you found on You-tube or Facebook.

Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP)
SCAP first opened its doors in 1965, part of the community action movement that began during President Johnson’s Great Society initiatives. Serving nearly 12,000 people each year, SCAP supports and empowers people to build on their resources so that they may eventually rise out of poverty and become self-supporting. Services available through SCAP include education, family stabilization and employment. The results are better families and stronger, more cohesive communities.
SCAP remains ever committed to ending poverty. Their community resource navigation efforts include a directory of community services. Our community breakfast program and SUSTAIN ministry are both listed in the SCAP directory, enabling FUMC to reach a broader community than might be possible just through word of mouth. Check out SCAP to learn more about their programs and find out how you can help!

Children’s Time

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #2222: The Servant Song

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-35

Sermon – “Who Said Mary Was a Virgin” – Rev. Bill Pattison

Responding

Offering

2017 Photo Show – “Prayers, Presence Gifts, Service, Witness” by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Offertory Anthem

“O Thou Who Camest From Above” by Philip Stopford

1. O thou who camest from above
the fire celestial to impart,
kindle a flame of sacred love
on the mean altar of my heart!
2. There let it for thy glory burn
with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return
in humble prayer and fervent praise.
3. Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire
to work, and speak, and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire,
and still stir up the gift in me.
4. Ready for all thy perfect will,
my acts of faith and love repeat;
till death thy endless mercies seal,
and make the sacrifice complete.

Prayer of Presentation

We bring this offering, our God, to enable the ministries of our church in compassionate service to our neighbors near at hand and far away. May your Spirit follow it in blessing many lives. Amen.

Hymn #179: Oh Sing a Song of Bethlehem

Benediction

May we go in peace to bring God’s peace to all we meet. Amen.

Postlude

“God of Grace and God of Glory” by Paul Manz

Worship for the 5th Sunday After Pentecost

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

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Hymn #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

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

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

“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

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

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

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-5

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

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

“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