Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

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

April 19, 2020

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

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.

Prelude

“Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David N. Johnson
Harmonic Brass and Matthias Eisenberg (Organ)

Call to Worship / Poetry As Prayer “Listening as Wisdom”

By Tina Datsko de Sánchez on Progressive Christianity
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.
We tune our hearing to silence.
We wait on the source of being.
Our minds release the roar of thoughts.
We incline our hearts to listen
for the still small voice of Wisdom.
It is Sophia who beckons.
Holy Wisdom, be now among us,
fill our hearts with your dancing light,
give us to know our true being.
Let us be beacons of God’s peace,
shining with the light of justice,
living out God’s love in the world.

Hymn #2215: Chris Has Risen

Christ has risen while earth slumbers, Christ has risen where hope died,
as he said and as he promised, as we doubted and denied.
Let the moon embrace the blessing; let the sun sustain the cheer;
let the world confirm the rumor: Christ is risen, God is here!
Christ has risen for the people whom he died to love and save;
Christ has risen for the women bringing flowers to grace his grave,
Christ has risen for disciples huddled in an upstairs room.
He whose word inspired creation can’t be silenced by the tomb.
Christ has risen and forever lives to challenge and to change
all whose lives are messed or mangled, all who find religion strange.
Christ is risen, Christ is present making us what he has been
evidence of transformation in which God is known and seen.

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy Wholeness,
On this second Sunday of Easter,
we wonder what it means to be called to abundant life
right now.
We wonder how you call us to wholeness,
given our current restraints.
We seek to be centered in your love,
to trust in our goodness,
and sometimes we are.
(And sometimes we are not.)
Guide us, Holy One,
show us the way,
especially when we can’t find it ourselves.
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

“Rainbows are a longtime message of hope.” by Jane Baker
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid

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.

Holy Wholeness,
As spring begins to take a deeper hold on our world,
we see signs of hope all around us.
And yet, at the same time, the global pandemic is also taking a deeper hold in our world.
Our emotions are wide ranging, and often very strongly felt.
We have such deep gratitude: for the chance to worship you and celebrate
Easter “together,” for safe moves, for the gifts of technology to connect, for beautiful music, for meaningful prayers, for sermons and liturgies that touch our souls, for those who are well, for those we connect to, for the ones who have given us gifts that matter, and for all those offering their work and service and care for the well-being of the whole.
We have such deep worries: for those who are ill, for those who are grieving, for those unable to get the medical care they need, for those offering medical care without adequate protection, for those who aren’t working, for those who don’t have enough, for those who are lonely, for those who are trying to do the impossible (work and teach from home, for example), for those in nursing homes and elder care facilities, for those making difficult decisions, for all those struggling with mental illness and addiction, for those who are afraid, for those who need to travel.
And more!
Sometimes are are overwhelmed with gratitude, other times with despair, and
many of us are on emotional roller coasters.
Holy One, may we make peace with the ups and downs of life right now, find
ways to be patient with ourselves and others, savor the goodness, and acknowledge the challenges.
May we join you in life, as wonderful and as hard as it is.
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

Blest Are the Eyes That Have Not Seen You – Fred Gramann

Scripture – Genesis 2:4b-7

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.
If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

^4bIn the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, ⁵when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; ⁶but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— ⁷then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.

Mission Moment – Beth Long Velasquez

“Let’s Pool Our Resources”: Safety Net in a time of social distancing and quarantines.
In late March, as we struggled to make the difficult but necessary decision to suspend SUSTAIN Ministry distributions through at least May due to the COVID19 situation, we were torn at the decision knowing that the need for essential personal hygiene items in the community would continue, if not increase at this time. This was particularly true regarding baby diapers as SUSTAIN is one of the few programs that addresses this need each month in Schenectady. Of approximately 150 local recipient households that we serve each month, about 120 are families with at least 1 child in diapers and we were all concerned about not being able to meet this need. That was when I saw the subject line on a email from the Schenectady County Public Health Services reaching out to local community outreach programs: “Let’s Pool Our Resources.”

Good Afternoon,
Thank you all for your tremendous efforts in assisting the community in getting their needs met. We wanted to reach out and hopefully interest you in linking with the growing initiative, Schenectady County COVID-19 Response Coalition, that grew out of the growing needs related to COVID19
and also the related decrease in available volunteers at local safety net organizations. The initiative is running out of the Mont Pleasant Boys and Girls Club, and the primary focus is to deliver (for no cost) resources (food, formula, diapers, etc) to the community as quickly as possible, as well as link community members to additional supports they may need…

So between March 31 and April 6, SUSTAIN transferred approximately 2,500 lbs of baby diapers, 500 lbs of adult incontinence products and 100 lbs of baby wipes to the Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition for distribution until we can safely begin holding monthly distributions again. Until that time, we have also suspended SUSTAIN’s Regional Food Bank pickups so that these highly needed items can be distributed to groups like the Coalition to meet the immediate need in our community.
From the Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition
website:

Schenectady County has partnered with The Schenectady Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club, and other local organizations to address the basic needs of the community during the coronavirus epidemic. The Coalition operates a hotline out of the new Boys and Girls Clubhouse in Mont Pleasant to help address coronavirus-related non-medical issues; and ensure those who are quarantined or isolated, seniors, and other at-risk individuals get the basic supplies they need while they remain at home. Schenectady County residents in need of supplies should call (518) 621-3536. Staff will work with callers to identify their needs, including any dietary or allergy restrictions, and set up a drop-off time. Representatives from the County Department of Social Services will also be on hand to assist with shelter, temporary assistance programs and Medicaid issues. Staff will also have information about resources available to address other identified needs.

More information about the Coalition can be found on their website.

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. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

“The Bulbs Will Come to Life Again” by Sara Baron
Photo Show Theme: See and Believe

Hymn #420: Breathe on Me Breath of God

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Breathe on Me Breath of God

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-29

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.
If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

“Orange Tulip” by Dana Carroll
Photo Show Theme: Do Not Be Afraid

¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ ²²When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
²⁴But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
²⁶A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ ²⁸Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ ²⁹Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Sermon: “Our Bodies Remember”

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.
This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.
As government stimulus checks come in, it is a time to consider if you are able to use some of what you receive to support others.

Offertory Anthem

“This Joyful Eastertide” – Charles Wood

Prayer of Presentation

Holy Wholeness,
We seek to give gifts to you,
to express our commitment to your vision for the kindom,
and our gratitude for your acts of love
in our lives and in the world at large.
May all the gifts we give be useful to your kindom,
and used with wisdom. Amen

Hymn #666: Shalom to You

Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends.
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving,
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom

Benediction

May God’s wholeness settle onto you, and bring you peace. Amen

Postlude

“Rigaudon” – Andre Campra


“Believe You Will Find The Way” by Joel Fuschino
2019 Photo Show Theme: Believe

Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 12, 2020

Photos by Sue Learner unless otherwise noted

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.

Breath prayer

God of life, in you we hope
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

“Procession of the Nobles” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Harmonic Brass and Matthias Eisenberg (Organ)

“Concerto in E Flat, Allegro” by Johann Baptist Georg
Harmonic Brass

“Serenade No. 13 for Strings in G Major, K. 525” and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Allegro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Harmonic Brass

“Suite Gothique, Toccata” by Leon Boellmann
Dominick Giaquinto (organ)
Organ of the First United Methodist Church of Schenectady

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: Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen, indeed!
One: Alleluia!
Many: Alleluia, Amen!
One: Love cannot be stopped, God never ceases,
Many: Christ is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Hymn #302: Chris the Lord Is Risen Today

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here:
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Life and Love,
On this day of celebrating your powers of life,
and your powers of love,
we are aware of the changes in our lives and our world.
May we be centered into this time of worship,
able to let go and savor You,
so that we may emerge refreshed,
alive,
washed in love,
and able to celebrate You throughout this week.
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

Photo credit to Amanda Taylor. “A New Day Washes In”

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 Life and Love,
On this holiest of Sundays, we have gathered to worship you again,
from the distances of our homes,
seeking to do no harm, and to limit the contagion.
Love looks different than it has before,
now being shown by staying away, instead of staying close.
The notion of sacrifice has changed in front of us too,
from being a gift given to you, and made holy in the giving,
to being requested of people because we are unable to protect them.
We yearn, and we mourn.
We struggle, and we delight.
We are both lost and found.
This is a strange time, Holy One.
And we are so grateful to have you to rely on during it.
We bring you our profound gratitude for all the sources of life and love among us,
for all that uplifts and sustains.
We bring you all of our fears and aches, for all those who are struggling near and far, and all those who are vulnerable.
And, while we struggle at times, we offer you our trust,
knowing that you are with us,
that you are seeking good,
that you are bringing wholeness in as quickly and profoundly as it can come.
Guide us to life.
Guide us to love.
In your name.
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

Christ Is Now Arisen – K. Lee Scott

Now the song is begun, for the battle is done, and the victory won:
now the foe is scattered: death’s dark prison shattered:
Sing for joy; and today raise the lay, Christ is now arisen!
They that followed in pain shall now follow to reign,
and the crown shall obtain; they were sore assaulted, they shall be exalted:
Sing for joy; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
For the foe nevermore can approach to that shore, when the conflict is o’er:
there is joy supernal; there is peace eternal;
Sing of life; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Then be brave, then be true, Ye despised and ye few, for the crown is for you:
Christ, who went before you, spreads His buckler o’er you.
Sing of strength; earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Lo, the victory is won, and the foe is scattered, death’s dark prison shattered!
Hallelujah, earth and skies bid it rise, Christ is now arisen!
Come today raise the lay, Christ is now arisen!

Scripture – Jeremiah 31:1-6

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

¹At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of
all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
²Thus says the Lord:
The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
³the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
⁴Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O virgin Israel!
Again you shall take your tambourines,
and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
⁵Again you shall plant vineyards
on the mountains of Samaria;
the planters shall plant,
and shall enjoy the fruit.
⁶For there shall be a day when sentinels will call
in the hill country of Ephraim:
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.’

Mission Moment: Get Out and Go Hiking – Dana Carroll

Please note: In the very short time since this was written, things have changed. The Indian Kill Preserve and Plotterkill Preserve have closed.
(Information is included for when they reopen.)
Please use caution, social distancing, and face masks when you go out, even to hike.
Climbing the Walls?
Are you going stir crazy during this social distancing period? Missing your friends? Becoming a couch potato? Well, here’s a good idea for you. Go walking in one of the local Nature Preserves. Fresh air will not hurt you. If you take care, you can ask one of your friends to join you but still maintain social distancing. Drive in separate cars and meet at the Preserve. Just remember, no hugging, no touching, and stay 6 feet apart.
Wear layers and boots (in the spring it might be muddy), and get outside. It’s nice to have a day pack to put your jacket in when you get hot, and don’t forget a water bottle.
Our area has the most beautiful trails on God’s green earth. They are not difficult or long, they are easy to find, and they are well-marked so you can find your way. And, walking in the woods is a great way to pray. If you are not good at sitting quietly to pray (I’m not), you are going to love praying in the woods. Just walking on the trails is a prayer; you don’t have to have any words! And you can even let out a couple yells if you want. God loves that!
Here are five trails to get you started. You might be able to get these on you phone GPS. When you get to the trail head, it’s a good idea to use your phone to take a photo of the Preserve map.
Vischer Ferry Preserve. This is probably the easiest of all of these right now, because it is less muddy this time of year. It’s not a forest and it doesn’t have a trail head. It is a 740 acre preserve virtually in the Mohawk River, near the hamlet of Vischer Ferry. You can walk on a stone dust trail along the river and see lots of wildlife. I was there last week and I saw my first Hooded Merganser. Take binoculars if
you have them.
Directions: Take Balltown Road (Route 146) into Rexford and at the light at Stewart’s; turn east onto Riverview Road. Drive roughly 8 miles and the preserve is on the right at the intersection of Van Vranken Road. The parking lot is there at the Whipple Truss Bridge.
Indian Kill Nature Preserve, Hetcheltown Road, Glenville. This is 100 acres of woods following the banks and bluffs of the Indian and Alplaus Kills. A “Kill” is a stream or river. Some of the mature forests on the steep slopes were probably never timbered and contain very old maples, oaks, and beeches. The valley of the Alplaus and the steep bluffs of the Indian Kill were formed by the large water flows at the end of the last ice age. You can see and hear the river all along the hike.
Directions: Go north on Rt. 50 to Glenridge Road. Turn right on Glenridge Road and go 1.3 miles to the traffic circle at Maple Ave. Take the third exit of the traffic circle which puts you heading north on Maple Ave. Go 1/4 mile to the intersection of Maple and Hetcheltown where the preserve is on your left.
Sanders Preserve, Sanders Road, Glenville. The Sanders Preserve is overgrown farmland with no development other than trails. You can hike on either side of the road. You will pass through an old forest of hemlock, oak, and hickory. It’s fun to take the red trail down to the waterfall in the summer, but this time of year you might want to pick a trail that’s higher and drier. I hiked this a couple of weeks ago and it was a little muddy but not too bad.
Directions: Take Route 5 west from Scotia and turn right on Washout Road. Go approximately 1.7 miles to Sanders Road. Turn right and go a short distance to the parking lot on right with a sign.
Plotter Kill Preserve, Route 159, Rotterdam. This is 632 acres of the most beautiful waterfalls and views in our area. The cliffs and stream bed reveal the geology of the area. Alternating bands of sandstone and darker faking shale tell of a time when sands and then clays were successively deposited on the bottom of an ancient sea some 4.5
million years ago. Be very careful because the cliffs along the stream are hazardous. Stay back from the edge.
Directions: Take I-890 to Campbell Road (exit 2A), right on Campbell Road, then right on Putnam Road to NY Rt. 159 (Mariaville Road). Turn right on Route 159 and go 1.9 miles to the Preserve sign. For the Coplon Road entrance, turn right on Coplon Road just ahead. For the Route 159 entrance, continue 0.4 mile to the driveway and sign on the right.
Lisha Kill Natural Area, Rosendale Road, Niskayuna. This is more than 135 acres an old hemlock forest characteristic of those in the precolonial Mohawk Valley. The main loop is indicated by red markers. Trails are hilly and may be slippery. A hiking stick is recommended. Stay on the trails and use caution along the edge of the cliff.
Directions: The preserve entrance is on Rosendale Road in Niskayuna 0.2 mile west of junction with River Road, adjacent to the former grange hall. There is a small wooden sign along the road. Parking is limited to about 5 cars. Enter the woods on a trail at rear of the parking lot.
Notes: I have walked in all of these nature preserves. I gleaned most of this detailed information from a book called Natural Areas of Schenectady County, NY by ECOS, the Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady.

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. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn #157: Jesus Shall Reign

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Jesus Shall Reign

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

¹When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary
the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ²And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ ⁴When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. ⁵As they entered
the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. ⁶But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ ⁸So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Sermon: “Life and Love”

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.
This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

“Sing With All the Saints in Glory” – Carl Schalk
Listen here to To the King of Glory

Sing with all the saints in glory, sing the resurrection song!
Death and sorrow, earth’s dark story, to the former days belong.
All around the clouds are breaking; soon the storms of time shall cease;
In God’s likeness we awaken, knowing everlasting peace.
Oh, what glory, far exceeding all that eye has yet perceived!
Holiest hearts for ages pleading never that full joy conceived.
God has promised, Christ prepares it; there on high our welcome waits.
Every humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed the eternal gates.
Life eternal! Heaven rejoices: Jesus lives who once was dead!
Shout with joy, O deathless voices! Child of God, lift up your head!
Life eternal! Oh, what wonders crowd on faith; what joy unknown,
When, amid earth’s closing thunders, saints shall stand before the throne!

Photo by Dana Carroll – “Dauphin Island Sunrise”

Doxology – Festive Toccata on “Old Hundredth” by Purdue Bells

Prayer of Presentation

God of Life and Love,
As we seek to live into your eternal life,
and love with the depths of your grace,
we give our gifts to you, hoping that they may be useful to the building of the kindom.
May they be blessed, to be used with wisdom and abundance. Amen

Hymn #303: The Day of Resurrection

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: The Day of Resurrection

Benediction

As you look may you see what the God of Resurrection is up to today! Amen

Postlude

“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah – George F. Handel
Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Worship for Palm Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

April 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.

Breath prayer

King of Kings, lead us now.
OR
Leader of all, lead us now.
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: All Glory, Laud and Honor

Chris Stroh – Organist

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 remember the crowds lifting high the palm branches,
Many: But sometimes we shudder thinking of the danger of crowds.
One: We hear of the shouts of Hosanna, and the hope in the air,
Many: But Hosanna and hope aren’t feeling entirely natural.
One: We imagine Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey,
Many: And we remember how radical that was,
One: How Jesus stood up for the people, even to the powers of empire,
Many: And God’s hope returns.
Hosanna!

Hymn #280: All Glory, Laud and Honor

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
As ancient people shouted “save us, we pray”
we join in their chorus,
asking for your help in the world today,
your guidance in our day to day lives,
and your wisdom when it becomes time to rebuild.
We know you are with us,
and with all.
May we find the moments to breath deeply,
see beauty,
savor goodness,
and connect with you.
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

Photo credit to Sue Learner

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.

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
We bring to you our gratitude for all that help us to connect and to survive:
for the people whose work cares for us,
for the signs of springs,
for flowers and buds,
for this faith community,
for generosity and courage being expressed by so many people,
for times when the whole world works together.
We thank you for loving relationships, safe homes, and good health.
Which all serve to remind us of the struggles of those who don’t have such
gifts.
We bring our attention to those in broken or abusive relationships, who live in inadequate or unsafe homes, for those who are ill and those who are
grieving.
We continue to offer gratitude for frontline workers and essential workers,
whose work cares for us all, but comes with risk. We seek to keep them
safe and support in all the ways we can, and ask you to surround them with
our love.
We bring our attention to those living with cancer and other illnesses, many of whom are even more isolated right now, and without their communities of support.
We bring our attention to those who live with addiction, and are struggling
without the forms of support that usually sustain them.
We bring our attention to all those struggling with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and addiction, knowing that the very real stresses of day to day life right now are overwhelming for many.
We are deeply aware of the many who have lost jobs and are worried about
having enough resources to survive. May we become a society that cares
for its people, and supports those who are unable to access enough
otherwise.
We are aware, as well, of the record number of migrants and refugees
around the world right now who are not in safe places, or getting access to
care. With them, we name all those who are homeless, and exposed. May
mercy surround them, and may we find ways to care for them well.
In particular, we name together Zach, who has been sick; Matt who has
cancer but can’t get chemo; Mary who lost her son at age 36; Lynn who is
struggling in isolation in a nursing home; Otto in whose nursing home there
is now great danger; the residents of Glen Eddy and other facilities where
the virus has been found; and those grieving for Marylois.
In all that we name together, we trust that you are already present, Holy
One. In all that we name together, we seek goodness, love, light, and
peace for those who need blessings.
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

Hosanna! Blessed Is He – Hal H. Hopson

Scripture Psalm 118:1-2,19-29

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
118:2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
118:23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
118:25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
118:26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you
from the house of the LORD.
118:27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.
118:29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures
forever.

Mission Moment: Food pantries and food banks during the coronavirus pandemic – Jan Huston

Food pantries and food banks are among the many organizations struggling
during the current crisis. They need our help!
Food Pantries
Recently WAMC interviewed Natasha Pernicka, executive director of The Food
Pantries for the Capital District. Their website states, “Given unprecedented times The Food Pantries for the Capital District is working to ensure that our local food pantries are prepared in the face of circumstances that are devastating to the most vulnerable community members.”
Ms. Pernicka coordinates the 68 food pantries in this area. Four were closed at the time of the interview. The rest continue to try to fill the need for food for local families.
The pantries are facing several difficulties:

1. They are short-staffed. Many of their usual volunteers are older people who need to stay home. Other volunteers are unable to serve because their children are home from school.
2. Schools are closed. Many workers are losing income. Businesses are hurting. Seniors are isolated. The need for food has increased greatly.

Food pantries are considered an essential service and remain open. There is no income requirement for being eligible to receive food – just a need. People needing food can call the food access referral line – 518-458-1167 ext. 108
Some of the ways they are working to maintain safe conditions as they work are:

1. Clients are asked to make appointments so that they can be physically distant from each other and from volunteers.
2. Bags of food are pre-packed instead of having clients browse and choose their foods.
3. They are working on being able to deliver food when needed.
4. Volunteers who might have ridden in the truck in the past now drive their own vehicles and follow the delivery trucks.

Ways to help during the current crisis are:

1. Donate money. Donating money is more effective than having a food drive. Food pantries are able to purchase food from the food banks at a reduced price. $1.00 can buy 6.25 pounds of food. The best way to donate is by using the website listed above. Also at this time grocery stores are often low on stock so it is not beneficial to reduce their inventory.
2. Volunteer if possible. The primary need is for volunteers who are able to lift heavy boxes. Volunteer by calling the above number
   or by going to the website.

Food Banks
Ms. Pernicka stressed the difference between food pantries and food banks. Pantries are where the food is distributed. Food banks are warehouses where large amounts of food are stored and are available for purchase by pantries and similar organizations. FUMC’s Community Breakfast program buys food from the Regional Food Bank in Latham. At this time food banks are well stocked, although they are also in need of volunteers to sort through what they have. The pantries need financial donations so that they can access the food for distribution.

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. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn #278: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

21:1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
21:2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.
21:3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.”
21:4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
21:5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, .ook, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;
21:7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.
21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
21:11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in
Galilee.”

Sermon: “Dry Bones Live”

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 banking team is going to be in the
office on Wednesday of this week – so if
you are mailing a check, you might actually
want to stop now, write it out, and put it out
for the postal service. Thanks!! This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

“To the King of Glory” – Katherine K. Davis and the Choir of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack, New Jersey
Listen here to To the King of Glory

Prayer of Presentation

Source of our Salvation,
Healer of our Brokenness,
With these gifts we offer to you our gratitude and our hope.
May they be used for the building of your kindom and the lessening of suffering.
Amen

Hymn #277: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Healer of our Every Ill

The hymnal lyrics and the video lyrics do not match

Benediction

It is God who saves us, may we be ready to receive God’s acts! Amen

Postlude

Toccata on “All Glory, Laud and Honor” – Michael Burkhardt
Tom Leonard – Organist

Worship for the Fifth Sunday In Lent

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

March 29, 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.

Breath prayer

Breath of Life, soften our breaths.

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: “Adagio” from Sonata No. 1 in G minor

– Johann Sebastian Bach

Listen Here to Adagio

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: Out of the depths, we cry together to God.
Many: Lord, hear our voices.
One: We name and offer our worries and fears to the Holy One.
Many: In the midst of our caution,
we also remember that God is with us.
One: We are not alone.
Many: Goodness and love will continue to show their strength.
One: We wait for better news and better days,

Many: More than those who watch for the morning.

Hymn

I Believe in the Sun
– Mark Miller
The words of the song were found etched into the walls of Auschwitz. The words are:

I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when I don’t feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.

Listen here to I Believe in the Sun

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

Source of Life,
Even in the darkest of days,
You are at work to move us towards life.
Today we bring to you heavy grief,
and profound concern,
knowing that you are listening to us,
and experiencing pain with us.
Today we are with the ancient Israelites in exile,
wondering if all is lost.
And today we hear again the words of Ezekiel,
promising us that the dry bones will live again.
May we hear what you are saying today,
and find comfort and hope in worshipping you.
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

Photo credit to Sue Learner

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.

Source of Life,
There are so many sources of wonder and goodness around us.
And there are real sources of fear, anxiety, grief, and sorrow.
So much is spiraling out of control around us.
Yet we find so much to be grateful for.
It is complicated, Holy One.
We thank you for the ministries we can still do,
and for the ways we can help.
We thank you for all who are contributing to our collective well being.
We thank you for the ways we can connect, and for the sweet moments in life.
And we bring our attention to the many who are vulnerable, including those
offering life-giving gifts that may threaten their well-being.
We bring our attention to the ill and injured, to all those receiving care or giving it.
We also bring our attention to all who are lonely, in need of human contact or a
good long hug. The benefits of social distancing are clear, but the costs are real.
We remember that there are still natural disasters, and people responding to
them, including in Tennessee.
We are aware of grief and suffering, and how much harder it is to grieve without
community support.
We bring to you all our concerns about life and death, and all of our joys and
gratitudes, because we trust that you listen, care and respond. May we sense
your care.
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

God Is Here – Glenn Wonacott
Listen here to God is Here

Scripture Psalm 130

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my
supplications!
130:3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
130:4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
130:6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
130:7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and
with him is great power to redeem.
130:8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Mission Moment: 350.org – Elaine Troy

(from wikipedia) 350.org is an international environmental organization addressing the climate crisis. Its stated goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement. The 350 in the name stands for 350ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide, which has been identified as the safe upper limit to avoid a climate tipping point. As of 2019, the current level has reached 415 ppm.
Through online campaigns, grassroots organizing, mass public actions, and collaboration with an extensive network of partner groups and organizations, 350.org has mobilized thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. It is one of the many organizers of the Global Climate Strike from September 20 to 27, 2019 which evolved from the Fridays for the Future movement. Specific 350.org Campaigns are listed in the Wikipedia article accessed through the link (Click on the blue word – Campaigns) 350.org was founded by American environmentalist Bill McKibben and a group of students from Middlebury College in Vermont. Their 2007 “Step It Up” campaign involved 1,400 demonstrations at famous sites across the United States. McKibben credits these activities with making Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama change their energy policies during the 2008 United States presidential campaign. Starting in 2008, 350.org built upon the “Step It Up” campaign and made it into a global organization. McKibben is an American environmentalist and writer who wrote one of the first books
on global warming for the general public, and frequently writes about climate change, alternative energy, and the need for more localized economies. NASA climate scientist James Hansen contended that any atmospheric concentration of CO2 above 350 parts per million was unsafe. James Hansen opined in 2009 that “if humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change
suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm, but likely less than that.” In May 2013, two independent teams of scientists measuring CO2 near the summit of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, recorded that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere exceeded 400 parts per million, probably for the first time in more than 3 million years of Earth history. 2 °C (3.6 °F) was agreed upon during the 2009 Copenhagen Accord as a limit for global temperature rise. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, 1.5˚C of warming was introduced as a limit, reflecting the significant difference in impacts between 2˚C and 1.5˚C, especially for climate-vulnerable areas. This was re-affirmed in the 2018 report by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, where the world’s leading scientists urged action to limit warming to 1.5˚C. In order to stay below a 2˚C increase, scientists have estimated that humans can pour roughly 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fossil-fuel companies have about 2,795 gigatons of carbon already contained in their proven coal and oil and gas reserves, and is the amount of fossil fuels they are currently planning to burn. 2,795 gigatons is five times higher than the limit of 565 gigatons that would keep Earth under a global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius which is already unsafe according to the latest science.

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.
Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn

420: Breathe on Me, Breath of God
If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Listen and Watch Breathe on Me, Breath of God here

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

37:1 The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit
of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.
37:2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and
they were very dry.
37:3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD,
you know.”
37:4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry
bones, hear the word of the LORD.
37:5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you,
and you shall live.
37:6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover
you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I
am the LORD.”
37:7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly
there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
37:8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them,
and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them
37:9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to
the breath: Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and
breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”
37:10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and
they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
37:11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel.
They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off
completely.’
37:12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: I am going
to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will
bring you back to the land of Israel.
37:13 And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and
bring you up from your graves, O my people.
37:14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your
own soil; then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken and will act,” says
the LORD.

Sermon: “Dry Bones Live”

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. This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

I Want Jesus to Walk With Me – Larry Shackley
Listen here to I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Prayer of Presentation

Source of Life,
You breathe into us the breath of life,
not just once,
but continually.
For the gifts we now have: for food, for drink, for shelter, for connections,
we give you thanks.
Give us strength as we continue to seek the well being of your people,
and receive our gifts of love as we give them today.
May we as individuals and as a Body of Christ model life and love in your world.
Amen

Hymn

Healer of Our Every Ill – Marty Haugen
If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: Healer of our Every Ill

The hymn words are in the video

Benediction

The God of LIFE, of hope, of compassion, and of courage is with you. Savor
your time with God and God’s many gifts. Amen

Postlude

Praeludium and Allegro – Fritz Kreisler
Listen to and watch Praeludium here

Worship for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

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

March 22, 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.

Breath prayer

Rock of the Ages, help steady us now.

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

– Sergei Rachmaninoff

Listen Here to Vocalise

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 Shepherd calls,

Many: and we listen for the Shepherd’s voice.

One: The Shepherd cares for all in the herd.

Many: When we are lost, the Shepherd searches and finds us.

One: We are not alone.

Many: We are cared for by God who cares!

Hymn

128He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought

Listen here to He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought

Sheet Music: He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

God of the Unexpected,
You are always with us,
and you are always ahead of us,
showing us the way.
Often we can’t see the path you are leading us on,
but as we take careful steps,
with your guidance,
the path emerges.
In these days of change and danger,
of fear and unease,
we take tentative steps once again.
Guide our feet,
that we may find the path,
and show others the way.
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

Photo credit to Sue Learner

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 the Unexpected,
Things are changing around us,
and they don’t feel good.
There are lots of silver linings, and we’re grateful for those:
for the commitment of so many to “flatten the curve”
for those whose work cares for the sick, the vulnerable, and all of us
for the ways we are able to communicate and connect
for those in good health
for the chance to learn new skills
for UMCOR
for a church family who cares
for signs of spring
for moments of peace
for unexpected kindneses.
There are also many worries and fears on our hearts:
for those who are sick
for those who are grieving
for those in harm’s way
for those feeling isolated
for those afraid
for those without the resources they need
for wisdom and patience to respond as well as we can
that we may learn from these days to appreciate the contacts we usually
have!
As we consider those we know who are ill, grieving, or struggling, we expand our
hearts to the others in the world in similar circumstances. We know you are with
us all, even in the times of uncertainty, even in times of illness.
We trust that you are with us now, and that you are with the whole world.
May we all connect to your peace,
trust your wisdom,
and learn to care well for each other.
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 – Goodall
Listen here to The Lord Is My Shepherd

Scripture Psalm 23

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.
New Revised Standard Version

23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
23:3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with
me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me.
23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint
my head with oil; my cup overflows.
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I
shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

King James Version

23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still
waters.
23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name’s sake.
23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Mission Moment UMCOR Jan Huston

Today is UMCOR Sunday – the day we are urged to donate to the United
Methodist Committee on Relief.
I encourage you to watch UMCOR videos on You Tube. Two especially good
ones are West Virginia flood relief and 75 Years of Hope. There are many others. Watching these videos can make us proud of this
work of the United Methodist Church.
A small amount is in our church’s benevolence budget for UMCOR. If you would
like to contribute more, you can write a check to FUMC with “UMCOR – special
Sunday” in the notation, or on the third line of our online giving page.
Or you can wait until we are together again and use the special envelopes
designated for this cause.

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.
Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn

Shepherd Me O God
Listen and Watch Shepherd Me O God here
If you wish to sing along, the words and music are attached.

Sheet Music: Shepherd Me O God
The lyrics are in the video or here:

Refrain: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life.
God is my shepherd, so nothing I shall want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace.
Refrain
Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.
Refrain
Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.
Refrain
You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.
Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have
rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will
send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among
his sons.”
16:2 Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the
LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the
LORD.’
16:3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you
shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.”
16:4 Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The
elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come
peaceably?”
16:5 He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify
yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his
sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
16:6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s
anointed is now before the LORD.”
16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the
height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as
mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the
heart.”
16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said,
“Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”
16:9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD
chosen this one.”
16:10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to
Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”
16:11 Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There
remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to
Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”
16:12 He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes,
and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”
16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his
brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day
forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Sermon “A Change of Plans, Maybe”

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. This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

Nearer My God to Thee – Mark Patterson
Listen here to Nearer My God to Thee

Prayer of Presentation

God of the Unexpected,
As we seek to live out your love, and share your gifts,
we give you our thanks for the many blessings we’ve been showered with.
May the gifts we offer now be useful to the building of your kin-dom
Amen

Hymn

God Whose Will Is Health and Wholeness – Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, from a traditional Dutch melody

The hymn words are in the video or here

God whose will is health and wholeness, hear your people as we pray:
Many now are facing illness; more face sickness every day.
As we lift our song toward heaven, may we use the gifts you give—
science, justice, and compassion— to help others safely live.
Jesus taught that your commandments call for us to use the mind.
May we use the gifts of science to seek health for humankind.
Bless the ones who work for healing; bless the ones who seek to be
Builders of a health care system that protects society.
God, you call for love and justice, yet our laws are far from wise:
Many don’t have good insurance; lack of health care threatens lives.
Many workers must keep working, sick or not, to pay the bills.
Turn us round when we have sanctioned greed that leads to greater ills.
Loving God, we ask your blessing on the sick and those they love,
And we pray for those now grieving as they lift their cries above.
There is trouble all around us; illness causes pain and fear.
Give compassion, love and kindness as we serve your people here.

Benediction

May the God who has been through all the changes the universe has ever
experienced, be with you and guide you today and in days to come. Amen

Postlude

Prelude on Welsh Hymn Tune “Rhosymedre”
– Ralph Vaughan Williams
Listen to and watch Prelude on Welsh Hymn Tune “Rhosymedre”
here

The hymn words are:

My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
O, who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die?

Worship For the Third Sunday of Lent

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

March 15, 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.

Breath prayer

Holy God, bless all your people.

Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.

You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting,

or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

– Michael Burkhardt/Arr. Martha Lynn Thompson

Listen Here to O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

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, thirsty people.

Many: We gather together, acknowledging our needs.

One: Welcome, frightened people.

Many: We gather together, bringing our emotions with us.

One: Welcome, advocating people.

Many: We gather together, remembering the need of the world.

One: Welcome, loving people.

Many: We gather together, to worship the God of Love.

Hymn

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Listen here to Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah

Sheet Music: Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah

If you wish to sing along, the words and music are attached.

A Time for Prayer

Morning Prayer

Great Jehovah,
Guide us,
show us the way.
Feed us,
help us grow strong.
Open our hearts,
to let more of your beloveds in.
Help us be
living expressions of your love.
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

Photo credit to Sue Learner

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.

Great Jehovah,
What a time we live in.
So much is happening, and we don’t know how we should be responding.
Some of us are terrified, and some of us are frustrated with what feels like excessive responses.
We want to ensure the safety of your people,
and we want to enjoy our lives without fear.
We have particular concerns about those who are extra vulnerable in our society, and in the response to this outbreak:
those who are ill
those who are grieving
those who are anxious
those who live in poverty
those who work in health care
those whose immune systems are compromised
immigrants still being targeted, and discouraged from getting medical care
those who will be forced to work
for those for whom staying home means having no income
those who are terribly lonely
those who are young, and those caring for the young
those already going stir crazy at home
those without a home to go to
those experiencing outbreaks of racism against them,
and those who are expressing racism rather than compassion.
May we find the ways to love all your people, in tangible and practical ways.
May we find ways to expand your love in the world,
even as we seek to do so in safe and responsible ways.
Help us, Holy One.
These balances aren’t easy for us,
and we never know for sure what we should be doing.
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

This Gift Is Free – Fred Gramann
Listen here to This Gift is Free

Scripture Exodus 17:1-7

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

17:1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
17:2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?”
17:3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?”
17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
17:5 The LORD said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
17:6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
17:7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

Mission Moment UMCOR Jan Huston

Next Sunday is UMCOR Sunday. We are trying to let you know about United Methodist “Special Sundays” a week in advance so that you will be prepared to use the special offering envelopes that are in the bulletins. If we are still not worshiping together next week, I’m sure you can give another way. Or maybe we’ll save the envelopes for another time.

Most of you have heard that many of us think that UMCOR – the United Methodist Committee on Relief – is one of the best parts of the United Methodist Church. We are aware of the wonderful work they do all over the world to provide relief after disasters. At this church we have participated in making hygiene kits and cleaning buckets which are used by UMCOR. I have a friend who was helping to develop hospices in Africa for people with AIDS. UMCOR donated funds to help provide relief for those patients.

Last week I was in Tucson, Arizona, with a United Methodist Primetimers group. I learned about another activity supported by UMCOR! The week was called “Immigration immersion.” The week was packed with information, experiences, and opportunities to meet many volunteers in humanitarian groups. One of the groups is Arizona Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON). JFON is an organization with a national network with offices in many states. It started in a United Methodist church in Tucson. We were told that it was started by UMCOR! The national board has many United Methodists. One of the Tucson board members organized our activities for the week.

Arizona JFON (AZJFON) offers a hospitality ministry that welcomes immigrants by (1) providing affordable, high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, (2) engaging in advocacy for immigrant rights, and (3) offering education to communities of faith and to the public. Volunteers set appointments, welcome clients, conduct interviews with new clients, and much more. There is a bilingual staff attorney who then works with clients. She is a very capable young woman who gave us an excellent presentation.

I was pleased to learn that UMCOR helps to fund this organization!! Our FUMC budget includes a small amount for UMCOR. But we want to highlight this special time for giving to this organization that provides relief and justice to so many at times of crisis. You can either send in a check with UMCOR in the notation or you can wait until we are together again and have the special envelopes available. Whichever way we do it, contributing to UMCOR is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in crisis!!

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.
Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to 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 known at all.
God’s peace is spread to all.

Hymn

Shall We Gather at the River
– First Plymouth Congregational, Nebraska
Listen and Watch Shall We Gather at the River here
If you wish to sing along, the words and music are attached.

Sheet Music: Shall We Gather at the River

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95

Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.
Below is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.
You are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.

If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to “wonder” about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.

95:1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
95:2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
95:3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
95:4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
95:5 The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
95:7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!
95:8 Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
95:9 when your ancestors tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
95:10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they do not regard my ways.”
95:11 Therefore in my anger I swore, “They shall not enter my rest.”

Sermon “A Time to Praise and A Time to Complain”
At the advice of a well-trusted colleague, today’s sermon is shorter than usual, and more deeply based in this moment.
Your feedback on how this felt will be most welcome

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. This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God – using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.

Offertory Anthem

The Frozen Earth – James and Marilyn Biery
Listen here to The Frozen Earth

Prayer of Presentation

Great Jehovah,
We thank you for the ways you work in the world,
for the ways you work in our lives,
for the invitations you give us to work towards your kindom.
As we seek to give of ourselves: our time, our talents, and our treasures,
may the gifts we give be well received,
and used with wisdom.
Amen

Hymn

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above First Plymouth Congregational, Nebraska

Sheet Music: Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

The words in this version are different from the words in our hymnal, but the words are on the screen, for you to sing along.

Benediction

Beloveds of God, as you transition from soaking up the love of God in worship to sharing the love of God in the world, may you be freed to praise! Amen

Postlude

Grazioso – Arnold B. Sherman
Listen to and watch Grazioso here