Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

May 8, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Shepherd, call to 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

“The Love of God” Arranged by Bruce Greer

Call to Worship

One: Welcome, students of God.
Many: We gather as those seeking wisdom and connection.
One: Welcome, beloveds of God.
Many: We worship out of a need to connect with Love.
One: Welcome, followers of Jesus.
Many: We seek to live lives reflecting Jesus.

Hymn #2114: “At the Font We Start Our Journey”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Leader,
You invite us to follow you,
and promise to lead the way.
But we get scared,
and often distracted.
Sometimes we can’t even
figure out
which way you are leading.
Help us discern,
help us notice,
help us follow.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36-43 and John 10:22-30

Time for Young People: “Friend of God”

Hymn #463: “Lord Speak to Me”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Voices” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” from Brother James’ Air Arranged by Anna Laura Page

Offering

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

A Listening Prayer

Leader,
You say we will
know your voice,
and sometimes we do,
but sometimes we
struggle.
We are trying.
Trying to listen.
Trying to respond.
Trying to live your love.
We are trying with
the gifts we give.
Help us, please!
Help these gifts be
useful for the kindom.
Help us listen.
Amen

Hymn #310: “He Lives”

Benediction

God is with us. May we follow God’s lead. Amen

Postlude

“Rondo Giocoso” by Douglas Wagner

Worship for the Third Sunday of Easter

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

May 1, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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 of abundance, calm our fears.”
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

“Come, Christians Join to Sing” arranged by Bill Ingram Riley

Call to Worship

One: We gather to praise God,
Many: because God is with us.
One: We set our hearts on holy things,
Many: because God is a God of compassion.
One: We take time to worship,
Many: because we have known the wonder of love.

Hymn #454: “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Creator of the universe,
you created the world with enough:
enough food, enough beauty, enough love.
When humans distort your creation,
with poverty, sickness, selfishness,
war and greed,
forgive us, and change our hearts,
so that your creation may glorify you with justice, love, and peace.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 30 and John 21:1-19

Time for Young People: “Zooming Out”

Hymn #314: “In the Garden”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “The Other Side of the Boat” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “This is My Song (or Be Still My Soul)” Arranged by Jason W. Krugs

Offering

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

A Barrier Dropping Prayer

Creative One,
When we are stuck,
you are able to show us how to be freed.
When we are scared,
you are able to show us how to be generous.
When we put up barriers,
you are able to show us how to trust enough to let them fall.
As we offer to you our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our lives as witness,
we ask for your blessings on our gifts, that they may build the kindom and free others from their fear.
Amen

Photo by Amanda Taylor

Hymn #311: “Now the Green Blade Riseth”

Benediction

When you keep on doing the same thing, without the results you want,
may you hear God’s still-small-voice,
urging you to try the other side,
and may you be astounded by the results. Amen

Postlude

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” to the tune of MARION Arranged by Arthur Messiter

Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

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

April 24, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Peace be with you, always.”
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

“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” by Lavawan Riley

Call to Worship

One: People of God, lean in.
Many: We’re listening.
One: Beloveds of God, get ready.
Many: We are preparing.
One: Jesus followers, pay attention.
Many: We are here, you have our attention.
One: Today you will hear of God’s dreams!
Many: May we be ready to enact them!

Hymn #2115: “Chris Has Risen”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Shalom,
In this Season of Easter we celebrate life,
and we yearn for the fullness of life
to reach all corners of the earth.
We recognize the radical call
to change the world
from one that values some
to one that values all,
and lets life become abundant everywhere.
Change our hearts,
loving one.
Kindle in us a passion for your work.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32 and John 20:19-31

Hymn #433: “All Who Love and Serve Your City”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon – Rev. Joe Paparone

Responding

Offertory: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”” arranged by Don Phillips

Offering

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

A Shalom Prayer

God of Shalom,
As we listen to your beloveds
who live in poverty in our country,
we learn again how far
we are from living your dreams.
As we give to you out of our gratitude
for who you are,
may you bless our gifts
so they can bring about
your kindom
here on earth.
Amen

Hymn #312: “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”

Benediction

May the God of shalom, of peace, of wholeness be with you
and move in you
to create shalom
for everyone. Amen

Postlude

“Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” Arranged by Crystal Davis Clay

Worship for Easter Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Easter Sunday

April 17, 2022

Photo by Ann Farrell

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

“Alleluia, alleluia!”
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.

Easter Photo Show

See the pictures!

Prelude

“Galliard Battaglia” by Samuel Scheidt B
“Sonata from Die Bankelsangerlieder”
“Canzona per Sonare No. 4” by Giovanni Gabrieli

Call to Worship

One: When God is up to something,
Many: God wins.
One: When love is up to something,
Many: Love wins.
One: If you try to stop God, to stop love,
Many: God breaks in anew.
One: Nothing, nothing!
Many: Not even the power of death!
One: Can stop God’s love.
Many: Alleluia, thanks be to God!

Hymn #302: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Life and Love,
We are an Easter people.
We are defined by your refusal to accept the world’s “no.”
We are defined by the ways you make a way out of no way,
that you spring forth with life
when it looked like death had won.
You are eternally new.
You are infinitely creative.
You are love.
And we are yours.
And we are grateful.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25 and John 20:1-8

Children’s Time: “Happy Easter!”

Hymn #318: “Christ Is Alive”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “The Richness of the Unknown” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Tone Poem on “Were You There” arranged by Virginia Halberg

Offering

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

An Easter Prayer

God of Life and Love,
In all that you do, you enhance life and share love.
In all that we do, we seek to enhance life and share love.
May the gifts that we give, and the ones that we receive, be blessed as sources of life and love.
Amen

Hymn #304: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

Benediction

One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen indeed!
One: Go, people of a living God, and live out God’s love.
Many: Amen!

Postlude

“With the Lord Begin Your Task” by Johann Sebastian Bach arranged by Benjamin Culli

Worship for Palm Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Palm Sunday

April 10, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“God of justice, help us hear.”
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

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” by J.R. Sweney

Call to Worship

One: Hosanna!
Many: Blessed be the ones who come in the name of the Lord!
One: Peace be on earth!
Many: God saves!

Hymn #280: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Giver of light,
your steadfast love endures forever.
Open our hearts to the Blessed One
who entered Jerusalem
on a borrowed colt.
Open before us the
gates of your justice,
that we may enter,
and guide others in.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19:28-40

Children’s Time: “Palm (not Psalm) Sunday”

Hymn #277: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Nonviolent Protests” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “What Wondrous Love Is This”

Offering

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

A Palm Sunday Protest Prayer

Holy One,
We have seen how you’ve worked through your prophets,
and through those faithful to you,
to change the world for the better.
We see how you work for justice.
We offer ourselves to you,
to work with you in justice work,
in kindom building,
in giving and receiving love.
Guide us, individually and together,
so the gifts we give
may be useful to your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #278: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

Benediction

Dear Ones, get up on your colts, and ride towards Jerusalem.
God is doing new things for justice, and calls us to work along side.
Thanks be to God! Amen

Postlude

“Open the Gates of the Temple” by Joseph Knapp

Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

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

April 3, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Holy One, help us let go of the past.”
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

“Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit (Kyrie, God the Creator Eternal)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

One: God tells us to let go of the past.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God is up to a new thing.
Many: What if we aren’t ready?
One: God calls us into the present.
Many: Here we are, and here we will stand.
(Even if we don’t feel ready.)

Hymn #506: “For the Fruits of this Creation”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

You Who Have Done Great Things For Us,
What a wonderful thing it is to live in this world!
The natural beauty astounds us!
The uniqueness and capabilities of humans amaze us!
There is generosity and beauty in abundance!
So many people see you and your goodness!
The miracles of life are stunning.
Help us see,
and remember,
the good and awe inspiring all around.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 126 and Isaiah 43:16-21

Children’s Time: “Tears to Joy”

Hymn #383: ““This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, verses 1-4

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Forgetting” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Christe, du Lamm Gottes (O Lamb of God Most Holy)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Offering

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

A Present to this Moment Prayer

God of Now,
Many of us slip too easily into the past,
worrying about how we might have acted differently,
remembering with joy what was,
aching for those we’ve lost,
aching for that which we’ve lost.
Many of us slip too easily into the future,
dreaming of what will come,
hoping for renewal,
wishing away the present.
Yet, you meet us here, in the present.
Even when it is hard,
even when it is scary,
even when it feels out of control.
We meet each other here, in the present,
knowing we are neither who we were,
nor who we will be,
but only who we are right now.
We give to you our gifts,
here in the present,
hoping they are useful now,
and useful for building a better future.

Hymn #388: “O Come and Dwell in Me”

Benediction

God is with you, here and now.
And you are ready and able to be with God in God’s new things.
Thanks be to God. Amen

Postlude

“Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (Who only lets God Guide)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for the Third Sunday in Lent

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

March 20, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Show us how to find the things in life.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“How Beautiful” Arranged by Marilyn Ham

Call to Worship

One: Take note, God is here.
Many: We are in God’s holy presence.
One: Take note, you are loved.
Many: God’s presence is one of love.

Hymn #2202: “Come Away with Me”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy One,
We notice that you specialize in turning things upside down,
mostly the values of the world replaced with the values of your beloved community.
Help us notice the difference, and let go of the values of the world,
so that we can build that community.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 and Isaiah 55:1-9

Mission Moment: International Mission Trip

Children’s Time: “Satisfies”

Hymn #618: “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Bread That Satisfies” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Gave My Life for Thee” Arranged by Mary McDonald

Offering

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

A Satisfying Bread Prayer

Life-Giving One,
You offer us water, milk, and wine, bread and cup,
baptism and new life.
You offer us second chances (as many times as we need),
and hope when everything seems hopeless.
You offer rest, and life abundant.
In response, we offer to you our gifts:
our time, our energy, our resources, and our love.
May they be a source of satisfying bread for others.
Amen

Hymn #620: “One Bread, One Body”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, let the Holy One guide you to the kindom values,
and help you let go of the bread that does not satisfy. Amen

Postlude

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Arranged by Gail Smith

Worship for the Second Sunday in Lent

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

March 13, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Mother Hen, gather us in.”
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

“I Am Thine, O Lord” Arranged by Don Phillips

Call to Worship

One: The Bible repeats this important truth:
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is a fact on which we can build our lives.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is the ground of our beings.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: It is the glue of the universe.
Many: God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Hymn #2236: “Gather Us In”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Mother Hen,
We see hens spreading out their wings to gather their chicks together safely,
we see how many can be protected by one,
we see the instinct to shelter the vulnerable.
We know it is like that for you.
You wish to gather us together,
under your wings,
to be sheltered.
All of us.
But we keep on kicking people out from under your wings,
or starting fights from within your shelter,
or invading each others spaces.
Sometimes, we even walk away from what you offer.
Forgive us, Holy One,
for misusing your holy shelter,
for forgetting it belongs to everyone,
for breaking your heart when we wander away.
Help us make peace
with each other
so we can all live under your wings together.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-6, 26-29 and Luke 13:31-35

Children’s Time: “God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever”

Hymn #348: “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Mother Hen” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” Arranged by Fred Bock

I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt his presence there.
I climbed the Hill of Calvary
Where on the cross He died.
I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt Him close to me.

Offering

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

A Winged Prayer

Mother Hen,
How like you to be vulnerable for us.
How like you to yearn for us but let us go.
How like you to choose a metaphor of weakness to remind us of the strength of love.
With our offerings
(with our prayers,
with where we put our bodies and where we put our attention,
with what we give in donations,
with what we do with our time,
with the ways we show love)
we put ourselves back under your wings,
letting you love us as you will.
Bless what we give, to make it useful to protect all your chicks,
and bless those who are most in need of your model of vulnerability.
Amen

Hymn #118: “The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young”

Benediction

Dear ones, you are beloved by a God of love, who yearns to gather you up.
That means you don’t have to try to be lovable, because you already are.
Let go of fear and trying, and let God gather you up. Amen

Postlude

“Crown Him With Many Crowns” Arranged by Anna Laura Page

Worship for the First Sunday in Lent

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

March 6, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

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

Breath Prayer

“Grant us peace, grant us all peace.”
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

“Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed” Arranged by Lavawan Riley

Call to Worship (from Pastor Vicki Flippin of Summerfield UMC, Connecticut)

One: We have wandered a wilderness for two years.
Many: Seven hundred thirty days.
One: Lord, have mercy.
Many: We are famished.
One: We have done without community.
Many: We have done without routine.
One: We have done without childcare.
Many: We have done without touch.
One: We are famished.
Many: We come to this space hungry,
One: Untethered,
Many: Feeling wild.
One: We come to find some grounding
Many: For this uncertain journey

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

A Prayer for Ukraine by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, ELCA

O Lord, God of life, as you care for all creation, give us your peace. May our security come not from weapons, but from respect. May our strength come not from violence, but from love.
May our own wealth come not from money, but from sharing.
May our path be not one of ambition, but of justice. May our victory not be one of revenge, but of forgiveness. Unarmed and confident, help us to defend the dignity of all creation. Sharing today and always the bread of solidarity and peace. Amen.

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13

Children’s Time: “Why Do We Use Purple for Lent?”

Hymn #694: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

Passing of the Peace

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

Sermon: “Testing Kinship Loyalty” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Give Me Jesus” African-American Spiritual

Offering

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

A Prayer for Peace, in a Pandemic, Early in Lent

Holy One, Peaceful One,
We are horrified by what is happening to your people,
the ones being attacked
(the ones attacking)
the ones getting sick
the ones trying to offer healing
the ones who are tired
the ones about to buckle.
We’re worried.
Grant us peace.
Grant us wisdom,
for the facing of this hour.
And guide us
that the gifts you give us
and the gifts we give you
may be means of peace.
Amen

Hymn #2123: “Loving Spirit”

Benediction

God is hope.
God is a wellspring of hope!
Go, people of hope,
and trust what will be.
Amen

Postlude

“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” GESANGBUCH, Wittenberg