Worship for the 21st Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 21st Sunday after the Pentecost

October 30th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Jesus Prayer

“You lead us out in joy, and back in peace.”

Prelude

“Speak to My Heart / Breathe on Me” by B.B. McKinney

Call to Worship

One: Sing to the Holy One a new song!
Many: God does marvelous things.
One: Our Creator is one of steadfast love and faithfulness.
Many: We gather to share our joy with the Divine!

Hymn: “We Are Called to Be God’s People”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Creator,
We look at your creation,
and we are awed.
We look at your people,
and we are amazed.
We gather together,
and laughter emerges.
You have given us so many sources of joy.
Guide us towards them.
Help us notice.
Remind us to savor.
May your joy live in us.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Barbara Armstrong

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Poem: “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter” by J.R.R. Tolkein

Scripture Reading: Psalm 98:1-6

Time with Young People: “Joy”

Hymn: “Speak, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

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: “Joy and Protest”

Responding

Joy in Giving

Offertory: “Give Thanks” by Henry Smith arranged by Fred Bock

Offering

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

A Prayer of Joy

Hymn #2279: “The Trees of the Field”

Benediction

Postlude: “Benediction” by Don Phillips

Worship for the 20th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 20th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 23th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Prelude

“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by George Stebbins

Call to Worship

One: How good it is to gather together,
Many: How wonderful it is to be able to share our joy!
One: How important it is to lift each other up,
Many: How lovely it is to attend to goodness!

Hymn #506: “Wellspring of Wisdom”

Praying

Unison Prayer

Lead Us Holy One,
Lead us down the roads of wonder,
into moments of awe,
so we stop to connect with you.
Lead us to still waters,
into experiences of safety,
so we know we can connect with you.
Lead us into clarity,
show us when to say “no”
so that we don’t fill our lives
so full we forget to connect with you.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Terry Phillips

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 84:1-7

Time with Young People

Hymn #352: “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord”

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14

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: “Pride vs. Humility?”

Poem: “God Says Yes to Me” by Karyn McCloskey

Responding

Annual Conference Report

Offertory: “Nocturne in C-sharp Minor” by Frédéric Chopin

Offering

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

A Prayer of Clarity

Hymn #120: “Your Love, O God”

Benediction

Postlude: “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Worship for the 19th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 19th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 16th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“From where will our help come? Our help comes from God.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“I Will Praise Him / When Morning Gilds the Skies” by Margaret J. Harris and Joseph Barnby, arranged by Carol Tornquist

Call to Worship

One: From where will our help come?
All: Our help comes from God.
One: Our help is in the name of the Lord
All: The Maker of heaven and earth
One: To God we lift our voices
All: We lift our voices in praise.
One: Come, let us praise our helper
All: We come to sing praise, Hallelujah!

Hymn #451: “Be Thou My Vision”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of justice and compassion,
as we come into worship,
Remind us of who we are.
Remind us where our help comes from.
Remind us of what we are called to be.
Call us back from our own ways.
Give us the courage and audacity to persist,
even when we are tired.
Even when we are discouraged.
Even when we feel alone.
Renew us and restore us to right relationships
with others and with You.
May it be so, Amen.

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Photo by Alice Nash

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Genesis 32:22-31

Time with Young People

Hymn #464: “I Will Trust in the Lord”

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8

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: “Persist”

Responding

Offertory: Sonata in G Major, Op. 49, No. 2 Tempo di Menuetto (2nd Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven

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?

Offertory Prayer

ALL: For gifts of a baby’s laughter and sunshine.
For gifts of crisp mornings and rainbows of autumn leaves.
For gifts of a quiet moment and warm cup of tea.
For these and all the gifts given,
May we give them back to the world in need of more love, more care,
and more peace. Amen.

Hymn #121: “There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy”

Benediction

Postlude: “To God Be the Glory / My Tribute” by William Doane and Andraé Crouch

Worship for the 18th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 18th Sunday after the Pentecost

October 9th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Open us to You, right here, right 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

“How Majestic Is Your Name” by Michael W. Smith, arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: God you are our home,
Many: even when we are exiles.
One: God you are our wholeness
Many: even when we are broken.
One: God, you are life,
Many: God, you are grace,
One: God, you are hope,
Many: God, you are justice.
One: We come to worship to be at home with you.
Many: We come to worship, to connect with your wholeness.

Hymn #2182: “When God Restored Our Common Life”

Praying

Unison Prayer

God of the Exiles,
You ask hard things of us.
You keep us from getting stagnant.
You push us toward love (even when
we don’t want to).
You keep on caring about the common good.
You keep on calling us to life.
Thanks.
May we help each other listen.
Amen

Cares and Celebrations

Silent Prayer

Barbara Armstrong

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm Luke 17:11-19

Time with Young People

Poem: “When Giving Is All We Have” by Alberto Rios

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

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

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: “Now”

Responding

Offertory: “Peace Like a River”

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?

Stewardship Moment

A Prayer of Now

Hymn #2183: “Unsettled World”

Benediction

Postlude: “Halle Halle Halle”

Worship for the 17th Sunday after the Pentecost, World…

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 17th Sunday after the Pentecost, World Communion Sunday

September 25th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“We come to be fed, Bread of 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

“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” by Ithamar Conkey

Call to Worship

One: In the shadow of the cross, wracked with sorrow and pain
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In the catacombs of Rome, cloaked in secrecy and faith
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In fields of cotton and tobacco, enslaved and abused
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: On battlefields and in bomb shelters, despite fear and uncertainty
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In the wake of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, fires, and floods, consumed by exhaustion and hopelessness
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: In bars and nightclubs, on street corners and in doorways, rejected and excluded by “your Church”
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: And for centuries, in chapels, churches, and cathedrals on ordinary Sabbath days,
Many: Your people have gathered and remembered you.
One: Today we gather here in love, to claim this piece of our inheritance, to join our path with all who have partaken of this meal since the Last Supper, with gratitude for the stewards who came before, in fellowship with those throughout the world remembering and celebrating today, and in preparation for those who will lead into the future.
Many: Lord we come to this table today. Your table, not ours. Opened to all so that many may become one in you. We stand together in gratitude for your love and faithfulness throughout the ages. We acknowledge our imperfections and the abundance of your grace. We take up our part in this time and place to steward the many gifts
you have given us, so that all who are hungry may be fed.

Hymn #547: “O Church of God United”

Praying

Cares and Celebrations

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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:1-9

Time with Young People

Poem: “Is God a Bread Maker” from “Calling God She” Rev. Dr. Barbara Thorington Green

Hymn #632: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether”

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

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: “Bread of Life”

Responding

Offertory: “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

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?

World Communion Table

One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…we join in their endless praise, saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
…We have testified that this mystery of salvation found in Jesus Christ is for all,
when we say:
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Spirit of Love,
live in us now!
…Now as those called and empowered by God let us join with Christ in 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, forever. Amen

A Prayer of Gratitude

Hymn #439: “In Christ There Is No East Or West”

Benediction

Postlude: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Peter Lutkin

Worship for the 16th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 16th Sunday after the Pentecost

September 25th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Show us our humanity, Lover of Humanity”
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

“Worthy of Worship” by Mark Blankenship

Call to Worship

One: Let your hearts grow soft, dear ones.
Many: We gather to grow.
One: Let your weary souls rest.
Many: We gather to be supported.

Hymn #427: “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”

Praying

Shared Prayer

You Who See Beyond Vision,
Help us notice the very things our brains have learned to ignore,
but we need to attend to in order to grow in love.
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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Time with Young People: “Nonviolent Love”

Poem: “How It Might Continue” by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Hymn #581: “Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service”

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31

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: “Hell and the Mid-Terms”

Responding

Offertory: “Quiet Reflection” by Jason W. Krug

Offering

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

A Prayer of Full Humanity

Hymn #439: “We Utter Our Cry”

Benediction

Postlude: “Royal Flourish” by Jason W. Krug

Worship for the 15th Sunday after the Pentecost

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 15th Sunday after the Pentecost

September 18th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“We merge our hearts with yours.”
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

“Majesty” by Jack Hayford Arranged by Mark Hayes

Call to Worship

One: God calls you here, and welcomes you in.
Many: God’s calls and God’s welcomes open our hearts.
One: The Holy One reminds you that you are loved.
Many: May God’s love define our lives.

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

Praying

Shared Prayer

Gracious God,
you call us to embrace
both you and the people of this world
with unconditional love.
Give us grace to discern
what your love asks of us,
that, being faithful in things
both great and small,
we may live with
undivided hearts. 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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 113 and Luke 16:1-13

Time with Young People: “Praise God”

Poem: “Today, When I Could Do Nothing” Jane Hirshfield

Hymn #68: “When in Our Music God is Glorified”

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: “Role Model?”

Responding

Offertory: “Prelude in G-flat Major (Op. 11, No. 13)” by Alexander Scriabin

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 Giving Away Prayer

Holy One,
If we can only serve one of two masters,
we chose You.
The master of love, the mistress of grace.
And we give you all the other choices:
we give to you of our wealth,
we give to you of our time,
we give to you of labor,
we give to you of our
relationships.
In all that we are,
all that we seek,
and all that we offer,
we seek to serve you.
May our offerings be blessed,
to be used for the kindom.
Amen

Hymn #399: “Take My Life and Let It Be”

Benediction

Dear Ones, you serve a good and loving God.
May your return from worship, into the world, be a time of blessing,
and may you be able to share goodness and love, wherever you go. Amen

Postlude: “Prelude in Classic Style” by Gordon Young

Worship for Homecoming Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Homecoming Sunday

September 11th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“Help us find your ways.”
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’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart” Arranged by Marilynn Ham

Call to Worship

One: Dear ones, sometimes we’re lost.
Many: Thanks be to God who seeks out the lost.
One: Dear ones, sometimes we’re found.
Many: Thanks be to God who is with us when we are found.

Hymn #57: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of Everywhere,
You know our going outs and our coming ins.
You know our getting stucks, and our getting outs.
You know our paths, even when they go in circles.
You are the map on which we live our lives.
We are never lost to you.
May we keep on looking to you
as our guiding star, as our signpost.
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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 35:9-10, 22-28 and Luke 15:1-10

Time with Young People: “The Basics”

Poem: “We are not the same” Pādraig Ó Tuama

Hymn (Zion Still Sings) #168: “We’ll Understand it Better By and By”

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: “Are We Lost?”

Responding

Offertory: “Jesus Is The Song” 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 Homecoming Prayer

Guiding Star, Signpost,
Always With Us God,
While you can always find us,
we can’t always find ourselves,
nor each other.
On this day of togetherness,
may our gifts be signs of our hope
that we can follow your signposts
to justice and compassion.
And may all that we give
be blessed
to build your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #2282: “I’ll Fly Away”

Benediction

Beloveds of God,
no matter how lost you get,
God is with you.
No matter how lost we get,
God is with us.
Thanks be to God!
Amen

Postlude: “Heavenly Sunlight” Arranged Mark Hayes

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for the…

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

September 4th, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

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

Prelude

“Lord, I Want to Be A Christian” Arranged by Mike Sharp

Call to Worship

One: Come, Holy Spirit!
Many: You who know and love us, surround us!
One: Breathe into us,
Many: May we be filled with your love!

Hymn #549: “Where Charity and Love Prevail”

Praying

Shared Prayer

Loving God,
You see us,
you know us,
you love us.
This contradicts some things we think we know.
You don’t make us prove ourselves.
You don’t say we need to be better to be worthy of love.
You love us.
As we are.
You love us,
into what we are becoming.
You love us.
We shine with your love.
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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 and Philemon 1:1-21

Time with Young People: “Does God Have Needs?”

Poem: “The Newborns” by Kathryn Hunt

Hymn #560: “Help Us Accept Each Other”

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: “To Be Known”

Responding

Offertory: “The Bond of Love” Arranged by Fred Bock

Offering

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

A Prayer of Connecting

God of Love,
As we meet your people,
help us catch a glimpse of what you see in them.
Open our hearts,
and bless the gifts we give,
that your love might flow through us
and all we are able to give. Amen

Hymn #408: “The Gift of Love”

Benediction

May God break open our hearts,
and show us the wonder God sees in God’s beloveds!
Amen

Postlude: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Arranged by Don Phillips

Worship for the Twelfth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

August 28, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Gathering

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

Breath Prayer

“God of all creation, help us notice you in each other.”
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 Love of God Most Full” Arranged by Don Phillips

Call to Worship

One: The Church of Christ,
Many: today as always,
One: is changing:
Many: is led by the Spirit,
One: is challenged to find its truths,
Many: must keep on rising from the dead.

Hymn #589: “The Church of Christ, in Every Age”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of power and justice,
like Jeremiah you weep over those
who wander from you,
and turn to life-draining distractions.
Teach us your ways
and write them on our hearts
so that we may follow faithfully
the path you show us.
Help us be builders of life.
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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 2:4-13 and Luke 14: 1, 7-14

Time with Young People: “Life Choices”

Poem: “Narrative Theology #2” by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Hymn #427: “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”

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 Art of Choosing What to do with Your Life as a Church”

Responding

Offertory: “Make Me A Servant” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Offering

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

A Prayer of Including

God of power and justice,
Keep on reminding us
about the impacts of
inclusion
and exclusion,
until our hearts expand.
Bless our gifts
to be used
towards your inclusion.
Amen

Hymn #632: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether”

Benediction

May God keep on opening our hearts. Amen

Postlude: “What A Mighty God We Serve” Traditional, Arranged by Fred Bock