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

Worship for the Eleventh Sunday after the Pentecost

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

August 21, 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 let go, God of rest”
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

“We will Glorify” Arranged by Don Phillips

Call to Worship: “From the Crest” (excerpt)

Hymn #577: “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of Rest,
God of Restoration,
God of Letting Go,
God of Hope,
We Aren’t in Control,
God of Relationships,
Help us rest,
be restored,
let go,
find hope,
and stop seeking control:
so we can savor relationships with you and with your beloveds. 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: Isaiah 58:9b-14 and Luke 13:10-17

Time with Young People: “Sabbath”

Hymn #274: “Woman in the Night”

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: Queen Sabbath

Responding

Offertory: “Open My Eyes That I May See” arranged by Don Phillips

Some questions for pondering:
What value is there in Sabbath (in time away from the expectations of productivity?) What things are worthy of doing even during Sabbath?

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 Sabbath Prayer

God Who Rests,
We have unending distractions,
constant competition,
and far too many zero sum games.
For some, it is frightening to stop.
For some, it is impossible to stop.
Yet you call us to more.
To be more than what we produce.
To live for relationships!
To live and love and be and savor.
As we give our gifts,
may we be reminded again of the gift of Sabbath,
and your commandment that we practice rest
even when it is hard,
even when it scares us,
even when the world tells us we can’t.
May we practice Sabbath,
and make space for others to rest as well.
Amen.

Hymn #593: “Here I am Lord”

Benediction

Go, beloveds of God, and rest. Amen.

Postlude: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” by Lobe Den Herren, arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the Tenth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

August 14, 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

“Restore us, God of Hosts”
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

“Shine Down” Arranged by Dick Tenney

Call to Worship

One: In the midst of God’s creation,
Many: we bring our hearts together.
One: In the midst of God’s compassion,
Many: we gather our hearts as one.

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

Praying

Shared Prayer

God,
You have sung us so many love songs,
but we keep forgetting the tunes
along with the lyrics.
You have planted in us the seeds
of the kindom itself,
but we aren’t always sure which
plants are your plants.
Help us, Holy One.
Sing to us again,
and help us listen.
Help us weed,
so your plant in us
can thrive.
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: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Psalm 80:1-2, 9-19

Time with Young People

Hymn #2208: “Guide My Feet”

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: Karyn McCloskey

Responding

Offertory: “He Is Everything to Me” by Ralph Carmichael

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 Vineyard Prayer

Beloved God,
We seek to grow
compassion,
hope,
and justice.
May the gifts we give
and the gifts we receive,
be blessed
to be used
to grow your kindom.
Amen

Hymn #2150: “Lord, Be Glorified”

Benediction

May the God of Hope, Compassion, and Justice be seen and known in us. Amen

Postlude: “Happiness” by William J. Gaither

Worship for the Ninth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

August 7, 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 your ways, God of Goodness.”
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” by Jimmy Owen

Call to Worship

One: They say they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Many: Not our worship, but our love.
One: What does the love look like?
Many Seeking justice, doing good, rescuing the oppressed, defending those without power, pleading for those without resources.

Hymn #2175: “Together We Serve”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of justice,
you show us truth with compassion.
Let your hope restore us,
that we may walk in your way,
seeking justice and doing good. 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: Isaiah 1:1,10-20; Luke 12:32-40

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

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. Jane Baker

Responding

Offertory: “My Lord, What a Mornin’” Arranged by Calvin Taylor

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 Seeking to do Good

Holy One,
We are too easily distracted
to consistently follow your ways,
so we are thankful for your patience and grace.
May the gifts we give to each other and to your beloveds in this world be blessed
to be gifts that bring goodness, justice, and hope.
Amen

Hymn #2241: “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”

Benediction

Dear ones, we are made for relationship. We are made for God and for each other. Take care of each other, and trust that it matters! Amen

Postlude: “We Are God’s People” Arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the Eighth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

July 31, 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

“Compassionate one, heal our aches.”
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

“Morning Has Broken” Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: Beloveds, you are enough.
Many: Beloved, you are enough.
One: Come drink the living water.
Many: We come to have our thirst quenched.

Hymn #612: “Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God Who Is Enough,
We are saturated with messages
that say
that we are not enough,
that we don’t have enough,
that we can’t have enough.
Fear abounds,
and people try to buy security,
instead of justice.
Help us shed those messages,
and hear you instead.
Help us hear,
and say “beloved,
you are enough.”
Help us trust.
Help us share.
Help us 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: Hosea 11:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21

Time for Young People: “Longer Tables”

Hymn #496: “Sweet Hour of Prayer”

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: “Bigger Barns” – Rev. Sara E. Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Because I Have Been Given Much” by Phillip Landgrave

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 about Bigger Barns

God of Love,
We don’t mean to build bigger barns,
we just get lost sometimes.
We don’t mean to build higher fences,
we just get scared sometimes.
We mean to welcome in your people,
but sometimes we get tired.
Guide us.
Guide the use of the gifts we give,
and help them make common barns,
safe bridges,
and true welcomes.
Amen

Hymn #437: “This Is My Song”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, you are enough, and that is enough.
Go, and let yourself rest. Amen

Postlude: “Glorify Thy Name” Arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the Seventh Sunday after the Pentecost

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

July 24, 2022

Photo by Zach Long
Today’s worship focuses on the 50 years of explicit homophobia in The United Methodist Church, and it comes in three parts: Lament, Prayer, and Dreaming. We will lament those 50 years and the harm caused, pray for a better way, and dream with God what the church could and should look like

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.

Prelude

Meditation on “Bradbury” by William B. Bradbury
“A History Lesson” by Reverend Sara Baran
Scripture Reading: Psalm 13 with Alan Marshall
A Prayer Litany of Remembering
Response:
One: God of Love,
Many: We bring you our brokenness.
Witness of Karyn McCloskey

Hymn #2048: “God Weeps”

Praying

Where Are We Now?

Hymn #2200: “O Lord, Hear My Prayer”

A Prayer Litany of Seeking

Response:
One: God of Love. . .
Many: Guide your church, heal your world.
A Time for Considering Gifts and Giving
Offertory: “The Lord’s Prayer” Arranged by Fred Bock

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.

Dreaming

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hymn #383: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”

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: “A Glimpse of God’s Vision” – Rev. Sara Baron

Witness of Sylvester Doyer

Responding

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?

Anthem: “Draw the Circle Wide” by Mark Miller

Benediction

With Postlude: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Arranged by Carol Tornquist

Worship for the Sixth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

July 17, 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 Who Are, help us Be.”
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 Is The Lord” by Franz Schubert

Call to Worship

One: Dear Ones, come and find the quiet center!
Many: We seek the room for hope to enter.
One: Clear the chaos and the clutter.
Many: We are here to be at peace, and simply be.
One: May our hearts open for compassion.
Many: May God find room to dream and move in us

Hymn #2128: “Come and Find the Quiet Center”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of Hope,
You are ever seeking goodness
for your people.
You are ever dreaming a better way.
You are nudging us toward justice and
compassion.
You are celebrating steps toward
fuller lives,
large and small.
As we seek to connect with You,
help us open our hearts,
open our minds,
and listen with grace,
so we can take part in your
life-giving 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.

Listening and Reflecting

Scripture Reading: Amos 8:1-12 and Psalm 52

Time for Young People

Hymn #441: “What Does the Lord Require”

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: “What is Justice?” – Rev. Joe Paparone

Responding

Offertory: “Bless Be The Tie That Binds” Arranged by Marilynn Ham

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 Seeking Compassion

God of Hope,
Before we can act,
we need to see your vision
for how life can be,
and how your people can be cared for.
As we begin to see what you want,
and what justice looks like,
free our hearts
to make it so.
May the gifts we give:
our prayers, our presence, our gifts,
our service, and our witness,
be blessed for the work of the kindom.
That is, may all that we give,
help this country and world
act with compassion to those
who are vulnerable.
Amen

Hymn #592: “When the Church of Jesus”

Benediction

Go, to seek justice.
Go, to live compassion.
Go, to share love.
Go, and know you are enough for this moment that God calls you to! Amen

Postlude: “All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Worship for the Fifth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

July 10, 2022

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 justice, guide our hearts.”
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

“Gentle Shepherd” Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship

One: God, set in our midst a plumb-line.
Many: Show us the differences between justice and injustice.
One: Keep us from distractions.
Many: Keep us from being swayed by other measures.
One: May our hearts be grounded in love and compassion.
Many: May we find your ways, and make them our ways.

Hymn #2145: “Peace Like a River”

Praying

Shared Prayer

God of justice,
your word is compassion and truth.
Let your healing restore us,
that we may walk in your way,
seeking justice and doing good.
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 7:7-17 and Luke 10:25-37

Time for Young People: “Plumbline”

Hymn #206: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

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: “Desperate Places” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Hymn of Promise” By Natalie Sleeth

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 Our Neighbors

God of Us All,
Help us be good neighbors.
Help us savor good neighbors.
May our gifts be blessings
to our neighbors.
Amen

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

Benediction

Beloveds of God go and be good neighbors and may your many neighbors bless you as well! Amen

Postlude: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” Arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the Fourth Sunday after the Pentecost

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

July 3, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

A Service to Lament and Healing
at an End of Reproductive Freedom

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

“For God alone my soul in silence waits.”
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

“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” Arranged by Barry Braman

Call to Worship

One: For God alone our soul in silence waits.
Many: God is present in me, in us. Amen

Hymn #2211: “Faith is Patience in the Night”

Praying

A Litany Based on the Prayer of Saint Francis

One: We pray for those who, near or far, are without peace. We pray for all who partner with those in need of reproductive health care as they seek and strive to honor the dignity of every human being. We remember physicians, nurses, spouses, partners, friends, and strangers alike: may there be a great network of love and support to meet the demands of the times that lay ahead.
May we learn to walk with each other without judgment or shame, knowing that it is with action that peace is found.
Many: Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
One: We pray for the hubris of humanity, that by acting legislatively, we assert that we can know the journey of another and deem it unworthy. We pray for an end to the dehumanization of those who claim autonomy of body and mind.
May we be those who can love beyond our own needs and choices, knowing that it is within ourselves that we must first sow love if it is to grow through us.
Many: Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
One: We pray for those who have already been shamed and belittled and caused harm by their choices to seek reproductive health care. We pray for those who have already been harmed by state legislation that limits education and access to safe care. We pray for those who, because of fear or shame, cannot gather with us
now in community.
Many: Where there is injury, pardon;
One: We confess, God, that we are a United Divided States. And we wish that we were in perfect harmony with you and with each other, and that pregnancy would only occur in situations of love, safety, perfect health, and to the benefit of mother, child, family, and community. But that is not so now. In our discord, may we find grace for each other. In our discord, may we offer supportive and caring companionship to each other. In our discord, may we find union with you, the God who loves us. May we be committed to union in the face of imperfect circumstances, imperfect relationships, and imperfect democracy.
Many: Where there is discord, union;
One: We pray for an end to legal action, rhetoric and violent acts that target reproductive health care providers. We pray for the day when health care providers, women and their families, can exercise their rights to reproductive choice in security and peace. We pray for those who are not of the same mind regarding reproductive rights and choices, that all may be led to wise actions and safe choices. May our earthly faith, combined with the faith of the great cloud of witnesses, be strengthened to meet the days and demands that lay ahead.
Many: Where there is doubt, faith;
One: We pray for those who are afraid, lost, and in the midst of turmoil of spirit and mind. We pray for those who lament the loss of bodily
autonomy, for those who fear the loss of other civil rights, and for those who fear the unknown of the world ahead. We pray especially for all who will be disproportionately affected by a lack of reproductive rights, especially people who are Black, Indigenous, Asian, Brown, People of Color, trans and nonbinary. We pray for all who live in poverty, and for those who live in rural areas, who will also be disproportionately affected. May we be resolved in our commitment
to hope, knowing that to hope in God is to never hope in vain.
Many: Where there is despair, hope;
One: We pray for those who have died because they lacked access to safe health care. We pray for the loss of life yet to come from forced childbirth and illegal abortion. We pray for the continued assault on the respect, dignity, and citizenship of those in need of reproductive rights. May we remember that there is no darkness too dark for you, God, and that your presence is neverfailing.
Many: Where there is darkness, light;
One: We pray for the most vulnerable among us, especially children and families who will be affected by this decision. May we remember and make sacrifices to care for all who will face economic hardship, hunger, and difficult choices because of this new ruling. We pray for those in grief and sorrow as they look to the future with dread and trembling. We pray for those who do not see the promise of hope and those for whom life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will
never be realized. May we be comforters for those in sadness and bearers of joy for those who have none.
Many: Where there is sadness, joy.
All: Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer – Book of Common Prayer, New Zealand

Loving God, in whom is heaven.
The hallowing of your name
echoes through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by
the peoples of the earth!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen

Listening and Reflecting

An Excerpt from A Liturgy of Longing, by Sandra Maria Van Opstal

Scripture Reading: Psalm 69: 1-3, 14-16 and Luke 4:17-21

Time for Young People: “Lament”

Hymn (to the tune of #121): “God, We’ve Known Such Grief and Anger”

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: “Grieving What We’ve Lost” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “If My People Will Pray” 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?

Hymn #2222: “Servant Song”

Benediction

Friends, as you go out today into what may
feel to some like a new, strange and uncertain
world,
may God make you an instrument of God’s
peace:
Where there is hatred, sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
God our Mother,
grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
And the blessing of our God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, be among us always. Amen.
(based on the Prayer of Saint Francis)