Joelle's Sermons

Make My Day

HFUMC/MUMC
February 5, 2023
Micah 6:1-8

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
Generous God,
we give you thanks for your everyday mercies.
Open our eyes to the light of possibilities,
even when the day ahead holds difficulties.
Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen.

Praise: The Light of the World — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCRunZGYBi4

If you have children please share this – if you do not, navigate to the prayer section below. Please register on the Sunday School website by clicking on “log in” in the top right and sign up.

Children’s Church:

Good morning! Seeing your faces makes me feel better already!

You know what also makes us feel better? Doing something kind for someone else! Isn’t that great? We feel good not only when we have something good happen to US, but also when we do something that is good for someone ELSE!

We sang our song, “More Light” again as you came up. One line of it says “help us hear what needs to be heard.” It invites us to open up to hear God’s invitation. One thing that the Bible says over and over again is this: Love your neighbor. Be kind. That’s what today is about.

Here we are at our Time for Children Lamp that we will turn on each week. Let’s turn it on right now. [turn it on and say “ta-da!”] Turning on our lamps reminds us about the Light of God inside each of us.

We’ve heard a lot about viruses in the last couple of years, right? We learned that when one person is sick, other people around them can get sick, which is called “contagious,” so we have to be careful. Did you know that kindness is also contagious? It’s true! When one person does something nice for someone else, then that person is inspired to do something nice for another person and it can really spread! That’s a “good virus!” Unfortunately, the same is true of being mean. If someone does something mean to us, we sometimes want to be mean back to them or to someone else.

We have a choice today. There are two piles of cards here. Smiley ones and mean ones. Would you rather have someone do something nice for you or mean to you? [hand a smiley card to each child and throw the mean ones in a trash can] Me too! So the way we make sure kindness happens more often than meanness is to practice kindness ourselves until it catches onto everyone! So today give that smiley card to someone else, say something kind to them, and then ask them to give it to someone else and do the same thing. Let’s spread kindness all around! I’m guessing it is going to help our lightbulb inside us shine really bright when we make someone’s day!

Let’s say our repeat-after-me-poem:

There is a lamp
There is a lamp
inside of me
inside of me
it’s always there
it’s always there
for all to see
for all to see

[continue like this for the rest of the poem,
saying each line, letting the children repeat after]

But there are times…
the light feels dim
and things are tough
and just too grim
But that’s OK
When I feel down
I know in time
it turns around
I’m not alone
when I am sad
I’m always loved
for that I’m glad!

Prayer:

Please take this time to speak out loud the things that have brought you joy and blessing this week. I am sure you have them, but sometimes we have to be reminded to look for them. Thank you Jesus for these things. Then after you have have shared those joys, list your concerns as you would if we were together. Now, let us join together in prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/Brv8dRQIZCI

Hymn: All Who Love and Serve Your City — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjmX419CEkw&t=71s

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
God of all creation, source of every blessing: you have given us so much. As we bring our tithes and gifts to you this day, these seem so small by comparison, unless we see that we are truly called to give ourselves back to the world. May we be the salt that brings value and flavor into relationships with those around us. May we be the light that helps others find their way to your love and care. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, who came to help us see all we could be. Amen.

Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwB24WV6GwE&t=56s

Benediction:
Now go into the world,
feeling the wrap of love around your shoulders,
the embrace of well-being encompassing your heart,
the confidence that only requires one foot in front of the other,
and the assurance that you are not alone.

The world needs you
and will patiently wait for your light to shine,
illuminating just one small corner,
speaking even a little bit of hope.

We’re in it together,
along with the One who created us,
the One who redeems us,
the One who sustains us.
So be it.
Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Service adapted from Worship Design Studio SAD Series – http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com

Lighten Up

HFUMC/MUMC
January 29, 2023
Isaiah 9:1-4

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
God of Delight, we give you thanks for good humor and joy!
Open our eyes to the light of possibilities,
even when the day ahead holds difficulties.
Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen.

Praise: Raise a Hallelujah — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfEZQe9nCaI

Children’s Church:
Good morning! Seeing your faces makes me feel better already!

You know what also makes us feel better? LAUGHING! Do you like to laugh? Today in our worship we are talking about how sometimes, even when we feel a bit gloomy and down (which is OK, remember?), that something funny sometimes make us laugh. God gave us a sense of humor–we call it a “funny bone”–and it is there to help us “lighten up!”

Speaking of “lightening up,” here we are at our Time for Children Lamp that we turn on each week. Let’s turn it on right now. This time when we turn it on, instead of “ta-da” lets say “haha!” [turn it on and say “ha-ha. Ready? 1-2-3… “ha-ha!” Turning on our lamps reminds us about the Light of God inside each of us.

So I brought some jokes today to help us “rejoice,” like the Bible says, which means to get some joy. Let’s see if I can help you get some joy with these knock-knock jokes [replace these with your own if you want]:

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
At.
At who?
Bless you!

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Radio.
Radio who?
Radio not, here I come!

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Tank.
Tank who?
You’re welcome!

How did I do? Do we need some other kind of jokes? Let’s try this:

What did one wall say to the other?
I’ll meet you at the corner.

Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?
It was two tired.

Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
They’d crack each other up.

This week we are going to try to make someone laugh. You might have a joke you could tell someone and if not, you can borrow one of mine that I just told you. Or maybe watching funny animal videos is what makes you laugh. Or a funny cartoon. This week, why don’t you ask a grown-up to do something fun and funny with you and let’s see what happens. Maybe their funny-bone will get tickled. The Bible says that when the light feels low, God will bring more light to us. Laughter is one way God gives more light.

Let’s say our repeat-after-me-poem:

There is a lamp
There is a lamp
inside of me
inside of me
it’s always there
it’s always there
for all to see
for all to see

[continue like this for the rest of the poem,
saying each line, letting the children repeat after]

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/VRsWdS66ZCM

Hymn: Give To Us Laughter — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tywf8dEEV3I

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus as the Light of the world to enlighten everyone coming into the world. Thank You that in Him is the light of the glorious gospel of grace that can never be quenched by the darkness of this world. We praise and thank You that His Light has come into our life and enlivened our spirit and enlightened our soul. Open our eyes more and more to see Jesus and to grow more like Him. Give us greater understanding of all that You have achieved in our lives, for without You we would remain in darkness and dead in sin. Thank You for Your great salvation, to You be all praise and glory forever. In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN.

Hymn: Take Time to be “Funny” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGR1y_b0cL4
(Replace the word Holy with Funny)

So be it.
Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Service adapted from Worship Design Studio SAD Series – http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com

To Soothe the Soul

HFUMC/MUMC
January 22, 2023
Psalm 40:1-11

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
God who sang all creation into being,
we give you thanks for the sweet harmonies and soul-stirring rhythms
that lift up our spirits in the dance of life.
Open our eyes to the light of possibilities,
even when the day ahead holds difficulties.
Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen.

Praise: Blessed Be Your Name — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw4H5t3TwHM

If you have children please share this – if you do not, navigate to the prayer section below.

Children’s Church:
(Sung)
More light, more truth
is breaking from Your Word.
More light, more truth,
Holy Spirit, help us hear what needs to be heard.

Good morning! Seeing your faces makes me feel better already!

You know what also makes us feel better? MUSIC! We sang our song, “More Light” again as you came up. That’s what our worship today is about–the way music can fill us up and get us moving and also soothe us if we need it. Let’s all make a “soothing” sound…. [bit exaggerated sigh]… “ahhhhhhhhh….” God gave us the gift of music and the scriptures says that God will “put a new song” in our mouths when we need some help to feel better.

Here we are at our Time for Children Lamp that we will turn on each week. Let’s turn it on right now. [turn it on and say “ta-da!”] .Turning on our lamps reminds us about the Light of God inside each of us.

Our favorite songs can also turn up the light inside of us. I’ll bet you have a favorite song. Wait! Don’t tell me! Let’s just think about that music inside our heads. Can you hear it? Are you singing it inside your head? [pause to let them imagine it] OK… let’s nod our heads and move our bodies to the beat of the music inside our heads. Maybe the adults will do it with us! Ready, set, go! [model jamming out silently to a tune inside your head, really get into it]

Yeah! That was great! We all have some favorite music that makes us feel like jamming’–like movin’–and perhaps puts a smile on our face. This is one great way to lift our spirits when winter gets long and we have to spend too much time inside. Do you think you could make a dance party with your favorite music (not just inside your head but turned up really good) in your living room this week and invite your family to it?

OK, let’s say our repeat-after-me-poem:

There is a lamp
There is a lamp
inside of me
inside of me
it’s always there
it’s always there
for all to see
for all to see

[continue like this for the rest of the poem,
saying each line, letting the children repeat after]

Thank you! I invite you to go to Sunday School as we sing “More Light” and let’s jam all the way out!

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/53jcqzcIIZc

Hymn: Wonderful Words of Life — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgrC0Jd9qv0

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Heavenly Father, thank You that there is no pit of destruction so deep and no miry clay so oppressive that Your hand of blessing and encouragement is not able to reach down, raise me up, and set my feet upon the Rock of my salvation. Help me to wait patiently for You to act on my behalf and let me never doubt Your Word to heal or Your will to save. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_QoninV9Xw

The world needs you
and will patiently wait for your light to shine,
illuminating just one small corner,
speaking even a little bit of hope.

We’re in it together,
along with the One who created us,
the One who redeems us,
the One who sustains us.

So be it.
Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Service adapted from Worship Design Studio SAD Series – http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com

Flip the Switch

HFUMC/MUMC
January 15, 2023
Isaiah 60:1-6

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
Waking God, we give you thanks for the chance to start fresh every day.
Open our eyes to the light of possibilities, even when the day ahead holds difficulties.
Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen

Praise: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKIDJ19w8MY

Children’s Church:
(Sung)
More light, more truth
is breaking from Your Word.
More light, more truth,
Holy Spirit, help us hear what needs to be heard.

Good morning! Seeing your faces makes me feel better already! We just heard a new song playing that we get to sing every Sunday for a few weeks. It is called “More Light.” That’s what our worship is about–letting the Light of God shine on us, especially when we are feeling a bit dim… a bit “low light.”

Today our worship is called “Flip the Switch.” Do you see the lamp here? This is our Time for Children Lamp that we will turn on each week. Let’s “flip the switch” right now. [turn it on and say “ta-da!”] And maybe you have a lamp at home that you can also turn on to remember that we believe Jesus’ Light is in each one of us, helping to light the way for us. That’s why we light candles in church a lot. For a few weeks we are also lighting lamps to remind us about the importance of light in our faith.

But just as our poem we are going to learn today says, sometimes we might not feel so bright, and I don’t mean the “smart” kind of “bright.” I mean like when we are sad. We all have these feelings sometimes. They are part of all the emotions that God gave us: joy and sadness are both important. Feeling sad can actually help alert us to let our parents or other loved ones know that we need a hug, or some quiet time, or some cheering up. It’s OK to feel that way. In fact, crying is a great way to let the sadness out of our eyeballs. It is like watering the love that is growing in our lives. And pretty soon the love that grows will help us feel better.

This week we will do something every morning to remind us that God’s love is with us and growing inside us all the time. When we wake up each morning this week, let’s flip the switch on our bedroom or bathroom light and say a phrase that the Bible tells us: “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!”

We have a repeat-after-me-poem that I want to teach you this morning. We’ll repeat this each week:

There is a lamp
There is a lamp
inside of me
inside of me
it’s always there
it’s always there
for all to see
for all to see

[continue like this for the rest of the poem,
saying each line, letting the children repeat after]

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/TKXJqjHlFUY

Hymn: Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pif8Y-oFxUs

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Good and generous God, we bring our gifts to you this day and pray you might dedicate them to your work. We confess that we have too often missed being the church you wanted and needed, and we have placed the blame on “not having enough” money, members, talent, time, or power. We needed to be reminded by the apostle Paul that we have all that we need, whatever our circumstances. Renew us, loving God, and give us a new day and another chance. In Christ’s holy name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaHOkEbWbko

The world needs you
and will patiently wait for your light to shine,
illuminating just one small corner,
speaking even a little bit of hope.

We’re in it together,
along with the One who created us,
the One who redeems us,
the One who sustains us.
So be it.
Amen.

Sending: We are Marching — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqNdoExJido

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Service adapted from Worship Design Studio SAD: Spiritual Effectiveness Disorder –http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com

Seeking

HFUMC/MUMC
January 8, 2023
Matthew 2:1-23

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
Calling all seekers, all dreamers, believers…
Calling all glass-half-full optimists and lighthouse keepers…
Calling all star-chasers and bedtime prayer speakers…
Bring your questions, your hope, your faith and your fear into this space.
God is here.

Praise: We Three Kings — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0BJonwPCds

Children’s Church: Seeking the Savior — https://sermons4kids.com/seeking_savior.htm

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/utXe9ck5Hkw

Hymn: Always Seeking — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CPa_H0GEk

Affirmation Faith
We believe that faith is active,
found on long walks,
and in long talks,
in future days,
and down memory lane.

We believe that those who seek
will find, although it may not be what they expected.
We believe that God finds us first.
We believe that God drops breadcrumbs along our way
in the shape of people,
invitations,
and even starlight.

We believe that being a seeker—
of God, of justice, of community—
is a holy thing.
So we strive to live with an open spirit,
with soft hearts,
and with room to grow.

May it be so.
This we believe. Amen.

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
O God, we recognize that we have been blessed with great abundance. In offering these gifts, may we be strengthened to proclaim your faithfulness and your salvation this day and always. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Hymn: There’s a Song in the Air — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj-yiReylGw  

Benediction:
As you leave this place, may you go knowing that from generation to generation, we have been claimed and loved.
From generation to generation, God has been by our side.
From generation to generation, we are not alone.
The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow knows you by name, loves you, and calls you forth, saying,
“Go be the person you are called to be, love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.”
May it be so. Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Inspiration and liturgy by “From Generation to Generation” by Sanctified Art at sanctifiedart.org

The Seed of Abraham

HFUMC/MUMC
December 18, 2022
Luke 1:39-58

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Advent Candle:
Over a hundred people, from the ages of two to eighty years old, were asked the question, “What makes you feel connected; what makes you feel loved?” From the voices of different generations, hear their answers:
Older Adult: Handwritten notes.
Adult: Casseroles.
Teenager: Being invited in.
Child: Reading a book together.
Older Adult: The passing of the peace.
Adult: Family walks.
Teenager: Youth group.
Child: When I see my friends at preschool.
Older Adult: Surprise phone calls.
Adult: Making music with other people.
Teenager: Home-cooked food.
Child: Belly laughs.
Older Adult: Eye contact.
Adult: Dinner parties.
Teenager: An inside joke.
Child: Hugs.
Older Adult: Dancing with my partner in the kitchen.
Adult: Today we light the candle of love as a reminder that from the very first generation, God has surrounded us with love. May this good news—these threads of love—not only weave deeper connections between neighbors, but shape our actions and allow us to see God more clearly.

Another worship leader or reader lights the candle.

Adult: In a lonely world, let this light shine bright. From generation to generation, we are held in God’s love. Thanks be to God for that good news. Amen.

Sung Response: From generation to generation, we have shared the Christmas story of a baby in a manger, who was born in Bethlehem. Hope is winging, peace now ringing, Joy we’re singing, Love He’s bringing. We see God in one another as we learn to love each other.

Praise: Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB1eagIUxx4

Children’s Church: The Gift of Love — https://sermons4kids.com/gift-of-love.html

Where I Saw God last
The dimple in your right cheek,
the child playing peek-a-boo from his stroller,
the abuelita who spends her afternoons
in the park by 86th; the teenagers on the subway
who cannot control their laughter; Neil, my neighbor,
who always asks about you, the mother who whispers
a dozen times a day, “thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus”;
the saxophone player at 42nd street, the poets,
the artists, the garden volunteers; the metro car driver
who sticks his head out the window to make sure we’re all aboard; the man who gave up his seat on the subway, the kid in the dinosaur pajamas who cannot be convinced they’re not school attire; the teachers, the nurses, the taxi cab drivers;
the woman at the end of the block with her yappy dogs and her
books in the window, the lovers that lay sprawled out on park blankets,
the runners, the daydreamers, the sidewalk chalk artists;
John from upstairs whose favorite flowers are yellow tulips, the Persian man at the grocery who tells me to be safe when I leave, my grandmother in Georgia; my neighbor, the stranger; thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus.
~ Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed

Affirmation of Faith
We believe that creation is inextricably linked.
We belong to one another in an undeniable way.
We are bone of bone and flesh of flesh, life breathed into dust.
We believe that God invites us to live into that truth—
to love without abandon,
to see the good in one another,
to trust that all belong to God.

We know that this life of connection is easier said than done,
which is why we gather in this space,
week after week,
generation after generation,
to be reminded: We see God in each other.
This we believe. Amen.

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/oTLQXH1dzwA

Hymn: God Became Flesh with Us to Dwell (Text by Anna Strickland)

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Holy God of hope and promise: when the children were in deep despair, you promised them a sign, the indication of a Savior coming into their midst. As we bring you our tithes and offerings this day, so many of us are discouraged, trying to find our way. We need your sign, we need your Son, not as simply a reminder of history but as a new direction, a revolution of love that starts in our hearts, a resurrection of compassion that looks beyond self and the accumulation of more and more things that don’t satisfy. We need what only a Savior can give us. Guide us by your signs on this day and as we begin the journey to Bethlehem once again. In the Savior’s name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn: My Soul Gives Glory to God — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGcpTHYqEYE

Passing of the Peace of God Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song

Inspiration and liturgy by “From Generation to Generation” by Sanctified Art at sanctifiedart.org

The Desert Shall Rejoice and Blossom

HFUMC/MUMC
December 11, 2022
Matthew 1:18-25
Isaiah 35:1-10

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Advent Candle Lighting:
Over a hundred people, from the ages of two to eighty years old, were asked the question, “What brings you joy?” From the voices of different generations, hear their answers:

Adult: A clean kitchen.
Older Adult: Sand between my toes.
Child: Being outside.
Teenager: Sleeping in my own bed after a night away.
Adult: Having a camera in my hands.
Older Adult: My partner’s laugh.
Teenager: Mountain air.
Child: When my parents pick me up.
Adult: The end of my to-do list.
Older Adult: Hugs from my niece and nephew.
Teenager: Baby giggles.
Child: My cat.
Adult: Putting my hands in the garden.
Older Adult: A chord resolved.
Teenager: Stargazing.
Child: Bedtime books.
Adult: A warm cup of coffee with friends.
Older Adult: My new granddaughter.
Teenager: Lingering at the table after dinner.
Child: Time with family.
Older Adult: Today we light the candle of joy. May its light remind us of all the good news this season brings. We can choose a better way and find joy in every day.

Another worship leader or reader lights the candle.

Older Adult: Family of faith, what brings you joy? Amen.

Praise: O Come, O Come Emmanuel — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ley1aOPDHCE

Children’s Church: An Angel Appears to Joseph — https://sermons4kids.com/angel_appears_to_joseph.htm

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/a3_LHgx0utw

Hymn: “A Better Way” to the tune of God Rest You Merry Gentlemen.
Text by Anna Strickland

Affirmation of Faith
We believe in a God who offers second chances
and does not hold grudges.
We believe in a God who opens the door to new life
and leaves the porch light on for us when we get lost.
We believe in a God who believes in us—
believes that we can make a difference,
that we can choose grace over comparison,
love over hate, peace over war.
And so we strive to live our lives in love.
We strive to listen as Joseph listened,
and to be the people that God calls us to be.
It’s all that easy, and it’s all that hard.
This we believe. Amen.

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Generous God, as we bring our gifts to you this day, we acknowledge that we have been given so much by your goodness, but we have been tight-fisted and slow in giving to help others. In this Advent season of preparation, we ask you to help us live in a new way, to walk a new highway, to set ourselves on the path that leads to a closer walk with Jesus, our example and redeemer. May this be the season when he finds the highways to our hearts prepared for his coming. In the name that is above all others. Amen.

Hymn: That Boy Child of Mary — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk4D8VcnRkM

Benediction:
As you leave this place, may you go knowing that from generation to generation, we have been claimed and loved.
From generation to generation, God has been by our side.
From generation to generation, we are not alone.
The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow knows you by name,
loves you, and calls you forth, saying,
“Go be the person you are called to be, love wildly, do justice,
and come back soon.” May it be so. Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Inspiration and liturgy by “From Generation to Generation” by Sanctified Art at sanctifiedart.org

Our Choices Have Generational Consequences

HFUMC/MUMC
December 4, 2022
Luke 1:26-28
Isaiah 11:1-10

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Advent Candle Lighting:
Over a hundred people, from the ages of two to eighty years old, were asked the question, “What are you afraid of?” From the voices of different generations, hear their answers:
Teenager: Not being enough.
Adult: Not making enough of a difference.
Child: Falling down.
Older Adult: That we will forget we belong to one another.
Teenager: Climate change.
Adult: My child having to learn gun violence drills at school.
Child: Spiders.
Older Adult: Not having someone to take care of me; not having someone who knows my stories.
Teenager: My mental health slipping.
Adult: Ending up alone.
Child: Nightmares.
Older Adult: Stopping short of following God all the way.
Adult: Today we light the candle of peace, because we so desperately need God’s peace in the midst of all we fear.

Another worship leader or reader lights the candle.

Adult: May this light be a reminder that Christ is coming. God was with generations before, God is with us today, and God will be with us tomorrow. Even now, God is on the way. Amen.

Sung Response: From generation to generation, we have shared the Christmas story of a baby in a manger, who was born in Bethlehem. Hope is winging, peace now ringing, Joy we’re singing, Love He’s bringing. God will meet you in your fear. And bring peace both far and near.

Praise: All Things Bright and Beautiful — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HyWkC64X08

Poem: Love Comes Running
love comes running
I remember
the first time I was afraid.
I was a child.
It was a nightmare.
(You remember those pesky
monsters under the bed.)
I remember
minutes felt like hours.
I begged
the sun to rise.
(Fear always begs
the sun to rise.)
Eventually,
after minutes that felt like hours,
I cried out.
My dad came running.
He sat at the edge of my bed.
He said there is no reason to be afraid.
He checked the closet and the floorboards.
He rearranged my pillows.
He said, “I can stay.”
And that’s when I learned
that when you are afraid,
love always comes running.
Love says, “I can stay.”
That’s what God does for us.
God sits at the edge of the bed.
God checks the closet and the floorboards.
God says, “Be not afraid.”
God stays until sunrise.
Love always comes running.

~ Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed

Children’s Church: The Peaceful Kingdom — https://sermons4kids.com/the-peaceable-kingdom

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/neCAl_womlM

Hymn: Here I Am — Text by Anna Strickland — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4_nW0Q1cWg

Affirmation of Faith
We believe in a God who knows our fears.
We believe in a God who says, “Be not afraid.”
We believe in a God who kicks off his shoes
and wades into the muck of our lives with us.
We believe in a God who stitches himself to our heels,
and invites us to dance.
We believe in a God who hemmed stars into the night sky
so that we can find our way home,
and who sends us friends with open doors,
so we can find our way to love.
We believe in a God who finds us in our fear
and does not leave us alone.
Thanks be to God for a love like that. Amen.

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Our God, architect of this world and all others: we know you had a vision for all your creation to dwell together. With the creatures of the air, earth, and sea, you long for us to live in respect and with one another. We give this morning, understanding that we have denied you that desire. We ask you to help us use who we are and what we have to heal this abused and broken world. In Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Hymn: Once in David’s Royal City — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c2CmgEjmow  

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Inspiration and liturgy by “From Generation to Generation” by Sanctified Art at sanctifiedart.org

We are All Connected

HFUMC/MUMC
Nov 27, 2022
Matthew 1:1-17
Isaiah 2:1-5

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Advent Candle Lighting
Over a hundred people, from the ages of two to eighty years old, were asked the question, “What gives you hope?” From the voices of different generations, hear their answers:
Adult: My two-year-old son.
Child: Dogs wagging their tails.
Older Adult: Talking with young people.
Teenager: Kindness from strangers.
Adult: Spending time in the woods.
Child: Waffles.
Older Adult: Hands clasped in prayer.
Teenager: Social progress.
Adult: The way my son calls everybody “buddy.”
Child: The ringing of church bells.
Older Adult: Babies trying over and over to take their first step.
Teenager: The turning of seasons.
Adult: Christian community.
Child: Books.
Older Adult: Friendship with my adult children.
Teenager: Advocates for justice.
Adult: Hearing children in the pews sing the hymns.
Child: The sunrise every single morning.
Older Adult: What gives you hope?
Teenager: Today we light the candle of hope to remind ourselves that God is at work in this world.

Light the candle.

Teenager: From generation to generation, God has brought good news of love and compassion, justice and community. Let us rest and abide in that good news. Amen.

Sung Response from tune of Infant Lowly, Infant Holy: From generation to generation, we have shared the Christmas story of a baby in a manger, who was born in Bethlehem. Hope is winging, peace now ringing, Joy we’re singing, Love He’s bringing. There is room for every story, there is hope through God’s great glory.

Praise: This is My Song — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqk92BjDS0k

Children’s Church: A Ring of Promise — https://sermons4kids.com/ring_of_promise_grano.htm

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/Ow3lBGFyO9A

Hymn: Through the Ages – Text by Anna Strickland to the tune of Away in the Manger:

Affirmation of Faith:

We believe in a God who promised to Abraham,
who wrestled with Jacob, who walked with Ruth,
who spoke with Moses, who grieved with Bathsheba,
who danced with David, who dreamed with Joseph,
and who hoped like Mary.

We believe in a God who has been loving, inviting,
transforming, and challenging us from generation
to generation.

And we believe that same God is here with us now, saying,
“Come on in; there’s room for you here.” Amen.

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZihJkG8fT0

Benediction:
As you leave this place, may you go knowing that
from generation to generation,
we have been claimed and loved.
From generation to generation,
God has been by our side.
From generation to generation,
we are not alone.
The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow
knows you by name, loves you, and calls you forth,
saying, “Go be the person you are called to be,
love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.”
May it be so. Amen.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.

Inspiration and liturgy by “From Generation to Generation” by Sanctified Art at sanctifiedart.org

We Pay Either Coming or Going

Follow along in this service by clicking
on the links for music, message, etc.,
coming back to the service
after each.

Call to Worship:
The Lord is continually creating something new
We are part of that creation, renewed, redeemed, beloved.
Through all this change, God is with us.
Though we struggle and doubt, yet God is faithful
Praise be to God who continually blesses us.
Let our hearts, our voices, and our spirits sing God’s praises. AMEN.
Praise: Open Up the Heavens — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgJCB0ArawA

Children’s Church: When I am Afraid — https://sermons4kids.com/when_afraid.htm

Prayer:

Prayer/Scripture/Message: https://youtu.be/bQI-_EoUVGI

Hymn: All Who Love and Serve Your City — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDQ6pgG4rm0

Offering:

Take this time to exercise the privilege of sharing in the work of God by giving your tithe to the church. You have options:

US Mail:
First United Methodist Church of Herkimer
127 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, NY 13350.

Morning Star United Methodist Church
36 Second Avenue
Ilion, NY 13357

Online Giving for HFUMC (safe and secure)

You can use this link or download the Tithe.ly app from the app store https://tithe.ly/give?c=1695306

Prayer of Dedication:
Holy God who calls us to the journey: it is so easy for us to become distracted so that we wander off the path you have put before us. The chaos of the world around us catches our attention, and we neglect the inner journey that keeps us closer to you. As we set aside this time to bring our gifts to you, may you draw our attention back to the wisdom and guidance that you put before us, and may it lead us to endurance that will carry us to kingdom presence! In Christ, we pray. Amen.

Hymn: Stand By Me — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ykWkw3JRJo

Benediction:
We go from this place rejoicing in God’s love.
We commit our lives to serving God by serving others.
God’s love has made us new.
God’s peace goes with us in all that we say and do. AMEN.

Passing of the Peace of God

Let your hearts sing a new song in place of your benediction song. Reach out to someone in our congregation and place a song in their heart by your contact.