January 8, 2023 • 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-covid-masking-update. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, please sign in on the red fellowship pad and pass it down your pew. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Large print bulletins and hymnals are available from the ushers. A hearing loop is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches, and you may also request earphones from the ushers to aid you in hearing the service. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
11 am • January 8, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Baptism of the Lord
Prelude
Partita on “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” — John Behnke based on the tune by Kathleen Thomerson
Introit
In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. (Words and music by Kathleen Thomerson)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Baptized to begin lives of faith, we would witness to all you do in our communities, in our midst, in our world. Baptized to serve, we would speak up for the voiceless, we would bring justice to those who have none. Baptized to speak, we would heal, and not hurt; we would bless, and not curse. Baptized to do what is right, we would not play favorites, but treat each as your Beloved.
*Opening Hymn
#57 “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, vv. 1-5, 7 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Scripture Acts 1-:34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
To hear the word
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Can you imagine a God who would rather forgive us than punish us, who calls us ‘my delight,’ rather than chiding us for being foolish and wayward? This is why Jesus came, so we might know God's tender mercy toward us. Let us confess our lives to the One who fills us with hope, as we pray together: Patient God, we are called to preach the gospel with our lives, but we are prone to complain that it is too difficult. Jesus calls us to do what is right, yet wrong-doing seems to come so easily for us. We know we need your forgiveness, God of glory and grace. Bathe us in the life-giving waters of your mercy so we can come up from the water, ready to do good for others in the name of Jesus.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
You are God's beloved, and you bring delight to God’s heart. Believe this good news, my friends! The Spirit of God rests upon us, anointing us with mercy and peace. Thanks be to God!
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3, alt.
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Scripture Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Anthem Brenda Nitsch, Soloist
"At the River" — Robert Lowry, 1864, arr. Aaron Copland Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod, with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? (Refrain:) Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God. Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. (Refrain)
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Hymn
#605 "Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
One Week In
Choral Response
Renewing Spirit, hear our praise for your baptismal power that washes us through all our days, Lord, cleanse again this hour. (Words: Thomas Herbranson, 1972; Tune: Azmon, Carl Gläzer)
Call to Renewal
*Renewal of Baptism
Living God, we receive this water in the sure knowledge that you claim us as your beloved children. Continue to provide your living water to our thirsty souls. Renew in us the desire to serve you in all that we do and all that we say, that our lives will witness to your unending love; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
#608 "This Is the Spirit's Entry Now", v. 2 Let water be the sacred sign that we must die each day, to rise again by his design as followers of his way. (Words: Thomas Herbranson, 1972; Tune: Azmon, Carl Gläzer)
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place it in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
To Renew Commitment
Offertory
"Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me" — French chant tune, arr. K. Lee Scott; words by Thomas Toke Lynch Gracious Spirit, dwell with me: I would gracious be; Help me now thy grace to see, I would be like thee; And with words that help and heal thy life would mine reveal; And with actions bold and meek, for Christ my Savior speak. Truthful Spirit, dwell with me: I would truthful be; Help me now thy truth to see, I would be like thee; And with wisdom kind and clear thy life in mine appear; And with actions brotherly, speak Christ's sincerity. Holy Spirit, dwell with me: I would holy be; Show thy mercy tenderly, Make me more like thee; Separate from sin I would, and cherish all things good, And whatever I can be give him who gave me thee. Mighty Spirit, dwell with me, I would mighty be; Help me now thy pow'r to see, I would be like thee; 'Gainst all weapons hell can wield, be thou my strength and shield; Let thy word my weapon be, Lord, Thine the victory. Gracious Spirit, dwell with me, I would be like thee!
*Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
We step out of the waters of baptism, and into the world offering grace to others; we give from our abundance to bless others with hope and healing; we offer our lives to you and others in serving with love and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray you will bless these gifts and us. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Beth Woolever Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“At the River” © 1954 The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.; “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” © 1984 Augsburg Publishing House; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from “Lectionary Liturgies”, © Thom M. Shuman. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Closing Hymn
#663 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Lani Smith)
Postlude
“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” — Michael Bedford
Permissions:
Opening Hymn
#605 “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”, vv. 1, 3
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", v. 1, 2
Scripture
Acts 10:34-43, and Matthew 3:13-17 (found on pg. 4/5)
Baptismal Renewal
found on pg. 6
Closing Hymn
#431 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • January 8, 2023
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jean E. Dutcher by Andy, Margaret, Jessica and Benjamin. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please contact Jeanne Ristau at 585-223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Katherine Crumley who died on December 29. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Michael Proukou who passed away on January 2. .
Celebrations and concerns
Childrens Music
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Gentle Yoga
Meetings & Rehearsals january 8-14
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at 585-271-1050
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Hybrid Adult Sunday School—Butlers Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 2 pm 6th-12th Youth Choir—1040 Room 201 MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Bell Room 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Methodism 101—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 UR Well Clinic friday 4 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Construction Livestream
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
What’s up with the name “Methodist?” Why do our ministers move around so much? Why do we use grape juice during communion? Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life, or have just heard of us, this class is for you! The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady will lead this four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
Methodism 101
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Wednesdays in January, 6-7 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall
CONNECT
Ringers Needed!!
The Asbury Ringers have a few openings for ringers, starting this winter. We are looking for enthusiastic musicians who can read music, are open to learning bell techniques (or know bell technique from previous experiences) and can commit to our rehearsal and playing schedule. Our rehearsals are Wednesday evenings in Room 205 of the Education Wing, 7:00 – 8:30, and we play (this winter/spring) in February, Easter Sunday, April 9, and in May. If you are interested and can make this commitment, please contact me and we'll have you come visit to see if the choir is a fit for you! Hope to hear from you! Elizabeth Church Director, Asbury Ringers 585-978-0007 (Text or call.)
Interested in Making Music at Asbury First?
January is the perfect time to consider adding something new to your routine, so if you've ever thought about investigating one of Asbury First's musical ensembles, we hope you'll get in touch! Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 pm in Wesley Hall, and sings regularly at the 11 am service through late May. Our membership includes singers with a wide range of experience and training - all that's required is the time commitment and a desire to learn! Contact Dr. Carl Johengen atcjohengen@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Friday, February 10, 6 pm, 1040 Fellowship Hall.
Come and dine and dance for a cause. In the spirit of Love for those we know and those we can help—let's eat, dance and be merry! We will have a good will offering and the proceeds will go to our new Community Outreach Center. Live music will be provided by the 10 piece band called Different Every Time. The bass player for this band is a member of Asbury First, John Messenger. For those with little ones we will have a party for your children upstairs that will include dinner and fun. Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us on SUNDAY, JAN. 29 after the 11 am service in person, or on the livestream. To get up-to-date with the Governance structure and committees in action, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
Annual Church Conference 2023
Auditions: Sunday, January 15, 12:30-5 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall Shows: Friday, May 5, 7 pm, Saturday, May 6, 7 pm, Sunday, May 7, 2 pm The Sound of Music is open to all ages. Children under 12 must be supervised to be in the show. Child care will be provided for auditions and rehearsals upon request. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Not all cast members will be required to be at all rehearsals. Schedule pending review of conflict sheets. Plenty of opportunities for non-performing participants. For more information or to express interest, please contact our Director of Theater Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050.
Asbury First Musical: The Sound of Music
Scan the QR code to sign up for auditions!
*Processional Hymn
#57 "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", vv. 1-5, 7
#663 "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name"
*Closing Hymn (9 am)
#431 "Let There Be Peace on Earth"
*Closing Hymn Cont. (9 am)