January 11, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Sean Mahan Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: David Strong
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Baptism of the Lord
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #500 "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:13-17 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER LORD'S PRAYER Our Father (or Our God), 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT MOMENT FOR MISSION: Worship Volunteers - Carl Johengen OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: "At the Font We Start Our Journey" (found on page 7) *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
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PRELUDE: Chorale Preludes on "Christ our Lord to the Jordan Came" — Dietrich Buxtehude, Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, Johann Pachelbel INTROIT Spirit of Life, in this new dawn, give us the faith that follows on, letting your all-pervading power fulfill the dream of this high hour. (Words: Earl Marlatt, 1926; Tune: Germany, William Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies, 1815) *CALL TO WORSHIP We are the people of God, marked by water, Claimed by the Spirit, precious in God’s sight. We are the body of Christ, united around the table, Fed by the bread of life, filled with the cup of joy. Gathered by God, we are the community of faith. We are united in worship and in grace. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #500 "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #608 “This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now”, vv. 1, 3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy One, we come, expectant and willing to meet you in this sacred time and space. We know that we often meet you timidly, half-hoping you won’t notice us, for then you might ask something of us. We know that we often turn away from you, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. Call us back to you. Open us to your presence, baptize us anew with your grace and Spirit, filling us with your purpose and your power. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The waters of baptism have not lost their power. God’s promise has not grown quiet. Before we speak a word or take a step, we are named beloved. Thanks be to God. We are forgiven, claimed, and held in grace. *GLORIA (#102, “Now Thank We All Our God”, 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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: George Thomas Zhushma, born June 27, 2025, child of Caitlyn & George Zhushma Thanksgiving over the Water God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise. Promises AND BAPTISM *Congregational Pledge Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care George, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. What promise will you make to this family? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal. *HYMN: #611, v. 1 Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:13-17 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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.” For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized” — William Bradley Roberts; words by F. Bland Tucker Christ, when for us you were baptized, God's Spirit on you came, as peaceful as a dove and yet as urgent as a flame. God called you, "My beloved One," declared delight in you, anointed you to preach and heal, God's holy will to do. Straightway and steadfast until death, you then obeyed God's call, freely as Son of God to serve and give your life for all. Baptize us with your Spirit, God, your cross on us be signed, that, likewise in God's service, we may perfect freedom find. CHILDREN'S TIME: Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. LORD’S PRAYER Our Father (or Our God), 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: #603 “Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7; Music by Carl Johengen) PASTORAL PRAYER INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT: 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. MOMENT FOR MISSION: Worship Volunteers — Carl Johengen Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes: 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 by check in the mail or place your cash/check gift 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—To give a gift through Venmo, send to “@givingasburyfirst” or scan the QR code to the right. OFFERTORY: Small Ensemble — Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Joe Finetti, Mary Fetterman, Megan Ormsbee, Mark Wright, Carl Johengen “Down to the River to Pray” — American folk song, attr. George H. Allan As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way, and who shall wear the starry crown (the robe and crown), Good Lord, show me the way. Oh brothers (sisters, mothers, fathers), let’s go down; let’s go down, come on down. Oh brothers (sisters, mothers, fathers), let’s go down, down to the river to pray. *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of new life, you have called us your own. As we bring these gifts, we offer not only what we have, but who we are: lives shaped by water and Spirit. Use these offerings to reflect your love in the world, that we may live our baptism faithfully, as signs of your new creation. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: "At the Font We Start Our Journey" (found on the following page) *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Gerald Peterson) POSTLUDE: "March Jubilant" — Ernest H. Sheppard
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
These persons have shared their gifts today for the glory of God. If you felt moved by what they offered, why not take a moment following worship to let them know. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
“Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized” © 2017 St. James Music Press; “Down to the River to Pray” public domain; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Sean Mahan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Joe Finetti Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Altar Guild Team: Tammy Clifford, Carol Hardy, Jeanne Ristau Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: "At the Font We Start Our Journey"
The Community Outreach Center urgently needs your help to keep our neighbors warm this winter. We're seeking donations of gloves for men, women, and children—mens gloves are in highest demand, and waterproof gloves are especially appreciated as temperatures continue to drop. Our supply is running low, and many in our community are facing the cold without adequate protection for their hands. You can make a difference by dropping off your donations directly at the Outreach Center during regular hours, or by bringing them to the Children's Chapel in the Sanctuary this Sunday morning. Every pair of gloves you donate will help someone in need stay warm and protected from the harsh winter weather.
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; and in loving memory of Rev. & Mrs. Vern VanDerLinden, Katie VanDerLinden, and Helen Howitt by Ruth & David VanDerLinden. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Betty Shull who died on December 15. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place at a later date. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of the Rev. James LeGro who died on December 10. He served as Associate Pastor at Asbury First as well as at several other Upper New York churches including Liverpool First UMC and Marcellus UMC. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Our hearts and prayers are with Patrick and Barbara Fulford as they grieve the death of Barbara's sister, Christine Armstrong, who died Tuesday, December 30. We want to be able to visit and pray with those who are in the hospital. If you know someone who is in the hospital and would like a pastoral call, or if you yourself are in the hospital or have a date for surgery, please call Rev. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Join the Asbury Women's Art Class to learn needle felting (no experience required) and create stunning pictures and jewelry. For just $15 in materials, you'll meet every Friday from 1 - 3 pm in Room 205 (the Bell Room in 1040) to explore art as a spiritual practice while connecting with other women in a welcoming, creative space. Questions? Contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org
Gloves Wanted!
Asbury Women's Art Class — Fridays, 1 - 3 in Room 205 (1040)
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 18
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Red Room: * zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 Smart Meeting Room: ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple Other Spaces and Zoom-only: # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
ACT Choreography Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Zumba – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
1 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, DCC Dining Room
SUNDAY (1/18)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary
11 am
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing Prek – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Rochester Rapid Response Network – 1010, Red Room
2 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
5 pm
Governing Board Meeting – 1010, Red Room
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
UR Well Team Mtg — 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
If you are experiencing grief and would like a place to talk about it and share with others, you are welcome to attend on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Library (1040). All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org. A Zoom-Only Grief Group will meet Tuesdays from 4 to 5 pm (see page 9 for zoom* address).
Lenten Book Study: Prayer in the Night This Lent, we are encouraging everyone to join us in a study of Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren. This book explores a season of doubt and loss, navigating themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence. It also offers prayerful and frank approaches to living in a world filled with uncertainty. Whether you read the book on your own, join in one of our weekly discussion groups, or lead a group, let us know by scanning the code:
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Program Join us Sundays, from 9:45 to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall for a new series highlighting our Off-Campus Ministries.
Disability, the Bible, and the Church Wednesdays at 6 pm, January 14 through February 11 Join Dr. David Carr in Wesley Hall or on Zoom # (see page 9) for a 5-week series on Disability, the Bible, and the Church. Explore how disability can deepen our understanding of God and Scripture—from stories of healing to broader theological insights. Questions? Email programs@asburyfirst.org
Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. Sunday, January 18 from 1 to 3 pm in the Red Room (1010), Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally. Email programs@asuryfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
January 11: Cameron Minister Teen Center, Tomick Madison, Exec. Dir. of Cameron Ministry January 18: Keeping Our Promise, Ellen Smith Executive Director January 25: Habitat for Humanity, Garrett Jones, Grant Coordinator & Advocacy Lead GRHFH February 1: School 17 & 45, Help Me Read, John Smalt February 8: History of Chacocente, Robyn Gage February 15: Family Promise (formally RAIHN), Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director
Adult Sunday School
Grief Group — Wednesdays in-person, Tuesdays via Zoom*
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining worship today, whether in person or online. 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 this community. You can also drop an email to info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re participating offsite, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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. The screens located in the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors by not interacting with or distracting service animals. Need prayer? Share your prayer requests by filling out one of the prayer cards found in the pews or by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All requests are prayed over by the Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children Children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with the children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT Asbury First is a reconciling congregation and seeks to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Read a full statement at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support everyday ministries and operations, allowing this church to live into the vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome gifts by check in the mail or a cash/check gift placed 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 the 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 The livestream of the 11 am service is found at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call this toll-free number: 833-829-1050. The video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Position funded in part by the Susan Shafer Pastoral Care Fund Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Position funded in part by the Helen Fultz Music Fund Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Position funded in part by the Craighead Fund David Strong — Assistant Organist Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109
Seeking Communion Stewards, Production Suite Operators, Crucifers/Acolytes, and Ushers/Greeters
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Young Adulting January 4, at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room (1040) Asbury First (AF) is looking forward to kicking off a Young Adult Fellowship. We will gather at church on the first Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 8 pm. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. After introductions and check-ins, we will read and discuss a parable from "The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales" by Peter Rollins. Remaining time will be used to hang out, play games, and think about other ways we might connect with and within our community. In United Methodist circles, "Young Adult" is 18 - 35, but we don't plan to card; so if you're close and feel like this is a place where you would fit in, come join us for our first session on January 4! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Banned Book Club: James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" Monday, January 19, 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via Zoom * (see page 9), join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain," celebrated for its lyrical prose and psychological depth, and established Baldwin as a major literary voice. For more information, email programs@asburyfirst.org
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, VENMO VIA THE QR CODE, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Wednesday Morning Study Group: "Ethnic America" Wednesdays at 10 am in the Red Room (1010)
Join the Wednesday Morning Study Group as we read "Ethnic America" by Thomas Sowell, which traces the history of different ethnic groups in America to help readers understand their varied experiences in American society. We will read and discuss one part each week Wednesdays through February 11. All are welcome to join us in person in the Red Room (1010) or via Zoom * (see page 9). Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org
On any given Sunday morning, Asbury First is abuzz with volunteers in a variety of roles, making sure our worship services are meaningful and accessible to all. New volunteers are always welcome, but some areas are in particular need right now: Communion Stewards - once a month, helping prepare ahead of time for Communion Production Suite Operators - helping the live stream reach our remote worshipers Crucifers/Acolytes - carrying the cross or Christ candle, lighting altar candles Ushers/Greeters - helping to welcome worshipers and ensuring safety If you have an interest in any of these ministries, please reach out to Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org, and he will connect you with the ministry of your choice. Thank you!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #500 "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
*GATHERING HYMN: #608 “This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now”, vv. 1, 3
*HYMN: #603 “Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire”