January 15, 2023 • 9 & 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 15, 2023
{{page}}
* please stand as you are able
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude
“Prayer” — René Vierne “Andante Sostenuto” (from Gothic Symphony) — Charles Marie Widor
Introit
Father of lights, in whom there is no shadow, giver of every good and perfect gift, with one accord we seek thy holy presence, gladly our hearts to thee in praise we lift. (Words: Elizabeth Wilson, Helen Thoburn; Tune: Welwyn, Alfred Scott-Gatty)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 40)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We have waited patiently for our God. God listens to us and hears our cries. God draws us out of the desolation of our sins. God sets us upon a rock, strong and secure. God puts a new song into our mouths. Let everyone see what God has done for us, and put their trust in the Lord.
*Opening Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#133 "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", v. 1,
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Scripture John 1:29-42
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”
continued on next page
To hear the word
11 am
Prayer of Confession
You are faithful, Patient God, even as we hide in the shadows of life. We could delight in your hopes for us, but we choose to do things our way. We could serve those in need around us, but we are lured away by our desire for power. We could share the glad news of deliverance, but we are lulled by small talk. There is none like you, Redeemer of all. You hear our prayers, and whisper forgiveness to our souls. You lift us out of the holes we dig for ourselves, and set us on hope's solid ground. You strengthen our weak faith with the life, grace, and love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Come, dear friends, and receive God's grace; see all that God is doing for you; follow Jesus, as he leads you closer to God. I will sing of God's love for me; I will sing a new song of hope and wonder. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*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 (Cont'd)
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Anthem
"Follow Me" — South Carolina spiritual, arr. John Carter Fisherman Peter on the sea, drop your net now and follow me! Fisherman Peter on the sea, drop your net now and follow me! Brother James, son of Zebedee, leave your fishing and follow me! Brother James, son of Zebedee, leave your fishing and follow me! All you people, now come along, hear Jesus call and join his song. He will show us the way to go, so come and follow and don’t be slow.
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
#500 "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart", vv. 1, 5
Sermon
Before and After
Offertory Jordan Bachmann, soloist
"Just As I Am" — William Bradbury, arr. Howard Helvey; words by Charlotte Elliott Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidd'st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Call to Prayer
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, no sudden rending of the veil of clay, no angel visitant, no opening skies; but take the dimness of my soul away. (Words: George Croly; Tune: Morecambe, Frederick Atkinson)
Pastoral Prayer
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
To Disperse in Mission
*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.
*Closing Hymn
#568 “Christ for the World We Sing”
Permissions:
“Follow Me” © 1993 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “Just As I Am” © 2020, 2022 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from “Lectionary Liturgies”, © Thom M. Schuman. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Prayer of Dedication
God of new ways, may these gifts we offer bring comfort to those who grieve, and hope to those who live on the streets of despair. May they bring peace to all the broken places, and grace to all who long to draw closer to you. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Jacob Arcadelt)
Postlude
“Grand Choeur” — Théodore Dubois
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont Lay Reader: Sean Mahan Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir: Brian Bohrer, Guest Conductor 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
Opening Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”, vv. 1, 4
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
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
John 1:29-42 (found on pg. 4-5)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#568 “Christ for the World We Sing”, vv. 1, 3
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • January 15, 2023
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, 1040 Room 201
Children's Musical
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev. & Mrs. Vern VanDerLinden, Katie VanDerLinden, and Helen Howitt by Ruth & David VanDerLinden. 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 passed away 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
Wesley Singers is beginning to rehearse for their Spring Musical, Table for Five Thousand by Tom S. Long and Allen Poe and it’s not too late to join us. All children 2nd through 5th grade may participate. We rehearse in Room 201 from 6 - 7 pm on Wednesdays. We will present this show during the 11 am service on Sunday, April 30. For more information contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org.
Childrens Music
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Gentle Yoga
Meetings & Rehearsals january 15-21
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 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 Sound of Music Auditions—1040 Wesley Hall 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 MONday Campus Closed—Martin Luther King Jr. Day 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—1050 Dining Room 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 Rm 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 4 pm Gentle Yoga (canceled through 2/2) 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC - 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 Fellowship Hall
CONNECT
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 at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Interested in Making Music at Asbury First?
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. RSVP to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111 by 2/8.
SAVE THE DATE!
Scan the QR code to sign up for auditions!
AUDITIONS: Sunday, January 15, 12:30-5 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall 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
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
Shows: Friday, May 5, 7 pm, Saturday, May 6, 7 pm, Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
AUDITIONS TODAY at 12:30!
Annual Church Conference 2023
*Processional Hymn
#103 "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
#133 "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", v. 1
#568 "Christ for the World We Sing"
*Gathering Hymn (9 am)
#131 "We Gather Together"