January 18, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Judy Messenger Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Second Sunday after Epiphany
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:1-7 (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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #140 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” *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: Duane Prill, piano “As With Gladness Men of Old” — arr. Conrad Kocher “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light” — arr. Johann Schop “Star of the East” (Reverie for Piano) — Amanda Kennedy INTROIT Sing, O sing unto the Lord, sing a new song; declare God’s glory among the nations! (Psalm 96; Music by Jack Goode) *CALL TO WORSHIP Before we spoke, God was already calling. We gather as people shaped by a shared vocation. God’s purpose is formed in struggle and hope alike. We come carrying one another’s stories. God’s call reaches beyond any one people. We worship the God who draws us together for life. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #464 “I Will Trust in the Lord” (v. 1, sung twice) PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of justice and mercy, we confess that we often imagine calling as something individual, rather than something we share. We turn inward when you call us outward. We overlook the dignity of those whose struggles differ from our own. Forgive us. Restore in us a vision of community shaped by care, mutual responsibility, and the deep truth that we all are called to your life. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE God’s call does not fail. God’s purpose is not diminished by struggle. Even when we feel unseen, God is still shaping redemption through us. We are called, restored, and held together in grace. Thanks be to God. *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. SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:1-7 (Common English Bible) Listen to me, coastlands; pay attention, peoples far away. The Lord called me before my birth, called my name when I was in my mother’s womb. God made my mouth like a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of God’s own hand. God made me a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in God’s quiver, saying to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I show my glory.” But I said, “I have wearied myself in vain. I have used up my strength for nothing.” Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with my God. And now the Lord has decided— the one who formed me from the womb as a servant— to restore Jacob to God, so that Israel might return to the Lord. Moreover, I’m honored in the Lord’s eyes; my God has become my strength. God said: It is not enough, since you are my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the survivors of Israel. Hence, I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. The Lord, redeemer of Israel and its holy one, says to one despised, rejected by nations, to the slave of rulers: Kings will see and stand up; commanders will bow down on account of the Lord, who is faithful, the holy one of Israel, who has chosen you. 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 “The Lord Is My Savior” — Irish folk song, arr. Carl Johengen; words by Rae E. Whitney The Lord is my Savior, who saves me from sin. The Lord is the Door and he bids me come in. The Lord is my Shepherd, who loves me his lamb. He is the Almighty, the eternal I AM. The Lord is my Light, the full radiance of day. The Lord is my Life, and the Truth, and the Way. The Lord is the True Vine, the one living bread. Through him we are nourished, by him we are fed. The Lord is my Master, his servant am I. The Lord is my true Friend: for me he did die. The Lord is my Brother, my path he has trod. He is Resurrection: my Lord and my God! The Lord is my Savior… 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: #140 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Eternal Spirit of the living Christ, I know not how to ask or what to say; I only know my need, as deep as life, and only you can teach me how to pray. (Words: Frank von Christierson, 1979; Tune: Penitentia, Edward Dearle, 1874) 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. 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: Eunki Chang, 7th grade, violin, Barbara McIver, piano Concerto No. 9, Op. 104, mvmt. 1 — Charles de Bériot (1802-1870) *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 who calls us together, receive these gifts as signs of our shared life. Use them to strengthen dignity, deepen justice, and nurture communities where all are seen and valued. May our giving reflect the truth that your realm is always larger than any one of us. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #573 “O Zion, Haste” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. ("Danish") POSTLUDE: “Canticle of Joy” — J.S. Bach
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.
“The Lord Is My Savior” text © 1994 Selah Publishing Co., music © 2000 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; 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: Bonnie Matthaides Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Sean Cundy, Denise Snyder-Smith Altar Guild Team: Tammy Clifford, Carol Hardy, Jeanne Ristau Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Bob Peck, Rick Church, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
Celebrate Love in Action on Human Relations Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world filled with love, justice, and unity. On Human Relations Day, we can bring that dream to life by supporting ministries that strengthen neighborhoods and transform lives. To contribute, place your offering in the envelopes provided in the Fellowship Pad in your pew. Together, we can fund programs like faith-based volunteer initiatives, youth organizing, and community development.
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 from 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
Blood Drive — February 14
Wednesday Morning Study Group: "Ethnic America" Wednesdays at 10 am in the Red Room (1010)
Seeking Communion Stewards, Production Suite Operators, Crucifers/Acolytes, and Ushers/Greeters
Sign up or just show up to give blood on Saturday, February 14 from 8:30 am to 1 pm in Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call Ed Ristau at (585) 223-4356, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins also welcome. Please remember to bring your ID.
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 worshippers Crucifers/Acolytes - carrying the cross or Christ candle, lighting altar candles Ushers/Greeters - helping to welcome worshippers 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!
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 gratitude of past and present church members. 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 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 with no experience required as we 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
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
Gloves Wanted!
Asbury Women's Art Class — Fridays, 1 - 3 pm in Room 205 (1040)
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 18 – JANUARY 25
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, January 25, following 11 am worship, we will gather for our annual Church Conference, our once-a-year meeting where the whole congregation is invited to participate in the business of the church. Read more about this important gathering on the back of this bulletin.
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 Choreo Rehearsal – 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 #
SUNDAY (1/25)
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 Church Conference/Town Hall Immediately Following Worship
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
2 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
RRRN Meeting – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
MONDAY (MLK Jr. DAY)
CHURCH OFFICES ARE CLOSED
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
7 pm
Banned Book Club – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
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
4 pm
Zoom Only Grief Group – Zoom *
5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room
5 pm
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
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Adult Sunday School
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.
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).
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.
Grief Group — Wednesdays in-person, Tuesdays via Zoom*
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:
Disability, the Bible, and the Church Wednesdays at 6 pm through Jan 28 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
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
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 Rev. 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
Asbury First is looking for talented, passionate people to join the team! The following positions are now posted at asburyfirst.org/jobs. To apply, email your Resumes and any Questions to search@asburyfirst.org Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries Associate for for Age-Level Ministries Hospitality Coordinator
Asbury First (AF) is excited to launch a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026! We'll gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm for introductions, discussion of a parable from "The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales" by Peter Rollins, and time to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if you think this sounds like a good fit, join us for our next session on February 1! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Operations Associate Communications Assistant
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Town Hall Financial Materials will be emailed Monday, January 12. Alternately, pick up a print copy at the Welcome Desk on Sunday or the Church Office during the week.
Following worship on Sunday, January 25, we will gather for a Town Hall that will also be convened as a Church Conference. This gathering gives us an opportunity to share updates, ask questions, and take a few necessary votes as we celebrate our work together as a congregation. During this meeting, we will: Celebrate our 2025 ministries and mission Receive the final Nominations Report Vote on three additional members of the Governing Board/Trustees Approve Rev. Pat Dupont's adjusted compensation package Vote to approve the 2026 church budget All are welcome and encouraged to attend; We’ll keep things clear, focused, and as efficient as possible!
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
Congregational Town Hall & Church Conference Sunday, January 25 | Following 11 am Worship
Young Adulting AF — February 1 at 6:30, Youth Room
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
*GATHERING HYMN: #464 “I Will Trust in the Lord” (v. 1, sung twice)
*HYMN: #140 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
*HYMN: #140 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (cont'd)
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #573 “O Zion, Haste”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #573 “O Zion, Haste” (cont'd)