January 22, 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 22, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude
Chorale Prelude on “All Glory Be to God on High”, BWV 662 — J.S. Bach
Introit
How good and pleasant is the sight when kindred make it their delight to dwell in blest accord; such love is like anointing oil that consecrates for holy toil the servants of the Lord. (Words: Psalm 133; Tune: Americus, Charles H. Gabriel)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come out of the shadows and into God's light! We will not play hide and seek, but will make a pilgrimage to God's heart. Lay down all which is a burden to you. We will give our fears to God, who is our help in every moment. Follow the One who will lead you to new life. We long to live in God's presence every day of our lives.
*Opening Hymn
#132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#451 "Be Thou My Vision", vv. 1, 2,
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Scripture I Corinthians 1:10-18
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you but that you be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been made clear to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel—and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
To hear the word
11 am
Prayer of Confession
We confess, God our Light, that we struggle to live in blessed accord. Even within our family of faith, we allow ourselves to be divided by so many things. We want to follow Jesus, but are leery of where he might lead us. We seek your favor, but don’t always show grace to those around us. God our Deliverer, have mercy on us in our weakness. May your love become the core of our hearts.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God is our help, so why should we be afraid? God keeps us safe, there is nothing to dread. This is good news for all the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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.
Minute for Mission
Glenn Peck, Dining and Caring Center
Anthem
"The Grace Divine" — Resignation, American hymn tune, arr. Roger Price; words by Charles Wesley Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord, In a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord; Give up ourselves, through Jesus’ power, His Name to glorify; And promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die. The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind; We will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind. We never will throw off the fear of God Who hears our vow; And if Thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now. Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, let all our hearts receive, Present with Thy celestial host the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away, And register our names on high and keep us to that day!
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
#298 "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
Emptying the Cross
Offertory
"This One Thing I Ask of the Lord" — English folk song, arr. Charles McCartha; words from Psalm 27 This one thing I ask of the Lord, this one thing is all that I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, living there eternally. This one thing I ask of the Lord, this one thing is all that I seek: that I will see the face of the Lord shining on me eternally. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? This one thing I surely know, this one thing is all I need know: that I will see the goodness of God here on earth and in heaven above.
Call to Prayer
O thou, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, the path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Campmeeting, anon. American)
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
#415 “Take Up Thy Cross”
Permissions:
“The Grace Divine” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “This One Thing I Ask of the Lord” © 2011 Hope Publishing Co.; 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.
Prayer of Dedication
Use our gifts, Loving God, so others who are burdened by life may be sheltered in the blanket of your grace. Help us create a welcoming community that invites all into your family. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Gerald Peterson)
Postlude
Chorale Prelude on "We All Believe in One True God", BWV 680 — J.S. Bach
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Kathy Farrar Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Brian Bohrer, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Suite Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Zeke Doerner Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Opening Hymn
#451 “Be Thou My Vision”, vv. 1, 2
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
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • January 22, 2023
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Helen Fultz, a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all who knew her, by her husband Dan. 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
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, 1040 Room 201
Children's Musical
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals january 22-28
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—(cancelled through end of January) 6 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group: Near the Exit—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 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 pm Youth Handbells—1040 Bell Room 6:35 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 Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC UR Well Clinic friday 4 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) saturday 5 pm Board Saturday Night—1040 Fellowship Hall
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.
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
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.
CONNECT
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 at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Choral Scholar Kayla Sconiers Recieves a Major Scholorship Award
Congratulations to our own Kayla Sconiers, who was awarded the prestigious William Warfield Scholarship from the Eastman School of Music! Kayla is in her junior year at Eastman, and will receive the award at a benefit concert on Sunday, January 22nd at 3:00pm in Kilbourn Hall. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and can be purchased at EastmanTheatre.org.
TODAY, January 22, 3 pm, Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School 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
Annual Church Conference 2023
*Processional Hymn
#132 All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
#451 "Be Thou My Vision", vv. 1, 2
#415 "Take Up Thy Cross"
*Gathering Hymn (9 am)