January 25, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Lilith Hart Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Third Sunday after Epiphany
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" (found on the facing page) PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:12-23 (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: #427 "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life", vv. 1, 2, 5, 6 *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: David Strong, organ Hymn Preludes by Robert Lau — "Jesus, the Very Thought of You"; "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us"; "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" INTROIT Come, come and worship the Lord; let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving. Amen. (Psalm 95; Music by Jack Goode) *CALL TO WORSHIP Christ calls people in the middle of ordinary work. The invitation meets us where we already are. Some hear the call alone; others hear it together. Listening is something we learn side by side. The shoreline becomes a place of beginning. Following starts with shared attention. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #546 "The Church's One Foundation" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of justice, we confess that we look for easy answers instead of faithful living. We turn your call into a checklist rather than a way of being. Forgive our shortcuts. Teach us again how to walk humbly, love deeply, and live justly in relationship with you and others. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE God meets us in the work of faithful living. Thanks be to God, who forgives us and invites us into life. *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: Matthew 4:12-23 (Common English Bible) Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death. From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people. 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 “Footsteps” — Craig Courtney; words by Jonathan Cook I see His footsteps in the way, and follow them through darkest night, Unafraid, I stumble not, in the glow of perfect light, I see. I walk in footsteps of His love, and find His light leads on before, Then He gently turns to me, softly whispers, “trust Me more.” I walk. Then as I follow in His way, my path ahead will brightly shine, For in His path of guiding light, I find His footsteps first, then mine. 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: #398 "Jesus Calls Us" SERMON CALL TO PRAYER God to enfold, God to surround, God in speech told, God my thought bound; God when I sleep, God when I wake. God our watch keep, God our hopesake. (Words: Rev. G.R.D. McLean, Poems of the Western Highlanders; 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. 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: Brenda Nitsch, soloist “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” — Stephan Casurella; words by Edward Hopper Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life's tempestuous sea; unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal. Chart and compass came from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me. (cont'd) As a mother stills her child, thou canst hush the ocean wild; boisterous waves obey thy will, when thou sayest to them, "Be still!" Wondrous sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me. When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar 'twixt me and the peaceful rest, then, while leaning on thy breast, may I hear thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee." *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 justice and mercy, receive these gifts as signs of our desire to live the life you require. Use them to nurture dignity, pursue justice, and strengthen communities rooted in kindness and humility. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #427 "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Philip James) POSTLUDE: "Trumpet Tune in E-flat" (Homage to the 18th Century) — David Johnson
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.
“Footsteps” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” © 2014 St. James Music Press; 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 Readers: Ann Johnson (remote from Missoula, MT), Lilith Hart Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolyte, Crucifer: Elizabeth Church, Giovanni Bucci Altar Guild Team: Tammy Clifford, Carol Hardy, Jeanne Ristau Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
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. 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.
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 25 — February 1
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 – 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 (2/1)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
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 — 1040, Sanctuary
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
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
SUNDAY
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream Church Conference/Town Hall POSTPONED to FEB 1
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
UR Well Dermatology Clinic – 1010, Red Room
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
4 pm
Zoom-Only Grief Group – Zoom *
5:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
3 pm
Knitting Ministry Group – 1040, Library
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
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
Asbury Women's Art Class — Fridays, 1 - 3 pm in Room 205 (1040)
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
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).
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 through January 28 Join Dr. David Carr in Wesley Hall or on Zoom # (see page 9) for the final session 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
Adult Sunday School
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:
Grief Group — Wednesdays in-person, Tuesdays via Zoom*
Two Very Special Wednesdays Wednesdays at 6 pm, February 4 and 11 Join the LGBTQ Advocacy Team for two enlightening Wednesday evenings this February. On February 4, Cory Tylenda and Chris Gold return with "UMC Savvy Allies: Where are we now?" – a thought-provoking follow-up discussion exploring our journey as allies in the UMC community. Then on February 11, don't miss "through a mirror dimly, but then…!" featuring Rev. Dr. Phillippa "phil" Phaneuf, who will share her powerful personal story of discovering and embracing her identity as a transgender woman throughout her life. Both sessions promise meaningful conversation, deeper understanding, and the opportunity to grow together as a community. Mark your calendars and join us for these important Wednesday evening programs!
Gloves Wanted!
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.
Blood Drive — February 14
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.
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 — Financial Controller, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109
Operations Associate Communications Assistant
Congregational Town Hall & Church Conference POSTPONED: Sunday, February 1 | Following 11 am Worship
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.
Due to expected weather this weekend and the importance of in-person attendance for Governing Board and Trustee votes, the Town Hall & Church Conference has been postponed until February 1. Following worship on Sunday, February 1, we will gather for a Town Hall that will also be convened as a Church Conference, which is 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 Receiving a 2025 bequest
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 Age-Level Ministries Hospitality Coordinator
SCAN TO VIEW FINANCIAL MATERIALS PDF
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
Young Adulting AF — February 1 at 6:30 pm, Youth Room
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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #546 "The Church's One Foundation"
*HYMN: #398 "Jesus Calls Us"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #427 "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life"