January 29, 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 29, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude
"Cantilena" — C. Boyles "My Prayer Is to Thee" — D. Eliot
Introit
This is the threefold truth on which our faith depends; and with this joyful cry our worship begins and ends: Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again! (Words: Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Acclamations, Jack Schrader)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Called to be light, we would carry God's hope into the shadows of the world. Called to be salt, we would enhance the lives of those around us, with joy. Called to live in God's reality, we would welcome everyone as siblings in faith.
*Processional Hymn
#596 "Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
*Gathering Hymn
"This Little Light of Mine", vv. 1, 2
11 am
Scripture Matthew 5:13-20
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer of Confession
We confess that at times we break your commandments, O God. Much worse, we break your heart, compassionate Creator: when we shrink from those who are different from us; when we gossip about those near to us; when we think everything is all about us. Forgive us, Loving God, we pray. We strive to follow your paths and to believe your promises. Fill our hearts with the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The God of our salvation is gracious, merciful, and righteous, and will never stop showing us the way to God's realm. God rebuilds our lives, repairs our mistakes, fills our emptiness with hope and joy. Thanks be to God, 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.
To hear the word
Offertory
"You Are the Salt and Light" — words and music by Pepper Choplin You are the salt, the salt of the earth. You are the light, the light of the world. Go to the world and give it flavor. Go with the light and let it shine. You are the salt, the salt of the earth. You are the light, the light of the world. But what good is the salt if it loses its flavor? What good is the light until it shines? One tiny bit, just a bit of salt can change all the flavor, and take the bitterness away. A tiny point of light can pierce through the darkness to shine with a guiding ray. Go, live as the salt, the salt of the earth. Go, live as the light, the light of the world. You are the salt, so share all the flavor. You are the light, so let it shine. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world, so let it shine!
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.
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
Sermon
This Little Light
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light", v. 1
Invitation to Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
Communion Procession
Please come forward via the center aisle to receive the elements. If you wish, you may take a moment to kneel at the altar rail before returning to your seat. Please wait to consume the elements until everyone is seated and you are invited to do so.
Anthem Sipra Agrawal Kolar, soloist
"O Taste and See" – Ralph Vaughan Williams; words from Psalm 34:8 O taste and see how gracious the Lord is: blessed are they that trusteth in him.
Hymn
#629 "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart"
The Lord's Supper
All those present will receive the elements together as directed.
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir 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 Production Suite Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Griffin Allen, Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“You Are the Salt and Light” © 2010, Hal Leonard Corp.; “O Taste and See” © 1953 Oxford University Press; 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.
*Closing Hymn
#581 “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
This is the threefold truth, which, if we hold it fast, changes the world and us and brings us home at last: Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again! (Words: Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Acclamations, Jack Schrader)
Postlude
Voluntary in G — Randolph Johnston
Permissions:
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
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
Matthew 5:13-20 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
“This Little Light of Mine” (found on p. 4)
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • January 29, 2023
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars in loving memory of Ernest L. Barnes by his wife Ann and family. 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. .
Celebrations and concerns
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
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 Annual Church Conference—1040 Sanctuary 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 3 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall 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—(canceled 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) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5 pm Four Hundred Souls Discussion—1040 Room 202 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 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)
Meetings & Rehearsals january 29-February 4
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, 1040 Room 201
Questions? Email Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
Starting Sunday January 29, 9:45 am, 1040 Room 201
Children's Musical
New Family Class
Starting Sunday, January 29, we have a new class for families! We will watch an episode together and then parents will break for a discussion on parenting based on the episode while the kids will learn and play lessons that tie our faith with the values that are taught to us by Bluey. Come join us at 9:45 am in room 201.
Wesley Singers is beginning to rehearse for their Spring Musical, Table for Five Thousand by Tom S. Long and Allen Pote 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.
Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111
Friday, February 10, 6 pm, 1040 Fellowship Hall
Come by yourself or with a partner! All are welcome.
For more information, please call 585-271-1050 or email columbarium@asburyfirst.org.
"A columbarium is a sacred, consecrated location where urns of cremated remains are placed, completing the circle of life."
Asbury First is a place of worship, community and celebration of life from baptism to confirmation, marriage and memorial services. Members of the congregation have expressed an interest in having a columbarium at Asbury First for many years. Learn how Asbury First can be your final resting place.
For those who don't already know what a columbarium is, here is a brief explanation:
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.
Artist’s rendering of proposed Columbarium (Partial view)
Led by the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, join us for the first three Wednesdays in February as we highlight some of the conflicts and challenges facing The United Methodist Church today — specifically concerning the full inclusion of our LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ. We will look at the history of what brought us to this point, what is actually happening right now, and what the UMC might look like in the future. We hope you will join us for these compelling conversations.
Wednesdays, Feb. 1, 8, and 15, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall
Contact Mike Mullin, mmullin@asburyfirst.org, with any questions and comments.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
TODAY!
Join us TODAY, JAN. 29 after the 11 am service in person, or on the livestream. To view the Church Conference materials and for instructions on online voting, visit asburyfirst.org/church-conference.
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
Methodism 202
Annual Church Conference 2023
#596 "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word"
continued on next page
Communion Hymn (cont'd)
#581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service"
*Closing Hymn (cont'd)
Gathering Hymn (9 am)