February 1, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Elizabeth Church Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
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PRELUDE WELCOME Call to Worship: (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #584 Lord, You Give the Great Commission, vv. 1-4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Micah 6:1-8 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on page 15) PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: #581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service" *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
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PRELUDE: Partita on “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” — John A. Behnke Chimes; Theme; Cantabile; Fantasia INTROIT Holy, holy, holiness unto the Lord. Love ye, love ye, love ye one another. (Shaker song, arr. Kevin Siegfried) *CALL TO WORSHIP God enters into conversation with God’s people. We come ready to listen honestly. The question is not what we can offer, but how we will live. Justice, kindness, humility set the path before us. We worship the God who calls us into faithful relationship. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #584 "Lord, You Give the Great Commission", vv. 1-4 *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #402 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”, vv. 1, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of covenant and truth, we confess how easily we complicate faith. We look for grand gestures when you ask for faithfulness in daily life. We speak of justice but avoid the cost of living it. We praise humility while guarding our own advantage. Holy One, return us to the simplicity of your call to live justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE God calls us into life, not burden. Mercy still meets us on the way. In Christ, we are forgiven and invited to live faithfully. *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: Micah 6:1-8 (Common English Bible) Hear what the Lord is saying: Arise, lay out the lawsuit before the mountains; let the hills hear your voice! Hear, mountains, the lawsuit of the Lord! Hear, eternal foundations of the earth! The Lord has a lawsuit against the people; with Israel God will argue. “My people, what did I ever do to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me! I brought you up out of the land of Egypt; I redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. My people, remember what Moab’s King Balak had planned, and how Balaam, Beor’s son, answered him! Remember everything from Shittim to Gilgal, that you might learn to recognize the righteous acts of the Lord!” With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God on high? Should I come before God with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit? God has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God. 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. 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. 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.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #164 “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life” #618 “Let Us Break Bread Together” #623 “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face” *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Holy, holy, holiness unto the Lord. Love ye, love ye, love ye one another. (Shaker song, arr. Kevin Siegfried) POSTLUDE: “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” — arr. Hal H. Hopson
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “Offertory” — John Ness Beck; words from Micah 6:6-8 With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, shall I come before Him with yearling calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give Him my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? God has shown us all; God has shown us what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to love kindness, and to walk humbly, walk humbly with your God? SERMON HYMN: #441 "What Does the Lord Require", vv. 1, 2, 4 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.
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Marion Curran, her husband Raymond, and her son Kevin by her daughters Mimi & Martha; in loving memory of Linda B. Crawford by David Crawford & family; and in loving memory of Katie VanDerLinden by Ruth and David VanDerLinden. 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. 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.
“Offertory” © 1987 Beckenhorst Press, 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: Elizabeth Church Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Communion Steward: Angie Burch Altar Guild Team: Mindy Louviere, Debbie Merritt, Angie Burch Crucifer, Acolyte: Gillian Allen, Ethan Hildreth Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
REMOTE PARTICIPANTS
Rev. Kathy Thiel is serving communion at_______
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Celebrations and concerns
Wednesday Morning Book Group – Miracles & Wonder
Join our Wednesday morning book study beginning February 18, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom as we explore Miracles and Wonder by Elaine Pagels, a thrilling historical mystery that examines the gospels Jesus's followers left behind. Each chapter addresses fascinating questions—Why a virgin birth? Why the resurrection? Did miracles really happen and what did they mean?—bringing Jesus and his followers vividly to life while shedding light on his enduring power to inspire and attract. All are welcome to join this engaging discussion.
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
Asbury Women's Painting Class – 1040, Room 205
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
ACT Choreography – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (2/8)
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
Souper Bowl Youth Fundraiser – 1040, Welcome Hall
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
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
Meetings & Rehearsals FEBRUARY 1 — FEBRUARY 8
SUNDAY
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream Church Conference/Town Hall — 1040, Sanctuary
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
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 #
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 *
In-Person Grief 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
Today, 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.
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:
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, we'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
Asbury Women's Art Class — Fridays, 1 - 3 pm in Room 205 (1040)
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.
February 8: History of Chacocente, Robyn Gage February 15: Family Promise (formally RAIHN), Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director
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 8 for zoom* address).
Adult Sunday School
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special event! Books will be gift-wrapped with only a few descriptive words visible, keeping titles and covers hidden. Take one home, unwrap it, and enjoy your surprise Valentine—you might just fall in love with a book! Visit the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, February 8 to pick up your mystery book.
Fall In Love With A Book! – Sunday, February 8 in the Gathering Center
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.
Blood Drive — February 14
Two Very Special Wednesdays Wednesdays, February 4 and 11, at 6 pm in Wesley Hall 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!
Souper Bowl Fundraiser Sunday, February 8, at Noon in Fellowship Hall
The youth of Asbury First are selling soup for $10 per quart to fund summer mission trips, with high schoolers heading to West Virginia for Appalachia Service Project and middle schoolers traveling to Buffalo, NY to serve with youth from the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. Join us for a soup luncheon on February 8 in Fellowship Hall at noon, where youth will serve and share about last summer's hurricane relief mission work! Questions, contact mmullin@asburyfirst.org
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
Congregational Town Hall & Church Conference TODAY: February 1 | Following 11 am Worship
SCAN TO VIEW FINANCIAL MATERIALS PDF.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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
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.
Young Adulting AF — February 1 at 6:30 pm, Youth Room (1040)
Following 11 am worship, 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
Ash Wednesday Pan-Methodist Service Wednesday, February 18 at Memorial AME Zion Church
We will begin the holy season of Lent together with our Pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester. This year, the service will be held at Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (549 Clarissa St, Rochester, NY). Join us as we worship with Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and welcome in this important season of Lent. Pastor Michelle will be preaching.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #584 Lord, You Give the Great Commission, vv. 1-4
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #584 Lord, You Give the Great Commission, vv. 1-4 (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #402 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”, vv. 1, 4
HYMN: #441 What Does the Lord Require, vv. 1, 2, 4
COMMUNION HYMN: #164 “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life”
COMMUNION HYMN: #618 “Let Us Break Bread Together”
COMMUNION HYMN: #618 “Let Us Break Bread Together” (cont'd)
COMMUNION HYMN: #623 “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service" (cont'd)