9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
February 2, 2025
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 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 Xiomara Serrano — Property Care Supervisor, x124 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
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. 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.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
* please stand as you are able
Prelude Clara Chang, Violin Carl Johengen, Piano
Violin Concerto No. 4 in D, K. 211, mvmt. 1 (Allegro) — W. A. Mozart
Introit
Shine on me, shine on me, let the light from the lighthouse shine on me. (African American spiritual, adapted by William Farley Smith, arr. Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God calls to us, speaking our names before we even understand. We are known, loved, and chosen for a purpose. God sends us out, not in our own strength, but with divine power. We are called, equipped, and never alone. God’s word is in our mouths, and God’s presence goes before us. With trust and courage, we step forward in faith. Come, let us worship the One who knows us, calls us, and leads us. We are ready to listen, to follow, and to serve.
*Processional Hymn
#444 “O Young and Fearless Prophet”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#585 “This Little Light of Mine”, vv. 1, 2 (sung to the alternate, familiar tune)
11 am • February 2, 2025
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God who calls us, we hear your voice, but we hesitate. You ask us to speak, and we question our words. You send us to act, and we doubt our strength. Too often, we let fear overshadow faith, insecurity replace trust, and excuses silence our obedience. Forgive us, O God, when we forget that you are our source, our strength, and our guide. Remind us that you do not call the equipped, but you equip the called. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may go where you send us with courage and love. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God reaches out, touching our lips and hearts, saying: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” We go forth in faith, trusting in God’s call and presence. 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.
Scripture Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Common English Bible)
The Lord’s word came to me: “Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I made you a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak because I’m only a child.” The Lord responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’ Where I send you, you must go; what I tell you, you must say. Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord stretched out a hand, touched my mouth, and said to me, “I’m putting my words in your mouth. This very day I appoint you over nations and empires, to dig up and pull down, to destroy and demolish, to build and plant.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To Renew Commitment
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory Sanctuary Choir
"Let Us Break Bread Together" — African American Spiritual, arr. Gwyneth Walker Let us break bread together on our knees. Let us break bread together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. Let us love one another on our knees. Let us love one another on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Let us rise up together all as one. Let us rise up together all as one. When I rise from my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy, and bring us peace.
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.
SIGN IN HERE
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Sermon
Communion Hymn
"The Lone Wild Bird", vv. 1-3
To celebrate holy communion
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
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.
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.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving 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 provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
Hymns (as needed)
#632 "Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether" #614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#649 "How Shall They Hear the Word of God"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Livingston Gearhart)
Postlude
Postlude on “Holy Manna” — John S. Dixon
“Let Us Break Bread Together” © 2017 E.C. Schirmer Music Company, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Come Fall in Love with a Book! Celebrate Valentine's Day with a very special event! Books will be giftwrapped with a few descriptive words on them, keeping the title and book covers hidden. Take the book home, unwrap it, and treat yourself to a surprise Valentine. You might even find that you will Fall in Love with a Book! Visit the bibliocart, Sunday, February 2 to pick up your mystery book.
Permissions:
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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Melissa Bohrer Communion Stewards: Angie Burch, Judy Messenger, Cheryl Thompson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: David Snyder, Andrew Hunt Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
SCAN TO JOIN IN VIA ZOOM
Wednesday, February 5, 6 - 7 pm, Wesley Hall and Zoom On February 5, Jeannie Gainsburg, author of The Savvy Ally, will share her personal journey as an ally and some of her favorite tips for creating an LGBTQ+ welcoming, safe, and inclusive faith community. For more info, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (found on p. 4)
9 am • February 2, 2025
PLEASE SIGN IN
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Melissa Bohrer Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Communion
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. Words about the works of God. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
*Closing Hymn
Sunday, March 2 after the 11am service Asbury First's Governing Board conducts Town Hall meetings throughout the year, inviting the congregation to learn about a variety of important topics. The next of the sessions will be March 2, and will highlight the work of the Dream Team. Mark your calendar! Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, after the 11 am service for updates on topics important to the daily operation of Asbury First.
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 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. We pray for the soul of Karen Daniels, who died on January 2. A memorial service celebrating her life was held on January 17. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Joyce Rotach who died on January 10. A memorial service celebrating her life was held on January 25. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Joan Phillips who died Tuesday, January 21. A service to celebrate her life will be held this spring. Our hearts and prayers are with Ed and Jeanne Ristau whose daughter-in-law, Lisa Ristau, died on Saturday, January 18. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held on Saturday, February 1 at 2 pm at Fairport United Methodist Church. Our hearts and prayers are with Diana and Angelo Nole as they grieve the loss of Diana's mother, Elaine Ivah Zinnecker, who died on January 16.
Visitors from the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence will be leading a workshop in the Lower Level of the Community Outreach Center on Monday, February 10 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. These are helpful skills for us all to be able to offer our neighbors and community! All are welcome. Please register in advance by visiting tiny.cc/Gandhi
Celebrations and concerns
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
* zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
Sunday 9 am Worship Service (with communion) — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service (with communion) — In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2:15 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1010, Red Room WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040, Education Wing, Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Room 201 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 205 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 6 pm Arsenic & Old Lace — 1040, Fellowship Hall SaturDAY 10 am Releationship Breakup Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 6 pm Arsenic & Old Lace — 1040, Fellowship Hall NEXT SUNday (2/9) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12:15 pm Souper Bowl Sunday Youth Fundraiser — 1040, Fellowship Hall 1 pm Arsenic & Old Lace — 1040, Fellowship Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals February 2 – February 9
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
ZOOM KEY
Tutors are needed for the Help Me Read program at School 17, grades K-4. New Tutor Training/Orientation: Monday, February 3, 9 - 10:30 am All orientations are held at 1000 North Winton Rd, Rochester NY, 14609. Call Ms. Linda at School 17 to register (585) 766-8440. If you are interested in tutoring please contact John Smalt at jhsmalt@gmail.com or at (585) 924-8624.
Housing Equity Guest Speaker Series Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 am, Fellowship Hall Join us for two Sunday school hour presentations on our community's housing crisis and how we can work towards solutions. February 9: “Understanding the Scope and Cost of Local Homelessness: Working Towards Solutions” Presented by Janelle Duda-Banwar, founder and director of On The Ground Research; and Patrick Hanna, Board member of REACH Advocacy February 16: “Smart Growth: Zoning and the Benefits of Housing Options” Presented by Bill Price, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner
Sunday, February 9, 12:15 – 1 pm, Fellowship Hall Join us for a soup lunch and a presentation from our youth about our 2024 Summer Mission Trips. Our Senior High travelled to Chicago, Illinois to participate in various urban mission projects, and our Junior High assisted with similar projects locally in Rochester, before embarking on an overnight to NYC. If you can't stay for the presentation, we will still be offering quarts of soup "to-go" as a fundraiser for our 2025 Mission Trips.
Speaker Series
ASBURY FIRST'S
Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be bought for yourself, a loved one, or can be reserved for those who may be unable to secure a spot in the future. Visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to learn more.
For questions, please reach out to Paula Dugan, Director of Children’s Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Red Cross
Construction begins this spring
at Asbury First
BLOOD
Sign up or just show up to give blood Saturday, February 15 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call Ed Ristau at (585) 223-4356 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
DRIVE
Please remember to bring ID
Cooking up Faith! Winter VBS – February 18 – 20, 2025, 9 am – 12 pm Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this winter break for Winter VBS: Cooking Up Faith! We will cook up a storm learning recipes for friendship, family, and fun while using ingredients like kindness, service, and love. Just add a dollop of prayer and let it simmer for a lifetime!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP FOR WINTER VBS!
COLUMBARIUM
Throughout 2025 we are going to pair worship with action in a new way. Each month we will collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. This February, you are invited to bring to worship donations of Hats, Gloves & Handwarmers. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
Join us next weekend for comedy and calamity and share a meal with friends old and new! Presented by our very own theater company, Asbury First Community Theatre. Friday, February 7 - dinner at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Saturday, February 8 - dinner at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Sunday, February 9 - lunch at 1 pm, show starts at 2 pm Ticket are on sale now. 1040 East Ave (lower level) Fellowship Hall
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
C.O.C. Chapel Challenge
SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: Arsenic & Old Lace
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
#585 “This Little Light of Mine”, vv. 1, 2
#632 "Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether"
#614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"