To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
February 4, 2024 • 9 & 11 AM
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 Asburyfirst.org
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, 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 place your 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. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“There is a Happy Land” — George Shearing “I Love Thee, My Lord” — George Shearing “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” — Gilbert M. Martin
Introit
Come by here, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 147
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. How good it is to sing praises to our God! God heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. God counts the stars, and calls them each by name. How great is our God! The Lord cares for all of creation. The Lord takes pleasure in those who heed the call. Come, let us sing out our thanksgiving to God! Let us worship God!
*Opening Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#474 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • February 4, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Lord, today we confess that we often live as those who have never heard of you, worrying and fretting as if we had no advocate. Forgive us, Lord, for wanting to have things our own way. Forgive us, Lord, for grasping at power when you are the Power. Forgive us, Lord, for seeking glory when all glory belongs to you. Forgive us, Lord, for not leaning upon you when we feel weak, or powerless or alone. Teach us to live as your disciples in a world so in need of your presence.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, hear the good news! The prophet Isaiah says this: “Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. People of God, trust in the Lord and be strengthened! In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, strengthened, and restored. 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 Mark 1:29-39
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. The Word of God for the People of God. 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, 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.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Dan McInerney, Soloist
“Bless the Lord, O My Soul” — Carolyn Jennings; words from Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless the holy name of God. Bless the Lord, O my soul, remember all the benefits that the Lord bestows on you. God forgives your sins and heals you, redeems your life from the grave; God crowns your days with mercy and love. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless the holy name of God. The Lord works righteousness and justice for those oppressed. God’s mighty deeds were known to Moses and the people of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, great in kindness, God removes our sins as far as east is from west. As far as are the heavens above the earth, so is the wideness of God’s love to those whose trust is sure. Bless the Lord, all you angels, you mighty ones in God’s command, all who heed the voice of God. Bless the Lord, all you ministers, all you who do the will of God, bless the holy name of God. For our earthly days are like grass; we flourish like a flower, but the love of God remains forevermore. Bless the Lord, all you hosts, and all you mighty works of God, Bless the Lord, O my soul.
*Hymn
#578 "God of Love and God of Power", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
What I Came to Do
Call to Prayer
Someone needs you, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
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.
Offertory Brenda Nitsch, Soloist
"I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Lloyd Larson I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me; all along my pilgrim journey, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me; In my trials, Lord, walk with me; when my heart is almost breaking, I want Jesus to walk with me. When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when my head is bowed in sorrow, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Sally Wood Winslow 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 Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Team: Bob Peck, Joe Blakely, Noël Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
““Bless the Lord, O My Soul” © 2000 Neil A. Kjos Music Company; "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” © 2011, 2016 Hope Publishing Company; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of abundant healing power, as we offer our gifts to you, we pray that they might be used to bring healing of body, of spirit, of broken relationships. We pray that they might bring healing to our planet, and to our community that is so in need of your love. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Send a blessing, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
Postlude
"Great Day" — Spiritual, arr. Robert J. Powell
*Doxology Hymnal #95
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.
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. How good it is to sing praises to our God! God heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. God counts the stars, and calls them each by name. How great is our God! The Lord lifts up the downtrodden, and casts down the wicked. The Lord cares for all of creation. The Lord takes pleasure in those who heed the call. Come, let us sing out our thanksgiving to God!
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”, vv. 1, 3, 4
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#578 "God of Love and God of Power", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Mark 1:29-39 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing", vv. 1, 3
Chapel service
9 am • February 4, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Pianist: David Strong
Join us February 11 for another visiting preacher in our winter preaching series, the Rev. Bryant Clark! The Rev. Bryant Clark is a graduate of Boston University School of Theology. He was ordained an elder in 2022 and is currently serving at Marcellus United Methodist Church. Pastor Bryant is passionate about church renewal, lay leadership development, youth ministry and ministries of mercy and justice.
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? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ernest Barnes by his wife Ann Barnes and family; 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 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 offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Jean Cook, who died on January 8. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held on February 3. We offer our prayers and concerns for Cindy Malone after the death of her mother, Gail Gould, on January 8. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of P.R. Anderson, who died on January 10. A memorial service will be held at Asbury First on Saturday, February 17 at 3 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns for Susan and Matt Guffey after the death of Susan's father, Jon Patterson on January 11. We offer our prayers and concerns for Claudia Nolan, whose grandfather, Bob Walker, died on January 15.
After the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady leaves the pulpit, but before the interim arrives in March, he has invited several of his friends in ministry from near and far to share the gospel message of hope and inclusion. Please plan to join us each week for this exciting series.
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
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
Meetings & Rehearsals February 4 – February 10
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 1040 Gathering Center 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group — 1040 Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 2 pm Barefoot in the Park Dress Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 2 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 5:30 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall/Sanctuary 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Halleujah Kids Choir — 1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Building Diversity — 1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers and Ringers — 1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — Hybrid - Smart Meeting Room (1040, Lower Level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 5:30 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 5:30 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) 7 pm Barefoot in the Park — 1040 Fellowship Hall Saturday 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Dinner Theatre — 1040 Fellowship Hall
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place in the Gathering Center at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call Backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
BUY TICKETS
Join us in the Sanctuary on Wednesday February 7 from 6 to 7 pm for our final conversation on how we can take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our individual, congregational, and community lives. All are welcome! This program is designed and led by Rev. Rachel Dupont and members of the Racial Equity leadership team. For more information, please contact Rachel at rdupont@asburyfirst.org.
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
Wednesday, February 7 in the Sanctuary
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations February 18 - Elizabeth Church and her role as Director of Bell Choirs February 25 - Racial Equity and Housing Presentation (week 1) All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theatre Performance – 6 pm (Dinner Theatre tickets must be reserved by Thursday, February 8) For more information, contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
asburyfirst.org (585) 271-1050
Oliver!
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
Register here
February 20-22, 9 am-noon
If you are familiar with the great Australian cartoon about a family of dogs, you will understand what we’re talking about! If not, come and find out all about what makes Bluey, the six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy so special! Join us in the Education Wing (connected to the Gathering Center) on the 2nd floor. All are welcome, and feel free to invite a friend!
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
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call Backs are Saturday February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
*Processional Hymn
*Recessional Hymn
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)