Photo credit: Erich Camping
February 5, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
Each week, the bulletin cover will highlight a local Black artist or feature their work. Check inside to learn more about each artist and their impact on the city.
Black History Month | LOCAL FOCUS: Garth FagAn dance
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 • February 5, 2023
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Learn more about the featured cover artist on Page 11.
* please stand as you are able
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Prelude
Meditation on “Power in the Blood” — arr. Mark Williams “How Great Thou Art” — arr. Dan Miller
Introit
Come by here, Lord, come by here, O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 124)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side — let us say together: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, we would have been swallowed up alive. But such is not the case! Blessed be the Lord, who is our rock and our redeemer! Blessed be the Lord, in whose name is our help! Blessed be the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Come, let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#464 "I Will Trust in the Lord", v. 1, sung twice
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Scripture Jonah 1:1-6
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up. Then the sailors were afraid, and each cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. The captain came and said to him, “What are you doing sound asleep? Get up; call on your god! Perhaps the god will spare us a thought so that we do not perish.”
Prayer of Confession
God of creation and of rescue, your power amazes us. Why do we so often forget that we need you? Have we forgotten that you are the power that makes and sustains us? You show us, again and again, that you are on the side of all people. Forgive us when we try to hoard your love for ourselves. Forgive us when our sins and scandals keep others from knowing you. Redeem us and transform us, O God. Open our hearts, our lives, and our ministries, that we may be a doorway to your realm.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God turns our sorrow into gladness and our times of mourning into celebration. God hears the prayer of faith. Be confident as we pray for one another, for God heals us and forgives us. In the name of Jesus Christ, 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.
11 am
To hear the word
Call to Prayer
Someone needs you, Lord, come by here, O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
*Hymn
#512 "Stand By Me", vv. 1,-3
Sermon
Close to Home: The Cries Before Us
Anthem Holden Turner, soloist
"Litany" — John Musto; poem by Langston Hughes Gather up In the arms of your pity The sick, the depraved, The desperate, the tired, All the scum Of our weary city Gather up In the arms of your pity. Gather up In the arms of your love— Those who expect No love from above.
Prayer of Dedication
Giving God, we can never match your generosity. When we are in need, you are at our side, present to us even in our darkest moments. You rescue us from harm. Make us into a people who celebrate your goodness, drawing others into the celebration of your many blessings. Amen.
Offertory
"The Storm Is Passing Over" — Donald Vails; words by Charles Albert Tindley The storm is passing over, the storm is passing over, the storm is passing over, Hallelujah! Have courage, my soul, and let us journey on. Though the night is dark and I am far from home. Thanks be to God, the morning light appears. The storm is passing over, the storm is passing over, the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!
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.
*Doxology
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.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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 Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Send a blessing, Lord, come by here, O Lord, come by here. (Traditional spiritual)
Postlude
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” — arr. John Barr
“Litany” © 1987 Southern Music Publishing Co.; “The Storm Is Passing Over” © 1985 Donald Vails; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Call to Worship written by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing - www.stephenmfearing.com; Other liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2023 Abingdon Worship Annual.. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 124)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side – let us say together: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, we would have been swallowed up alive. But such is not the case! Blessed be the Lord, who is our rock and our redeemer! Blessed be the Lord, in whose name is our help! Blessed be the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Come, let us worship God!
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
Jonah 1:1-6 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • February 5, 2023
Celebrations and concerns
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
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 and Martha; in loving memory of Linda B. Crawford by David Crawford and family; in loving memory of Katie VanDerLinden by Ruth and David VanDerLinden; and in celebration of the wedding of Claudia Freeman and Anthony Diorio. 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.
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.
Today’s worship includes two hymns by Charles Albert Tindley, who is known as one of the “founding fathers of American Gospel music.” Born to enslaved parents Charles and Ester Tindley, young Charles’ mother died when he was two years old, and his father could not provide him proper care. Alone in the world, Charles taught himself to read and write by the age of 17. Later he settled in Philadelphia with his wife, and attended John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church (where he worked as janitor). Devoted to reading the Bible and inspired by regular consultations with his pastor, Charles felt the call to ministry. He attended night school, and eventually earned a divinity degree through a correspondence course. In 1902, he became pastor of the very church where he had earlier been the janitor. At the time of Tindley’s death, his church had 12,500 members. Years later, the church was renamed in his honor, Tindley Temple United Methodist Church; the church is currently celebrating its 185th anniversary. Tindley wrote the words and music to over 40 hymns in his lifetime, including five that are in our United Methodist Hymnal: “Stand By Me”, “Nothing Between My Soul and My Savior”, “Leave It There”, “Beams of Heaven as I Go”, and “We’ll Understand It Better By and By”. His “I’ll Overcome Some Day” was the basis for the American civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome,” popularized in the 1960s and is still widely sung today. Tindley’s words for “The Storm Is Passing Over” were adapted for the gospel anthem of the same name by Donald Vails, which is sung today by our Sanctuary Choir. Vails (1948-1997) was a successful and influential composer and performer who produced several albums of gospel music; accolades include Grammy nominations and gold records.
A WORD ABOUT WORSHIP
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 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 6:30 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) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Bell Room 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center ($10 pay at the door) 6:30 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 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Methodism 202—1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center ($10 pay at the door) 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC UR Well Clinic 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall friday 4 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 5 pm Valentine's Dinner Dance—1040 Fellowship Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals February 5–11
Each week of February, the bulletin cover will highlight a local Black artist or feature their work. This week we showcase Garth Fagan Dance.
CLOSE TO HOME
Learn more: www.garthfagandance.org, www.erichcamping.com, and 9thfloorartistscollective.com
LOCAL FOCUS: Garth fagan
Curator: Rashaad Parker
Rashaad Parker is of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent. He is from Rochester, NY, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport in Communications and Afro-African American Studies. He has presented research on African American Male Cultural Identity at the University of Maryland and the University of Buffalo Colleges to dispel the myths and negative stereotypes about African American men often perpetrated by mainstream media. He has a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and Arts Management from the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, NY. Rashaad is a filmmaker, visual artist, and activist; whose work focuses on the intersectionality between art and social justice activism. His artwork uses Afro-futuristic mixed media that incorporate metals and found artifacts, videography, 16mm film, sound, sculpture, photo collage, textiles, and film as a substrate. He is the Community Outreach Manager and Youth Director for high-schoolers at the Flower City Arts Center, in Rochester, NY, where he manages membership, outreach, and the after-school program Expanding The Field — which provides free classes and portfolio development for young artists of color who want to pursue a college degree in the visual arts. He is also one of the founding members and current Creative Director/CFO of the 9th Floor Artists Collective, LLC.
Black History Month
Garth Fagan is the founder and artistic director of the multi award-winning Garth Fagan Dance, Garth Fagan Dance School, and the Fagan Institute East. Celebrating 52 years with this home season at The Joyce Theater in New York, NY, the internationally acclaimed company is taking its rightful place as a Black Legacy dance company with a message that shows people of color are worthy, capable, and interested in telling stories that affffect people of all colors and backgrounds. Fagan used the Fagan Technique, to create the movement that helped build Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway to its towering heights. The Fagan Technique continually renews a distinctive dance vocabulary, which draws on many sources: a sense of weight in modern dance, torso-centered movement and energy of Afro-Caribbean, the speed and precision of ballet, and the rule breaking experimentation of the postmoderns. In the world of concert dance, Fagan choreographs primarily for his company. But, Fagan has also produced commissions for a number of leading companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Scene Seen, a solo for Judith Jamison for the debut of the Jamison Project, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the José Limón Dance Company, and Ellington Elation, part of a triad of pieces commissioned by New York City Ballet in honor of Duke Ellington’s centenary and New York City Ballet’s 50th anniversary. Fagan began his career when he toured Latin America with Ivy Baxter and her national dance company from Jamaica. In October 2001, Fagan, a native of Jamaica, was presented with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander: A national honor bestowed upon him by the Jamaican government. In 2012, the University of Rochester and its Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies awarded The Frederick Douglass Medal to Fagan to acknowledge his scholarship and civic engagement that honor the Douglass legacy. He is a Chancellor’s Award-winning Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the State University of New York, and taught for over three decades at the State University of New York at Brockport. In the Fall of 2003, Fagan received the George Eastman Medal from the University of Rochester for “outstanding achievement and dedicated service.” He holds honorary doctorates from The Juilliard School, the University of Rochester, Nazareth College of Rochester, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Other awards include the Monarch Award from the National Council for Culture and Art, the Lillian Fairchild Award, and the Arts Achievement Award from his alma mater, Wayne State University. On October 1, 2021, Fagan received the distinguished Eastman Luminary Award for his extraordinary service to music and the arts at both the local and national level.
RSVP with Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111
Yummy dinner and a dance It will be fun with or without a date, All Are Welcome! Benefits the Community Outreach Center LIVE BAND! Dance the night away to the amazing music of the 10-piece, local band "Different Every Time." CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE! Little ones will have a party upstairs.
Friday, February 10, 6 pm, 1040 Fellowship Hall, Good-will Offering
TOP FIVE REASONS TO ATTEND:
Wednesday, February 22, 7 pm, In-Person and Livestream
Join us as we begin the holy season of Lent together with our pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester.
Pan-Methodist Ash Wednesday Service
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
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
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#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn
continued on next page
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#512 "Stand By Me", vv. 1-3
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
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*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)
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Gathering Hymn (9 am)