February 8, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Lilith Hart Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Duane Prill
SIGN IN HERE
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
{{page}}
PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #428 "For the Healing of the Nations" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:1-12 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: "Lead On, O Cloud of Presence" (found on page 7) *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.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: “Prelude and Fugue in G Major”, Op. 37 — Felix Mendelssohn INTROIT Come by here, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (Spiritual) *CALL TO WORSHIP God speaks to a people who are earnest, faithful, and still missing something. We recognize ourselves in that story. God names what harms and what heals. Truth opens the door to repair. Light breaks forth where justice is practiced. Restoration begins among us. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #428 "For the Healing of the Nations" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #57 "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", vv. 1, 2, 3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of truth, we confess that we want faith to feel meaningful without wanting it to be disruptive. We are sincere in our devotion and yet slow to notice whose lives remain constrained. We seek your presence while stepping around the pain of others. Speak honestly to us, unsettle what needs to change, and teach us the faith that restores life, not just the faith that reassures us. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Where truth is faced, light begins to shine. We are forgiven! We are forgiven, and restoration is already underway. *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: Isaiah 58:1-12 (Common English Bible) Shout loudly; don’t hold back; raise your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their crime, to the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, desiring knowledge of my ways like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God. They ask me for righteous judgments, wanting to be close to God. “Why do we fast and you don’t see; why afflict ourselves and you don’t notice?” Yet on your fast day you do whatever you want, and oppress all your workers. You quarrel and brawl, and then you fast; you hit each other violently with your fists. You shouldn’t fast as you are doing today if you want to make your voice heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I choose, a day of self-affliction, of bending one’s head like a reed and of lying down in mourning clothing and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your own righteousness will walk before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and God will say, “I’m here.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the finger-pointing, the wicked speech; if you open your heart to the hungry, and provide abundantly for those who are afflicted, your light will shine in the darkness, and your gloom will be like the noon. The Lord will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won’t run dry. They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be called Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets. 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. ANTHEM: Solo Quartet “This Is the Fasting I Ask” — Michael Connolly; words from Isaiah 58:6-9 This, this is the fasting I ask: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thong of the yoke, setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke. This, this is the fasting I ask: sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering those without homes, giving clothes to the naked, healing every hurt. This, this is the fasting I ask. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound quickly heal. Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help and God will say: here I am! 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. *HYMN: #593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 2 SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Someone needs you, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. (Spiritual) PASTORAL PRAYER 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. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “God Has Work for Us to Do” — Mark Miller 'Til all the jails are empty and all the bellies filled; ‘til no one hurts or steals or lies, and no more blood is spilled: (Ref:) God has work for us to do, 'til God's will is done and all things are made new, God has work for us to do! 'Til age and race and gender no longer separate; 'til pulpit, press, and politics are free of greed and hate: (Ref.) In tenement and mansion, in factory, farm, and mill, in board room and in billiard hall, in wards where time stands still. In classroom, church, and office, in shops, or on the street, in every place where people thrive, or stave, or hide, or meet. God has work for us… By sitting at a bedside to hold pale, trembling hands, by speaking for the powerless against unjust demands. By praying through our doing, and singing though we fear, by trusting that the seed we sow will bring God's harvest near: (Ref.) *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of repair and renewal, we bring these gifts as part of the work you are already doing. Use them to loosen what binds, to strengthen what is fragile, and to rebuild what has been worn thin. May our giving participate in the light that restores dignity and life. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: "Lead On, O Cloud of Presence" (found on the following page) *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Send a blessing, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. (Spiritual) POSTLUDE: Postlude on “Llangloffan” — arr. John S. Dixon
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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.
“This Is the Fasting I Ask” © 1984 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.;“God Has Work for Us to Do” words © 1996 Hope Publishing Co., music © 2012 Choristers Guild.; 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: Lilith Hart Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir: Brenda Nitsch, Conductor Section Leaders: Mary Fetterman, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Crucifer, Acolyte: Alessandro Bucci, Johanna Mahan Altar Guild Team: Mindy Louviere, Debbie Merritt, Angie Burch Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: "Lead On, O Cloud of Presence"
Fall In Love With A Book! – Sunday, February 8 in the Gathering Center
Visitation Group – Saturday, February 28 at 1 pm in the Library
An important part of our church community is reminding people that they are loved and appreciated. One of the most effective ways to do this is to engage with each other by getting to know one another. If you would like to make in-person visits or phone calls as a way to connect with others in our church, please plan to attend a meeting of the Visitation Group on Saturday, February 28 at 1 pm in the Library (1040). All are welcome. Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel with any questions at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
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.
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)
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. This session promises meaningful conversation, deeper understanding, and the opportunity to grow together as a community.
Join us for Gentle Yoga at Asbury First, Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Gathering Center ($10 suggested donation at the door). Each beginner-friendly, inclusive session offers an hour of breathing, movement, awareness, and meditation. Wear loose-fitting clothing comfortable for movement; limited mats and props available, but please bring your own if possible.
A Special Evening with Rev. Dr. Phillippa "Phil" Phaneuf Wednesday, February 11, at 6 pm in Wesley Hall
Gentle Yoga – Tuesdays, 3 pm in the Gathering Center
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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.
Hope From the Eye of the Storm Tuesday, February 10, 7 to 9 pm at Temple Sinai Join us for an inspiring interfaith evening with Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered and Father (Abuna) Saba Haj on Tuesday, February 10, 7 to 9 pm at Temple Sinai. This special event will feature remarks from both speakers, shared singing in Hebrew and Arabic, and a Q&A focused on peace, shared society, and interfaith leadership. All are welcome to attend this meaningful gathering that brings our communities together in dialogue and hope. Please RSVP at the Temple Sinai website and share this invitation widely with friends, family, and community members. To RSVP, visit www.tsinai.org/event/spirit-of-the-galilee-event.html
Blood Drive — February 14
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:
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.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals FEBRUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 15
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
ACT Choreo Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
1 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
8:30 am
Red Cross Blood Drive – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (2/15)
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
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
SUNDAY
Souper Bowl Youth Fundraiser – 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
5:30 pm
Governing Board Meeting – 1040, Smart Meeting Room
TUESDAY
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 *
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
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
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
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 the guest preacher.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Ash Wednesday Pan-Methodist Service Wednesday, February 18, 7 pm at Memorial AME Zion Church
Wednesday Morning Book Group – Miracles & Wonder
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
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, an 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.
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
Souper Bowl Fundraiser Today, Sunday, February 8, at Noon in Fellowship Hall
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #428 "For the Healing of the Nations"
*GATHERING HYMN: #57 "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", vv. 1, 2, 3
*HYMN: #593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 2
*HYMN: #593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 2 (cont'd)