Black History Month | LOCAL FOCUS: Luvon Sheppard
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.
February 12, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
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. The screens located toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. 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 12, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Prelude
“Lord, I Want to Be A Christian” — arr. Brian Glyncannon “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” — arr. Sean James Flemming “Jacob’s Ladder” — arr. Franklin Ritter
Introit
The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. (Words: Habakkuk 2:20; Music: George Root)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 130)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Out of the depths I cry to you; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that we might serve you with reverence. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in God’s word I put my hope. We put our hope in the Lord and in God’s unfailing love.
*Processional Hymn
#98 "To God Be the Glory” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Scripture Jonah 2 For information about the images that are shown during this Scripture reading, see page 10.
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; how shall I look again upon your holy temple?’ The waters closed in over me; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped around my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God. As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who worship vain idols forsake their true loyalty. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord!” Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out onto the dry land.
Prayer of Confession
O God of compassion, if you recorded all our sins, who could survive? We come before you with our brokenness and wounds for all to see. We try to do good, but sometimes fail. We choose to do evil, and often succeed. Keep your promise to forgive us when we confess to you completely. Without you, we have no hope.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and will forgive us. God provides freely all the mercy we need for everlasting life. The good news is forgiveness in the name of Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God! 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.
Minute for Mission
Rashaad Parker, Bulletin Artwork Curator
11 am
To hear the word
Call to Prayer
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (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
"In the Fish for Three Days Buried" This hymn is found on the following page.
Sermon
Close to Home: Learning our Lessons
Anthem Brenda Nitsch, soloist
"Wayfaring Stranger" — Traditional Spiritual, arr. Howard Helvey I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger, I’m traveling through this world below; There's no sickness, toil, nor danger in that bright land to which I go. I'm going there to see my father, I’m going there no more to roam. I'm just a-going over Jordan, I'm just a-going over home. I know dark clouds will gather 'round me, I know my pathway’s rough and steep; But golden fields lie out before me where weary eyes no more shall weep. I'm going there to see my mother, She said she'd meet me when I come I'm just a-going over Jordan, I'm just a-going over home. I’ll soon be free from every trial, this form will rest beneath the sod; I’ll drop the cross of self-denial, and enter in my home with God. I’m going there to see my Savior, who shed for me his precious blood; I'm just a-going over Jordan, I'm just a-going over home.
"In the Fish for Three Days Buried"
Prayer of Dedication
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We bow before you and thank you for the privilege to participate in your acts of kindness and love here on earth. May the gifts we bring become instruments of your purposes here in our church, our community, and around the world. Amen.
Offertory Youth Choir, with members of Sanctuary Choir Carol Lamica, Conductor David Strong, Piano
"Let Me Fly" — Traditional Spiritual, arr. Rollo Dilworth ‘Way down yonder in the middle of the field, angel workin’ at the chariot wheel. Not so partic’lar ‘bout workin’ at the wheel. But I just want to see how the chariot feels. (Refrain:) Oh, let me fly, Oh, let me fly. Oh, let me fly into Mount Zion, Lord, Lord! I’ve got a mother in the Promised Land, ain’t gonna stop til I shake her hand. Not so partic’lar ‘bout shakin’ her hand. But I just want to get to the Promised Land. (Ref.) Oh, meet that hypocrite on the street. First thing he’ll do is show his teeth. Next thing he’ll do is tell a lie. And the best thing to do is pass him by. (Ref.)
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
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Youth Choir, Carol Lamica, Director 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 Production Suite Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Larry Dugan Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen, amen. (based on "Lift Every Voice and Sing")
Postlude
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” — arr. Roger Lowe
*Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
“Wayfaring Stranger” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; "Let Me Fly" © 2013 Hal Leonard Corporation; “In the Fish for Three Days Buried” © 1982 Calvin Seerveld; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some 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 130)
Opening Hymn
#474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
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 2 (found on p. 4)
Close to Home: Learning Our Lessons
Prayer
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • February 12, 2023
Celebrations and concerns
Albert Pinkham Ryder: Jonah, c. 1885-95, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Hilda Katz: Jonah and the Whale, c. 1978, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Sargis Babayan: Jonah the Prophet, c. 2010, private collection John Flannagan: Jonah and the Whale - Rebirth Motif, 1937, Minneapolis Institute of Art unknown late Roman: Jonah Cast Up, c. 280-290 CE, Cleveland Museum of Art
A WORD ABOUT WORSHIP
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 his father Rev. Talmage Theodore Johnson by Dr. Timothy Johnson. 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.
Today’s worship features a Spiritual arranged by award-winning composer DR. ROLLO DILWORTH. Dilworth, (b. 1970), arranger of “Let Me Fly”, has served as Professor of Music at Temple University in Philadelphia since 2009, where he chairs the Music Education and Music Therapy departments. In 2017, he was honored with the Temple University Faculty Award for Research and Creative Achievement. Previously he served as Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at the North Park University School of Music in Chicago, Illinois, and was Director of the Music Institute of Chicago Children's Choir. In 2003, North Park University awarded Dilworth the Zenos Hawkinson Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership. Dr. Dilworth holds degrees in Music Education and Conducting from Case Western Reserve University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Northwestern University. In addition he has studied composition with Robert A. Harris, Robert Ray, Pauline Oliveros, and Marta Ptaszynska. His compositions and arrangements are widely performed by choirs at all levels, and he is in demand as a conductor for all-state festivals and other major choral events.
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.
CONNECT
IMAGES displayed during the reading of today's Scripture
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 High School Mission Trip Presentation —1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall (No Youth Group today) MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Wednesday Women's Fellowship—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) 1 2 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 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 6 pm Youth Handbells—1040 Bell Room 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Youth Choir—1040 Room 201 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 Evarts 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)
Meetings & Rehearsals February 12–18
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news
URGENT NEED FOR CARING CIRCLE MEMBERS
Please email Kristen at kristen@keepingourpromise.org
We have need for TEN CARING CIRCLES to help support eight recently arrived families, and two more arriving on soon. There are single men, couples, and families in need. Even if you only have a few days a month that you can assist, we can really use your support. Caring Circle members are a support network to help Afghans acclimate to the Rochester area. Duties range from weekly home visits, outings to explore Rochester, occasional rides, and familiarizing Afghans with common daily practices, and more.
Please share these updates with anyone who might benefit from these additional ways to connect.
Radio and Phone Connection Update
RADIO The last few weeks, our radio broadcast partner WRFZ 106.3 Rochester Free Radio has been in the process of moving offices. Due to the move, the radio broadcast is currently down. You can access the broadcast on their website at www.rochesterfreeradio.com. We understand this is inconvenient and ask for patience as we wait for this broadcast to return. PHONE We have also recently had an update with our livestream broadcast over the phone. The service has implemented a change to avoid calls from spammers/ bots. When you dial our toll-free number (1-833-829-1050), you will be asked to press '5' to continue to the broadcast.
New Study Beginning Sunday, Feb. 19!
On February 19, this class will begin a new study based on the book, The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs. All are invited to join us on a six-week journey of discovery into the lives of some of our faith’s original female pastors. In a very personal way, Ms. Higgs takes the reader on Christ’s journey through the experiences of Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene. All three women are transformed by the Savior, and we will share in their faith journeys. For more information, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.
Sundays, 9:45-10:45, 1050 Teak Room
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news or at umcmission.org
UMCOR has an International branch that addresses the devastating natural disasters, including what is happening in Turkey and Syria. UMCOR has released an initial solidarity grant to a longstanding humanitarian partner, International Blue Crescent (IBC), which has offices in Turkey. The grant will provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready to eat meals and basic first aid kits. Financial contributions make the biggest impact, especially when dealing with international disasters. Support UMCOR with donations to the International Disaster Fund. You can find the link at asburyfirst.org/news.
Support UMCOR's Earthquake Response in Turkey/Syria
Learn more at flowercityarts.org and 9thfloorartistscollective.com
Black History Month
Learn more at luvonsheppardart.com
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.
Each week of February, the bulletin cover will highlight a local Black artist or feature their work. This week we showcase Luvon Sheppard.
LOCAL FOCUS: Luvon Sheppard
ON THE COVER: The art piece entitled 1940 Rochester is currently on display at GEVA Theatre if anyone wants to view it in person! Also, the artist accepts donations via Venmo @LuvonSheppardArt and his website at luvonsheppardart.com.
Nationally recognized painter and illustrator and highly acclaimed School of Art-Fine Arts Studio professor, Luvon Sheppard presents his creative narratives reproductions. While Sheppard has often portrayed urban life and African-Americans’ battle for equal rights, his paintings revel in visionary biblical imagery. For example, his watercolor Yea shows a solitary man beside a gargantuan train, with an image of Jesus Christ breaking through the clouds. A resident of Rochester since he was five years old, Sheppard received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he is a full professor in the School of Art and Design. Luvon has also taught at SUNY Brockport and Geneseo Universities. Sheppard’s paintings reflect his involvement in Rochester community life. He is known for his watercolor street scenes and portraits of local African-American heroes, including abolitionist Frederick Douglass, choreographer and dancer Garth Fagan, and community activist Mildred Johnson. His work is in the permanent collections of the Memorial Art Gallery, the City of Rochester, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the University of Seoul, S. Korea, The Henrietta School District, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Savings Bank, Garth Fagan Dance, and many other institutions. Luvon Sheppard has always played an active leadership role in the Rochester arts community, served on many boards, and lectured on the arts for diverse audiences. In 1970 Sheppard became the Memorial Art Gallery’s first neighborhood affairs coordinator. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Allofus Workshop, a groundbreaking organization created to provide community art classes. Over the years, Luvon has received many awards and has made numerous appearances on local television stations. For over 50 years, he has lectured throughout the greater Rochester area and serves on several committees and boards. Luvon Sheppard is the Owner and Director of the Joy Gallery in Rochester, New York.
Curator: Rashaad Parker
CLOSE TO HOME
Support our Youth as they raise money for summer mission trips to Tucson, Arizona and Niagara Falls, Canada. You can show your support — and enjoy a delicious meal — by purchasing a quart of soup for $10. Questions and comments may be sent to Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
TODAY!!
Sunday, February 12, Welcome Hall
Asbury First
Sunday, February 12, 12 pm, 1040 Welcome Hall
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
SOUPER BOWL SALE
$10 per Quart of Soup: Loaded Potato or Broccoli Cheese
Pan-Methodist Ash Wednesday Service
Join us as we begin the holy season of Lent together with our pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester.
Wednesday, February 22, 7 pm, In-Person and Livestream
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
Return to Page 3
#98 "To God Be the Glory"
continued on next page
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Return to Page 8
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)
Gathering Hymn (9 am)
Return to Page 9