February 15, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Frances Bryniarski Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Last Sunday after Epiphany
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding" (found on page 4) PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 17:1-9 (found on page 5) 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: #89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" *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.)
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PRELUDE: Preludes for Piano (selections) — David Temperley, composer/pianist Cello Suite No. 3, Allemande — J.S. Bach Roshan Temperley, cello INTROIT Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light, Sun of righteousness, arise, triumph o’er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, attr. Johann Gottlob Werner) *CALL TO WORSHIP Glory breaks through the familiar. We pause before what is revealed. What has been hidden is shown in light. This vision deepens our trust. A voice speaks clarity in the midst of wonder. We listen, ready to carry what we have seen. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: "We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding" (found on the following page) *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #451 “Be Thou My Vision”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of glory, we confess that we are drawn to moments of wonder without always welcoming the change they require. We admire what is revealed but hesitate to let it reshape our lives. We build shelters around insight instead of allowing it to send us forward. Stay with us in the clarity you offer. Strengthen our courage to live what we have glimpsed in light. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The vision is not taken away. God’s presence does not fade when the moment passes. We carry the gift of this light with us. *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: Matthew 17:1-9 (Common English Bible) Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.” 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: Sanctuary Choir “Christ upon the Mountain Peak” — Paul Bouman; words by Brian Wren Christ, upon the mountain peak stands alone in glory blazing; Let us if we dare to speak, with the saints and angels praise him. Alleluia! Trembling at his feet we saw Moses and Elijah speaking. All the prophets and the law shout through them their joyful greeting. Alleluia! Swift the cloud of glory came, God proclaiming in its thunder Jesus as his Son by name! Nations, cry aloud in wonder. Alleluia! This is God's beloved Son! Law and prophets fade before him; First and last and only one, Let creation now adore him. Alleluia! 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: #258 “O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, attr. Johann Gottlob Werner) 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: Roshan Temperley, cello, Maya Temperley, piano Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2, 2nd movement — David Temperley *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 transformational presence, we offer these gifts in response to what we have seen. Use them to shape courage, deepen faith, and carry your light into places still waiting for hope. May our giving reflect lives changed by revelation and ready for the road ahead. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (John Stainer) POSTLUDE: Roshan Temperley, cello, David Temperley, piano Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2, 3rd movement — David Temperley
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: "We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding"
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.
“Christ upon the Mountain Peak” words © 1977 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; 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: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Christopher Goerss, Griffin Allen 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, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold last week and supported our youth fundraiser! Every dollar raised goes to support our summer missions; this summer our high schoolers are excited to be partnering with Appalachia Service Project and our middle schoolers will be working in Buffalo alongside United Methodist youth from all across the Upper New York Conference. And if you missed our soup sale last week—or if you want seconds—we do have some frozen quarts available for sale this week as well.
A Note on the Bulletin Cover Art:
Souper Bowl Success!
Lunar New Year, sometimes called the Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other communities across Asia and the diaspora. It follows a lunar calendar, so its date shifts each year, but it always marks the turning of the year toward renewal, hope, and good fortune. Traditions often include cleaning and decorating homes to welcome a fresh start, sharing special meals with family, giving red envelopes or gifts as signs of blessing, honoring ancestors, and enjoying music, lanterns, and festive colors like red and gold that symbolize joy and prosperity. While customs vary by culture and region, the heart of the celebration is gratitude for the past year and hope for the year to come. Our design this week is a small gesture of respect and celebration for neighbors and friends who observe this season, and a reminder of the rich cultural traditions that shape our wider community.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mary S. Swett and Albert H. Swett by their son Al and daughter-in-law Laura, Marion Swett Robinson, and Margaret Haskell. 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.
Meetings & Rehearsals FEBRUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 22
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
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
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1050, DCC Dining Room
SUNDAY (2/22)
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^
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
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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
ASH WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library and Zoom &
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – CANCELLED
Community Dinner – CANCELLED
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – CANCELLED
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – CANCELLED
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
Visitation Group – Saturday, February 28 at 1 pm in the Library
Lenten Book Study: Prayer in the Night Next week, we will begin our Lenten Study of Prayer in the Night, by Tish Harrison Warren, during our 9:45 am Sunday school hour (2/15) and 6:00 pm Wednesday evening programming (2/18). Both of these times will be open for in-person and Zoom participation. All are welcome to join us as we discuss the prologue, along with chapters 1 and 2. Please contact Mike Mullin mmullin@asburyfirst.org for a full reading schedule.
February Chapel Challenge: Queen-Sized Bed Sheets
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the February COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Queen-Sized Bed Sheets. A list of specific needed items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
If you are experiencing grief and would like a place to talk about it and share with others, you are welcome to attend either in-person of via Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Library (1040). All are welcome, whether your grief is new and raw, or seasoned and familiar. Please join us. Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel with questions at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
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
Grief Group – in-person and via Zoom &
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
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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Ash Wednesday Pan-Methodist Service Wednesday, February 18, 7 pm at Memorial AME Zion Church
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 us this Lenten Season as Rev. Susan Shafer, Bonnie Matthaidess, and members of Asbury First invite you on a spiritual journey with Come with me... A Lenten Journey, a collection of short devotionals written by our own congregants to prayerfully enhance your personal reflection during this sacred time. Available both digitally on our website and in print at the Welcome Desk, these heartfelt reflections offer twice-weekly inspiration as we walk together through the Season of Lent.
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 7 pm 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.
Wednesday Morning Book Group – Miracles & Wonder
Join our Wednesday morning book study beginning February 18, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom * (see zoom key on Page 9) 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.
Lenten Devotional Coming Soon
*GATHERING HYMN: #451 “Be Thou My Vision”, vv. 1, 2
*HYMN: #258 “O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"