February 16, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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 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.
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 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 Xiomara Serrano — Property Care Supervisor, x124 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
* please stand as you are able
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Prelude
“Prière”, Op. 47, No. 4. — Alexandre Guilmant “Invocation”, Op. 50, No 2. — Guilmant
Introit
How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts, to me! My thirsty soul desires and longs within thy courts to be. My very heart and flesh cry out, O Living God, for thee! (Words: Psalm 84, "The Psalms of David in Meter", 1650; Tune: Brother James’ Air, arr. J. L. Macbeth Bain)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Do not be anxious because of the wicked, nor envy those who do wrong. We trust in the Lord and do good, dwelling in God’s faithfulness. Take delight in the Lord, and God will open your hearts. We commit our way to the Lord, trusting in God’s steadfast love. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God’s justice. Our salvation comes from the Lord, our stronghold in times of trouble. Come, let us worship the One who leads us in the ways of peace. We come with trust, with hope, and with joy.
*Processional Hymn
#549 "Where Charity and Love Prevail"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#102 “Now Thank We All Our God”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • February 16, 2025
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Prayer of Confession
God of steadfast love, we confess that we struggle to trust in your ways. When the world feels unjust, we grow anxious instead of resting in your promises. When wrongdoing seems to prosper, we doubt that goodness will prevail. We act out of fear rather than faith, clinging to control instead of surrendering to your will. Forgive us, O God. Teach us to wait with patience, to trust with boldness, and to live as people of hope. Strengthen us to follow you with hearts that are steady and hands ready to serve. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The Lord is our refuge in times of trouble, our salvation in times of need. We rejoice in God’s mercy and live as people of hope. 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.
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 (Common English Bible)
Don’t get upset over evildoers; don’t be jealous of those who do wrong, because they will fade fast, like grass; they will wither like green vegetables. Trust the Lord and do good; live in the land, and farm faithfulness. Enjoy the Lord, and he will give what your heart asks. Commit your way to the Lord! Trust him! He will act and will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like high noon. Be still before the Lord, and wait for him. Don’t get upset when someone gets ahead—someone who invents evil schemes. Let go of anger and leave rage behind! Don’t get upset—it will only lead to evil. Because evildoers will be eliminated, but those who hope in the Lord— they will possess the land. In just a little while the wicked won’t exist! If you go looking around their place, they won’t be there. But the weak will inherit the land; they will enjoy a surplus of peace. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their refuge in times of trouble. The Lord will help them and rescue them—rescue them from the wicked—and he will save them because they have taken refuge in him. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow"
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“Put Your Trust in God” — Jack Warren Burnam; words from Psalm 42:1-2, 4, 7 Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him who is the help of my countenance and my God. As the deer longs for the waterbrooks, so longs my soul for you, O God. My soul is athirst for God, for the living God. I will pour out my soul when I think on these things: how I went with the multitude and led them into the house of God, with the voice of praise and thanksgiving among those who keep holy-day. Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? and why are you so disquieted within me? Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him who is the help of my countenance and my God.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
*Hymn (Cont'd)
Sermon
SIGN IN HERE
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Call to Prayer
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (Spiritual, adapted by William Farley Smith)
Pastoral Prayer
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Gwen Paker, Soloist
"Deep River” — Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes Deep river, my home is over Jordan. Deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground. Oh, don’t you want to go to that gospel feast? That promised land, where all is peace?
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
*Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise God, and Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, every good gift comes from you. As we offer these gifts, we do so with trust—trust that you will use them to bring justice, to uplift the weary, and to spread your love. May these offerings be signs of our faith, rooted in your promises and bearing fruit for your kingdom. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
“Put Your Trust in God” © 2022 Selah Publishing Co., Inc.; “Deep River” arrangement © 1998 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Anne Nutter Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Poppy Marsiglio, Bennet Marsiglio Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
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.
Postlude
Fuga “Alla Handel” Op. 49, No. 6. — Alexandre Guilmant
*Recessional Hymn
#664 "Sent Forth by God's Blessing"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. ("Dresden")
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
#549 "Where Charity and Love Prevail", vv. 1, 2, 4, 6
*Passing the Peace
9 am • February 16, 2025
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Anne Nutter Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
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.
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
*Closing Hymn
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (found on p. 5, 6)
Scripture
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 (found on pp. 4)
Team
Visitation
Relationship Breakup Support Group Join us Saturday, January 11, at 10 am in the Teak Room (1050) for discussions about grief as it pertains to a relationship loss, the importance of forgiveness, and how to improve and develop healthy relationships. We will be using three books for this group, the first of which we be provided at no cost. The other two books can be borrowed from us or from the library. We will continue to meet Saturdays, January through May, 10 -12 pm, in the Teak Room (1050 East Ave). For more information, contact Anne Marie at annemarie.strivings@gmail.com.
Celebrations and concerns
A Bold Witness To help make engagement with your elected officials less of a scavenger hunt, we've gathered names and contact information onto one page on our website. Either scan the QR code to your right, or type asburyfirst.org/a_bold_witness into your browser to access the list. In these uncertain times, the vulnerable among us need us to be bold.
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 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Joan Phillips who died on January 21. A service to celebrate her life will be held this spring. Our hearts and prayers are with Ed and Jeanne Ristau whose daughter-in-law, Lisa Ristau, died on January 18. Our hearts and prayers are with Diana and Angelo Nole as they grieve the loss of Diana's mother, Elaine Ivah Zinnecker, who died on January 16. Our hearts and prayers are with Violet Trumbore, whose husband Fred Trumbore died on February 4 2025. A memorial service will take place in Marysville, Ohio on February 22.
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals FEBRUARY 16 – February 23
Help Me Connect
ZOOM KEY
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Lower Level, Smart Meeting Room, and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 9:45 am LGBTQ Advocacy Team – 1040, Youth Room 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 7 pm Banned Book Club — 1010, Red Room and Zoom* Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9 am Winter Vacation Bible School — 1040 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2:15 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Gathering Center WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 9 am Winter Vacation Bible School — 1040 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 205 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9 am Winter Vacation Bible School — 1040 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 SaturDAY 2 pm My Fair Lady Auditions — 1040, Fellowship Hall NEXT SUNday (2/23) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 2 pm My Fair Lady Auditions — 1040, Fellowship Hall
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
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
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.
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
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.
BUY TICKETS
Construction begins this spring
SCAN TO BUY TICKETS
The world-renowned Morehouse College Glee Club will again fill the Asbury First sanctuary with powerful and expressive choral music on Wednesday, March 12. Doors will open at 6:00 pm. This fundraising performance is sponsored by the Gamma Iota Boule Foundation, Inc. Tickets will be available from Bill Davis in the Welcome Center following the 11am service. Tickets are $25 Concert starts at 6:30 pm.
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
Morehouse College Glee Club returns to Asbury First
COLUMBARIUM
ASBURY FIRST'S
Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be bought for yourself, a loved one, or can be reserved for those who may be unable to secure a spot in the future. To learn more, visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 pm
Cultural Awareness: Privilege and Implicit Bias Sunday, February 23 and March 2 9:45 - 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom Guest Speaker, Ted Adams, will be leading two sessions on Cultural Awareness. As he articulates, "we don't see things as they are, we see things as we are." For two weeks, we will engage with and seek to expand our own worldview; with a particular focus on what privilege and implicit bias looks like for us.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Sunday, March 2 after the 11 am service Asbury First's Governing Board conducts Town Hall meetings throughout the year, inviting the congregation to weigh-in on a variety of important topics. The next of the sessions will be March 2. Mark your calendar! Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, after the 11 am service for updates on topics important to the daily operation of Asbury First.
If you are looking for more ways to help be an ally – particularly in these moments when our Trans and non-binary siblings are particularly at risk – we hope you will join us each Wednesday in February as we discuss The Savvy Ally and consider how we each may become more savvy, and more impactful. Join us in-person 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall (lower level of 1040) or on Zoom:
Date: October 26 Time: BBQ Dinner at 5:30 pm, Dancing starts at 6:30 pm Mark your calendars and dust off your boots! Join us for a night of fun and fellowship at the Asbury First Hoedown. Enjoy a delicious Chicken BBQ, followed by an evening of square dancing with a live band! RSVP to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org by October 21 or stop by the Welcome Desk any Sunday in October.
Get Ready for A Hoedown!
SCAN TO JOIN IN VIA ZOOM
Dial-In: 1 (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 Passcode: 200
If you would like monthly or weekly giving envelopes for your pledge, please stop by the Welcome Desk in the Welcome Hall. Questions? Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050, ext. 117.
Speaker Series
Monthly/Weekly Giving Envelopes
Housing Equity Guest Speaker Series Sunday, 9:45 – 10:45 am, Fellowship Hall Join us for a Sunday school hour presentation on our community's housing crisis and how we can work towards solutions. February 16: “Smart Growth: Zoning and the Benefits of Housing Options” Presented by Bill Price, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner
Now that our fob and pin system is implemented and our need for exterior keys is eliminated, we have begun the process of re-keying the exterior doors. If you have an exterior key to the church, please return it to the welcome desk. If you still need access to the building, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050, x117, or complete the form at: tinyurl.com/AsburyFob
Throughout 2025 we are going to pair worship with action in a new way. Each month we will collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. This February, you are invited to bring to worship donations of Hats, Gloves & Handwarmers. 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!
"The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain..."
Auditions will be held in Fellowship Hall: Saturday, February 22, 2 pm Sunday February 23, 2 pm
Asbury First Keys
C.O.C. Chapel Challenge
Itching for your time in the spotlight? Audition for My Fair Lady! In this widely beloved musical, Professor Henry Higgins wagers with Colonel Pickering that he can transform street flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a duchess in six months. Can this diamond in the rough be polished to a shine, or will the professor lose this wild bet?
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
For questions, please reach out to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
Winter VBS – February 18 – 20, 9 am – 12 pm Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this winter break for Winter VBS: Cooking Up Faith! We will cook up a storm learning recipes for friendship, family, and fun while using ingredients like kindness, service, and love. Just add a dollop of prayer and let it simmer for a lifetime!
Morning Prayer
Cooking up Faith!
Thursdays, 9:30 - 10 am Meditation Chapel
Our pastoral staff has sensed a call from God during these tumultuous times to help our community stay spiritually centered. In response to rapidly shifting headlines and unpredictable and unsettling political action, we hope gathering for regular prayer can help us remain grounded in the presence, solidarity, compassion and love of God. Beginning February 27, all are invited to a simple service of Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30 to 10 am in the Meditation Chapel (part of the Sanctuary). Come as you are, as frequently or infrequently as you are able.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP!
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
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
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)