March 1, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Miriam Derivan Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Second Sunday in Lent
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PRELUDE WELCOME Call to Worship: (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”, vv. 1-3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-17 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on page 15) PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: #377 “It is Well With My Soul” *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: “Nimrod”, from Enigma Variations, Op. 36 — Edward Elgar Duane Prill, organ “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” — Spiritual arr. Martha Lynn Thompson Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director INTROIT He came down that we may have life; he came down that we may have life; he came down that we may have life, may have life abundantly. (Traditional Cameroon praise song, arr. John Bell, alt.) *CALL TO WORSHIP A teacher comes to Jesus with questions carried in the night. We bring our questions into God’s presence. Jesus speaks of life born from above, of Spirit moving where it will. We open ourselves to the work of God’s Spirit. God’s love enters the world not to condemn, but to renew. We turn toward the light and the life God offers. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #116 “The God of Abraham Praise” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #117 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, vv. 1, 6 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of mystery and mercy, we admit how often we settle for what is familiar instead of opening ourselves to new life. We ask small questions when deeper transformation is needed. We stay in what feels safe rather than stepping toward the unknown work of your Spirit. Meet us in our hesitations and wonderings. Breathe your life into the places that feel closed or tired. Draw us gently toward the change that leads to life. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE God’s love did not enter the world to condemn it, but to bring it life. Light is given so that we may see where grace is already growing. We step toward that light with trust. *RESPONSE You, Creator God, have written your great name on humankind. For our growing in your likeness, bring the life of Christ to mind that by our response and service earth its destiny may find. (Words: Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Picardy, French carol melody) SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-17 (Common English Bible) There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?” Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said, “How are these things possible?” “Jesus answered, “You are a teacher of Israel and you don’t know these things? I assure you that we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don’t receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. God didn’t send this Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 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. 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. 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: Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director “Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?” — Spiritual, arr. Dan R. Edwards SERMON HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”, vv. 1-3 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. COMMUNION ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Jesus, Sun of Life, My Splendor” — G.F. Handel; words by Johann Franck, tr. Catherine Winkworth Jesus, Sun of Life, my Splendor, Jesus, Thou, my Friend most tender, Jesus, Joy of my desiring, Fount of Life, my soul inpiring, At Thy feet I cry, my Maker, let me be a fit partaker Of this blessed food from heaven, for our good, Thy glory, given. Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray Thee, let me gladly here obey Thee, By Thy love I am invited, be Thy love with love requited; From this Supper let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep love's treasure. Through the gifts Thou here dost give me as Thy guest in heav'n receive me. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #629 “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #377 "It Is Well with My Soul" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Theodore Dubois) POSTLUDE: “The God of Abraham Praise” — arr. Michael Burkhardt
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” © 1996 Agape/Hope Publishing Co.; “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?” © 2006 Choristers Guild; “Jesus, Sun of Life, My Splendor” © 1965 Concordia Publishing House; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Miriam Derivan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Robert Cowles Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Poppy Marsiglio, Anne Nutter Communion Stewards: Tammy Heintzelman, Judy Messenger Altar Guild Team: Cindy Malone, Martha Tuke, Ellen Williams Head Ushers: 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 Rev. Kathy Thiel is serving Communion this morning at St. John's Meadows Senior Living Facility, where a satellite community worships weekly.
Permissions:
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Eleanor and Leigh Fitch by Mason and Ginn Fitch & family; and in loving memory of Norm’s parents Gilbert and Jean Welch, and Kathy’s parents William and Dorothy Ogden by Norm and Jesse Welch. 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Join our Wednesday morning book study Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom * (see zoom key on Page 9) as we read Miracles and Wonder by Elaine Pagels. 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.
Wednesday Morning Book Group – Miracles & Wonder
Doorknobs, Locks and Keys Among the hundreds of door latches and locks on campus are a few that need TLC from someone experienced with this kind of repair. If you can help us with this, please contact the Monday Morning Crew's Dave Kennedy at (585) 787-0422 or programs@asburyfirst.org to lend us your talents!
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 1 – MARCH 8
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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
SUNDAY
8 am
Pie for Pi Making – 1040, Fellowship Hall Kitchen
9 am
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
10:30 am
Read Across America Week – 1040, Library
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
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Knitting Ministry Group – 1040, Library
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library & Zoom &
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
6 pm
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
THURSDAY
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
1 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
ACT Choreo Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
SATURDAY
ACT Rehearsal — 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (3/8)
Pie for Pi Day Fundraiser – 1040, Welcome Hall
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Sunday, March 1, between 10:30 and 11 am, the Library at Asbury First will begin celebrating Read Across America Week with some very special guests! Stop by the church library to meet and have your picture taken with The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2! FUN For EVERYONE!
Friday's, 1 - 3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room), upstairs in 1040
Asbury Women's Art Class
Today, March 1, at 1 pm in the Library
Join us for an acrylic painting class — no experience required. Participants will complete at least two paintings, a 16x20 and an 8x10, with one being abstract and the other a landscape or still-life. Please bring acrylic paints in red, yellow, blue, black, and white, along with any additional colors or reference materials you wish to use. Canvases are available for purchase in class at 2 for $10, or you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org
Lenten Book Study: Prayer in the Night We continue our Lenten Study of Prayer in the Night, by Tish Harrison-Warren, during our 9:45 am Sunday school hour (3/01) and 6 pm Wednesday evening programming (3/04). Both of these times will be open for in-person and Zoom participation. All are welcome to join. Please contact Mike Mullin mmullin@asburyfirst.org for a full reading schedule.
Banned Book Club
Monday, March 16, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via Zoom* (see zoom key on Page 9), join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes, a poignant novel exploring the 2007 shooting at Sterling High in New Hampshire, and the intersection of bullying with school shootings. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Read Across America Week comes to Asbury First
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 Rev. 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.
Join us this Holy Week as we reflect on Christ’s final days through worship and community. Good Friday begins with Envisioning the Passion—a moving service of art and choral music—tomorrow at noon. From 5–7 pm, Friday, drop in for a family-friendly evening of reflection and fun. On Easter Sunday, we’ll gather for a Sunrise Service at 8 am in the Community Garden (1010 East Ave), followed by traditional services in the Sanctuary at 9 and 11 am. All are welcome as we walk through this sacred season together.
To see a complete list of Holy Week offerings, visit asburyfirst.org/holy-week
Young Adulting AF — March 1 at 6:30 pm, Youth Room (1040)
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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
More Details Coming Soon!
Join Asbury First (AF) for another Young Adult Fellowship! We gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month in the Youth Room (downstairs in 1040) from 6:30 to 8 pm to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if this sounds fun, join us for our next session on March 1! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #116 “The God of Abraham Praise”
*GATHERING HYMN: #117 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, vv. 1, 6
HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”, vv. 1-3
HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”, vv. 1-3 (cont'd)
COMMUNION HYMN: #629 “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #377 "It Is Well with My Soul"