9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
March 2, 2025
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 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 Jasmine Jaime — Property Care Team Leader, x139 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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. 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Partita on “Hyfrydol” — Charles Callahan
Introit
Maker of lights, in whom there is no shadow, giver of every good and perfect gift, with one accord we seek thy holy presence, gladly our hearts to thee in praise we lift. (Words: Elizabeth Wilson and Helen Thoburn; Tune: Welwyn, Alfred Scott-Gatty)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Disciples, today Christ calls you to come up the mountain and pray. Will you come? We will go wherever Jesus leads us. Will you follow when Christ’s glory overwhelms your senses, and you sit astounded at God’s greatness? We will go wherever Jesus leads us. Will you follow Jesus back down to the valley, where people are hurting and in need of good news? We will go wherever Jesus leads us. Let us worship Jesus whose glory shines on the mountaintop, and in the eyes of our neighbors. Come, let us worship God, whose glory shimmers all around us, even now!
11 am • March 2, 2025
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Last Sunday after Epiphany
11 am
*Processional Hymn
“We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding” (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; Tune: Hyfrydol, Rowland Prichard) We have come at Christ’s own bidding to this high and holy place, where we wait with hope and longing for some token of God’s grace. Here we pray for new assurance that our faith is not in vain, searching like those first disciples for a sign both clear and plain. Light breaks through our clouds and shadows, splendor bathes the flesh-joined Word, Moses and Elijah marvel as the heavenly voice is heard. Eyes and hearts behold with wonder how the Law and Prophets meet: Christ with garments drenched in brightness, stands transfigured and complete. Strengthened by this glimpse of glory, fearful lest our faith decline, we, like Peter, find it tempting to remain and build a shrine. But true worship gives us courage to proclaim what we profess, that our daily lives may prove us people of the God we bless.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#451 "Be Thou My Vision", vv. 1, 3
Prayer of Confession
Forgive us, God, when we linger too long by the waters, and on the mountain tops, enthralled with the glory that flows from you. When we fail to listen to your voice leading and guiding us, shake us from our contentment and send us forward endowed with your power. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The God of Elijah, the God of Moses and the God of Jesus desires mercy more than sacrifice and a contrite heart rather than burnt offerings. Let us love God and do good, and forgiveness shall be our friend and mercy our true companion. 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.
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.
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 9:28-43a (Common English Bible)
About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes flashed white like lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus’ departure, which he would achieve in Jerusalem. Peter and those with him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw his glory as well as the two men with him. As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it’s good that we’re here. We should construct three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—but he didn’t know what he was saying. Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe. Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!” Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen. The next day, when Jesus, Peter, John, and James had come down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to take a look at my son, my only child. Look, a spirit seizes him and, without any warning, he screams. It shakes him and causes him to foam at the mouth. It tortures him and rarely leaves him alone. I begged your disciples to throw it out, but they couldn’t.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and crooked generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon threw him down and shook him violently. Jesus spoke harshly to the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. Everyone was overwhelmed by God’s greatness. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn
#617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1-3
To Renew Commitment
To celebrate holy communion
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.
SIGN IN HERE
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory
"Esto Les Digo" — Kinley Lange; words from Matthew 18:19-20, sung in Spanish English translation: I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. Where two or three are gathered in my name, there will I be also.
Sermon
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
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.
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.
The Lord's Supper
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 provided. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
Hymns (as needed)
#173 "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" #206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#663 "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (from Requiem, Gabriel Fauré)
Postlude
“Prelude in Classic Style” — Gordon Young
“Esto Les Digo” © 2001 JEHMS, Inc./Alliance Music Publication, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Permissions:
March 16 is the 48th anniversary of our beloved Pretzel Sunday! And this unique tradition isn't just for kids anymore! This year it’s a family event. Parents are asked to stay and have fun with their children. Whether you once were a child here yourself and made pretzels, or are new and might be curious what’s this all about, this morning is for you! Here's how you can be involved: 1) using the recipe via the QR code below, make your dough at home 2) bring that dough with you to church on March 16 3) learn all about this tradition while braiding your very own pretzels! Join in at 10 am in Fellowship Hall, and the children will return to Fellowship Hall after children's time to finish making the pretzels.
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.
Recipe cards for preparing the dough can be picked up at the Welcome Desk, or downloaded by scanning the QR code. Contact Paula Dugan with any questions at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
48th Annual
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Bennet Marsiglio Communion Stewards: Martha Neubert, Judy Messenger Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Martha Neubert, Stuart Mitchell Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
“We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding” (found on pg. 4)
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 9:28-43a (found on p. 5)
9 am • March 2, 2025
PLEASE SIGN IN
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Miriam Derivan Organist: Duane Prill
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Communion
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. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
*Closing Hymn
#451 "Be Thou My Vision"
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.
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; in loving memory of Norm’s parents Gilbert and Jean Welch, and Kathy’s parents William and Dorothy Ogden by Norm and Jesse Welch; and in remembrance and honor of Fred Hamil’s birthday by his wife Carolyn and his children, Susan, Steven & Julie, and his grandchildren Julianna, Chloe, Alicia and Olivia. 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 Violet Trumbore, whose husband Fred Trumbore died on February 4. Our hearts and prayers are with Lisa and Paul Campbell and their family as they grieve the loss of Lisa's father, Erwin Gifford, who died on February 13 in Florida.
Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 pm
Celebrations and concerns
SCAN TO BUY TICKETS
Lent is nearly here! Devotionals for Lent 2025 are now available! In this Lenten season may we discover that in our everyday lives we are always at the threshold of Resurrection. This weekly devotional by Asbury First's own Susan Shafer and Bonnie Matthaidess is available now! Pick up a copy in the Welcome Hall, or read each week in the Monday Reader, our weekly Monday email.
Morehouse College Glee Club returns to Asbury First
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
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 2 – March 9
ZOOM KEY
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — Wesley Hall 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 # 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 12:15 pm TOWN HALL— Sanctuary and Livestream MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 6:30 pm New Members Class — 1010, Red Room 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 Gentle Yoga — 1040, Gathering Center WEdnesday (ASH WEDNESDAY) 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 9 am Freedom Church of the Poor Ash Wednesday Service — 1010, Dining & Caring Center 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040, Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Room 201 6 pm Youth Bells and Choir — 1040, Room 205 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Room 205 7 pm Ash Wednesday Service — 1040, Sanctuary Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 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 4:30 pm Jesus Christ Superstar Watch Party — 1040, Fellowship Hall NEXT SUNday (3/9 Daylight Savings Time Begins) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040 PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Pie for Pi Day — 1040, Welcome Hall 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, 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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Each year, our youth get together to make pies for Pi Day (March 14). This year, we are excited to be bringing back more dessert pies. We will have pies available for sale on Sunday, March 9 in Welcome Hall. All proceeds support our Youth Missions!
Jesus Christ Superstar Reunion!
Let’s have a reunion! In 2005 our youth performed the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. All the youth and their families from then to now are invited Saturday, March 8 for a viewing and gaming party. We'll have board games (provided by Chris Chan) at 4:30 pm, pizza at 6 pm and the famous “chownies” for dessert! Please RSVP to pdugan@asburyfirst.org by March 6. This event will be able to be zoomed for those who have moved away.
Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room and on Zoom For the season of Lent, Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Study Group will be reading through The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee. We will read and discuss one or two chapters each week. For a complete schedule, or for more information, please reach out to Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Lenten Read: The Sum of Us
This year, we come together to begin the holy season of Lent in a spirit of unity and reflection. Join us for a special service as we partner with our siblings from Babar African Methodist Episcopal Church to embrace this sacred season of renewal, repentance, and hope.
Thursdays, 9:30 - 10 am Meditation Chapel
Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, March 5 | 7:00 PM Asbury First Sanctuary
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. Gathering for regular prayer can help us remain grounded in the presence, solidarity, compassion and love of God, in the midst of this unpredictable social climate.
Become a member of Asbury First! To become a member, attend two New Members classes on Mondays, March 3 and March 10, 6:30 pm - 8 pm in the Red Room (in the Community Outreach Center). If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org. If you attend both classes and wish to join, we will welcome you during the 11 am Worship Service on Sunday, March 16.
Morning Prayer
Sundays, March 9 – April 13 9:45 - 10:45 am Fellowship Hall Join us throughout Lent as we review and reflect upon the United Methodist Social Principles, which were completely updated after the 2024 General Conference. From creation to economics, social issues to politics, The Social Principles offers us a guide to just about everything! We hope you will join us on Sundays for these inclusive conversations. Contact Mike Mullin for more info: mmullin@asburyfirst.org
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
SCAN TO VIEW TOWN HALL DOCUMENTS
March 9 – Community of All Creation March 16 – The Economic Community March 23 – The Social Community (The Nurturing Community) March 30 – The Social Community (Other Social Issues) April 6 – The Political Community (Governmental Responsibilities) April 13 – The Political Community (Basic Rights and Freedoms)
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
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
Today 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. Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, for updates on topics important to the daily operation of Asbury First. To prepare for the Town Hall, we've collected relevant documents into one single PDF which can be downloaded by visiting asburyfirst.org/town-hall Printed copies will be available in the Sanctuary as well.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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
#451 "Be Thou My Vision", vv. 1, 2
#173 "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies"
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"
Communion Hymn (Cont'd)