March 9, 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 Jasmine Jaime — Property Care Team Leader, x139 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. As we journey through this season of Lent, watch how the sanctuary adornment adapts to the movement of the journey.As we journey through this season of Lent, watch how the sanctuary adornment adapts to the movement of the journey.
* please stand as you are able
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Prelude Duane Prill, Organ
“Aria”, Op. 51 — Flor Peeters
Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Walking with Jesus” — H. Dean Wagner
Introit
Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh, When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee; Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight, Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee. (Words: Harriet Beecher Stowe; Tune: Consolation, Felix Mendelssohn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Draw close to us, O God, and teach us about life in the shelter of your love. We yearn for a deeper relationship with you, O God. We put our trust in God to be our refuge and our fortress. We trust in God and journey together throughout the challenges and joys of this life. God commands the angels to guard us in all of our ways. We love God and we call to God to be with us in this hour and all of the hours to come.
*Processional Hymn
#150 "God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#475 “Come Down, O Love Divine”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • March 9, 2025
First Sunday in Lent
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we pray for courage to change. Forgive us when we look to material objects to replace your Word. Loving God, we pray for mercy and guidance. Forgive us when we forget to include you in our daily lives. Merciful God, we pray for the strength to forgive ourselves and others. Forgive us for when we think we are not worthy of your love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved Friends, hear the good news. God loves us and God forgives us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*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 Kaan, 1965; Tune: Picardy, French 17th century)
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Micah 4:1-4 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that God may teach us God’s ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. God shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up war against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. 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
#408 "The Gift of Love"
Sermon
One More Step
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“Steal Away to Jesus” — Spiritual, arr. Raymond Weidner (Refrain:) Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus. Steal away, steal away home. I ain’t got long to stay here. My Lord calls me, he calls me by the thunder; The trumpet sounds within my soul; I ain’t got long to stay here. (Refrain) Green trees are bending, poor sinners stand a-trembling; The trumpet sounds within my soul; I ain’t got long to stay here. (Refrain)
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Call to Prayer
O thou, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, The path of prayer thyself hath trod; Lord, teach us how to pray. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Campmeeting, American folk tune)
Pastoral Prayer
*Doxology
God Creator, God Redeemer, God the Spirit, now to thee hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honor, glory and dominion and eternal victory. (Words: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, tr. J. M. Neale (alt.); Tune: Picardy, French 17th century)
*Prayer of Dedication
God of our hearts, we dedicate these gifts to your work. Direct our hands and feet to use them to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and reach out to those in distress. Amen.
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.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
"Were You There” — Spiritual, arr. Kiyo Watanabe
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
“Steal Away to Jesus” © 2006 Paraclete Press, "Walking with Jesus" © 2006 Choristers Guild, "Were You There" © 2012 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Mike Mullin Reader: Diana Carter 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: Kathie Collier-Bryant, David Snyder Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Randy Davis, Preston Loughney 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.
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. For the March Chapel Challenge, we will collect men's sweatpants (all sizes) and bath towels. 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!
Postlude
"The God of Abraham Praise" — Michael Burkhardt
C.O.C. Chapel Challenge
*Recessional Hymn
#428 "For the Healing of the Nations"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Philip James, arr. Carl Johengen)
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Prelude
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Micah 4:1-4 (found on pp. 4)
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 Hymn
#428 "For the Healing of the Nations", vv. 1, 2, 4
*Postlude
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Linda Betstadt Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
9 am • March 9, 2025
Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room and on Zoom For the season of Lent, Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Study Group is 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
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.
Celebrations and concerns
Team
Thursdays, 9:30 - 10 am Meditation Chapel
A note about changes to the sanctuary adornments: As we journey through this season of Lent, watch how the sanctuary adornment adapts to the movement of the journey.
Lenten Read: The Sum of Us
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.
Morning Prayer
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Lib Spencer and Paul Berg from the Berg family; in loving memory of Sally Wing by her husband Robert and family; and in loving memory of Eli Eckman by his parents Brian & Ashley and brother’s Will & Sam; and in loving memory of Roy Kinney by his grandson, John Andres. 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 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. 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.
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.
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 pm Pie for Pi Day — 1040, Welcome Hall 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 6:30 pm TransParent Meeting — 1040, Youth Room WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 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, Fellowship Hall 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 6:30 pm Morehouse College Glee Club — 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 # NEXT SUNday (3/16) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 9:30 am Pretzel Sunday (children) — 1040, Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, 201 (2nd Floor) and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 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
Help Me Connect
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 9 – March 16
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
ZOOM KEY
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
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.
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 11 am service. Tickets are $25 Concert starts at 6:30 pm.
SCAN TO BUY TICKETS
Morehouse College Glee Club returns to Asbury First
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)
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
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
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 pm
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
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.
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
Get Ready for A Hoedown!
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.
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! Pies are available for sale Today, Sunday, March 9 in Welcome Hall. All proceeds support our Youth Missions!
48th Annual
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
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#408 “The Gift of Love”