The inward journey
March 12, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-covid-masking-update. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, 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 our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. 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. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. 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. Watch and listen Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
11 am • March 12, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Third Sunday of Lent
Prelude Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
"Ciacona in D Minor" — Johann Pachelbel “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” — traditional Spiritual, arr. Anna Laura Page
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; Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Welcome, pilgrims on the way to the cross. We are learning to follow Jesus. The way is long, and we are thirsty. We seek the living waters of Jesus. We feel the weight of scarcity warring with hopeful whispers of abundance. We need the living waters of Jesus. We wonder if God will provide us with what we need, here and now. God gives us living waters, and calls us to quench the thirst of our neighbors. Pilgrims on the way, come let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#731 "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
*Gathering Hymn
"As the Winter Days Grow Longer"
Words: Mary Louise Bringle; Tune: Beach Spring, attr. B.F. White
Prayer of Confession
Patient and ever-faithful God, we confess that we can be a grumpy and unsatisfied people. When things do not go our way, we murmur and complain, we grumble and doubt. We lose hope in the people around us and, even worse, we lose hope in you.
11 am
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Prayer of Confession (Cont'd)
We challenge instead of accepting. We put you to the test rather than trust your caring love. Forgive our doubts and complaining. Forgive our loss of hope. Let your healing, life-giving waters pour over us. Restore our souls.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Our hope and assurance rest in God. Open your hearts and minds and souls to God’s never-ending love and forgiveness, and let it transform your life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gloria
To Welcome New Members
Joining Today:
Membership Vows
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
*Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Dina Alexander Christine Ashton Jason Ashton Dustin Ayers Stu Cooper Carol Cooper Shalece Gibson Lilith Hart Linda Larkin Mark Maddalina Laurie Maddalina Alexi Mikaelson
Emily Neece Daniel Pollatta Ellen Pollatta David Schlick Sandy Snyder David Snyder Katie Sullivan James Taylor Chris Williams Anna Williams Alan Ziegler
Scripture Exodus 17:1-17
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do for this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Anthem
“The Eyes of All” — Jean Berger; words from Psalm 145:15-16 The eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, 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
#361 "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
A Journey by Stages
To hear the word
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
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. 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 of cash/check in the mail or place it 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
O Breath of God, come sweeping through us, revive your church with life and power. O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew us; and fit your church to meet this hour. (Words: Bessie Porter Head; Tune: Bishop Powell, David Ashley White)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
"We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" — traditional, arr. Valerie W. Stephenson
Doxology
#587 "Bless Thou the Gifts"
Prayer of Dedication
Life-giving God, we offer you ourselves and our resources. Use us and our gifts, that we may be water bearers to a world thirsty for love, meaning, justice, and hope. May all your people encounter fullness of life through the love of Christ, which lives within us. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Suite Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Closing Hymn
#127 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Livingston Gearhart)
Postlude
“O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß” — Johann Pachelbel ("O mankind, mourn your great sins")
“As the Winter Days Grow Longer”, words © 2006, GIA Publications, Inc.; “The Eyes of All” © 1959 Augsburg Publishing House; Bell Selections published by Choristers Guild Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Permissions:
Prelude
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
"As the Winter Days Grow Longer" (found on p. 4)
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
Exodus 17:1-17 (found on p. 7)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
9 am • March 12, 2023
chapel service
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
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 our mother & grandmother, Maureen Krasavage,by Beth and David Rice & family; in loving memory of Roy Kinney by his grandson John Andres; in loving memory of Eli Eckman by his parents Brian & Ashley and brother’s Will & Sam; and in celebration of the wedding of Korie Baker and Eric Weibel. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. 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, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Michael Proukou, who died on January 2. A memorial service will be held on April 1 at 2 pm; the family will be greeting people in the Gathering Center at 1 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Bonnie Erwin, who died on February 14. A memorial service will take place at Asbury First on Friday, March 17 at 11 am.
Celebrations and concerns
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? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
CONNECT
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9 am Pie for Pi Day Fundraiser—1040 Welcome Hall 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Bluey Family Class—1040 Room 201 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Hybrid Adult Sunday School—1040 Butler's Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Room 201, Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary MONday 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm Music, Meditation, and Imagination —1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 7 pm Morehouse College Glee Club Concert —1040 Sanctuary, Tickets are $25 Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group: Near the Exit—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm An Invitation to Transformation —1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Handbells—1040 Bell Room 6:15 pm Taize Service—1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Confirmation Class—1040 Youth Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall friday 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
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
Meetings & Rehearsals jMarch 12–18
Are you as excited for the Community Outreach Center to fully open up as we are? Then register for Volunteer Orientation! Each session at 1010 East Ave. will last about 90 minutes and will include important information relevant to volunteering in any capacity within the Center. We are encouraging all volunteers, past, present, and future, to attend a session! Visit asburyfirst.org/news to register for a March session.
Volunteer Orientation
Join us for orientation at the COC: Saturday, March 18, 10:00-11:30 am
Make sure to extend a warm welcome to our new members today in the Gathering Center after worship!
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
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Asbury First or are interested in joining, simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
We are delighted to announce the return of the internationally acclaimed Morehouse College Glee Club. Don't miss out on this incredible musical group! Scan the QR code, or contact the church office at 585-271-1050 to purchase tickets.
Welcome New Members!
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 7 pm $25 Admission
#731 "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken"
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
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*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
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#127 "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"
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Gathering Hymn (9 am)
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