March 15, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Elizabeth Church Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #152 "I Sing the Almighty Power of God" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: John 9:1, 6-15 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
{{page}}
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” — arr. C.E. Walz “Jesus Paid It All” — arr. Jason W. Krug Duane Prill, Piano “Jesus Paid It All/O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” — arr. Brant Adams with Annette Farrington, Flute INTROIT Maker of lights, in whom there is no shadow, give 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 The Lenten road is not only marked by reflection, but by signs of grace along the way. We remain attentive to where life is appearing. God meets people in the middle of their journeys, not only at the end of them. We open ourselves to mercy already at work. Even in a season of turning, God’s kindness steadies our steps. We receive that grace with gratitude. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #152 "I Sing the Almighty Power of God" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See", v. 1 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of patience and mercy, we admit how easily we focus on what is unfinished in us and overlook the grace sustaining us. We measure our faith by effort and forget the gift of your presence. Some days we feel close to you; other days we feel distant or distracted. Hold us steady in your compassion. Quiet the voices of self-judgment. Help us notice the mercy that has been carrying us all along. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE God’s mercy is not rationed or delayed until we improve. Grace accompanies us even now. We rest in that mercy and continue the journey. *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 9:1, 6-15 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. Jesus spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am he." But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." 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. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir, Annette Farrington, flute “Amazing Grace” — early American tune, arr. Richard Proulx; words by John Newton Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. 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. *HYMN: #265 "O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go; Lord, show me your path, for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8; Music by Carl Johengen) PASTORAL PRAYER 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: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann “Psalm 23” — Bobby McFerrin (dedicated to my mother) The Lord is my shepherd, I have all I need. She makes me lie down in green meadows; Beside the still waters she will lead. She restores my soul; she rights my wrongs. She leads me in a path of good things, and fills my heart with songs. Even though I walk through a dark and dreary land, there is nothing that can shake me; she has said she won't forsake me. I'm in her hand. (cont'd) She sets a table before me in the presence of my foes. She anoints my head with oil, and my cup overflows. Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live in her house forever, forever and ever. Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter, and to the Holy of Holies, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen *DOXOLOGY: (Tune: Picardy) 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. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Generous God, we offer these gifts as part of our Lenten walk, not as proof of faith, but as participation in your work. Use what we share to encourage hope, to strengthen compassion, and to remind others that grace meets us on the way. We ask it in the name of your son, our savior. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Kathleen Thomerson) POSTLUDE: “Ricercar in C Minor” — Johann Pachelbel
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Permissions:
“Amazing Grace” © 1980 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; “Psalm 23” © 2003 ProbNoblem Music (BMI); 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. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Elizabeth Church Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Denise Snyder Smith, David Snyder Altar Guild Team: Cindy Malone, Martha Tuke, Ellen Williams Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Rick Church Production Suite Team: Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Roy Kinney by his grandson John Anders; and in loving memory of Eli Eckman by his parents Brian & Ashley and brother’s Will & Sam. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with Kay Layton and her family as they grieve the death of Gary Layton, who died on February 18. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11 am in the Sanctuary. 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
Spring is around the corner, and with it, a first chance for the Memorial Garden to grow into its new home in the newly opened Columbarium, a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself or a loved one. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Easter Altar Flower Donations Easter is just around the corner! If you would like to purchase altar flowers in memory, honor, or celebration of a loved one, please visit asburyfirst.org/news or scan the QR code at the right. Orders will be accepted until March 23. If you would prefer to pay by check, forms are available at the Welcome Desk. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild and delivered to the church office, attention Beverly Schuman.
SCAN TO ORDER FLOWERS FOR THE EASTER ALTAR.
Human Rights Campaign Western & Central New York Dinner Saturday, May 16, 5 pm Reception, 6:30 pm Dinner & Program Rochester Riverside Convention Center An evening to remember! Join Asbury First at HRC's Western & Central New York national fundraising dinner on May 16, 5 pm, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Tickets purchased by March 20 receive a $50 discount. Read more about the event via the link below. Use the link below to purchase tickets and choose Asbury First United Methodist Church as your Table Captain. After your tickets are purchased complete the pre-check-in process to choose either a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meal. For questions, contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org. Visit bit.ly/2026HRC-WCNYDinner or scan the QR code to the left
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 email programs@asburyfirst.org to lend us your talents!
Today is UMCOR Sunday – to designate your offering today to UMCOR, use the special envelopes found in the ritual of friendship pads at the end of your pew.
Special Sundays are set aside each year to deepen the connection between the local church and ministries on a global scale. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to support the churches collective efforts through an offering. UMCOR Sunday focuses on increasing awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response by covering UMCOR's administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to specific UMCOR programs can be directed toward on-the-ground relief efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most. By investing in UMCOR's operations, we empower the church to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, making a meaningful impact in communities affected by disaster and hardship around the world.
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 15 – MARCH 22
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
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:30 am
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
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
Cinderella – 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
6 pm
Banned Book Club – 1010, Red Room and Zoom*
TUESDAY (St. Patrick's Day)
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
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
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library and Zoom &
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
1 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, DCC Dining Room
SUNDAY (3/22)
12:30 pm
Fascinator Making & High Tea – 1040, Fellowship Hall
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 (3/15) and 6 pm Wednesday evening programming (3/18). Both of these times will be open for in-person and Zoom participation. All are welcome to join. Contact Mike Mullin mmullin@asburyfirst.org for a full reading schedule.
Fascinator Making Event & High Tea Party! Join us for Fascinator Making & a High Tea Party! We had so much fun last year that we are doing it again! Sunday, March 22 from 12:30 to 2pm in Fellowship Hall. We'll provide the supplies along with food and tea (or lemonade) for a high tea party. The cost for a fascinator or corsage is $15 each and kids fascinator or boutonniere is $10 each. We will have sign-up sheets in coffee hour or you may email Christina Kirivong at programs@asburyfirst.org to sign up. All are welcome!
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.
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsals Asbury Orchestra has begun rehearsals to prepare for our next appearance in 11 am worship on Sunday, April 19. New members are welcome! Players of band or orchestral instruments at any level of experience are invited to join the fun. Rehearsals are Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. Contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Grief Group – In-Person and via Zoom (see page 9 for Zoom link)
If you are experiencing grief and would like a place to talk about it and share with others, you are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom on Wednesday, March 18 , from 4 to 5 pm. All are welcome, whether your grief is new and raw, or seasoned and familiar. Please join us. Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel with questions at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@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 Dan McInerney — Operations Associate 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 Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
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.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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
Holy Week at Asbury First is just around the corner with a series of much-beloved services beginning with Palm Sunday, then a special candlelight Maundy Thursday service with communion and a reenactment of Christ's last night, our traditional Good Friday “Envisioning the Passion” service, along with a special 7 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Asbury First Community Garden (weather permitting). For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/holy-week
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
LECTIO DIVINA
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
Lectio Divina will be offered on each weekday of Holy Week. Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture, which will guide us each day in spiritual reflection. Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Monday, March 30 through Good Friday, April 3.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #152 "I Sing the Almighty Power of God"
March 8, 2026
*GATHERING HYMN: #454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See", v. 1
*HYMN: #265 "O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" (cont'd)