March 16, 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.
* please stand as you are able
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Prelude Annette Farrington, Flute Duane Prill, Organ
Sonata in E Minor, BWV 1034 — J. S. Bach Adagio ma non tanto; Allegro
Introit
Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, Where my soul in joyful duty waits for God who answers prayer. O how blessed is this place, filled with solace, light and grace. (Words: Benjamin Schmolck, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 27:8-14)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Our hearts encourage us to seek the face of God. We gather and turn toward God with thankful hearts. God has been our salvation from generation to generation. God has been our companion when all others have abandoned us. God gives us every reason to hope in goodness. With courage we gather to worship God.
*Processional Hymn
#100 "God, Whose Love Is Reigning o'er Us"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#140 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, v. 1
11 am • March 16, 2025
Second Sunday in Lent
Prayer of Confession
We live in the shadow of peace, O God, but too often, we face the shadow and not the light. We pray for peace today because we know we are not whole without it. Forgive us our warring madness, our abuse of power, and our disregard of the rights of others. Lift from us the burden of clinging to control. Teach us the ways of mutual love for all people. Help us to give peace a chance.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The God who saved our ancestors is still the God who saves. Give thanks for the bounteous love and mercy of God. In the name of Christ, we are healed and restored. 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)
11 am
Joining Today:
Deborah Chase Michael D'Arcangelo Betsy Dommreis Christian Goddard Cynthia Goddard
Leia Jones Alice Trost Nate Trost Lisa Wilson
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.
To Welcome New Members
To hear the word
Scripture Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord, and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other, but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“The Lord Is My Light” — Craig Courtney; words from Psalm 27:1-6 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid? Though evildoers assail me, when adversaries attack me, they stumble and fall. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, though war break out against me, my heart will not fear. One thing I ask, one thing I seek of the Lord: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will hide me in his dwelling; and he will set me high upon a rock. Then shall my head be exalted above my enemies round about me; I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid? The Lord is my light and my salvation!
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.
#508 "Faith, While Trees Are Still in Blossom", vv. 1, 3, 5
Sermon
Covenanting the Countryside
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.
Call to Prayer
Gracious God, I come before thee, come thou also down to me. Where I see thee and adore thee there a heaven on earth must be. To my heart O enter now, let it be thy temple now. (Words: Benjamin Schmolck, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
Pastoral Prayer
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Annette Farrington, Flute Duane Prill, Piano
"Prayer” — Amanda Harberg
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
*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
Loving God, our shelter and hope, we come to you with hearts open to your grace. In our giving, may we reflect the love that sustains us. Use these offerings to bring comfort to the weary and hope to the brokenhearted, just as you draw near to us in our struggles. Strengthen us to be a source of light and love in this world, reflecting your compassion in all we do. Amen.
“The Lord Is My Light” © 1999, 2006 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Prayer” (Harberg) © 2016, 2017 Theodore Presser Company; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Cheryl Thompson 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: Denise Snyder Smith, Andrew Hunt Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Joe Blakely, Ethan Becks 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.
Postlude
Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, BWV 555 — J. S. Bach
*Recessional Hymn
#132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (J. H. Gower, arr. Carl Johengen)
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Prelude
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Gen 15:1-12, 17-18 (found on pg. 5)
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
#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", vv. 1, 3
*Postlude
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Cheryl Thompson Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
9 am • March 16, 2025
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Flo Simmons by her daughter Tammy Clifford & family, and son John Simmons. 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 the family of Edward Knaak who died on March 5. A memorial service will be held at Asbury First on Saturday, March 29 at 11 am. 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.
Please join us at one, two or three gatherings for a time of holy communion, and stick around for cookies and catching-up with friends. If you have any questions, contact Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 or beltinge@icloud.com
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
Team
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.
OLDER ADULT COMMUNION
Visitation
Lenten Read: The Sum of Us
C.O.C. Chapel Challenge
ST JOHNS MEADOWS Monday, March 24, 2 pm LINDEN KNOLL Monday, March 31, 2 pm THE HIGHLANDS Tuesday, April 8, 2 pm
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.
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!
Celebrations and concerns
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.
Help Me Connect
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 MARCH 16 – March 23
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 9:30 am Pretzel Sunday Activities (children and adults) — 1040, Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Lower Level, Smart Meeting Room, and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, 201 (2nd Floor, Ed. Wing) 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 2 pm My Fair Lady Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 7 pm Banned Book Club — 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 pm My Fair Lady Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall 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 7 pm Labyrinth Walk — 1040, Fellowship Hall 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir — 1040, Wesley Hall 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 6 pm My Fair Lady Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # Saturday 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, DCC 10 am Relationship Breakup Support Group — 1050, Teak Room NEXT SUNday (3/23) 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 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 2 pm My Fair Lady Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship 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
ZOOM KEY
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
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
Monday, April 7, 7-8 pm 1010 East Avenue, Red Room OR by Zoom
A Conversation with author Alex Sanchez
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)
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.
Thursdays, 9:30 - 10 am Meditation Chapel
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
Sundays through 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
Morning Prayer
Come join a conversation with Alex Sanchez, Mexican-American author of 10 award-winning books for young people, all of which have been challenged or banned for their LGBTQ characters and themes. To register for Zoom, email Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Sunday March 30 7 PM Asbury First Sanctuary
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.
Get Ready for A Hoedown!
Join us each Wednesday in Lent for a special series of classes ranging from the history of your favorite hymn, to the problem of "truth", to writing your own obituary! Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel with any questions at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
ASBURY FIRST PRESENTS Marcel Dupré's monumental "Stations of the Cross", op. 29 for organ A unique musical and visual experience for the Lenten season accompanied by projected artworks and the poetry of Paul Claudel.
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
March 19 - Joyce McAndrews from the Prison Ministry of Upstate New York will talk about her ministry and share opportunities for us to write notes of encouragement to those who are imprisoned.
Organist Michael Messina, D.M.A. Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis Artistic Coordinator Lucy Winters Durkin Long-time collaborator on Asbury First's "Envisioning the Passion" Good Friday programs Poetry read by Judy Messenger
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MAY 14
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
Saturday, April XX, 9am lend us your hands for our annual cleaning of the Asbury First campus grounds! We will meet to pick up twigs, rake leaves, and clear away the detritus of winter. Meet from 9 am to 1 pm. No green thumbs required! Contact David Strong with questions at dstrong@asburyfirst.org
Free | Open to the public | Free-will offering taken
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
#100 "God, Whose Love Is Reigning o’er Us"
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)
#508 “Faith, While Trees Are Still in Blossom”, vv. 1, 3, 5