The inward journey
March 19, 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. The screens located toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. 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 19, 2023
* please stand as you are able
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Fourth Sunday of Lent
Prelude
“O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß”, BWV 622 — J.S. Bach ("O mankind, mourn your great sins")
Introit
The earth is hushed in silence, its cares now flee away; let all things bow in reverence on this, the Lord’s own day. O praise and pray on this, the Lord’s own day. (Words: anonymous; 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. Where do we find God’s presence among us? God calls us to witness extraordinary love in ordinary moments. How does God’s presence work among us? God uses the messy and mundane to heal and restore us to one another. What does God’s presence do in our midst? God shows us presence, sustenance, and abundance where the world perceives isolation and lack. Pilgrims on the way, come let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#381 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#136 "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want”, vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
O God, we praise you for your countless miracles and mighty deeds. We give thanks for your healing and comforting presence in our lives. We confess that we have been drawn in by materialism and driven by consumerism. Open our hearts to a new way of being. Send your anointing and grant us fresh insight for spiritual breakthroughs. Shine the light of your truth into our relationships and grant us victory over every secret and shame.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Our God is an endless fountain of healing and renewal for those who seek. Trust in God’s mercy, and let it transform your life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gloria
11 am
Scripture 1 Samuel 16:1-13
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do, and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably. I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely his anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him, for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
Anthem Dan McInerney, soloist
"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" — Charles Gounod; words by Henry Baker, based on Psalm 23 The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never. I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth; and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth. Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me; and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me. In death's dark vale I fear no ill, with thee, dear Lord, beside me; thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me. And so through all the length of days, thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise forever and forever.
Minute for Mission
UR Well Clinic — Bruce Thompson
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.
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
#399 "Take My Life, and Let It Be", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
The Anointing of Ordinary Things
Call to Prayer
O Wind of God, come bend us, break us, till humbly we confess our need. Then in your tenderness remake us; revive, restore, for this we plead. (Words: Bessie Porter Head; Tune: Bishop Powell, David Ashley White)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Doxology
#587 "Bless Thou the Gifts"
Offertory
“O Love” — Elaine Hagenberg; words by George Mattheson O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee. I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O Joy that seeks me through the pain, I cannot close my heart to thee. I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be.
To Disperse in Mission
Prayer of Dedication
Living God, through the gifts we offer, help our world to live abundantly, and to love as you love. As you have nourished us with your healing presence, help us to nourish others. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont Lay Reader: Diana Carter Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong 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 Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Larry Dugan Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Hymn
#581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
God be with you till we meet again; God be in you, go in peace. (Words: traditional; Tune: Beach Spring, attr. B.F. White)
Postlude
“Jesu, meine Freude”, BWV 227 — J.S. Bach (“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”)
“O Love” © 2016 Beckenhorst Press, Inc; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Permissions:
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#381 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us", vv. 1, 2
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
1 Samuel 16:1-13 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”, vv. 1, 4
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • March 19, 2023
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 our beautiful son Zachary by his parents Donna & Kevin Harrington, his brother Kevin, and Mallory. 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.
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
Taizé Service
Class: Invitation to Transformation
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Gentle Yoga
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
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:30 am Parent's Coffee Hour for Pretzel Sunday —1040 Welcome Hall 10 am Children's Sunday School: Pretzel Sunday —1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Hybrid Adult Sunday School—1040 Library and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 2 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 2 pm Lenten Communion Service at Linden Knoll 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 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 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 6:15 pm Taize Service—1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell 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)
Meetings & Rehearsals March 19–25
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Sunday, April 2 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Palm Sunday
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter
Thursday, April 6 7 pm* — Silent meditation 7:30 pm* SERVICE LS — Worship begins with communion and a candlelight re-enactment of Christ's last night, ending with the placement of the cross on the East Avenue lawn by our Christ-figure.
*Childcare is available at these services
It's pretzel time! Join us today from 9:45–11 am in Fellowship Hall for fun, fellowship and all things pretzels. For those parents that aren’t attending a Sunday School class, you are invited to the Gathering Center for fellowship, coffee and treats.
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
Sunday, April 9 9 am* SERVICE — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday
LS services will be livestreamed
Friday, April 7 12 pm* SERVICE LS Envisioning the Passion — Holy Week- themed art and choral music. 5–6:30 pm Good Friday Family Night — A come-when- you-wish child-friendly event. 7 pm Seven Last Words SERVICE at Baber AME Church — 550 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607
Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111.
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
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#381 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us"
continued on next page
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#136 "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want", vv. 1, 2
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*Hymn
*Closing Hymn
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*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)
Gathering Hymn (9 am)