March 23, 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 Brian Donat, Cello Duane Prill, Piano
Movements from “Six Studies in English Folk Song” — Ralph Vaughan Williams 1. Adagio; 2. Andante sostenuto; 3. Larghetto; 4. Lento; 5. Andante tranquillo
Introit
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now; our hearts in true devotion bow. Thy Spirit send with grace divine, and let thy truth within us shine. (Words: Wilhelm II, Duke of Sachse-Weimar, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, all who thirst for mercy and long for grace. We seek the God of compassion. Come, all who feel weary and worn by the struggles of life. We trust in the One who is all about second chances. Come, all who desire to grow in faith. We are ready for the Spirit’s tending and pruning. Let us worship the God who nurtures us toward abundant life. We are open to the renewal of God’s love.
*Processional Hymn
#127 "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
11 am • March 23, 2025
Third Sunday in Lent
*Gathering Hymn
"We Sing to You, O God" Words: Gracia Grindal, © 1993 Selah Publishing Co., Inc.; Tune: Darwall's 148th, John Darwall 1. We sing to you, O God, the Rock who gave us birth, let our rejoicing sing your name in all the earth. To you, O God, let songs be raised, in joyful hymns, our feast of praise. 3. You bear us through the world, an eagle to her young, who rises on her wings and bears us toward the sun. We ride the vaults of light and air and trust in your unfailing care.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we resist your call to return to you. We cling to old ways and refuse to be shaped by your grace. We are quick to judge others and slow to examine our own hearts. We forget that you are patient with us, giving us time to grow and bear fruit. Forgive us, O God. Prune away our pride and nourish us with your mercy, that we may flourish in the way of Christ. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Like a patient gardener, God tends to us with mercy. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and called to bear the fruit of love. 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)
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 13:1-9 (The Message)
About that time some people came up and told Jesus about the Galileans Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. Jesus responded, “Do you think those murdered Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans? Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you, too, will die. And those eighteen in Jerusalem the other day, the ones crushed and killed when the Tower of Siloam collapsed and fell on them, do you think they were worse citizens than all other Jerusalemites? Not at all. Unless you turn to God, you, too, will die.” Then he told them a story: “A man had a tree planted in his front yard. He came to it expecting to find fruit, but there weren’t any. He said to his gardener, ‘What’s going on here? For three years now I’ve come to this tree expecting fruit and not one have I found. Chop it down! Why waste good ground with it any longer?’ “The gardener said, ‘Let’s give it another year. I’ll dig around it and fertilize, and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn’t, then chop it down.’” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Brian Donat, Cello
“There's a Wideness in God's Mercy” — Paul Langford; words by Frederick Faber There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner and more graces for the good; There is mercy with the Savior, there is healing in his blood. But we make God’s love too narrow by false limits of our own, and we magnify its strictness with a zeal God will not own. For the love of God is broader than the measures of one’s mind, and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. Was there ever kinder shepherd, half so gentle, half so sweet, as the Savior who would have us come and gather at his feet? If our love were but more simple, we could take him at his word; and our lives would be more loving, in the likeness of our Lord.
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.
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
Unseal our lips to sing thy praise; our souls to you in worship raise. Make strong our faith, increase our light that we may know your ways aright. (Words: Wilhelm II, Duke of Sachse-Weimar, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn)
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn
#377 "It Is Well with My Soul"
Sermon
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Brian Donat, Cello Duane Prill, Organ
"What Wondrous Love Is This” — from William Walker's Southern Harmony, arr. Gail Ann Wasson
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
God of grace, you give us time and space to grow in love. May these gifts we offer be signs of our trust in your transforming power. Use them to nurture hope, extend compassion, and cultivate justice in the world. May our giving reflect the mercy you so freely offer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” © 2014 Hope Publishing Co., Inc.; “Studies in English Folksong” © 1927 Stainer & Bell Ltd.; “What Wondrous Love Is This” © 1993 Word Music (a division of WORD, Inc.); Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Cristy Peck 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: Gillian Allen, Griffin Allen Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Bob Peck, Noel Nichols 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
"Solemn Melody" — Walford Davies
*Recessional Hymn
#438 "Forth in Thy Name, O Lord"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Tom Birchwood)
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Prelude
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 13:1-9 (found on p. 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
*Postlude
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
9 am • March 23, 2025
Easter Altar Flower Donations
90!
Celebrations and concerns
Team
Visitation
Saturday, April 5, at 9 am, 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! In case of rain, the new date will be April 12. Contact David Strong with questions at dstrong@asburyfirst.org
If you would like to purchase altar flowers in memory, honor, or celebration of a loved one, please scan the QR code to the left. Orders will be accepted until April 7. 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.
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 wife Mallory, and his new nephew Roman Zachary. 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.
Rev. David Lubba (retired minister from Asbury) will turn 90 on 4/12. His family asked if we can list in the e-blast (and maybe in the bulletin) a request to send him cards for his birthday. Would that be ok? Lori Lubba (his daughter-in-law and a member of Asbury) said she'd send me details--I'll pass them along when I get them.
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.
Join us for weekly Labyrinth Walks through Lent at 7 pm in Fellowship Hall, each Wednesday through Holy Week. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice—a moving meditation that invites reflection, prayer, and renewal. Whether you walk in silence or with intention, all are welcome to experience this contemplative path as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
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.
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
ZOOM KEY
Help Me Connect
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 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Lower Level, Smart Meeting Room, and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall (lower level) 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 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 5:30 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 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 * 3 pm Knitting Ministry — 1040, Library 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 # NEXT SUNday (3/30) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 10 am Asbury Orchestra Warm up — 1040, Chancel 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
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 23 – March 30
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
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
Thursdays, 9:30 - 10 am Meditation Chapel
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. 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
ST JOHNS MEADOWS Monday, March 24, 2 pm LINDEN KNOLL Monday, March 31, 2 pm THE HIGHLANDS Tuesday, April 8, 2 pm
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
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.
Morning Prayer
C.O.C. Chapel Challenge
OLDER ADULT COMMUNION
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
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
A Conversation with author Alex Sanchez
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)
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!
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
Monday, April 7, 7-8 pm 1010 East Avenue, Red Room OR by Zoom
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.
Lectio Divina will be offered on each day of Holy Week. Lectio Divina is a way to use contemplative prayer with one scripture. Setting aside this time to deepen into scripture helps us strengthen our relationship with God and Christ. There will be a different scripture every day, leading us through this week in spiritual reflection together. All are welcome, and you need not attend every day in order to participate. Bring your heart and we will journey together.
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
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.
LECTIO
Get Ready for A Hoedown!
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
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
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
DIVINA
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Free Open to the public Free-will offering
Sunday March 30 7 PM Asbury First Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MAY 14
March 26 - John Messenger will share a presentation titled "What Is Truth?" offering us the opportunity to reflect on this question as asked by Pilate in John 18:38 and in our own daily lives.
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
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
"We Sing to You, O God"