The inward journey
March 26, 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 26, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Prelude
Sonata No. 6 in D minor, op. 65 — Felix Mendelssohn Chorale and variations: Andante sostenuto — Allegro molto (based on Luther's chorale Vater unser im Himmelreich)
Introit
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now, our hearts in true devotion bow, your Spirit send with grace divine, and let your truth within us shine. Unseal our lips to sing your 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; Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Welcome to this new day! We have come to worship God. Let us join our hearts together as we take another step on the inward journey. We have come to learn more about our relationship with Jesus Christ. We desire a deeper knowledge of God. We are here to share and sing and pray and listen. We embrace the new day! Let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (Sung to Hyfrydol) (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#475 "Come Down, O Love Divine”, vv. 1, 3
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, you are with us in every waking hour. Open us to accept your eternal love. Gracious God, you love us in spite of our misgivings about you and each other. Gentle us to receive your Light as it shines within us, and within those around us. Eternal God, hear our prayers. Help us to be humble, love kindness, and walk always with you.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved, receive this Good News! God hears our prayers and loves us as we grow and learn. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*Gloria
11 am
Scripture John 11:17-27
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
To celebrate baptism
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Colette Alexandra Kirivong (born January 22, 2020), daughter of Christina and Check Kirivong
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
To hear the word
Anthem
"Wondrous Love" — Tune from William Walker's Southern Harmony, arr. Carson Cooman What wondrous love is this, O my soul! O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse, for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul. When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down; when I was sinking down, sinking down; when I was sinking down, beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul. Christ laid aside his crown for my soul. To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing. to God and to the Lamb, I will sing. to God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing. While millions join the theme, I will sing!
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.
#311 "Now the Green Blade Rises", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Perspective
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 Love, come, breathe within us, renewing thought and will and heart. Come, love of Christ, afresh to win us; revive your church in every part. (Words: Bessie Porter Head; Tune: Bishop Powell, David Ashley White)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory
“Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” — chant, arr. Arlen Clarke; words by Bernard of Clairvaux, tr. Edward Caswall Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast; but sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind. O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, to those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek! Jesus, our only joy be thou, as thou our prize will be; Jesus, be thou our glory now, and through eternity. Amen.
Doxology
#587 "Bless Thou the Gifts"
Prayer of Dedication
God of the world, we bring to your presence all that we have to give: our time, our talent, and our treasure. Take our gifts and use them to feed the hungry, comfort the bereaved, and heal the sick. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Meredith Pixley Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Livingston Gearhart)
Postlude
Fugue from Sonata No. 6 in D minor, op. 65 — Felix Mendelssohn
“Wondrous Love” © 2013 St. James Music Press; "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" © 2016 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Permissions:
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, vv. 1, 2 (Sung to Hyfrydol)
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
John 11:17-27 (found on p. 5)
Closing Hymn
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”, vv. 1, 4
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: David Strong
chapel service
9 am • March 26, 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 Flo Simmons by her daughter Tammy Clifford and son John Simmons. 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 Ruth and Dave Vanderlinden on the death of Ruth's granddaughter, Kalie Marie Moses on March 8, 2023.
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
Disciple II Bible Study
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 10 am Children's Sunday School —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 Butler's Pantry 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 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— Canceled through 3/30 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) 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 Taizé Service—1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 4 pm Gentle Yoga— Canceled through 3/30 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 26–April 2
Sunday Sermon Podcast
The first Sunday of each month after the 11 am service, the Church Library Bibliocart will meet you in the Gathering Center with a full selection of new library purchases and the theme of the month. This month (April 2) the focus is on Easter with numerous books on this topic. You can check out the books — for free — right there at the Bibliocart — just in front of the piano. Stop by and check us out on this first Sunday in April — April 2 (just one short week before Easter).
You are cordially invited to join the Asbury orchestra in rehearsals this Sunday and then the following Sundays until we play on April 23rd (Minus Easter Sunday). We hope you and any of your musically inclined friends will join us!
ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY BIBLIOCART
Rehearsals: Sundays, March 26 , April 2, and April 16, 9:40-10:20 am, Wesley Hall
1st Sunday of the Month, Gathering Center near piano, Bibliocart
Contact Laurie Kennedy with questions at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net
From Schism to Union?
Led by Dr. Jeff Brubaker Dr. Brubaker recently celebrated the publication of his first book, The Disputatio of the Latins and the Greeks, 1234: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary. Jeff has put together an enticing and accessible, three-session course that will highlight some of the histories that led up to the “Great Schism” of the East and West churches, and the subsequent conversations of church leaders who ostensibly were working to heal this divide. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more information, or contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Wednesdays, April 12, 19, 26, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 7, 12 pm, In-Person and Livestream
ENVISIONING THE PASSION
Asbury First's Good Friday service on April 7 at noon is a multimedia presentation of music and readings which are accompanied by large-screen projections of works of art that explore Christ's last hours. The service includes images selected by Lucy Winters Durkin, an Instructor in Art History at the Eastman School of Music; choral music; and organ music played by Duane Prill with Brian Donat joining on cello. Envisioning the Passion is always a powerful experience for all who attend.
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.
Sunday, April 9 9 am* SERVICE — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday
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
LS services will be livestreamed
*Childcare is available at these services
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
Sunday, April 2 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Palm Sunday
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
Return to Page 3
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
continued on next page
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#475 "Come Down, O Love Divine", vv. 1, 3
Return to Page 6
*Hymn
#311 "Now the Green Blade Riseth", vv. 1, 2
*Closing Hymn
Return to Page 11
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)
Gathering Hymn (9 am)