MARCH 29, 2026 PALM SUNDAY
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
March 29, 2026 9 & 11 AM
PRELUDE: Duane Prill, organ (9 AM: Carl Johengen, piano) “Introduction and Passacaglia in D Minor” — Max Reger *CALL TO WORSHIP: (Matthew 21:1-11, Common English Bible) Hear from the Gospel of Matthew how Jesus entered Jerusalem in the week before the Passover. When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, “Say to Daughter Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.” The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them. Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord !Hosanna in the highest!” And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Hosanna, Son of David! Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest! INTROIT: (11 AM) Wesley Singers, Holly Temming, Director, Alan Giambattista, piano “He Is Coming” — Carol Duebber, arr. Joanne Swanson He is coming, Jesus is coming. See him riding through the gates! Hosanna! He is coming, Jesus is coming. Let us sing our song of praise. Sing Hosanna! Blessed is he who’s coming in the name of the Lord, our Savior! Welcome the Messiah, our hope forevermore. Humble Shepherd, riding a donkey; Jesus needs no golden crown. Hosanna! For the kingdom of his Spirit; peace and love flow all around. Sing Hosanna! Blessed is he who’s coming in the name of the Lord, our Savior! Welcome the Messiah, our hope forevermore. He is coming, Jesus is coming. See him riding through the gates! Hosanna! He is coming, Jesus is coming. Let us sing our song of praise! PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #280 “All Glory Laud and Honor”, vv. 1-3 *WELCOME *OPENING PRAYER: God of all times, creator of each season, we know how hard it is to keep company with our fears and sorrows, our storms and clouds. We are guilty of rushing through life, looking for the bright days, the sunny experiences, the clear skies, and then wanting to preserve them. Yet Holy Week offers us the space to explore the dry places, the twists and turns, the turbulent waters and to discover again the essence of our story. Holy One, journey with us through this week and open our souls to hear your word in the midst of every doubt and question, and to see your grace at work in every event in our lives. Open us to a deeper awareness of your presence and your power that lives in us and through us all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. *MOMENTS OF SILENCE *RESPONSE: #280 “All Glory, Laud and Honor”, v. 4 All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. CHILDREN'S TIME 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: 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: Sanctuary Choir “The Simplest and the Best” — Alfred Fedak; words by Jeanette Threlfall Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang. Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang. To Jesus, who had blessed them close folded to His breast, The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best. From Olivet they followed mid an exultant crowd, The victor palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud. The Lord of men and angels rode on in lowly state, Nor scorned that little children should on His bidding wait. “Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing, For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King. O may we ever praise Him with heart and life and voice, And in His blissful presence eternally rejoice! *DOXOLOGY: #280 “All Glory, Laud and Honor”, v. 5 All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King. INVITATION TO THE PASSION NARRATIVE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:17-30 (all scriptures taken from "The Message" by Eugene Peterson) HYMN: #614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken", vv. 1, 2 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:31-56 HYMN: #290 "Go to Dark Gethsemane", v. 1 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:57-75 HYMN: #290 "Go to Dark Gethsemane", v. 2 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:1-26 HYMN: (9 AM only) #289 "Ah, Holy Jesus", v. 1 ANTHEM: (11 AM only) Sanctuary Choir, Annette Farrington, flute “My Song Is Love Unknown” — Gabriel Fauré, arr. Gregory Pysh; words by Samuel Crossman, alt. My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. O who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take frail flesh, and die? He came from heaven’s throne, salvation to bestow; the world that was his own would not its Savior know. But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need his life did spend! Here might I stay and sing no story so divine; never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine! This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:27-44 HYMN: #285 "To Mock Your Reign", vv. 1, 3 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:45-66 *HYMN: #294 "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed", vv. 1, 5 *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (based on “Were You There?”, arr. Carl Johengen) POSTLUDE: “Requiem” — Everett Titcomb
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
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Palm/Passion Sunday
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 GIVE VIA VENMO
Wednesday Morning Study Group New Book Starting April 8!
Participants In the Service
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Readers: Frances Bryniarski, Dave Kennedy Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Children’s Music Director: Holly Temming Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Chris Burton, Sean Cundy Altar Guild Team: Cindy Malone, Martha Tuke, Ellen Williams Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
“He Is Coming” © 2006 The Lorenz Corporation; “The Simplest and the Best” © 2014 St. James Music Press; “My Song Is Love Unknown” © 2025 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; 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.
Join us as we begin Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries — the world's largest gang-intervention program — built on the belief that we are all inherently good and we belong to each other, no exceptions. In this inspiring book, Boyle invites us into a vision of community rooted in kindness, healing, and equality, where "if love was a place, it would be Homeboy." Meets Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All are welcome!
Support the Storehouse by ordering beautiful geraniums from Chase Greenhouse! Available in red, white, purple, strawberry, and salmon, geraniums are priced at $5.25 each. Lush hanging baskets are also available at $25 each — or take advantage of our quantity discount and get 5 baskets for just $100! Orders will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1 through April 22. Scan the QR code to access the order form. Pickup is Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All proceeds benefit the Storehouse — thank you for your support!
The Storehouse Geranium Sale
Permissions:
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; in loving memory of Fred Hamil by his wife Carolyn and his children: Susan, Steven & Julie, and his grandchildren Julianna, Chloe, Alicia and Olivia; and in loving memory of our beautiful son Zachary by his parents Donna & Kevin Harrington, his brother Kevin and wife Mallory, and his nephew Roman Zachary. The flowers on the altars are also given in loving memory of Dr. Theodore J. Weeden Sr. (Ted), by his siblings, his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. Note: The congregation is welcome to pick up flowers after the 11 am Sunday service if they would like to take flowers to a family member, friend or neighbor to brighten their day. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the friends and family of Melissa Oskvig who died on Monday, March 16. A Memorial Service will be held April 25 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary. Our hearts and prayers are with George Heydweiller and his family as they grieve the death of Kay Heydweiller who died on March 11. A Memorial Service will be held May 9 at 3 pm 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.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Spring is here, 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
Celebrations and concerns
We're so excited for Asbury First's Summer VBS! Children in grades Pre-K (age 4) through 5th grade are invited to join us August 3–6 from 9 am to Noon for fun, faith-filled days exploring the Bible through arts, crafts, games, and more! Registration fees can be paid online via credit card or bank account through this form, or select "Pay Later" to mail a check to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee. For questions, email programs@asburyfirst.org.
THURSDAY
MAUNDY THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
1 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
7 pm
Maundy Thursday Service – 1040, Sanctuary
FRIDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12 pm
"Envisioning the Passion" Service – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (4/5)
EASTER SUNDAY
Easter Sunrise Service – 1010, Community Garden
8:15 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary
Easter Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
Breakfast – 1010, Dining and Caring Center until 10:30 am
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – Cancelled
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
11 am
Children's Sunday School – Cancelled
Easter Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
EASTER MONDAY
CAMPUS IS CLOSED
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 29 (PALM SUNDAY) – APRIL 5 (Easter Sunday)
SUNDAY
PALM SUNDAY
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
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
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
12:30 pm
Town Hall — Immediately after the 11 am Service
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library and Zoom &
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
The Library at Asbury First
Storehouse Geranium Sale
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!
Earth Day Celebration Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Celebration, April 25, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Gathering Center. Explore display tables and hear from local organizations dedicated to nature preservation, gardening, beekeeping, and more. Learn how you can care for creation and make a difference in our community. All are welcome to share the joy of spring and sustainability! Read more at asburyfirst.org/earth-day
Auditions for Don't Drink The Water Be a part of the next production by Asbury First Community Theatre. Auditions for Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. Auditions are open to adults only (18 and over). Contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org for more information.
No Fooling in the Library We are not fooling around this April! The library is holding an open house on April 12, between 10 am and 10:45 am and again between noon and 12:45 pm. Treats and lots of books will be available. Stop in and see what's happening in the library. Don't be a fool, reading is cool!
Immigration Study Join us Wednesday evenings, April 8 – 29, 6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall for Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration — a four-week study from the United Methodist Church and Society Committee. Hear from Asbury First members with firsthand experience, explore what the church says about immigration, and learn how recent changes (ICE arrests in Monroe County jumped from 6 in 2024 to 226 in 2025) affect our neighbors and community. Come discover what we can do — as a church and as individuals.
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
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 Austin Retzlaff — Communications Assistant Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
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
We invite you during this Holy Week to join any or all of these livestream and in-person worship experiences! Beginning today with Palm Sunday, including a remembrance of Christ's last night and a unique Good Friday "Envisioning the Passion," along with a special Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Asbury First Community Garden.
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.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #280 “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
March 29, 2026
HYMN: #614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken", vv. 1, 2
HYMN: #290 "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
HYMN: (9:00am only) #289 "Ah, Holy Jesus", v. 1
HYMN: #285 "To Mock Your Reign", vv. 1, 3
*HYMN: #294 "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed", vv. 1, 5