March 30, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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
Sonata No. 6 in D Minor (Chorale and variations on Vater unser im Himmelreich) — Felix Mendelssohn
Introit
I sing as I arise today! I call on my Creator’s might: the will of God to be my guide, the eye of God to be my sight, the word of God to be my speech, the hand of God to be my stay, the shield of God to be my strength, the path of God to be my way. (Words: attr. to St. Patrick; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God’s grace is wider than we imagine. God’s mercy reaches beyond our deserving. When we wander, God runs to meet us. When we turn away, God’s arms remain open. Whether we are lost in failure or stuck in pride, God calls us home with joy. Let us worship the One whose love never fails, The One whose forgiveness knows no end.
*Processional Hymn
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#160 "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart", v 1-2
11 am • March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we wander far from you. We squander your gifts and misuse your grace. We hold on to resentment, refusing to forgive. We judge others harshly while overlooking our own faults. We fail; we grow bitter. Yet you welcome us home with open arms. Forgive us, O God. Heal our brokenness, soften our hearts, and teach us to rejoice in your extravagant grace. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God’s mercy knows no limit. God runs to meets us with compassion and welcomes us home. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God.
*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)
Minute for Mission
Every Member in Ministry — John Messenger
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (The Message)
By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, ‘Father, I want right now what’s coming to me.’ “So the father divided the property between them. It wasn’t long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to feel it. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corn-cobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. “That brought him to his senses. He said, ‘All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I’m going back to my father. I’ll say to him, Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.’ He got right up and went home to his father. “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’ (cont'd)
Scripture (cont'd)
“But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. “All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day’s work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, ‘Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.’ “The older brother stomped off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen. The son said, ‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on loose living shows up and you go all out with a feast!’ “His father said, ‘Son, you don’t understand. You’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Jordan Bachmann, Soloist
“Welcome Home” — Mark A. Miller; words by Lindy Thompson Embraced before we have the chance to try and make things right; well-loved before we love ourselves, adored before first sight. The love of God confounds the mind of all who grace the earth. We cannot grasp the height nor depth, a gift before our birth. (Refrain:) Welcome home! Welcome home, received with joy and made whole! To be in turn, the welcome home for every seeking soul. Just as the father flew to greet his slow-returning son, so we are met with open arms, and welcomed everyone. (Refrain) So welcome home! Welcome home, received with joy and made whole! To be in turn, the welcome home for every seeking soul.
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
God, our Creator, hear our prayer and bless all souls that wait before you. (Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn
#340 "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy"
Sermon
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Asbury Orchestra Laurie Kennedy, Director
“Oh, Taste and See That The Lord Is Good” (Psalm 34) — Jeff Cranfill
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
Gracious God, as we offer these gifts, we offer ourselves—flawed yet forgiven, hesitant yet hopeful. May these offerings be more than tokens of generosity; may they be signs of our growing trust in your grace. Use them, and use us, to share your love freely, welcome the lost eagerly, and extend mercy without limit. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
“Welcome Home” © 2023 Choristers Guild; “Oh, Taste and See That the Lord Is Good” © 1998 Jeffrey H. Cranfill; “Benediction” © 2022 Hal Leonard LLC; 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, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Readers: Ann Johnson, Frances Bryniarski Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Gio Bucci, Alé Bucci Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Griffin Allen 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 Asbury Orchestra
“Benediction” — John Stevens
*Recessional Hymn
#378 "Amazing Grace"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Neukomm, arr. Carl Johengen)
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (found on pp. 4, 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: Karen Hibbard Organist: David Strong
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
9 am • March 30, 2025
April 8 – 1010 Tuesdays Visit asburfirst.org/1010tuesdays to sign up! Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the Community Outreach Center, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!
Lenten Labyrinth Walks Join us for weekly Labyrinth Walks through Lent at 7 pm in Fellowship Hall, each Wednesday through Holy Week. Whether you walk in silence or with intention, all are welcome to experience this contemplative path as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
Easter Altar Flower Donations 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 and info are available at the Welcome Desk.
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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 was held at Asbury First on March 29. Our hearts and prayers are with Martha and Jeremy Tuke; Martha's mother, Sandra Kessler Woodward died on March 19. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joan Phillips, who died on January 21 will be held on Friday, May 16 at 2 pm. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Enid Graham-Raad, who died on November 7 will be held on Sunday, June 8 at 3 pm. 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.
Spring Campus Clean-Up Saturday, April 5, at 9 am, 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
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
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 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 # 10 am Asbury Orchestra Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary 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 7 pm Michael Messina Organ Recital — 1040, Sanctuary 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 — canceled until 4/15 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, Sanctuary 6 pm Youth Bells and Choir — 1040, Room 205 7 pm Labyrinth Walk — 1040, Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Room 205 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 Women's Fellowship Group — 1040, Library 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 # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 SATURDAY 8 am Campus Clean-Up — 1040, Welcome Hall 10 am Break-up Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 4 pm "A Night of Chopin" concert — 1040, Sanctuary NEXT SUNday (4/6) 9 am Worship Service (communion) — In-Person in the Sanctuary 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 (communion) — 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 12:30 pm Easter Bonnets & High Tea — 1010, Red Room 2 pm My Fair Lady Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 4 pm Monteverdi "Vespers" concert — 1040, Sanctuary
ZOOM KEY
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
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals MARCH 30 – April 6
Help Me Connect
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Easter "Bonnet" Making and High Tea Party All are invited Sunday, April 6 at 12:30 pm in the Red Room (COC), to make fascinators to wear on Easter. This is an easy craft and all the supplies will be provided. Make one for yourself or as a gift for someone else! The cost is $10 per hat and comes with a special high tea luncheon! RSVP to Christina Kirivong at Kay_christina@hotmail.com by April 1 and please indicate whether you'd like to make an Adult or Child-sized fascinator.
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
A Conversation with author Alex Sanchez
LINDEN KNOLL Monday, March 31, 2 pm THE HIGHLANDS Tuesday, April 8, 2 pm
Monday, April 7, 7-8 pm 1010 East Avenue, Red Room OR by Zoom
Older Adult Communion Gather with us 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
Come join a conversation with Alex Sanchez, Mexican-American author of 10 award-winning books for young people. To register for Zoom, email Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
April 2- Jay Nelson will help us answer questions like "Is it better to drive a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California or just rub it with a (clean) diaper?" and "What do Ferris Bueller and Henry David Thoreau have in common?" through a conversation about films. (It’s a good idea to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off before joining the discussion, but not mandatory).
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. March 30 we will discuss The Social Community and Other Social Issues.
WEDNESDAY EVENING ADULT ED. CLASSES IN LENT
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, VENMO VIA THE QR CODE, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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.
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
Free Open to the public Free-will offering
Today March 30 7 PM Asbury First Sanctuary
Lectio Divina will be offered on each weekday of Holy Week. Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture, which will guide us each day in spiritual reflection. All are welcome, and attendance every day is not required. Bring your heart, and we will journey together.
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
Transgender Day of Visibility On Monday, March 31, we observe Transgender Day of Visibility, honoring lives lost to violence and discrimination in the transgender community. We stand in solidarity with our transgender siblings, offering support and love. Pronoun stickers are available at the welcome desk, and a progress pride flag has been raised outside, symbolizing our commitment to equality and acceptance for all. Let us continue to foster a community where everyone is valued.
LECTIO DIVINA
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
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”, vv. 1, 2
*Hymn (cont'd)