APRIL 2, 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 • April 2, 2023
* please stand as you are able
*Gathering Hymn
#277 "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus", v. 1, 3
Palm Sunday
Prelude
Introduction and Passacaglia in D Minor — Max Reger
Introit
Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest! Amen. (Words: Matthew 21:9; Music: John Baptiste Calkin, 19th cent. English)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Give thanks to God for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever! Hosanna! Our salvation is at hand! It is marvelous to behold! Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Come save us, Lord! Hosanna! Give thanks to God for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever! Hosanna!
*Processional Hymn
#280 "All Glory, Laud and Honor”, vv. 1-4 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
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The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we are not so different from those who welcomed Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We have betrayed you too, Lord Jesus, by our sins both secret and known. Yet you died for people like us, and you rose that we might be redeemed. For the sake of Jesus Christ, do not hold our sins against us. Help us to see your glory; draw us closer to you. Help us to become more faithful and more joyful servants of your realm.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God sweeps into our human scene, redeeming all who turn from evil and do good. There is grace, mercy, and renewed strength for all who earnestly seek the new life Christ brings. God forgives. We are freed from the burden of our sin. Thanks be to God!
*Gloria
11 am
Scripture Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
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.
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.
To Renew Commitment
To hear the word
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Offertory Sanctuary Choir Jim Farrington, Trumpet
"When, His Salvation Bringing" — Howard Helvey; words by John King (1789-1858) When, his salvation bringing, to Zion Jesus came, the children all stood singing hosannas to his name: nor did their zeal offend him, but as he rode along, he bade them still attend him, and smiled to hear their song. And since the Lord retains his love for children still, though now as King he reigns on Zion's heav'nly hill, we'll flock around his banner who sits upon his throne, and cry aloud, "Hosanna to David's royal Son!" For should we fail proclaiming our great Redeemer's praise, the stones, our silence shaming, would their hosannas raise. But shall we only render the tribute of our words? No, while our hearts are tender, they too shall be the Lord's.
Sermon
Gatekeepers
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#624 "Bread of the World"
Invitation to Communion
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Communion will be served at the kneeling rails at the front of the nave and in each of the chapels. Please come forward via the center aisle to receive Communion, and take any open space at the rail (center OR chapel) — the ushers will assist you in locating a space. After receiving the elements, place your empty cup in the basket and return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
Hymns
#626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" #614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken" #628 "Eat This Bread"
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Assisting with Communion: Rev. Paul Gongloff, Rev. Nadia Mullin, Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Rev. Susan Shafer 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 Production Suite Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“When, His Salvation Bringing” © 2009 Hinshaw Music, 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.
*Closing Hymn
#166 “All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Steve Danyew)
Postlude
Toccata on “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” — Michael Burkhardt
Permissions:
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#280 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor", v. 1, 3
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
Matthew 21:1-11 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Communion
Closing Hymn
#277 “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”, vv. 1, 3
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: David Strong
9 am • April 2, 2023
chapel service
Help Me
CONNECT
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Al Froelicher by his wife Betty and family; in loving memory of Richard H. and Martha Gibbons by their family; and in loving memory of the life, the work, and the person, Theresa Fielder by Dr. Timothy J. Johnson. 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 Ruth and Dave Vanderlinden on the death of Ruth's granddaughter, Kalie Marie Moses on March 8, 2023. We offer our prayers and concerns for Rev. Ted Weeden's declining health and to Judy Weeden and his family. Prayers and visitations would be appreciated.
Celebrations and concerns
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 9:45 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) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed 12 pm Library Bibliocart—1040 Gathering Center 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 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Room 201, Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary MONday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 Shop 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 Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group: Near the Exit—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—Canceled 5:30 pm Community Dinner—Canceled 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Canceled 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 7 pm Maundy Thursday Service In-Person and Livestreamed friday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 12 pm Envisioning the Passion Service In-Person and Livestream 5 pm Good Friday Family Night— 1040 Gathering Center and Fellowship Hall 7 pm Seven Last Words SERVICE at Baber AME Church—550 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607
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
Meetings & Rehearsals April 2–8
Services AT ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
*Childcare is available at these services | LS services will be livestreamed
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter
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
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.
Friday, April 7 12 pm* SERVICE LS Envisioning the Passion — Holy Week-themed art and choral music. A beloved Asbury First tradition. 5–6:30 pm Good Friday Family Night — A come-when- you-wish child-friendly event with communion, a labyrinth walk, and prayer stations. 7 pm Seven Last Words SERVICE at Baber AME Church — 550 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#280 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor", vv. 1-4
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Hymns during Communion
#626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
#614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"
Hymns During Communion
#628 "Eat This Bread"
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#166 "All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine"
Gathering Hymn (9 am)
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