April 5, 2026 EASTER SUNDAY
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
April 5, 2026 9 AM & 11 AM
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Easter Sunday
PRELUDE: "Carillon Français" — Craig Phillips Duane Prill, Organ “Alleluia” from Cantata 142 — J.S. Bach, arr. S. Drummond Wolff Brass and Organ “Jubilation” — Mary Kay Parrish (11 AM only) Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director “Canzona No. 29” — Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643), arr. S. Drummond Wolff Brass and Organ *EASTER PROCLAMATION Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia! Alleluia! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 1-4 *WELCOME *ANTHEM: “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah - G. F. Handel *OPENING PRAYER Risen Christ, we greet you with joy! On this day of life and light, we gather in awe of your victory over death. The stone is rolled away, the grave is empty, and your promise is fulfilled. Let the alleluias rise in our hearts as we worship you in spirit and truth. Break through our doubt with your love, our fear with your peace, our despair with your hope. Raise us with you, that we may live as people of the resurrection—renewed, restored, and rejoicing. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:1-10 (Common English Bible) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow. The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ I’ve given the message to you.” (cont'd) With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.” For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. 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. 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: (9:00 AM) Sanctuary Choir, Brass, Percussion “Day of Delight and Mercy Unbounded” — tune by Giovanni Gastoldi, arr. Paul D. Weber (see pg. 5 for lyrics) (11:00 AM) Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” — arr. Kevin McChesney, based on the hymn tune Duke Street SERMON HYMN: #636 "Christian People, Raise Your Song" 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. Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. COMMUNION ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir, Brass, Percussion “Day of Delight and Mercy Unbounded” — tune by Giovanni Gastoldi, arr. Paul D. Weber; words by Delores Dufner, OSB (Refrain:) Day of delight and beauty unbounded, tell the news, the gospel spread! Day of all wonder, day of all splendor, praise Christ risen from the dead! Sing of the sun from darkness appearing; sing of the seed from barren earth greening; sing of creation, alleluia! Sing of the stream from Jesus’ side flowing; sing of the saints in water made holy; sing of salvation, alleluia! (Refrain) Sing now of mourning turned into dancing; sing now the mystery, hope of our glory; sing with thanksgiving, alleluia! Sing now of fasting turned into feasting; sing the Lord’s favor lasting forever; sing, all things living, sing with thanksgiving, tell the good news, the gospel spread! Christ is risen from the dead! (Refrain) HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” #628 "Eat This Bread" *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #315 “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Alleluia! Amen! (adapted from St. Kevin, Arthur S. Sullivan) POSTLUDE: Duane Prill, organ “Toccata” from Symphony No. V — Charles-Marie Widor
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director (11 AM) Trumpet: Bill Baldwin, Jim Farrington Trombone: Jeff Dick, John Ormsbee Percussion: Kristen Shiner McGuire Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Banner (11 AM): Sean Mahan Communion Stewards: Angie Burch, Anne Marie and Mark Strivings Altar Guild Team: Marcia Thor, Beth Rice, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Suite Team: Kenny Bailey, Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church We offer special thanks to our entire Altar Guild as well as our Worship and Arts Team for all they do to create a beautiful worship environment.
We apologize that this list may be incomplete due to our printing schedule. 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.
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
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.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Permissions:
“Jubilation” © 2001 Agape/Hope Publishing Co.; “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; “Day of Delight and Beauty Unbounded” text © 2011 G.I.A. Publications Inc., music © 2021 Augsburg Fortress; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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 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!
ALTAR FLOWERS A list of Easter Altar Flower Donations is printed on the back of this bulletin. 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 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.
The Storehouse Geranium Sale
Celebrations and concerns
Wednesday Morning Study Group New Book Starting April 8!
We are aware of concerns with the temporary sound system which will be in place until a new permanent system can be installed. Our Tech Team is doing its best to adjust the system to our needs. If you find yourself seated in an area of the nave where the sound is muddy, please don't be embarrassed to get up and move to an area where you can hear more clearly. Thank you for your patience!
Meetings & Rehearsals April 5 – April 12
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
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
SUNDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
7 am
Easter Sunrise Service – 1010, Community Garden
9 am
Easter Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
Easter Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
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
12 pm
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF— 1040, Youth Room
MONDAY
CAMPUS IS CLOSED
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
6 pm
ACT Auditions – 1040, Fellowship Hall
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional 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, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
1 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (4/12)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Adult Sunday School – 1040: Fellowship Hall
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, Dining & Caring Center
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Help Me Connect!
Note: This production of Don’t Drink the Water is presented in the spirit of separating the art from the artist, and does not reflect an endorsement of the personal actions or views of its playwright, Woody Allen.
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
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.
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.
The Library at Asbury First
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 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
In Loving Memory Curtis, Mavis and Pamela Hughes by Ronald and Marilyn Agard Nicholas Derthick by Sam and Nancy Attardo Shelly and Ann Hunter; Michael and Sophia Adamus by Dick and Nancy Adamus Shaun Michael Bohrer by Brian and Melissa Bohrer Shirley and Ray Baker by Cindy and Jim Connell, and family Joseph and Maryann Cygan; Philip and Margaret Gropp by Joseph and Janice Cygan Bonnie Crossley and Brian Denigris by Barbara Denigris Ethel and Lamont Eltinge by Barbara Eltinge Win and Donna Steele; Donna Steele Wright; Jean Billinston; Patricia June Billinston by Monica Gilligan My mom, Mary Lou Green by Dr. Jennifer Green-Wilson In loving memory of our parents by Sam Guarino and Tracy Clark Merran Joy Hull by Joseph Hull and Meredith Hull Our parents by Dave and Bonnie Kay Our parents Robert and Hazel Brown; Vincent and Carmen Larkin; siblings John and Jane Brown by Linda Larkin Eli Eckman by the Marsiglio Family Warren and Carol Doerrer; Stephanie K. McGraw; Bob McGraw by The McGraw Family: Karen, Rob, William and Caroline James Messenger by John & Judy Messenger My son, Martin Scahill by Mary Scahill Our parents by Joan and Ken Slater Rev. W. Russell and June C. Clark by Nancy and Sebastian Specht My parents Arline and Vernon Moore, and my husband Robert Stokes by Bev Stokes Lorraine and Robert Thor by Marcia Thor Carl Tylenda by Cory Tylenda Matthew and Marilyn Vinci by Tammi Vinci Marilyn Wadsworth by John Wadsworth My parents Bill and Dody Sawyer by LouAnna Washing Rev. Dr. Theodore J. Weeden by his siblings, children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter John and Joan Newberry; William Huther by Carole Huther Harry and Elizabeth Powell; Bette Ann Powell Sneed; Noelle Powell Lennon; Ralph and Elaine Hoyle; Tom Stewart; David Hoyle; Brian Hoyle by Ruth Ellen and Gary Hoyle In Honor and Celebration Jacqueline Milligan by Ed Austin Our grandchildren by Diane and Jim Dudley Gerry Gold by Christopher Gold Cassandra Jordan and Linda White by Ike Jordan and June White Our daughters and their families by Dave and Bonnie Kay Our family by Debby and Craig Merritt Edith & Stanley McCollum by Helen Perkins Mike Mullin and Kathy Thiel’s ministries by Dave and Beth Rice, and Family Sharon Schad by John Wadsworth Donations Amy Allen Peter Owh and Tom Brazda
Join us this Holy Week as we reflect on Christ’s final days through worship and community. Good Friday begins with Envisioning the Passion—a moving service of art and choral music—tomorrow at noon. From 5–7 pm, Friday, drop in for a family-friendly evening of reflection and fun. On Easter Sunday, we’ll gather for a Sunrise Service at 8 am in the Community Garden (1010 East Ave), followed by traditional services in the Sanctuary at 9 and 11 am. All are welcome as we walk through this sacred season together.
To see a complete list of Holy Week offerings, visit asburyfirst.org/holy-week
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.
Easter Altar Donations 2026
April 5, 2026
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 1-4
HYMN: #636 "Christian People, Raise Your Song"
COMMUNION HYMN: #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken”
COMMUNION HYMN: #628 "Eat This Bread"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #315 “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain”
BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Sanctuary Choir