April 6, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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
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
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
“Adagio” — Alessandro Marcello “Fantasia In C Minor”, BWV 537 — J. S. Bach
Introit
The earth is hushed in silence, its cares now flee away; let all things bow in reverence on this, the Lord’s own day; O praise and pray on this, the Lord’s own day. (Words: anonymous; Tune: Lord’s Day, Felix Mendelssohn)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 126)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Though we could be resentful, we come to give thanks. Though we could be complaining, we come to offer appreciation. Though we could be upset about what we lack, we come in gratitude for what we have. We enter now into this time of worship, carrying seed to sow, singing songs of joy, and rejoicing together.
*Processional Hymn
#510 "Come, Ye Disconsolate"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1, 2
11 am • April 6, 2025
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Prayer of Confession
God of all, we confess that we often fail to see injustices built into our society. Today we recognize especially the flawed human systems that marginalize and oppress women. We confess our involvement and complicity in those systems, both voluntary and involuntary, and we pray for grace and healing where we have done harm and been harmed.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: our God is a liberating God, seeking to free all of humankind from captivity to patriarchy, hierarchy, sexism and domination. Through Jesus Christ, we are set free. Amen.
*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)
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture John 12:1-8 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated)
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Childrens'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.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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Offertory Sanctuary Choir
"Let This Same Mind Be in You" — Thomas Pavlechko; words from Philippians 2:5-11 Let the same mind be in you that was in Jesus Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death; even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in heaven and on earth and under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Sermon
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.
To celebrate holy communion
To Renew Commitment
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.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Communion Hymn
#175 "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee", vv. 1, 2, 4
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
The Lord's Supper
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 provided. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
“Let the Same Mind Be in You” © 2023 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Teddi Urriola Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Stewards: Tammy Heintzelman, Angie Burch Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Ethan Hildreth, Christopher Goerss Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Hymns (as needed)
#453 "More Love to Thee, O Christ" #189 "Fairest Lord Jesus"
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.
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.
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (anonymous)
Postlude
“Fugue in C Minor”, BWV 537 — J. S. Bach
To Disperse in Mission
Welcome
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
#175 "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee"
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
John 12:1-8 (found on p. 4)
Invitation to Discipleship and Engagement, Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Communion
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. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
9 am • April 6, 2025
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Richard H. and Martha Gibbons by their family; in loving memory of Marie Andres by her son John Andres; in loving memory of Al Froelicher by his wife Betty and family; and in loving memory of Eleanor VanCassele-Schneider on her birthday by her son Jim VanCassele & family. 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 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Teddi Urriola Organist: David Strong
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.
*Closing Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1, 2, 3, 6
PLEASE SIGN IN
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
9 am
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Help Me Connect
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
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
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
ZOOM KEY
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.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service (communion) — 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 # 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, Fellowship Hall 4 pm Monteverdi "Vespers" concert — 1040, Sanctuary MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 7 pm Banned Book Club: Alex Sanchez — 1010, Red Room and Zoom* 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 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 Rescheduled Campus Clean-Up — 1040, Welcome Hall 10 am Break-up Support Group — 1050, Teak Room NEXT SUNday (4/13 - Palm Sunday) 9 am Worship Service — 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 — 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, Wesley Hall
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
Meetings & Rehearsals APRIL 6 - APRIL 13
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
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. 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.
Monday, April 7, 7-8 pm 1010 East Avenue, Red Room OR by Zoom
Team
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
Visitation
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
Sundays April 6 & 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. April 6 – The Political Community (Governmental Responsibilities). April 13 – The Political Community (Basic Rights and Freedoms).
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
A Conversation with author Alex Sanchez
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
April 9 - The Stories of Your Life - Come prepared to think about your life! What are some highlights? What are some places your life went in a direction you did not expect it to go? We will begin by writing stories from our lives and end by composing our own obituaries! Bring your favorite pen and paper, or your laptop; additional paper and pens will be available.
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
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.
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes in Lent
LECTIO DIVINA
Its that time of the year again! The Storehouse Geranium Sale starts today, April 6. By ordering red, white, purple sizzle, strawberry sizzle, or salmon geraniums, you're helping the Community Outreach Center to Do More Good. Scan the QR code to visit our online form. Orders must be received by Sunday, April 30. Pick up your geraniums on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 am to 12 pm at the Community Outreach Center. Email your questions to giving@asburyfirst.org, or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050 x117
Storehouse Geranium Sale
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the April COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect non-perishable food items for the Grocery Bag Ministry. A list of specific needed items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
Music, Meditation and Imagination Group As we journey through Holy Week, please join us for a Music, Meditation, and Imagination experience to deepen your spiritual awareness Tuesday, April 15 from 6 to 7 pm in Fellowship Hall or via zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200). This class will explore a spiritual text through meditation, music listening, and drawing/journaling for reflection. Bring a yoga mat, a blanket, and a pillow (though, not required to participate). For more information, contact Chris Gold at cgoldmt@gmail.com.
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
April COC Chapel Challenge
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
April 8 – 1010 Tuesdays Visit asburyfirst.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!
The Spring Campus Clean-up is rescheduled for April 12 Saturday, April 12, 9 am lend us your hands for our annual cleaning of the Asbury First campus grounds! We will meet to pick up twigs, rake leaves, and clear away the detritus of winter. Meet at the Main Entrance to 1040 at 9 am. Contact David Strong with questions at dstrong@asburyfirst.org
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
*Hymn
*Communion Hymn
#453 "More Love to Thee, O Christ"
#189 "Fairest Lord Jesus"