APRIL 9, 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 this 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, they may return to their seats. 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Variations on “The Strife is O’er” — Janet Linker Organ Gloria Patri — Vaclav Nelhybel Brass Ensemble, Organ “Hail Thee, Festival Day” — Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Douglas Wagner Asbury Ringers
*Processional Hymn
#302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 1-4
9 & 11 am • April 9, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Easter Sunday
*Easter Proclamation
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Anthem
“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah — G. F. Handel Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah! The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; And he shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!
*Greeting and Passing of Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#322 “Up from the Grave He Arose”, v. 1
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, we are witnesses to the Resurrection story. As witnesses, may we find hope in Christ, and be assured of God’s grace, forgiveness, and steadfast love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Scripture Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3, alt.
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Moment for Mission
Community Outreach Center, Rev. Pat Dupont, Minister for Outreach and Director of the Community Outreach Center
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Mighty God, despite the life-giving joy of this day, we find we often struggle to understand the world around us. We confess that at times we are tired, and at times we are terrified. Open our hearts to sense your presence among us. Open our eyes to see the risen Christ walking toward us. Fill our tired and terrified minds with amazement, wonder, and hope. Give us the abundant life that is the promise of Easter.
9 & 11 am
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.
*Hymn
#315 “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain”, vv. 1, 2, 5
Sermon
Easter Monday
Call to Prayer
Now everyone with tender heart, forgiving others, take your part; alleluia, alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, sing praise and cast on God your care. O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Words: Francis of Assisi, tr. William Draper; Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. Carl Johengen)
Pastoral Prayer
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
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Sanna, Sannanina” (“Holy, Most Holy Lord”) — traditional South African, arr. Sandra Eithun Laura Chan, Judy Messenger, John Messenger, Mike Mullin, Percussion
*Doxology Hymnal #94
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#327 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear; repeat their song of glory here: Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Words: Paul Zeller Strodach; Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. Carl Johengen)
Postlude
“Toccata from Symphony V” — Charles Marie Widor
Offertory
“He Lives” — Allen Pote; words by E. R. Morgan I know that my redeemer lives. He lives! He lives! He lives! I know that my redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. My flesh may be destroyed. My flesh may be destroyed. Yet from this body will I see God! My eyes will behold him. I know that my redeemer lives. He lives! He lives! He lives! And at the last he will stand upon the earth. I know that my redeemer lives. For now is Christ risen, risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that slept. Death has been destroyed, the victory complete through Jesus Christ our Lord. I know that my redeemer lives. He lives! He lives! He lives! And at the last he will stand upon the earth. I know, I know, I know that my redeemer lives. He lives!
*Prayer of Dedication
God of abundance, we offer these our gifts with thanksgiving and joy in the presence of the living Christ. May these gifts bring new life to those near and far, and may we offer ourselves in service to you and one another. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel 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 Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Trumpet: Bill Baldwin, Jim Farrington Horn: Steve Landgren Trombone: Paul Abel,Scott Hoffman Timpani: Katherine Hutchings Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifers, Acolytes: Claire Clark, Emily Clark, Andrew Hunt, Anne Nutter, Maddie White Easter Banner Bearer: Sean Mahan (banner created by Johanna Mahan) Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“He Lives” © 2005 Hope Publishing Co.; “Hail Thee, Festival Day” © 1991 Lorenz Publishing Co.; “Sanna Sannanina” © 2014 Choristers Guild; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Permissions:
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21, 6 pm, location TBD
NEW CLASSES! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
BELIEVE: The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
Led by Emily and Stephen Cady Do you BELIEVE? Like an American Football coach who somehow finds himself managing a British football (soccer) team, sometimes the gospel shows up in the strangest places. Join us as we explore the rich gospel themes (forgiveness, community, care, hope, etc.) of the award-winning show Ted Lasso (available on Apple TV+) and have some fun doing it. Sure, the language of the show isn’t always conducive to church, but the message certainly is. The class will meet at 6 pm for the first three Wednesdays in June and is open to all adults. If you are interested in joining us, please email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@ asburyfirst.org or call the church office.
Make a Joyful
Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this summer for our Vacation Bible School themed Make A Joyful Noise, August 7-10, from 9 am — noon each day. We will learn how music is an essential part of life and draws us closer to God. We will explore music through song, dance, bells, games, art and stories. We will end the week with a family night of food, fun and music underneath the tent.
Wednesdays, April 12, 19, 26, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall
Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign your child up for VBS. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Led by Dr. Jeff Brubaker Dr. Brubaker recently celebrated the publication of his first book, The Disputatio of the Latins and the Greeks, 1234: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary. Jeff has put together an enticing and accessible, three-session course that will highlight some of the histories that led up to the “Great Schism” of the East and West churches, and the subsequent conversations of church leaders who ostensibly were working to heal this divide. Visit asburyfirst.org/adults for more information, or contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Vacation Bible School 2023
From Schism to Union?
Join us for our church-wide carnival and talent show immediately following the 11 am service on Youth Sunday, June 4! It's the perfect way to start the Summer with hot dogs, inflatable bounce house, talent show and more. The carnival is free to all.
Sunday, June 4, Following 11 am Worship Service
Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@ asburyfirst.org to participate in the talent show.
Asbury First
Asbury First Community Theater Presents
Performance Dates:
TICKETS ARE ON SALE! Purchase them in the Welcome Hall, by scanning the QR code to the right, or by visiting asburyfirst.org/som. Adults: $15 • 16 & Under: $10
Friday, May 5, 7 pm Saturday, May 6, 7 pm Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, May 7.
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: Sunday, April 30 at 12:30 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Lunch served. Hybrid: Wednesday, May 3 at 6 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
New Member’s Classes
#302 "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", vv. 1-4
11 am • April 9, 2023
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#322 "Up from the Grave He Arose", v. 1
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)
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#327 "Crown Him with Many Crowns"