April 12, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Rob Coatsworth Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
{{page}}
Second Sunday of Easter
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-29 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: Partita on “This Joyful Eastertide” — Paul Bouman INTROIT Good Christians all, rejoice and sing! Alleluia! Now is the triumph of our King! To all the world glad news we bring! Alleluia! (Music: Adam Gumpelzhaimer, 1559-1625; Words: Cyril Alington, 1931) *CALL TO WORSHIP The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! We are the Easter people, filled with awe and joy. Our lives are forever changed by the resurrection. We come this morning to worship the God who offers new life to all. Hallelujah! Let us worship God. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #159 “Lift High the Cross” PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of our hearts, we bring to you the memories of the tomb. We carry with us the wonder of the resurrection. We confess that we often stay in the tomb rather than opening our eyes to the Light of God. Help us find the ways that we can know and share the beauty of eternal life made known to us in Jesus’ conquering death. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Beloved friends, hear the Good News: God loves and forgives us all. Hallelujah! Amen. *GLORIA (#102, “Now Thank We All Our God”, 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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Luna Marie Disco, born January 16, 2026, child of Hannah & Jacob Disco Thanksgiving over the Water God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise. Promises AND BAPTISM *Congregational Pledge Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care Luna, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. What promise will you make to this family? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal. *HYMN: #611, v. 1 Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-29 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 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. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir "We Walk by Faith" — Mark Hill, arr. Mary McDonald; words by Henry Alford, 1844, alt. We walk by faith and not by sight; although no gracious words we hear from Christ who spoke as no one ever spoke, we still believe that he is near. We cannot touch his hands and side, nor follow where our Master trod; but still, by faith, in his promise we rejoice, and still proclaim, “My Lord and God.” Help then, O Lord, our unbelief, and may our faith, renewed, abound, that we may call on you whenever you are near, and ever seek where you are found. Thus, when our life of faith is done, in realms of clear and perfect light we may behold our Savior face to face, and know in full with endless sight. We walk by faith, until that day when faith shall be made sight. 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. *HYMN: #306 “The Strife is O'er”, vv 1-3 SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among you. (Matthew 18:30; music by Carl Johengen) PASTORAL PRAYER 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: Solo Quartet “Doubting Thomas” — 15th c. French tune, arr. Mark Schweizer; words 15th c. French, tr. John Mason Neale O sons and daughters, let us sing! The King of Heaven, the glorious King O'er death and hell rose triumphing, Alleluia! When Thomas first the tidings heard, How they had seen the risen Lord, He doubted the disciples' word, Alleluia. "My pierced side, O Thomas, see; My hands, my feet, I show to thee, Not faithless, but believing be," Alleluia! No longer Thomas then denied, He saw the feet, the hands, the side, "Thou art my Lord and God," he cried; Alleluia! How blest are they who have not seen, And yet whose faith has constant been, For they eternal life shall win, Alleluia! *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! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Take these gifts we bring to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give hope to those in despair, and comfort those who are grieving. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Franz Schubert) POSTLUDE: Introduction and Theme on “Thine Be The Glory” — Alexandre Guilmant
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
“We Walk By Faith” © 2013 Lorenz Publishing Company; “Doubting Thomas” © 2012 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
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.
Permissions:
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.
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Rob Coatsworth Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Anne Nutter, Griffin Allen Altar Guild Team: Marcia Thor, Beth Rice, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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 Al Froelicher by his wife Betty and family; and in loving memory of Shaun Michael Bohrer by Brian, Melissa and Charlie Bohrer. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Terry Badger who died on April 4. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, April 13 at 10 am at Anthony’s Funeral Home (2305 Monroe Ave in Rochester). Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Jan DeJager who died on April 5. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at Asbury First on Monday, April 20 at 11 am. 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 Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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
Celebrations and concerns
Spring Campus Clean-Up Saturday, April 11, 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 from 9 am to 1 pm. No green thumbs required! Contact Deb Bullock-Smith with questions at dbullocksmith@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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
Help Me Connect!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:30 am
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1010, Wesley Hall
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm-up – 1040, Sanctuary
11 am
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
12 pm
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
6 pm
ACT Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
5:30 pm
Governing Board Meeting – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
ACT Rehearsal– 1040, Fellowship Hall
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library and Zoom &
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Children's Musical Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
6:30 pm
Youth Nosh, Bells & Choir – 1040, Gathering Center
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 #
SATURDAY
EARTH DAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, DCC Dining Room
Heaven & Earth Workshop – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (4/19)
Asbury Orchestra Warm-up – 1040, Sanctuary
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.
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 12 – April 19
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!
The Library at Asbury First
Some believe that caring for your chakra system is key to thriving physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Join us for a free workshop led by Isha Das and Christianne Asper-Contant of The Assisi Institute, to discover simple daily practices to deepen your connection with God, restore your natural rhythm, and transform fatigue into clarity and ease. No prior knowledge of chakras needed. No registration required. No fee. All are welcome. Questions? Reach out to Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Wednesday Morning Study Group Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle
Heaven and Earth Workshop Saturday, April 18 | 10 am – 12 pm | The Gathering Center
April COC Chapel Challenge Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the April COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect bath and hand towels. A list of other specific 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!
Join us as we read 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!
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 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. A video archive of past services is available 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 Jo Urriola-Shonewolf — Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries 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
Have you ever sat in the pew wondering whether you truly believe what everyone around you seems to believe? At Asbury First, we embrace the fact that our members hold a wide range of theologies — and we see that diversity as a strength. Today, April 12, during Sunday School, explore where you land on the theological spectrum and how we can stay in meaningful conversation with those who think and believe differently from us. Based on a workshop at the Progressive Youth Ministry Conference in Austin, TX, which Mike Mullin led, this discussion will help us understand our own theological beliefs and confidently engage with differing viewpoints in our communities. All are welcome!
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
The Storehouse Geranium Sale
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!
Adult Sunday School: The Theological Spectrum
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.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus”
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus” (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #159 “Lift High the Cross”
*HYMN: #306 “The Strife is O'er”, vv 1-3
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” (cont'd)