April 13, 2025 PALM SUNDAY
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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 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; HR & Finance Associate, 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
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
Partita on “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” — Michael Burkhardt Maestoso; Allegro; Andante; Largo; Toccata
Call to Worship Luke 19:29-40
Hear from the Gospel of Luke how Jesus entered Jerusalem in the week before the Passover: When Jesus had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Hosanna, Son of David! Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!
11 am • April 13, 2025
Palm/Passion Sunday
11 am
Introit Hallelujah Kids & Wesley Singers Holly Temming, Director David Strong, Piano Elizabeth Church & Deb Bullock-Smith, chimes Elliott Beach, wood block
“Ride through Jerusalem” — Michael Bedford Ride through Jerusalem, little donkey, ride through the city today. Ride through Jerusalem, little donkey, palms spread along the way. You bear a dear and precious load, making your way down a crowded road. Ride through Jerusalem, little donkey, ride through the city today. Ride through Jerusalem, little donkey, ride through the city today. Ride through Jerusalem, little donkey, palms spread along the way. You bear the son of God, you see, He’ll bear a cross for you and me. Sing hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Children's Time
Processional Hymn
#278 "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" During the singing of the hymn, please remain seated until the final verse. Our children will be distributing palms to the ends of each row; please take one and pass them to others in your pew.
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
Opening Prayer
God of all times, creator of each season, we know how hard it is to keep company with our fears and sorrows, our storms and clouds. We are guilty of rushing through life, looking for the bright days, the sunny experiences, the clear skies, and then wanting to preserve them. Yet Holy Week offers us the space to explore the dry places, the twists and turns, the turbulent waters and to discover again the essence of our story. Holy One, journey with us through this week and open our souls to hear your word in the midst of every doubt and question, and to see your grace at work in every event in our lives. Open us to a deeper awareness of your presence and your power that lives in us and through us all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Moments of Silence
*Response
#280 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor", v. 4 All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise.
SIGN IN HERE
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.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Offertory Sanctuary Choir
“Throw Open the Gates” — David Lantz III; words by Susan Bentall Boersma Throw open the gates, the glorious gates! Let us enter with praise to the King of all kings, by all heaven adored. Throw open the gates, the glorious gates! Throw open the gates to the one who has come in the name of the Lord. Our God has made the light of joy to shine upon us now. Hosanna, hosanna! Hosanna sing to God on high, and in God’s presence bow. Hosanna, hosanna! Throw open the gates, the glorious gates…
*Doxology
#280 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor", v. 5 All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
Introduction to the Passion Narrative
Scripture Luke 22:14-34
Hymn
#620 "One Bread, One Body", vv. 2, 3
Scripture Luke 22:35-53
#290 "Go to Dark Gethsemane", vv. 1, 2
Scripture Luke 22:54-62
To hear the word
#355 "Depth of Mercy", vv. 1, 3
Scripture Luke 22:63-23:25
Anthem Sanctuary Choir (9am Service: Hymn #289, v. 1)
“Ah, Holy Jesus” – French plainchant melody, arr. William Roger Price; words by Johann Heermann, 1630, tr. Robert Bridges, 1899 Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended, That man to judge thee hath in hate pretended? By foes derided, by thine own rejected, O most afflicted. Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus hath undone thee. 'Twas I Lord, Jesus, I it was denied thee: I crucified thee. Lo, the good Shepherd for the sheep is offered: The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered: For our atonement, while we nothing heedeth, God intercedeth. Amen.
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.
Scripture Luke 23:36-43
#286 "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded", v. 1
Scripture Luke 23:44-56
#288 "Were You There"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (based on "Were You There?", arr. Carl Johengen)
*Postlude
“Requiem” — Everett Titcomb
“Ride into Jerusalem” © 2009 Choristers Guild; “Throw Open the Gates” © 2011 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Ah, Holy Jesus” © 2013 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Frances Bryniarski Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Children’s Music Director: Holly Temming Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Sean Cundy, Anne Nutter Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Ethan Becks, Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Celebrate Creation at our Earth Day Event – Saturday, April 26 Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to noon! 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—and bring a friend to share the joy of spring and sustainability! Visit asburyfirst.org/earth-day to view the complete schedule.
Welcome
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
#278 "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
*Opening Prayer
found on pg. 4
Invitation to Discipleship and Engagement, Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Passion Narrative
The service continues with readings and hymns as listed on pg. 6
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Frances Bryniarski Organist: David Strong
9 am • April 13, 2025
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!
The King of Kings Here's a wonderful way to spend part of Holy Week with your church family: On Tuesday, April 15th at 3 pm, you're invited to meet at Apple Cinema in Pittsford to see a new animated movie, The King of Kings, a creative retelling of the story of Jesus as told by Charles Dickens. Tickets are $5.75 and it's recommended to buy them in advance. Scan the QR code to reserve your tickets!
Celebrations and concerns
April COC Chapel Challenge
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth’s father, Harry Howitt, by Ruth and David VanDerLinden; in loving memory of Donna V. Wright, Donna B. Steele, and Winthrop Steele by Martha, Andrew and Alex Hunt; and in loving memory of Rev. Dr. Theodore J. Weeden Sr. who served Asbury First as pastor from 1977-1995, given by his sister Judith and brother Richard, his children Scott, Ted, Mike, Brian, and Anne, and his grandchildren. And in loving memory of Shaun Michael Bohrer by Brian, Melissa and Charlie Bohrer. 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, who 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.
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
PALM Sunday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9 am Worship Service — 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 — 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 MONday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 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 — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Music, Meditation and Imagination Group — 1040, Fellowship Hall WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 7 pm Labyrinth Walk — 1040, Fellowship Hall 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir — 1040, Wesley Hall MAUNDY Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Women's Fellowship Group — 1040, Library 9:30 am Morning Prayer (communion) — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC 7 pm Silent Meditation — 1040, Sanctuary 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service — 1040, Sanctuary GOOD FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12 pm Good Friday "Envisioning the Passion" Service — 1040, Sanctuary 5 pm Good Friday Family Night — 1040, Gathering Center SATURDAY 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, DCC EASTER SUNday 8 am Freedom Church of the Poor Easter Service — 1010, Outdoors in the Community Garden 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream
ZOOM KEY
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
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals APRIL 13 – APRIL 20
Help Me Connect
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Its that time of the year again! The Storehouse Geranium Sale has begun! By ordering 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 noon at the COC. Email your questions to giving@asburyfirst.org, or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050 x117
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes in Lent
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.
April 16 - Lectio Divina - Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. Join us for a very special in-person Lectio Divina Wednesday, April 16 at 6pm in Wesley Hall.
Storehouse Geranium sale
Holy Week Labyrinth Walk Join us for our final Labyrinth Walk, Wednesday, April 16 at 7 pm in Fellowship Hall. Whether you walk in silence or with intention, all are welcome to experience this contemplative path as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
Sunday April 13 9:45 - 10:45 am Fellowship Hall Join us as we complete our 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 Sunday for this inclusive conversation. April 13 – The Political Community (Basic Rights and Freedoms).
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
The Social Principles: A Lenten Study
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
We invite you during this Holy Week to join any or all of these livestream and in-person worship experiences! Beginning today with Palm Sunday, including a remembrance of Christ's last night and a unique Good Friday "Envisioning the Passion," along with a special Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Asbury First Community Garden.
LECTIO DIVINA
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.
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
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.
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
*Processional Hymn
Responses
#280 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor", vv. 4, then 5
#289 "Ah, Holy Jesus", v. 1
*Hymn
#288 "Were You There", vv. 1-3
*Hymn (cont'd)
Benediction Response (Choir):