April 16, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
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 the 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, children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. 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.
11 am • April 16, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Second Sunday of Easter
Prelude
Partita on “This Joyful Eastertide” — Paul Bouman
Introit
O come, let us sing to the Lord; come let us everyone a joyful noise make to the rock of our salvation. Let us before God’s presence come with praise and thankful voice; let us sing psalms to God with grace, and make a joyful noise. (Words: Psalm 95:1-2, Scottish Psalter; Tune: Bon Accord, Scottish Psalter, 1625)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 16
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Protect us, O God, for in you we take refuge; You are our Lord; we have no good apart from you. We bless the Lord who gives counsel, who instructs our hearts in the secret of the night. We keep the Lord always before us so that we shall not be moved from God’s ways. Our hearts are glad, our souls rejoice, and our bodies rest secure, Because God keeps us from destruction in this life and the next. God shows us the path of life, And in God’s presence is the fullness of joy forevermore.
*Processional Hymn
"Christ Has Risen” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn) This hymn can be found on the following page.
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
11 am
"Christ Has Risen"
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#162 "Alleluia, Alleluia", v. 1
Prayer of Confession
Lord, we confess our preoccupation with Proof. Too often we forget our faith, and shrink at the prospect of Doubt. We'll move, but only if Proof says so. We'll act, but only if Proof gives the okay. We confess our frequent failure to trust you. Hear us and help our unbelief, we pray.
Silent Confession
*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.
To Welcome New Members
Words of Assurance
The Lord will not abandon us to our unbelief. God hears our cries for help and answers. Know that our Invisible God makes forgiveness visible to our hearts and souls. See God at work in your life from this day forward, and trust your spiritual sight more each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen. Alleluia!
Joining Today:
Membership Vows
Baptism
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
*Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Ericka Friedman Coburn Shalece Gibson Claudia Nolan Vick Shipmon (joining by Baptism)
Scripture John 20:19-31
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.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Anthem
"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.
To hear the word
Call to Prayer
God, our Creator, hear our prayer, and bless all souls that wait before thee. (Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
#317 "O Sons and Daughters", vv. 1, 6, 7, 8
Sermon
Inertia
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
Offertory Holden Turner, baritone
"The Trumpet Shall Sound" from Messiah — G. F. Handel (Recitative:) Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (Aria:) The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15: 51-52)
*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!
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen, Alleluia, Amen! (based on In Babilone)
Postlude
Introduction and Fugue on “Thine be the Glory“ — Alexander Guilmant
Prayer of Dedication
O God, our refuge and our strength, we rejoice that you are our portion and cup, and that our cup overflows to eternal life. Bless the gifts we offer you this day, O Lord, that they may bring hope and new life to a world still haunted by death. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus”
To Disperse in Mission
“We Walk by Faith” © 2013 Lorenz Publishing Co.; "Christ Has Risen" Words © 1988 WGRG The Iona Community (Scotland). Used by permission of GIA Publications, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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 Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Larry Dugan Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
*Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
“Christ Has Risen”, vv. 1, 2 (found on pp. 4-5)
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
John 20:19-31 (found on p. 6)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#325 “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus”, vv. 1, 4
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
9 am • April 16, 2023
Note: There will not be a 9 am service on Sunday, April 23.
chapel service
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 Lexa Hunt; and in loving memory of Marie Andres by her son John Andres. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. 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, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to Ruth and Dave Vanderlinden on the death of Ruth's granddaughter, Kalie Marie Moses on March 8, 2023. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Rev. Dr. Ted Weeden, who passed on April 2. He was Senior Minister Emeritus of Asbury First for 17 years, appointed in 1977. His memorial service will be held on July 8 at 11 am We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Bob Fitch, who died on April 6. A memorial service will be held on June 15 at 1 pm.
Celebrations and concerns
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra—1040 Wesley Hall 9:45 am Children's Sunday School —1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Hybrid Adult Sunday School—1040 Butler's Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Room 201, Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary MONday 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group: Near the Exit—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm From Schism to Union?—1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Confirmation Class—1040 Youth Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
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 16–22
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.
Wednesdays, April 12, 19, 26, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall
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.
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21, 6 pm, location TBD
NEW CLASSES! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
BELIEVE: The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
From Schism to Union?
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.
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.
New Member’s Classes
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)
Friday, May 5, 7 pm Saturday, May 6, 7 pm Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
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
Asbury First Community Theater Presents
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
Return to Page 5
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#317 "O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing", vv. 1, 6, 7, 8
Return to Page 8
#325 "Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus"
Return to Page 11
*Closing Hymn (cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn (9 am)