April 19, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Mary Fetterman Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
{{page}}
Third 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: #307 "Christ Is Risen" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-35 (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: #318 "Christ is Alive" *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: “Concerto in B Minor” (LV 133) — Johann Gottfried Walther Allegro, Adagio, Allegro INTROIT O day of radiant gladness, O day of joy and light; O balm of care and sadness, most beautiful, most bright; this day the high and lowly, through ages joined in tune, sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” to the great God triune. (Words: Christopher Wordsworth, 1862, alt.; Tune: Es flog ein kleins Waldvögelein, 17th. c. German) *CALL TO WORSHIP Two travelers walk a long road, speaking honestly about grief, confusion, and hope. We come with our own stories and questions. Christ draws near even when he is not recognized. The stranger walks beside us and listens. We welcome the presence of Christ among us. Scripture is opened, bread is broken, eyes are opened. We gather to listen, to share, and to see anew. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #307 "Christ Is Risen" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #369 "Blessed Assurance", vv. 1, 3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God who walks beside us, we confess how easily we overlook your presence. We hurry through our days, distracted by worry, disappointment, or routine. We speak about hope yet sometimes struggle to trust it. We hear your story but fail to recognize how it is unfolding in our own lives. Teach us to listen more deeply, to welcome the stranger, and to recognize Christ wherever life is breaking open before us. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Christ meets us on the road and opens the Scriptures to us. He breaks the bread and reveals his presence among us. Our hearts burn within us—Christ is alive among us. *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. SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-35 (Common English Bible) 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: Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director “Prayers of Villefranche” — Andrew David Perkins CHILDREN'S TIME: Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. LORD’S PRAYER O Great Spirit, our Father from above, we honor your name as sacred and holy. Bring your good road to us, where the beauty of your ways in the spirit-world above is reflected in the earth below. Provide for us day by day—the elk, the buffalo, and the salmon. The corn, the squash, and the wild rice. All the things we need for each day. Release us from the things we have done wrong, in the same way we release others for the things done wrong to us. Guide us away from the things that tempt us to stray from your good road, and set us free from the evil one and his worthless ways. Aho! May it be so! *HYMN: #454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See" SERMON CALL TO PRAYER What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. (Words: Joseph Scriven; Tune: Converse, Charles Converse) 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: Sanctuary Choir “With a Voice of Singing” — Martin Shaw With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia. Utter it even unto the ends of the earth. The Lord has delivered his people, Alleluia. O be joyful in God, all ye lands, O sing praises to the honor of his name, make his praise to be glorious. With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, 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 God of the journey, as the travelers welcomed a stranger and discovered Christ at their table, so we offer these gifts as signs of hospitality and hope. Use them to open doors, to nourish those who hunger for justice and compassion, and to help others recognize the presence of the risen Christ in the world. May what we offer today become part of your work of renewal and joy. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #318 "Christ is Alive" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director “The Glories of Our God and King” — Jeff Cranfill, based on Azmon, Carl G. Gläser
On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast. The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?” He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Permissions:
“With a Voice of Singing” © 1923 J. Curwen & Sons; “Prayers of Villefranche” © Apollo Studios Music Publishing; “The Glories of Our God and King” © Jeff Cranfill Music; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. “The Prayer of Creator Sets Free,” First Nations Version: New Testament (c) InterVarsity Press and Rain Ministries Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith (inspired by a bird's-eye view of Rochester as he flew home last week)
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Mary Fetterman Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Crucifer, Acolyte: Gillian Allen, Alessandro Bucci Altar Guild Team: Marcia Thor, Beth Rice, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Native American Ministries Sunday: You Help Shape a New Story
Your generosity on Native American Ministries Sunday helps shape a new story—one rooted in respect for Native cultures and grounded in faith. Through this Special Sunday, United Methodists partner with CONAM ministries to strengthen leadership, develop resources, and deepen understanding of Native ministries across the church. Half of every gift supports local Native American ministries within each conference, while the other half funds scholarships, programs, and initiatives that nurture Native leaders called to ordained or licensed ministry. Together, your giving opens doors to hope, healing, and possibility.
Are you shocked by the rise in homelessness across America? Have you noticed it’s happening even here on the Asbury First campus? You can learn more in adult Sunday school classes April 26 – May 19 at 9:45 am in person in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom as we consider the 2023 book, Rough Sleepers, by Tracy Kidder. Our four sessions will include a videotaped interview with the late author and the subject of the book, Dr. Jim O’Connell, who practices medicine with people living on the streets of Boston. We will also tap into people who do similar work in Rochester and provide some rough sleeping 101 information. Finally, we hope to discuss advocacy steps. Please contact programs@asburyfirst.org to learn more.
SCAN FOR ZOOM
Adult Sunday School: Rough Sleepers Four-session series investigating homelessness in America
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!
Wednesday Morning Study Group Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle
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!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Marie Andres by her son John Andres; in loving memory of Donna V. Wright, Donna B. Steele, and Winthrop Steele by Martha, Andrew and Alex Hunt; and in loving memory of Eleanor VanCassele-Schneider by her son Jim VanCassele & family. 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 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. 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.
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
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Calling All Youth - Youth Music Resumes! Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
Youth Music returns on Wednesdays with a new time: 6:30 – 8 pm. We're preparing for Youth Sunday in June and would love to have all interested youth join us! 6:30 – 7 pm — Nosh and Conversation in the Gathering Center 7 – 8 pm — Choir and bells rehearsal in the Education Wing music rooms Feel free to bring a snack to contribute to the Nosh. We look forward to making music together! Contact Carol Lamica at clamica@asburyfirst.org with any questions.
Celebrations and concerns
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
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
Jan DeJager Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
5:30 pm
Rochester Speakers Series – 1040, Sanctuary
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 *
Knitting Ministry Group – 1040, Library
4 pm
Zoom-Only Grief Group – 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
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
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals April 19 – April 26
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
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, DCC Dining Room
Earth Day Celebration – 1040, Gathering Center
Melissa Oskvig Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (4/26)
Dancing on the Wind: Community Outreach Center Benefit Concert Make sure to set aside Friday, May 8 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a performance featuring the Gold and Ivory Duo, flutists Annette Farrington and Alexandra Hine with guest artist, pianist Beverly Smoker. These fabulous local artists will grace our Sanctuary with a dazzling musical program, and all they ask of you is to bring a donation for Asbury First's Community Outreach Center: non-perishable items for the Grocery Bag Ministry, sweatshirts (any size) for the May Chapel Challenge, or a financial gift (bring a check or cash*, or give online using the QR code.) *note gift to COC
East Ave closed, Sunday April 26 until 9 am East Avenue will be closed on Sunday, April 26 from 7:45 am until 9 am for the Flower City Half Marathon. Please use University Ave to access the parking lot that morning via the Gleason Lot or via Granger Place. For more information about the half marathon, visit flowercitychallenge.com
SIGN UP TODAY!
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.
GIVE TO OUTREACH
Immigration Study Join us Wednesday evenings, through April 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.
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-Schonewolf — Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries Lexus "Lexi" Douglas— Associate 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
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
Build A Better Community: Irondequoit and Brighton Workshops Brighton and Irondequoit residents, Do you want to help create a more accessible community with a greater variety of housing options in your town? Join your neighbors for a free workshop on public advocacy for more inclusive and attainable housing. These two events focus on increasing "missing middle" housing density and creating stronger, walkable neighborhoods in your town. Brighton Workshop: April 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Temple B'rith Kodesh Irondequoit Workshop: April 30, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Irondequoit Public Library Sponsored by the Asbury First Social Concerns Committee
Brighton SIGN-UP
Earth Day Celebration – April 25, 10 am - 2 pm 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
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
IRONDEQUOIT SIGN-UP
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!
The Storehouse Geranium Sale
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #307 "Christ Is Risen"
*GATHERING HYMN: #369 "Blessed Assurance", vv. 1, 3
*GATHERING HYMN: #369 "Blessed Assurance", vv. 1, 3 (cont'd)
*HYMN: #454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #318 "Christ is Alive"