April 20, 2025 EASTER SUNDAY
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, 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
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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
"Fanfare for Easter" — Walter L. Pelz Duane Prill, organ “A Festive Chime” — Kevin McChesney Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director "An Easter Fanfare" — Carla Giomo Organ and Brass
*Easter Call to Worship
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!
*Processional Hymn
#302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 1-4
9 & 11 am • April 20, 2025
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
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
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!
Opening Prayer
Risen Christ, we greet you with joy! On this day of life and light, we gather in awe of your victory over death. The stone is rolled away, the grave is empty, and your promise is fulfilled. Let the alleluias rise in our hearts as we worship you in spirit and truth. Break through our doubt with your love, our fear with your peace, our despair with your hope. Raise us with you, that we may live as people of the resurrection—renewed, restored, and rejoicing. Amen.
TO CELEBRATE Baptism (11 am)
Presentation
Edward Christopher Hill, Jr., born March 10, 2017 Alexandria Claire Hill, born July 29, 2020 Children of Amber Nicole Jones & Edward Christopher Hill
Thanksgiving
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 Response
Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day recognize as members of the family of God. What promise will you make to these families? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal.
*Hymnal #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 Luke 24.1-12 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated)
On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
9 & 11 am
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.
Children’s Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. We ask the children to remain with their families in the Sanctuary after children's time to share in the Easter celebration.
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
#304 "Easter People, Raise Your Voices"
Sermon
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
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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To Renew Commitment
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
"Song of Hope” — Cynthia Dobrinski
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.
*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!
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Offertory Sanctuary Choir, Duane Prill, Organ, and Brass
“The Church of God Is One” — David Hill; words by Daniel W. Whittle, alt. The Church of God is one as siblings here we meet; For us salvation’s work is done, in Christ we stand complete. The Church of God is one: all, sinners saved by grace; Our plea, the precious blood alone; the cross, our meeting place. The Church of God is one: one only Lord we know; We worship Jesus, God’s own Son, who came God’s love to show. The Church of God is one: God’s message we revere; In it all saving truth is known, and God to us brought near. The Church of God is one: one blessed hope have we; Our dear Redeemer’s sure return His loving face to see. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of the empty tomb, you have given us everything—life, hope, joy, and new beginnings. In response, we offer you these gifts and our very lives. Let our giving be a sign of resurrection faith, that your love may be known through our hands and your light may shine through our lives. Make us bold witnesses to the good news: Christ is risen! Christ is alive! Alleluia and amen!
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Readers: (9 am) David Raymond (11 am) Sean Mahan Director of Children’s Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Trumpet: Bill Baldwin, Jim Farrington Horn: Steve Landgren Trombone: Jeff Dunn, John Ormsbee Timpani: Kristen Shiner McGuire Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifers, Acolytes: (9 am) Kathie Collier-Bryant, Andrew Hunt (11 am) Griffin Allen, Poppy Marsiglio Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“A Festive Chime” © 1995 Jeffers Handbell Supply; “Song of Hope” © 2015 Agape Publishing; “The Church of God Is One” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Art and Design by David Stith
*Recessional Hymn
#315 “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain”
*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
Permissions:
Storehouse Geranium sale
Scan the QR code to view a complete list of donations.
Scan the QR code to complete a brief survey to help us plan.
Celebrations and concerns
It's that time of the year again! The Storehouse Geranium Sale has begun! By ordering geraniums, you're helping the Storehouse to Do More Good. Scan the QR code to visit our online form. Orders must be received by Wednesday, 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
Interfaith Service of Healing All are invited to attend an Interfaith Service of Healing on Saturday, April 26 at 6 pm in the Asbury First Sanctuary. Local clergy will offer words of healing with intervals of music. This is in memory of Sam Nordquist, and to honor and celebrate all transgender people. A candlelight vigil will follow on the front lawn.
Asbury Men's Devotional Group Spring Retreat
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar were donated in honor or memory of many beloved ones, and we are grateful for this generosity. A list of names and donors is available by scanning the QR code below, or by visiting the Welcome Desk after the service for a printed list. 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.
Join the Asbury Men’s Devotional Group for our spring retreat at the Asbury Retreat campus on Silver Lake, NY, from May 30 to June 1. The cost is $198, which includes 2 nights and 4 meals. Bring your own sleeping bag or rent linens for $11. We’ll meet for dinner Friday (details to follow) and leave by 9 am Sunday for those attending church at Asbury First.
Scan the QR code to visit the online form
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
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals APRIL 20 – APRIL 27
EASTER Sunday 8 am Freedom Church of the Poor Sunrise Service — In-Person in the Community Garden (1010 East Ave) 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 ^ 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream MONday CHURCH CAMPUS IS CLOSED FOR EASTER MONDAY 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 5:30 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group — 1050, Red Room and Zoom * WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 3 pm Knitting Ministry — 1040, Library 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040, Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 5 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Sanctuary 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir — 1040, Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Sanctuary SATURDAY 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, DCC 9 am Earth Day Event — 1040, Gathering Center 10 am Relationship Breakup Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 6 pm Service of Healing and Vigil in Memory of Sam Nordquist — 1040, Sanctuary SUNday (4/27) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 3:30 pm Roberts Wesleyan Chorale Concert — 1040, Sanctuary
ZOOM KEY
We're spreading the word about the good work being done at the Community Outreach Center (COC), and we could use your help. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. We want to tell more people about the COC, and we want to learn new ways we can be effective in the community. Join us May 13 or June 10 at 8 am at the COC. Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x117.
The Asbury First Community Outreach Center seeks to embody Easter Hope every day of the year. The Center provides hot meals, fresh produce, groceries, showers, laundry access, haircuts, bicycle repair, clothing, household goods, and healthcare to those who need it most, all free, all with dignity. It is a community space where all are welcomed and valued. You can join this effort by donating items or funds, volunteering your time, or simply coming in for a tour, learning about our mission, and spreading the word. Learn more at www.asburyfirst.org/coc
Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back will be holding a talk and organizing meeting April 27, 2 - 4 pm at Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N Fitzhugh Street). Their new book chronicles stories from some of the most significant anti-poverty struggles of the past 30 years. This book offers not only a powerful examination of the past, but a roadmap for how we ignite a new era of peace, love, and justice. Engage with the authors in shared dialogue about conditions in Rochester, and the country as a whole. We will also hear plans for the Survival Revival Organizing Tour — a bold new organizing drive among the poor.
You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take: Lessons from the Movement to End Poverty
Next door, at the Community Outreach Center
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 13 & June 10
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
World Religion Wednesdays
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes
April 23 and 30 - Hymn Histories - Join Dr. Carl Johengen for a two-week series on Hymns. On April 23, Hymn Geek: Come and explore the varied aspects of the songs we sing on Sundays, and engage in some fun activities, all while singing. On April 30, Hymns for a New World: A look at recent developments in the writing of hymns that reflect the demands of today’s worshipping community. Come and sing!
Wednesdays, April 23 through May 21, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010 East Ave) and Zoom, Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Group will take a look at various world religions throughout the Easter Season. Each week we will focus on a different world religion; participants are invited to learn a bit about each religion before the class, or to come ready to learn.
Celebrate Creation at Our Earth Day Event — Saturday, April 26 Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Event in the Gathering Center, 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.
April 23: Christianity April 30: Zoroastrianism May 7: Bahá'í May 14: Jainism May 21: Sikhism
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
Join us each Wednesday evening 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 Mike Mullin with any questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself, a loved one or for those who may not be able to secure a spot in the future. To learn more please visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Something is Abuzz! 🐝 We've been busy as bees getting ready for Summer VBS—and the excitement is building! 📅 Dates: August 4–7 ✨ New this year: There's a buzz about an all-day option for even more fun, learning, and adventure! Stay tuned—more details coming soon!
COMING SOON!
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
Next Sunday, April 27, the Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale will join our 11 am worship service and also perform a concert at 3:30 pm in the Sanctuary! Directed by Dr. Adam Potter, the program, Renewing Minds, Transforming Hearts: Majesty and Mystery for Choir and Organ, features organist Ryan Chan and works by Parry, Howells, Dove, Shewan, MacMillan, Rutter, and Willcocks. The concert is free and open to the public.
Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale in concert at Asbury First
#302 "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", vv. 1-4