April 23, 2023 • 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 23, 2023
{{page}}
* please stand as you are able
Third Sunday of Easter
Prelude
“Crown Imperial” (Coronation March, 1937) — William Walton
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 116)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come! Lift your voices to the Lord who always hears us. Listen, Lord. Hear our voices sing your praises. Call on the Lord who bends low to hear us. Listen, Lord. We lift our voices to you in praise. Call on the name of the Lord, all people. Listen, Lord. We call on your wonderful name. For you saved us, you raised us and turned our lives around. Let your name be praised in this congregation.
*Processional Hymn
#318 "Christ Is Alive” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See", v. 1
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
To celebrate baptism
*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.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, when we remember the journey of our faith, we recall all the ways we have missed the mark. We have failed to live our Christian story well. We have neglected to listen to and respect the stories of our neighbors. We have ignored how we contribute to the hardships that exist in our community. We have shied away from the suffering of our neighbors. We have valued independence over connection. Guide us into new ways of seeing, so that we can fully live into our new life in Christ.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: Out of God’s great love for us, Christ has loosened the bonds of sin. Now we are free to live our story of exuberant praise for the God who saves through radical love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen. Alleluia!
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Ella Ruth Kubik (born November 25, 2022), daughter of Mallory and Dean Kubik
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? 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 way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Anthem
"Bless the Lord, O My Soul" — Carson Cooman; words from Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy. And the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Offertory Asbury Orchestra Laurie Kennedy, Director
"Three Spirituals" — arr. Delwyn Elliot
#700 "Abide with Me", vv. 1, 4
Sermon
Seeing Clearly
Call to Prayer
We lift our prayers to you in the name of Christ our Lord. (Music: Tom Fettke)
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.
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
To Disperse in Mission
*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!
*Recessional Hymn
#663 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Bishop of the Upper New York Conference Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director 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
“Bless the Lord, O My Soul” © 2010 Adoro Music Publishing; 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.
Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, may the gifts we offer demonstrate our confidence in the power of the resurrection. Use our gifts and us to share your grace, your love, and your hope with everyone who needs them. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Gabriel Fauré, from Requiem)
Postlude
“Trumpet Tune in D Major” — David N. Johnson
Welcome Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The Rev. Héctor A. Burgos Núñez was elected Bishop on Nov. 4, 2022, at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church held in College Park, Maryland. He is the first Hispanic-Latino bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the first Puerto Rican bishop in The United Methodist Church. Bishop Burgos was assigned to serve as the Episcopal leader of the Upper New York Area effective January 1, 2023. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez holds a M.Div. from the School of Theology at Drew University in Madison, NJ, a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in Management and Strategic Marketing from the University of Puerto Rico, and a graduate certificate in Information Systems Technology. At the time of his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Burgos was serving as District Superintendent of the Central District of the Greater New Jersey Conference. Bishop Burgos served pastorates at West Creek United Methodist Church 2004-2005; First United Methodist Church, Iglesia Casa de Esperanza 2005-2009; and Oasis United Methodist Church 2009-2014. He also served as Director of Worship and Urban Ministries 2014, Executive Director of NextGen Ministries of GNJ 2016-2018, and Director of Connectional Ministries 2015-2019 for the Greater New Jersey Conference. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos, a Community Leadership Fellow from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, a certified ICA coach, and an Outward Mindset facilitator, also served as Director of Communications for MARCHA, the National Hispanic/Latino caucus within the United Methodist Church, 2010-2022. Bishop Burgos envisions the United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Conference being a Holy Spirit-led global movement that is: Thriving and united in the mission of transforming the world by nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ who share faith, hope, and justice Spiritually alive and culturally relevant Committed to personal and social holiness, celebrating its rich diversity as a gift from God A multi-generational network of faith communities that embrace all people as beloved children of God and allow them to live to their full God-given potential. An organization that is agile, innovative, and creative, and while global in its nature and impact, it is local and contextual in its ministry so that it can reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ. Bishop Burgos’ interests include racial and organizational equity, leadership development, contextual evangelism and worship, and strategic communications in a digital era. He finds joy in cooking for his family and friends and is known for his famous meat marinades and BBQ ribs. Bishop Burgos also enjoys blogging. His blog, Mensajes de Esperanza has more than 150,000 followers throughout Latin America. He shares life with his wife, Jazelis Adorno, and their children, Fabián, Joel, Marcos, and Valeria.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harry S. & Elizabeth B. Powell, Bette Ann Powell Sneed and Elaine Hoyle by Ruthellen & Gary Hoyle, Noelle & Owen Lennon, and Chad & Denni Lennon. 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 the family of Rev. Dr. Ted Weeden, who passed on April 2. He was Senior Minister of Asbury First for 17 years, appointed in 1977, and is now Senior Minister Emeritus. 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
Meetings & Rehearsals April 23–29
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
Sunday 9:30 am Community Outreach Center Open House— 1010 All three floors 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—No class 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm Community Outreach Center Open House— 1010 1st and 2nd floors 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 5 pm Children's Musical Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 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—Canceled 5 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm From Schism to Union?—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Canceled 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell 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 friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm Children's Musical Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary Saturday 10 am Children's Musical Practice—1040 Sanctuary 10 am AARP Document Shredding Event —1040 Parking Lot
BELIEVE:
Save the date! New Class
The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
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 of the award-winning show Ted Lasso (available on Apple TV+) and have some fun doing it. The class will begin June 7 at 6 pm, location TBD 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. Go Richmond!
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21, 6 pm, location TBD
Asbury Storehouse Geranium Sale
New Member’s Classes
As the weather is beginning to get warmer, it's time for the annual geranium sale! Again this year, we'll have 4 1/2" pots of red, white, purple sizzle, strawberry sizzle, and salmon geraniums, along with hanging baskets with mixed colors of geraniums. Pick up your flowers on Saturday, May 20 from 9:30 am – 12 pm behind the Community Outreach Center. To order, visit asburyfirst.org/geraniums or by contacting Deb Bullock-Smith at 585-271-1050 x117.
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.
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)
Orders will be accepted until Monday, May 1 Pickup: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 am - 12 pm
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.
Asbury First Community Theater Presents
Performance Dates:
Friday, May 5, 7 pm Saturday, May 6, 7 pm Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
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
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 3
#318 "Christ Is Alive"
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
*Hymn
Return to Page 6
#663 "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name"