April 26, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Sean Mahan Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Fourth Sunday of Easter
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:42-47 (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: #557 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” *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.)
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PRELUDE: “Two Arias for Organ” — David Ashley White, Paul Manz INTROIT Praise the Lord who reigns above and keeps his courts below; praise him for his boundless love, and all his greatness show. Praise him, every tuneful string; all the reach of heavenly art. all the power of music bring, the music of the heart. (Words: Charles Wesley; Music: Franz Schubert, adapted from Tischlied) *CALL TO WORSHIP The first followers of Christ gathered to learn, to pray, and to share their lives. We gather to grow together in faith. They broke bread with glad and generous hearts. We come to the table of God’s grace. They cared for one another and shared what they had. We seek to live as a community of compassion. Day by day, God was at work among them. And God is at work among us still. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #617 “I Come With Joy”, vv. 1, 4, 5 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of community, you call us to live together with generosity and joy, yet we confess how easily we turn inward. We guard what we have instead of sharing it. We rush past one another instead of building real fellowship. We forget that faith is meant to be lived together. Renew your Spirit within us. Teach us again the practices that sustain your people: learning together, praying together, breaking bread together, and caring for those in need. Shape us into a community that reflects your love in the world. We ask it in the name of the Risen Christ. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The Spirit who gathered the first believers still gathers the church today. God continues to form communities of grace, forgiveness, and new life. By God’s mercy we are renewed and made one. Thanks be to God. *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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Gracie Florence Kubik, born May 24, 2025, child of Mallory and Dean Kubik Thanksgiving over the Water 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 Pledge Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care Gracie, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. What promise will you make to this family? 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 ways that lead to life eternal. *HYMN: #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: Acts 2:42-47 (Common English Bible) The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved. 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: Dan McInerney, soloist “How Very Good and Pleasant” — Arlen Clarke; words based on Psalm 133 How very good and pleasant, how very good to see, when kindred live together, together in unity. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls upon the hills, for there the Lord gives blessing, and there our spirit fills. For peace shall come upon you, anointing every race, The precious oil of Aaron, the precious gift of grace. The poor shall be uplifted, the scornful be made low, The Lord ordains his blessing, and life forever more. How very good and pleasant… CHILDREN'S TIME: Pastor Michelle & Chris Haag — Earth Day Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. 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: #557 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you know when I sit and when I rise; you search out my path and my resting and all of my ways you know. Lead me, lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139; Music by Carl Johengen) 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 “Cheerful Voices Raise” — Thomas Tremain, 1785, ed. Carl Johengen; words: Psalm 33, Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1696 Let all the just to God with joy their cheerful Voices raise; for well the righteous it becomes to sing glad songs of praise. Let harp, and psaltery, and lute in joyful concert meet; and new made songs of loud applause the harmony complete. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore be glory as it was, is now, and shall be evermore. Amen. *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 Generous God, the first believers shared what they had so that no one among them would be in need. Receive these gifts and use them to strengthen your work among us. May what we offer today help build a community where faith is nurtured, compassion is practiced, and your love is made visible in the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: “In the Midst of New Dimensions”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 5 (found on the following page) *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Go into the world and serve the Lord with joy! (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: “Passacaglia” — David Lacey
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: “In the Midst of New Dimensions” , vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
“Cheerful Voices Raise” arr. © 2025 Carl Johengen; “How Very Good and Pleasant” © 2012 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Permissions:
Monday, May 18, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room , join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of Amanda Jones' That Librarian, a memoir by a Louisiana school librarian who became a target of harassment after defending LGBTQ+ and diverse books. It chronicles her fight against censorship, the resulting threats, and her legal action against her accusers.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Crucifer, Acolyte: Zachary Dennison, Christopher Goerss Altar Guild Team: Marcia Thor, Beth Rice, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Banned Book Club: That Librarian by Amanda Jones
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.
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; and in loving memory of Harry S. & Elizabeth B. Powell, Bette Anne Powell Sneed and Elaine Hoyle by Ruthellen & Gary Hoyle, Noelle Powell Lennon, and Ralph and Elaine Hoyle, and in loving memory of Patrick D. Hickman by his sister Angie Burch and mom Ida Hickman. And in loving memory of our daughter, Kedron Haskins, by the Ron Haskins 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 was held April 25. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Terry Badger who died on April 4. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Jan DeJager who died on April 5. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life was held at Asbury First on April 20. 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.
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 Community Outreach Center"
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
Celebrations and concerns
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Young Adulting AF — May 3 First Sunday of each month, from 6:30 to 8 pm, Youth Room (1040)
GIVE TO OUTREACH
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Join Asbury First (AF) May 3 for another Young Adult Fellowship! We gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if you think this sounds like a good fit, join us for our next session on May 3! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
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
Help Me Connect!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
UR Well Dermatology Clinic – 1050, Red Room
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
ACT Rehearsal– 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1040, Library and Zoom &
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Children's Musical Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
Youth Nosh, Bells & Choir – 1040, Gathering Center
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Women's Fellowship – 1040, Library
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 #
Children's Musical Tech Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
SATURDAY
SUNDAY (5/3)
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
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 26 – MAY 3
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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, x111 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
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.
Adult Sunday School: Rough Sleepers Four-session series investigating homelessness in America
Join us for our Spring gathering of worship, lunch, and fellowship! We will be accepting donations (suggested $5 - $10 per person) by cash, check, or via our online giving system on May 13. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge by Wednesday, May 6 by calling (585) 737-8775 or email programs@asburyfirst.org. Please indicate any dietary restrictions.
Youth Music is preparing for Youth Sunday in June and would love to have all interested youth join us! Meet us at 6:30 for Nosh and Conversation in the Gathering Center followed by Choir and bells rehearsal in the Education Wing music rooms at 7 pm. 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
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
Calling All Youth - Youth Music Resumes! Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
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 # (see page 10) as we consider the 2023 book, Rough Sleepers, by Tracy Kidder. Please contact programs@asburyfirst.org to learn more.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Older Adult Spring Worship and Lunch Wednesday, May 13 at 11 am in the Sanctuary Noon lunch in the Gathering Center
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”
*GATHERING HYMN: #617 “I Come With Joy”, vv. 1, 4, 5
*HYMN: #557 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”