April 27, 2025
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 Duane Prill, Organ
Partita on “This Joyful Eastertide” — Paul Bouman
Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale, Dr. Adam Potter, Director
"Sing a New Song" — words and music by Ronald Staheli
Introit
Holy, holy, holiness unto the Lord; Love ye, love ye, love ye one another. (Traditional Shaker song, arr. Kevin Siegfried)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Easter People, raise your voices! Christ has risen! He has risen, indeed! Easter People, remember the story. Jesus shows us that love is stronger than death. Easter People, live your lives with God as your center. God calls us to believe and to live in the strength of love. Let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#312 "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#308 "Thine Be the Glory", v. 1
11 am • April 27, 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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Second Sunday of Easter
Prayer of Confession
Gracious, Loving God, we come to you in prayer, asking for forgiveness for all we have done and left undone. Remind us of your grace. Holy, Wondrous God, we offer you our very selves to mold into those who do better. Remind us of your forgiveness. Generous, Understanding God, we lay our faults and mistakes before you. Remind us of your unconditional love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved Friends, hear the good news. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*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.
Scripture John 20:19-31 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated)
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (cont'd on following page)
To hear the word
11 am
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
#318 "Christ Is Alive"
Sermon
Peace Be With You
Scripture (Cont'd)
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Combined Choirs
"The Christ Who Died" — Alfred Fedak; words by Granton Douglas Hay, based on Romans 8:34-39 The Christ who died and rose again, triumphant from the grave, Now pleads our cause at God's right hand, all powerful to save. What now can separate us from the love of Christ our Lord? Can persecution, nakedness, or peril, or the sword? The troubles that are ours to bear are trials we cannot flee, Yet he who loved us from the first ensures our victory. Thus nothing in the heights or depths, no power earth can afford, Will separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, he who loved us from the first is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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 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.
Call to Prayer
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple set apart from earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with love and prayer and joy. (Words: Georg Weissel, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Truro, 18th-c. English)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale Dr. Adam Potter, Director
"You Do Not Walk Alone” — Elaine Hagenberg; traditional Irish blessing May you see God’s light on the path ahead When the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow, The gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone, May you always remember when the shadows fall: You do not walk alone.
SIGN IN HERE
To Renew Commitment
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:
“Sing a New Song” © 1993 Jackman Music Corp.; “The Christ Who Died” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “You Do Not Walk Alone” © 2019 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
*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
Thank you for the gifts of this world, O God. Thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ and the hope and joy of the resurrection. Guide us to know how to best use all that we have to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for those who are sick and in prison. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale, Dr. Adam Potter, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Chris Burton, Gary Burton Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Preston Loughney, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#159 "Lift High the Cross"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Postlude
“Thine Be The Glory” — Alexandre Guilmant
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Organist: David Strong
9 am • April 27, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Prelude
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
John 20:19-31 (found on pp. 4, 5)
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 Hymn
*Postlude
Storehouse Geranium sale
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
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
Asbury Men's Devotional Group Spring Retreat
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Patrick D. Hickman on what would have been his 58th birthday by his sister, Angie Burch and mom, Ida Hickman; 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. 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. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Karen Masters, especially her husband, Bill and their son, Eric. Karen died on April 21. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place on May 2 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.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS THIS SPRING!
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 27 – MAY 4
Sunday 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 ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1010, Community Garden 3:30 pm Roberts Wesleyan Chorale Concert — 1040, Sanctuary MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 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 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 * 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 # 6 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 11 am Older Adult Spring Worship and Luncheon — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 11 am Karen Masters Memorial Service — 1040, Sanctuary 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Sanctuary SATURDAY 10 am Relationship Breakup Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 10 am Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Sanctuary SUNday (5/4) 9 am Worship Service (communion) — 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 (communion) — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall
ZOOM KEY
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
World Religion Wednesdays
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes
You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take: Lessons from the Movement to End Poverty
Social Concerns Sunday School
Join us each Wednesday evening at 6 pm 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
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). 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.
April 30 - Hymn Histories - Join Dr. Carl Johengen for 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 through May 21, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010 East Ave) and Zoom, Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Group will will focus on a different world religion each week. Participants are invited to learn a bit about each religion before the class, or to just come ready to learn.
Sunday mornings, April 27 through May 18, 9:45 - 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom, Asbury First's newly formed Social Concerns Committee will lead 4 weeks of conversations following the general outline of The UMC Social Principles to highlight how Asbury First is working to respond to Community of All Creation, The Economic Community, The Social Community, and The Political Community.
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)
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. 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.
Tickets are available now for "My Fair Lady," an intergenerational musical extravaganza presented by our very own Asbury First Community Theatre! Reserve your seat by visiting asburyfirst.org/myfairlady
Asbury first community theatre presents: my fair lady
SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 13 & June 10
Friday, May 9 at 7 pm Saturday, May 10 at 2 pm & 7 pm
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
Hey sewers, knitters, and crafty creators! Join us for the very first Collaborative Makers Gathering—a laid-back, open-house hangout on Saturday, May 17 from 1 to 4 pm in the Gathering Center. Swap ideas, get help on projects, spread out your work, and maybe score some new-to-you fabric or yarn. Bring your stash and let’s get making! Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel for details by email at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
Today, at 3:30 pm, join us as the Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale will perform a concert in the Sanctuary. The concert, entitled “Renewing Minds, Transforming Hearts: Majesty and Mystery for Choir and Organ” will feature organist Ryan Chan in works by Parry, Howells, Dove, Shewan, MacMillan, Rutter, and Willcocks. The concert is free and open to the public.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale in concert
*Gathering Hymn (cont'd)
#159 “Lift High the Cross”