Children's Sunday
April 30, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
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 30, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Fourth Sunday of Easter CHILDREN'S SUNDAY
Prelude
“O Come, Little Children” — J. Schultz, arr. Janet Linker “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” — William Bradbury, arr. J. Linker “Children of the Heavenly Father” — Swedish melody, arr. J. Linker “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” — Frederick Challinor, arr. J. Linker
*Call to Worship Camden Ebenhoe
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Why have you come to this place? We have come to find Jesus. Why have you come today? We are tired in body and spirit. Jesus invites you to sit and be at ease. We are hungry with nothing to eat. There is plenty for all. Will we find wholeness here? Jesus gathers the pieces of our lives, that nothing may be lost.
*Processional Hymn
#277 "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace Antonio Reyes
*Gathering Hymn
#191 "Jesus Loves Me", v. 1
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
*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 6:1-14 Georgie Dudley
After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
Prayer of Confession Bridget Tantillo
God of our hopes and dreams, we are empty, and long to be filled; we are hungry, and long to be fed; we are lost, and long to be found. Gather us into your love, and pick up the pieces of our lives. Call us anew to eat our fill and to find our true nourishment in Jesus, the bread of life.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Stop your worrying! God loves you. God’s love is always there for you, offering healing hope. Rest in God’s love. God’s grace is ours, and we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
To hear the word
11 am
Children's Time
Caroline Leader and Nora Carroll-Nellenback
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.
*Hymn
#141 "Children of the Heavenly Father"
Children's Presentation
“Table for Five... Thousand! The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes” Words by Tom S. Long; Music by Allen Pote David Strong, piano Annette Farrington, flute Holly Temming, Director of Children’s Music The account of Jesus feeding the five thousand is the only miracle — apart from the resurrection — that is reported in all four gospels. In this musical version of the story, we use details from all four, but focus particularly on the narrative as it appears in John — where one young boy with five loaves and two fish is the catalyst for everything that follows. We don’t really know anything about the boy other than his apparent willingness to share, but we know the results of his action: an event so startling, members of the crowd wanted to proclaim Jesus as king. The final song, based on a quote of Mother Teresa encompasses the theme of the musical — small things done with great love can change the world. NARRATOR: Elliott Beach BENJAMIN: Hannah Cady JESUS: Poppy Marsiglio SOLOIST #1: Ella Milazzo SOLOIST #2: Violet Dunlavey ZACCHAEUS: Jacob Parkes MARY OF MAGDALA: Maelee McQuillan ANDREW: James Nutter PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER: Ellie Coburn MIRIAM, MOSES’ SISTER: Louisa Morse DAVID: Samuel Parkes GOLIATH: Loren Varble-Bielewicz SOLDIER: Liam Towsley SCARED CAST MEMBERS: Aurora Mullin and Ellie Coburn PROP MASTER: Caleb Mullin
*Recessional Hymn
#170 "O How I Love Jesus"
To Disperse in Mission
Pastoral Prayer
Rosie Nescio
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.
Offertory Hannah Cady, Piano
“Sebastian’s Last Prelude” — Timothy Brown
*Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication Kristina Tourje
God of Grace, you have given us everything we need to go and tell others about your presence and your love. The world is thirsting for this good news. As we are blessed, may we go and be a blessing in God’s name. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
Participants In the Service
Worship Leaders: The Children of Asbury First Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Director of Children’s Music: Holly Temming Organist: David Strong Greeters: Matthew Milazzo, Emma Parkes Ushers: JP Camardello, Lee Camardello, Edie Dudley, Delilah Dudley Head Usher: Brian White Crucifer: Nora Carroll-Nellenback Christ Candle Bearer: Caroline Leader 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
“Table for Five… Thousand!” © 2009 Choristers Guild; 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.
Scripture (9am service) James 1:22-27
But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response Wesley Singers and Ringers
“Go Now in Peace” — Natalie Sleeth
Postlude
"Jesus Loves the Little Children" (with "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands") — George Root, arr. J. Linker
Permissions:
chapel service
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Why have you come to this place? We have come to find Jesus. Why have you come today? We are tired in body and spirit. Jesus bids you sit and be at ease. We are hungry with nothing to eat. There is plenty for all. Will we find wholeness here? Jesus gathers the fragments of our lives, that nothing may be lost.
Opening Hymn
#141 "Children of the Heavenly Father", vv. 1-3
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
James 1:22-27 (found on p. 7)
Sermon
But Be Doers
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#170 “O How I Love Jesus”
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Evann Hasenauer, CRCDS Supervised Ministry Student Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
9 am • April 30, 2023
Fourth Sunday of Easter
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jack Latshaw by his wife Donna and family. 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 died 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 to the family and friends of Bob Fitch, who died on April 6. A memorial service will be held on June 15 at 1 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Stephen Hemming, brother of Janda Hemming, who died suddenly on March 31 in Massachusetts. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Dick Wilke, who died on April 15. A memorial service will be held on May 20 at 2 pm We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Karl Wiberg, who died on April 25.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals April 30–May 7
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 am Chapel Service In-Person 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—1040 Butler's Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 10 am Children's Musical Sound Check —1040 Sanctuary 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm New Members Class—1050 Stephen's Office 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 Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 5 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—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 5 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 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) 5 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Canceled 6 pm New Members Class—1050 Stephen's Office and Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913) 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—Canceled Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 5 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 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) 7 pm Musical: Sound of Music—1040 Sanctuary Saturday 7 pm Musical: Sound of Music—1040 Sanctuary
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 3
Sundays May 28 (Outreach Sunday) and June 4 (Youth Sunday) will have only one service at 11 am. Outdoor summer worship will begin on Sunday, June 11.
New Member’s Classes
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: TODAY 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)
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.
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.
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE Weather Permitting 11 am Service — Live-stream and in-person
Friday, May 5, 7 pm Saturday, May 6, 7 pm Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
Performance Dates:
Asbury First Community Theater Presents
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
Wednesdays, May 10 & 17, 6-7 pm, Gathering Center
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#277 "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus"
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