May 3, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: JoBeth Nichols Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: David Strong
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Fifth Sunday of Easter
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Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #147 “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, vv. 1, 2, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:16-20 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on page 15) PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2, 4 *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: David Strong, organ Organ pieces by Gordon Young: “Chorale in E”; “A Morning Prelude”; Prelude on “Jesus Loves Me” INTROIT: Louisa Morse, flute Minuet — J.S. Bach *CALL TO WORSHIP: Led by Maia Hounto-Hotegbe God, you bring us to church from all kinds of places. From near and far, from homes big and small, we come to worship today. Like Esther, you call us for times like these. No matter what’s ahead for us, you help us to answer your call. When we’re all here together, we know you are with us. You help us to be kind and thoughtful and brave. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #147 "All Things Bright and Beautiful" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #657 "This Is the Day", sung twice PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Led by Emma Parkes God, you made us and everything there is. You know our hearts and our lives. You know when we are patient and kind and when we are angry and hurt. Sometimes, God, we feel like Elisha, who sent bears after the people who made fun of him. When our feelings are too big to care for others or we make decisions that hurt others, remind us how to apologize and love one another. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE: Led by Julian Ward People of God, remember that we are loved! On our best days and worst days, we can trust this truth. 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. SCRIPTURE: Read by Delilah Dudley Mark 1:16-20 (Common English Bible) As Jesus passed alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. After going a little farther, he saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in their boat repairing the fishing nets. At that very moment he called them. They followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers. 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. CHILDREN'S TIME 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. CHILDREN'S PRESENTATION: Holly Temming, Director "By the Sea" — words by Mary Nelson Keithahn and music by John D. Horman Seeker 1: Edie Dudley Seeker 2: Emma Parkes Runner: Delilah Dudley Fishers: Zebedee: Louisa Morse Salome: Aurora Mullin Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Caitlyn Kirivong Farmers: Reuben: Ben Bridle Rebekah: Caroline Sauceda Hannah: Delilah Dudley Merchants: Benjamin: Molly Kahraman Anna: Ella Milazzo Mary: Cali Kirivong Alan Giambattista, piano Laura Booth-Chan, flute and bass xylophone David Strong, organ Jennifer Bailey, handbells and alto metallophone Rick Church, sound Barb Nelson, handbells and alto glockenspiel INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT: Led by Caitlyn Kirivong 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: “Sunlight Waltz” — Catherine Rollin Ella Milazzo, piano “Cherokee” — Willard Palmer Cali Kirivong, piano “Stars on a Summer Night” — Valerie Roth Roubos Emma Parkes, piano *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: Led by Edie Dudley God, you made the fish of the sea and the birds of the air. When Jesus and his friends didn’t have enough to go around, you made sure there was plenty. We give you these gifts today so that you can multiply and share them with everyone, even to people and places we don’t know about yet. Amen. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #191 "Jesus Loves Me" #628 "Eat This Bread" *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2, 4 *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" — traditional Indian hymn POSTLUDE: “Chant Heroique” — Gordon Young
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Come As You Are. This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Asbury First invites you to an evening series unlike any other. On the first three Wednesday evenings in May at 6 pm in Wesley Hall, voices from within our congregation and beyond will share personal stories about mental health challenges they or their loved ones have faced. These evenings are about more than awareness; they're about breaking down stigma, building community, and discovering how we can better support ourselves and each other. Come as you are. Listen. Share. Heal — together.
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 in the Youth Room (1040) 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.
Permissions:
“By the Sea” © 2000 Choristers Guild; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Bulletin Cover Art by Quincy Bailey | Bulletin 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.
Young Adulting AF — Today, May 3, 6:30 pm
Worship Leaders: Our Children Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Director of Children’s Music: Holly Temming Organist: David Strong Crucifer, Acolyte: Ethan Hildreth, Cindy Haag Greeters: Colette Kirivong, Danny Carroll-Nellenback, Maggie Carroll-Nellenback Ushers: Sam Parkes, Matthew Milazzo, Quincy Bailey, Brantley Bailey Communion Servers: Sam Parkes, Emma Parkes, Esther Sauceda, Quincy Bailey, Julian Ward, Jonah Beach, Aurora Mullin, Molly Kahrmaran, Ella Milazzo, Caitlyn Kirivong Communion Stewards: Judy Messenger, Martha Neubert Altar Guild Team: Marcia Thor, Beth Rice, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rich Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church Rev. Kathy Thiel is serving Communion this morning at St. John's Meadows Senior Living Facility, where a satellite community worships weekly.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth’s mother, Helen Howitt, by Ruth and David VanDerLinden. 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 are with the family of Jan DeJager who died on April 5. Our hearts are with the family of Terry Badger who died on April 4. Our hearts and prayers are with George Heydweiller and his family as they grieve the death of Kay Heydweiller who died on March 11. A Memorial Service will be held May 9 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary. 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: COC 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. Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Celebrations and concerns
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
GIVE TO OUTREACH
Monday, May 18, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room and Zoom* (see page 9), 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.
Banned Book Club: That Librarian by Amanda Jones
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^
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
6:30 pm
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
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
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
ACT Rehearsal– 1040, Fellowship Hall
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
10 am
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 #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Youth Nosh, Bells & Choir – 1040, Gathering Center
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
THURSDAY
7:30 am
Bike Repair Ministry – 1010, Garage
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
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 #
7 pm
Dancing on the Wind – 1040, Sanctuary
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, DCC Dining Room
Kay Heydweiller Memorial – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (5/10)
MOTHER'S DAY
Sanctuary Choir Warm-up – 1040, Sanctuary
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 MAY 3 – May 10
Summer Schedule begins May 24! 9 am Worship will take place outdoors on the East Ave lawn
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.
Join us for our Spring gathering of worship, lunch, and fellowship! Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge by Wednesday, May 6 by calling (585) 737-8775 or email programs@asburyfirst.org. Please indicate any dietary restrictions.
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 # as we consider the 2023 book, Rough Sleepers, by Tracy Kidder. Please contact programs@asburyfirst.org to learn more.
Older Adult Spring Worship and Lunch Wednesday, May 13 at 11 am in the Sanctuary Noon lunch in the Gathering Center
Asbury First's summer tradition of hosting our 9 am worship service outside on fair Sundays continues this year from May 24 to September 6 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). We will assemble in front of the 1050 building. We ask that you bring your own lawn chair or lawn blanket if at all possible—toss them in your trunk now!
Adult Sunday School: Rough Sleepers Four-session series investigating homelessness in America
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. 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.
Cover image: Quincy Bailey
Congratulations to all of our young budding artists!
Delilah Dudley
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Louisa Morse
Jonah Beach
Julian Ward
Danny Carroll-Nellenback
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
Emma Parkes
Ella Milazzo
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #147 "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
*GATHERING HYMN: #657 "This Is the Day", sung twice
COMMUNION HYMN: #191 "Jesus Loves Me"
COMMUNION HYMN: #628 "Eat This Bread"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2, 4