May 4, 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
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.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
* please stand as you are able
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Prelude
Concerto in D Major, “Adelaide”, 1st movement — attr. W. A. Mozart Eunki Clara Chang, violin Catharine Baek, piano
*Call to Worship Ellie Coburn
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We welcome you as Christ welcomed the children. We come with open hearts and minds to be in the presence of God. Fill us with a childlike spirit. Remind us that we are all children of God. Let us worship our Lord together.
*Processional Hymn
#147 "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace Normandy Dornsife
*Gathering Hymn
#657 "This Is the Day", sung twice
11 am • May 4, 2025
Cover image by Edie Dudley. Additional cover art submissions can be found on pages 14-15.
Third Sunday of Easter Children's Sunday
Prayer of Confession Jonah Beach, Anna Beach
Loving God, we know we are made in your image, but sometimes we need to be reminded. We often forget what it means to be a child of God. Be ever present in our lives. Forgive us when we don’t live up to your image of grace and service. Remind us that we are loved. Forgive us, we pray.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance Madison Dugan, Hannah Dugan
Children of God, we will always have God. God’s love and mercy is ours. Let us live in God’s image. God is with us. 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.
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Delilah Dudley Genesis 1:1-4; 26 (Common English Bible)
When God began to create the heavens and the earth — the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters — God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Childrens's Time Camden Ebenhoe, Fitzpatrick Ebenhoe
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.
Invitation to Discipleship and Engagement 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 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.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Children's Presentation Holly Temming, Director
"In The Image" — Mark Burrows Catalyst (Red): Normandy Dornsife Environmentalist (Green): Ellie Coburn Artsy (Pink): Esther Sauceda Craftsy (Pink): Emma Parkes Literalist (Purple): Louise Morse Muck 1 (Brown): Caitlyn Kirivong Muck 2 (Brown): Molly Kahraman Drummer (Gray): Martin English Poet (Mint Green): Caroline Sauceda You Know (Robin's Egg Blue): Ella Milazzo Dancer (Royal Blue): Delilah Dudley Sleepy (Light Blue): Aurora Mullin Wow (Yellow): Grace Chinchilla Bored (Orange): Edie Dudley Quiet (Carolina Blue): Cali Kirivong David Strong, Piano Kristin Parkes, Oboe Patrick Dupont, Mike Mullin, Caleb Mullin, Percussion Rick Church, Technical Supervision
One Church, Many Voices – Support Native American Ministries Sunday
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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To Renew Commitment
Communion Hymn
#617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1, 2, 3
Today we observe Native American Ministries Sunday, as we honor the contributions of Native Americans to our church and community. Your gifts fund scholarships for Native American seminary students and strengthen Native American congregations. Together, we celebrate God’s diverse family.
Offertory David Strong, organ
“Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” — arr. Janet Linker
To celebrate holy communion
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.
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Hymns (as needed)
#191 "Jesus Loves Me" #628 "Eat This Bread"
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Prayer After Receiving Francesca English
God of all, we give you thanks and praise! You teach us to love one another just the way they are. Amen.
The Lord's Supper Communion Ministers: Sam Parkes, Emma Parkes, Esther Sauceda, Ellie Coburn, Aurora Mullin, Louisa Morse, Molly Kahraman, Ella Milazzo
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 provided. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
If you are interested in joining Asbury First, we will be having New Members classes in June. These classes take place over two consecutive Monday evenings, and will teach about the history of Asbury First and United Methodism, while also providing an opportunity to meet other new members of Asbury First. Classes are June 2 and June 9. New Members will be joining at the 11 am Worship Service on June 15. If you are interested, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or by calling the office at (585) 271-1050.
“In The Image” © 2016 Choristers Guild; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Cover Image by Edie Dudley
Participants In the Service
Worship Leaders: Our Children Clergy: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Stewards: Judy Messenger Organist: David Strong Crucifer, Acolyte: Bennet Marsiglio, Gillian Allen Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson Jr. Ushers & Greeters: Quincy Bailey, Matthew Milazzo, Mari Chinchilla, Andalusia Dornsife, Dominic Tourje Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
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:
*Recessional Hymn
#102 "Now Thank We All Our God"
*Benediction
"Go Now In Peace" — Natalie Sleeth
Postlude
"Nun Danket Alle Gott" (from Cantata No. 79) — J.S. Bach, arr. C.H. Trevor
To Disperse in Mission
Welcome
*Call to Worship
God meets us on every road—even those we travel in anger or fear. God calls us by name and turns us toward new life. Though we may resist, God's light breaks through our darkness. We come, ready to be changed by grace. God uses the least likely among us to bear good news. We come to listen, to worship, and to follow.
*Opening Hymn
#617 "I Come with Joy"
Prayer of Confession
God of interruption and mercy, we confess that we often resist the changes you desire in us. We hold tightly to our assumptions, our routines, and our control. We are sometimes blind to the harm we cause, and slow to believe in the power of your grace. Forgive us for doubting that transformation is possible—for others and for ourselves. Shine your light into our hearts, disrupt what needs disrupting, and lead us onto the path of life. Amen.
Words of Assurance
In Christ, we are forgiven, transformed, and sent to bear witness. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*Passing the Peace
Scripture Acts 9:1-20 (Common English Bible)
Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.” Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” (Continued on next page)
Third Sunday of Easter
9 am • May 4, 2025
He answered, “Yes, Lord.” The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.” Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.” The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After eating, he regained his strength. He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. “He is God’s Son,” he declared. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Invitation to Discipleship and Engagement, Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
9 am
Communion
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. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Andrew Hunt Organist: David Strong Communion Stewards: Judy Messenger
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 Hymn
#369 "Blessed Assurance"
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar 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 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 sons, Eric and Lance. Karen died Monday, April 21. A memorial service was held on May 2. Our hearts and prayers are with Pamela Koon and her family as they mourn the passing of Lee Koon, who died on April 18. 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.
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Celebrations and concerns
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals MAY 4 – May 11
ZOOM KEY
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
Reserve your seat for My Fair Lady by scanning the code or visiting asburyfirst.org/myfairlady
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 Worship Service (Communion) — 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 (Communion)— In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 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, Room 201 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir — Cancelled Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 7 pm My Fair Lady — 1040, Sanctuary SATURDAY 2 pm My Fair Lady — 1040, Sanctuary 7 pm My Fair Lady — 1040, Sanctuary SUNday (5/11 Mother's Day) 9 am Worship Service — 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 — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall
May 7: Bahá'í May 14: Jainism May 21: Sikhism
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 come ready to learn.
MAY 13 & JUNE 10 – SIGN UP FOR A TOUR, BREAKFAST, AND Q&A 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 Tuesday, 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
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the May COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect diapers, deodorant, and disposable razors. A list of specific needed items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
Now that our fob and pin system is implemented and our need for exterior keys is eliminated, we have completed the process of re-keying the exterior doors. If you have an exterior key to the church, please return it to the Welcome Desk. If you still need access to the building, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117, or complete the form at: tinyurl.com/AsburyFob
Columbarium and Memorial Garden Coming Soon
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
Asbury Keys
World Religion Wednesdays
May COC Chapel Challenge
by Quincy Bailey
KEYS
Some other submissions for the Children's Sunday bulletin cover!
by Sam Parkes
by Jack Tantillo
by Sebastian Bailey
by Clara Chang
by Ella Milazzo
Friday, May 9 at 7 pm Saturday, May 10 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday mornings 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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
May 7 & 14, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall the Housing Equity Team at Asbury First has lined up 2 guest speakers. May 7 – we welcome Rev. Peter Peters, a retired Episcopal Priest and co-chair of REACH advocacy. Rev. Peters will be speaking on Housing as a Human Right and Faith Communities. May 14 – Brennon Thompson, a General Wealth Business Analyst at ESL Federal Credit Union, will be speaking on housing in the suburbs and closing the gap on racial home ownership.
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
Social Concerns Sunday School
SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
Asbury first community theatre presents: my fair lady
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
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
Reserve your seat by visiting asburyfirst.org/myfairlady
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes
*Hymn
*Communion Hymn
#191 "Jesus Loves Me"
#628 "Eat This Bread"