May 7, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
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 • May 7, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Prelude
Partita on “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” — Robert Hobby
Introit
Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne. (Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: St. Thomas, Aaron Williams)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, people of God! Take refuge in the Lord, who listens when we cry out, who rescues us when we call, and who leads and guides us according to his unfailing love. You are our God; our lives are in your hands. Let us worship God together! Amen.
*Processional Hymn
#529 "How Firm a Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 5 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#561 "Jesus, United by Thy Grace", v. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Joining Today:
Ewin Joseph Jennifer Fung Ted Fung Shalece Gibson
Helen Marano Emily Milazzo MaryLouise Milazzo Anita Spoor
Membership Vows
*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.
Prayer of Confession (Based on Psalm 31)
Loving Creator, we confess that we have not loved you as you command us to love. We have not relied on you as our refuge, choosing instead to seek comfort in busyness and distractions. Let your face shine upon your servants; save us in your steadfast love. We confess that we have not loved our neighbors as you command us to love. We ignore the pain of those around us, and fail to care for the poor and the marginalized. Let your face shine upon your servants; save us in your steadfast love. We confess that we do not answer your call to steward creation. We look upon the earth as something to consume instead of tend. Let your face shine upon your servants; save us in your steadfast love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, hear these words: When we call, God inclines an ear to us and comes quickly to help us. God’s love is steadfast to rescue us and redeem us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
To Welcome New Members
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Acts 7:55-60
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him, and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
*Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Minute for Mission
Camp Casowasco — The Rev. Theresa Eggleston, Kaylee Parish
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
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.
To celebrate holy communion
Sermon
Center Stage
Communion Hymn
#617 I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord, vv. 1-3
Invitation to Communion
Because of the presence of the stage platforms in the Sanctuary, Communion will be administered in prepackaged form today. You should have received a packet containing the Communion elements as you entered the Sanctuary. If you did not, please alert an usher and one will be provided to you.
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
“In You, Lord, Have I Taken Refuge” — based on a canon by Antonio Caldara, arranged and edited by Carl Johengen; words from Psalm 31:1-2 In you, Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in your righteousness. Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, O God of truth.
To Renew Commitment
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. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Lay Reader: Andrew Hunt Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Franklin Ritter)
Postlude
Recessional on “Lauda Anima” — Don Hustad
*Recessional Hymn
#534 “Be Still, My Soul”
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
The Lord's Supper
We will take Communion together as directed.
Prayer after Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
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.
9 am • May 7, 2023
chapel service
Opening Hymn
#529 "How Firm a Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 5
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
Acts 7:55-60 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Communion
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth’s parents Helen and Harry Howitt by Ruth and David VanDerLinden; and in loving memory of Rev. Russell Clark & June Clark by Nancy & Sebastian Specht. 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 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Rev. Bill Burdick, who died on March 22 in Florida.
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 3
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE Weather Permitting 11 am Service — Live-stream and in-person
Celebrations and concerns
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.
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) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm Library Bibliocart—1040 Gathering Center 2 pm Musical: Sound of Music—1040 Sanctuary MONday 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 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 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) 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers Cast Party —1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Handbells—1040 Room 205 6 pm "In This Moment" Event —1040 Gathering Center 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 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)
"In This Moment"
Lectio Divinia
Meetings & Rehearsals May 7–13
The Sound of Music
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
Queerfully & Wonderfully Made
Sunday Sermon Podcast
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
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
LAST CHANCE TODAY at 2 pm!
Asbury First Community Theater Presents
Wednesdays, May 10 & 17, 6-7 pm, Gathering Center
Return to Page 3
#529 "How Firm a Foundation", vv. 1, 2, 5
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#617 "I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord", vv. 1-3
Return to Page 6
#534 "Be Still, My Soul"
Return to Page 8
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)