May 11, 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
Concerto No. 1 in E major ("Spring") — Antonio Vivaldi, arr. S. Drummond Wolff Allegro, Largo, Allegro pastorale
Introit
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now; our hearts in true devotion bow. Your Spirit send with grace divine, and let your light within us shine. (17th-c. German, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: 17th-c. German)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Jesus taught us compassion, even from the cross. He saw the ones who stayed, and spoke words of love and responsibility. He created a new family formed in the shadow of suffering. We are called to that same family— not by blood, but by love. Let us come as those entrusted to one another. To love, to care, to stand with each other in the name of the one who gave us to each other.
*Processional Hymn
#732 "Come, We That Love the Lord"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#158 "Come, Christians, Join to Sing", vv. 1, 2
11 am • May 11, 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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Fourth Sunday of Easter
Prayer of Confession
Risen Christ, we confess that too often we turn away from the pain of others. We look for safety rather than solidarity. We choose comfort instead of commitment. You entrusted your beloved ones to each other—but we confess how often we fail to live as one body. We ignore cries for justice. We minimize suffering. We treat strangers as problems, not siblings. Forgive us, O God. Teach us to see one another with your eyes. Restore in us the courage to love deeply, to stand faithfully, and to live as those entrusted to one another. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God entrusts us to one another, not in judgment, but in grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, we are beloved, we are bound together in love. 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 19:26-27 (Common English Bible)
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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
#89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
Sermon
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Gwen Paker, Soprano
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” — Thomas Matthews; Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Call to Prayer
Unseal our lips to sing your praise; our souls to you in prayer we raise. Make strong our faith, increase our light, that we may know your ways aright. (17th-c. German, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: 17th-c. German)
Pastoral Prayer
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
*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
God of sacred trust, you gave us to one another in love—not to watch from a distance, but to show up, speak out, and serve. Receive these gifts as signs of our care, and as commitments to your kin-dom. Bless what we give, and how we live, that all may know they are not alone. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
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.
Offertory Faith Han & Eunki Clara Chang, violin Carl Johengen, piano
“My Mother’s Bible” — Charlie D. Tillmann (1893), arr. Sarang Kim
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:
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” © 1956, 1984 H. T. FitzSimons Company; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Beth Woolever Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Martha Neubert Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols 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
#581 "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
All glory to Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in one! To you, O blessed Trinity, be praise throughout eternity. (17th-c. German, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: 17th-c. German)
Postlude
“Toccata in Seven” — John Rutter
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Beth Woolever Organist: David Strong
9 am • May 11, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
John 19:26-27 (found on p. 4)
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
Help Me Connect
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection?
Celebrations and concerns
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS THIS SPRING!
Something is Abuzz! 🐝 We've been busy as bees getting ready for Summer VBS—and the excitement is building! 📅 Dates: August 4–7 ✨ New this year: There's a buzz about an all-day option for even more fun, learning, and adventure! Stay tuned—more details coming soon!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev. Russell Clark and June Clark, on the date that was their wedding anniversary, by Nancy and Sebastian Specht. 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 Pamela Koon and her family as they mourn the passing of Lee Koon, who died on April 18. 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. Our hearts are with Susannah Bellanca as she grieves the death of her mother, Helen Bellanca, who died on April 29th. 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.
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, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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 May 11 – MAY 18
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 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 * 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 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 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 2 pm Joan Phillips Memorial Service — 1040, Sanctuary SATURDAY 1 pm Collaborative Makers' Space — 1040, Gathering Center SUNday (5/18) 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 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall
ZOOM KEY
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
World Religion Wednesdays
Scan the QR code to complete a brief survey to help us plan.
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.
Geranium
Thank you to everyone who placed an order! Geraniums and hanging baskets will be available for pick-up on Saturday, May 17 from 9 – 11:30 AM in the Red Room of the COC. See you then!
6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall and via zoom (scan the QR code)
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.
May 14, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall the Housing Equity Team at Asbury First has lined up 2 guest speakers. 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.
Pickup
May 14: Jainism May 21: Sikhism
Asbury Men's Devotional Group Spring Retreat
Wednesday Evening Adult Ed. Classes
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.
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 13 & June 10
Social Concerns Sunday School
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.
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, 1–4 pm at 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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)