9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
May 12, 2024
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. tanderson@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Ted Anderson — Interim Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x122 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
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 us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support our everyday ministries and operations, 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 place your 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. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director Annette Farrington, Flute Duane Prill, Organ
“Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace” — Kevin McChesney “Morceau de concours” — Gabriel Fauré (in observance of the centenary of Fauré's death, May 12, 1924)
Introit
Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, Where my soul in joyful duty waits for God who answers prayer. O how blessed is this place, filled with solace, light, and grace. (Words: Benjamin Schmolck, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander, 1680)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 47
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Clap your hands, all you nations! Let us shout to God with cries of triumph. The Lord Most High is awesome, the great Sovereign over all the earth. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises! For God rules over all the earth; let us sing psalms of praise.
*Processional Hymn
#312 “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#157 “Jesus Shall Reign”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • May 12, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Feast of the Ascension
Prayer of Confession
While we gather to celebrate the ascension of our Lord, the way we live betrays our lack of faith in God’s power to deal with our world. Let us confess the gap between our faith and our practice. We come, O Lord, on this day of glory to confess our lack of trust. While we sing of your rule over all creation, too often we act as though you are powerless in the face of daily events. Help us to live with confidence in your presence today and in hope for life with you forever.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the good news: God, who is rich in mercy, has made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up with him, so that we may know the immeasurable riches of God’s grace. In Christ, by God’s grace, we are saved. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*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.
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 24:44-53
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Scripture Acts 1:11
They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“O All Ye People, Clap Your Hands” — Thomas Tremain, edited by Carl Johengen; words based on Psalm 47, Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady O all ye people, clap your hands, and with triumphant voices sing; No force the mighty power withstands of God, the universal King. He shall opposing nations quell, and with success our battles fight, Shall fix the place where we must dwell, the pride of Jacob, his delight. God is gone up, our Lord and King, with shouts of joy and trumpet's sound; To him repeated praises sing, and let the cheerful song go round.
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.
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.
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
“How Can I keep From Singing?” — Robert Lowry, arr. Arnold B. Sherman
Sermon
why still standing here
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 — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#636 "Christian People, Raise Your Song"
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
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.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving 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 center aisle.
Hymns
#619 "Now the Silence" #617 "I Come with Joy"
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.
“O All Ye People, Clap Your Hands” © 2024 St. James Music Press; "Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace" © 1999 STEP, Kevin McChesney; "How Can I Keep from Singing?" © 2007 Red River Music; 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 David Stith and Ly Tran
Permissions:
*Closing Hymn
#571 "Go, Make of All Disciples"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Tom Birchwood)
Postlude
“Marche Gothique” — Théodor Salomé
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Ted Anderson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Assisting with Communion: Stuart Mitchell, Kellie Barbato, Chris Burton, Dave Rice, Teddi Urriola, Sean Cundy, Bennet Marsiglio Reader: Bonnie Matthaidess Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Holden Turner, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Bob Peck, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Prelude
*Call to Worship
*Opening Hymn
#312 “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”, vv. 1, 3
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#157 "Jesus Shall Reign", vv. 1, 2
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:11 (found on p. 4-5)
Prayer
Communion
#571 "Go, Make of All Disciples", vv. 1, 4
9 am • May 12, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Ted Anderson Reader: David Snyder Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Organist: David Strong
Do you love perusing books? Do you love a cozy place to sit? Would you love a quiet place to catch up with a friend after the service? The Asbury First library is a perfect place for all these activities, located just around the corner from the Gathering Center in the Education Wing. This week the bibliocart will focus on Lent, Easter and Women’s History.
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; in loving memory of Rev. Russell Clark & June Clark by Nancy & Sebastian Specht; and in loving memory of James McMillion by his family. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Peggy Epping, who died on April 13. A Memorial Service will be held on June 28 at 6 pm at the Northgate Bible Chapel, 240 McGuire Rd in Rochester. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Alice Young who died on April 24. A Memorial Service will be held on June 1 at 1 pm on the MCC campus. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Joan Sapp, who died on April 13. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Joan Codd, who died on April 17.
Celebrations and concerns
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? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at (585) 271-1050 to connect.
Help Me Connect
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
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 12 – May 19
Sunday 9 am Worship Service (with Communion) — 1040 Gathering Center 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service (with Communion) In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 5 pm Governing Board — 1040 LL03 (lower level) Tuesday 8:00 am 1010 Tuesday Tour — COC (Register Online) 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 III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6:30 pm TransParent Meeting — 1040 Youth Room 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 — 1010 COC Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm United Methodism 101 — 1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 7 pm Confirmation Class — 1040 Youth Room Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3:30 pm Investment Committee Meeting — 1050 Teak Room 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class — 1040, Room 205 Saturday 7:30 am Storehouse Geranium Sale — 1010 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center NEXT SUNday (5/19) 9 am Worship Service — 1040 Gathering Center 9:45 am LGBTQ Advocacy Team — 1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School - (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12 :45 pm Growing Into Equity — 1040, LL03 (lower level)
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "Laying Down & Giving Up" by Pat Dupont [John 10:11-18 & 1 John 3:16-24]
New Members Class
Join us every Sunday at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall for informal conversations on a variety of subjects! Grab a coffee and join us in Fellowship Hall or on Zoom every Sunday at 9:45 am. May 12 - Mother's Day and its birth in Methodism May 19 - Pentecost May 26 - No more class as our summer services begin this week All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
June 10 and 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010, Community Outreach Center) For those interested in joining Asbury First, this class in two parts will introduce the tenets and history of United Methodism, and give a deep dive into the many ways one can become more involved in Asbury First's ministries. Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bag dinner if you prefer. Our hope is to have everyone present for recognition of new membership at the 11 am service on June 23. No need to register, but let us know if you plan to attend! Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117 or email her at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org
SCAN HERE FOR ZOOM
Join us for the conclusion of this 7-week course on Wednesday, May 15, for a Q and A with Ted. Bring your questions about the United Methodist Church, the General Conference, or the history or future of Asbury First.
United Methodism 101 with Rachel and Ted 6 - 7 pm, Fellowship Hall (1040, lower level) and Zoom
Upcoming adult sunday school offerings SUNDAYS at 9:45 am in fellowship hall
The Asbury Bicycle Ministry is gearing up for the 2024 season. We repair bikes in the garage on the Asbury campus, Thursday mornings, May through September. If you are interested in participating, please contact Simon Barnett at sjbarnett3@gmail.com.
Do you love perusing books? Do you love a cozy place to sit? Would you love a quiet place to catch up with a friend after the service? The Asbury First library is a perfect place for all these activities, located just around the corner from the Gathering Center in the Education Wing.
Asbury First Bicycle Ministry
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First! Do More Good! Give Blood! Sign up or just Show up to give blood Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call Ed Ristau at (585) 223-4356 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. And please remember to bring ID. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
note: Thank You to those who shared suggestions like these during our Annual Church Conference in January. We are truly better together!
Are you interested in serving as a Reader at the 9 or 11 am service?
Monthly, every 2nd Tuesday, join us for what we call 1010 TUESDAYS! Meet us at 1010 East Ave at 8 am for a simple breakfast, a brief tour of the facility, and stories about these life-changing services. Bring a friend or colleague, and help us spread the word about the Community Outreach Center. Space is limited so reserve your spot today. Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117.
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 14 & June 11
We are expanding the roster of readers, and whether you are new to this ministry or have served in the past, we'd love to hear from you! Our hope is to set up a schedule several months in advance, to allow for flexibility. Training is available! Please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel, kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106. Let us know if you're interested in the 9 or 11 am service, or both.
Our very own Tim and Johanna Mahan sat down to talk about what the Asbury First Columbarium means to them, and luckily, they let us film it! To watch the 2 minute video, visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium or scan the QR code below.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Just 2 Hours per Month!
Later this year we will break ground on Asbury First's Columbarium project – a consecrated garden-like outdoor space on the southeastern outer wall of 1040 designed to provide a final resting place for the remains of our loved ones. These niches are available to all, but space is limited so reserve yours now. Visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to learn more
Would you consider volunteering just 2 HOURS per month to the odds-n-ends work of Asbury First? With spring upon us, the community garden is looking for help constructing four new raised beds, as well as help planting and harvesting in the coming months. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays we have need for help with event and meeting set-up, cleaning, and other minor projects. If you're looking to spend a little extra time working alongside other Asbury folks, please contact us at volunteering@asburyfirst.org
Secure a niche in Asbury First's
Wear Red For Pentecost - May 19
Donate your Children's Picture Books!
The Storehouse is seeking used children's picture books in good condition to stock for families in need. Bring your gently used (or new!) children's picture books to the Welcoming Hall where they can be deposited in the crate by the access ramp, near the doors facing the Parking Lot. For more information, contact Nancy Davidow at ndavidow2@rochester.rr.com
Columbarium Ad and Video Link
Pentecost Sunday, May 19, will be a celebration of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, church and community. At both the 9 and 11 am services we'll hear testimony from outreach volunteers about how their discipleship leads them into action. At the 11 am service we will also confirm several youth as new members of Asbury First. Pentecost is the only day during the church year marked with red vestments and paraments. All are invited to wear red to worship to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit at work!
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER NOW!
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
CELEBRATE WITH US!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO RSVP NOW AND DONATE TO THE CADY PURSE
MONDAY, AUG 5 – THURSDAY, AUG 8 • 9 am – 12 pm Children ages 4 through 11, join us August 5 through 8 for an Olympic-sized VBS! We will meet each morning from 9 am to noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together!
SATURDAY, JUNE 1 and SUNDAY, JUNE 2 We're throwing a party to wish a fond farewell to Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, Emily Cady and the Cady family, and we want you there with us! Join us Saturday, June 1 for a Celebration Dinner under a Big Tent on the Granger Place Lawn (the lawn just east of 1050) featuring a bounce house, a buffet dinner, live music and more! For more info, and to RSVP scan the QR code to the left, or visit asburyfirst.org/cady-celebration We're also collecting gifts in the form of monetary donations to show the Cady's love and appreciation for their years of service and community with us. More info on the Cady Purse is available via the same link: asburyfirst.org/cady-celebration
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
#619 "Now the Silence"
#617 "I Come with Joy"
Recessional Hymn
#571 "Go Make of All Disciples"