May 14, 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 14, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Prelude
"Studies on English Folk Song", nos. 1-4 — Ralph Vaughan Williams Brian Donat, cello, and Duane Prill, piano "Joyance" — Ron Mallory Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
Introit
As the sun doth daily rise, brightening all the morning skies, so to thee with one accord lift we up our hearts, O Lord. (Words: Latin, tr. J. Masters/Horatio Nelson; Tune: Innocents, anon., arr. W.H. Monk)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 66)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Shout out to God, all the earth; break into joyful songs to the one true God! Sing of the glory due his name, and offer the most magnificent praises! God, all your works are wonderful! The earth bows down to worship you, singing songs of praise and glory to your name. Come, let us bless God together: We praise the One who gives us life, keeps us safe; watches over us, and keeps our feet from stumbling.
*Processional Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#393 "Spirit of the Living God"
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
To hear the word
Scripture John 14:15-21
(Jesus said:) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you. “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Anthem Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Brian Donat, cello Duane Prill, organ
"In Paradisum" — Gabriel Fauré, from Requiem, arr. Arnold Sherman
*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
Maker and giver of all, you ask us to show our love for you by remaining faithful to all you have taught us. We cannot do it alone; we need your Spirit. You promise that this Spirit abides within us. Forgive us when we doubt. You promise that you will not abandon us, that your love is in our midst. Open our eyes to your presence right here among us.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Jesus’ promise to us is clear: “I will not leave you orphaned!” We, his disciples, live in him and he in us. Let us take courage and comfort in this promise. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
11 am
*Hymn
#331 "Holy Spirit, Come Confirm Us", vv. 1-3
Sermon
Another Advocate
Call to Prayer
Quickened by the Spirit's grace all thy holy will to trace while we daily search thy Word, wisdom true impart, O Lord. (Words: Latin, tr. J. Masters/Horatio Nelson; Tune: Innocents, anon., arr. W.H. Monk)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Renew Commitment
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.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Gerald Peterson)
Postlude
Allegro in B-flat major — Felix Mendelssohn
*Recessional Hymn
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God”
To Disperse in Mission
Offertory
"The Best of Gifts" — K. Lee Scott; words from Romans 15:13, and Timothy Dudley-Smith May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The best of gifts is ours within our Father's hand, with joy and peace beyond the powers of mind to understand. Bid every anxious care and wayward thought depart; make known your need to God in prayer and he will keep your heart. Give love the highest place; have all things good your goal. Let truth and righteousness and grace in peace possess your soul. Become God's garden fair, where virtue freely flowers; and as the mind of Christ is there, the God of peace is ours.
Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Giver of all gifts, we are grateful for your every blessing, and for your presence through all of life. To those who do not know your consolation in their lives, reveal yourself through us, O God. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director 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
“In Paradisum” © 2003, and “Joyance” © 2017, American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc.; “Mother's Day Prayer” © 2008 Rev. Jane Sommers. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. “The Best of Gifts” © 1996 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; words © 1993 Hope Publishing Company; 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.
Permissions:
9 am • May 14, 2023
chapel service
*Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord”, vv. 1, 4, 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
Scripture
John 14:15-21 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God”, vv. 1, 3
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 James McMillion by his family; and in loving memory of her husband Vincent by Jane Pauly. 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. A memorial service will be held on June 18 at 2 pm.
Celebrations and concerns
Mothers from all walks of life, your efforts do not go unseen and the grace you hold yourself with is a light for all those around you. Happy Mother's Day!
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 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 6 pm "In This Moment" Event —1040 Fellowship Hall 7 pm Confirmation Class—1040 Youth Room 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 6 pm Youth Handbells and Choir—1040 Room 205 friday Men's Retreat—Camp Casowasco 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 14-20
Blood Drive
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!
Save the date! New Class
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21, 6 pm, location TBD
The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
Led by Emily and Stephen Cady Do you BELIEVE? Like an American Football coach who somehow finds himself managing a British football (soccer) team, sometimes the gospel shows up in the strangest places. Join us as we explore the rich gospel themes of the award-winning show Ted Lasso (available on Apple TV+) and have some fun doing it. The class will begin June 7 at 6 pm, location TBD and is open to all adults. If you are interested in joining us, please email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call the church office. Go Richmond!
BELIEVE:
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE Weather Permitting 11 am Service — Live-stream and in-person
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
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 3
Wednesdays, May 17, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall
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.
Return to Page 3
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", vv. 1, 3, 4, 5
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#331 "Holy Spirit, Come, Confirm Us" vv. 1-3
Return to Page 5
#539 "O Spirit of the Living God"
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*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)