May 17, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Mike Boyack Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Ascension of the Lord
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #173 “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:1-11 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
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Ascension of the Lord Confirmation
PRELUDE: Partita on “He Leadeth Me” — Jonathan Spong INTROIT Like the murmur of the dove’s song, like the challenge of her flight, like the vigor of the wind’s rush, like the new flame’s eager light: Come, Holy Spirit, come. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; Tune: Bridegroom, Peter Cutts) *CALL TO WORSHIP After the resurrection, Jesus gathered his friends and spoke of what was still to come. We listen for the promise that still holds us. “You will receive power,” he said, “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” We stand in that promise together. Some were just beginning. Some had been following for a long time. All were called forward. We are gathered as one body, ready to be shaped and sent. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #156 “I Love to Tell the Story”, vv. 1, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God who calls and sends, we confess how often we hesitate at the edge of what is new. We question whether we are ready, whether we are enough, whether we can live the life you set before us. Still, you gather us—young and old, certain and unsure—and name us as your people. Hold us in that promise, strengthen our trust in your Spirit, and steady us for the life you are calling us to live. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The good news was never meant for a few. The Spirit is given to all whom God calls. We are not left to find our way alone. We are held, guided, and sent. The Spirit is with us. We belong to God. *GLORIA (#102, “Now Thank We All Our God”, 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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Leo Harrison Chinelli, born June 26, 2025, child of Christina & Lindsay Chinelli Thanksgiving over the Water God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise. Promises AND BAPTISM *Congregational Pledge Siblings of the household of faith... what promise will you make to this family? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal. *HYMN: #611, v. 1, 3 Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. Child of joy, our dearest treasure, God’s you are, from God you came. Back to God we humbly give you, live as one who bears Christ’s name. SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:1-11 (Common English Bible) Theophilus, the first scroll I wrote concerned everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning, right up to the day when he was taken up into heaven. Before he was taken up, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God’s kingdom. While they were eating together, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. He said, “This is what you heard from me: John baptized with water, but in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going away and as they were staring toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood next to them. They said, “Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven.” For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Zion’s Walls” — Revival song, attr. John G. McCurry, arr. Aaron Copland; choral arr. by Glenn Koponen Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, Come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers, don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion? We’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion. CHILDREN'S TIME: 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. *HYMN: #173 “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” SERMON INVOCATION: To the members of Christ’s body, to the branches of the Vine, to the church in faith assembled, to her midst as gift and sign: Come, Holy Spirit, come. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; Tune: Bridegroom, Peter Cutts) CONFIRMATION: Confirmands: Elliott Beach Nora Carroll-Nellenback Caroline Leader Poppy Marsiglio CHARGE TO CONFIRMANDS VOWS and LAYING ON OF HANDS *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Members of the household of God, we commend these young people to your love and care. We ask that you do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love. We celebrate your entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ and your membership into Asbury First United Methodist Church. As Christ’s body, we promise to share our faith together, continually learning from one another, and remembering that unity is not the same as uniformity. We renew our commitment to love with our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Together, may we support the Church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. *HYMN: #557, v. 1 Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. 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 Ourselves 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—To give a gift through Venmo, send to “@givingasburyfirst” or scan the QR code to the right. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” — John Rutter; words from Numbers 6:24 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. *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 promise, today we give thanks for lives claimed in baptism and voices affirming faith. Receive these gifts as signs of our shared calling. Use them to nurture faith in every generation, to strengthen those just beginning and those continuing the journey, and to send your church into the world as witnesses to your love. May what we offer today help carry your promise forward. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Sigismund Neukomm) POSTLUDE: “Trumpet Rondo” — Fenton Groden
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Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
“Zion’s Walls” © 1954, 1982 The Aaron Copland Fund for Music; “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” © 1981 Oxford University Press/Hinshaw Music; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Blood Drive – June 10 Sign up or just show up to give blood on Saturday, June 10 from 8:30 am to 1 pm in 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. Please remember to bring your ID.
Help Me Connect!
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: "Don't Drink the Water" – June 12, 13 and 14 Tickets are now on sale for Asbury First Community Theatre's production of Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water." Scan the QR code or visit asburyfirst.org/news to reserve your seat today for this comedy about American tourists trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Note: This production of Don’t Drink the Water is presented in the spirit of separating the art from the artist, and does not reflect an endorsement…
Summer is coming — time to return your library books and find some new ones! Stop by the Gathering Center on June 14, where the bibliocart will be stocked with great summer reads. You'll also find a table with tips on native plants and garden prep. Return your books, grab a new one, and get your garden ready to enjoy it in!
The Library Prepares for Summer
Permissions:
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Mike Boyack Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Associate for Age-Level Ministries: Alex Hunt Crucifer, Acolyte: Cindy Haag, Sean Cundy Altar Guild Team: Sharon Parker, Martha Tuke Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Tommy Johnson Jr., Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Come As You Are. This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Asbury First invites you to an evening series unlike any other. On the first three Wednesday evenings in May at 6 pm in Wesley Hall, voices from within our congregation and beyond will share personal stories about mental health challenges they or their loved ones have faced. These evenings are about more than awareness; they're about breaking down stigma, building community, and discovering how we can better support ourselves and each other. Come as you are. Listen. Share. Heal — together.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harmon (Bud) Peters, on the date that would have been our 38th wedding anniversary by his wife Carol Peters; and in honor of Fernelle C. Rodriguez on his birthday by David W. Smith. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, please contact Jeanne Ristau at (585) 223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns Our prayers and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Donna Schell, who died on May 4. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate her life later in the Summer. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of David Crawford who died on May 9. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Thursday, May 21 at 11 am in the Sanctuary. 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.
Summer Schedule begins May 24! 9 am Worship will take place outdoors on the East Ave lawn
Spring is here, and with it, a first chance for the Memorial Garden to grow into its new home in the newly opened Columbarium, a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself or a loved one. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
Celebrations and concerns
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Banned Book Club: That Librarian by Amanda Jones
Asbury First's summer tradition of hosting our 9 am worship service outside on fair Sundays continues this year from May 24 to September 6 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). We will assemble in front of the 1050 building. We ask that you bring your own lawn chair or lawn blanket if at all possible.
Monday, May 18, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room , join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of Amanda Jones' That Librarian, a memoir by a Louisiana school librarian who became a target of harassment after defending LGBTQ+ and diverse books. It chronicles her fight against censorship, the resulting threats, and her legal action against her accusers. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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 ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm-up – 1040, Sanctuary
11 am
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing Prek – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
6 pm
ACT Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
7 pm
Banned Book Club – 1010, Red Room
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
ACT Rehearsal– 1040, Fellowship Hall
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
6:30 pm
Youth Nosh, Bells & Choir – 1040, Gathering Center
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
David Crawford Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (5/24)
Summer Schedule Begins!
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
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 17 – MAY 24
Adult Sunday School: Rough Sleepers Four-session series investigating homelessness in America
Memorial Service Volunteers Needed! Want to make a meaningful difference? Join our hospitality ministry and help families feel welcomed during Memorial Services! You'll assist with setting up the Gathering Center, prepping beverages, plating food, and tidying up afterward — about 4 hours per Service. Weekday and weekend availability is a plus (sometimes on short notice), but all are welcome! Reach out to hospitality@asburyfirst.org to get involved.
We're so excited for Asbury First's Summer VBS! Children in grades Pre-K (age 4) through 5th grade are invited to join us August 3–6 from 9 am to Noon for fun, faith-filled days exploring the Bible through arts, crafts, games, and more! Registration fees can be paid online via credit card or bank account through this form, or select "Pay Later" to mail a check to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee. For questions, email programs@asburyfirst.org.
Are you shocked by the rise in homelessness across America? Have you noticed it’s happening even here on the Asbury First campus? You can learn more in adult Sunday school classes through May 19 at 9:45 am in person in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom # as we consider the 2023 book, Rough Sleepers, by Tracy Kidder. Please contact programs@asburyfirst.org to learn more.
Sunday, June 14, Asbury First's Summer Choir kicks into gear! Join the choir for the whole summer or for any individual Sunday! Summer Choir gathers at 10 am in Wesley Hall to rehearse accessible music that will be sung at the 11 am service. No need to be a member of Sanctuary Choir — but basic choral singing experience is recommended. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Music Ministry, Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org.
Join Summer Choir!
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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 Rev. Susan Shafer Pastoral Care Fund Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator 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 David Strong — Assistant Organist Jo Urriola-Schonewolf — Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries, x111 Alex Hunt — Associate for Age-Level Ministries Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Dan McInerney — Operations Associate Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Financial Controller, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Austin Retzlaff — Communications Assistant Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
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 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. A video archive of past services is available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
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
YOUTH SUNDAY: JUNE 7
Our youth have once again decorated envelopes and are asking for your support to help subsidize the costs of our mission trips. If you would like to participate, all you need to do is take an envelope from the display in the Gathering Center, and return it with the dollar amount equal to the number of the envelope you take. You will also find more detailed instructions inside the envelopes. If you have questions, or you would like to support from afar, please reach out to Jo Urriola-Schonewolf at jurriola-schonewolf@asburyfirst.org or Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Youth Envelope Fundraiser Begins Today!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory”
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #308 “Thine Be the Glory” (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #156 “I Love to Tell the Story”, vv. 1, 4
*GATHERING HYMN: #156 “I Love to Tell the Story”, vv. 1, 4 (cont'd)
*HYMN: #173 “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires” (cont'd)