May 18, 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
Settings of "Ein feste Burg” ("A Mighty Fortress is Our God”) — Richard Ellsasser, Hans Leo Hassler, Arlen Clarke, Wilbur Held
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 Based on Psalm 68 Led by Camden Ashton
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful! Sing to God, sing in praise of God's name, extol the one who rides on the clouds; let all rejoice before God! God is a shelter to the desolate, and a defender of the destitute; God brings forth the imprisoned with singing. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Sing to God, all realms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord!
*Processional Hymn
#110 "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#547 "O Church of God, United", vv. 1, 2
11 am • May 18, 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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Fifth Sunday of Easter CONFIRMATION
Prayer of Confession
God of Grace, you call us to be different from the world, but the world is seductive, and so we come here to be strengthened. God of Vision, you hold before us an alternate way of life, different priorities, different loyalties, different values. But we know that the world is not only seductive but powerful, and so we are drawn in to following its priorities, accepting its values, showing loyalty to its gods. God who blesses the meek, the peacemakers, the merciful, forgive us when we lose sight of these qualities, when we misunderstand their role in the world.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Rejoice and be glad! God is gracious and offers us blessings. God pardons us, calls us to life in the world, and offers us the chance to explore how to live out the vision. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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 1 Samuel 17:4-7, 45-49 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Read by Xander Towsley
And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was four cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron, and his shield-bearer went before him. But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head, and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” (continued on the following page)
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
#529 "How Firm a Foundation", vv. 1, 2, 5
Sermon
Max Becks
Scripture (cont'd)
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Camden Ashton Maximilian Becks Alessandro Bucci
Giovanni Bucci Zachary Dennison Xander Towsley
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Confirmation
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)
Introduction to Confirmation
Confirmands:
Charge to Confirmands Vows Laying on of Hands
*Congregational Response
Members of the household of God, I 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.
SIGN IN HERE
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
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 Sanctuary Choir Annette Farrington, Flute David Strong, Piano
“The Spirit Makes All Things New” — words and music by Pepper Choplin As warmth brings new blossoms to trees in the spring and rains bring renewal to all living things, In every heart that is open and true, the Spirit can make all things new. Follow the Spirit and find your place. Come to the source of renewal and grace. Bring your heart that is open and true. The Spirit can make all things new. All who believe and live in Christ, they are a new creation. Behold, the old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new. Lord, when we’re burdened with sin and regret, come to forgive us and help us forget. Through our confession and healing you prove: your Spirit can make all things new. Rejoice, for the morning’s a gift from the Lord. Claim the new life that’s renewed and restored. Live in the present, rejoice in the truth. The Spirit can make all things new. So let us live in the present, rejoice in the truth. We pray, “Spirit come, let your will be done.” Come, Spirit, and make us new.
*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
We do not only offer our gifts to you, gracious God, but our community to all who are lonely, our hearts to all who are grieving, our hope to all who have lost their way. In Jesus’ name, we offer our lives to all who are tossed aside by the world. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
#132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
Benediction
“The Lord Bless You and Keep You”— John Rutter 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.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Max Becks Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Readers: Camdon Ashton, Xander Towsley Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Denise Snyder Smith Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“The Spirit Makes All Things New” © 2009 Lorenz Publishing Co.; “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” © 1981 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Postlude
Toccata on "Old Hundredth" (“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow") — Michael Burkhardt
Permissions:
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.
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Organist: David Strong
Fifth Sunday of Easter
9 am • May 18, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
1 Samuel 17:4-7, 45-49 (found on pp. 4 and 5)
Pastoral 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 Hymn
*Benediction
*Postlude
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
Asbury Men's Devotional Group Spring Retreat
Summer Worship Schedule
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harmon (Bud) Peters, on the date that would have been their 37th wedding anniversary by his wife Carol Peters. 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 Enid Graham-Raad, who died on November 7 will be held on Sunday, June 8 at 3 pm. Our hearts 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 sons, Eric and Lance. Karen died on April 21. Our hearts are with Susannah Bellanca as she grieves the death of her mother, Helen Bellanca, who died on April 29. Our hearts are with the family of Bob Stokes who died on Sunday, May 11. Please keep Bev and Bob's family in your prayers. 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.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS THIS SPRING!
We offer our thanks to members of the Sanctuary Choir for their gifts of talent and dedication. We are grateful for everything they bring to our 11 am Worship week after week. Today is the final Sunday of the Sanctuary choir season — they will return to 11 am Worship on September 7.
Sing This Summer! No Commitment!
Thank You, Sanctuary Choir!
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.
Asbury First's summer tradition of hosting our 9 am worship service outside on fair Sundays continues this year May 25 through August 31 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). This year, we will assemble in front of the 1050 building, due to construction on the Columbarium. We ask that you bring your own lawn chair or lawn blanket if at all possible — go ahead and toss them in your trunk now!
Celebrations and concerns
Sunday, June 8, 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.
Scan the QR code to complete a brief survey to help us plan.
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!
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
Cookies Wanted!
Meetings & Rehearsals MAY 18 – MAY 25
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 7 pm Banned Book Club — 1010, Red Room and Zoom* 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 * Thursday UR Well Clinic is Closed 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 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 SUNday (5/25) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside! On the lawn between 1050 (the Church Offices) and East Ave. 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 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
ZOOM KEY
Bakers needed! Please consider donating cookies for Asbury First hospitality. Drop them at the church office to be frozen until needed, helping our hospitality team over the summer while ensuring treats after Sunday worship. Contact Paula Dugan: (585) 271-1050 x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
SCAN TO JOIN VIA ZOOM
World Religion Wednesdays – MAY 21: SIKHISM
Banned Book Club
Today you'll find our "wall of envelopes" fundraiser in the Gathering Center! Take an envelope and return it with a donation matching its number ($1 to $100). This supports our youth summer mission trips. Can't attend in person? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org to contribute.
Do you like supporting people in prayer? Become a prayer partner for our high school mission trip to Tampa, Florida, where students will assist with Hurricane Helene disaster relief. You'll write a letter of prayerful encouragement to a missioner, which they'll receive during the trip. For information and to sign up, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Youth Envelope Fundraiser!
Social Concerns Sunday School
MISSION TRIP PRAYER PARTNERS
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Join the Asbury First Banned Book Club this Monday, May 19, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom. We'll discuss Laurie Halse Anderson's books "Speak" and "Shout" - works about trauma, abuse, and the importance of open conversation. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for details.
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
Wednesday, May 21, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010 East Ave) and Zoom, for this final meeting, the focus of our learning will be on Sikhism. Participants are invited to learn a bit about each religion before the class, or to just come ready to learn.
Sunday, May 18, 9:45 - 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom, Asbury First's newly formed Social Concerns Committee will lead a conversation following the general outline of The UMC Social Principles. Join us this final week to discuss The Social Community, and The Political Community.
Interested in joining Asbury First? Attend our June New Members classes on two consecutive Mondays (June 2 and 9) at 6:30 in the Red Room (COC). Learn about our history and meet fellow new members before joining during the 11 am Worship Service on June 15. Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050.
New Member Classes — June 2 and 9, 6:30 pm, Red Room
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)