May 21, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
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 21, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
Seventh Sunday of Easter CONFIRMATION
Prelude
“Morning Hymn” Opus 59, No.1 — Flor Peeters Improvisation on “Crimond” — Eric H. Thiman
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 might: Come, Holy Spirit, come. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; Tune: Bridegroom, Peter Cutts)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 68)
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 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
#312 "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#465 "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine", vv. 1, 2
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 17:1-11
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one."
*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.
Minute for Mission
Community Garden, Bob Featherstone
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.
11 am
Charles Cady Sean Cundy Noah Dennison
Jack Giordano Ethan Hildreth Bennet Marsiglio
Ryan Shafferr Charlotte Stinehour Eloise Steinhour
*Hymn
#396 "O Jesus, I Have Promised", vv. 1, 3, 4
Sermon
From Here
Sermon Response
Anthem
"All Things Work Together for Good" — John Carter; words from Romans 8:28 All things work together for good for those who love the Lord. To those who are called according to his purpose, all things work for good to those who love the Lord.
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
Candidates for Baptism
Sean Cundy Ryan Shaffer Eloise Steinhour Bennett Marsiglio Charlotte Stinehour
Candidates for Confirmation
Charge to Confirmands and Vows
Baptism
Laying on of Hands
Congregational Response
We are happy to celebrate with you your entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ. We bid you a hearty and official welcome into Asbury First United Methodist Church. We renew our covenant with God and our commitment to Christ to love with our heart, mind, soul and strength. As you have expressed your vows of loyalty, so we also renew our own vows to support the Church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.
Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett, 1782; Tune: Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
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.
Offertory
"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.
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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Sean Mahan Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir 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 Production Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Kenny Bailey Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (John Stainer)
Postlude
“Nimrod” from Enigma Variations, Opus 36 — Edward Elgar
*Recessional Hymn
#547 “O Church of God, United”
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Prayer of Dedication
We do not only offer our gifts to you, 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.
“All Things Work Together for Good” © 1990, 2004 Hope Publishing Company; “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” © 1981 Oxford University Press; 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.
9 am • May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter
chapel service
pcu
Opening Hymn
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
#131 "We Gather Together"
Scripture
John 14:15-21 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
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 Carol’s husband, Harmon (Bud) Peters, on the date that would have been their 35th wedding anniversary by his wife Carol Peters. 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 friends and family of Rev. Bill Burdick, who died on April 30 in Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held on June 18 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to Sally Sands-Shutt and her family on the death of her husband, James Sands, on May 15. A memorial service will be held on June 9 at 1 pm.
Saturday, June 3, 8:30 am - 1 pm, 1040 Gathering Center
Celebrations and concerns
Maximize your blood donation. Help more patients. If you are eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Please call Ed Ristau at 585-223-4356 or call 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Please bring ID!! Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more information.
June Blood Drive
Queerfully & Wonderfully Made
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 4 pm "My Queer Faith" - Kimayo, singer/songwriter 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) 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 friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Meetings & Rehearsals May 21–28
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
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Lectio Divinia
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Blood Drive
Save the date! New Class
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21, 6 pm, Gathering Center
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.
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!
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 3
BELIEVE:
The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE Weather Permitting 11 am Service — Live-stream and in-person
Asbury First
Kimayo Concert: My Queer Faith Sunday, May 21, 4 pm, Sanctuary; freewill offering Kimayo opens up about her life, personal struggles, and overcoming hardships. From coming to terms with and celebrating her sexuality, to wrestling with her faith, she offers her experience with humility and vulnerability. Through poignant songs and narrative, Kimayo invites us all to welcome, affirm, and love unconditionally. ("This concert is open to adults and mature teens with parental discretion as this event contains sensitive topics relating to physical and mental health")
Join us for our church-wide carnival and talent show immediately following the 11 am service on Youth Sunday, June 4! It's the perfect way to start the Summer with hot dogs, an inflatable bounce house, a talent show and more. The carnival is free to all.
Sunday, June 4, Following 11 am Worship Service
Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@ asburyfirst.org to participate in the talent show.
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
11 am • May 7, 2023
Return to Page 3
#312 "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise"
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#465 "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine", v. 1, 2
Return to Page 6
Return to Page 8
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)
Monday Morning Crew (MMC) meets weekly to assist in the care and maintenance of the Asbury campus. We fix things. We are actively interested in adding several people to our roster for regular or occasional service. Join us any Monday between 9 am and 12 pm in the Welcome Hall or lower level shop. For information, contact Dave Kennedy at DAKennedy@Frontiernet.net or 585-787-0422.
Monday Morning Crew Needs Volunteers
Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign your child up for VBS. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Make a Joyful
Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this summer for our Vacation Bible School themed Make A Joyful Noise, August 7-10, from 9 am — noon each day. We will learn how music is an essential part of life and draws us closer to God. We will explore music through song, dance, bells, games, art and stories. We will end the week with a family night of food, fun and music underneath the tent.
Mondays, 9 am–12 pm, 1040 Welcome Hall or lower level shop
Vacation Bible School 2023
Sunday, June 4 , 11 am, 1040 Sanctuary
Youth Sunday
Our 6th-12th grade youth will lead us in worship on this special day. The youth have worked to help put together all aspects of the service — from choosing hymns, to writing prayers, to preparing sermons. Sundays like these help remind us that the youth are not simply our future, they are our present. The youth have a voice and a message for us today that is prophetic and inspirational. On June 4, we will bear witness to the talents and offerings of these young people as we are led in worship together.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.