May 24, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Leaders: Mike Mullin, Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Musician: Chris Gold
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Pentecost Sunday
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "Open My Eyes That I May See" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Exodus 24:9-18, and Acts 2:1-12 (found on page 4) CHILDREN'S TIME 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. SERMON: “We Are One” PRAYER INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: “For the Healing of the Nations” *BENEDICTION
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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PRELUDE: Eunki Chang, violin Concerto No. 2 in E major, first movement — J.S. Bach Sound of the Shofar *CALL TO WORSHIP We are called to worship today to celebrate the ways we are alike. We are called to worship today to lift up each one’s gifts and graces. We are called to life to use our gifts and celebrate the love that connects us. Holy Spirit, Love Divine, work in and among us now and always. Holy Spirit, Love Divine, may we always feel the gentle breeze of your presence among us. Let us worship God! Hallelujah! Amen. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #152 "I Sing the Almighty Power of God" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #454 "Open My Eyes That I May See" PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of the World, we thank you for your beautiful creation. God of the Wind, we thank you for the gentle breezes. God of our hearts, we thank you for the love among us. We pray that in all of our fumblings and errors we are never malicious or spiteful. Forgive us if we are. Bring to us the sight we need to be compassionate in all that we do. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Beloved Friends, hear the good news. God loves us and God is with us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen. *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. SCRIPTURE: Exodus 24:9-18 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. God did not lay his hand on the chief men of the Israelites; they beheld God, and they ate and drank. The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there; I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up onto the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come back to you. Look, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-12 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 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: Juli Elliot and Brenda Nitsch, soloists “A Pentecost Prayer” — Carson Cooman; words from the Book of Common Prayer O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.. 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: #475 Come Down O Love Divine SERMON: "We Are One" PASTORAL PRAYER 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: Juli Elliot & Brenda Nitsch, soloists “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” — French chant tune, arr. K. Lee Scott; words by Thomas Toke Lynch Gracious Spirit, dwell with me: I would gracious be; Help me now thy grace to see, I would be like thee; And with words that help and heal thy life would mine reveal; And with actions bold and meek, for Christ my Savior speak. Truthful Spirit, dwell with me: I would truthful be; Help me now thy truth to see, I would be like thee; And with wisdom kind and clear thy life in mine appear; And with actions brotherly, speak Christ's sincerity. Holy Spirit, dwell with me: I would holy be; Show thy mercy tenderly, Make me more like thee; Separate from sin I would, and cherish all things good, And whatever I can be give him who gave me thee. Mighty Spirit, dwell with me, I would mighty be; Help me now thy pow'r to see, I would be like thee; 'Gainst all weapons hell can wield, be thou my strength and shield; Let thy word my weapon be, Lord, Thine the victory. *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 thank you God for the beauty of the earth. We thank you God for the beauty of every human being. We thank you God for the love that connects us to you, and to each other. Bless these gifts to spread love and joy and peace. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE: Toccata on “Veni Creator Spiritus” — Matthew M. Bellocchio
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Permissions:
“A Pentecost Prayer” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” © 1984 Augsburg Publishing House; 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.
We welcome Rabbi Or Zohar to our worship leadership today. Rabbi Zohar is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai. He is an active participant in the Interfaith Clergy work here in Rochester, and in Spirit of the Galilee in Israel. We are grateful for his presence here with us today. Please greet him after the service.
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Mike Mullin Guest Clergy: Rabbi Or Zohar, Temple Sinai Reader: Monica Gilligan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Crucifer, Acolyte: Ethan Hildreth, Kathy Collier-Bryant Altar Guild Team: Sharon Parker, Martha Tuke Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Help Me Connect!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of John E. Clarke and in honor of servicemen and women who have served or are serving our country by Dawn Riedy, David Berg & family. 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 hearts and prayers are with the family of David Crawford who died on May 9. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life was held on Thursday, May 21. 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 Mason Fitch who died on Thursday, May 14. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. 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.
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
Sign up or just show up to give blood on Saturday, June 20 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.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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.
Blood Drive – June 20
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
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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
9:45 am
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 Pick-Up Location: the playground, rain location: Ed. Wing
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
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
MEMORIAL DAY (CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED)
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
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
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Knitting Ministry – 1040, Library
Youth Nosh, Bells & Choir – 1040, Gathering Center
Meetings & Rehearsals MAY 24 – MAY 31
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
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 (5/31)
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.
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.
We are looking for volunteers to join us for this growing season. No gardening experience is needed - everyone is welcome. We provide fresh produce to our Dining and Caring Center, and to Food Pantries in Rochester. There is plenty of flexibility, and volunteers can help in ways that fit their schedule and interest. Tasks may include planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, garden upkeep, or delivering produce. Whether you can volunteer regularly or occasionally, your time and support make a difference. If you're interested email programs@asburyfirst.org
The Library Prepares for Summer
Join Summer Choir!
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!
Asbury First Community Garden Wants You!
Youth Sunday: June 7 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. On June 7, we will bear witness to the talents and offerings of these young people as we are led in worship together.
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.
East Avenue Music Festival Returns! Join Asbury First for the East Avenue Music Festival Sunday, June 14! This FREE afternoon event features 30-minute concerts at five historic churches along East Avenue, with food and strolling between stops, and starts here at Asbury First at 1 pm. Attend all or part of this community celebration. For more information, visit eastavenuemusicfestival.com
SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
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.
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: "Don't Drink the Water!" Tickets now available for June 12, 13 and 14 Reserve your seat today for this comedy about American tourists trapped behind the Iron Curtain, via the QR code!
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 welcome in worship at Asbury First and activity bags are available at each entrance of the Sanctuary. Children of all ages are invited to come forward for Children’s Time during worship; then, 4-year-olds through 5th grade can leave for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. Check the calendar in the bulletin for Sunday School pick-up location. Nursery childcare is provided for children three and under for the duration of the service in the Education Wing. 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. 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.
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, x111 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
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 Envelope Fundraiser
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 Welcome Hall, 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
YOUTH SUNDAY: JUNE 7
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #152 I Sing the Almighty Power of God
*GATHERING HYMN: #454 Open My Eyes That I May See
*HYMN: #475 Come Down O Love Divine
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (cont'd)