May 25, 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.
Prelude
“I’ve Found a Friend” — Robert W. Thygerson “O God of Earth and Altar” — James Mansfield “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” — David Paxton
*Call to Worship Based on passages from Psalm 9 and Psalm 69
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked. The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. The poor and the homeless won't always be forgotten and without hope. Do something, Lord! Don't let the nations win. Make them stand trial in your court of law. Make the nations afraid and let them all discover just how weak they are. The Lord will listen when the homeless cry out, and God will never forget God’s people in prison. Heaven and earth will praise our God, and so will the oceans and everything in them.
*Processional Hymn
#549 "Where Charity and Love Prevail"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2
* please stand as you are able
11 am • May 25, 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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Sixth Sunday of Easter OUTREACH SUNDAY
Prayer of Confession Led by Martha Neubert
God of justice, we confess we are often complicit in the perpetuation of poverty. We sometimes lack the desire and drive to fully imagine and invest in a truly equitable world. Shake us from complacency and fill us with faith and hope. Move us to welcome a world that prioritizes the well-being of the poor.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the Good News: a new world is promised and possible. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. We are forgiven and empowered to live differently. 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 Acts 4:32-35 (Common English Bible) Dawn Riedy
The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was at work among them all. There were no needy persons among them. Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
11 am
Children's Time Jessica Burdick-Giordano and Jim Carter
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
#560 "Help Us Accept Each Other"
Outreach Testimony
Dave Berg
Anthem Dan McInerney, Soloist
"Prayer of St. Francis" — Allen Pote; words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, thy pardon, Lord; where there is doubt, let there be faith; Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is despair, let me bring hope; where there is darkness, let there be light; where there is sadness, let there be joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. O Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. For it is in giving that we receive; and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Amen.
Brenda Nitsch
Call to Prayer
Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among you. (Matthew 18:20; music by Carl Johengen)
Pastoral Prayer Charlotte Craig
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Invitation to Discipleship and Engagement Diana Carter
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
“The Church Is Wherever God’s People Are” Words: Carol R. Ikeler, 1959; Tune: Kremser, Netherlands, 1626, arr. Rachel Aarons The Church is wherever God's people are praising, where all know they’re wanted and loved by their Lord. The Church is wherever Christ's followers are trying to share and to live out the good news of God. The Church is wherever God's people are loving, where all are forgiven and start once again, where all are accepted, whatever their background, whatever their past and whatever their pain. The Church is wherever God's people are seeking to reach out and touch folk wherever they are — conveying the Gospel, its joy and its comfort, to challenge, and refresh, and excite and inspire. The Church is wherever God's people are praising...
SIGN IN HERE
To Renew Commitment
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.
Permissions:
“Prayer of St. Francis” © 1986, 2012, 2020 Hinshaw Music; “The Church Is Wherever God’s People Are” words © 1963 Westminster John Knox Press; music arrangement © 2017 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Outreach Testimonies: David Berg, Brenda Nitsch Liturgists: Outreach Volunteers Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Dawn Riedy Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Christopher Goerss, Kathy Collier-Bryant Altar Guild Team: Ewin Joseph, Beth Rice, Marcia Thor Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Kenny Bailey, Rick Church, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Steve Danyew)
Postlude
“Go Forth in Faith” — Franklin Ritter
*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
May these gifts serve God by serving the least of these: By providing food for the hungry and water for the thirsty. By welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked, By caring for the sick and visiting the imprisoned. Amen.
Outreach Testimonies: David Berg, Brenda Nitsch Clergy: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: David Snyder Musician: Carl Johengen
9 am • May 25, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Song
"God of Grace and God of Glory", vv. 1, 2, 4 (Songs can be found on a single page handout.)
Prayer of Confession
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Acts 4:32-35 (found on p. 4)
Outreach Testimonies
Brenda Nitsch and Dave Berg
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 Song
“Prayer of St. Francis” — words and music by Sebastian Temple
Help Me Connect
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection?
Celebrations and concerns
Rabbi Or Zohar
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS VERY SOON
Join us Wednesday, June 18 at 7 pm for an engaging evening as we welcome Rabbi Or Zohar, Temple Sinai's new Senior Rabbi, who will speak about the Kabbalah, the Jewish mystic text, in the Red Room (1010). For more information, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar 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 and in loving memory of Michael Graney, nephew of Annette and Jim Farrington, on the 10th anniversary of his passing. 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 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.
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
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
MORNING PRAYER at ASBURY FIRST
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
ZOOM KEY
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 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 Memorial Day - Campus Closed 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 5:30 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group — 1010, Red Room 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 * 3:30 pm Knitting Ministry — 1040, Library Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm URWell Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 SUNday (6/01) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 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
In these turbulent times of shifting headlines and unsettling political events, our pastoral staff feels called to help our community maintain spiritual grounding. We invite you to join us for Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30 to 10am in the Meditation Chapel (within the Sanctuary). This simple service offers a space to center ourselves in God's presence, solidarity, compassion, and love.
Meetings & Rehearsals MAY 25 – JUNE 01
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!
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
MISSION TRIP PRAYER PARTNERS
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.
Summer Worship Schedule
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
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.
Cookies Wanted!
Youth Envelope Fundraiser!
Sing This Summer! No Commitment!
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
Good News! The first Collaborative Makers Gathering was a great success, and we're excited to continue meeting monthly on second Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm. Bring a project to work on, sewing or knitting items to share, and an empty bag to take home treasures from other makers. We'll typically meet in the Gathering Center, with alternate campus locations as needed. Questions? Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106 or Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x117
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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Join the buzz at "B Camp" this summer! All Kids (PreK-5th grade) will have a blast August 4 - 7 exploring the B's: being, beatitudes, and bees! NEW this year: Choose our exciting all-day adventure (9am-4pm, lunch needed) or the morning option. Don't miss out on this hive of fun and learning! Asbury First members and VBS alumni can register from May 25 to June 13, at which time spots will become open to everyone. Questions? Buzz Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111. Register at asburyfirst.org/vbs Financial assistance is available.
Summer VBS 'B Camp' Half and Full Day Options August 4-7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 13 & June 10
New Member Classes — June 2 and 9, 6:30 pm, Red Room We're spreading the word about the good work being done at the Community Outreach Center (COC), and we could use your help. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. Join us May 13 or June 10 at 8 am at the COC. Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x117.
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)