June 9, 2024 • 11 AM
YOUTH SUNDAY
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support our everyday ministries and operations, 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 place your 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. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. tanderson@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Ted Anderson — Interim Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 Asburyfirst.org
Prelude Clara Chang, Violin
Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041, 1st movement — J. S. Bach
*Call to Worship Garrett Long
All you who delight in the Sacred, come and worship the Creator of All. Thanks be to God who blesses the peculiar and rejoices in the uniqueness of every body and being. The Holy takes on flesh in every gender and orientation, every race and ability, every body-size and body-type. Each embodied difference is a unique glimpse of Holy Wonder. Blessed are those who search for God among the lives of the oppressed, the betrayed, the turned-away, and the condemned. Blessed are those who receive with joy the gifts of God enfleshed among us. The Sacred is with us. Let us worship and be transformed.
*Processional Hymn
"The Kingdom of God is the Queerest of Nations" This hymn can be found on the following page
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#494 "Kum Ba Ya", v. 1, sung twice Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah.
* please stand as you are able
9 & 11 am • June 9, 2024
{{page}}
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw our hearts and minds to God.
Third Sunday after Pentecost Youth Sunday
9 & 11 am
"The Kingdom of God is the Queerest of Nations"
Scripture 1 Corinthians 16.14 Lydia Beach
Let all that you do be done in love. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
TO HEAR THE WORD
*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.
Moment for Pride
Hannah Cady — Pride Month and Rainbow Club
Prayer of Confession Bennet Marsiglio
Forgiving God, we give you thanks for your unconditional love and ask that you enable us to love each other unconditionally, too. Forgive us for ignoring those in our midst who are different from ourselves in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, education level, and economic status. Forgive us for diminishing ourselves and others, while hiding behind things like texts and TikTok. Forgive us, God, and make us whole again.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance Poppy Marsiglio
Friends, hear and believe the good news! Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; our old lives are gone and our new lives have already begun. Know that we are all forgiven and be at peace. Amen.
Anthem Youth Choir Carol Lamica, Director David Strong, Piano
“Like an Eagle” – Carl Strommen Now is the time to follow the wind, to walk alone. And a star will show the way above the clouds, beyond the sea. And now is the time, and now and farewell, and as we part You taught me well, you gave me strength, you showed the way; I'll not forget you. (Refrain:) Like an eagle I will soar above the clouds; I will spread my wings and fly into the sun. Like an eagle I will race above the stars; I will fly to places yet unseen, go beyond my wildest dreams, Know that you are watching over me. And all alone I will follow the stars above As my guide, I trust in you to show the way to me beyond the sea. And now is the time, and now and farewell, and as we part You taught me well, you gave me strength, you showed the way; I'll not forget you. (Refrain) Alone, I can fly with the eagle to the mountain high, Race with the eagle so far beyond my dreams; Like an eagle I will fly. (Refrain) I'm gonna fly the highest mountain, fly above the clouds; Like an eagle I will fly.
Children's Time Denise Snyder Smith and Zachary Dennison
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.
*Hymn
"O Young and Fearless Prophet", vv. 1, 4, 5
Offertory Brass Ensemble and Piano Alé Bucci, Gio Bucci, Charlie Cady, Sean Cundy
“Holy, Holy, Holy” — John B. Dykes, arr. Benjamin Watson
*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.
*Prayer of Dedication DJ Denis
Thank you, God, for these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. Please bless these gifts as we offer our whole selves for the work of God’s kindom. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment Ellie Cady
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.
Sermon
Seniors: Ben Carlson Keely Shafer
Pastoral Prayer Phoebe Martin
Permissions:
“Like an Eagle” © 1994 Alfred Publishing Co. Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith and Ly Tran
Participants In the Service
Worship Leaders: Youth of Asbury First Liturgist: Mike Mullin Organist: David Strong Youth Choir, Carol Lamica, Director Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Suite Team: Larry Dugan, Kenny Bailey, Rick Church, Randy Davis, Preston Loughney Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith; Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Song
"My Lighthouse" — Rend Collective In my wrestling and in my doubts, in my failures you won't walk out. Your great love will lead me through: You are the peace in my troubled sea, whoa oh, you are the peace in my troubled sea. In the silence, you won't let go. In the questions, your truth will hold. Your great love will lead me through: You are the peace in my troubled sea, whoa oh, you are the peace in my troubled sea. (Refrain) My Lighthouse, my lighthouse shining in the darkness, I will follow you! My Lighthouse, my lighthouse, I will trust the promise: You will carry me safe to shore, safe to shore, safe to shore, safe to shore . I won't fear what tomorrow brings. With each morning I'll rise and sing. My God's love will lead me through; You are the peace in my troubled sea, whoa oh, you are the peace in my troubled sea. (Refrain) Fire before us, You're the brightest. You will lead us through the storms. (Repeat) (Refrain)
*Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make her face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace; Amen.
Postlude
"A Joyous Recessional" — Matthew H. Corl
To Disperse in Mission
COOKIE BAKERS Help keep our Sunday cookie spread yummy! Folks interested in assisting with the baking of some cookies for Sunday, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Help Me Connect
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Louise Kinney in remembrance of her June birthday by her grandson John Andres. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Peggy Epping, who died on April 13. A Memorial Service will be held on June 28 at 6 pm at the Northgate Bible Chapel, 240 McGuire Rd in Rochester.
SUMMER GUITARIST If you play the guitar and/or enjoy leading singing, please contact Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org about lending a hand with the Summer Outdoor 9 am Service.
LANDSCAPER Please consider joining the Community Outreach Center Landscaping Team - flexible hours and seasonal! If interested in learning more, please contact Bob Schuman at robert@schumanonline.net.
GARDENER The Gardening team is looking for help with weeding and light trimming every week or two. Contact Bonnie Gregory at bonniegregory126@gmail.com for more information.
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
GREETER COORDINATOR Evarts UR Well Clinic is in need of a Greeter Coordinator to assist with scheduling and supporting greeters at our Outreach Center. Contact Mary Scahill at (585) 705-6112 or mscahill404@gmail.com
Celebrations and concerns
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?
ALTAR GUILD Ever wonder how our beautiful Sanctuary is prepared for Sunday worship? Consider joining the Altar Guild. Minimal hours required. Please contact Martha Tuke at mwtuke@gmail.com for more information.
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "Perfection" by Rev. Kathy Thiel [Matthew 5:43-48]
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 1040 In-Person on the Front Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 11 am Worship Service (with Communion) — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 6:30 pm New Members Class — 1010 Red Room 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 III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6:30 pm TransParent Support Group — 1040 Youth Room 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 — 1010 COC Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 4 pm East Ave Community Market Days — Asbury First Granger Lawn 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9 am Women's Group — 1040 Library 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class — 1040 Room 205 NEXT SUNday (6/16) 9 am Worship Service — 1040 In-Person on the Front Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team — 1040 Youth Room 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Meetings & Rehearsals June 9 – 16
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
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir makes a return appearance at Asbury First, presenting a concert on Thursday, June 27 at 7 pm. Since 2008, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir has used the unifying power of music to uplift every child, bring joy to all who listen, and to inspire generosity that provides a complete education for vulnerable children. Brought together from Matsiko's in-country learning centers in Nepal, Peru, Liberia, and India, the Choir has performed at the White House, Disneyland, Disney World, the Rose Bowl, and many other sports stadiums around the country. Their high-energy performances bring much-needed attention to the plight of vulnerable children around the world. For more information, visit matsiko.org/world-orphan-choir or contact Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org
New Members Class
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED: We will be housing the choir and chaperones overnight after the performance, so we are seeking host families who can provide sleeping arrangements for one adult and up to three children. Children can share a double bed or larger, and any guest can sleep on an air mattress, sofa or sleeping bag. If you are able to help or have questions, please contact Judy Messenger at jumesseng@gmail.com or call (585) 473-1048
June 10 and 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010, Community Outreach Center) For those interested in joining Asbury First, this class in two parts will introduce the tenets and history of United Methodism, and give a deep dive into the many ways one can become more involved in Asbury First's ministries. Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bag dinner if you prefer. Our hope is to have everyone present for recognition of new membership at the 11 am service on June 23. No need to register, but let us know if you plan to attend! Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117 or email her at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org
Save the Date: Matsiko World Orphan Choir returns to Asbury First
De-Escalation Training
Scan the QR code to RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Scan the QR code to sign up
Monthly, every 2nd Tuesday, join us for what we call 1010 TUESDAYS! Meet us at 1010 East Ave at 8 am for a simple breakfast, a brief tour of the facility, and stories about these life-changing services. Bring a friend or colleague, and help us spread the word about the Community Outreach Center. Space is limited so reserve your spot today. Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117.
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, June 11 & July 9
As summer approaches, and our days grow longer, it is a good time to brush up on our ability to offer thoughtful welcome, hospitality, compassion and care to our neighbors – those we encounter both on our campus and elsewhere. As Christian disciples we are called to specifically care for people who are hurting, and to grow in our ability to minister to those in the throes of difficult situations. To that end, we are planning to offer another session of de-escalation training led by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. We hosted a session in October that was very well-received by those in attendance. Representatives of the Institute will share with us best practices and skills when working with people experiencing trauma and/or crisis. If you would like to attend please sign up so that we can gauge interest and keep you informed when the event is scheduled.
This July, our Senior High Youth Group will be traveling to Chicago, Illinois as we strive to learn, serve, and do more good in an urban environment. While we are away, we are looking for members of our community to partner with our mission team in prayer. As a prayer partner, you will be assigned one missioner to pray for while we are away. In addition, we will ask you to write this missioner a note of encouragement before the trip. You may sign up to be a prayer partner via the QR code or contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Mission Trip Prayer Partners
June 22, 9:30 am COC, Lower Level
Grocery Bag packing @ 8 - 9 am • Orientation @ 9:30 - 10:30 am
Participation in an orientation session is required for all serving with our COC ministries. If you are exploring serving for the first time, or have been serving already but have never attended a session, please join us! We will cover important information about our outreach mission and philosophy as well as practical information about best practices and safety.
COC ORIENTATION
Starting in June, the East Ave Community Market returns to Asbury's Granger lawn! Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm starting June 12 and running through the end of August, we'll be hosting this celebration of small local makers and growers for the whole neighborhood. The market will feature free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more.
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
MONDAY, AUG 5 – THURSDAY, AUG 8 • 9 am – 12 pm Children ages 4 through 11, join us August 5 through 8 for an Olympic-sized VBS! We will meet each morning from 9 am to noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together!
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT asburyfirst.org/vbs TO REGISTER NOW!
ReV. Rachel Dupont's Sendoff
On June 23, we hope you will stay after the service to celebrate her time here with coffee and gluten-free baked goods in the Gathering Center.
Sunday, June 23, the Rev. Rachel Dupont, our Minister for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, will end her time at Asbury with a farewell sermon. As you know, the decision to reduce the size of our pastoral staff was heartbreaking. Rachel has been an essential leader, both in discerning and living out God’s unique call for Asbury First, and as a delegate to General Conference this past Spring. She has helped to shape the future of both Asbury First and the United Methodist Church. We are forever grateful.
Welcome to Pride Month at Asbury First! June is Pride Month nation-wide, but this year we have a little extra to celebrate! With the removal of harmful language from the United Methodist Book of Discipline, as well as lifted bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings, we now celebrate the opportunity for full participation of all LGBTQIA+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church. This month, our services will hold a space for a "Moment of Pride" to explore the ways that by advocating for the vastness of human experience, we're also advocating for the incredible vastness of God's love. The Rochester Pride parade will be held on July 20 at 11 am (Mark your calendar!) and Asbury First WILL be marching (and float-ing). If you'd like to be involved, the LGBTQ+ Advocacy team is always looking for more members. As June progresses, we'll share more ways to celebrate. Meanwhile, here are some upcoming dates to keep in mind:
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team Meeting: June 16, 9:45 am, 1040 Youth Room
June is upon us — and this month we will celebrate pride blah blah blah The LGBTQ+ Advocacy team aims to provide educational opportunities etc. Pride Parade: Saturday July 20, Each Sunday, the service will feature a minute for pride: June 9 – Youth presentation June 16 – Library Team (resources) June 23 – Nancy Specht (the Reconciling Statement) June 30 – Holly Temming (transparent support group) Sign up to march in this year's parade:
Rochester Pride Parade: July 20, 11 am, Scientific Parkway
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