To worship with us
June 11, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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.
Second Sunday after Pentecost
11 am • June 11, 2023
Prelude
“Morning Has Broken” — Michael Burkhardt “Darwell’s Fantasia” — John Dixon
Introit
Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored; Thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee. (Words: John Cennick; Tune: Tallis’ Canon, Thomas Tallis)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come! Now is the time to worship! We gather, called by God to share the good news. We gather to listen and share God’s work in our lives, our families, and our neighborhoods. We proclaim the goodness of God’s love together. We gather to respond to God’s grace as we continue on the path of discipleship. We hear God’s call, and learn to say “yes” to God together. We gather to hear again God’s commission to love God and neighbor in everything that we do. We gather, knowing we are not alone as we carry the weight of God’s call into the world.
*Processional Hymn
#116 "The God of Abraham Praise” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", v. 1, 2
* please stand as you are able
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Scripture Romans 4:13-25
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. (cont'd)
Prayer of Confession
God, we confess that we are not always open to receiving your call on our lives. We make excuses. We choose not to listen. We doubt our own abilities. Forgive us for failing to respond to your call. We confess that we value the false certainty of our own path over the uncertainty of journeying with you on the path of discipleship. Forgive us for choosing what we think we know rather than joining you in the holy unknown. We confess that we value the calls of some over others, exalting some of your servants while ignoring many of your quiet, behind-the-scenes disciples. Forgive us for neglecting the beautiful and varied calls you place on each of our lives. Forgive us, God, and free us to joyfully bear the weight of your call. Bring us together as members together of the Body of Christ, redeemed and united by your love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, hear these words: When we call, God inclines an ear to us and comes quickly to help us. God’s love is steadfast to rescue us and redeem us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
11 am
*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.
Recognition of Ordination
Rev. Pat Dupont
To hear the word
Scripture (Cont'd)
For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), and the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
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
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.
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#618 "Let Us Break Bread Together", vv. 1-3
Invitation to Communion
Offertory Summer Choir Annette Farrington, Flute
“Celtic Communion” — Traditional Scottish melody, arr. Mark Hayes; words by Reginald Heber; v. 3 from St. Patrick’s Breastplate Bread of the world in mercy broken, wine of the soul in mercy shed, by whom the words of life were spoken, and in whose death our sins are dead. Look on the heart by sorrow broken, look on the tears by sinners shed; and be thy feast to us the token that by thy grace our souls are fed. Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, One in Three; Christ above me, Christ beneath me, Christ within me, Three in One. Amen.
Sermon
Inherit the World
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
Eucharistic Acclamations — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
*Recessional Hymn
#698 “God of the Ages”
“Celtic Communion” © 2008 Lorenz Publishing Company; 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.
The Lord's Supper
#623 Here, O My Lord, I See Thee #628 Eat This Bread
Prayer after Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson; Rev. Patrick Dupont Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Megan Ormsbee, Jonathan Ivers, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Zeke Doerner Graphics Operator: Sam Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Gerald Peterson)
Postlude
“Festival Postlude in D Major” — John Dixon
9 am • June 11, 2023
*Opening Song
"Morning Has Broken” (Words: Eleanor Farjeon; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Gaelic melody) Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word! Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God’s recreation of the new day!
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Romans 4:13-25 (found on p. 4-5)
OUTDOOR service
Prayer
Communion
Benediction
*Closing Song
“They'll Know We Are Christians” (Words and Music by Peter Scholtes) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; (repeat) and we pray that all unity will one day be restored: (Refrain:) And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, and they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; (repeat) and together we'll spread the news that God is in our land: (refrain)
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musicians: Jessica Burdick, Carl Johengen
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?
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; and in honor of the vow renewal on Saturday, June 10, of several LGBTQ couples who missed the opportunity to be married in the church they love. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Rev. Dr. Ted Weeden, who died on April 2. His memorial service will be held on July 8 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Bob Fitch, who died on April 6. A memorial service will be held on June 15 at 1 pm. 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 the friends and family of John Braund, who died on April 10. A service will be held on June 17 at 10 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Merilyn Israel, who died on May 22. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Karen Webster, who died on May 23. We offer our prayers and concerns to Diana Raplee and her family on the death of her husband, Durwood Raplee, on May 27. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Jeff Fraser, who died on May 31. A service will be held on Tuesday, June 13 at 1 p.m.
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Sunday 9 am Outdoor Service—1040 Front Lawn (in sanctuary if raining) 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm Church Conference and Town Hall —1040 Sanctuary 1 pm Youth Group—Seabreaze Trip MONday 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) 1 pm Jeff Fraser Memorial Service —1040 Sanctuary 3 pm Gentle Yoga—canceled; Returns June 27 Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm Believe: The Gospel According to Ted Lasso Class—1040 Gathering Center Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 1 pm Bob Fitch Memorial Service —1040 Sanctuary 4 pm Gentle Yoga—canceled; Returns June 29 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center Saturday 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9 am Drive Up Food Drive—1010 COC Driveway 10 am John Braund Memorial Service —1040 Sanctuary
Class: The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
Meetings & Rehearsals June 11–17
Summer Worship
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
NOTA Farmers Market
Sunday Sermon Podcast
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Monday Morning Crew
Gently Used Books Needed
The Asbury Art Class will begin working on a new watercolor class on Tuesday afternoons. This course is offered in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. You need not have any prior experience in watercolor, although we also welcome those who wish hone their skills. Participants must supply their own materials. There is a free will donation for the program facilitator. Classes are from 12:30-3 pm. Please email Linda Clemow to register at soulsourcestudio1@gmail.com or call the church office.
Tuesdays, 12-3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room)
For the past few summers, the Asbury First library has been participating in the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) Farmer’s Market that takes place on the Asbury First lawn. We are in need of gently used books to sell this summer. In particular, we need books for children, tweens, and teens. Please drop off donations in the church library with a note that includes your name and phone number or email address. If you need help transporting your books, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.
Older Adult Spring Luncheon
Please join us for the Asbury First Older Adult Spring worship and luncheon! We will start with a worship service of holy communion and lots of your favorite hymns, followed by lunch and fellowship: lots of fellowship! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news or by calling the church office at 585-271-1050.
Monday, June 19 11 am Worship, Sanctuary 11:45 am Lunch, Gathering Center
Any one is welcome to be a prayer partner — visit asburyfirst.org/news or contact Mike Mullin mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
This summer, we will have more than 50 youth and adults participating in Youth Mission Trips. Our high school youth will be traveling to Tucson, Arizona for a border immersion trip in July; and our middle school youth will be volunteering locally and at our VBS in August. As we prepare to embark on these trips, we would love to partner every participant with a congregant from Asbury First who will commit to hold them in prayer throughout their mission week.
Partners
Two Classes left! Join Us!
We need your help!
BELIEVE:
Saturday, June 17, 9 am–12 pm
The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
Wednesdays, June 14 & 21, 6 pm, Gathering Center
Inflation, supply chain issues, and more continue to make things difficult for people to get food and nutrition in a post-pandemic world. We need your help to support the Dining & Caring Center and the Grocery Bag Ministry! As you do your own shopping in the coming days, please consider collecting items for donation that would be useful for these amazing ministries and those in need. Visit asburyfirst.org for a list of items needed.
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 began on June 7, but don't worry! You can still attend the next two meetings on June 14 and 21. We will meet in the Gathering Center and it is open to all adults. For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/news, or call the church office. Go Richmond!
As we wrap up another year of ministry, we would love to get your feedback so that we can plan for a fall that reflects the mission of Asbury First, while meeting the needs of our families. All children, youth, parents/guardians, and counselors are encouraged to participate in the survey.
Church Conference for Columbarium and Open Town Hall
Sunday, June 11, Following the 11 am service
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
Visit asburyfirst.org/news or scan the QR code to fill out the form.
Children and Youth Ministry Feedback Survey
We will hold a vote at a special Church Conference on Sunday, June 11 about the Columbarium. If you have questions about the Columbarium or would like to inquire about securing a niche, please contact the church office at 585-271-1050, or email us at columbarium@asburyfirst.org.
Immediately following the Church Conference, the Governing Board will hold another open town hall to share updates on various aspects of our life together and to answer your questions. If you have specific questions, please call the church office at 585-271-1050 or email us at governance@asburyfirst.org.
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#116 "The God of Abraham Praise"
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1-2
*Hymn
Return to Page 6
Communion Hymns
#623 "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee"
Return to Page 8
Communion Hymns (Cont'd)
#628 "Eat This Bread" (repeat as needed)
#698 "God of the Ages"