June 14, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Reader: Meredith Pixley Musician: Carl Johengen
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Third Sunday after Pentecost
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: I Corinthians 13 (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: “Love Love Love" PRAYER INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” *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: Jeanne Strong & Duane Prill, piano: Hymn arrangements by Daniel Burton “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”, “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”, “My Song Is Love Unknown” INTROIT: Come ye that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne. (Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: St. Thomas, Aaron Williams, 1770) *CALL TO WORSHIP God of our hearts, we gather today to worship you. Be the breath of our prayers, the joy of our songs. Work in and among us so that we each know your healing presence. Be the love in our lives, the purpose of our actions. Surround us with your Holy Spirit and the comfort of your divine peace. God of our hearts, fill us with your Light and Love. Let us worship God! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” — sung to Hyfrydol *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #719 “My Lord, What a Morning” PRAYER OF CONFESSION Gracious, loving God, we ask your forgiveness for the times we have refused your offer of true love. Forgive us for our envious, boastful, arrogant behavior. Strengthen us to be able to embrace your truth, and give us the courage to be fully known by you. In the moments when we choose to follow a path of resentful thoughts, and harmful words, remind us that Love rejoices in the truth. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Beloved Friends, hear the Good News. We are God’s beloved children and God helps us on our way. God loves us unconditionally and is always by our side. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Hallelujah! 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: I Corinthians 13 (New Revised Standard Version) If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 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: Jordan Bachmann, soloist “O Love of God, How Strong and True” — English folk melody, arr. Howard Helvey; words by Horatius Bonar O Love of God, how strong and true, eternal and yet ever new; uncomprehended and unbought, beyond all knowledge and all thought. O wide-embracing, wondrous Love, we read thee in the sky above; we read thee in the earth below, in seas that swell and streams that flow. We read thy power to bless and save e'en in the darkness of the grave; still more in resurrection light we read the fullness of thy might. O love of God, our shield and stay through all the perils of our way! Eternal love, in you we rest, forever safe, forever blest. 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: #377 “It Is Well with My Soul” SERMON: “Love Love Love” 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 or PayPal—scan the QR code, enter your donation amount, then choose your payment type via the icons below. OFFERTORY: Summer Choir “Love Comes from God” — Allen Pote; words from John 4:7 and 15:13 Refrain: My friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God, And everyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. No greater love have you than this, than to lay down your life for a friend. Jesus has said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Refrain) But they who do not love do not know God, for God is love. He sent his only begotten Son, so that we might live through him. (Refrain) Peace be with you, my friends. *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of our hearts, you have given us all that is worth having. As you did not lose in giving to us, so we only gain in giving to the world. May our words and deeds of compassion feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the afflicted, and bring peace to this world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen, amen. (J. Rosamond Johnson) POSTLUDE: “Toccata Brevis” — Daniel E. Gawthrop
A Heads-Up: How you use Venmo at Asbury First is about to change! Starting June 14 the QR code you scan will take you to a form where you'll select Venmo as your payment option. From there, the process will be just as before.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO or PAYPAL
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Beth Woolever by the Asbury Altar Guild. Beth was a beloved member of the Altar Guild for many years. We will remember her for her dedicated service and joyful spirit. 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 Beth Woolever, who died on May 20. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life was held on Friday, June 12. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Mason Fitch who died on May 14. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, June 15 at 1 pm in the Sanctuary. We are saddened to share news of the death of Ed Ristau. As we give thanks for his life, we hold Ed's family and friends in our prayers and in the loving embrace of this congregation. May God's grace sustain them, and may cherished memories bring comfort in the midst of sorrow. Details about a Memorial Service will be released at a later time. We are saddened to share news of the death of Jim Papazissimos. As we give thanks for his life, we hold his wife, Ann Williams, his family, and friends in our prayers and in the loving embrace of this congregation. May God's grace sustain them, and may cherished memories bring comfort in their sorrow. 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 the church office so that we can find someone to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050.
Permissions:
“O Love of God, How Strong and True” © 2020, 2022 Beckenhorst Music Press, Inc.; “Love Comes from God” © 1990 Hinshaw Music, Inc.; 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Pat Dupont Mike Mullin Reader: Meredith Pixley Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Amy Cochrane, Megan Ormsbee, Brian Bohrer, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Crucifer, Acolyte: Anne Nutter, Gillian Allen Altar Guild Team: Nancy Adamus, Jean Newman, Sharon Parker Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
1 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
JUNETEENTH (OFFICE CLOSED)
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
8:30 am
Red Cross Blood Drive – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (6/21)
FATHER'S DAY / PRIDE SUNDAY
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
11 am
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
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
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
2 pm
The Dad Games – 1040, Fellowship Hall, Outside
Meetings & Rehearsals JUNE 14 – JUNE 21
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
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
SUNDAY
Rev. Kathy Thiel Farewell Reception – 1040, Gathering Center and Welcome Hall
Don't Drink The Water! ACT Dinner Theatre – 1040, Fellowship Hall
East Avenue Music Festival – 1040, Sanctuary
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
Mason Fitch Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
5:30 pm
Governing Board Meeting – 1010, Red Room
TUESDAY
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
Intro to Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center, experience foundational poses, breath-work and gentle movement in a welcoming, no-pressure community setting. Contact Kelly to register in advance at knoyes710@gmail.com. All are warmly welcome! Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a beach towel and yoga mat if you have one. Some yoga mats and other props will be available for use during class.
The Library Prepares for Summer
Join Summer Choir!
Mission Trip Prayer Partners Interested in connecting with our high schoolers as they travel to West Virginia for their mission trip this July? Please consider signing up to be a Prayer Partner! In addition to keeping them in your prayers throughout the week, Prayer Partners write a letter to their assigned youth that will encourage them while they're on the trip. Please contact Alex at ahunt@asburyfirst.org to sign up or for more information!
Introduction to Yoga! FREE session, June 16 at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center
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!
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.
Pride Sunday: June 21
New Paraments by Linda McMillion Clemow
At Asbury First, we believe God's love includes everyone — no exceptions. Join us June 21 for Pride Sunday as we celebrate the abundant gift of our diversity and reaffirm our commitment to being a place of refuge and blessing for all people. We remember that each of us — and especially our LGBTQIA+ siblings — is created with divine purpose and dignity. As we worship together, we also honor the courageous legacy of those who marched, resisted, and sacrificed so that love and justice could flourish. Be the rainbow! Feel free to wear your most colorful outfit.
Memorial Service Volunteers Needed! Want to make a meaningful difference? Join our hospitality ministry and help families feel welcome 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.
Chapel Challenge: Filling the Blessing Box June’s Chapel Challenge will help fill the “blessing box”, first established at Christmas time to provide easy access to single-serve food and drinks without need for cooking or can openers. The box is located on our front lawn, near East Ave. Some suggestions for donations: tuna packets, Vienna sausages, fruit cups, apple sauce, pudding, bottled water, protein drinks, baked beans, corn niblets, cracker packs. Please avoid foods that will melt or spoil in summer heat. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.
As spring explodes into life around us, our sanctuary welcomes a beautiful new addition: a set of green paraments, now hanging from the altar and lectern. These stunning works will remain in place throughout the Spring and Summer season of Ordinary Time. The paraments were lovingly crafted by artist and longtime Asbury First member Linda McMillion Clemow, and are offered as a gift in memory of her parents, Jim and Joanne McMillion, who were also cherished members of this congregation. We are grateful to Linda for sharing her artistry and honoring her family's legacy through this meaningful contribution to our worship space.
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
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Blood Drive – June 20
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
Asbury First Community Garden Wants You!
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
VBS IS GONNA BE COSMIC!
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 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Please remember to bring your ID.
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/PayPal—You may give a gift through Venmo or PayPal by scanning the QR code below and selecting your preferred payment method. 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, x113 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
Celebrating Mike Mullin – June 28 The SPRC invites you to celebrate Mike Mullin as he concludes his time with Asbury First. Mike will preach at the 9 & 11 am services on June 28, followed by a reception in the Gathering Center. We are honoring Mike with a Memory Book — submit photos or memories to communications@asburyfirst.org — and collecting a farewell monetary gift; make checks payable to Asbury First UMC, noting "Mike Mullin Purse," and mail to 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, place in the offering plate, or donate online at asburyfirst.org/gifts-kathy-and-mike — Contributions should be received by June 21.
East Avenue Music Festival – Today at 1 pm! Join Asbury First for the East Avenue Music Festival Today at 1 pm! This FREE afternoon event features 30-minute concerts at Asbury and four other historic churches along East Avenue, with food and strolling between stops, and starts here at Asbury First in the Sanctuary at 1 pm. Attend all or part of this community celebration. For more information, visit eastavenuemusicfestival.com
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, SCAN THE QR CODE TO GIVE BY PHONE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Join us in Celebrating Kathy's Ministry Today after the 11 am Worship Service As we say goodbye, we are reminded of just how much Kathy has meant to so many of us — her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering commitment to care. She leaves behind a congregation that is richer, more connected, and more deeply cared for because of her presence. Please join us in the Gathering Center following the 11 am Worship Service, to celebrate Kathy and send her off with the love and joy she has so generously given to all of us. Kathy will begin a new appointment on July 1, continuing her gifted ministry at the Williamson and Pultneyville United Methodist Churches.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” — sung to Hyfrydol
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” — sung to Hyfrydol (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #719 “My Lord, What a Morning”
*HYMN: #377 “It Is Well with My Soul”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (cont'd)