To worship with us
June 18, 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.
Third Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • June 18, 2023
Prelude Annette Farrington, Flute
"Amazing Grace" — arr. Emma Lou Diemer Arioso e mesto from Concerto in G Major — Johann Joachim Quantz "In Memoriam" — Gary Schocker
Introit
Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, where my soul in joyful duty waits for him who answers prayer. Oh, how blessed is this place, filled with solace, light, and grace! (Words: Benjamin Schmolk, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Welcome, disciples of Christ! Is anything too wonderful for our God? Nothing is too wonderful for God who saves us and calls us! We remember the goodness of God who promised Abraham a multitude of descendants. Nothing is too wonderful for God who fulfills promises! We remember the compassion of Jesus who brought healing and wholeness. Nothing is too wonderful for God who heals and restores the distressed! As we worship, may we celebrate the promise, and respond to God’s invitation. Because nothing is too wonderful for our God!
*Processional Hymn
#100 "God, Whose Love Is Reigning O'er Us”, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#464 "I Will Trust in the Lord", v. 1 (sung twice)
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
*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.
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Vivienne Rose March (born March 6, 2018) & Julian Paul March (born June 25, 2021) children of Olivia & Jeff March
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day recognize as members of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that they may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, we confess that there is much in our lives that we wish to hide from you. We fear those who would kill the body, yet we ignore many things that kill the soul. Teach us once more, O God, that your Son came to bring us life. Remind us of our higher calling, and of your promise of eternal life in your realm.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: the Holy One has made a covenant with us. Trust in the promise of God, and rejoice in God’s goodness and mercy towards us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
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 hear the word
Scripture Genesis 18:1-15
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I be fruitful?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
Anthem
"God of Mercy, God of Grace" — Jerry Davidson; words by Henry Francis Lyte God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of thy face; Shine upon us, Savior, shine, fill thy Church with light divine; And thy saving health extend, unto earth’s remotest end. Let thy people praise thee, Lord, be by all that live adored; Let the nations shout and sing glory to their Savior King; Let all be below, above, one in joy, and light, and love.
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.
Offertory Annette Farrington and Sheri Dumire-Hamilton, Flute Brian Donat, Cello Duane Prill, Organ
"Romantic Air", from Sonata in E Minor, BWV 1034 — J. S. Bach arr. by Ervin Monroe
*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.
*Hymn
#164 "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life"
Sermon
Mixed Feelings
Call to Prayer
Gracious God, I come before thee, come thou also down to me; where we find thee and adore thee, there a heav'n on earth must be. To my heart, O enter now, let it be thy temple now! (Words: Benjamin Schmolk, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
Pastoral Prayer
"God of Mercy, God of Grace” © 2015 St. James Music Press; 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.
*Prayer of Dedication
Receive the gifts of our hands, O God, that they may be signs of love in a divided world. Through our offerings of time and treasure, may others find and follow the ways of life. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Lani Smith)
Postlude
“Prelude in Classic Style” — Gordon Young
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Abby Rice, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director/Graphics Operator: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Hymn
#568 “Christ to the World We Sing”
9 am • June 18, 2023
OUTDOOR service
*Opening Song
"Alleluia, Alleluia” (Words and music by Donald Fishel) Refrain: Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name. Jesus is Lord of all the earth. He is the king of creation. (Ref.) Come, let us praise the living God, joyfully sing to our Savior. (Ref.)
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Genesis 18:1-15 (found on p. 5)
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you check in with us by scanning the QR code, or by visiting asburyfirst.org/worship-check-in.
Prayer
Benediction
*Closing Song
“Christ for the World We Sing”, vv. 1, 3, 4 (Words: Samuel Wolcott; Tune: Italian Hymn, Felice de Giardini) 1. Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with loving zeal; the poor, and them that mourn, the faint and overborne, sin-sick and sorrow-worn, whom Christ doth heal. 3. Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with one accord; with us the work to share, with us reproach to dare, with us the cross to bear, for Christ our Lord. 4. Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with joyful song; the newborn souls, whose days reclaimed from error's ways, inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musicians: Chris Gold, Carl Johengen
9 am
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 the Rev. Bill Burdick. 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 the 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 friends and family of the 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 Diana Raplee and her family on the death of her husband, Durwood Raplee, on May 27.
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Rev. Bill Burdick Memorial Service —1040 Sanctuary MONday Church Office Closed for Juneteenth 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 11 am Older Adult Spring Luncheon —1040 Gathering Center 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—Granger Lawn Opening Night! Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Canceled 3 pm Gentle Yoga—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 4 pm Gentle Yoga—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-Thru Food Drive—1010 COC Drive
Class: The Gospel According to Ted Lasso
Meetings & Rehearsals June 18–24
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
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.
Children and Youth Ministry Feedback Survey
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.
dad: [dæd] noun One who loves, supports, guides, encourages, and inspires their child.
Thanks for all you do!
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#100 "God, Whose Love Is Reigning o'er Us”, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
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