9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
June 23, 2024
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 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 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant *indicates part-time status
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 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Processional in D — David Johnson "Dearest Jesus, at Your Word" — arr. Michael Burkhardt
Introit
Blessed Jesus, at thy word we are gathered all to hear thee; let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear thee, by thy teachings sweet and holy, drawn from earth to love thee solely. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Holy God, we extol and honor you for who you are. We praise you for your faithfulness and for your tender mercies that are renewed every morning. We exalt you, Sovereign One, for every blessing of yesterday, the gift of this day, and the promises of our tomorrows. Grant us an enduring faith as we strive against oppression and despair. Endow us with joy that uplifts the downtrodden and inspires hope in you. Increase in us the faith and courage of the prophets, the love of Jesus, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
*Processional Hymn
#110 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • June 23, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture I Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49
Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was four cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron, and his shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants, but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines. David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the (cont'd on next page)
Moment for Pride
Holy God, in the midst of pain and sorrow, hear our prayer. We bring before you our broken relationships and broken hearts. Sometimes we are the cause of these things. Sometimes we are simply a part of them – we are the ones who suffer, we are the ones who are broken. We seek your forgiveness, and we ask for your healing. Transform us to the persons you have created us to be, full of mercy and grace and love.
Prayer of Confession
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Children of God, today is the day of salvation! Be still and know the grace and peace of the Triune of God who holds you, surrounds you, and keeps you. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and renewed. 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.
Nancy Specht — Reconciling Ministries
Scripture (cont'd)
encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father, and whenever a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth, and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” David said, “The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you!” Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head, and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“God Is Our Strong Salvation” — Richard Shephard; words by Paul Gerhardt, tr. J.C. Jacobi, 1725 God is my strong salvation; no enemy I fear; God hears my supplication, dispelling all my care; If God, my head and master, defend me from above, What pain or what disaster can part me from his love? I fully am persuaded, and joyfully declare, I'm never left unaided, my Father hears my prayer. God’s comforts never fail me, he stands at my right hand; When tempests fierce assail me, they're calm at his command. The ground of my profession is Jesus and his blood. He giveth me possession of everlasting good. to me his spirit speaketh full many a precious word Of rest to him who seeketh a refuge in the Lord. My merry heart is springing, it can no more be sad; With laughter and with singing, in God's own sunshine glad. For Christ is now preparing his City new and bright; Where saints his throne are sharing, and faith is turned to sight.
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.
*Hymn
#529 "How Firm a Foundation", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
When Armor Becomes Chains
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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 Dan McInerney, Soloist
“O for the wings of a dove!” from Hear My Prayer (1845) — Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) text by William Bartholomew (1793-1867) Oh for the wings of a dove! Far away would I rove! In the wilderness build me a nest, And remain there forever at rest.
Call to Prayer
Gracious Lord, thyself impart! Light of light, from God proceeding, open thou our ears and heart; help us by thy spirit's pleading; hear the cry thy people raises; hear, and bless our prayers and praises. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
Pastoral Prayer
“God Is My Strong Salvation” © 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 David Stith and Ly Tran
*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
Gracious God, as we bring our offerings before you, we acknowledge the gift of your grace, freely given and yet calling us to respond. May your grace bear fruit in our lives and in our communities, opening our hearts to love, to vulnerability, and to relationship. Amen.
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (John Stainer)
Postlude
Toccata on "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow" — Michael Burkhardt
Words of Appreciation
Jim Quinn, Governing Board Chair
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Ted Anderson, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Teddi Urriola Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Summer Choir, Brenda Nitsch, Conductor Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Crucifer, Acolyte: Ellie Cady, Hannah Cady Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Randy Davis, Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Invitation and Announcements
*Opening Hymn
“Morning Has Broken” (Eleanor Farjeon, Scottish tune) 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
9 am • June 23, 2024
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to his name. (words and music by Donald Fishel)
Scripture
I Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49 (found on p. 4-5)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
“Amazing Grace” (John Newton, American melody) Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Reader: Teddi Urriola Liturgist: Rev. Ted Anderson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Johanna Mahan
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.
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members; and in celebration of the wedding of Kristin Merrick and Imoh Ikpot. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for Ida Mae Hickman, Angie Burch and Jermaine Hickman on the death of Patrick Hickman on June 4. We offer our condolences and prayers for Morgan and Sean Cox on the death of Morgan's grandfather, William Lynch, who died on Saturday, June 8. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family of Cathy Blakey who died on Thursday, June 13. A service was held on June 20.
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.
Do you love perusing books? Do you love a cozy place to sit? Would you love a quiet place to catch up with a friend after the service? The Asbury First library is a perfect place for all these activities, located just around the corner from the Gathering Center in the Education Wing. In the spirit of Pride, this month we're featuring a selection of LGBTQ+ books on display and available to borrow from the Library.
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.
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.
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
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
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.
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Charge Conference, July 8 District Superintendent, Suzanne Block called for a Charge Conference to be held on July 8 at 5 pm, as part of the Governing Board meeting, to approve a property stewardship endowment fund. This meeting is open to all church members, though only members of the Governing Board will have the ability to vote.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Front Lawn 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Library Work Day— 1040 Library 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) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 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 Market Days — Granger Lawn Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — Zoom only (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC 7 pm Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 1040 Sanctuary FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) NEXT SUNday (6/30) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Front Lawn 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service (with communion) — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals June 23 – June 30
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
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? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "reach out" by Rev. Ted Anderson [Mark 5:21-43]
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
Please contact Anne Marie Strivings if you have any questions at annemarie.strivings@gmail.com
Get yourself ready for the East Ave Grocery Run! Each year, we participate in the East Ave Grocery Run as a fundraiser for the Community Outreach Center's food programs. If you think you might want to walk or run the race, the time to start training is right around the corner! This year the race is on November 2, but the registration is open for people to sign up now. To join our team, or to donate right now scan the QR code to the right. If you register to join the Asbury First team, your registration fee goes directly to the Community Outreach Center!
Finding Hope and Healing
The East Ave Community Market returns to Asbury's Granger lawn! Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm, running from now until the end of August, we'll be hosting this celebration of small local makers and growers for the whole neighborhood. The market features free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more!
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
A new Recovery Support Group for those experiencing hurt due to a Relationship Break-up, Separation or Divorce will be meeting in the Teak Room in 1050, starting on Saturday, July 13 at 10 am.
Charge Conference, July 8 District Superintendent, Suzanne Block, called for a Charge Conference to be held on July 8 at 5 pm, as part of the Governing Board meeting, to approve a property stewardship endowment fund. This meeting is open to all church members, though only members of the Governing Board will have the ability to vote. More details to come
Matsiko World Orphan Choir returns to Asbury First, June 27!
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY
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
Save the Date:
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
1010 Tuesday, 8 am, July 9
De-Escalation Training
Sunday, June 30 — Rev. Ted Anderson will preach. Join us in thanking him, as he ends his interim appointment with us at a reception following the 11am service in Fellowship Hall. Saturday, July 20 — Rochester Pride Parade! Sunday, July 21 — Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost will preach. Join us in welcoming our new Senior Ministry to Asbury First!
Scan the QR code to sign up
Last Chance until Fall! Help us spread the word about the good work of our Community Outreach Center — Invite a friend, a co-worker, a local business owner, even your dentist or your financial planner! We’re building up our teams of volunteers, donors, and funders to help maintain the momentum of the last few years of life-changing outreach. You and your guest will meet us at 1010 East Ave on Tuesday, July 9, at 8 am for a simple breakfast, a brief tour, and stories about these life-changing services. Reservations are requested by Friday, July 5. Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117
OTHER IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
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 call (585) 271-1050 or scan the QR code so that we can gauge interest and keep you informed when the event is scheduled.
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
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
Rochester Pride Parade: July 20, 11 am, Scientific Parkway
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT asburyfirst.org/vbs TO REGISTER NOW!
It's 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.
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!
#529 “How Firm a Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 4
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)