To worship with us
June 25, 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.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • June 25, 2023
Prelude
Prelude on “Saint Elizabeth” — John S. Dixon Voluntary on “Bunessan” — John S. Dixon Prelude on “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” — Matthew H. Corl
Introit
O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing God's power and God's love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise. (Words: Robert Grant; Tune: Lyons, attr. Johann Michael Haydn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. People of God, tell it! We are not alone! We are children of God! People of Christ, tell it! The Light has come in love and truth, teaching us to live in the Light. People of the Spirit, tell it! The Spirit of truth reveals hidden things, offering healing through honest confession. People of God, tell it! We are not alone! We are children of God! Amen.
*Processional Hymn
#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#553 "And Are We Yet Alive", vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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*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.
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Genesis 21:8-21
The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. (cont'd)
Prayer of Confession
God of Justice and Mercy, we know that we have fallen silent when we should have spoken up. We have ignored the cries of the innocent and joined the crowds in calls of judgment. We have mistaken justice for revenge and have sought punishment to ease our pain. Forgive us, God, for not seeing our own faults, and for not holding ourselves responsible for our inaction and injustice. Restore us, God, to the ways Jesus taught us, to seek forgiveness and restoration. Your grace is a gift, and there is nothing we can do to deserve or earn it.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God has opened our ears and our hearts to know God’s love and forgiveness. There is nothing we need to do other than love one another and love God, for all things come from God’s love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. 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.
*Hymn
#430 "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"
Sermon
Cast Out, Called In
Scripture (cont'd)
When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Anthem Brenda Nitsch, soloist
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow" — Charles Gabriel, arr. Mervyn Warren; words by Civilla Martin Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is he: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me; his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
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
"I Need Thee Every Hour" — Robert Lowry, arr. Gary Matthews; words by Anne Hawks I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; No tender voice like thine can peace afford. (Refrain:) I need Thee, oh, I need thee; every hour I need thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. I need thee every hour, in joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. (Refrain) I need thee every hour, most Holy One; O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son! (Refrain)
Call to Prayer
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail; thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. (Words: Robert Grant; Tune: Lyons, attr. Johann Michael Haydn)
Pastoral Prayer
“His Eye Is On the Sparrow” © 1994 Hal Leonard Company; “I Need Thee Every Hour” © 2020 Hope 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 with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*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
Generous, giving God, the gifts we present this day, though imperfect and incomplete, are symbols of our discipleship. Grant us boldness to move out of the dark, and to let our lives be a proclamation of our promise to follow Christ. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
God be with you till we meet again, God be in you, go in peace. (Tune: Beach Spring, trad., arr. Dale Wood)
Postlude
Postlude on “Aurelia” — John S. Dixon
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: 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 Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator/Production Director: Larry Dugan Graphics Operator: Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Hymn
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
9 am • June 25, 2023
OUTDOOR service
*Opening Song
"Amazing Grace” (Words: John Newton; Tune: American melody 1. 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. 2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 6. 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.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Genesis 21:8:21 (found on p. 4-5)
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 Beside Me” Words attr. St. Patrick, adpated by James Quinn; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Scottish Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart; Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me never to part. Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me shield in the strife; Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life. Christ be in all hearts thinking about me, Christ be on all tongues telling of me, Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.
Participants in Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musicians: Nick Lord, Carl Johengen
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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?
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Doris Johnson Williams by her son the Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson. 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 family of June Brush who died on Friday, June 9. A memorial service was held on Friday, June 23. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Rev. Linda A. Shevlin who died on Thursday, June 15. A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 24.
Help Me Connect
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 10 am Summer Choir rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Mission Trip Meeting —1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Committee—1040 Library 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—1050 Granger Lawn Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12 pm Disciple II Lunch—1050 Porch 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall, $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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7:30 am Bicycle Repairs—Garage behind 1010 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals June 25–July 1
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
Vacation Bible School 2023
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 ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this summer for our Vacation Bible School themed Make A Joyful Noise, August 7-10, from 9 am — noon each day. We will learn how music is an essential part of life and draws us closer to God. We will explore music through song, dance, bells, games, art and stories. We will end the week with a family night of food, fun and music underneath the tent.
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
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 3
Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign your child up for VBS. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Visit asburyfirst.org/news or scan the QR code to fill out the form.
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE (in inclement weather, the service will be moved inside) 11 am Service — Live-stream and in-person
Make a Joyful
Sunday June 4 (Youth Sunday) will have only one service at 11 am. Outdoor summer worship will begin on Sunday, June 11.
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#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
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*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)