June 28, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Dick Butler Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "The Kin-dom of God is the Queerest of Nations” (found on pg. 7) PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: The Infancy Gospel of Thomas 1–3 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: "We Are the Church" (found on the handout) *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: David Strong, organ: “Festal Flourish” — Gordon Jacob “My Lord, What a Morning!” — Spiritual, arr. Robert W. Thygerson INTROIT: How good and pleasant is the sight when kindred make it their delight to dwell in blest accord; such love is like anointing oil that consecrates for holy toil the servants of the Lord. (Words: adapted from Psalm 133; Tune: Americus, Charles H. Gabriel) *CALL TO WORSHIP To the God of wonder, creation, and the unknown We are awed by your beauty and your presence As we gather in humble unity, we are reminded That we are not alone, and our diversity is vital In our diversity we bear witness to your inclusive love With open hearts, open minds, and open doors *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: “The Kin-dom of God is the Queerest of Nations” (found on pg. 7) *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #435 “O God of Every Nation”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of every nation, race, and land, we confess that we have not always lived a life of love. We have sown hatred, we have been complicit in violence, and we have withheld forgiveness. And yet, you remain with us, encouraging us to take the next step in love and faith, and to turn the other cheek. Help us to embrace your love and co-create your kindom in our world today. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE To the all-inclusive kindom of God: know that there is absolutely nothing you can do to lose the love of God. God loves you, God forgives you, and God calls on you to share this good news. In God’s holy name, we are forgiven, we are loved, and we will go forth to love in kind. *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: The Infancy Gospel of Thomas 1–3 (translated by Harold Attridge and Ronald F. Hock in The Complete Gospels, edited by Robert J. Miller) I, Thomas the Israelite, am reporting to you, all my non-Jewish brothers and sisters, to make known the extraordinary childhood deeds of our Lord Jesus Christ—what he did after his birth in my region. This is how it all started: When this boy, Jesus, was five years old, he was playing at the ford of a rushing stream. He was collecting the flowing water into ponds and made the water instantly pure. He did this with a single command. He then made soft clay and shaped it into twelve sparrows. He did this on the sabbath day, and many other boys were playing with him. But when a Jew saw what Jesus was doing while playing on the sabbath day, he immediately went off and told Joseph, Jesus' father: "See here, your boy is at the ford and has taken mud and fashioned twelve birds with it, and so has violated the sabbath." So Joseph went there, and as soon as he spotted him he shouted, "Why are you doing what's not permitted on the sabbath?" But Jesus simply clapped his hands and shouted to the sparrows: "Be off, fly away, and remember me, you who are now alive!" And the sparrows took off and flew away noisily. The Jews watched with amazement, then left the scene to report to their leaders what they had seen Jesus doing. The son of Annas the scholar, standing there with Jesus, took a willow branch and drained the water Jesus had collected. Jesus, however, saw what had happened and became angry, saying to him, "Damn you, you irreverent fool! What harm did the ponds of water do to you? From this moment you, too, will dry up like a tree, and you'll never produce leaves or root or bear fruit." In an instant the boy had completely withered away. Then Jesus departed and left for the house of Joseph. The parents of the boy who had withered away picked him up and were carrying him out, sad because he was so young. And they came to Joseph and accused him: "It's your fault—your boy did all this." 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: Summer Choir “God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale” — Carl Schalk; words by Jaroslav J. Vajda God of the sparrow God of the whale God of the swirling stars How does the creature say Awe How does the creature say Praise God of the earthquake God of the storm God of the trumpet blast How does the creature cry Woe How does the creature cry Save God of the rainbow God of the cross God of the empty grave How does the creature say Grace How does the creature say Thanks God of the hungry God of the sick God of the prodigal How does the creature say Care How does the creature say Life God of the neighbor God of the foe God of the pruning hook How does the creature say Love How does the creature say Peace God of the ages God near at hand God of the loving heart How do your children say Joy How do your children say Home 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: #435 “O God of Every Nation”, vv. 3, 4 SERMON: “Don't Lose Your Dinosaur” 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 on the form. OFFERTORY: Summer Choir “We Are Singing for the Lord Is Our Light” — South African Freedom Song, arr. Hal H. Hopson; Psalm 27:1-4 (Refrain:) We are singing, for the Lord is our light. The Lord is the strength of our lives; of whom shall we be afraid? Though foes may be near to destroy, the Lord will be our light. (Ref.) (cont'd) One thing have we asked of the Lord, yes, this is the thing we seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord; to live with God forever. (Ref.) When burdens are heavy to bear, our shelter is God alone. Our feet are lifted high, yes, high upon a rock. (Ref.) We walk in the strength of the Lord, God’s love is ever sure. We shout that the world may hear, we sing a joyful song. (Ref.) *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 love and life, we commend to you our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. May these gifts bear fruit and offer hope and healing to all who need it. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #558 “We Are the Church”, vv. 1–4 *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. ("Dresden") POSTLUDE: “Toccata on "Old Hundredth" — Michael Burkhardt
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
Permissions:
“God of the Sparrow” ©1989 MorningStar Music Publishers; “We Are Singing for the Lord Is Our Light” ©1994 Agape/Hope Publishing Co.; 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.
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Dick Butler Organist: David Strong Summer Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Robert Cowles Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf Crucifer, Acolyte: Chris Burton, Gary Burton Altar Guild Team: Nancy Adamus, Jean Newman, Sharon Parker Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: “The Kin-dom of God is the Queerest of Nations”
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Welcome Celebration for New Staff — JULY 12
JOIN IN THE FUN on Sunday, July 12, following 11 am worship, as we celebrate and welcome several new members of our Asbury First staff team! We will have a church-wide picnic, lots of games, and a few special surprises. Come help us offer a warm Asbury First welcome as we celebrate this new season of ministry better together! In addition to welcoming Rev. Dee Finch, our new Minister for Nurture and
Help Me Connect!
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Discipleship, we will also welcome staff who have come on board in recent months to fill important roles in the life of the church: Jo Urriola-Schoenwolf, Age-Level Ministries Coordinator; Austin Retzlaff, Communications Associate; Jordan Cole, Hospitality Coordinator; Dan McInerney, Operations Associate; and Alex Hunt, Age-Level Ministries Coordinator. Many of these staff members are stepping into positions vacated by departing staff, and we are grateful for the gifts, energy, and care they are already bringing to our shared ministry.
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals JUNE 28 – JUly 5
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
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
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
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
11 am
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
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
Mike's Farewell Celebration – 1040, Gathering Center
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
THURSDAY
UR WELL CLINIC CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
FRIDAY
OFFICE CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
SUNDAY (7/05)
COC CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY THROUGH JULY 10
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps are increasing in cost again from $.61 to $.65 on July 12. If you wish to support the Social Justice Team's postcard writing initiative please leave the stamps at 1050 East Ave or drop them off at 1010, in the Red Room, any Thursday morning from 10 to 12 pm. Thank you for your support!
Asbury First Community Garden Wants You!
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.
We are looking for volunteers to join us for this growing season. Everyone is welcome! 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
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.
Summer is here, and with it, the Memorial Garden is growing 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 Deb Bullock-Smith to reserve your niche or learn more at dbullocksmithl@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x117.
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 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 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Austin Retzlaff — Communications Assistant Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
VBS IS GONNA BE COSMIC!
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.
ALL AGES FUN
Our regular youth and children’s programming may be over for the year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Join us for an assortment of activities for all ages on Summer Sundays at 3 pm, including: an Ice Cream Crawl on July 12; a Nature Walk on July 19; Foot Golf at the Genesee Valley Golf Course on July 26; a Meditation Walk on August 2; and Bowling on August 9! For more information, please contact Jo at jurriola-schonewolf@asburyfirst.org. And keep an eye out for details about our Kickball Tournament that will cap off the summer, on August 16, 23, and 30!
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 Mike's Ministry June 28 after the 11 am Worship Service After more than ten years of bow-ties, mission trips, deep conversations, and more than a few games, join us Sunday, June 28 in the Gathering Center immediately following the 11 am service as we honor Mike for the countless ways he has shown up. For our young people, for our discipleship groups, for those on the margins, and for all of us who have been lucky enough to be in the room when he makes it a little warmer. In honor of Mike, strange refreshments will be provided.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*HYMN: #435 “O God of Every Nation”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #558 “We Are the Church", vv. 1-4