July 5, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Lori Jeanne Peloquin Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, vv. 1, 2 (found on pg. 7) PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Romans 7.15-25a (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: Sanctus: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The Mystery of Faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: “I Come With Joy” *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: Duane Prill, organ: Variations on “America” — arr. Janet Linker INTROIT: God is my strong salvation; what foe have I to fear? In peril and temptation my light, my help, is near. Though hosts encamp around me, firm to the fight I stand; what terror can confound me, with God at my right hand? (Words: James Montgomery, 1882; Tune: Abschied vom Walde, Felix Mendelssohn, 1843) *CALL TO WORSHIP Paul writes of the struggle within us—the distance between what we long to do and what we actually do. We know that struggle. We carry good intentions and unfinished growth, conviction and contradiction, hope and hesitation. Yet God has not given up on us. The One who knows us completely continues the work of grace within us. We come to worship the God who sets us free. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, vv. 1, 2 (found on pg. 7) PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of mercy, we grow weary of the gap between who we are and who we hope to become. We know what love requires, yet we choose convenience. We long for courage, yet settle for comfort. We celebrate freedom, yet remain captive to habits, fears, and assumptions that diminish our lives and the lives of others. Still, you do not turn away from us. Meet us in the places where we feel divided within ourselves. Help us release what keeps us from living fully and faithfully. Continue your work of transformation, until our lives more closely reflect the grace we have received. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The God who knows our struggles also knows our possibilities. Grace is already at work within us, freeing us for lives of greater love and deeper faithfulness. Thanks be to God, who never stops working in us. *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: Romans 7.15-25a (The Message) I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary. But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. 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. CHILDREN'S TIME: Rev. Dee Finch, Minister for Nurture and Discipleship Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment, and will remain in the Sanctuary for the remainder of the Service. 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: #450 “Creator of the Earth and Skies” SERMON 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 “At the Table of the World” — Carl Johengen; words by Brian Wren At the table of the world, some have plenty, some have none. At the table of our God, all are plentifully fed. (Refrain:) Blow among us, Spirit of God, fill us with your courage and care! Hurricane and Breath, take us on a journey of love! At the table of the world, some have honor, some have scorn. At the table of our God, all are welcomed and acclaimed. (Refrain) Set the table of our God in the Church and in the world, Till the children, fed and loved, taste and see that life is good. (Refrain) THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words about the works of God. (cont'd) Words about the works of Jesus Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #624 "Bread of the World" #348 "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #617 “I Come With Joy” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (J.H. Gower) POSTLUDE: “Our Country” — Albin C. Whitworth
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
*GATHERING HYMN: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. Theodore J. Weeden Sr. (Ted), by his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter; and in celebration of the wedding of Carolyn Raca and Drew Sherry. 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. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 16 at 11 am. 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:
“At the Table of the World” words © 1989 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1993 World Library Publications; 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. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Dee Finch, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Lori Jeanne Peloquin Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Bennet Marsiglio, Denise Snyder-Smith Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Angie Burch Communion Stewards: Angie Burch, Judy Messenger Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals July 5 – JUly 12
Chapel Challenge: Bottled Water July's Chapel Challenge will help keep our neighbors hydrated during these hot summer weeks. Bring in packages of bottled water for distribution by the Dining and Caring Center. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
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 am
Summer Choir Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
11 am
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
Children's Sunday School – Cancelled for this Sunday
12 pm
Lunch – Cancelled (COC closed for the week)
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
6 pm
Pride Float Flower-Making Party – 1050, Dining Room
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – Cancelled (COC closed for the week)
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
THURSDAY
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, DCC Dining Room
SUNDAY (7/12)
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
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Welcoming New Staff Celebration – 1040, Gathering Center
Intergenerational Ice Cream Crawl – 1040, Gathering Center
Pride Float Flower-Making Party!
Thursday Morning Prayer at Asbury First
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
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In these times of shifting headlines and unsettling political events, our pastoral staff feels called to help our community maintain spiritual grounding. We invite you to join us for Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30 to 10 am in the Meditation Chapel (within the Sanctuary). This simple weekly service offers a space to center ourselves in God's presence, solidarity, compassion, and love. No special preparation needed—come as you are, whenever you can join us.
Get your craft hands ready! Join us Tuesday, July 7 at 6 pm in the Dining Room at 1050 for a Pride Float Flower-Making Party, where we'll create colorful tissue-paper flowers for Rochester's Pride Parade float. Pizza and drinks are on us, so come hang out, meet fellow volunteers, and help bring some serious color to this year's parade. RSVP to Chris at cgoldmt@gmail.com by Monday, July 6 to save your spot. Then bring your handmade flowers to life on Saturday, July 18 at 11 am, when we march in the Pride Parade alongside Balloon Jesus! Line up begins at 10 am at Science Parkway, and free parking with shuttle service is available from MCC lot A. T-shirts are available for purchase by scanning the QR code to the left.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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 dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x117.
Stay Connected to the Life of Asbury First!
PRIDE T-SHIRTS CAN BE ORDERED BY SCANING HERE!:
Every Thursday, the Weekly Newsletter reminds you of all the upcoming events we have planned, and every Monday, the Monday Reader brings you stories, reflections, and celebrations from our congregation — right to your inbox. Scan the QR code to subscribe — and never miss out!
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 Rev. Dee Finch — Minister for Nurture and Discipleship, x106 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!
Asbury First's Summer VBS is just around the corner! 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 the form via the QR code, 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
months to fill important roles in the life of the church: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf, Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries; Austin Retzlaff, Communications Assistant; Jordan Cole, Hospitality Coordinator; Dan McInerney, Operations Associate; and Alex Hunt, Associate for Age-Level Ministries. 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.
Welcoming New Staff Celebration — 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 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 Discipleship, we will also welcome staff who have come on board in recent
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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (cont'd)
*HYMN: #450 “Creator of the Earth and Skies”
COMMUNION HYMN: #624 "Bread of the World"
COMMUNION HYMN: #348 "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling"
COMMUNION HYMN: #348 "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" (cont'd)
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #617 “I Come With Joy”