9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
July 7, 2024
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — 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 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 Admin.; 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, x108 *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
Polonaise Opus 40, No. 1 in A Major — Frédéric Chopin
Introit
This is the day the Lord has made; he calls the hours his own. Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, and praise surround the throne. (Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: Twenty-fourth, attr. Lucius Chapin)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Sing to the Lord, all creatures! Worship God with your joy Praise God with the sound of your laughter. We know that we all belong to God that God is our source and our home. Enter God's light and presence with thanksgiving; fill your hearts with God's praise for the Lord's steadfast love endures forever. God's goodness is beyond comprehension, and God's deep love endures forever!
*Processional Hymn
#89 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • July 7, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
God of tender mercies, we admit that sometimes we don’t know what to do with ourselves. We anger at the slightest insult and imagine great vengeance upon those who wronged us. We laze about in the good news of our faith and do not consider the deep commitment it requires of us. We care for ourselves but not for others. Forgive us, we pray. Forgive us, help us to repent, and make us whole. Forgive us, help us to repent, and make us whole.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, know this: the mercy of God is from everlasting to everlasting. Rejoice in this reminder of God’s surpassing grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. 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.
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Psalm 139:1-16; 23
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I made my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
Invitation 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 Summer Choir Brian Bohrer, Conductor
“Jesus, Name of Wondrous Love” — Michael Larkin; words by William How Jesus! Name of wondrous love, name all other names above, Unto which must every knee bow in deep humility. Jesus! Name of wondrous love, name all other names above. Jesus! Name decreed of old, to the maiden mother told, kneeling in her lowly cell, by the angel Gabriel. Jesus! Name of wondrous love, name all other names above Jesus! Name of priceless worth to the fallen here on earth for the promise that it gave, "Jesus shall his people save." Jesus! Name of wondrous love, name all other names above Jesus! Name of mercy mild, given to the Holy Child when the cup of human woe first he tasted here below. Jesus! Name of wondrous love, name all other names above Jesus! Name of wondrous love, human name of God above; pleading your redemption true, we flee helpless, Lord to you. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
Sermon
Sustaining Presence
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. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 3
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving 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 provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
Hymns
#620 One Bread, One Body #618 Let Us Break Bread Together
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
“Jesus, Name of Wondrous Love” © 2000 Concordia Publishing House 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
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
#102 "Now Thank We All Our God"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen
Postlude
“God of Our Fathers/America” — Albin C. Whitworth
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Susan Shafer Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Helen Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir, Brian Bohrer, Conductor Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Crucifer, Acolyte: Andrew Hunt, Kathie Collier-Bryant Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Suite Team: Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Randy Davis, Ethan Becks, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
9 am • July 7, 2024
*Opening Song
“Here I Am, Lord”, vv. 1, 3 (Dan Schutte) 1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? (Refrain) Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. 3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide thill their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? (Refrain)
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
God of tender mercies, we admit that sometimes we don’t know what to do with ourselves. We anger at the slightest insult and imagine great vengeance upon those who wronged us. We laze about in the good news of our faith and do not consider the deep commitment it requires of us. We care for ourselves but not for others. Forgive us, we pray. Forgive us, help us to repent, and make us whole.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to his name. (words and music by Donald Fishel)
Scripture
Psalm 139:1-16; 23 (found on p. 4)
Lord's Prayer
Communion
*Closing Song
“They'll Know We Are Christians” vv. 1, 2, 3 (Peter Scholtes) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. (repeat) And we pray that all unity may one day be restored; (Refrain) And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand. (repeat) And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land; (Refrain) We will work with each other, we will work side by side. (repeat) And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride. (Refrain)
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Preacher: Rev. Susan Shafer Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Lilith Hart Musicians: Jessica Burdick-Giordano
Celebrations and concerns
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
Help Me Connect
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.
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. This week the bibliocart will focus on Lent, Easter and Women’s History.
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.
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar 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 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 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Harold Marchant who died on June 15. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of June Hyder who died on June 21. Our hearts and prayers are with Dave, Laurie, Sarah and Andrew Kennedy as they mourn the death of Dave's father, Donald Kennedy on June 23. Our hearts and prayers are with Linda and Tom Clemow on the death of Linda's mother, Joanne McMillion, on June 30. Details regarding a memorial service will be shared later.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service (with Communion) — In-Person on the Front Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service (with Communion) — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — Dining & Caring Center (Canceled) MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 5 pm Governing Board Meeting and Charge Conference — 1010 COC, Red Room 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 Fellowship Hall WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 4 pm East Ave Community Market Days — on the Granger Lawn Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center SATURDAY 10 am Divorce Support Group — 1050, Teak Room NEXT SUNday (7/14) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Granger Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center OTHER IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES: Saturday, July 20: Rochester Pride Parade, 11 am, starting at the corner of South Ave and Science Parkway, and marching to Highland Park Sunday, July 21: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost to preach. Join us in welcoming our new Senior Minister to Asbury First!
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "Laying Down & Giving Up" by Pat Dupont [John 10:11-18 & 1 John 3:16-24]
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
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "The Prophet’s Pulpit (or lack thereof)" by Rev. Pat Dupont [Amos 7:7-15]
Meetings & Rehearsals JUly 7 – July 14
Email David Berg at bergdm@gmail.com to RSVP by Monday July 15
District Superintendent, Suzanne Block called for a Charge Conference to be held on July 8 at 5 pm, in the Red Room (1010, COC) 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. It has been proposed that we establish a Property Stewardship Endowment (PSE) with an initial goal to build $5 to $6 Million over the next 5 to 7 years. It is furthermore proposed that we include a pending legacy gift from a former Trustee in the PSE when received.
INTO
Growing
Expanding on the Building Diversity sessions from early this year, the Racial Equity Team presents Growing into Equity, a series of sessions focused on group discussions about current events related to equity. We hope that you will join us! The next session is Wednesday, July 17 at 7 pm in Wesley Hall, and Alan Ziegler will lead a discussion on Intent vs. Impact.
Conference
Town Hall, Sunday, July 28 Asbury First's next Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, immediately following the 11 am service. This is a chance for the congregation to weigh-in on a variety of important topics. Join us in the Sanctuary or via livestream.
Charge
Equity
Finding Hope and Healing
Please contact Anne Marie Strivings if you have any questions at annemarie.strivings@gmail.com
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.
School 17 says "THANKS!" School's Out For the Summer!! A tremendous thank you to all the Help Me Read Tutors this year. What an AWESOME year we had and we are looking forward to next year being even better! We plan to start our tutoring the last week of September and we hope you all will be returning for the fun. We will be recruiting new tutors for next year and orientation will be scheduled for end of August and early September. Questions or suggestions contact jhsmalt@gmail.com See You In September!!
Starting in June, the East Ave Community Market returns to Asbury's Granger lawn! Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm starting June 12 and running through the end of August, we'll be hosting this celebration of small local makers and growers for the whole neighborhood. The market will feature free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more.
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!
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
COC Volunteer Orientation June 15, 9:30am COC, Lower Level Participation in a Volunteer Orientation is required for all COC volunteers. If you are interested in beginning to volunteer, or if you are already volunteering but have never been to an orientation, please join us! We will cover important information about our outreach mission and philosophy as well as practical information about best practices and safety. Grocery Bag packing @ 8:00-9:00am Volunteer Orientation @ 9:30-10:30am
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT asburyfirst.org/vbs TO REGISTER NOW!
SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2 PM GATHERING SPACE
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
SAVE THE DATE
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
No need to RSVP, but if you have any dietary restrictions (specifically dairy or ice cream), please inform Barbara Eltinge at either (585) 737-8775 or beltinge@icloud.com
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
MONDAY – THURSDAY AUG 5 - 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!
Our Older Adult Fall Worship and Lunch will be Saturday, October 19, 2024, beginning at 11 AM. Announcements will be in the mail in late September.
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
Communion Hymn (cont'd)
#620 One Bread, One Body
#618 Let Us Break Bread Together