To worship with us
July 9, 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.
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • July 9, 2023
Prelude
“Églogue” from Six Romances. Op.76 — Cécile Chaminade “Intermezzo in A Major”, Op. 118, No. 2 — Johannes Brahms
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. A new day has dawned. God’s gift of life is renewed within us. Praise God for today! Praise God for each one in this world! Be still and know that God is here. Let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#567 "Heralds of Christ” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#115 "How Like a Gentle Spirit", vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
*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 John 4:1-42
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” (although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized), he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (continued on next page)
Prayer of Confession
God of our hearts, you know that at times we have felt scattered, disjointed, dried up and out of energy. There have been times when we have been out of touch with you, unable to move, as if all of the life has gone out of us. We sometimes lose our trust in your forgiveness, and we trust only in ourselves, and our lives become dry and brittle. Forgive us our doubt, and fill us with the waters of your life-giving Spirit.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved, hear the good news. The Spirit of God is among us! God lives within us. We are all invited to drink from the bottomless well of God’s eternal love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Alleluia! Amen.
Scripture (cont'd)
The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
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
#500 "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart" vv. 1, 4–5
Sermon
What Would You Say?
Anthem Jordan Bachmann, soloist
"O Love of God, How Strong and True" — English folk melody, arr. Howard Helvey; words by Horatius Bonar O Love of God, how strong and true, eternal and yet ever new; uncomprehended and unbought, beyond all knowledge and all thought. O wide-embracing, wondrous Love, we read thee in the sky above; We read thee in the earth below, in seas that swell and streams that flow. We read thy power to bless and save e'en in the darkness of the grave; still more in resurrection light we read the fullness of thy might. O love of God, our shield and stay through all the perils of our way! Eternal love, in you we rest, forever safe, forever blest.
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
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
“Awake, My Heart” — Jane Marshall; words by Paulus Gerhardt, 1647, tr. Winfred Douglas Awake, my heart, and render to God thy sure defender, thy Maker, thy preserver, a song of love and fervor. Confirm my deeds and guide me: my day, with thee beside me, beginning, middle, ending, will all be upward tending. My heart shall be thy dwelling, with joy and gladness swelling; thy word my nuture given to bring me on toward heaven. Awake, my heart, and render to God thy sure defender, thy Maker, thy preserver, a song of love and fervor.
*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
God of love, God of presence, God of our hearts, we dedicate each gift to you, and ask that you work in and among us to use and distribute them for the benefit of all who need them. Amen.
“O Love of God, How Strong and True” © 2020, 2022 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Awake, My Heart” © 1958 H.W. Gray Co., Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Jacob Arcadelt)
Postlude
“O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High” — Paul Manz
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Bonnie Matthaidess Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir, Brian Bohrer, conductor Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Head Usher: Dennis Roote Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Hymn
#569 “We've a Story to Tell to the Nations”
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.
9 am • July 9, 2023
OUTDOOR service
*Opening Song
"Morning Has Broken” (Words: Eleanor Farjeon; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Gaelic melody) 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
Scripture
John 4:1-42 (found on p. 4-5)
Prayer
Benediction
*Closing Song
“They'll Know We Are Christians” (Words and Music by Peter Scholtes) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; (repeat) and we pray that all unity will one day be restored: (Refrain:) And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, and 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)
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Johanna Mahan
9 am
Meetings & Rehearsals July 9–15
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
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.
Help Me Connect
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in honor of the youths and adults that just returned from their mission trip by Marcia Wilke. 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.
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
NOTA Farmers Market
Monday Morning Crew
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Celebrations and concerns
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?
Lectio Divina
Summer Worship
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 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) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Room 205 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) 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
Saturday, July 15, 12:30 pm, Park Ave and Berkeley
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
Rochester Pride Parade
Vacation Bible School 2023
The LGBTQ Advocacy group and other local Reconciling UMCs will meet and watch the Pride Parade together this year (we are not marching). Please meet us at 12:30 pm at the corner of Park Avenue and Berkeley to cheer on the parade. Wear your pride gear and bring your chair!
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.
Make a Joyful
Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign your child up for VBS. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Return to Page 3
#567 "Heralds of Christ"
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
Return to Page 6
Return to Page 8
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)