9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
July 14, 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 Administrator; 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 *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
“Nettleton”— arr. John S. Dixon “Near to the Heart of God” — arr. John S. Dixon “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” — arr. John S. Dixon “How Can I Keep From Singing?" — arr. John S. Dixon
Introit
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o’er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, 19th-c. German)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Are you awake? Are you alert? Christ is coming into our lives in a new way. Are you watching the signs? Are you interpreting what is happening today? Christ is coming into our lives in a new way. Do you see opportunities for ministry? Do you see the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the needy? Christ is coming into our lives in a new way. Come, let us worship and let us work in the reign of God. Christ has extended the invitation: let us work together in the reign of God on earth.
*Processional Hymn
#596 “Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 “We Gather Together”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • July 14, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Lord of all Creation, your prophet Amos saw you standing beside a wall with a plumb line in your hand. We build walls of protection, walls of separation. You reveal the imperfections in our walls, and encourage us to tear them down. Your perfect judgment finds us wanting. Free us, Lord; help us to tear down our feeble fortresses. Rebuild us in the strength of your love and forgiveness.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, the mercy of God is boundless! God accepts us, loves us, and gently encourages us to break through the barriers that keep us from loving fully as we know we can. Breathe in the mercy of God and be healed. 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.
Minute for Mission
Project Chacocente — Robyn Gage
Scripture Amos 7:7-15
This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will spare them no longer; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.’ ” And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there, but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Summer Choir
“The Lord Now Sends Us Forth (Enviado soy de Dios)” — Central American folksong, arr. Michael Burkhardt; words translated by Gerard Cartford The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give, to make of all the earth a better place to live. The angels are not sent into our world of pain to do what we are meant to do in Jesus name; it falls to you and me and all who are made free. Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today. Enviado soy de Dios, mi mano lista está para construir con él un mundo fraternal. Los ángeles no son enviados a cambiar un mundo de dolor por un mundo mejor; me ha tocado a mí hacerlo realidad. Ayúdame, Señor, a hacer tu voluntad.
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
"Song of the Prophets" Words: Michael Morgan; Tune: Kingsfold, English melody; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams This hymn can be found on the following page.
Sermon
“The Prophet’s Pulpit (or lack thereof)”
Call to Prayer
Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; More and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, 19th-c. German)
Pastoral Prayer
"Song of the Prophets"
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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 Jordan Bachmann, Soloist
“Not for Tongues of Heaven’s Angels” — Peter Cutts, arr. Carl Johengen; words by Timothy Dudley-Smith Not for tongues of heaven's angels, not for wisdom to discern, Not for faith that masters mountains, for this better gift we yearn; May love be ours, O Lord. Love is humble, love is gentle, love is tender, true, and kind; Love is gracious, ever patient, generous of heart and mind; May love be ours, O Lord. Never jealous, never selfish, love will not rejoice in wrong; Never boastful nor resentful, love believes and suffers long; May love be ours, O Lord. Soon will fade the word of wisdom, faith and hope be one day past; When we see our Savior clearly, love it is alone will last; May love be ours, O Lord.
*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.
“The Lord Now Sends Us Forth” © 2013 Birnamwood Publications/MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.; “Not for Tongues of Heaven’s Angels” words © 1985, Hope Publishing Co.; 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
*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, as we present our gifts, may they reflect our gratitude for your presence in our lives, amid the complexities and uncertainties of our journeys. Guide us to love with abandon, even amid our doubts and struggles, trusting in your steadfast grace. Amen.
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
#108 "God Has Spoken by the Prophets"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Gerald Peterson)
Postlude
Postlude on “To God Be the Glory” — John S. Dixon
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Kim Doerrer Smith Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Sean Cundy, Charlie Cady Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Invitation and Announcements
*Opening Hymn
“Be Thou My Vision” (Eleanor Hull, Irish traditional tune) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art. Great God of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
9 am • July 14, 2024
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to his name. (words and music by Donald Fishel)
Scripture
Amos 7:7-17 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
*Closing Song
“Christ For the World We Sing”, vv. 1, 3, 4 (Samuel Wolcott, Felice de Giardini) Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with loving zeal; the poor, and them that mourn, the faint and overborne, sin-sick and sorrow-worn, whom Christ doth heal. Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with one accord; with us the work to share, with us reproach to dare, with us the cross to bear, for Christ our Lord. Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with joyful song; the newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error's ways, inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Lilith Hart Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Carl Johengen
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
Celebrations and concerns
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. 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 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. We offer our condolences to Doug and Chris Lee, and their children Katie and Madelyn, on the death of Doug's father, Rev. Russell Lee, on June 25.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 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 — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 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 (weather permitting) 7 pm Growing Into Equity — 1040 Wesley Hall 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 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 11 am Rochester Pride Parade — South Ave (details on back of bulletin) NEXT SUNday (7/21) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Granger Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am LGBTQ Advocacy Team — 1040 Youth Room (lower level) 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!
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals July 14 – July 21
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
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.
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
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: by Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost [Genesis 12:1-9]
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
Email David Berg at bergdm@gmail.com to RSVP by Monday July 15
Equity
SAVE THE DATE
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.
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
INTO
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Growing
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.
SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2 PM GATHERING SPACE
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
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.
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
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.
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!
We were rained out this week, but The East Ave Community Market has returned to Asbury's Granger lawn Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm through the end of August. Don't miss this celebration of small local makers and growers! The market features free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more.
Finding Hope and Healing
Please contact Anne Marie Strivings if you have any questions at annemarie.strivings@gmail.com
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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.
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
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
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT asburyfirst.org/vbs TO REGISTER NOW!
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!
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
2024 PRIDE PARADE DETAILS! July 20, at 11 am, Asbury First and several other reconciling churches from the area will be marching in the Rochester Pride Parade! We'd love to have you join us to help set up the float, hand out candy, march alongside the float, or just cheer us on from the sidewalk! The parade lineup occurs on Science Parkway and South Ave and will travel North along South Ave, toward Highland Park. Float Set-up: Meet us at 9 am in the St. Anne Church parking lot (1600 Mount Hope Ave). March: The starting point is on Science Parkway. Meet at 10:30 am. T-Shirts: If you ordered a Pride shirt this year, we will be in contact with you via email about picking them up when we receive them. More info about parking and suggestions for attire are available on our website. Scan the QR code to read more:
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)