July 19, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Judy Messenger Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:12-25 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER LORD'S PRAYER: Our Father (or Our God), who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: “Sent Forth By God's Blessing” (found on the handout) *BENEDICTION
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
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PRELUDE: Duane Prill, organ: “Darwall’s Fantasia” — John S. Dixon Chimes; Praeludium; Aria; Intermezzo; Toccata INTROIT: We greet the morn, a new day dawning, with open hands and hearts that sing: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and Music by Ashley Danyew) *CALL TO WORSHIP Creation waits. The earth groans. The future is not yet fully revealed. Still, we live in hope. We are children of God, claimed by grace and held by promise. Still, we live in hope. The Spirit meets us in the unfinished places of life, calling us toward what is yet to come. We worship the God who is the source and fulfilment of all hope. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #400 "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #388 “O Come and Dwell in Me”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of promise, we confess how easily we lose heart. We look at the brokenness around us and struggle to imagine healing. We see what is unfinished in ourselves and wonder whether change is possible. We want quick answers, clear resolutions, and visible results. Yet life with you so often asks for patience, trust, and perseverance. When disappointment settles in, renew our hope. When weariness overtakes us, strengthen our spirits. When we cannot yet see the future, help us trust the One who holds it. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Hear this good news: The Spirit bears witness that we are God's children. The future does not depend upon our strength alone. We are held by grace, accompanied by the Spirit, and drawn toward God's promised renewal. Hope is alive among us. Thanks be to God! *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 8:12-25 (The Message) So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who God is, and we know who we are: Parent and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens. All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Summer Choir “God, Who Raised Up Jesus” — Carlton T. Russell; words from Romans 8 and Psalm 16 God, who raised up Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies, by the Spirit that dwelleth in us. Wherefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou shalt show me the path of life; in thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore. Amen. CHILDREN'S TIME: Alex Hunt, Assistant for Age-Level Ministries Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. LORD’S PRAYER Our Father (or Our God), who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. *HYMN: #398 “Jesus Calls Us” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER We bring ourselves, a humble offering, an instrument, your peace to bring. Amen. (Ashley Danyew) PASTORAL PRAYER INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT: We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes: We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift by check in the mail or place your cash/check gift in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo or PayPal—scan the QR code, enter your donation amount, then choose your payment type via the icons on the form. OFFERTORY: Juli Elliot, soloist “Litany to the Holy Spirit” — Peter Hurford; poem by Robert Herrick In the hour of my distress, when temptations me oppress, and when I my sins confess, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When I lie within my bed, sick in heart and sick in head, and with doubts discomforted, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When the house doth sigh and weep, and the world is drown'd in sleep, yet mine eyes the watch do keep, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of hope, we offer these gifts as signs of our trust in the future you are bringing into being. Use them to plant seeds of renewal, to strengthen communities of compassion, and to bear witness to your coming reign of justice and peace. May what we share today reflect our confidence that your work in the world is not finished yet. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #664 “Sent Forth By God's Blessing” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Edward Broughton). POSTLUDE: “Hornpipe in D Major” — John S. Dixon
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.
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Permissions:
“God, Who Raised Up Jesus” © 2018 St. James Music Press; “Litany to the Holy Spirit” © 1995 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
These persons have shared their gifts today for the glory of God. If you felt moved by what they offered, why not take a moment following worship to let them know. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Judy Messenger Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Jonathan Ivers, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolytes: Johanna Mahan, Jessica Giordano Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Angie Burch Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, please contact Jeanne Ristau at (585) 223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill Lisi following the death of his brother, Ernie, on July 10. A longstanding member of Asbury First, Robert C. Dickerson, MD, passed peacefully on July 12. He was 97 years old and joined the church in 1958. 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.
Help Me Connect!
Celebrations and concerns
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals JULY 19 - JULY 26
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
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps have increased in cost again from $.61 to $.65 on July 12. If you wish to support the Social Justice Team's postcard writing initiative please leave the stamps at 1050 East Ave or drop them off at 1010, in the Red Room, any Thursday morning from 10 to 12 pm. Thank you for your support!
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
10 am
Summer Choir Rehearsal – Wesley Hall
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
11 am
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing Prek – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201 Pick-Up Location: the playground, rain location: Ed. Wing
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
3pm
Intergenerational Nature Walk
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
THURSDAY
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
6pm
UR Well Clinic
FRIDAY
SUNDAY (7/26)
12pm 3pm
Lunch - 1010, Dining & Caring Center Intergenerational: Foot Golf - Genesee Valley Golf Course
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
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: 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!
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!
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
VBS IS GONNA BE COSMIC!
Summer is here, and with it, a chance for the Memorial Garden to grow 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.
We're so excited for Asbury First's Summer VBS! Children in grades Pre-K (age 4) through 5th grade are invited to join us August 3–6 from 9 am to Noon for fun, faith-filled days exploring the Bible through arts, crafts, games, and more! Registration fees can be paid online via credit card or bank account through this form, or select "Pay Later" to mail a check to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee. For questions, email programs@asburyfirst.org.
ALL AGES FUN
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 Faith Formation, 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
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.
Thursday Morning Prayer at Asbury First
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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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Stay Connected to the Life of Asbury First!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #400 "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
*GATHERING HYMN: #388 “O Come and Dwell in Me”, vv. 1, 2
*HYMN: #398 “Jesus Calls Us”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #664 “Sent Forth By God's Blessing”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #664 “Sent Forth By God's Blessing” (cont'd)