July 20, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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 now 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 a sacred gift, and they are welcome in 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 the children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. 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/#reconciling-statement. 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—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 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. The video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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 Position funded in part by the Susan Shafer Pastoral Care Fund Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
Prelude
Darwall’s Fantasia for organ — 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
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Some trust in status, wealth, and sharp words to get ahead. We place our trust in the steadfast love of God. While the world celebrates power that harms, we worship the God whose justice and mercy endure. Let us give thanks for what is lasting and true. We come to honor the One who never fails us.
*Processional Hymn
#103 "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”, vv. 1, 4
* please stand as you are able
11 am • July 20, 2025
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
God of justice and love, we confess that we are often drawn to what impresses, rather than what is right. We listen to loud voices, even when they deceive. We are tempted by shortcuts, even when they harm others. Forgive us for the times we have chosen convenience over compassion, pride over humility, fear over faith. Redirect our hearts toward your goodness. Teach us to live with integrity and grace. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God is faithful to those who seek what is good and just. In Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
*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.
Scripture Psalm 52 (Common English Bible)
Hey, powerful person! Why do you brag about evil? God’s faithful love lasts all day long. Your tongue devises destruction: it’s like a sharpened razor, causing deception. You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right. Selah You love all destructive words; you love the deceiving tongue. But God will take you down permanently; God will snatch you up, tear you out of your tent, and uproot you from the land of the living! The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people: “Look at them! They didn’t make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it—to their own destruction!” But I am like a green olive tree in God’s house; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and always. I will give thanks to you, God, forever, because you have acted. In the presence of your faithful people, I will hope in your name because it’s so good. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
11 am
Sermon
Call to Prayer
We bring ourselves, a humble offering, an instrument, your peace to bring. Amen. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem Megan Ormsbee & Dan McInerney, soloists
“Dwelling Place” — words and music by Carl Johengen, based on Ephesians 2:12-22 Let us become the dwelling place of God, with Jesus Christ our rock and cornerstone; And let us build ourselves into a home where all are welcome, stranger, foe, or friend. On us, O Spirit, let your gifts descend: Help us become the dwelling place of God. In former days, we lived apart from God as strangers to the covenant of love; But now through Christ whom God sent from above, our years of exile have come to an end. O unifying Spirit, now descend: Help us become the dwelling place of God. In Christ all those who once lived far from God have been brought near by his redeeming blood. And though we feared the terror of the flood, God’s mercy promised us a second birth. O reconciling Spirit, come to earth: Create in us the dwelling place of God.
Children's Time
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
#592 “When the Church of Jesus”
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
Offertory Summer Choir
“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” — Dale Wood; words by John Mason Neale, based on a 7th-century Latin hymn Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone, chosen of the Lord and precious, binding all the church in one; holy Zion's help forever, and her confidence alone. To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of hosts, today: with thy wonted loving-kindness hear thy people as they pray; and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway. Laud and honor to the Father, laud and honor to the Son, laud and honor to the Spirit, ever Three and ever One, One in might, and One in glory, while unending ages run.
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
*Doxology
To God, Creator, Son, and Spirit, One in Three, be glory, as it was, is now, and shall forever be. Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Dennis, Johann Nägeli, arr. Lowell Mason
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
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.
Permissions:
“Dwelling Place” © 1998 World Library Publications, Inc.; “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” © 1959 Paul A. Schmitt Music Company/Belwin Mills; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: QP Parks Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir, Brenda Nitsch, Conductor Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Barb Denigris, Ewin Joseph Crucifer, Acolyte: Poppy Marsiglio, Bennet Marsiglio Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#178 “Hope of the World”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Show us your vision, what is ours to do, illumined, changed, and made anew. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Ashley Danyew)
Postlude
“Hornpipe in D” — John Dixon
*Prayer of Dedication
Faithful God, we offer these gifts as a sign of trust—not in what fades, but in what endures. Use them to speak truth, extend compassion, and carry out your healing work within this congregation and throughout the world. Shape our lives around your love, and let that love be seen through our generosity and grace. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musicians: Chris Gold, Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
9 am • July 20, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Welcome
found on pg. 3
*Opening Song
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" (Songs can be found on a single page handout.)
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Psalm 52 (found on pg. 4)
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
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad.
*Closing Song
“Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service”
Help Me Connect
Seeking:
The 11 am services on Sunday, August 3 and August 31 will feature your favorite hymns! Have a beloved hymn we haven't sung recently? Submit your requests to Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org by Monday, July 28 for the August 3 service, or August 18 for the August 31 service. We'll include as many of your submissions as possible in these special services.
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?
Cookie Bakers for Summer!
Celebrations and concerns
Sundays in the Gathering Center, our coffee hour after the 11 am Service is fueled by community, coffee and COOKIES! Please consider baking cookies for Asbury First hospitality to help out through the rest of the summer. Drop your cookies off at the church office to be frozen until needed, helping our hospitality team over the summer while ensuring treats after Sunday worship. Contact Paula Dugan: call (585) 271-1050 x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members, and in honor of the birth of Maria Valentine, born June 2, 2025 in Ponte Vedra, Florida. She is the daughter of Tim and Larissa Rice and granddaughter of Beth and Dave Rice. 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 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 Rev. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at (585) 271-1050 to connect.
Tell us your Favorite Hymn!
ZOOM KEY
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
The Prostate Cancer Support Group will be taking a summer hiatus and will not be meeting in July and August. But we'll be back! Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:30 pm in the Red Room (1010). We look forward to reconnecting with our community this fall.
Prostate Cancer Support Group - Summer Break
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — Wesley Hall (1040) 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Library Work Day — Library 1040 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2:15 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Gathering Center 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope — 1040, Room 203 WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Asbury First Civics Team — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group — 1040, Library 4 pm Community Market — Granger Lawn Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm URWell Clinic— 1010, COC 6:30 pm Zumba Class — 1040, Gathering Center FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Donna Capozzoil Memorial — 1040, Sanctuary SUNDAY (7/27) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 10 am Summer Choir Rehearsal — Wesley Hall (1040) 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Meetings & Rehearsals JULY 20 – JuLY 27
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden is taking shape after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. In the spirit of Asbury First, the Columbarium is open to all. Membership is not required. Contact Kathy Thiel if you'd like to talk to someone about reserving your spot at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106
Looking for a great summer book? The Asbury First Library launched their book sales at the Wednesday Community Market on June 25. Find us at the Asbury First tent on July 23 and August 20 (rain date August 27) for a wide selection of children's, teen, and adult books—most priced at just $1-$2. All proceeds support new library acquisitions.
July's COC Chapel Challenge
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the July COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Bottled Water. A list of other specific items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.
Join members of the Asbury First Civics Team (an initiative of the Social Concerns Committee) in writing postcards to voters. Bring your best penmanship, a pen and lots of enthusiasm to the Red Room (1010, COC) Wednesdays from 10 am to noon. For more information contact Karen Hibbard at khcrm1000@rochester.rr.com.
Wednesdays, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First every Wednesday through the end of August! This week's food truck will be Cousins Maine Lobster!
Postcards to Voters
Library Book Sale at the Wednesday Market
BOOK SALE!
Construction has begun!
Second Mile Giving Campaign Update!
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, VENMO VIA THE QR CODE, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Thanks to your generosity, the Second Mile Giving Campaign has raised a total of $224,605, and we now confidently have a fully funded 2025 General Budget! This was a mighty task and it was accomplished in less than a month. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this ambitious goal! Don't worry If you felt God nudging you to contribute and you have not yet submitted your gift—you still may, as this revised budget did not include a cash reserve, a goal we are trying to meet in future budgets.
Join us Saturday, July 26 at Memorial AME Zion (540 Clarissa St) to help build beds for Rochester children who sleep on the floor. Memorial AME Zion Church is partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace seeking volunteers for 9 to 11 am or 11 am to 1 pm shifts (lunch provided) or bedding donations: new pillows, sheets, and comforters. All ages welcome.
Summer VBS 'B Camp' Half and Full Day Options | August 4 - 7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)
Scan for more info
Join the buzz at "B Camp" this summer! All Kids (PreK-5th grade) will have a blast August 4 - 7 exploring the B's: being, beatitudes, and bees! NEW this year: Choose our exciting all-day adventure (9am-4pm, lunch needed) or the morning option. Don't miss out on this hive of fun and learning! Questions? Buzz Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111. Register at asburyfirst.org/vbs Financial assistance is available.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Build a Bed for a Neighbor