9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
July 21, 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
Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532 — J.S. Bach
Introit
Come into God's presence singing "Alleluia"! (Traditional)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, people of God, gather to hear the story of faith. We come following the paths that our forebears walked. Sometimes we are called to step out into the unknown, to trust and to follow. We come ready to journey and to embrace the paths that God will show us. God promises to bless us and make us a blessing. Together, let us worship God, who leads us into new beginnings.
*Processional Hymn
#100 “God, Whose Love Is Reigning O'er Us”, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#127 “God of Grace and God of Glory”, vv. 1, 3
11 am • July 21, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Presentation
Eleanora Jo Zimmer, born July 19, 2023, child of Alexandra and Jeff Zimmer
Thanksgiving
God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise.
Promises and Baptism
*Congregational Response
Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care Eleanora Jo, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. What promise will you make to this family? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal.
*Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
11 am
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, as we gather in your presence today, we are reminded that you often call us to leave all that is familiar and embark on a journey of faith, and we admit that we are not always ready or willing to do so. We seek your face, eager to step into the plans you have for us, yet we hesitate when you call and send. Fill us with the courage that comes from knowing you are with us, guiding and providing. Open our hearts to hear your word, strengthen our resolve to follow wherever you lead, and grant us the courage to take some risks. May our worship today renew our commitment to your call. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, hear the good news: God who is faithful and just forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, healed, 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.
Anthem Summer Choir
“Somlandela (We Will Follow)" — Traditional Zulu song, arr. Dean McIntyre We will follow, we will follow Jesus. We will follow, we will follow him. We will follow, we will follow Jesus. Anywhere he leads us, we will follow. Through the desert, we will follow Jesus... Through the valleys… In our city… In our calling… We will follow…
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.
To hear the word
Scripture Genesis 12:1-9
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot and all the possessions that they had gathered and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran, and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east, and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
*Hymn
"God Who Sets Us on a Journey"
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 Summer Choir
“The Summons” — Scottish tune, arr. Sondra K. Tucker; words by John Bell Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don't know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me? Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name? Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare? Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me? (cont'd)
Sermon
Call to Prayer
Creating God, hear our humble prayer, and grant us your peace. (Music: Roger Wilhelm)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory (cont'd)
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name? Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same? Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen, and admit to what I mean in you and you in me? Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name? Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same? Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around, through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me? Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show. Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
*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
Holy One, as we dedicate our gifts to your purposes, we dedicate ourselves anew to your service. Help us to be faithful stewards of all your gifts to us. Use us and our gifts as instruments of your peace and agents of your grace in this community and beyond. Help us to walk in faith, not by sight, trusting in your promises and your provision. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
"In the Midst of New Dimensions" This hymn can be found on the following pages.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Anonymous)
Postlude
“Allegro Pomposo” — Robert Jones
To Disperse in Mission
"In the Midst of New Dimensions"
"Somlandela (We Will Follow)" © 2005 The General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church; “God Who Sets Us on a Journey” words © Rev. Mervyn Dine, reproduced with permission for the purposes of worship; “The Summons” words © 1987 Wild Goose Resource Group/Iona Community; arrangement © 2009 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith and Ly Tran
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Andrew Hunt Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Brian Bohrer, Charlie Bohrer Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Madiba Lantum, Ethan Hildreth Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Preston Loughney, Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
“Morning Has Broken” (Eleanor Farjeon, Scottish tune) 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!
9 am • July 21, 2024
*Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Genesis 12:1-9 (found on p. 5)
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.
Prayer
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
*Closing Song
“God Who Sets Us on a Journey” (found on p. 6)
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Andrew Hunt 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 gratitude of 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 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. The memorial service is today at 3 pm at Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Road Pittsford). 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 once 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 helping out by baking some cookies for Sunday, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information. Thank you!
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 — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Ice Cream Crawl — 1040, Parking Lot 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) 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group — 1040 Library 4 pm East Ave Community Market Days — on the Granger Lawn (weather permitting) 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 10 am Divorce Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 2 pm Older Adult Ice Cream Social — 1040, Gathering Center NEXT SUNday (7/28) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Granger 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 — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals July 21 – July 28
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 [xxxxxxxx]
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
We were rained out last week, but The East Ave Community Market has returned to Asbury First'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.
Are you interested in serving as a Reader at the 9 or 11 am service?
We are expanding the roster of readers, and whether you are new to this ministry or have served in the past, we'd love to hear from you! Our hope is to set up a schedule several months in advance, to allow for flexibility. Training is available! Please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel, kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106. Let us know if you're interested in the 9 or 11 am service, or both.
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.
Donate a Plant or Two!
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
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
Perhaps you’re splitting the Hostas in the garden and unsure what to do with them? We’re looking for a few additional sun hardy perennials to complete the gardens in front of the Dining and Caring Center. Contact Peggy Hack at peghack@aol.com to make arrangements to help further beautify our grounds.
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!
SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2 PM GATHERING CENTER
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
Town Hall, Sunday, July 28 Asbury First's next Town Hall meeting is 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.
SAVE THE DATE
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.
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
#100 “God, Whose Love Is Reigning O'er Us”