July 26, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Carole Roote Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: "Seek Ye First” (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (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: "For the Healing of the Nations" (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: “Festal Flourish” — Gordon Jacob INTROIT: Creator Spirit, by whose aid the world’s foundations first were laid, come, visit every humble mind; come, pour your joys on humankind; from sin and sorrow set us free; may we your living temples be. (Words: Rabanus Maurus, 9th c., tr. John Dryden; Tune: Adoro Te, Joseph Barnby) *CALL TO WORSHIP Some days we come with confidence. Some days we come carrying burdens we cannot name. The Spirit meets us in every season of life. When words fail, when prayers falter, when hope feels distant, God remains near. Nothing in life or death, nothing in the present or the future, can separate us from the love of God. We gather in that love, and we worship with gratitude. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #569 "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #405 "Seek Ye First" PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of steadfast love, we spend so much time trying to carry what was never ours to carry alone. We hide our fears, manage our struggles, and convince ourselves that strength means self-sufficiency. When uncertainty comes, we tighten our grip instead of trusting your presence. When suffering touches our lives, we wonder whether we have somehow lost our way. Yet your Spirit remains with us, praying deeper than words, holding us more securely than we know. Teach us to release what we cannot control. Teach us to trust what we cannot yet see. Teach us to rest in the assurance of your love. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Here the good news: Nothing in all creation is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are held in a love that will not let us go. *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: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (Common English Bible) He told another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It’s the smallest of all seeds. But when it’s grown, it’s the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through all the dough.” “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that somebody hid in a field, which someone else found and covered up. Full of joy, the finder sold everything and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that people threw into the lake and gathered all kinds of fish. When it was full, they pulled it to the shore, where they sat down and put the good fish together into containers. But the bad fish they threw away. That’s the way it will be at the end of the present age. The angels will go out and separate the evil people from the righteous people, and will throw the evil ones into a burning furnace. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth. “Have you understood all these things?”Jesus asked. They said to him, “Yes.” Then he said to them, “Therefore, every legal expert who has been trained as a disciple for the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings old and new things out of their treasure chest.” 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: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Caleb Meyerhoff, Jordan Bachmann, soloists “God the Sculptor of the Mountains” — Gerre Hancock (Sandria); words by John Thornburg God the sculptor of the mountains, God the miller of the sand, God the jeweler of the heavens, God the potter of the land: you are womb of all creation, we are formless; shape us now. God the nuisance to the Pharaoh, God the cleaver of the sea, God the pillar of the darkness, God the beacon of the free: you are gate of all deliverance, we are wandering; lead us now. God the dresser of the vineyard, God the planter of the wheat, God the reaper of the harvest, God the source of all we eat: you are host at every table, we are hungry; feed us now. God the unexpected infant, God the calm, determined youth, God the table turning prophet, God the resurrected Truth: you are present every moment, we are searching; meet us now. CHILDREN'S TIME: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf, Coordinator 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: #164 "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life" SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Lord, you are near to all who call upon you in truth; you fulfill the desires of all who love you; you hear our cries and save us. (Psalm 145:18-19; Music by Carl Johengen) 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: Summer Choir “For I Am Persuaded” — Mark Schweizer; words based on Romans 8 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to keep me from the love of God. And who will separate us from the love of Christ? God's spirit dwells within us, the Spirit is life. *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 Faithful God, we bring these gifts in gratitude for the countless ways your love sustains us. Receive what we offer, and use it to strengthen those who are weary, encourage those who feel alone, and remind the world that hope is stronger than fear. May our giving bear witness to the love that never abandons, never gives up, and never lets go. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Lani Smith) POSTLUDE: “Toccata on "Old Hundredth" — Michael Burkhardt
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.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO or PAYPAL
Permissions:
“God the Sculptor of the Mountains” words © 1994 John Thornburg; music © Oxford University Press; “For I Am Persuaded” © 2001 St. James Music 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. Pat Dupont Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Caleb Meyerhoff, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolytes: Giovanni Bucci, Martha Neubert Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Angie Burch 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, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my mother, Alice Kwong, by her son Tai Kwong. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Robert C. Dickerson MD, who died on July 12. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dan Fultz, who died on July 12. The details for the memorial service will be announced soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Hank Mattice, who died on January 19. 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 26 – AUGUST 2
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 are increasing 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 (at which time you can also join us to write postcards). 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: Foot Golf - Genesee Valley Golf Course
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
FRIDAY
SUNDAY (8/02)
Intergenerational: Meditation Walk
Stay Connected to the Life of Asbury First!
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.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAILS
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.
Thursday Morning Prayer at Asbury First
Every Thursday, the Weekly Newsletter reminds you of all the upcoming events we have planned, and every Monday, the Monday Reader brings you stories, reflections, and celebrations from our congregation — right to your inbox. Scan the QR code to subscribe — and never miss out!
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
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 Discipleship, 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
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.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
VBS IS GONNA BE COSMIC!
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!
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
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: 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!
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, SCAN THE QR CODE TO GIVE BY PHONE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #569 "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations"
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #569 "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations" (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #405 "Seek Ye First"
*HYMN: #164 "Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh"