July 27, 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
“Werde munter, mein Gemüte” (“Be cheerful, my spirit”) — Johann Pachelbel Choral with Four Variations “Like the Golden Sun Ascending” — Paul Manz
Introit
O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love. Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise. (Words: Robert Grant; Tune: Lyons, attr. Johann Michael Haydn)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We gather as those still learning how to pray. We come with questions, hopes, and hearts ready to listen. We seek the God who hears, even when words fail. We trust in the One who welcomes our asking, searching, and knocking. Let us worship with expectation and courage, knowing God responds with grace and with love.
*Processional Hymn
#192 "There's a Spirit in the Air", vv. 1-4, 6
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#405 “Seek Ye First”
* please stand as you are able
11 am • July 27, 2025
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
God of invitation, we confess that we are often hesitant to speak with you. We stay silent out of fear or pride. We convince ourselves we are unworthy to ask or too weary to seek. We treat prayer like a task rather than a relationship. Forgive us for forgetting your generosity. Remind us that you are already near—ready to listen, ready to guide, and ready to give what brings life. Shape us into people who pray with trust, persistence, and joy. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Even before we ask, God is at work in love. Through Christ, we are heard, held, and forgiven.
*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 Luke 11:1-13 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” So he said to them, “When you pray, say: God, may your name be revered as holy. May your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ and he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for a fish, would give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asked for an egg, would give a scorpion? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
11 am
Anthem Summer Choir
“Just As I Am” — K. Lee Scott; words by Charlotte Elliott, alt. Lyrics may be viewed on the monitors.
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
“Come Away with Me”
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
Offertory Heather Holmquest, Soloist
“A Simple Song” from Mass — Leonard Bernstein; words by Bernstein and Stephen Schwartz, based on excerpts from the Book of Psalms Lyrics may be viewed on the monitors.
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
Sermon
Call to Prayer
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in thee do we trust nor find thee to fail; thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend. (Words: Robert Grant; Tune: Lyons, attr. Johann Michael Haydn)
Pastoral Prayer
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:
“Just As I Am” © 2004 MorningStar Music Publishers/Birnamwood Publications; “A Simple Song” © 1971 Boosey and Hawkes, Inc.; 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: Helen Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Brian Bohrer, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Barb Denigris, Ewin Joseph Crucifer, Acolyte: Anne Nutter, James Nutter Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rich Church, Noel Nichols, Preston Loughney Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#377 “It Is Well with My Soul”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Théodore Dubois)
Postlude
“Toccata in C Major” — Johann Pachelbel
*Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, you teach us to ask and to trust. As we offer these gifts, we do so with open hands and hopeful hearts. May they be used to bless, to build, and to bring your goodness into places of need. Teach us to give as you give—freely, joyfully, and always in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Reader: JoBeth Nichols Musicians: Johanna Mahan, Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
9 am • July 27, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Welcome
found on pg. 3
*Opening Song
"Seek Ye First" (Songs can be found on a single page handout.)
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 11:1-13 (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
“It Is Well with My Soul”
Help Me Connect
Seeking:
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.
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
Our coffee hour after the 11 am Sunday 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 loving memory of my mother, Alice Kwong, by her son Tai Kwong. 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. Our hearts are with the family of Jane Pauly who died on July 16. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Sunday, August 31 at 2 pm. 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.
Second Mile Giving Campaign Update!
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at (585) 271-1050 to connect.
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
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 WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Asbury First Civics Team — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 10 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 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 SUNDAY (8/3) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Meetings & Rehearsals JULY 27 – August 3
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. Find us at the Asbury First tent on 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.
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.
July's COC Chapel Challenge
Prostate Cancer Support Group - Summer Break
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 - 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 Reservoir Dog'z + Chef Shahrazad Mediterranean Bites!
Postcards to Voters
Library Book Sale at the Wednesday Market
BOOK SALE!
Columbarium: Next Steps
Last summer, we had a great time playing softball and kickball, and we decided to try something new this year: Flag Football. Each Sunday in August, we will meet from 6 to 7 pm on the Granger Lawn to play pick-up games of flag football. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and we will create new teams each week. We will provide the flags, the field, and the football, you will just need to bring a sense of fun!
Intergenerational Flag Football
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
Tell us your Favorite Hymn!
Summer VBS 'B Camp' Half and Full Day Options | August 4 - 7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)
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.
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.
#192 "There's a Spirit in the Air", vv. 1-4