To worship with us
July 30, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-covid-masking-update. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, 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. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. 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. 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 ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, 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 in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. 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 Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • July 30, 2023
Prelude
Gavotte — Matthew Camidge Voluntary in D Minor — William Boyce Flute Piece — William Hine
Introit
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, J.G. Werner, arr. William Havergal)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We come to worship the Triune God who creates, redeems, and sustains us all; the God who never leaves us, and yet whose purposes often seem hidden. The bulb hides the flower, the seed hides the tree, and the cocoon hides the butterfly. So too does God bring forth life even when we cannot see it. We anticipate the season when God’s unrevealed work will come into the open. God meets our brokenness with persevering love, bringing life to all creation.
*Processional Hymn
#79 "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”, vv. 1-4
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#333 "I'm Goin'a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing", vv. 1, 4
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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*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.
To hear the word
11 am
Scripture Romans 8:31-39
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, we confess our doubt, and trust in your love. Remind us that we are loved when we find ourselves unlovable. Remind us that there is hope when all we see around us makes us despair. Remind us that you sent the Prince of Peace when war and violence overwhelm. Remind us that you are the merciful judge when injustice seems to prevail. Remind us that you give us all we need to do your work in the world. Remind us that you give us grace so that we can be your people.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, we know that all things work together for good for those who love God. Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rejoice in the mercy that God offers us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, 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
#566 "Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
Sermon
A Radical Reassurance
Anthem
"Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice" — 18th-cent. German, arr. Robert J. Powell; words by H. Louise von Hayn, tr. F.W. Foster Jesus makes my heart rejoice, I'm his lamb and know his voice. He's my shepherd, gently guiding, in his pastures now abiding; Constant love to me he shows, yes, my very name he knows. Trusting in his path always, I go in and out with peace. He will feed me with the treasure of his grace in richest measure, When I thirst, to him I cry, living water he'll supply. Shall I sing how blest I am, led by Jesus, as his lamb? For when all my days are over, in the arms of my dear Savior, Welcome will be my delight, joy forever in his sight.
Call to Prayer
Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, J.G. Werner, arr. William Havergal)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Brenda Nitsch, soloist
“Where the Music Comes From” — words and music by Lee Hoiby I want to be where the music comes from Where the clock stops, where it's now I want to be with the friends around me Who have found me, who show me how I want to sing to the early morning See the sunlight melt the snow And oh, I want to grow I want to wake to the living spirit Here inside me where it lies I want to listen till I can hear it Let it guide me and realize That I can go with the flow unending That is blending, that is real And oh, I want to feel I want to walk in the earthly garden Far from cities, far from fear I want to talk to the growing garden To the devas, to the deer And to be one with the river Breezes blowing, sky above And oh, I want to love
““Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “Where the Music Comes From” © 1990 G. Schirmer, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*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
Use our gifts, Loving God, so others who are burdened by life may be sheltered in the blanket of your grace. Help us create a welcoming community that invites all into your family. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
#730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Edward Broughton)
Postlude
Trumpet Voluntary in D Major — John Bennett
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Dawn Riedy Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Robert Cowles Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote Audio Operator: Rick Church Graphics Operator: Griffin Allen Production Director/Video Operator: Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
9 am • July 30, 2023
OUTDOOR service
*Opening Song
"Amazing Grace” (Words: John Newton; Tune: American melody 1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. 2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 6. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Romans 8:31-39 (found on p. 4)
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you check in with us by scanning the QR code, or by visiting asburyfirst.org/worship-check-in.
Prayer
*Closing Song
“Christ Beside Me” Words attr. St. Patrick, adapted by James Quinn; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Scottish Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart; Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me never to part. Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me shield in the strife; Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life. Christ be in all hearts thinking about me, Christ be on all tongues telling of me, Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Carl Johengen
9 am
Monday Morning Crew
Meetings & Rehearsals July 30–August 5
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
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?
NOTA Farmers Market
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
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support UMCOR at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. 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. JOYS AND CELEBRATIONS We celebrate the upcoming wedding of Mary Church and Dan Smith on Saturday, August 26 at 3 pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and a cookie reception in the Gathering Center. 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 to the family of Ted Epping, who died on July 22. His memorial service will be held on September 30 at 11 am.
Lectio Divina
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 10 am Summer Choir rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—1050 Granger Lawn Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Room 205 3 pm Gentle Yoga—Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7:30 am Bicycle Repairs—Garage behind 1010 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Summer Worship
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Friday, August 25, 6:45 pm, Frontier Field
Save the Date!
Join us at the Rochester Red Wings game to sing the National Anthem! We have 100 seats reserved and tickets will be $10. For more details visit asburyfirst.org/news.
VBS August 7-10 9 am – 12 pm
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.
Don't miss out! Join us this summer for our Vacation Bible School themed Make A Joyful Noise, August 7-10, from 9 am — noon each day. We will learn how music is an essential part of life and draws us closer to God. We will explore music through song, dance, bells, games, art and stories. We will end the week with a family night of food, fun and music underneath the tent. Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign your child up for VBS. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Older Adult
Ice-Cream Social
What better way to escape the summer heat than with ice-cream! We hope you'll join us for the Older Adults Ice-Cream Social in August. No RSVP necessary. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Thiel at 585-271-1050 x106.
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
Join us for a game!
You're Invited!
Wednesday, August 16, 2:30–4 pm, Gathering Center
Join us as we sing the National Anthem at the Red Wings vs. Worcester Red Sox game. We have reserved 100 seats, so tickets will be $10. You don't have to sing to join us at the game, but our hope is to have a good sized group represent Asbury First. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@ asburyfirst.org or call the church office at 585-271-1050.
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#333 "I'm Goin'a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing”, vv. 1, 4
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Outreach Ministry Task Force Report
A task force of Asbury First neighbors recently completed an update of “A Way Forward,” the 2016 document laying out strategy for our church community’s Outreach ministries. We’ve accomplished much since 2016, including the opening and operation of the new Community Outreach Center. But, there’s more to do, and not just in Outreach. You can learn more and read the full report at asburyfirst.org/coninuing-our-way-forward.
Communications Needs You!
Do you love bulletin boards? Do you like being behind the camera? Well, we've got some projects for you! We are looking for volunteers to help produce the display bulletin for the Welcome Hall, as well as assistance with quick interviews for a video project. If you're interested, please contact Sarah Brubaker at sbrubaker@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x109. Training and video equipment will be provided.
Have you ever wanted to participate in worship — but without having to speak in front of people? You may have noticed that some weeks we have an acolyte, crucifer, and Christ candle that all help to lead our procession into worship and our recession out into the world. Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
We Need Cookies!
Calling all bakers:
Acolytes and Crucifers Needed
Asbury First hospitality is in need of cookies! If you are a baker, please consider making a couple of dozen and dropping them off at the church office. They will be frozen until needed. Thanks in advance, we truly appreciate your sweet treats. For more information, please contact Paula Dugan at 585-271-1050 x111 or at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.