To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
July 31, 2022 • 11 AM
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 new 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. 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. 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
From “Songs Without Words” Op. 30, No. 1 — Felix Mendelssohn “Intermezzo” in A Major, Op. 118 — Johannes Brahms
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 107)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever. Make your petitions heard, for God saves us in times of trouble. Christ’s steadfast love endures forever. God satisfies our hunger with good things, and quenches our thirst with living water. The Spirit’s steadfast love endures forever. Come, let us worship.
*Opening Hymn
“Come and Find the Quiet Center ” (The Faith We Sing 2128) Words: Shirley Erena Murray; Music: Beach Spring, B.F. White Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace and simply be. Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace, God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being touches base, making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun, raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun. In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain, let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain: There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care, in the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • July 31, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the mourning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; God utters God’s voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations God has brought on the earth. God makes wars cease to the end of the earth; God breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; God burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations,I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Minute for Mission
Larry Gage — Project Chacocente
*Gathering Hymn
#553 “And Are We Yet Alive” (vv. 1–2) (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, you show us the blessedness of seeking things that are above. But our hearts are captured by so many distractions and obstacles. When we lose sight of you, heal our desire for possessions. Help us store up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth. Renew us in your Spirit this day. May our lives be hidden with Christ, to be revealed in glory.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
We who have been raised with Christ are heirs of his glory. We are rich in the love of God, and sealed in its embrace forever. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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.
11 am
To hear the word
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.
Anthem
“Consecration” — Frederick Chatfield; words by Frances Havergal Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Scripture Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
*Hymn
#479 “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”
Sermon
A Case for Sabbath
Call to Prayer
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in you do we trust, nor find you to fail. Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend! (Words: Robert Grant; Tune: Lyons, Johann Michael Haydn)
Pastoral Prayer
*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
Gracious God, remind us to set our hearts on things above, rather than worldly things. May our generosity play some small part in your plan for the healing of creation. Amen.
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
“Sing a New Song” — Michael Praetorius, arr. Mark Schweizer; words based on Psalm 96 Sing a new song; sing to God with a voice of triumph. Make his praises known to all the nations; Sing the honor of his name.
“Consecration” © 2008 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Closing Hymn
#534 “Be Still, My Soul”
*Benediction
Postlude
From “Enigma Variations”, Op.36: IX. (Nimrod) — Edward Elgar
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
The Asbury First UR Well Clinic is in need of PPD readers. Every Sunday morning, we read results of PPD tests for the clinic patients and are currently understaffed for volunteers. If you are a qualified medical professional and can volunteer time to assist with these readings, please contact Lin Vanderstyne, an Asbury First member and coordinator for the UR Well PPD readings at 585-383-1043 or by email at Ljv@frontier.com.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving celebration of Daniel and Katie Jo’s fourth wedding anniversary given by parent’s Martha and Jeremy Tuke. 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 the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. 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, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Adrienne Dahl, who passed away on June 23, 2022, in Penfield, NY. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Bruce Kost, husband of LouAnn Washing, who passed away on July 8, 2022. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Carole Wright, mother of Wendy Wright, who passed away on July 18, 2022.
Celebrations and concerns
PPD READERS NEEDED!
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors—1040 Front Lawn 9:45 am 6th–12th Grade Youth Sunday School —1040 Youth Room 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—1050 Granger Lawn 7:15 pm Yoga on the Lawn—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 ($30 per person) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 6:45 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library Wednesday 10 am A Year of Biblical Womanhood: Summer Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 5 pm 400 Souls Discussion —On Break for Summer 7 pm Faithful Politicking —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall 7 pm Faithful Politicking —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) SATURDAY 9 am Yoga on the Lawn—1050 Granger Lawn
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Faithful Politicking
Church-wide Carnival and Talent Show
Meetings & Rehearsals JULY 31–August 6
Lectio Divina
VBS: Under Construction
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
For a list of needed items, and to learn more about MINO, visit asburyfirst.org/news, or contact Pat Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org.
Tent Sunday Collection for Mothers In Need of Others (MINO)
Mothers In Need of Others (MINO) needs your help! MINO provides emergency items for single mothers and families in crisis. They currently have great need for cleaning and hygiene supply bags that they regularly distribute. Bring donations to our Tent Sunday worship service on August 7 and our VBS kids will add to the donations, and our middle school youth will assemble the bags. We can’t wait to see the difference we will make for families in need!
August 8–11, 9 am–12 pm, Register online at asburyfirst.org/vbs-2022 All children age 4 through 5th grade are invited this Summer to our Vacation Bible School themed "Under Construction" where we will highlight the work being done on 1010 to better serve our community. We will have a week full of music, crafts, games and science. We hope to see you there!
JOIN US FOR VBS!
Amazing Grace
Featuring musician Nairobi Smith!
Summer Choir Resumes
A Worship Celebration
After a four-week hiatus, Summer Choir will resume Sunday, July 31 and continue through the first Sunday in September. All interested singers are warmly welcome to take part on any or all Sundays—simply show up ready to sing at 10 am in Wesley Hall. Come lend your voice to our worship, and enjoy some special fellowship with some of Asbury Firsts's music lovers. Questions? Contact our Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x134.
Wednesday, August 10, 6 pm Refreshments, 7 pm celebration, Front Lawn Tent
The Discipleship Project invites you to join us for a special musical and worship celebration on Wednesday, August 10 under the tent in the front lawn. There will be light refreshments served at 6 pm, with the main worship celebration beginning at 7 pm. We are blessed to be joined by musician Nairobi Smith, who is a United Methodist Worship Leader. The celebration is open to all, and we hope you can join us! For more information, contact Rev. Rachel Dupont at rdupont@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-150 x113.
• Outdoor worship under a tent • Communion • Burgers, Hot Dogs, and more • The Asbury First Talent Show
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
KICK OFF AUGUST WITH
CHURCH-WIDE CARNIVAL
Tent Sunday, August 7, following the 11 am service
& TALENT SHOW
Tent Sunday at Asbury First aims to give people a great experience of the church, as well as welcome those living nearby who may be curious about our community. We'd love to see you at 11 am, August 7, outside, under the tent for worship and a special outdoor communion! Then, stick around for the Asbury First Talent Show, and come back during the week for VBS: Under Construction. Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news.
SIGN UP FOR THE TALENT SHOW NOW!!!
August 7, 2022 • 11 am
Join us for hot dogs, bouncy house, and a talent show! The church-wide carnival is free to all and it's not too late to be a part of our talent show. Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org to participate!
#553 “And Are We Yet Alive” (vv. 1–2)
Continued on next page
*Hymn, Ctd
*Closing Hymn, Ctd