August 2, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Musicians: Jessica Giordano, Carl Johengen
{{page}}
SIGN IN HERE
WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1-4 (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:13-21 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: Sanctus: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The Mystery of Faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: “Christ Be Beside Me” (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.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: Duane Prill, piano Passacaglia — Christian Friedrich Witt; Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 — Johannes Brahms INTROIT: Join we all with one accord; praise we all our common Lord; for we all have heard his voice, all have made his will our choice. Branches we in Christ, the Vine, living by his life divine; as the Maker with the Son, so, in Christ, we all are one. (Words: Matthew of Kunwald, 1457, tr. Michael Weisse, 1531; Tune: Im Abendrot, Franz Schubert) *CALL TO WORSHIP The crowds came seeking hope, and Jesus welcomed them with compassion. We come seeking Christ's presence among us. A few loaves. A couple of fish. An open heart. God has always done remarkable things with ordinary gifts. There is enough grace for everyone gathered here. Let us worship the God of abundant love. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1-3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of abundance, we confess how easily we live as though there is never enough. We hold tightly to what we have. We measure what is missing before noticing what has already been given. We allow fear to shape our choices instead of trusting your generous heart. When we see only scarcity, open our eyes to possibility. When we hesitate to share, remind us that generosity is one of the ways your kingdom becomes visible. Take what we place in your hands—our gifts, our lives, our hopes—and make of them more than we could accomplish alone. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE What we place into God's hands is received with love and transformed for blessing. With God, there is enough. Thanks be to God. *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 14:13-21 (Common English Bible) When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. That evening his disciples came and said to him, “This is an isolated place and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to me.” He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. About five thousand men plus women and children had eaten. 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. CHILDREN'S TIME: Alex Hunt, Associate for Age-Level Ministries Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment, and will remain in the Sanctuary for the remainder of the Service. 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: #599 "Break Thou the Bread of Life" SERMON 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 below. OFFERTORY: Summer Choir “Celtic Communion” — Traditional Scottish melody, arr. Mark Hayes; Words by Reginald Heber; v. 3 from St. Patrick’s Breastplate Bread of the world in mercy broken, wine of the soul in mercy shed, by whom the words of life were spoken, and in whose death our sins are dead. Look on the heart by sorrow broken, look on the tears by sinners shed; and be your feast to us the token that by your grace our souls are fed. Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, One in Three; Christ above me, Christ beneath me, Christ within me, Three in One. Amen. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. ANTHEM: Summer Choir One the name in which we pray, one our Savior day by day; one the cup and one the bread, one the covenant way we tread. One in spirit, one in life, one amid earth’s toils and strife, one in faith and one in love, one in hope of heav'n above. (Words: Matthew of Kunwald, 1457, tr. Michael Weisse, 1531, alt.; Tune: Im Abendrot, Franz Schubert) HYMN DURING COMMUNION: "A Place at the Table" (found on the following page) *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #634 "Now Let Us from This Table Rise" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Tom Birchwood) POSTLUDE: Toccata Festivo — Dennis Janzer
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
COMMUNION HYMN: “A Place at the Table”
Help Me Connect!
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.
“Celtic Communion” © 2008 Lorenz Publishing Co.; 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.
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 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. A memorial service will be held on August 15 at 2:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shari Mattice and her family as they grieve the death of Hank Mattice, who died on January 19. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dorothy Blackman Church, mother of Rick Church, who died on July 21. A memorial service was held on July 27 in Brewerton NY. As we give thanks for their lives, we hold their families and friends in our prayers and in the loving embrace of this congregation. May God's grace sustain them, and may cherished memories bring comfort in their sorrow. 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. Dee Finch who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Anne Nutter Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Caleb Meyerhoff, Robert Cowles Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolyte: Cindy Haag Communion Stewards: Anne Marie and Mark Strivings Altar Guild Team: Ellen Williams, Beth Rice, Barb Denegris Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Suite Team: Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Noël Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
MONDAY
VBS Begins! – 1040, Gathering Center
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 – 1010, Red Room
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Do you enjoy getting your hands in the soil and helping things grow (or keeping them tidy)? Join our campus gardening crew — a friendly group dedicated to weeding and trimming the perennial gardens and shrubs around our grounds (note: this is separate from the vegetable garden volunteers at 1010). We'd love to have you once a week, whenever fits your schedule, and we provide the gloves and tools. We could especially use extra hands in front of the Community Outreach Center and along the East Avenue side of the Education Wing. Interested? Reach out to us at programs@asburyfirst.org.
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 2 – August 9
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!
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
THURSDAY
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
1 pm
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, Dining Room
SUNDAY (8/09)
All Ages: Ice Cream Crawl
Campus Grounds Volunteers Needed!
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
Do you have a hedge trimmer gathering dust in your garage? Help us keep our grounds as beautiful as they can be!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
WANTED: a lightly used Electric Hedge Trimmer
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
Thursday Morning Prayer at Asbury First
Chapel Challenge: Bottled Water The Chapel Challenge is helping to 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!
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.
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 TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAILS
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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
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, x140 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Austin Retzlaff — Communications Assistant Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
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 at the church at 3 pm on August 9 for an Ice Cream Crawl! And keep an eye out for details about our Kickball Tournament that will cap off the summer, on August 16, 23, and 30. Please email jurriola-schonewolf@asburyfirst.org to register for these events!
ALL AGES FUN
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
August 28, 9 - 11 am in the Red Room (1010) or join via Zoom Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now. To register, email programs@asburyfirst.org
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Discussion of Life After Doom
Summer Singing Sunday 11 am, August 23 Hymn Service
As we've done in recent summers, we are setting aside the 11 am Worship Service on Sunday, August 23 as a service centered around favorite hymns. During the pre-service prelude, as well as during the offertory, we'll invite worshippers to call out their favorite hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal. Come ready to sing, and give some thought to what hymns you'd love to have included.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
*GATHERING HYMN: #617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1-3
*HYMN: #599 "Break Thou the Bread of Life"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #634 "Now Let Us from This Table Rise"