August 3, 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
Prayer of Confession
Holy and grieving God, you have loved us with tenderness, carried us with care, and still, we have turned away. We chase what cannot satisfy. We resist your grace, mistaking it for weakness. We wound ourselves and others, and break your heart. Forgive us and call us back with your fierce mercy. Teach us to trust the love that will not let us go. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God’s love is stronger than our wandering. God’s mercy is deeper than our regret. Thanks be to God! 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.
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
* please stand as you are able
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Prelude - Hymn Sing
#92 “For the Beauty of the Earth”, vv. 1, 4, 6 #437 “This Is My Song”, vv. 1, 3 #378 “Amazing Grace”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 6 #732 “Come, We That Love the Lord”, all verses
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God calls to us with the voice of a parent: tender, aching, faithful. We gather as those who have wandered, yet are never forgotten. God’s heart is moved with compassion, not punishment. We come to be held in the mercy that never lets go. Let us worship the One who loves us back to life, whose faithfulness is stronger than our failures.
*Processional Hymn
#400 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#404 “Every Time I Feel the Spirit"
11 am • August 3, 2025
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Hosea 11:1-11 (Common English Bible)
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the further they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and they burned incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with bands of human kindness, with cords of love. I treated them like those who lift infants to their cheeks; I bent down to them and fed them. They will return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be their king, because they have refused to return to me. The sword will strike wildly in their cities; it will consume the bars of their gates and will take everything because of their schemes. My people are bent on turning away from me; and though they cry out to the Most High, God will not raise them up. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart winces within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I won’t act on the heat of my anger; I won’t return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a human being, the holy one in your midst;
11 am
TO CELEBRATE Baptism
Presentation
Paige Alexandra Dustin
Thanksgiving over the Water
God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise.
Promises
Congregational Pledge
Do you, friends and members of this congregation, turn again from the domain of death and to the God of eternal love? We do. And will you be as the body of Christ embodying that love to this person as she lives with us in service to all God’s children? We will.
Baptism and Laying on of Hands
*Hymn Hymnal #608, v. 3
"This Is the Spirit's Entry Now" Words: Thomas Herbranson; Tune: Azmon, Carl Gläzer Renewing Spirit, hear our praise for your baptismal power that washes us through all our days. Lord, cleanse again this hour.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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Offertory Hymns
#361 “Rock of Ages”, vv. 1, 2 #314 “In the Garden”, vv. 1, 3
Sermon
To hear the word
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.
To Renew Commitment
I won’t come in harsh judgment. They will walk after the Lord, who roars like a lion. When God roars, God's children will come trembling from the west. They will come trembling like a bird, and like a dove from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Childrens'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.
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And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
To celebrate holy communion
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.
Communion Hymn
#593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 3
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Tom Brazda Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Stewards: Nancy Davidow, Angie Burch Organist: Duane Prill Crucifer, Acolyte: Elizabeth Church, Andrew Hunt Altar Guild Team: Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson, Deb McLean Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
*Recessional Hymn
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
*Benediction
Postlude
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” — Don Hustad
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.
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.
Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Hymns (as needed)
#399 “Take My Life and Let It Be” #474 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
The Lord's Supper
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 provided. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
Welcome
found on pg. 3
*Opening Hymn
"Morning Has Broken" (songs are found on a single-page handout)
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Hosea 11:1-11 (found on pg. 4)
Children's Time
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
Communion
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. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
9 am • August 3, 2025
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Reader: Tom Brazda Musicians: Jessica Burdick-Giordano, Dave Berg
Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
*Closing Hymn
#400 "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members; and in celebration of the wedding of Katie Rice and Chris DeVos. 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.
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ZOOM KEY
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
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the August COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Boys and Men’s sweatpants and gym shorts. 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.
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
August COC Chapel Challenge
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 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 Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Asbury First Civics Team — 1010, Red Room 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 5:30 pm VBS Family Night — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm URWell Clinic— 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center SUNDAY (8/10) 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 August 3-10
Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First in the Granger Lawn every Wednesday through the end of August! This week's food truck will be Terry's Tips & Beef!
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.
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.
BOOK SALE!
Summer VBS 'B Camp' Half and Full Day Options | August 4 - 7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)
Library Book Sale at the Wednesday Market
Looking for a great summer book? The Asbury First Library will be selling books at the Wednesday Community Market from 4 to 7:30 pm on August 20 (rain date August 27). Stop by for a wide selection of children's, teen, and adult books — most priced under $2. All proceeds support new library acquisitions.
Wednesdays, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn
The Asbury First Civics Team Wants You!
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!
Contact Kathy Thiel if you'd like to talk to someone about reserving your spot at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106
The Columbarium niche wall has been assembled in Minnesota and is on its way to Asbury First! 50 niches have already been spoken for! Reserve your niche today.
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Columbarium: Next Steps
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
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
Intergenerational Flag Football
Tell us your Favorite Hymn!
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
August's COC Chapel Challenge
The 11 am service on Sunday, 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 August 18. We'll include as many of your submissions as possible in this special service.
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
*Gathering Hymn (cont'd)
*Offertory Hymn
#361 “Rock of Ages”, vv. 1, 2
#314 “In the Garden”, vv. 1, 3
*Hymn
*Hymn (cont'd)
*Communion Hymn
#399 “Take My Life and Let It Be”
#474 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)