August 1, 2021 • 11 AM
August 6, 2023 • 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 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.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • August 6, 2023
Prelude
Hymn Sing Please raise your hand and have the hymn number ready.
*Call to Worship Based on Isaiah 55:1-3
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come to the water, all you who thirst; Come drink deeply from the river of life. Come to the water, all you who are weary; Come rest in the quiet pools of God’s love. Come to the water, all you who long for justice; Come be renewed in God’s ever-flowing stream. For God is here among us, washing away the dust and grime of our lives, and pouring out the Spirit on all who thirst. Let us worship God together.
*Processional Hymn
#529 “How Firm a Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 5 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West” (vv. 1, 2)
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The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
*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 Matthew 14:13-21
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Prayer of Confession
We long for your presence, Holy One, even though it seems we resist you. Work within us and through us, even when we wrestle with doubt. Enlighten and guide us in our darkest hours. Bless us and call us by name, even though at times we turn away from you. Hold us and love us, even when we try to push you away. Fill us with your never-ending love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: God's strength is enough, and Christ's forgiveness is sure. We are blessed, loved, and made whole. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
To hear the word
11 am
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
#599 "Break Thou the Bread of Life"
Sermon
A Summer Feast
Anthem
"At the Table of the World" — Carl Johengen; words by Brian Wren At the table of the world, some have plenty, some have none. At the table of our God, all are plentifully fed. (Refrain:) Blow among us, Spirit of God, fill us with your courage and care! Hurricane and Breath, take us on a journey of love! At the table of the world, some have honor, some have scorn. At the table of our God, all are welcomed and acclaimed. [Refrain] Set the table of our God in the Church and in the world, Till the children, fed and loved, taste and see that life is good. [Refrain]
Call to Prayer
Lord, listen to your children praying; Lord, send your Spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying; send us love, send us power, send us grace. (Words and Music by Ken Medema)
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
“Sing a New Song to the Lord” — David W. Music; words by Timothy Dudley-Smith, based on Psalm 98 Sing a new song to the Lord, he to whom wonders belong! Rejoice in his triumph and tell of his power! O sing to the Lord a new song! Now to the ends of the earth, see, his salvation is shown, and still he remembers his mercy and truth, unchanging in love to his own. Sing a new song and rejoice! Publish his praises abroad! Let voices in chorus, with trumpet and horn, resound for the joy of the Lord! Join with the hills and the sea thunders of praise to prolong! In judgment and justice he comes to the earth. O sing to the Lord a new song!
*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
As we have received light, we go now to bring light to the world. As we have received God's blessings, we go now to be blessings to others. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
#733 “Marching to Zion”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (anonymous)
Postlude
“We’re Marching to Zion/Come We That Love the Lord” — arr. Larry Shackley
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Hannah Cady 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: Dennis Roote Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
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.
Help Me Connect
“At the Table of the World” words © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; music © 1993 World Library Publications; “Sing a New Song to the Lord” words © 1973 Hope Publishing Co.; music © 2005 GIA Publications, 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.
Permissions:
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals August 6–12
Sunday 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 Middle School Mission Trip 9 am VBS: Make a Joyful Noise—1040 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—1050 Granger Lawn Tuesday Middle School Mission Trip 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9 am VBS: Make a Joyful Noise—1040 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 Middle School Mission Trip 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9 am VBS: Make a Joyful Noise—1040 Thursday Middle School Mission Trip 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7:30 am Bicycle Repairs—Garage behind 1010 9 am VBS: Make a Joyful Noise—1040 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 5:30 pm VBS Family Night Dinner, 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday Middle School Mission Trip 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9 am VBS: Make a Joyful Noise—1040 SATURDAY Middle School Mission Trip
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?
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Lectio Divina
NOTA Farmers Market
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Summer Worship
Monday Morning Crew
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
We will be collecting school supplies again this year for Schools 17 and 45. We will collect the supplies in September, but here is a list of needed items to pick up while supplies are easily available in stores. Items needed include: backpacks, 24-count pencils, colored pencils, erasers and eraser tops, ink pens (blue, black, and red), crayons, color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-color folders with pockets, three-ring binders, composition books, graph paper, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Many thanks to YOU for your support! For more information, please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624, or at jhsmalt@gmail.com.
START SHOPPING FOR OUR SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE!
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.
VBS August 7-10 9 am – 12 pm
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.
You're Invited!
Wednesday, August 16, 2:30–4 pm, Gathering Center
Older Adult
All Are Welcome
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
Join us for a game!
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
6:30 pm — Children's Music 7 pm — 11 Piece Cover Band
Join us at the Red Wings vs. Worcester Red Sox game. Tickets will be $10, and we have reserved 100 seats. Our hope is to have a good sized group represent Asbury First.
Join us Thursday, August 10 under the Tent for a FREE, family-friendly night of live music. Featuring John Dady (of Dady Bros. Music) and the Different Every Time Band (11-piece cover band). You won't want to miss out on this fun evening! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news.
Friday, August 25, 6:45 pm, Frontier Field
Get a Tie-Dye T-Shirt for $15 to wear to the game! Shirts will be on sale Sunday mornings, or by contacting the church office at 585-271-1050. Learn more at asburyfirst.org
#529 "How Firm a Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 5
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1, 2
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