August 1, 2021 • 11 AM
August 7, 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
Hymn Sing Please raise your hand and have the hymn number ready.
Introit
Come into God's presence singing "Alleluia"! (Traditional)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God called Abraham and Sarah and promised to bless them. Through faith they obeyed and received God’s inheritance. God called Isaac and Jacob, as heirs of that promise. They too followed in faith, seeking God’s realm. God calls us to join them, as heirs with the faithful. We come here in faith, assured by the hope that was fulfilled in the lives of your servants.
*Opening Hymn
#529 “How Firm a Foundation” (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)
11 am • August 7, 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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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove your evil deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow.
Sung Response
#599 “Break Thou the Bread of Life” (v. 1)
Prayer of Confession
God of unfailing love, we confess that we find faithfulness challenging. You call us to share with those in need, yet we hoard and guard. You call us to rescue the oppressed, yet we often ignore those in need. You call us to defend the orphan and widow, yet we often serve only ourselves. Forgive us and cleanse us, O God. Move us to be a people of justice, and propel us on the path of love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Though our sins are like scarlet, do not be afraid for our God has washed us clean. The Lord takes delight in opening God’s realm to us. Let us rejoice and come in! 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.
Scripture Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith, with Sarah’s involvement, he received power of procreation, even though he was too old, because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better homeland, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
*Hymn
#508 “Faith, While Trees Are Still in Blossom”
Sermon
Living Faith
#599 “Break Thou the Bread of Life” (v. 2)
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
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” — John Purifoy; words by William Williams Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield. Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee. Bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan's side. Please join in singing: Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. Choir: I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand.
*Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
*Benediction
Postlude
“We're Marching to Zion” — arr. Larry Shackley
To Disperse in Mission
Invitation to Communion
The Lord's Supper
Prayer after Receiving
Let us pray: Eternal God, having shared in your sacred meal, let us now also share in your sacred work. Use these earthly elements to sustain and energize our bodies, minds and spirits. Open us to the transformation within that comes from this shared communion experience. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
To celebrate holy communion
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Pianist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Dawn Yehl, 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
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” © 2012 Hal Leonard Corporation; 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.
Permissions:
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 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 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 Carol Wright, mother of Wendy Wright, who passed away on July 18, 2022.
Celebrations and concerns
PPD READERS NEEDED!
Sunday 9:45 am 6th–12th Grade Youth Sunday School —1040 Youth Room 11 am Worship Service Outdoors and Livestream —1040 Front Lawn 12 pm Church-wide Carnival and Talent Show —1040 Front Lawn 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall Monday Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 9 am VBS: Under Construction—1040 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 Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9 am VBS: Under Construction—1040 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 Wednesday Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 9 am VBS: Under Construction—1040 10 am A Year of Biblical Womanhood: Summer Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm "Amazing Grace": A Worship Celebration —1040 Front Lawn 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope—1050 Porch Thursday Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 9 am VBS: Under Construction—1040 5:30 pm VBS Family Night—1040 Front Lawn 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall FRIday Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 SATURDAY Youth Mission Trip: Middle School—1040 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!
"Amazing Grace" — A Worship Celebration
Gentle Yoga (Tuesdays)
Meetings & Rehearsals August 7–13
Summer Choir
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 today 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!
After a four-week hiatus, Summer Choir has resumed and will 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.
Summer Choir Resumes
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
Amazing Grace
CHURCH-WIDE CARNIVAL
A Worship Celebration
Tent Sunday, August 7, following the 11 am service
& TALENT SHOW
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.
MAKE SURE TO STAY FOR THE TALENT SHOW AND CARNIVAL!!
Wednesday, August 10, 6 pm Refreshments, 7 pm celebration, Front Lawn Tent
Featuring musician Nairobi Smith!
Join us for hot dogs, bouncy house, and a talent show! The church-wide carnival is free to all.
*Processional Hymn
#529 “How Firm a Foundation”
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1-2 Words: John Ovenham; Tune: McKee, Spiritual, arr. Harry T. Burleigh
#599 “Break Thou the Bread of Life”
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