August 9, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Joe Stankaitis Musicians: Chris Gold, Carl Johengen
{{page}}
SIGN IN HERE
WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #145 "Morning Has Broken" (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22-33 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" (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, organ: Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, BWV 555 — J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 557 — J.S. Bach INTROIT: How pleased and blest was I to hear the people cry: “Come, let us seek our God today!” Yes, with a cheerful zeal we haste to Zion’s hill, and there our vows and honors pay. (Words: Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 122; Tune: Crusaders’ Hymn, Silesian folk melody) *CALL TO WORSHIP The wind rises. The waves grow higher. The night feels long. Still, Christ comes toward us. "Take heart," he says. "It is I. Do not be afraid." We lift our eyes to the One who never abandons us. Whether our faith feels steady or our courage falters, we worship the Christ who reaches out his hand. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #512 "Stand by Me" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #129 "Give to the Wind Thy Fears", vv. 1, 2, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of steadfast presence, there are times when fear speaks louder than faith. We become overwhelmed by what surrounds us. We focus on the strength of the wind instead of the nearness of Christ. We doubt your presence when the journey grows difficult, and we question ourselves when our courage begins to falter. Yet you call us to trust your love more than our fears. When we begin to sink beneath the weight of anxiety, reach out your hand once more. Steady our steps, quiet our hearts, and teach us to live with confidence in your faithful presence. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Hear this good news: God does not stand at a distance. Again and again, God draws near to us; the hand that lifted Peter is the hand that still reaches toward us today. Christ holds us fast. 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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Camryn Dani Mitchell, born May 1, 2026, child of Laura & Skyler Mitchell 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 AND BAPTISM *Congregational Pledge Siblings of the household of faith... what promise will you make to this family? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal. *HYMN: #611, v. 1, 3 Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. Child of joy, our dearest treasure, God’s you are, from God you came. Back to God we humbly give you, live as one who bears Christ’s name. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22-33 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 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. ANTHEM: Brenda Nitsch, soloist “Love Is But My Answer” — Carlton T. Russell; author unknown I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew he moved my soul to seek him, seeking me; it was not I that found, O Savior true; no, I was found of thee. Thou didst reach forth thy hand and mine enfold; I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea; twas not so much that I on thee took hold, as thou, dear Lord, on me. I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole of love is but my answer, Lord, to thee; for thou wert long beforehand with my soul, always thou lovedst me. CHILDREN'S TIME: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf, Coordinator 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: #521 "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" SERMON CALL TO PRAYER God, our Creator, hear our prayer, and bless all souls that wait before you. (Music: Felix Mendelssohn) PASTORAL PRAYER 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 on the form. OFFERTORY: Summer Choir “Sure Foundation” — Mark Hayes, incorporating “How Firm a Foundation”, early American melody When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the river, I am there. Floods may seem to overwhelm you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. When you pass through the fire, you shall not be burned. When the flame would consume you, I am there. Fiery trials may assail you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. Do not fear, I have redeemed you. I have called you. You are mine. You can trust my sure foundation, until the end of time. "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. "When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine." (cont'd) The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” I will never forsake you, do not fear! *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Faithful God, you meet us in calm waters and in storm-tossed seas. Receive these gifts, offered with grateful hearts, and use them to strengthen those who are weary, discouraged, or searching for hope. May our generosity become a sign that your steadfast love is present wherever fear threatens to overwhelm. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: “In Thee is Gladness” — J.S. Bach
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
“Love Is But My Answer” © 2013 St. James Music Press; “Sure Foundation” © 2012 Word Music, LLC; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Cristy Peck Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Jim Jefferis, Robert Cowles Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolytes: Kathie Collier-Bryant, Ethan Hildreth Altar Guild Team: Ellen Williams, Beth Rice, Barb Denegris Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Suite Team: Dave Berg, Rick Church, Noël Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
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.
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
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!
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
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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
ALL AGES FUN
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 9 – August 16
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
1 pm
Companions in Christ – 1050, Pastor Michelle's Office
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
11 am
Donna Schell Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
2:30 pm
Dan Fultz Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (8/16)
9 am
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
5 pm
All Ages: Kickball Tournament – Granger Lawn
SUNDAY
Summer Choir Rehearsal – Wesley Hall
3 pm
All Ages: Ice Cream Crawl
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
Gentle Yoga – 1010, Red Room
6:30 pm
TransParent Meeting – 1040, Smart Meeting Room
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
LECTIO DIVINA
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAILS
Do you have a hedge trimmer gathering dust in your garage? Help us keep our grounds as beautiful as they can be!
Campus Grounds Volunteers Needed!
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.
Stay Connected to the Life of 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!
Help Me Connect!
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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!
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.
The Columbarium & Memorial Garden
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.
WANTED: a lightly used Electric Hedge Trimmer
Lectio Divina Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9 am and Thursdays, 8 – 9 am, both via Zoom Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture. There is prayer, reading of the passage, silent contemplation and discussion. The silence is an opportunity to reflect upon what you experienced in the scripture and how it resonates with you. Come to either or both sessions. For more information please contact Lori Jeanne Peloquin: programs@asburyfirst.org. All are welcome.
Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Tears of Things
Join the Wednesday Morning Book Study this fall for The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage by Richard Rohr, starting September 9, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (at 1010). Explore contemplative wisdom for navigating outrage and grief while holding onto hope. A relaxed 5-week format with community sharing. Get your book and read the Introduction and Chapters 1–2 before our first session!
Banned Book Club – Boy Erased
Wednesday Morning Book Study – Opening Meeting
Join us Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (at 1010) for the Wednesday Morning Book Study season opener—no reading required! We'll catch up, share summer joys and concerns, meet new faces, and preview the coming season. Our first book, Richard Rohr's The Tears of Things, begins September 9. Come for coffee, stay for community—we can't wait to see you!
Monday, September 14, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room, join us for a discussion of Boy Erased, by Gerrard Conley, recounting his childhood in a fundamentalist Arkansas family that enrolled him in conversion therapy.
The Library Needs Your Help!
Your library is missing 8 biographies! Please check your bookshelves at home (or work!) to see if you have any of them. They are: Lovely One by Ketani Brown Jackson, Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson, Breaking Night by Liz Murray, Heavenly Man by Brother Yun, Open Heart by Elie Wiesel, Seven Men by Eric Metaxas, Seven Women by Eric Metaxas, and Spare by Harry, Prince Duke of Sussex. Thank you for your help!
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.
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 Faith Formation, 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
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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.
Summer Singing Sunday 11 am, August 23 Hymn Service
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
Discussion of Life After Doom
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
The Finance Committee is pleased to share that for 2026 year to date both the General and COC Budgets Income & Expenses are on-budget. A huge thank you to everyone for your ongoing generosity—and for the ongoing careful management of our expenses by our staff and many volunteers. If you would like detailed budget information, please see the July Finance Committee Meeting Minutes by visiting asburyfirst.org/committees. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please email finance@asburyfirst.org. We welcome your feedback.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #512 "Stand by Me"
*GATHERING HYMN: #129 "Give to the Wind Thy Fears", vv. 1, 2, 4
*HYMN: #521 "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me"
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"