August 14, 2022 • 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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
“Processional” — Matthew H. Corl “My Lord, What a Morning” — arr. Robert W. Thygerson
Introit
Come by here, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Be in love with life! Wrestle with the chaos and the pain within yourself and within others. Spirit echoing Spirit, trusting in the power of love. See the peace of wholeness, the joy that comes from being with God. Strive and yearn and cry out from your very depths and heights, And so become friends and partners with God. Let us worship God!
*Opening Hymn
#731 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#408 “The Gift of Love” (vv. 1, 3)
11 am • August 14, 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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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
O God, we bring to you our failure, our hunger, our disappointment, our despair. We bring our greed, our aloofness, our loneliness. When we cling to others in desperation, when we turn from them in fear, strengthen us in love. Teach us to use our words with care.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
O God, you love us unconditionally. Shower us with the assurance that our sins are forgiven and your balance is restored. 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
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Tessa Florence von Hörston, child of Stacey Featherstone & Hendrik von Hörsten, born January 20, 2021; officiated by Rev. Gil Mitchell, Tessa's great-grandfather
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? 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 way that leads to life eternal.
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
To celebrate baptism
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 John 21:15-19
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
To hear the word
*Hymn
#719 “My Lord, What a Morning”
Sermon
God's Balance
Anthem VBS Participants
“The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” — Anonymous The wise man built his house upon the rock; (3x) And the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up; (3x) And the house on the rock stood firm. The foolish man built his house upon the sand; (3x) And the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up; (3x) And the house on the sand went smash.
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.
Call to Prayer
Someone needs you, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory
“More Love to Thee” — Richard Kingsmore; words by Elizabeth Prentiss More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee; This is my earnest plea: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee! Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee! Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
“More Love to Thee” © 2008 Alfred Publishing Co.; 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 Aleeya Bourcy; with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*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
Generous God, we praise you for your mighty and abundant love. Work through the gifts we return to you, that others may know your great love. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Send a blessing, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (Traditional Spiritual)
Postlude
“Joyous Recessional” — Matthew H. Corl
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Mike Mullin, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Susan Shafer Lay Reader: Ike Jordan Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Summer Choir Section Leaders: Abby Rice, Brenda Nitsch, 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
Throughout the week the children did some amazing activities while constructing faith and friendship. Here are some highlights: Made kinetic sand Worked on a bench that will go in the community garden Made sheet rock candy Played musical tag Built cardboard houses Learned about 3D printers Made pour paintings Explored construction vehicles! Thank you to all the volunteers and the youth group for making this week such a great success!
THANK YOU for supporting Mothers In Need of Others
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jeremy Thacher Strong, son of David and Jeanne Strong; and in celebration of the wedding of Bella Kettavong and Bobby Wilkes. 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.
Celebrations and concerns
To learn more about MINO, visit projecturge.org/mino-1.
Mothers In Need of Others (MINO) provides emergency items for single mothers and families in crisis. We are so grateful to the amazing response and support. We collected 20 cleaning bags and 30 hygiene bags with a total of around 350 items! This will make such a difference for families in need!
VBS a Great Success!
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors—1040 Front Lawn 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall Monday 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 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 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 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope—1050 Porch Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall SATURDAY 9 am Yoga on the Lawn—1050 Granger Lawn 11 am Memorial Service for Adrienne Dahl
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
NOTA Farmers Market
Gentle Yoga (Tuesdays)
Meetings & Rehearsals August 14–21
Summer Choir
Lectio Divina
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
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.
START SHOPPING FOR OUR SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE!
Summer Choir Resumes
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.
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.
Sunday, September 11
Together in Ministry Sunday
Help kick off the Fall season by joining us for Together in Ministry service at 11 am on Sunday, September 11. You'll have a chance to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities as Asbury First, and get more information on the build up to opening our new Outreach Center. We are thrilled to be so close to completing this project and now look toward the many ways we can help our community. We hope to see you there! For more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@ asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.
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
Advance registration required for lunch • $10 per person Register online at asburyfirst.org/g.
To register for the event, or if you have any questions, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.
On September 17, all are invited to a daylong sharing of story telling and discussions about women from ancient to the present time who embody "Givers of Life" by their faith.
September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM - 3 PM
Continued on next page
*Processional Hymn
#731 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#408 “The Gift of Love”, vv. 1, 3 Words: Hal Hopson; Tune: Gift of Love, Traditional English melody, arr. Hal Hopson
#719 “My Lord, What a Morning” Traditional Spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
#384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Beecher, John Zundel
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)