August 16, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Teddi Urriola Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #374 "Standing on the Promises" (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 15:21-28 (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: #568 "Christ for the World We Sing" (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.)
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PRELUDE: Duane Prill, organ: “Five Canzonetti” for Organ — Noël Goemanne *CALL TO WORSHIP A woman cries out from beyond the boundaries of belonging. Hear us, O God. She refuses to believe that mercy is meant for someone else. Make room among us for persistent hope. A conversation becomes an opening; a boundary gives way to blessing. We worship the God whose grace reaches farther than we expect. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #374 "Standing on the Promises" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #553 “And Are We Yet Alive”, vv. 1, 2, 6 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of persistent mercy, we do not always listen as carefully as love requires. We make assumptions before we know the whole story. We become certain of our own perspective and miss what another person is trying to tell us. We grow weary of complicated needs and sometimes allow that weariness to diminish our compassion. Give us wisdom that does not turn away from complexity, compassion that does not depend upon easy answers, and humility enough to recognize when another voice has something to teach us. Keep us attentive to the people before us and faithful to the mercy you have shown us. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Grace is not exhausted by our limitations. God hears the cries we overlook, honors faith where we do not expect it, and continues to meet us with mercy. And God’s mercy is wider than we know. *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. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 15:21-28 (Common English Bible) From there, Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, “Show me mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession.” But he didn’t respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, “Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us.” Jesus replied, “I’ve been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel.” But she knelt before him and said, “Lord, help me.” He replied, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and toss it to dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off their masters’ table.” Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith. It will be just as you wish.” And right then her daughter was healed. 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: Dan McInerney, soloist “Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit” — Thomas J. Williams (Ebenezer); words by Thomas Troeger “Silence, frenzied, unclean spirit!” cried God’s healing Holy One. “Cease your ranting! Flesh can’t bear it. Flee as night before the sun.” At Christ’s words the demon trembled, from its victim madly rushed, while the crowd that was assembled stood in wonder, stunned and hushed. Lord, the demons still are thriving in the gray cells of the mind: tyrant voices, shrill and driving, twisted thoughts that grip and bind, doubts that stir the heart to panic, fear distorting reason’s sight, guilt that makes our loving frantic, dreams that cloud the soul with fright. Silence, Lord, the unclean spirit in our mind and in our heart; speak your word that when we hear it, all our demons shall depart. Clear our thought and calm our feeling; still the fractured, warring soul. By the power of your healing make us faithful, true, and whole. CHILDREN'S TIME: Alex Hunt, Associate 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: "Healer of Our Every Ill" SERMON 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: Heather Anne Tinling, soloist “The Greatest of These”, from Philemon — Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not love, Though I’m blessed with the special gift of prophecy and have not love, Though my faith is strong enough to move a mountain, Though I bestow my worldly goods to feed the poor, Though my body may be tortured, if I have not lived with love, I am nothing but a sounding brass, a tinkling cymbal - nothing. But with love I can bear it all rejoicing, because of love. For love suffers everything, love beareth everything! Love hopeth everything! Love believeth everything! There abide three things: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. My dearest loved one, whatever they do, don’t let them take away your ability to love. *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 God of grace, we offer these gifts with gratitude and trust. Receive what we bring and use it in ways larger than we can see: To strengthen faith, to nurture hope, and to share the good news of your love. May our generosity reflect our confidence in your continuing work among us and within the world. Through Christ we pray, Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #568 "Christ for the World We Sing" *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: “Rigaudon” — Andre Campra
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.
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“Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit” words © 1984 Oxford University Press;“The Greatest of These” © 1975 Chappel and Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Discover your creative sanctuary at the Asbury Women's Art Class, a warm, non-judgmental space to unwind and explore creativity as prayer, meditation, and reflection—process over product, no experience needed. Join us Fridays, 1 to 3 pm starting September 11, in Room 205 (the bell room in 1040). Supply fee varies; a free-will offering supports the facilitator. Come as you are, leave renewed. Questions or registration: programs@asburyfirst.org
Permissions:
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 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.
Beginning September 11, Fridays, 1 to 3 pm
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Teddi Urriola Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Dan McInerney, Heather Ann Tinling Acolytes: Elizabeth Church, Sean Cundy Altar Guild Team: Ellen Williams, Beth Rice, Barb Denegris Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 16 – August 23
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
11 am
Basil Elmer Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (8/23)
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
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps have increased in cost again from $.61 to $.65. If you wish to support the Social Justice Team's postcard writing initiative please leave the stamps at 1050 East Ave or drop them off at 1010, in the Red Room, any Thursday morning from 10 to 12 pm (at which time you can also join us to write postcards). Thank you for your support!
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
Stay Connected to the Life of Asbury First!
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Campus Grounds Volunteers Needed!
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.
LECTIO DIVINA
Help Me Connect!
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
Wednesday Morning Book Study – Opening Meeting
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!
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!
Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Tears of Things
Banned Book Club – Boy Erased
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!
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
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.
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
Join us for pick-up kickball games on Granger Lawn starting at 5 pm on Sundays August 16, 23, and 30. All ages are invited; if you can kick, catch, or throw a ball, we’ve got a position waiting for you. Games will last until 8 pm or when folks want to go home, whichever comes first. B.Y.O. water, sunscreen, and running shoes and we’ll see you on the field! Questions? Email programs@asburyfirst.org.
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
We are setting aside the 11 am Worship Service on Sunday, August 23 as a service centered around favorite hymns. Come ready to sing, and give some thought to what hymns you'd love to have included. During the pre-service prelude and the offertory, you'll be invited to call out your favorite hymn from the United Methodist Hymnal!
ALL AGES KICKBALL AT ASBURY FIRST
Summer Singing Sunday 11 am, August 23 Hymn Service
Discussion of Life After Doom
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #374 "Standing on the Promises"
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #374 "Standing on the Promises" (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #553 “And Are We Yet Alive”, vv. 1, 2, 6
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #568 "Christ for the World We Sing"