9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
August 18, 2024
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant *indicates part-time status
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 us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support our everyday ministries and operations, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“Preludes for Piano” — David Temperley, pianist/composer
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, let us gather with mindful hearts, seeking the wisdom that guides our lives. We come to discern God's will, eager to live with purpose and understanding. Let us open ourselves to the Spirit’s movement, calling us from the patterns of this passing world. We gather to listen and to be renewed. Together, we give thanks for the blessings of each day, finding unity in our shared faith. Let us worship with minds and hearts open to the power and presence of God-with-us.
*Processional Hymn
#62 “All Creatures of Our God and King”, vv. 1-4
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • August 18, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, we confess that our “Christian living” sometimes doesn’t look like it. We have too often wasted time and resources on things that do not bring glory to your name. We often fail to seek your will and the guidance of your Spirit. Forgive us for the times we have not given thanks in all circumstances. Help us to live carefully and wisely, making the most of every opportunity to serve you and others. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may speak and act in ways that honor you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: Christ has forgiven our sins and made us whole! Come, Holy Spirit, and continue to lead us to live wisely. 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.
*Gathering Hymn
"In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful", sung three times
Minute for Mission
UR Well Clinic — Bruce Thompson
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
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.
To hear the word
Scripture Ephesians 5:6-20 (The Message by Eugene Peterson)
Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with God. Don’t even hang around people like that. You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge drafts of God. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, soprano Megan Ormsbee, mezzo-soprano Carl Johengen, piano
“Come, Thou Fount” — John Wyeth, arr. Craig Courtney; words by Robert Robinson Come, thou Fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love! Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.
*Hymn
#451 “Be Thou My Vision”
Sermon
Pastoral Prayer
“Come, Thou Fount” © 1989 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith and Ly Tran
*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
Loving God, we present these gifts as an expression of our gratitude and commitment to your work. May they be a reflection of our desire to serve you faithfully. Bless these resources, that they may bear fruit in our community and beyond, bringing light to whomever they touch. We dedicate them to your glory and purpose, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
#539 "O Spirit of the Living God"
*Benediction
Postlude
“Rhythmic Study No. 1” — David Temperley, pianist/composer
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Dave Kay Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Pianist: David Temperley Soloists: Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, Megan Ormsbee Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer/Acolyte: Griffin Allen, Alé Bucci Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Kenny Bailey, Rick Church, Bob Peck, Preston Loughney Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
“Be Thou My Vision” (Mary Byrne/Eleanor Hull; trad. Irish tune) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; Thou and thou only, first in my heart, Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art. Great God of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
9 am • August 18, 2024
*Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Ephesians 5:6-20 (found on pg. 5)
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.
Prayer
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
We are expanding the roster of readers, and whether you are new to this ministry or have served in the past, we'd love to hear from you! Our hope is to set up a schedule several months in advance, to allow for flexibility. Training is available! Please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel, kthiel@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x106. Let us know if you're interested in the 9 or 11 am service, or both. This invitation is also extended to those who are connected via the livestream! Contact Kathy and she will help to make arrangements.
Seeking Readers for the 9 and 11 am services
*Closing Song
“Christ Be Beside Me” (Words: James Quinn, S.J.; Scottish tune) Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart; Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me never to part. Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife; Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life. Christ be in all hearts thinking about me, Christ be on all tongues telling of me; Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, in ears that hear me Christ ever be.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Dave Kay Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musicians: Chris Gold, Carl Johengen
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jack Latshaw by his wife Donna and family. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Carolyn DiStasio who died on July 22. Our hearts and prayers are with Jim Reed and his family. Jim's sister, Nancy Reed, died on July 22. Our hearts and prayers are with Danyelle and Eric Hildreth and their children Mallory and Ethan on the death of Danyelle's father, Carl "Doc" Dockstader on July 22. Our hearts and prayers are with Linda Betstadt whose mother, Ethel F. Mackwirth, died on August 7. Our hearts and prayers are with Johanna Mahan and her family on the death of her mother, Marjorie Stevens, who died August 12. A memorial service will be held at Asbury First on Friday, August 30 at 3 pm.
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
Do you love perusing books? Do you love a cozy place to sit? Would you love a quiet place to catch up with a friend after the service? The Asbury First library is a perfect place for all these activities, located just around the corner from the Gathering Center in the Education Wing. This week the bibliocart will focus on Lent, Easter and Women’s History.
Celebrations and concerns
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Front Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040, Education Wing 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Fellowship Hall WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 4 pm East Ave Community Market Days — on the Granger Lawn (weather permitting) 5:30 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group — 1010, COC Red Room Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center SATURDAY 10 am Divorce Support Group — 1050, Teak Room NEXT SUNday (8/25) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Granger Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 18– August 25
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
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
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: by Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost [xxxxxxxx]
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is praying for you. Do you need prayer for health issues, parenting struggles, financial needs, issues with your job or any other reason? We have you covered in prayer and want you to have a Prayer Square to remind you that you are not alone. You can pick up a prayer square for yourself or someone else you know who needs to know they are being prayed for at the Welcome Desk.
AUDITIONS: Saturday, September 7 at 1 pm CALLBACKS: Sunday, September 8 at 2 pm (both auditions and callbacks will be held in Fellowship Hall, 1040)
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
We are better together, most especially when we can be present for each other in the tough times. It is in this spirit that we are forming a support group for individuals with prostate cancer - if you have just been diagnosed and are being treated, if you are a survivor, or if you are somewhere in-between, you are invited to join us for an initial meeting on Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 pm in the Red Room (1010, COC). Wholistic care makes a huge difference in helping individuals with cancer achieve levels of remission or enhanced functionality, and we are glad to offer a way to connect spiritually as a way to support each other. Please come and bring a support person if you would like. Contact Joe Stankaitis (jstankaitis@hotmail.com), Kathy Thiel (kthiel@asburyfirst.org or 271-1050 x106) or David Strong (dstrong@asburyfirst.org or 271-1050 x110) with any questions.
PRAYER SQUARES
Perhaps you’re splitting the Hostas in the garden and unsure what to do with them? We’re looking for a few additional sun hardy perennials to complete the gardens in front of the Dining and Caring Center. Contact Peggy Hack at peghack@aol.com to make arrangements to help further beautify our grounds.
Our Youth Musical this Fall is Newsies! Auditions begin in September with show dates of November 22, 23 and 24. We're excited to put together another incredible musical experience! For more information, please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Prostate-Cancer Support Group
The East Ave Community Market has returned to Asbury First's Granger Lawn Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm through the end of August. Don't miss this celebration of small local makers and growers! The market features free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more.
YOUTH MUSICAL AUDITIONS
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Donate a Plant or Two!
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
If you're interested, don't be shy! Send an email to the Outreach Committee Chairwoman, Diana Carter at dianalouisecarter@gmail.com or call at (585) 732-7224
GREETER COORDINATOR Evarts UR Well Clinic is in need of a Greeter Coordinator to assist with scheduling and supporting greeters at our Outreach Center. Contact Mary Scahill at (585) 705-6112 or mscahill404@gmail.com
COOKIE BAKERS If you are interested in helping out by baking some cookies for our Sunday gatherings, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information.
JOIN THE TEAM for Dining In for Outreach Would you like to help throw our biggest party of the year? This involves soliciting sponsors, signing up hosts and guests, coordinating printed materials and other tasks. The 2024 dinner will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, so plan on a short-term commitment and lots of fun!
1010 Tuesdays are back!
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, join us for 1010 TUESDAYS, a tour of our one-year-old Community Outreach Center concluding with a light breakfast and a question-and-answer session. Bring a friend or colleague, and help us spread the word. Fall dates for 1010 Tuesdays tours are September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code, visiting asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or calling (585) 271-1050 x117.
PICTURE-TAKER Asbury First is a-buzz with activity! We're looking for someone who likes snapping pics to share with us for social media and our website. Whether you're a seasoned pro, or a novice with a knack for selfies, get in touch! Email David Stith at communications@asburyfirst.org
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.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
School Supply Drive for School 17
Are you interested in joining one of Asbury First's music ministries?
Asbury First's music groups will resume weekly rehearsals in September, and new members are always warmly welcome! If you have an interest in joining one of them, reach out to our team of Music Ministry leaders: Sanctuary Choir — Dr. Carl Johengen (cjohengen@asburyfirst.org) — first rehearsal of the new season is Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 - 9:00 pm in Wesley Hall. Asbury Ringers — Elizabeth Church (echurch@asburyfirst.org) — rehearsals resume on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 - 8:00 pm in Room 205 in the Education Wing. Asbury Orchestra — Laurie Kennedy (lkennedy@asburyfirst.org) — rehearsals for fall begin on Sunday, October 6. Youth Music — Carol Lamica (clamica@asburyfirst.org) — Auditions for the Youth Musical "Newsies" are on Saturday, September 7. See ad on page 13 for more details. Children's Music — Holly Temming (htemming@asburyfirst.org) — Hallelujah Kids (5–5:30 pm) and Wesley Singers and Ringers (6–7 pm) resume in Room 201 (1040, upper level), Wednesday, September 11.
We are collecting school supplies for Pre-K to 6th grade students at School 17. Bring your donations to the Welcome Hall any Sunday between August 18 and September 8. Items needed include: backpacks, 24-count crayons, pencils, colored- pencils, erasers and eraser tops, ink pens (blue, black, and red), color- safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-colored folders with pockets, three-ring binders, composition books, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Thank YOU for your continued support! For more information, please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624, or by email at jhsmalt@gmail.com
#62 “All Creatures of Our God and King”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)