To worship with us
August 20, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE 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 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. 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. 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 or at 585-271-1050 x111. 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.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • August 20, 2023
Prelude
The Church’s One Foundation — arr. Chris Rice Great Is Thy Faithfulness — arr. Chris Rice How Great Thou Art — arr. Chris Rice
Introit
How good and pleasant is the sight when kindred make it their delight to dwell in blest accord; such love is like anointing oil that consecrates for holy toil the servants of the Lord. (Words: Psalm 133; Tune: Americus, Charles H. Gabriel)
*Call to Worship Based on Isaiah 56
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come and worship, all you who love and serve the Lord: Outsiders and insiders, old-timers and new-comers, the young, the old, and the in-between. We come as we are, for this is God’s house! This is a house of prayer for all people. God welcomes each one who comes.
*Processional Hymn
"In Unity We Lift Our Song” This hymn can be found on the following page.
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", vv. 1, 2
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The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
"In Unity We Lift Our Song"
11 am
*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.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we come before you carrying our burdens of anger and resentment. Free us, we pray, from the harms of hatred and self-righteousness. We bring our fears and prejudices, seeking your healing. Save us from the fear that paralyzes us and keeps us from opening our hearts. Help us to know the joy of living in peace and harmony. Help us to reach out to everyone, especially those most in need of your love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. God’s saving love is ours, even before we ask. Rejoice in this knowledge, and be transformed. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and renewed. Amen.
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Cora Everley McMinn (born March 17, 2023), child of Amanda and Robert McMinn
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.
Prayer
Hymnal #611, v. 1
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
*Hymn
#121 "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy"
Sermon
How Wide Is God's Mercy?
Scripture Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.
Anthem Jordan Bachmann, Soloist
“Lord, I Stretch My Hands to You” — Jay Althouse Lord, I stretch my hands to you; no other help I know. If you should leave me all alone, where, then, shall I go? Oh, Lord, I give my soul to you; I seek your care and love. No other blessings do I need but those from you above. Lord, I ask you: give me faith, and help me understand. And, Lord, when I this life shall leave, just hold me in your hand. Lord, I stretch my hands to you; no other help I know. If you should leave me all alone, where, then, shall I go? Oh, Lord, I stretch my hands to you. Amen.
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.
To hear the word
Offertory
“Love Has Broken Down the Wall” — words and music by Mark A. Miller Love has broken down the wall, love has broken down the wall. Let us join our hearts as one. Love has broken down the wall. We’re accepted as we are, we’re accepted as we are. Through love’s power, all is reconciled. We’re accepted as we are. Cast aside your doubts and fears, cast aside your doubts and fears. Peace and love, freely offered here; cast aside your doubts and fears. We will tear down the walls! We will tear down every wall! Love has called us, one and all. Love has broken down the wall.
Call to Prayer
Come, then, children, with your burdens, life’s confusions, fears and pain. Leave them at the cross of Jesus; take instead the kingdom’s reign. Bring your thirsts, for God will quench them; God alone will satisfy. All our longings find attainment when to self we gladly die. (Words: Marva Dawn; Tune: Beach Spring, arr. Dale Wood)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
*Recessional Hymn
#428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir, conducted by Brenda Nitsch Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Head Usher: Dennis Roote Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“Lord, I Stretch My Hands to You” © 1992, 2016 Hope Publishing Co.; “Love Has Broken Down the Wall” © 2014 Choristers Guild; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, 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
Faithful God, bless our offerings, that your vision of a world without fear and want may become reality. Accept our gifts as tokens of our commitment to make all people one in your name. Amen.
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Danish)
Postlude
“Rigaudon” — Andre Campra
9 am • August 20, 2023
*Call to Worship
*Opening Song
"Seek Ye First” (Words and music by Karen Lafferty) Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Alleluia. Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find. Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you. Alleluia.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Matthew 15:21-28 (found on p. 6)
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you check in with us by scanning the QR code, or by visiting asburyfirst.org/worship-check-in.
OUTDOOR service
*Closing Song
“This Is the Day” (sung twice) (Words and Music traditional) This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Musician: Jessica Giordano
9 am
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. 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 UMCOR at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. 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. JOYS AND CELEBRATIONS We celebrate the upcoming wedding of Mary Church and Dan Smith on Saturday, August 26 at 3 pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and a cookie reception in the Gathering Center. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Ted Epping, who died on July 22. His memorial service will be held on September 30 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of of Jane Jeszenka who died on August 16. We will share information about a service for Jane as soon as the details are finalized.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals August 20–26
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 10 am Summer Choir rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—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—Returns in September 3 pm Gentle Yoga—Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7:30 am Bicycle Repairs—Garage behind 1010 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 6:30 pm Red Wings Game—Innovative Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, NY 14608 Saturday 3 pm Mary Church/Dan Smith Wedding (All are invited!)
Get a Tie-Dye T-Shirt for $15 to wear to the game! Shirts will be on sale Sunday mornings, or by contacting the church office at 585-271-1050. Learn more at asburyfirst.org
Sunday, September 10
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
Together in Ministry Sunday
Join us at the Red Wings vs. Worcester Red Sox game. Tickets will be $10, and we have reserved 100 seats. Our hope is to have a good sized group represent Asbury First.
It’s time to dream again as a congregation! Join us for Together in Ministry Sunday on September 10 as we celebrate what and begin to dream together again about who God is calling us to be in the years ahead. Together in Ministry Sunday is our traditional kick-off for the programmatic year and an opportunity to come back to worship in person (or online), to invite a friend, to sign up for a small group, to volunteer for a new role (outreach, hospitality, administration, etc.), and, this year, to dream again! Come and share your dreams! We hope to see you then!
Join us for a game!
Friday, August 25, 6:45 pm, Frontier Field
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#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds”, vv. 1, 2
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#121 "There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy"
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