August 21, 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
“Trumpet Overture” — Henry Purcell
Introit
Stand up and bless the Lord, ye people of God’s choice; stand up and bless the Lord your God with heart and soul and voice. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The living God, the living, moving, Spirit of God has called us together. We gather in witness, in celebration, in struggle. Reach out to each other! Our God reaches out to us! Take the hand that is offered to you in the love of God. Let us worship God.
*Opening Hymn
#108 “God Hath Spoken by the Prophets” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#261 “Lord of the Dance” (vv. 1, 5)
11 am • August 21, 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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Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
We are yours, God. Remind us that every person is equally beloved of you. We stand together, poised on the brink of even greater things. And yet we stumble. We forget to offer our hand to help those around us. We refuse the help of others. Forgive us, and remind us to look for the friend and the stranger in need, even when it is we who need help.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
O God, we adore the glory and the truth that is you. Everything that is within us utters your praise. 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.
Upcoming Event
Women of the Well Presents: "Blessed are the Givers of Life" — Saturday, September 17
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Jeremiah 1:4-10
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
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.
Anthem
“Master, Thou Callest” — John Ellis; words by Fanny Crosby Master, thou callest, I gladly obey; only direct me, and I'll find thy way. Teach me the mission appointed for me, what is my labor, and where it shall be. Master, thou callest, and this I reply, "Ready and willing, Lord, here am I." Willing, my Savior, to take up the cross; willing to suffer reproaches and loss. Willing to follow, if thou wilt but lead; only support me with grace in my need. Master, thou callest, and this I reply, "Ready and willing, Lord, here am I."
*Hymn
#377 “It Is Well with My Soul” (vv. 1, 4)
Sermon
Always
Call to Prayer
O for the living flame from God’s own altar brought, to touch our lips, our minds inspire, and wing to heaven our thought. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter)
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.
Offertory Dan McInerney, Tenor Jordan Bachmann, Baritone
“Be Thou My Vision” — traditional Irish hymn, arr. Craig Courtney 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. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise; thou mine inheritance, now and always. Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
“Master, Thou Callest” © 2001 Coronet Press; "Be Thou My Vision" © 1989 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; 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
God of Creation and all that is true, we dedicate these gifts to you. Use them to heal the sick, soothe those in prison, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#200 “Tell Out, My Soul”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Arthur Frackenpohl)
Postlude
“Fanfare” — Henry Purcell
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Jackie Nelson Lay Reader: Cristy Peck Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Summer Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, 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
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; in loving memory of our daughter Nina Shah on her August birthday; and in celebration of the wedding of Anna Burgin and Joseph Schaler. 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.
Celebrations and concerns
After a season of prayer and discernment, Bishop Mark J. Webb made the decision to retire from the active episcopacy on Dec. 31, 2022. Recently, he submitted a request for retirement to the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Council of Bishops. Over the next few months, Bishop Webb will continue to assist leaders and congregations of Upper New York in preparing for days of ministry ahead. The mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” continues. Read Bishop Webb's full letter to the Upper New York Conference at asburyfirst.org/news.
Bishop Mark J. Webb Retiring
Gentle Yoga (Tuesdays)
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors—1040 Front Lawn 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 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
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Meetings & Rehearsals August 21–27
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
Summer Choir
Lectio Divina
NOTA Farmers Market
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.
Begins Tuesday, September 13, 12-3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room)
The Asbury Art Class will begin working on projects with polymer clay! (Think Sculpey — although there are other brands). We will explore the properties of polymer clay to develop milleflora techniques as well as for practical uses for in-the-home items. Class will begin on Tuesday, September 13 at noon. Please check asburyfirst.org/news for more information. Call or email Linda Clemow to register at soulsourcestudio1@gmail.com or 607-434-0500.
START SHOPPING FOR OUR SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE!
ASBURY FIRST
Art Class
Monday, August 22, 4-7 pm, Granger Lawn BOGO—Buy one get one free sale is featured at the Asbury First book booth at the NOTA Farm Market Monday. A wide selection of books for every interest and level are on sale—buy one get one free. Fiction, nonfiction, adult and children’s books are on display and sale. Visit the Asbury First book tables at the sale next to the church on Granger Lawn from 4-7 pm on Monday. Proceeds from the sale go to the support of the Asbury First Church Library.
AUDITIONS: Sunday, September 11, 1 pm, Fellowship Hall REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm, September 14-November 2, Fellowship Hall SHOWS: November 4-6
ANNOUNCING THE 2022 YOUTH MUSICAL!
Super Special Book Sale at the NOTA Farmers Market
Auditions are coming up for this year's Youth Musical. Join us on Sunday, September 11 at 1 pm in Fellowship Hall for auditions and the first rehearsal! The beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, Snoopy!!!, sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz's unforgettable characters. For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/news.
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
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.
Advance registration required for lunch • $10 per person Register online at asburyfirst.org/giversoflife.
September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM - 3 PM
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.
Sunday, September 11
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.
Together in Ministry Sunday
Continued on next page
*Processional Hymn
#108 “God Has Spoken by the Prophets”
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
#261 “Lord of the Dance”, vv. 1, 5
#200 “Tell Out, My Soul” Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith; Tune: Woodlands, Walter Greatorex