August 23, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Carole Roote Musician: Carl Johengen
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #657 "This Is the Day” (found on the handout - sung twice) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16:13-20 (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: #529 "How Firm a Foundation", vv. 1, 2, 5 (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: Hymn Sing, emceed by Carl Johengen If you have a favorite hymn you'd like to have sung during this time, please be prepared to call it out by number in the United Methodist Hymnal. There will be additional time for requests during the Offertory. *CALL TO WORSHIP Jesus asks his disciples what they have heard others say. There are plenty of answers. Then the question becomes personal: “Who do you say that I am?” You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Our answers may grow and deepen over a lifetime, but still Christ calls us to follow. With hearts open to discovery, we worship the living God. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #546 “The Church’s One Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #110 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God who knows us and calls us, we are surrounded by voices telling us what to believe, what to value, and who we should become. Sometimes we repeat what we have heard without asking what we truly trust. Sometimes we speak words of faith that have not yet taken root in the way we live. Give us courage to wrestle honestly with the questions that matter. Deepen what is shallow in us, strengthen what is uncertain, and shape our lives around the Christ we seek to follow, for it is in his name that we pray. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Jesus does not ask the disciples for perfect understanding. He receives the faith they are able to offer and continues the journey with them. Christ meets us in the same grace. We are known, called, and still becoming. Thanks be to God. *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 16:13-20 (Common English Bible) Now when Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Human One is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” He said, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus replied, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you. I tell you that you are Peter. And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Anything you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. Anything you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven.” Then he ordered the disciples not to tell anybody that he was the Christ. 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. CHILDREN'S TIME: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf, Coordinator 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: #168 “At the Name of Jesus” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER: #526 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, v. 1 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: Hymn Sing, emceed by Carl Johengen If you have a favorite hymn you'd like to have sung during this time, please be prepared to call it out by number in the United Methodist Hymnal. *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 Living God, receive these gifts as an expression of our faith. Use what we offer to strengthen your church, serve our neighbors, and bear witness to the love of Christ. May our generosity reveal something of the faith we profess. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #68 "When in Our Music God Is Glorified" *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE: “Rigaudon” — Andre Campra
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolytes: Poppy Marsiglio Altar Guild Team: Ellen Williams, Beth Rice, Barb Denegris Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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.
Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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Help Me Connect!
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in honor of Fernelle and David on their 11th Anniversary. And in loving memory of Jack Latshaw by his wife Donna and family. 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 Janet Lovejoy following the death of her sister, Karen Lovejoy on August 5 in Ocracoke, NC. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard Miller, following the death of his wife Jean on July 28. A memorial service was held at Asbury First on August 5. Our prayers are with the family of friends of Phyllis Parker, who died August 1. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, August 28 at 11 am in the Sanctuary. 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Beginning September 11, Fridays, 1 to 3 pm
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 or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 23 – August 30
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
9 am
Life After Doom – 1010, Red Room
11 am
Phyllis Parker Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (8/30)
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
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Knitting Ministry – 1040, Library
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps are increasing in cost again from $.61 to $.65 on July 12. 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 am 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
Join us for pick-up kickball games on Granger Lawn starting at 5 pm on Sundays August 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 or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
ALL AGES KICKBALL
Campus Grounds Volunteers Needed!
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 or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
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.
LECTIO DIVINA
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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!
Stay Connected to the Life of Asbury First!
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.
Annual School Supply Drive Begins!
Wednesday Morning Book Study – Opening Meeting
We're collecting school supplies again this year for students at School 17 (Pre-K–6th grade). Drop off donations Sundays from August 23 to September 13 at the table in the Welcome Hall. Needed items: backpacks, crayons, pencils, colored pencils, erasers, pens (blue, black, red), color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes/pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-color folders with pockets, binders, composition books, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624 or email us at programs@asburyfirst.org.
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!
The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage
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!
AUDITIONS FOR SEUSSICAL! , Grades 6 – 12 in Fellowship Hall (downstairs in 1040) Saturday September 5 at 10 am OR Wednesday, September 9 at 6 pm Come be a part of something extraordinary! Choose one audition date and prepare to Sing 16-32 bars of a song (Bring sheet music or a track), Read from the script, and Move! (a short dance/movement combo may be taught). Be creative and have fun! Performances will be at Asbury First November 13, 14 and 15. Questions? email act@asburyfirst.org
August Chapel Challenge Non-perishable goods August's Chapel Challenge will help fill grocery bags for our neighbors. Bring in shelf-stable essentials like canned tuna or chicken, beans, peanut butter, canned soups, canned vegetables, and canned fruit. Choose pop-top lids when possible, and avoid glass containers or items past their expiration date.
Bring your backpack, books, laptop bag, or whatever you're carrying into the new school year, and let's send you off with a blessing! We'll share feelings, hear a special message, and children and youth will receive a backpack tag to remind them: God is with you, always. All ages welcome. Can't wait to celebrate with you!
Backpack Blessing! Sunday, August 30 at 9 and 11 am
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 # (see page 7) 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 or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
CONNECTION SUNDAY!
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
Discussion of Life After Doom
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Fall is the perfect time to reconnect, re-engage, and renew your spirit! On Sunday, September 13, we’re inviting everyone at Asbury First to join in for Connection Sunday — a chance to discover all the ways you can connect, grow, and belong this year. After both worship services, the Gathering Center will feature tables representing our ministries, programs, and opportunities. Whether you’re looking for: Fun and fellowship with new friends, Spiritual growth through study or prayer, Opportunities to make a difference, Community and connection in small groups or classes…there’s a place for you! Stop by, ask questions, meet leaders, and see what’s ahead this fall. Come ready to discover how you can connect more deeply with God and with one another. We can’t wait to see where this season will take us—together! And that’s not all—later in the month, you'll have an opportunity to explore ways to share your time and talents through volunteering as we continue to host our Fourth Sunday Volunteer Engagement Table in the Welcome Hall. Let’s connect. Let’s grow. Let’s do more good.
UPDATE YOUR INFO IN THE DIRECTORY!
In the Gathering Center on Connection Sunday (and each subsequent Sunday in September) there will be a table where you can update your contact information and add your photo to our database. Please stop by and make sure we have the correct information for you.
SEPTEMBER 13
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #546 “The Church’s One Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
*GATHERING HYMN: #110 "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", vv. 1, 2
*HYMN: #168 “At the Name of Jesus”
*CALL TO PRAYER: #526 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, v. 1
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #68 "When In Our Music God Is Glorified"