August 24, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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 now 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 a sacred gift, and they are welcome in 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 the children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. 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/#reconciling-statement. 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—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 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. The video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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 Position funded in part by the Susan Shafer Pastoral Care Fund Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
Prelude
Prelude on "Rhosymedre" — Ralph Vaughan Williams
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God alone is our refuge and hope, our shelter and protection. From our very first breath to our last, God’s love and compassion never fails. So come, lift your voices in praise to God. Bear witness to God’s acts of mercy and love. Proclaim God’s glory to all who will listen. Let us worship God together.
*Processional Hymn
#662 "Stand Up and Bless the Lord"
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
444 "O Young and Fearless Prophet", vv. 1, 5
* please stand as you are able
11 am • August 24, 2025
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
*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.
Scripture Luke 13:10-17 (Common English Bible)
Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. A woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and couldn’t stand up straight. When he saw her, Jesus called her to him and said, “Woman, you are set free from your sickness.” He placed his hands on her and she straightened up at once and praised God. The synagogue leader, incensed that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, responded, “There are six days during which work is permitted. Come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord replied, “Hypocrites! Don’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from its stall and lead it out to get a drink? Then isn’t it necessary that this woman, a daughter of Abraham, bound by Satan for eighteen long years, be set free from her bondage on the Sabbath day?” When he said these things, all his opponents were put to shame, but all those in the crowd rejoiced at all the extraordinary things he was doing. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Unshakable and Holy God, we come before you, imperfect and incomplete. We confess our weakness, but trust in your forgiveness. As the world around us trembles, we trust in your steadfast love, knowing that in Christ, we are welcomed, transformed, and sent forth to serve. Hear our prayers as we place ourselves into your hands.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, hear the Good News: God comes to us before we reach out—this is how much God loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, loved, and restored. Amen.
Sermon
Call to Prayer
Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among you. (Matthew 18:20; music by Carl Johengen)
Anthem Solo Quartet
“The Voice of God” — Lloyd Larson, words by Jan McGuire In every local language, in every native tongue, God hears the hearts of people and speaks to everyone. The limits of our language God easily transcends. Love hears our weakest whimper and always comprehends. (Refrain) God speaks in every language to all both far and near. With words of grace and mercy, Love longs for all to hear. But whether still and quiet, or with a mighty sound, Wherever love is spoken, the voice of God is found. The languages of nature, of land and sky and sea, Of all the living creatures, God speaks them fluently. All things that God created converse in different ways, So even trees and mountains can offer up their praise. (Ref.) God speaks at times with thunder and mighty rushing wind; At other times, a whisper, a gentle thought within. But whether still and quiet, or with a mighty sound, Wherever love is spoken, the voice of God is found.
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.
*Hymn
#261 “Lord of the Dance”
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
Offertory Megan Ormsbee, Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, & Ruth Phinney, Trio
“Steal Away to Heaven” — Spirituals, arr. Mark Hayes Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus. Nobody knows the trouble that I’ve seen. Glory, hallelujah! Sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down; Oh yes, Lord. Sometimes I’m almost to the ground; Oh yes, Lord. Oh, Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus. Nobody knows the trouble that I’ve seen. Glory, hallelujah! Sometimes I feel like a motherless child. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, a long way from home. Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone… way up in the heavenly land, Lord! Way up in the heavenly land, where I’ll… Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus. Steal away, steal away home, I ain’t got long to stay here. No, I ain’t got long to stay here.
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Pastoral Prayer
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
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.
Permissions:
“The Voice of God” © 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company; “Steal Away to Heaven” © 1998 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: David Raymond Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Soloists: Heather Holmquest, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Carl Johengen Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Christopher Goerss, Denise Snyder Smith Altar Guild Team: Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson, Deb McLean Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
*Benediction
Postlude
"Festal Flourish" — Gordon Jacob
*Doxology
To God, Creator, Son, and Spirit, One in Three, be glory, as it was, is now, and shall forever be. Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Dennis, Johann Nägeli, arr. Lowell Mason
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, bless our gifts, that they may be used to build your justice and mercy, bringing hope to the broken and light to the weary. With grateful hearts, we offer ourselves, that we may be signs of your grace in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: David Raymond Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
9 am • August 24, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Welcome
found on pg. 3
*Opening Song
"In Christ There Is No East or West" (Songs can be found on a single page handout.)
found on pg. 4
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 13:10-17 (found on pg. 4)
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
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad.
*Closing Song
“For the Healing of the Nations”
New Tutor Training/Orientation: Monday August 25, 2025 — 9 to 10:30 am All orientations are held at 1000 North Winton Rd. If you are interested in tutoring please contact John Smalt at programs@asburyfirst.org or at (585) 924-8624.
We're collecting school supplies for Pre-K through 6th grade students at School 17 through September 7 in the Welcome Hall. Simply leave donations at the table. Items needed: backpacks, crayons, pencils, erasers, pens, markers, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes, folders, binders, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624 or programs@asburyfirst.org.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jeremy Thacher Strong, son of David and Jeanne Strong; and in celebration of the wedding of Ilish Glann and Stephen Cymbal. 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 are with the family of Jane Pauly who died on July 16. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Sunday, August 31 at 2 pm. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Bonnie Crossley, who died Tuesday, August 5. Bonnie is Barb Denigris' sister. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 6 at 11 am. 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. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Help Me Connect
HELP ME READ seeks more tutors!
School Supplies Drive
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?
It's been a long road for the Asbury First Columbarium, but it finally arrived this week! Final installation has begun of the Columbarium niches into the wall in the Memorial Garden. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
Celebrations and concerns
Niches have arrived!
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at (585) 271-1050 to connect.
ZOOM KEY
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
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center MONday 9 am Library Work Day — Library 1040 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2:15 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Gathering Center 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope — 1040, Room 203 WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Asbury First Civics Team — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group — 1040, Gathering Center 4 pm Community Market — Granger Lawn Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center SUNDAY (8/31) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person Outside near 1050 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Jane Pauly Memorial Service — 1040, Sanctuary
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 24 – August 31
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
Asbury First NAMI Walks Team
Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 27, this year starting from Asbury First! NAMI is a grassroots organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is a great way to show support, raise awareness, and walk together for mental health. All are welcome! For more information, contact David Berg at programs@asburyfirst.org
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First in the Granger Lawn Wednesday through the end of August (the final Community Market of the summer will be held on August 27).
Banned Book Club
Saturday, September 6, 10 am in Fellowship Hall
Join the Banned Book Club as we gather to discuss Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," a sweet, romantic comedy which explores themes of love, identity, and navigating public and private lives. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more details.
This will be the final Community Market Day for the summer and we're sad to see it go! These last couple months (when the weather has cooperated) the Granger Lawn has been brought to life by local vendors selling crafts and snacks, special food trucks, games for kids and a sea of smiles. If you haven't found the time to make it this year, we hope you'll mark your calendar for this Wednesday August 27 in the Granger Lawn for a few more hours of summer joy.
Postcards to Voters
August COC Chapel Challenge
Preparations for the next Asbury First Community Theatre production have already begun and you won't want to miss out! Auditions for Anastasia begin Saturday, September 6 at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Call backs and supplemental auditions are at 2pm on Sunday, September 7. No preparations required. Contact Larry Dugan for more info at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the August COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Boys and Men’s sweatpants and gym shorts. A list of other specific items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.
Community Market Days
Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010) and via Zoom
This Wednesday, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn
Youth Musical Auditions
Join members of the Asbury First Civics Team (an initiative of the Social Concerns Committee) in writing postcards to voters. Bring your best penmanship, a pen and lots of enthusiasm to the Red Room (1010, COC) Wednesdays from 10 am - noon. For more information contact Karen Hibbard at khcrm1000@rochester.rr.com.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, VENMO VIA THE QR CODE, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington
Wednesday Morning Book Study
SCAN TO SIGN UP!
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Starting September 3, every Wednesday at 10 am through October 15, in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom* (see pg 10), we'll discuss this book about responding with clarity and grace in tough times. Bishop Budde teaches that bravery is a daily journey of living according to our true beliefs and best selves, providing fortitude for uncertain times. Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org
Connection Sunday! September 7
Fall is the perfect time to reconnect, re-engage, and renew your spirit! On Sunday, September 7, 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.
*Hymn (cont'd)