August 28, 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
“Prélude” — Théodore Dubois "Cantilène religieuse” — Théodore Dubois
Introit
What does the Lord require of you? To do justice and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. (Words: based on Micah 6:8; Music: Jim Strathdee)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. With gifts of praise, we come to worship. With yearning hearts, we come to worship and pray. With open minds, eager to grow, we come to worship and discern God’s call in our lives.
*Processional Hymn
#427 “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • August 28, 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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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
God of love, flow through our messy lives with your abundant grace. When we would close our hearts and our doors, open us to share. When we would neglect the needs of your world, forgive us and stir us to action. When we let self-interest take control, forgive us and move us to compassion. Let your miraculous grace inspire us to love. May your ways be made known to this hurting world, through us.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the good news: Christ’s love flows within us, and nourishes us with mercy and hope. God’s grace is greater than our sins. 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.
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
#2176 “Make Me a Servant” (sung twice)
To celebrate baptism
Scripture Luke 14:1, 7-14
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
To hear the word
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Natalie Joan Codd, born October 6, 2020; daughter of Ashley and Christopher Codd
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
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
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.
Scripture Hebrews 13:1-3
Let mutual affection continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.
Anthem Soloists: Bess Phillips and Dan McInerney
“At the Table of the World” — Carl Johengen; words by Brian Wren At the table of the world, some have plenty, some have none. At the table of our God, all are plentifully fed. (Refrain:) Blow among us, Spirit of God, fill us with your courage and care! Hurricane and Breath, take us on a journey of love! At the table of the world, some have honor, some have scorn. At the table of our God, all are welcomed and acclaimed. (Refrain) Set the table of our God in the Church and in the world, Till the children, fed and loved, taste and see that life is good. (Refrain)
*Hymn
#2175 “Together We Serve”
Sermon
Rubbing Elbows
Call to Prayer
Lord, listen to your children praying; Lord, send your Spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying; send us love, send us power, send us grace. (Words and Music: Ken Medema)
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 Solos: Bess Phillips, Jordan Bachmann, Brenda Nitsch
“Love Is Little” — traditional Shaker song, arr. Mark Schweizer Love is little, love is low, Love will make our spirits grow, Grow in peace, grow in light, Love will do the thing that's right. Love is gentle, love is small, Love will find the best of all, Find the peace, find the light, Love will do the thing that's right. Love is silent, love is strong, Love will sing a quiet song, Sing of peace, sing of light, Love will do the thing that's right. Love is wonder, love is grace, Love will bind all in its place; Bind the peace, bind the light, Love will do the thing that's right.
“At the Table of the World” words © 1989 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1993 World Library Publications; “Love Is Little” © 2015 St. James Music Press; 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
Generous God, bless the gifts we return to you now. May they be gifts of abundance and grace for a world in need. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#568 “Christ for the World We Sing”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Anonymous)
Postlude
“Postlude-Cantique” — Théodore Dubois
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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
Heresy & Me
The Soul of America
Tuesdays, September 13 –November 29, 7-8 pm, Zoom
Queering Wesley, Queering the Church
Sundays, Starting September 18, 9:45-10:45 am, Location TBD
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given in honor of Bess Phillips, in thanksgiving for her years of service as Asbury First's soprano soloist. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Jim Wright, brother of Wendy Wright, who died on August 18. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Nancy Leenhouts, who died on August 21. A memorial service was held on Friday, August 26. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Charlie Jackson, who died on August 25 in Pittsford, NY. A memorial service will take place in the future.
Celebrations and concerns
Wednesdays, Starting September 14, 10–11:30 am, Room TBD and Zoom
Called to Community
NEW CLASSES AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES!
When Kids Ask Hard Questions
Sundays, September 11-October 16, 9:45–10:45 am, Location TBD
Wednesdays, September 7-28, 6-7 pm, Location TBD
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors—1040 Front Lawn 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 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 3 pm 400 Souls May Discussion —Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 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
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.
Meetings & Rehearsals August 28–September 3
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!
Together in Ministry Sunday
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.
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
September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM - 3 PM
Sunday, September 11
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.
Advance registration required for lunch • $10 per person Register online at asburyfirst.org/giversoflife.
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.
#427 “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”