August 30, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Tom Brazda Musician: Chris Gold
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WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #162 "Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks to the Living Lord" (found on the handout) PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on page 4) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16:21-28 (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: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus", vs. 1-3 (found on the facing page) *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.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: Annette Farrington, flute and Duane Prill, piano “Invocation” — Amy Beach “Be Thou My Vision” and “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” — arr. Brant Adams *CALL TO WORSHIP Jesus speaks of a road his disciples would rather not travel. Peter objects. Jesus keeps walking. Teach us, Christ, what it means to follow. There are things we must release, truths we must learn, and ways of living that lead more deeply into life. Set our minds on the things of God. The road of discipleship is before us. We place our trust in Christ and follow. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #159 “Lift High the Cross” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #2129 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of the difficult way, we prefer a faith that confirms what we already know and leads where we have already decided to go. We resist what unsettles our expectations. We hold tightly to our plans, our comfort, and our need to be right. Yet Jesus keeps calling us beyond ourselves. Give us wisdom to recognize what must be released, courage to choose love when it costs us something, and trust enough to follow even when we cannot see where the road will lead. May we follow Jesus faithfully. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Christ does not wait for perfect disciples. He calls people who misunderstand, hesitate, and sometimes get in the way—and still invites them to follow. Grace meets us on the road and leads us forward. *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 16:21-28 (Common English Bible) From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and legal experts, and that he had to be killed and raised on the third day. Then Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him: “God forbid, Lord! This won’t happen to you.” But he turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a stone that could make me stumble, for you are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives? For the Human One is about to come with the majesty of his Father with his angels. And then he will repay each one for what that person has done. I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see the Human One coming in his kingdom.” 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. ANTHEM: Dan McInerney, soloist “Consecration” — Frederick Chatfield; words by Frances R. Havergal Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee. Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee. CHILDREN'S TIME: Alex Hunt, Associate 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: #415 “Take Up Thy Cross” SERMON 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: Annette Farrington, flute Variations on "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” — Christine Gustafson *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 God of life, receive these gifts and our willingness to follow. Free us to hold what we have with open hands, to choose generosity over self-interest, and to invest ourselves in what gives life. May all we offer serve the way of Christ. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE: “Processional in E-flat Major” — David Johnson
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO or PAYPAL
Permissions:
A Heads-Up: How you use Venmo at Asbury First is about to change! Starting June 14 the QR code you scan will take you to a form where you'll select Venmo as your payment option. From there, the process will be just as before.
“Consecration” © 2008 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Tom Brazda Organist: Duane Prill Soloist: Dan McInerney Crucifer, Acolyte: Gillian Allen, Ann Nutter Altar Guild Team: Ellen Williams, Beth Rice, Barb Denegris Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Celebrations and concerns
Annual School Supply Drive Begins!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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 prayers are with the family and friends of Phyllis Parker, who died August 1. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held August 28. Our prayers are with the family and friends of James Brazda, brother of Tom Brazda, who died August 25. Our prayers are with the family and friends of Basil Elmer, who died July 31. A memorial service was held August 21. 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.
We're collecting school supplies again this year for students at School 17 (PreK–6th grade). Drop off donations Sundays through 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.
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, prioritizing 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.
Beginning September 11, Fridays, 1 to 3 pm
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
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.
Help Me Connect!
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
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 6
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, Ministry Library
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Youth Musical Auditions – 1040, Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY (9/06)
9 am
Worship Service – Outdoors on the East Ave Lawn
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
11 am
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed Wing PreK – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps have increased in cost again from $.61 to $.65. 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 to 12 pm (at which time you can also join us to write postcards). Thank you for your support!
SUNDAY
5 pm
All Ages: Kickball Tournament – Granger Lawn
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 #
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 1010, Red Room
The Library Needs Your Help!
Your library is missing 8 biographies! Please check your bookshelves at home (or work!) to see if you have any of them. They are: Lovely One by Ketani Brown Jackson; Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson; Breaking Night by Liz Murray; Heavenly Man by Brother Yun; Open Heart by Elie Wiesel; Seven Men by Eric Metaxas; Seven Women by Eric Metaxas; and Spare by Harry, Prince Duke of Sussex. Thank you for your help!
Campus Grounds Volunteers Needed!
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.
LECTIO DIVINA
Banned Book Club – Boy Erased
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
Do you enjoy getting your hands in the soil and helping things grow (or keeping them tidy)? Join our campus gardening crew. We're 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.
September Chapel Challenge: Bath Towels and Washcloths Each month we collect different supplies needed for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the September COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Bath Towels and Washcloths. A list of other specific needed items is also available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage
Join us Wednesday, September 2, 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!
Wednesday Morning Book Study – Opening Meeting
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!
Music Rehearsals Resume This September!
If your child likes to explore music through song, dance, and musical instruments, join us for Children’s Music on Wednesdays in Room 201 (2nd floor of the Ed. Wing in 1040) starting September 16. Hallelujah Kids: Age 4 - 1st Grade, 5 - 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers: 2nd - 5th Grade, 6 - 7 pm For your convenience there is a Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center. For more information contact Holly Temming, htemming@asburyfirst.org.
It's time to welcome back musicians for weekly rehearsals! Sanctuary Choir resumes Wednesday, September 9, 7:30 - 9 pm in Wesley Hall. Asbury Ringers also resume weekly rehearsals Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 - 8 pm in Room 205. Asbury Orchestra's first rehearsal is Sunday, September 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. To join a group or ask questions, contact Dr. Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. We look forward to welcoming new members as well as returning musicians!
SCAN TO REGISTER
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.
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.
CONNECTION SUNDAY!
In the Gathering Center on Connection Sunday, September 13 (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.
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
UPDATE YOUR INFO IN THE DIRECTORY!
Questions? Contact Holly Temming at the Church Office by email at htemming@asburyfirst.org or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050
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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
SEPTEMBER 13
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #159 “Lift High the Cross”
*HYMN: #415 “Take Up Thy Cross”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”