August 31, 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
* please stand as you are able
Prelude - Hymn Sing
#451 “Be Thou My Vision” #530 “Are Ye Able” #707 “Hymn of Promise” #344 “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore”, vv. 1, 2
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 81)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Sing aloud to God our strength and shout with joy: God, our Host, welcomes us. God reminds us, “I brought you out of of Egypt and fed you along the way:” When we opened our mouths, God filled us with good things. God calls us to walk the path of faithfulness, trusting the promise. God provides a feast to satisfy all our hungers. Let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#145 “Morning Has Broken”
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#558 “We Are the Church", vv. 1, 2
11 am • August 31, 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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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
God of Love, when your children suffer, are displaced, persecuted, or worse, your heart is saddened, and you cry out for justice. When apathy dulls our hearts and we do not speak out, forgive us. When we are slow to respond and lives are lost, forgive us. Give us a heart for justice and a prophetic voice, that this world might see your love in action through our lives and words.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The good news is this: God, who is compassion and love, will not abandon us to our mistakes. In Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God!
*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 Isaiah 58:9b-14 (Common English Bible)
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and God will say, “I’m here.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the finger-pointing, the wicked speech; if you open your heart to the hungry, and provide abundantly for those who are afflicted, your light will shine in the darkness, and your gloom will be like the noon. The Lord will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. God will rescue your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water that won’t run dry. They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be called Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets. If you stop trampling the Sabbath, stop doing whatever you want on my holy day, and consider the Sabbath a delight, sacred to the Lord, honored, and honor it instead of doing things your way, seeking what you want and doing business as usual, then you will take delight in the Lord. I will let you ride on the heights of the earth; I will sustain you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob. The mouth of the Lord has spoken. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
To hear the word
11 am
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
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.
Sermon
Call to Prayer
#500 “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart”, v. 1
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn
#534 "Be Still, My Soul"
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
#432 “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”
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.
Offertory
#504 “The Old Rugged Cross”, vv. 1, 4 #431 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Permissions:
Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
To Disperse in Mission
*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
Faithful and unchanging God, in a world that shifts and sways, you remain our firm foundation. Bless these gifts we offer today, that they may extend your love to those who hunger, who seek justice, and who long for hope. Shape us into a people whose generosity reflects your own, that through our giving, we may proclaim your unshakable kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, our constant and faithful guide. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Kellie Barbato Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Cindy Haag, Sean Kundy Altar Guild Team: Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson, Deb McLean Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
*Recessional Hymn
#672 “God Be with You till We Meet Again”, vv. 1, 2, 3
*Benediction
Postlude
Voluntary on "When in Our Music God is Glorified" — Robert A. Hobby
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Reader: Kellie Barbato Musicians: John Church, Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
9 am • August 31, 2025
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Welcome
*Call to Worship
found on pg. 3
*Opening Song
"Morning Has Broken" (Songs can be found on a single page handout.)
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Isaiah 58:9b-14 (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
“God Be with You till We Meet Again”
Help Me Connect
September is upon us, and that means regular rehearsals resume for Asbury First's musical ensembles! Now is a great time to consider joining, whether it's Sanctuary Choir, Asbury Ringers, Asbury Orchestra, or our Youth or Children's programs. Take a look at the calendar in the bulletin or online to see when each group rehearses. For more information, reach out to our Director of Music Ministries, Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org.
Music Rehearsals Resume - Join Us!
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?
scan here to learn more
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members, and in loving memory of Patricia Jane Pauly by her family. Jane was a devoted, active member of Asbury First for over 60 years. Among the many areas in which she participated, she especially enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir. Jane’s Celebration of Life service will be held today, at 2 pm. 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 today 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.
Asbury First NAMI Walks Team
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at (585) 271-1050 to connect.
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
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 2 pm Jane Pauly Memorial Service — Sanctuary MONday (Church Offices Closed for Holiday) 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 WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Room 201 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir — 1040, Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 9:30 am Morning Prayer — 1040, Sanctuary 6 pm URWell Clinic— 1010, COC 6 pm Zumba — 1040, Gathering Center, $10 suggested donation FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 SATURDAY 10 am Anastasia: Youth Musical Auditions — 1040, Fellowship Hall 11 am Bonnie Crossley Celebration of Life — 1040, Sanctuary SUNDAY (9/07) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 10 am Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 2 pm Anastasia: Youth Musical Auditions — 1040, Fellowship Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals AUGUST 31 – September 7
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
Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010) and via Zoom
Youth Musical Auditions
The Columbarium installation is now substantially complete. The next phase will focus on the Memorial Garden and, as fill and soil begin to arrive, the progress will be beautiful to see! This space for meditation, reflection, and the inurnment of cremains has been decades in the making. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
Let it Grow!
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
School Supplies Drive
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.
Saturday, September 6, 10 am in Fellowship Hall
Banned Book Club
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 2 pm on Sunday, September 7. No preparations required. Contact Larry Dugan for more info at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
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. 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.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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.
Connection Sunday! September 7
4th Sunday: Volunteering Engagement
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
Wednesday Morning Book Study
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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.
Fall is the perfect time to reconnect and renew your spirit! On Sunday, September 7, join us for Connection Sunday at Asbury First and discover how you can connect, grow, and belong this year! After both worship services, visit the Gathering Center where tables will showcase our ministries and programs. Whether you're seeking fellowship, spiritual growth, service opportunities, or small group community, there's a place for you! Stop by to ask questions, meet leaders, and explore what's ahead this fall. Come ready to connect more deeply with God and one another. We can't wait to see where this season takes us—together!
Starting September 3, every Wednesday at 10 am through October 15, in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom* (see pg 9), 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
How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, DC
*Hymn (cont'd)
#504 “The Old Rugged Cross”, vv. 1, 4
#431 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)