9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
September 1, 2024
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support our everyday ministries and operations, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. 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. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant *indicates part-time status
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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“My Song Is Love Unknown” — arr. Charles Callahan “The Church’s One Foundation” — arr. Charles Callahan “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” — arr. Charles Callahan “Canzone” — Noel Goemanne
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, all who seek to honor God with your words and actions. We come to worship the Lord with our hearts open wide. Let us not merely observe tradition, but seek the living truth within. We come, desiring hearts that are pure and spirits that are true. May our worship today be in spirit and in truth, for God looks not on outward appearances but on the heart. We come, seeking to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
*Processional Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”, vv. 1, 2, 4
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#408 “The Gift of Love”, vv. 1, 3
11 am • September 1, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Presentation
Rory Louis Bernardoni, born October 23, 2023, child of Amy & Michael Bernardoni
Thanksgiving
God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise.
Promises and Baptism
Congregational Response
Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care Rory Louis, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. What promise will you make to this family? 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 ways that lead to life eternal.
Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, we confess that we often neglect your commandments of love, justice, and mercy. Forgive us for the ways we judge others and ignore our own need for change. Cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us, that our lives may reflect your grace. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: God does not abandon us to our mistakes. In Christ, we are forgiven and made new. 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.
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.
To hear the word
Scripture Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders, and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash, and there are also many other traditions that they observe: the washing of cups and pots and bronze kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ “You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn
#549 "Where Charity and Love Prevail", vv. 1, 2, 6
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
To celebrate holy communion
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
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 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.
Offertory Dan McInerney & Carl Johengen, Soloists
“Let Us Break Bread Together” — Spiritual, arr. Craig Courtney Let us break bread together on our knees. Let us break bread together on our knees. Refrain: When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me. Let us drink wine together on our knees... Let us praise God together on our knees...
Sermon
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
*Recessional Hymn
"Together We Serve"
Hymns
#620 "One Bread, One Body" #617 "I Come with Joy"
Prayer After Receiving
God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
“Let Us Break Bread Together” arr. © 1989 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith and Ly Tran
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.
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Communion Stewards: Frances Bryniarski, Angie Burch, Deb Bullock-Smith Communion Servers: Sally Wood Winslow, Judy Messenger, John Messenger, Christopher Goerss, Kellie Barbato, Dave Rice Reader: Cindy Wallace Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloist: Dan McInerney Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Chris Burton, Madiba Lantum Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Benediction
Postlude
"Rigaudon" — Andre Campra
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
“This Is the Day”, sung twice (Traditional) This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.
*Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (found on p. 5)
9 am • September 1, 2024
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Reader: Dave Kennedy Musicians: Donna LaMura, Don DeMarsh, Carl Johengen
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
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.
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Communion
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Words about the works of God. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
*Closing Song
"They'll Know We Are Christians", vv. 1, 2, 3 Words and Music: Peter Scholtes We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; (repeat) And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. (Refrain:) And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; (repeat) And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land. (Refrain) We will work with each other, we will work side by side; (repeat) And we'll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride. (Refrain)
Children's Music Ministry
Scan the QR code to register. For more information contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org.
Celebrations and concerns
JOIN THE TEAM for Dining In for Outreach Would you like to help throw our biggest party of the year? This involves soliciting sponsors, signing up hosts and guests, coordinating printed materials and other tasks. The 2024 dinner will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, so plan on a short-term commitment and lots of fun!
Music Ministries Seeking new members
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 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 and prayers are with Linda Betstadt whose mother, Ethel F. Mackwirth, died on August 7. Our hearts and prayers are with Johanna Mahan and her family on the death of her mother, Marjorie Stevens, who died on August 12. Our hearts and prayers are with Robyn Gage and her family on the death of her brother, Tim Kachelmeyer, on August 22. Our hearts and prayers are with June Walters and her family on the death of her husband, Gene Walters, on August 24.
Hallelujah Kids (Room 201) Wednesdays, 5–5:30 pm Music fundamentals class for ages 4 through 1st grade.
If you're interested, don't be shy! Send an email to the Outreach Committee Chairwoman, Diana Carter at dianalouisecarter@gmail.com or call at (585) 732-7224
Asbury First's music groups resume weekly rehearsals in September, and new members are always welcome! Reach out to our team of Music Ministry leaders if you're interested: Sanctuary Choir — Dr. Carl Johengen (cjohengen@asburyfirst.org) — first rehearsal of the new season is Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 - 9 pm in Wesley Hall. Asbury Ringers — Elizabeth Church (echurch@asburyfirst.org) — rehearsals resume on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 - 8 pm in Room 205 in the Education Wing. Asbury Orchestra — Laurie Kennedy (lkennedy@asburyfirst.org) — rehearsals for fall begin on Sunday, October 6. Youth Music — Carol Lamica (clamica@asburyfirst.org) — Auditions for the Youth Musical "Newsies" are on Saturday, September 7. Children's Music — Holly Temming (htemming@asburyfirst.org) — Wesley Singers and Ringers and Hallelujah Kids resume on Wednesday, September 11.
Wesley Singers & Ringers (Room 201) Wednesdays, 6–7 pm Vocal & Handbell Choir for children in 2nd -5th grades.
Children’s Music at Asbury First begins Wednesday, September 11 and we’d love to see your children for some musical fun and fellowship. We offer a community dinner at 5:30 on Wednesdays in the Gathering Center to make the night a little easier for parents. We also have great adult classes throughout the year from 6-7 pm if you'd like to drop your child off for music and then enjoy one of the classes.
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Front Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040, Education Wing 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center MONday CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Fellowship Hall WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center SATURDAY 10 am Divorce Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 1 pm Newsies! Auditions — 1040, Fellowship Hall NEXT SUNday (CONNECTION SUNDAY!) (9/8) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person on the Granger Lawn 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Newsies! Callbacks — 1040, Fellowship Hall
We are collecting school supplies for Pre-K to 6th grade students at School 17. Bring your donations to the Welcome Hall next Sunday, September 8. Items needed include: backpacks, 24-count crayons, pencils, colored pencils, erasers and eraser tops, ink pens (blue, black, and red), color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-colored folders with pockets, three-ring binders, composition books, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues. For more information, please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624, or by email at jhsmalt@gmail.com
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals September 1 – September 8
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
School Supply Drive for School 17
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 the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
Help spread the word about the Community Outreach Center!
Our Youth Musical this Fall is Newsies! Auditions begin in September with show dates of November 22, 23 and 24. We're excited to put together another incredible musical experience! For more information, please contact Jana at jana.w.jackle@gmail.com or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
With a unanimous vote by the Preservation Board, Asbury First’s Columbarium project is moving ahead! Join us Sunday, September 22, directly following the 11 am service, at the location of the future Columbarium for a ground breaking ceremony, rain or shine. To learn more about the Columbarium or to inquire about securing a spot for you or a loved one, visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium or call the office at (585) 271-1050.
ASBURY FIRST'S
AUDITIONS: Saturday, September 7 at 1 pm CALLBACKS: Sunday, September 8 at 2 pm (both auditions and callbacks will be held in Fellowship Hall, 1040)
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Perhaps you’re splitting the Hostas in the garden and unsure what to do with them? We’re looking for a few additional sun hardy perennials to complete the gardens in front of the Dining and Caring Center. Contact Peggy Hack at peghack@aol.com to make arrangements to help further beautify our grounds.
COLUMBARIUM
Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or other contact to join us for 1010 Tuesdays. Feel free to join us, too, and bring them as your guest. We'll start with a brief tour of the COC, then gather for a light breakfast and question and answer session. Fall dates for 1010 Tuesdays tours are September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code, visiting asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or calling (585) 271-1050 x117.
HELP ME READ AD (Start Sept 8)
YOUTH MUSICAL AUDITIONS
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Donate a Plant or Two!
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
SCAN HERE
1010 East Avenue, Red Room OR by Zoom
Uncover the Truth Behind Gun Violence
This weekly series runs every Wednesday in October from 6-7 pm in the Red Room, (1010). Whether you've read the book or not, you're welcome to participate. Come early for dinner at 5:30 pm and stay for this powerful conversation. Books are available for purchase in the Welcome Hall starting in September. Can't make it in person? Scan the QR code to join us on Zoom.
To register for Zoom, email Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Join us for a compelling discussion on American Carnage: Shattering the Myths that Fuel Gun Violence by criminologist Thomas Gabor and Parkland father Fred Guttenberg.
Join the Asbury First Banned Book Team for Sunday school on September 22 and 29, 9:45-10:45 am, in Fellowship Hall for a discussion and update on censorship in America in support of the American Library Association Banned Book Week, which runs from September 22-28, 2024. September 22 will focus on the national level. On September 29, Adrienne Pettinelli, Director of the Henrietta Public Library, will facilitate discussion on what is happening at the local level and how we can be advocates for the freedom to read in our schools and local libraries. Class will be held in person and on Zoom. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for details.
Future Dates: Nov. 18, Jan. 20, Mar. 17, and May 19 Books to be chosen by participants
Monday, September 16 7-8 pm
We are each born of God, and when we die, we return to God. Death is a part of our earthly lives, and yet it is not our favorite part. When someone we love dies, our lives change forever. We grieve and we question and we suffer. Asbury First is offering bereavement support in the form of group meetings beginning this October. If someone in your life has died and you would like to be part of a loving and supportive group of others who are grieving the death of a loved one, please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel about joining a bereavement support group. Please call (585) 271-1050 x106 or email kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
SEPTEMBER 8: CONNECTION SUNDAY!
Outreach / Worship & Arts / Congregational Care / Discipleship & Youth Property Care / Communications / Technology / Hospitality 💻
LOCATION The Gathering Center
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
Whether you’re passionate about Outreach, Worship & Arts, Congregational Care, Discipleship & Youth, Property Care, Communications, Technology and Hospitality ...there’s a place for you to get involved! We believe that we are Better Together, and your unique gifts and interests can make a real difference.
DATE September 8
Get ready for an exciting and impactful day at our Mission Fair! This is your chance to connect with the heart and soul of Asbury First, and discover how you can be a part of something bigger. Meet some other amazing people and learn how we can work together to Do More Good.
...there’s a place for you to get involved! We believe that we are Better Together, and your unique gifts and interests can make a real difference.
TIME Following the 9am Service until 1 pm
Thank you to those who have immediately responded with donations to cover the financial gap at our new Community Outreach Center at Asbury First. Asbury First has a heart for Outreach and we’re appealing to that heart now to meet this need. The $70,000 gap is shrinking, but there’s more work to be done to close this gap by year’s end. When you considering making a donation to the COC, remember that for every $1 donated to Asbury First Outreach, $2 comes out in the form of goods and services. Going forward, our annual pledge drive will offer the choice of a donation for the general church budget or one for Outreach, or both. Whether you donate online, by Venmo or by check, please indicate in a memo line or comment box that your donation is for the COC. Thank you for helping us to Do More Good. If currently employed, your company may have a matching gift program for which your gift to Outreach programs at Asbury would qualify. If you need to make a Required Minimum Distribution from your investments at year’s end, please consider the COC as a recipient.
TIME Following the 9 am Service until 1 pm
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
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Whether you’re passionate about...
This Fall, there will be a variety of opportunities to support the Community Outreach Center: COC Pledge Drive • Dining In for Outreach • East Ave Grocery Run Storehouse Holiday Craft SalE • Thanksgiving IngatherinG
Come join us in the Gathering Center after the 11 am service to explore opportunities and find your place in this vibrant community. See you there! 🙌✨
🌟Join Us for Connection Sunday! 🌟
Come join us in the Gathering Center to explore opportunities and find your place in this vibrant community. See you there! 🙌✨
TO GIVE, VISIT ASBURYFIRST.ORG or scan the qr code below and choose 'sub fund' community outreach center
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
#408 “The Gift of Love”
Hymn
#620 "One Bread, One Body"
#617 "I Come with Joy"
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)