September 4, 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
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” — arr. Derek Remeš “Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me” — arr. Don Hustad “Nearer My God to Thee” — arr. Gregory Hamilton “Fairest Lord Jesus” — arr. Dale Wood
Introit
Blessed Jesus, at thy word we are gathered all to hear thee; let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear thee, by thy teachings sweet and holy, drawn from earth to love thee solely. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. O God, we come before you as the clay, for you are our potter. Take our lives, O God, and remake us anew. Pour out your Spirit upon us as we worship. May our lives be filled with your living water. Fit us for your purposes, Divine Creator. Make us holy, and make us wholly yours.
*Opening Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” (vv. 1, 4)
11 am • September 4, 2022
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Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, we have sought to follow you without counting the costs. Sometimes our tanks are running empty, and we fear that we can’t go the distance. We have hidden away, reluctant to take up our crosses and follow Christ. We have put off until tomorrow the challenge to grow in your Spirit. Help us to accept with joy your invitation to journey with Jesus. Help us to see that you will give us strength to finish the course in faith.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
When we fall short, God the Master Potter reshapes us into vessels fit for the Kingdom. God provides us with all we need to be transformed into true servanthood. 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.
Minute for Mission
John Smalt, Help Me Read
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 14.25-33
Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
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.
Anthem
“The Rain Will Seek the Rivers” — Robert J. Powell; words by Beverly Easterling The rain will seek the rivers, and rivers run to seas, While human hearts will wander unfulfilled and restlessly. The anxious heart must listen, for the quiet voice That whispers, answers, offers, calls forth the unforced choice to grasp the easy burden, God's grace our soul's delight. Oh, run to claim the promise of everlasting life.
*Hymn
#398 “Jesus Calls Us o'er the Tumult”
Sermon
Making [Type-A] Disciples
Call to Prayer
Gracious Lord, thyself impart! Light of light, from God proceeding, open thou our ears and heart; help us by the Spirit’s pleading; hear the cry thy people raises; hear, and bless our prayers and praises. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
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 Brenda Nitsch, soloist
“Have You Heard God's Voice” — Jacqui Jones, arr. Frederick Chatfield Have you heard God's voice; has your heart been stirred? Are you still prepared to follow? Have you made a choice to remain and serve, though the way be rough and narrow? Will you use your voice; will you not sit down when the multitudes are silent? Will you make a choice to stand your ground when the crowds are turning violent? Will you walk the path that will cost you much and embrace God's love and sorrow? Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow? Will you watch the news with the eyes of faith and believe it could be different? Will you share your views using words of grace? Will you leave a thoughtful imprint? In your city streets will you be God's heart? Will you listen to the voiceless? Will you stop and eat, and when friendships start, will you share your faith with the faithless? We will walk the path that will cost us much and embrace God's love and sorrow? Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow? Have you heard God's voice; has your heart been stirred?
*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
Gracious God, as we return a portion of your blessings back to you, use our offerings. Through our gifts, may the afflicted be comforted, the sick healed, and the oppressed released. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (after Jacob Arcadelt)
Postlude
Epilogue on “Lobe den Herren” — arr. Lani Smith
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Jonathan Ivers, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Connor Nelson Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“The Rain Will Seek the Rivers” © 2014 St. James Music Press; “Have You Heard God’s Voice” © 2008 Jacqui Jones, this arrangement © 2018 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.
Permissions:
September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM - 3 PM
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.
Advance registration required for lunch • $10 per person Register online at asburyfirst.org/giversoflife.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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 Bruce Kost, husband of LouAnn Washing, who passed away on July 8, 2022. A memorial service will take place on Friday, September 30 at 4 pm. 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 on Sunday, September 18 at 4:30 pm with calling hours at 3:30 pm in the Gathering Center. We offer our prayers and concerns to Mac and Betsy Warner for the death of their grandson, Culley Matthew Warner. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Christie John Snyder on August 30, 2021; his memorial service will be on Saturday, September 24 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to Robert Miller, husband of the Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, who has entered home hospice.
Celebrations and concerns
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.
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 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 6 pm Heresy & Me Class—1040 Room 204 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall
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.
ANNOUNCING THE 2022 YOUTH MUSICAL!
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
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Meetings & Rehearsals September 4–10
Welcome our New Soprano Soloist Sipra Kolar!
Sunday, September 4, we welcome our new Soprano Section Leader/Soloist Sipra Agrawal Kolar. A native of the Rochester area, Sipra holds a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam (where she first became acquainted with Carl Johengen!). Sipra has served as soloist at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and has subbed at Asbury First on occasion. We are excited to have Sipra join Asbury First's musical staff!
Sanctuary Choir — Wednesdays, Starting September 7, 7:30 pm, Wesley Hall Asbury Ringers — Wednesdays, Starting September 14, 6:35 pm, Bell Room (Room 205) As we enter September, we look forward to the return of our musical ensembles to Sunday worship, and of course that means rehearsals resume. New members are always welcome! If you are interested, please contact our Director of Music Ministries Dr. Carl Johengen, cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. Likewise contact Asbury Ringers Director Elizabeth Church at EmChurch418@gmail.com or at 585-978-0007 to join the bell choir.
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Open to all LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies Sundays, Starting September 11, 9:45-10:45 am, Youth Room
Do you love to dabble in dilly beans, put up pickled peppers, or pack away pesto for future use? The asbury Community Garden Committee is hoping to recruit a small team of people who are experienced in food preservation. Our garden is bursting with vegetable bounty, and we'd like to keep some of it for the Dining and Caring Center's off-season use. If you'd like to be involved in this short-term project, please contact us: DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com, or at rfeather@rochester.rr.com.
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Food Preservation Volunteers Needed for Community Garden
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news
Psalm 139.14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This has been used to highlight how we are each made in the image of God — and that we are created good! This fall, we encourage all youth — those who are out, those who are questioning, and those who are affirming of their peers —to join us on Sunday mornings as we consider the connections of the LGBTQ+ community and our faith. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.
Sunday, September 11
ASBURY FIRST Outreach Center
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
Together in Ministry Sunday
On Sunday, September 18 we will be concluding worship outdoors as we place the beautiful "2022" cornerstone in the expanded entrance to 1010 East Avenue. We are overjoyed to share this momentous occasion with all who made this possible. Visit asburyfirst.org/bettertogether for more information about the new Outreach Center.
Sunday, September 18, 12 pm, 1010 Outreach Center
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.
*Processional Hymn
#103 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
#382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”, vv. 1, 4
#398 "Jesus Calls Us o'er the Tumult”
Continued on next page
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)