September 7, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Bonnie Kay Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on pg. 3) *OPENING SONG: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on pg. 4) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:25-33 (found on page 4) CHILDREN'S TIME 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. SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on pg. 15) 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. *CLOSING SONG: #581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service” *BENEDICTION
13th Sunday after Pentecost CONNECTION SUNDAY
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
{{page}}
* please stand as you are able
PRELUDE: “Prelude and Fugue in D Major” BWV 532 — J. S. Bach INTROIT I was glad when they said unto me: “Let us go up to the house of the Lord.” And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! (Psalm 122:1-2; music by Carl Johengen) *CALL TO WORSHIP Jesus does not soften the truth—discipleship costs everything. We gather to face the hard words of Christ. Following means leaving behind comfort and security. We gather, uneasy but willing to listen. The way is narrow, the demands are great. We gather, trusting that God’s grace is greater still. Let us worship the One who speaks truth and calls us to life. We worship, uncertain whether we are willing to be challenged and changed. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” PRAYER OF CONFESSION Christ, you speak hard words, and we admit we resist them. You ask for our full loyalty, but we divide our hearts. You call us to carry the cross, but we look for an easier path. You demand honesty, but we prefer half-truths and compromises. Forgive us, O Lord. Shake us from complacency. Give us the courage to hear what is difficult, and the strength to live as true disciples of your way. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The One who speaks hard truths also speaks unending mercy. By grace, we are forgiven, renewed, and sent to follow faithfully. Thanks be to God. Amen. *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: Luke 14:25-33 (The Message) One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’ “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce? “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. 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. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “As We Gather at Your Table” — K. Lee Scott; words by Carl P. Daw, Jr. As we gather at your Table, as we listen to your Word, Help us know, O God, your presence; let our hearts and minds be stirred. Nourish us with sacred story till we claim it as our own; Teach us through this holy banquet how to make Love’s victory known. Turn our worship into witness in the sacrament of life; Send us forth to love and serve you, bringing peace where there is strife. Give us, Christ, your great compassion to forgive as you forgave; May we still behold your image in the world you died to save. Gracious Spirit, help us summon other guests to share that feast Where triumphant Love will welcome those who had been last and least. There no more will envy blind us nor will pride our peace destroy, As we join with saints and angels to repeat the sounding joy. SERMON HYMN: #560 “Help Us Accept Each Other”, vv. 1, 3, 4
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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.
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 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—To give a gift through Venmo, send to “@givingasburyfirst” or scan the QR code to the right.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #398 “Jesus Calls Us” #629 “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” *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. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Gerald Peterson) POSTLUDE: “Trumpet Tune in D Major” — David Johnson
Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive 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. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
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.
“As We Gather at Your Table” words © 1989 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1993 Augsburg Fortress; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Celebrations and concerns
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 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 and friends of Bonnie Crossley, who died Tuesday, August 5. 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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Bonnie Kay Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Stewards: Cheryl Thompson, Angie Burch Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Ethan Hildreth, Kathy Collier-Bryant Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Martha Tuke, Angie Burch Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Ethan Hildreth, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
Meetings & Rehearsals SEPTEMBER 7 – SEPTEMBER 14
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
Sunday 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, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing PreK - 2nd grade – Room 201 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 MONday 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 6:30 pm TransParent Meeting — 1040, Youth Room 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 Anastasia Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall 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 10 am Asbury First Civics Team — 1010, Red Room 6 pm URWell Clinic— 1010, COC 6 pm Anastasia Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 2:15 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 SATURDAY 1 pm Collaborative Maker's Gathering — 1040, Gathering Center SUNDAY (9/14) 9 am Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Meeting Room (lower level) and Zoom^ 10 am Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary 11 am Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing PreK - 2nd grade – Room 201 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 20th Century Vox – 1040, Gathering Center 2:30 pm Anastasia Rehearsal — 1040, Fellowship Hall
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
ZOOM KEY
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
scan here to learn more
Welcome our new Soprano Soloist/Section Leader Juli Elliot!
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
What is NAMI and why are we walking?
SCAN HERE TO ZOOM
Rochester Speakers Series is a new literary arts, nonprofit organization that brings award-winning authors and thought leaders in person to Rochester. We will be holding our flagship series, Speaking of Stories, at Asbury First. The first event featuring David Grann (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wager) will be held on October 7 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary and our second event featuring Brit Bennett (The Vanishing Half, The Mothers) will be held on April 21, 2026. Ticket information and program details are available on our website: www.rochesterspeakers.org
Our dedicated music staff welcomes soprano Juli Elliot this September. Juli grew up in rural Kansas in the United Methodist Church and has been an active singer, pianist and conductor in New York, Europe and Japan. She's performed with Pegasus Early Music, New York State Baroque, Scivias, Musica Spei and Voices. Welcome, Juli! And we thank Heather Holmquest for her lovely summer singing.
Join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 6 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom for a program about the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Learn how NAMI supports individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, and community. We'll explore NAMI’s mission, values, and impact. Whether you’re seeking resources or ways to help, this is for you. All are welcome. Contact programs@asburyfirst.org for more information. (Meeting ID: 817 308 7397 password: 624424)
Rochester Speaker Series
Asbury First NAMI Walks Team
Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010) and via Zoom
Asbury Orchestra's 30th Anniversary is coming up!
Banned Book Club
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
The Nicene Creed Turns 1700!*
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Asbury Orchestra! A special celebration will take place when they play in the 11 am service on Sunday, November 9, including a new piece composed for the occasion by Asbury First member David Temperley. Instrumental musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part; rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. To sign up, scan the QR code or contact Laurie Kennedy with questions at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org.
Let it Grow!
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.
SCAN TO SIGN UP!
Wednesdays, September 3, 10, and 17, from 6 to 7 pm in Wesley Hall and Zoom # Join us for a three-week series on the Nicene Creed's 1700th anniversary (*though that may be premature by decades!). We'll explore what led to its writing, why it took 50 years to complete, and what this ancient text offers us today. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin, mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Scan the QR code learn more or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium
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
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
On September 28, 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.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Wednesday Morning Book Study
Older Adult Fall Worship & Luncheon
Every Wednesday at 10 am through October 15, in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom* (see pg 8), we'll discuss How We Learn To Be Brave by Episcopal Bishop Marian Edgar Budde, a 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
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
4th Sunday: Volunteering Engagement
Music Rehearsals Resume - Join Us!
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. Email cjohengen@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Join us on Thursday, October 9, for a special day of worship and fellowship. We'll begin with worship at 11 am in the Sanctuary, followed by lunch at noon in the Gathering Center. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather together for meaningful worship and share a meal with one another. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 by Friday, October 3, and be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free needs.
*Processional Hymn
#384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Hymn
#560 “Help Us Accept Each Other”, vv. 1, 3, 4
*Communion Hymn
#398 “Jesus Calls Us”
#629 “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
*Recessional Hymn
#581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)