Together in Ministry Sunday
September 11, 2022 • 11 AM
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
“Prelude and Fugue in D Major”, BWV 532 — J.S. Bach
Introit
We greet the morn, a new day dawning, with open hands and hearts that sing: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We’ve come to worship God, who loved us even before we were born. We’ve come to worship God, who knows us better than we know ourselves. We’ve come to worship God, whose presence never leaves us, and whose love for us never ceases. This is our God. Let us worship together!
*Opening Hymn
#152 “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#553 "And Are We Yet Alive", vv. 1, 2
11 am • September 11, 2022
{{page}}
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Welcoming Back our Senior Minister
Joseph Stankaitis, Chair, Pastor Parish Relations Committee
11 am
Anthem
“Plenty Good Room” — traditional Spiritual, arr. Carl Johengen (Refrain:) There's plenty good room, plenty good room in my Father's kingdom, Plenty good room, plenty good room, just choose your seat and sit down. I would not be a sinner, I'll tell you the reason why; cause if my Lord should call on me I wouldn't be ready to die. (Refrain) I would not be a liar, I'll tell you the reason why; cause if my Lord should call on me I wouldn't be ready to die. (Refrain) I would not be a backslider, I'll tell you the reason why; cause if my Lord should call on me I wouldn't be ready to die. (Refrain)
To hear the word
Scripture John 14:1-4
[Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
Scripture Psalm 139:1-18 (Read Responsively)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and night wraps itself around me,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
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.
*Hymn
“Make of Our Lives a House of Praise”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
Sermon
A Place for You
*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
We offer our gifts so that others may not feel alone, eat alone, live alone, be alone. God, use our gifts to surround the world with your grace and love. Amen.
Offertory
“The Lord Is My Light” — based on a canon by Antonio Caldara, arr. Carl Johengen; words based on Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; in whom then shall I be afraid, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; in whom then shall I be afraid?
Call to Prayer
We bring ourselves, a humble offering, an instrument, your peace to bring. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
To Renew Commitment
“Plenty Good Room”, public domain; “The Lord Is My Light” arr. © 2022 Carl Johengen; 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.
*Closing Hymn
#663 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Show us your vision, what is ours to do, illumined, changed, and made anew. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
Postlude
"Toccata” — Eugène Gigout
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Daniel Reid Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Larry Dugan Video Operator: Connor Nelson Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Warren J. Root by the Froelicher family; and in loving memory of Linda Crawford & Emily Ann Short by David Crawford and family. 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.
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.
To register for the event visit the Welcome Desk today! If you have any questions, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.
Celebrations and concerns
Sanctuary and Asbury Ringers Returns!
Sunday Sermon Podcast
The Youth Musical: Snoopy!!
Meetings & Rehearsals September 11-17
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Sunday 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Called to Community—1040 Fellowship Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 1 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Auditions—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 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— Room 205 (Bell Room) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 7-8 pm Queering Wesley, Queering the Church — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040: Room 201 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Heresy & Me—Wesley Hall 6 pm Rehearsal—Snoopy—Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall SATURDAY 9 am Grocery Bag Ministry—Fellowship Hall 9:30 am Food Drive—Gathering Center 9:30 am Women of the Well Presents "Blessed are the Givers of Life"—Fellowship Hall
September News Sheet
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
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
Over the summer we have heard from many who would like to continue an earlier service on Sunday mornings in addition to our traditional 11 am service. In response, on Sunday, September 18, we will introduce a new Chapel Service at 9 am. Our plan is to continue this service at least through November 13, at which point we will re-evaluate and adjust as needed. We look forward to seeing you there! Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more information
9 am Chapel Service to Begin September 18
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
ASBURY FIRST Outreach Center
Check inside (page 10) for times and locations for our Fall class lineup. For more information and a full description, visit asburyfirst.org/adults, check out our calendar at asburyfirst.org/events, or call the church office at 585-271-1050. We look forward to seeing you there!
CONNECT
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
Don't miss out on our new Fall Classes!
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? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Help Me
*Processional Hymn
#152 “I Sing the Almighty Power of God”
#553 “And Are We Yet Alive”, vv. 1, 2