September 13, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost CONNECTION SUNDAY
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Linda Betstadt Musician: Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Exodus 14:19-31 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #127 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please rise in body or in spirit.)
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PRELUDE: Duane Prill, organ “Suite Gothique”, Op. 25 — Léon Boëllmann Introduction–Choral; Menuet gothique; Prière à Notre-Dame 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 There are moments when the way behind us is closed and the way ahead has not yet appeared. Meet us there, O God. The people stand at the water’s edge, with fear behind them and an uncertain future before them. Then the wind begins to blow. Make us ready for the way you are opening. Through the waters, through the night, toward freedom—God goes with the people. We trust the God who leads us forward. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”, vv. 1-4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of liberation, we know how easily fear can determine our direction. We cling to what is familiar, even when it no longer leads toward life. We assume that what we can see is all that is possible. We forget the ways you have accompanied us before and struggle to trust you in the uncertainty of now. Give us courage for the next faithful step. Loosen the hold of whatever keeps us from freedom, and teach us to recognize your presence even before we can see the way ahead. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Before the people knew how they would cross, God was already present. Through darkness and uncertainty, God stayed with them and led them toward freedom. That same grace accompanies us still. The way may not yet be clear, but we do not walk it alone. *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: Exodus 14:19-31 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord, in the pillar of fire and cloud, looked down on the Egyptian army and threw the Egyptian army into a panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Sing a New Song to the Lord” — David W. Music; words by Timothy Dudley-Smith, based on Psalm 98 Sing a new song to the Lord, he to whom wonders belong! Rejoice in his triumph and tell of his power! O sing to the Lord a new song! Now to the ends of the earth, see, his salvation is shown, and still he remembers his mercy and truth, unchanging in love to his own. Sing a new song and rejoice! Publish his praises abroad! Let voices in chorus, with trumpet and horn, resound for the joy of the Lord! Join with the hills and the sea thunders of praise to prolong! In judgment and justice he comes to the earth. O sing to the Lord a new song! CHILDREN'S TIME: Jo Urriola-Schonewolf, Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries 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: #121 “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER: God, be merciful unto us and bless us, and make your face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1; music by Carl Johengen) PASTORAL PRAYER 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. MOMENT OF RECOGNITION 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 or PayPal—scan the QR code, enter your donation amount, then choose your payment type via the icons on the form. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “God of Changes, Yet Unchanging” — words and music by Stephanie Taylor, arr. Robert Sterling God of spring and resurrection, you cause plant and flower to grow. May your Spirit tend our spirits where your precious Word is sown. God of summer and of thunder, teach us through both sun and storm. Both are sacred to our learning from the moment we are born. (cont'd) (Refrain:) God of changes, yet unchanging, guide us through our joy and tears, in our wanting, in our plenty, in the seasons of our years. God of autumn, bring your harvest. Fill the earth with fruit and grain. May your mercies with each sunrise be replenished every day. (Refrain) God of winter, you let seeds die, for by death new life is found. May our hearts look to the springtime when your promised hope abounds. (Refrain) God of every time and season, all our days belong to you. In your hand you hold tomorrow, always faithful, ever true. (Refrain) *DOXOLOGY: (Hymnal #95) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God who leads us toward life, receive these gifts as signs of our trust. May what we offer strengthen your people, serve our neighbors, and participate in the freedom and flourishing you desire for all. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #127 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE: Toccata from “Suite Gothique”, Op. 25 — Léon Boëllmann
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO or PAYPAL
Permissions:
A Heads-Up: How you use Venmo at Asbury First is about to change! Starting June 14 the QR code you scan will take you to a form where you'll select Venmo as your payment option. From there, the process will be just as before.
“Sing a New Song to the Lord” words © 1973 Hope Publishing Co., music © 2005 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; “God of Changes, Yet Unchanging” © 2019 Hal Leonard LLC; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Helen Johnson Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Chris Burton, Gary Burton Altar Guild Team: Karen Barner, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Celebrations and concerns
Monday, September 14, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room, join us for a discussion of Boy Erased, by Gerrard Conley, recounting his childhood in a fundamentalist Arkansas family that enrolled him in conversion therapy.
Banned Book Club – Boy Erased
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Spencer and Margaret Heit by the Court family. 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 Our prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Brazda, whose brother, James Brazda, died August 25. As we give thanks for their lives, we hold their families and friends in our prayers and in the loving embrace of this congregation. May God's grace sustain them, and may cherished memories bring comfort in their sorrow. 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. Dee Finch who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
SCAN TO GET CONNECTED
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Help Me 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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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 Grief Group: & zoom.us/j/8173087397 PW: 624424
Meetings & Rehearsals SEPTEMBER 13 – September 20
Asbury First Civics Team Postcarding Continues! Postcard stamps have increased in cost again from $.61 to $.65. If you wish to support the Social Justice Team's postcard writing initiative please leave the stamps at 1050 East Ave or drop them off at 1010, in the Red Room, any Thursday morning from 10 to 12 pm (at which time you can also join us to write postcards). Thank you for your support!
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
Youth Musical Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V – Zoom #
1 pm
Women's Art Class - 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing, Room 205
SATURDAY
Safe Sanctuary Training – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (9/20)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
9:45 am
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Meeting Room, Zoom ^
Youth Music Rehearsal – 1040, Room 205
Sanctuary Choir Warm-up – 1040, Sanctuary
10:45 am
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
11 am
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing PreK – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
12:30 pm
UMYF Lunch – 1040, Fellowship Hall Followed by UMYF, 1040, Youth Room
2 pm
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
CONNECTION SUNDAY
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
7 pm
Banned Book Club – 1010, Red Room
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Narthex (South end of the Sanctuary)
WEDNESDAY
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 1010, Red Room, Zoom *
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Youth Musical Rehearsal - 1040, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall
Wesley Singers and Ringers – 1040, Room 201
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
Scan the QR code to join via zoom every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Mon, Apr 14 – Fri, Apr 18
Asbury Ringers and Asbury Orchestra Rehearsals Resume!
Asbury Women's Art Class, Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm
If your child likes to explore music through song, dance, and musical instruments, join us for Children’s Music on Wednesdays in Room 201 (2nd floor of the Ed. Wing in 1040) starting September 16. Hallelujah Kids: Age 4 - 1st Grade, 5 - 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers: 2nd - 5th Grade, 6 - 7 pm For your convenience there is a Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center. For more information contact Holly Temming, htemming@asburyfirst.org.
LECTIO DIVINA
It's time to welcome back musicians for weekly rehearsals! Asbury Ringers will resume weekly rehearsals Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 - 8 pm in Room 205. Asbury Orchestra's first rehearsal is Sunday, September 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. To join a group or ask questions, contact Dr. Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. We look forward to welcoming new members as well as returning musicians!
SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR CHILDREN'S MUSIC!
Discover your creative sanctuary at the Asbury Women's Art Class, a warm, non-judgmental space to unwind and explore creativity as prayer, meditation, and reflection, prioritizing process over product. No experience needed! Join us Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm, in Room 205 (the bell room in 1040). Supply fee varies; a free-will offering supports the facilitator. Come as you are, leave renewed. Questions or registration: programs@asburyfirst.org or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
Lectio Divina Tuesdays, 8:30 - 9 am and Thursdays, 8 - 9 am, both via Zoom Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture. There is prayer, reading of the passage, silent contemplation and discussion. The silence is an opportunity to reflect upon what you experienced in the scripture and how it resonates with you. Come to either or both sessions. For more information please contact Lori Jeanne Peloquin: programs@asburyfirst.org. All are welcome.
September Chapel Challenge: Bath Towels and Washcloths Each month we collect different supplies needed for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the September COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Bath Towels and Washcloths. A list of other specific needed items is also available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services. Thank you for caring for our neighbors!
SCAN FOR LINKS TO EACH NEW TITLE
LIBRARY NEWS!
Join us for free Narcan training on Thursday, September 24, 7 - 8 pm in the Gathering Center. Training will be provided by the Monroe County Department of Public Health and each participant will receive a training bag that includes Narcan and various community resources. Naloxone is a non-addictive medication that can reverse an overdose from fentanyl and other opioid narcotics. Naloxone is stocked with our emergency supplies on campus. We recently installed a "Naloxone Box" on the Community Outreach Center Donations Building to provide free naloxone to the community. Naloxone is also available through the UR Well Clinic, other healthcare providers and pharmacies. Please email programs@asburyfirst.org to sign up.
Come put together an unsolved jigsaw puzzle in the Reading Room to help "find" hidden banned books (you might recognize a few!), and be sure to check out staff favorites and new titles—including Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok by Oliver James, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie, The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander, and Fletcher and the Rainbow by Julia Rawlinson—on the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, September 13, or in the library throughout the month of September (see QR code for links to each title).
Library Puzzle and New Titles!
Free Narcan (Naloxone) Training Session
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Rev. Dee Finch — Minister for Nurture and Faith Formation, x106 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 Jo Urriola-Schonewolf — Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries, x111 Alex Hunt — Associate for Age-Level Ministries, x111 Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Dan McInerney — Operations Associate, x113 Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Financial Controller, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator, x140 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Austin Retzlaff — Communications Assistant Jordan Cole — Hospitality Coordinator
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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 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 welcome in worship at Asbury First and activity bags are available at each entrance of the Sanctuary. Children of all ages are invited to come forward for Children’s Time during worship; then, 4-year-olds through 5th grade can leave for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. Check the calendar in the bulletin for Sunday School pick-up location. Nursery childcare is provided for children three and under for the duration of the service in the Education Wing. 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. 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/PayPal—You may give a gift through Venmo or PayPal by scanning the QR code below and selecting your preferred payment method. 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. A video archive of past services is available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
UPDATE YOUR INFO IN THE DIRECTORY!
Chat with the Pastors — September 20
Good news! The order for the new sanctuary speakers has been placed as well as the additional equipment required for installation and wiring. In the next 2 to 3 weeks, work will commence on installing the wiring for the new speakers and removing the old ones. Overall, the project remains on pace for completion and installation by the end of October.
New to Asbury First? Thinking about membership? Curious about who we are and what it means to be part of this community? Join us for Chat with the Pastors, an informal monthly conversation where you can meet our clergy, learn more about Asbury First and the United Methodist tradition, ask questions, and explore whether membership might be a next step for you. Find us in the Gathering Center, Sunday, September 20, following both worship services. No pressure and no commitment—just conversation, connection, and a chance to learn more.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, SCAN THE QR CODE TO GIVE BY PHONE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
In the Gathering Center on Connection Sunday, September 13 (and each subsequent Sunday in September) there will be a table where you can update your contact information and add your photo to our database. Please stop by and make sure we have the correct information for you.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Sanctuary Speaker Project Update
After a summer hiatus, Wednesday nights at Asbury First are back! Join us starting September 16 for Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center, followed by a full lineup of music and learning: Hallelujah Kids Choir, Youth Musical Rehearsal, Wesley Singers and Ringers, Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Asbury Ringers, and Wednesday Evening Programming with Pastor Dee in Wesley Hall. Whether you're singing, ringing, learning, or sharing a meal, there's a place for everyone of all ages. — mark your calendars and bring a friend. We'll see you there!
Wednesday Evening Programming Returns!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
*GATHERING HYMN: #549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”, vv. 1-4
*HYMN: #121 “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #127 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”