September 18, 2022 • 9 & 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.
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* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Suite on “The Church’s One Foundation” — Robert Hobby Introduction, Chorale, Intermezzo, Adagio, Toccata
Introit
O Sun beyond all suns; O Soul within all souls: grant me the grace of the dawn’s glory; grant me the strength of the Sun’s rays; that I may be well in my own soul, and be part of the world’s healing this day. (Words: John Phillip Newell; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God in Christ, cornerstone of our fellowship and faith, we your living stones come before you this day. Build us up together as your house, to your design. We are ready to be chiseled and polished. Fit us for the challenges ahead. As we worship, grant us visions of your purpose for us. Let us praise our wise and mighty God. Alleluia!
*Opening Hymn
#559 “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#558 "We Are the Church", v. 1
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
11 am • September 18, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
Lord, you look for truth deep within us. We confess that our courage fails when you ask us to be a holy nation. We hold back from doing the difficult work, unless it is for our own benefit. Stuck in our routines, we don’t realize how often we ignore your will. Save us, Lord, from the sins we know in our hearts. Save us, Lord, from our sins that are hidden from view.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God desires to show us mercy, sending Jesus to rescue us in our wandering. We are God’s own people! May we become again the living stones of God’s spiritual house. 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.
Moment of Special Recognition
Anthem Brenda Nitsch & Dan McInerney, soloists
“Dwelling Place” — words and music Carl Johengen (based on Ephesians 2:12-22) Let us become the dwelling place of God, with Jesus Christ our rock and cornerstone; And let us build ourselves into a home where all are welcome, stranger, foe, or friend. On us, O Spirit, let your gifts descend: Help us become the dwelling place of God. In former days, we lived apart from God as strangers to the covenant of love; But now through Christ whom God sent from above, our years of exile have come to an end. O unifying Spirit, now descend: Help us become the dwelling place of God. (continued on next page)
To hear the word
Scripture 1 Peter 2:1-5
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
11 am
Anthem (Cont'd)
In Christ all those who once lived far from God have been brought near by his redeeming blood. And though we feared the terror of the flood, God’s mercy promised us a second birth. O reconciling Spirit, come to earth: Create in us the dwelling place of God.
Scripture Psalm 118 (selections) (Read Responsively)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; God's steadfast love endures for ever! Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me? The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; God's steadfast love endures for ever.
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
“We Are Called to Be God's People”, vv. 1, 2
Sermon
A Place for All
Call to Prayer
Creating God, hear our humble prayer and grant us your peace. (Music by Roger Wilhelm)
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
*Prayer of Dedication
God of abundance, we offer these gifts to you in thanksgiving for the presence of the living Christ. May these gifts and our service bring new life to those both near and far. Amen.
*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.
Offertory
“Sure Foundation” — Mark Hayes; incorporating "How Firm a Foundation" early American melody When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the river, I am there. Floods may seem to overwhelm you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. When you pass through the fire, you shall not be burned. When the flame would consume you, I am there. Fiery trials may assail you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. Do not fear, I have redeemed you. I have called you. You are mine. You can trust my sure foundation, until the end of time. "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. "When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” I’ll never forsake you, do not fear!
*Recessional Hymn During the singing of this hymn, please follow the clergy and ushers as they direct you to join the procession through the Welcome Hall/Gathering Center, outdoors to the driveway adjacent to the Outreach Center.
#546 “The Church's One Foundation”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
To Disperse in Mission
Laying the Corner stone
Dismissal and Blessing
As we leave this place this afternoon, may we commit to returning; and may we remember the call of scripture everywhere we go: Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. Rescue the weak and homeless from the powerful hands of heartless people. (Psalm 82:3-4) Go forth in ministry!
Gathering and Prayer
Scripture 1 Corinthians 3:10a-11
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
Laying of the Corner Stone
Prayer
Hymn
#400 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Words: Robert Robinson; Tune: Nettleton, Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music Part II Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Are you an adult (18 years or older) member of Asbury First United Methodist Church who identifies as LGBTQ+? If so, please consider participating in a research study being conducted by Dr. Megan Yost, a professor at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). The purpose is to learn about LGBTQ+ people who have found a home in a welcoming congregation, because most other research on this topic has examined LGBTQ people who have left churches due to experiences with sexual prejudice (and never returned). To learn more about the research and for the link to the survey, go to https://bit.ly/3OhM28K Note: The survey will close on September 30th. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more information
Research on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Church
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Dawn Riedy Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann 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
“Dwelling Place” © 1998 World Library Publications; “Sure Foundation” © 2012 Word Music, LLC; 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:
Welcome
Call to Worship
Opening Song
“We Are Called to Be God's People”, vv. 1, 2 (found on pg. 6)
Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance
(found on pg. 4)
Scripture
1 Peter 2:1-5 (found on pg. 4)
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Benediction
Closing Song
#558 "We Are the Church", vv. 1, 2
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgist: Rev. Jackie Nelson Musician: David Strong
9 am • September 18, 2022
chapel service
Wednesday Night Community Dinner RETURNS!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God, in loving memory of Spencer and Margaret Heit by the Court family, and in loving memory of Virginia (Ginny) Fitch on her birthday by her 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 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.
We are excited to announce that we will begin the Community Meal again this Fall. We hope you will join us as we return to this wonderful tradition of family, faith, and community. There will be a $5 good-will donation per person each week. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more information
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm, Gathering Center, $5 good-will donation
Celebrations and concerns
Lectio Divinia
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Meetings & Rehearsals September 18-24
Sunday 9 am Worship Service In-Person —Sanctuary Meditation Chapel 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 12 pm Laying of Cornerstone—1010 Outreach Center 12:30 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 12:30 pm Youth and Parent Meal—Fellowship Hall 1 pm 6th-8th Grade Youth Group—Youth Room 1 pm 9th-12th Grade Youth Group—Fellowship Hall 2 pm Snoopy Rehearsal—1040 Fellowship Hall 3:30 pm Calling Hours for Charlie Jackson —1040 Gathering Center 4:30 pm Memorial Service for Charlie Jackson —1040 Sanctuary 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—Gathering Center 7 pm Queering Wesley, Queering the Church— Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200) Wednesday 10 am The Soul of America—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Snoopy Rehearsal—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Heresy & Me—1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7:30 pm Santuary Choir—Wesley Hall Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall SATURDAY 10 am Christie John Snyder Memorial Service —1040 Sanctuary
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Construction Livestream
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
The Youth Musical: Snoopy!!
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.
CONNECT
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, October 9.
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
New Member’s Classes Return!
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: October 2, 12:30-2 pm, 1050 Dining Room, Lunch Served Virtual: Wednesdays, September 28 and October 5, 6-7 pm, Zoom
ASBURY FIRST Outreach Center
We will be concluding today's 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.
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
asburyfirst.org/bettertogether
*Processional Hymn
#559 “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”
#558 “We Are the Church”, v. 1