September 20, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Clergy: Rev. Dee Finch Reader: Karen Hibbard Musician: David Strong
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #340 “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” PRAYER OF CONFESSION, SILENT CONFESSION, WORDS OF ASSURANCE (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Exodus 16:2-15 (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: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh” *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 INTROIT: O God of font and altar, of music, grandeur, light, toward whom the soaring arches aspire beyond their height: as beauty draws us to you within this house of prayer, let worship form and feed us to help us show your care. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; Music: Carl Johengen) *CALL TO WORSHIP The wilderness is not where Israel expected to find abundance. Hunger makes the past look better than it was. Still, God hears the people. Morning comes, and something unexpected covers the ground. “What is it?” they ask. Sometimes grace arrives before we know what to call it. There is enough for this day. Tomorrow, they will learn to trust again. We worship the God who meets us in the wilderness and gives us daily bread. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #340 “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of daily bread, uncertainty makes it difficult for us to trust. We worry about whether there will be enough—enough time, enough resources, enough strength for whatever comes next. Our anxiety can distort our memory and keep us from recognizing what is before us. Teach us to pay attention to the gifts of this day. Free us from the fear that tells us we must grasp and guard what we have. Form in us a deeper trust, a generous spirit, and the wisdom to recognize enough when it is given. We ask it in your holy name. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE God hears the people before they learn to trust. God provides before they understand what they have received. Grace does not wait for perfect faith. Morning by morning, mercy meets us again. *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 16:2-15 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites: ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’ ” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” In the evening quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. 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: Solo Quartet “O Food to Pilgrims Given” — David Ashley White; words 17th. c., trans. John Athelstan Riley O food to pilgrims given, O bread of life from heaven, O manna from on high! We hunger; Lord, supply us, nor thy delights deny us, whose hearts to thee draw nigh. O stream of love past telling, O purest fountain, welling from out the Savior's side! We faint with thirst; revive us, of thine abundance give us, and all we need provide. O Jesus, by thee bidden, we here adore thee, hidden in forms of bread and wine. Grant when the veil is risen, we may behold, in heaven, thy countenance divine. 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: #339 “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER: The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15-16; Music: 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. MINUTE FOR MISSION: John Smalt, Help Me Read 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: Jolene Harrigan, oboe "The Servant Song" — David Schwoebel, incorporating the American hymn tune Beach Spring; words by Richard Gillard, and Mark 9:35 If anyone would be first, they shall be the last of all; they shall be the last; be the servant of all. We are travelers on a journey, fellow pilgrims on the road; We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. (cont'd) I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. Sister, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too. Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too. If anyone would be first… I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow, till we’ve seen this journey through. When we sing to God in heaven we shall find such harmony, Born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony. If anyone would be first... *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 of abundance, receive what we offer with gratitude. Teach us to trust that there is enough to share, and let our generosity become daily bread, hope, and possibility for others. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Steve Danyew) POSTLUDE: “Processional in E-flat Major” — David Johnson
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO or PAYPAL
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.
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: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Denise Snyder Smith, Bennet Marsiglio Altar Guild Team: Karen Barner, Cindy Dankert, Karen Johnson Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Rick Church, Noël Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Celebrations and concerns
“O Food to Pilgrims Given” © 2005 Paraclete Press; “The Servant Song” words © 1977 Maranatha Music, music © 2007 Birnamwood Publications; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Permissions:
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—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.
Join Us Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm
Help Me Connect!
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.
Red Room: * zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 Smart Meeting Room: ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple Others and Zoom-only: # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
9:45 am
Youth Music Rehearsal – 1040, Room 205
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Meeting Room, Zoom ^
Empty Nesters Adult Sunday School – 1010, Red Room
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm-up – 1040, Chancel
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
Youth Musical Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Men's Devotional Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 1010, Red Room, Zoom *
3 pm
Prayer Shawl Ministry – 1040, Library
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
6 pm
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
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
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
8 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room
UR Well Clinic – 1010, Red Room
7 pm
Narcan Training Session – 1040, Gathering Center
FRIDAY
Disciple V – Zoom #
1 pm
Women's Art Class - 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing, Room 205
SUNDAY (9/27)
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
Meetings & Rehearsals SEPTEMBER 20 – September 27
LIBRARY NEWS!
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 library throughout the month of September (scan the QR code for links to each title).
Free Narcan (Naloxone) Training Session
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!
Library Puzzle and New Titles!
SCAN FOR LINKS TO EACH NEW TITLE
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.
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.
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsals Resume!
Chat with the Pastors — September 20
Adult Sunday School is Back!
After a summer hiatus, Wednesday nights at Asbury First are back! Join us 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!
It's time to welcome back musicians for weekly rehearsals! Asbury Ringers will resume weekly rehearsals Wednesdays, 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!
Join a very special Empty Nesters Sunday School class starting September 20, at 9:45 am in the Red Room (1010). Together we'll read Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage, a book designed to help parents navigate their disorienting emotions as children leave the home. This class will be led by Cheryl Thompson. Email programs@asburyfirst.org if you have any questions.
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.
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
LECTIO DIVINA
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.
There are many ways to be part of the life and ministry of Asbury First—here, we work together to Do More Good! Our Volunteer Hub makes it easy to explore current opportunities by ministry area, interest, and time commitment. Think of it as a place to browse, get curious, and discover where your gifts and availability might meet a real need. Browse current volunteer opportunities and see what speaks to you by visiting asburyfirst.org and clicking VOLUNTEER at the top of the page (or in the 3 line menu if you're using your smartphone). This is a place for you to connect, contribute, and Do More Good.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Dining In For Outreach Sign-ups! Sunday, October 4 in the Narthex
Dining in for Outreach, the annual fundraiser for the Community Outreach Center, is back this November! Are you interested in hosting or attending a dinner on November 7? Sign-ups will be in the Narthex beginning on Sunday, October 4. Materials about the COC will be provided to all hosts. In the spirit of building community, dinner groupings are coordinated by the DIFO committee to help foster new connections among church members. It's a delicious way to meet new people and support a great cause!
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
Adult Sunday School Offerings
Do More Good via the Volunteering Hub at asburyfirst.org
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #340 “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #340 “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2
*HYMN: #339 “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast”
*GATHERING HYMN: #338 “Where He Leads Me”, vv. 1, 2 (cont'd)
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh”