September 21, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Beth Woolever Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #373 “Nothing Between” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:1-13 (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 PRAYER INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” (found on page 7) *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
15th Sunday after Pentecost
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As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
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PRELUDE: Partita on “How Firm a Foundation” — Alfred V. Fedak 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 Philip Newell; Music: Carl Johengen) *CALL TO WORSHIP God calls us, even when our faith is uncertain and our motives are mixed. We gather to be reminded that God’s mercy is greater than our failings. God uses even our imperfect efforts for the sake of love. We gather to offer what we have, trusting God to transform it. Come, with honesty and with hope, into the presence of the One who makes all things new. We gather to worship the God who surprises us with grace. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #373 “Nothing Between” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #399 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”, vv. 1, 3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of mercy, we admit that we do not always act with pure motives. We are often caught between self-interest and faithfulness. We use our resources to protect ourselves, to secure our future, or to impress others. And yet, you are able to take even our flawed actions and turn them toward good. Forgive us when we waste what you have entrusted to us. Forgive us when we underestimate how you can use us, even in our imperfection. Teach us to be bold, creative, and wise for the sake of your kingdom, that our lives may bear a bold witness to your love. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The God who calls us does not wait for us to be flawless. Even in our weakness, even with our divided motives, God’s mercy holds us. In Christ, our mistakes are forgiven, and our efforts—however imperfect—are woven into God’s purposes. Thanks be to God! *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 16:1-13 (The Message) Jesus said to his disciples, “There was once a rich man who had a manager. He got reports that the manager had been taking advantage of his position by running up huge personal expenses. So he called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? You’re fired. And I want a complete audit of your books.’ The manager said to himself, ‘What am I going to do? I’ve lost my job as manager. I’m not strong enough for a laboring job, and I’m too proud to beg. . . . Ah, I’ve got a plan. Here’s what I’ll do . . . then when I’m turned out into the street, people will take me into their houses.’ “Then he went at it. One after another, he called in the people who were in debt to his master. He said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “He replied, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ The manager said, ‘Here, take your bill, sit down here—quick now—write fifty.’ “To the next he said, ‘And you, what do you owe?’ He answered, ‘A hundred sacks of wheat.’ He said, ‘Take your bill, write in eighty.’ “Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.” Jesus went on to make these comments: “If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things; If you’re a crook in small things, you’ll be a crook in big things. If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store? No worker can serve two bosses: He’ll either hate the first and love the second Or adore the first and despise the second. You can’t serve both God and the Bank.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir; Bill Baldwin & Dina Alexander, trumpet, Jeff Dick & John Ormsbee, trombone “Steadfast” — Craig Courtney; words by Susan Bentall Boersma Lord, through all the generations you have been our dwelling place. Ever true and ever faithful, showing mercy, love and grace. You are steadfast, you are steadfast, Lord. Steadfast is your love, O Lord. Water from the rock you offer, bread of heaven from above, Strength each day, new every morning, hope in your redeeming love. You are steadfast, you are steadfast, Lord. Steadfast is your love, O Lord. When my soul by doubt is darkened in the valley of despair, Walking in the vale of shadows, I can feel your presence there. Your compassion, never failing, steadfast is your love, O Lord. You alone deserve our praises, you are worshipped and adored. You are steadfast, you are steadfast, Lord. Steadfast is your love, O Lord. 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. *HYMN: #453 “More Love to Thee, O Christ” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Day by day, Dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day. (Words: Sir Richard of Chichester; Music: Arthur Somervell) PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY: Juli Elliot, soprano “Give to My Eyes, Lord” — Ronald Corp; words by Colin Coppen The words to this anthem can be viewed on the monitors. *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. (OR Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.) *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of wisdom and surprise, you remind us that even flawed efforts can be turned toward your purposes. As the manager acted with boldness and creativity, so may we learn to use what we have with courage and imagination for the sake of your kingdom. Bless these gifts, not for our gain, but for your glory. Take our imperfect offerings and weave them into your perfect mercy, that they may serve the poor, lift the lowly, and proclaim your reign of love. In Christ’s name, Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” (found on the following page) *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: I’m gonna live so God can use me, anywhere, anytime! POSTLUDE: “O Love, How Deep” (Deo gracias) — Paul Manz
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.
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.
“Steadfast” © 2019 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Give to My Heart, Lord” © 2007 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Beth Woolever Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Griffin Allen, Gillian Allen 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 Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
*Recessional Hymn
"I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me", vv. 1-4, then repeat v. 1
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; and in celebration of the wedding of Sarah Anne Winchester and Jeff Bird. 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. 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.
You're invited to a very special morning retreat, Saturday, October 18 from 9 am to 12:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Topics will include Hospitality and Welcoming, Personal Mission Statement, Relationships, and Dreams. Register by October 15. All ages welcome. Paula Dugan will lead a morning focused on the same topics for children. Questions? Contact Colleen Schantz at (585) 353-2260.
A Taste of the Community Garden at Asbury First
Celebrations and concerns
Every hour in America, a child is shot. Gun violence silences voices — but in Rochester teens are taking the stage to speak out. On October 6, Asbury First joins over 50 communities nationwide for ENOUGH!, presenting six urgent new plays by teen writers confronting gun violence. Join us on October 6 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a very special evening. A Goodwill Offering will be taken. Learn more here: enoughplays.com/reading
Curious about the Community Garden at Asbury First? We know you are because whenever we work in the garden, people stop by! Visit the garden’s information table, Sunday, September 28 to taste garden food samples, or take a tour of the garden itself. Volunteers will be on hand in both places before and after the 11 am service.
If you've ever felt drawn to be part of helping to distribute the bread and cup, we'd be honored to have you join our serving team. We welcome any who are willing to serve with reverence and love. Rev. Kathy Thiel would love to hear from you and share more about this meaningful ministry. Call (585) 271-1050 x106 or email kthiel@asburyfirst.org. Come be part of something beautiful.
Everyday Encounters with God: A Morning Retreat
Would You Like To Serve Communion?
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room 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 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
after the service
Columbarium Consecration Ceremony – 1040, Columbarium
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
2:30 pm
Anastasia 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 #
One Million Rising – 1010, Red Room and Zoom*
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
5:30 pm
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 1010, Red Room
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Knitting Ministry Group – 1040, Library
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
6 pm
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 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
ZOOM KEY
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
URWell Clinic – 1010, COC
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
SATURDAY
NAMI Walks Fundraiser – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (9/28)
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals SEPTEMBER 21 – SEPTEMBER 28
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
What is NAMI and why are we walking?
Join us Wednesday, September 24 at 6 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom to learn about the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. We'll explore NAMI's mission, support services, and community impact. Whether seeking resources or ways to help, all are welcome. Contact programs@asburyfirst.org for more information. Dial-In: 1 (929) 205-6099 • Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200
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Join us Saturday, November 1 for the East Ave Grocery Run, an annual fundraiser supporting Rochester food programs, including the Asbury First Community Outreach Center. Anyone registering as an Asbury First team member donates their full fee directly to the COC! Invite a friend for a fall morning run/walk supporting Rochester's hungry. Register at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/EastAvenueGroceryRun
This year marks the the Asbury Orchestra turns 30 and we'll celebrate at the 11 am service on Sunday, November 9, with a new piece composed for the occasion by our own David Temperley! Instrumental musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part; rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 28, 9:30-10:30 am in Wesley Hall. To sign up, scan the QR code or contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org.
Asbury Orchestra's 30th Anniversary
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 featuring David Grann (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wager) on October 7 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. Ticket information and program details are available at www.rochesterspeakers.org
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Rochester Speaker Series
Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 27, this year starting from Asbury First! 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
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Sunday, 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.
4th Sunday: Volunteering Engagement
Asbury First NAMI Walks Team
East Ave Grocery Run Returns!
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
Columbarium Consecration Ceremony: Today after the 11 am Worship Service
To celebrate the completion of both the Columbarium and Memorial Garden construction, we're holding a special Consecration Ceremony Today after the 11 am Sevice to dedicate this sacred and reflective space. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106. Visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to read more.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Dining In For Outreach, Asbury First's major annual fundraiser, is coming November 8 – 9! Gracious hosts throw a dinner party at their own expense while guests donate $75 (or any amount that feels right) to support Outreach ministries. A reception follows Sunday in the Gathering Center, where we'll honor volunteers Nancy Davidow, Andy Dutcher, and Carolyn Hamil during the 11 am service. Can't attend that weekend? Choose any mutually convenient date before November 16. We encourage hosts to welcome new guests—it's a great way to make friends. Sign up Sundays, September 28 through October 26 in the Welcome Hall, or contact Diana Carter at dianalouisecarter@gmail.com, or call or text her at (585) 732-7224.
Older Adult Fall Worship & Luncheon
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
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
#373 “Nothing Between”
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Hymn
#399 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”, vv. 1, 3
#453 “More Love to Thee, O Christ”