September 25, 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. 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. 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 or at 585-271-1050 x111. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
English Organ Music for Manuals “Flute Piece” — William Hine “Fugue in F Minor” — Charles Burney “Cornet Voluntary” — John Travers “Allegro” — Thomas Arne
Introit
What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. (Jim Strathdee; words based on Micah 6:8)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God, whose Spirit interprets our deepest longings, We worship you! For your never-ending and limitless love and mercy, We give you thanks! For the word of hope you give to us today, We praise you! For your presence that calms and renews us, We glorify you!
*Opening Hymn
#181 “Ye Servants of God” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#181 "Where Charity and Love Prevail", vv. 1, 6
11 am • September 25, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
O God, you are our refuge in times of trouble, our shelter in times of rain. When we forget to be a refuge for others in distress, forgive us. Guide our lives to be places of shelter for others, as you have sheltered us. Draw us back into the protection of your grace.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the good news: God listens, and God answers. We are delivered and saved by God’s love. 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.
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 16:19-31
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Duane Prill, Piano Annette Farrington, flute Beth Glaza and Alex Guffey, violins Mona Seghatoleslami, viola Laurie Kennedy, cello
“Psalm 91” — Craig Courtney You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Say to the Lord, “My refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He will deliver you from the fowler’s snare, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness shall be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or ravages at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but you will not be harmed. If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge, Then no harm will befall you; no scourge will approach your tent. He will give his angels charge over you; on your hands they will lift you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
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
#589 "The Church of Christ in Every Age", vv. 1, 3, 5
Sermon
A Place for Us
Call to Prayer
Hear our prayer, O Lord; Hear our prayer, O Lord; Incline your ear to us and grant us your peace. (George Whelpton)
Pastoral Prayer
*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, we thank you for these gifts which we now give back to you; we pray that you would bless them and multiply them; And with hearts full of joy and compassion, we ask that they be used for your glory. 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.
To Renew Commitment
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.
Offertory Sanctuary Choir Duane Prill, Piano Beth Glaza and Alex Guffey, violins Mona Seghatoleslami, viola Laurie Kennedy, cello
“Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” — John Darwall, arr. Dan Forrest; words by Charles Wesley Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your God and King adore; rejoice, give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore. Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; rejoice; again I say, rejoice! God's kingdom cannot fail; God rules o'er earth and heaven; the keys of earth and hell are to our Jesus given. Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; rejoice; again I say, rejoice! Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord and Judge shall come, and take his servants up to their eternal home. Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; rejoice; again I say, rejoice!
*Closing Hymn
#436 “The Voice of God Is Calling”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Arthur Frackenpohl)
Postlude
“The God of Abraham Praise” — arr. Michael Burkhardt
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson Lay Reader: Harry Bronson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, 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: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
“Psalm 91” © 1996 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.;; 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.
9 am • September 25, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Song
#181 "Where Charity and Love Prevail", vv. 1, 2, 6
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Gathering Song
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
Luke 16:19-31 (found on pg. 5)
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
#436 “The Voice of God Is Calling”, vv. 1, 4
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgist: Mike Mullin Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Help us kick off year two of The Discipleship Project with a series of special events: Space for Grace. Join us after the community meal on Wednesdays in October from 6:15-7 pm in the Gathering Center for a come-as-you-are time of singing, sharing, learning, and community-building. If you’re interested in The Discipleship Project, this is a great place to connect with others and learn more! Space for Grace is open to all.
Wednesdays in October, 6:15-7 pm, Gathering Center
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. Selden Williams by his daughter Ellen Williams; in loving memory of C.S. and Ann Hunter by Dick and Nancy Adamus; in loving memory of Joseph A. Floreano by the Floreano family; and in celebration of the 58th wedding anniversary of Ed and Joanne Zelazny. 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 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 friends and family of Robert Miller, husband of the Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, who passed away after being in hospice care.
Celebrations and concerns
For any questions, contact the Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont, Director of The Discipleship Project at rdupont@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x113.
The Discipleship Project 2.0
GRACE
Space for
Construction Livestream
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Lectio Divinia
Meetings & Rehearsals September 25-October 1
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 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 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 2 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Rehearsal—1040 Fellowship Hall 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—1040 Bell Room 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 10 am The Soul of America—Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 5 pm 400 Souls Discussion—Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 6 pm New Member Class—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Heresy & Me—Wesley Hall 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope—1050 Porch 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall FRIDAY 4 pm Memorial Service for Bruce Kost
The Youth Musical: Snoopy!!
Sunday Sermon Podcast
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
How does it work? Asbury First members host delicious dinners in their home with guests donating a suggested amount to participate. Traditionally, the evening began with appetizers and fellowship in the Gathering Space, followed by at home dinners. How do I sign up? Stop by the sign-up table in the Welcome Hall any Sunday morning through Sunday, October 23 to sign up to host or attend a dinner. Or contact Tim Mahan at tim.mahan@wegmans.com. Help us Do More Good by participating! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news
Dining In For Outreach Returns!
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.
Help Me
CONNECT
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.
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
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
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
New Member’s Classes Return!
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.
*Processional Hymn
#181 “Ye Servants of God”
#549 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”, vv. 1, 6
#589 “The Church of Christ in Every Age”, vv. 1, 3, 5