September 28, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Sean Mahan Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE MINUTE FOR MISSION: Volunteer Engagement — John Messenger SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:1, 7-14 (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: “The Summons” (found on page 6) *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
16th 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: Six Pieces for Musical Clock — Franz Joseph Haydn INTROIT Glory to God! Our living songs we raise with all your folk of every time and place; with saints both old and new we lift our praise to fill with swelling sound this holy space. (Words: Leith Fisher; Scottish folk tune, arr. Carl Johengen) *CALL TO WORSHIP We gather in a world that prizes honor and recognition. But here we are reminded that God lifts up the humble. We gather in a world that values payback and reward. But here we are invited to welcome those who cannot repay. We gather in God’s presence, where grace is the only requirement. With gratitude and joy, we worship the One who welcomes all. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”, vv. 1, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of compassion, we confess that way too often, we measure our worth by recognition and repay kindness only when it benefits us. Way too often, we close our doors to those who make us uncomfortable or demand too much. Forgive us. Teach us the humility of Christ, and the generosity of your Spirit, who welcomes all. Transform our hearts, that we may live with open hands and open tables. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE God does not measure us by our status or our success. God meets us exactly where we are and restores our life through great love. Thanks be to God. Amen. *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. MINUTE FOR MISSION: Volunteer Engagement — John Messenger SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:1, 7-14 (The Message) One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move. He went on to tell a story to the guests around the table. Noticing how each had tried to elbow into the place of honor, he said, “When someone invites you to dinner, don’t take the place of honor. Somebody more important than you might have been invited by the host. Then he’ll come and call out in front of everybody, ‘You’re in the wrong place. The place of honor belongs to this man.’ Embarrassed, you’ll have to make your way to the very last table, the only place left. “When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around all high and mighty, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.” Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Psalm 133” — Richard Proulx (sung in Latin and English) Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum habitare fratres in unum. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, when friends live together in unity. Such unity is fragrant as the precious oil poured upon the head and falling down over the head of Aaron, down to the collar of his robes. Such unity is plentiful as the dew of Mount Hermon, descending upon the hills of Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, and life forevermore. 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: #593 “Here I Am, Lord” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Come then, children, with your burdens, life’s confusions, fears and pain. Leave them at the cross of Jesus; take instead the kingdom’s reign. Bring your thirsts, for God will quench them; God alone will satisfy. All our longings find attainment when to self we gladly die. (Words: Marva Dawn; Tune: Beach Spring, arr. Dale Wood) PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY: Annette Farrington, flute, Duane Prill, piano “Mélodie” Op. 35, No. 1 — Reinhold Glière *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 Generous God, you call us to make room at the table for those who are too often left out. As we dedicate these gifts, we ask that they become meals for the hungry, shelter for the unhoused, and welcome for the lonely. Let our offerings not just fill plates but open doors. Teach us to give as hosts of your banquet—joyfully, generously, and without thought of return. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Gerald Peterson) POSTLUDE: “Psalm 19” — Benedetto Marcello
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.
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: “The Summons”
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.
Dining & Caring Center: The number of meals we are serving is rising dramatically and quickly! We are in need of more volunteer support during our meal hours. Roles include kitchen and dining room work. Shifts are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 6:30 – 9:30am and Sundays 11:30 am – 2 pm. Commitments can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Email Rev. Pat @ pdupont@asburyfirst.org to sign up. U.R. Well Clinic: Greeters are needed to welcome patients to the COC on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 8:15 pm and Sunday mornings from 8:50 to 10 am. You may choose the shift you'd like during a two month period which fits your schedule. It may be once a month, every two months or more! For further information, please call Sue Bickel at (585) 721-1610. 1010 Tuesday Co-Coordinator: Help us organize monthly tours of the COC aimed at introducing the ministry to members of our broader community! We are looking for volunteer support (onsite or at home) in planning and coordinating these tours. Email Rev. Pat @ pdupont@asburyfirst.org for more information.
WANTED!
“Psalm 133” © 1992 Hope Publishing Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
VOLUNTEERS
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Sean Mahan 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: Chris Burton, Gary Burton Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Martha Tuke, Angie Burch Head Usher: 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:
Join us on Thursday, October 9, for a special day of worship and fellowship beginning with worship at 11 am in the Sanctuary, and 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.
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. Questions? Contact Colleen Schantz at (585) 353-2260.
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
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 celebration of Ed and Joanne Zelazny’s 61st wedding anniversary; and in loving memory of C.S. and Ann Hunter by Dick & Nancy Adamus. 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.
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.
Would You Like To Serve Communion?
Everyday Encounters with God: A Morning Retreat
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.
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:30 am
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
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 #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
6 pm
One Million Rising – 1010, Red Room and Zoom*
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
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Help Me Connect!
Meetings & Rehearsals SEPTEMBER 28 – October 5
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
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
Zumba – 1040, Gathering Center
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
SATURDAY
CPR Training – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY (10/5)
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
Postcards to Voters Need Stamps!
CPR/AED Training
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
The Civics Team is hard at work encouraging voter participation, and you can help in a simple but powerful way. We are in need of rolls of postcard stamps to send reminders and encouragement to our neighbors to get out and vote. Please consider picking up a roll or two and dropping them off at the church office—your gift makes democracy stronger! And join us as we meet every Thursday in the Red Room (1010) from 10 am to noon (right after Thursday's Morning Prayer service). For more information, write to programs@asburyfirst.org.
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 on October 7 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. Ticket information and program details are available at www.rochesterspeakers.org
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.
ShockForLife is offering CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training at 9 am on Saturday, October 4 in the Dining and Caring Center (1010). We encourage our staff, first responders and medical personnel to attend this training. It will include the use of our AEDs located throughout our campus and the CPR training is good for 2 years. All costs are covered by Asbury First. RSVP via programs@asburyfirst.org
Rochester Speaker Series
East Ave Grocery Run Returns!
A Taste of the Community Garden at Asbury First
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. Our childcare specialists provide a welcoming and nurturing place for children through 3 years of age, from 9 am til noon on Sundays. 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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Beginning October 1, join us for group-lead discussions about current social issues and how to help bring about God’s kindom here on earth. Each discussion will begin on a Wednesday, 6 – 7 pm, and will be repeated on Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:45 am. These will be held both in person and on Zoom # (see pg 9). In keeping with the spirit of the discussions, we are suggesting different colors for you to wear for each presentation. Wednesday, October 1 and Sunday, October 5: Introduction to Social Concerns and Asbury First Civics Team (AFeCT); Wear red, white, and blue! Join us on Zoom: Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200
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 during the 11 am service to honor some of our volunteers. 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.
Join Asbury First families for our brand new First Friday Family Fun Nights starting this fall! Each month we'll gather at different exciting locations around Rochester for relaxed evening adventures that bring our church family together for fun and fellowship. Our kick-off event will be held on Friday, October 3, from 5 to 7 pm at Wickham Farms in Penfield. Mark your calendars for the first Friday of every month for a new location and the same great community connection. Contact the church office for more details at (585) 271-1050.
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
*Processional Hymn
#428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
*Hymn
#64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”, vv. 1, 4
#593 “Here I Am, Lord”
*Hymn (cont'd)