I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your children shall prophesy, your elders shall dream dreams, and your youth shall see visions. —Joel 2:28 (abridged)
World Communion Sunday
october 1, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x126 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 Sarah Brubaker — Director of Communications, x109 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome of differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, 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 The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
* please stand as you are able
11 am • October 1, 2023
Prelude
Chorale Prelude on "O Bread of Life from Heaven" — Henrich Isaac/arr. Franklin Ashdown Pastorale on "My God, Thy Table Now is Spread" — Edward Miller/arr. Franklin Ashdown
Introit
See the morning sun ascending, radiant in the eastern sky; hear the angel voices blending in their praise to God on high! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! (Words: Charles Parkin; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, Holy Spirit! Ignite our hearts with joy and confidence! For God has done wondrous things for us. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill us with the power of the rushing wind, that we may faithfully serve you in all that we do. For Christ has called each of us and blessed us! Come, Holy Spirit! Be with us today. Help us to boldly proclaim the Risen Christ.
*Processional Hymn
#192 "There's a Spirit in the Air”
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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*Gathering Hymn
"Come, Let Us Dream", vv. 1-3
11 am
To hear the word
Scripture Acts 2:12-21
All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your children shall prophesy, and your youth shall see visions, and your elders shall dream dreams. Even upon my servants, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
*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.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
People of the Spirit, listen: our Comforter and Advocate has come. Rejoice in the knowledge that all is forgiven, and await the new birth in Christ that is promised to all. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen!
Prayer of Confession
Heavenly Father, you dwell within us in sighs too deep for words. Silence the world’s noise that we may hear you. Caring Mother, you wrap us tenderly in fierce love, and give us the breath of life. Wake us from our dullness to the touch of your embrace. Brother Jesus, we yearn for your presence, and seek your abundant grace. Bring us from the shadows of fear into the light. Sister Spirit, gather us up in the winds of your favor, and carry us to ever greater heights. Scatter our doubts and empower us for ministry.
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.
Offertory
“See How Great a Flame Aspires” — Ronald Kauffmann; words by Charles Wesley See how great a flame aspires, kindled by a spark of grace. Jesus’ love the nations fires, sets the kingdoms on a blaze. To bring fire on earth he came, kindled in some hearts it is; O that all might catch the flame, all partake the glorious bliss! When he first the work begun, small and feeble was his day; now the Word doth swiftly run, now it winds its widening way; ever mighty to prevail; shakes the trembling gates of hell!
*Hymn
#393 "Spirit of the Living God"
To Renew Commitment
Stewardship Moment
Bob Stevenson and Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, co-chairs of the Giving Team
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.
Scripture (Cont'd)
winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
Hymn
#620 "One Bread, One Body", v. 2
Invitation to Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
To celebrate holy communion
Sermon
Dream On: Future
Eucharistic Acclamations — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
Communion Hymns
#475 “Come Down, O Love Divine” #617 “I Come with Joy”
Prayer after Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Assisting with Communion: Rev. Susan Shafer, Rev. Ruthellen Hoyle, Rev. Brian Rotach, Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Mike Mullin, Rev. Pat Dupont Lay Reader: Joe Hull Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director/Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
For thy loving-kindness ever shed upon our earthly way; for thy mercy, ceasing never, for thy blessing day by day: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! (Words: Charles Parkin; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
Postlude
Trumpet Postlude on "Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor" — William Owen/ arr. Franklin Ashdown
*Recessional Hymn
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
To Disperse in Mission
“See How Great a Flame Aspires” © 1985 Elkan-Vogel, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
9 am • October 1, 2023
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong
Chapel service
*Opening Hymn
"Come, Let Us Dream”, vv. 1-3 This hymn can be found on page 4.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#393 "Spirit of the Living God”
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Acts 2:12-21 (found on p. 5)
Communion
*Closing Hymn
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”, vv. 1, 4
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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 UMCOR at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. 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 offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Ted Epping, who died on July 22. His memorial service was held on September 30. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Paul Gongloff, who died on Friday, September 15. A memorial service was held at Asbury First on September 29. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Dave Petherbridge, who died on Saturday, September 23. A memorial service was held at Asbury First on September 28. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of John DeMocker, who died on September 16, 2023. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Samuel Bishop died on August 7, 2023. A memorial service for Samuel will be at Asbury First on Saturday, October 14 at 2 pm.
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?
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? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Youth Musical: Godspell
Wednesday Night Community Dinner
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Lectio Divina
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra—1040 Wesley Hall 9:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Children's Enrichment—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School—1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) —1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group—1040 Youth Room 2 pm Godspell Youth Musical 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 Room 205 (Bell Room) 2 pm Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 7 pm Allergy/EPI Pen training—1010 Red Room Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —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 Intersection of Faith and Social Justice —1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Godspell Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 4 pm Gentle Yoga——1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468)
Meetings & Rehearsals October 1–7
Asbury Art Class — Silk Painting
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
Sunday, October 15
Our youth will be hosting our first-ever Asbury First Mini-Golf Outing, with all proceeds to support our youth missions.
The costs to play are $11 for adults, and $9 for kids 15 and under. Tee times are available for purchase in the Welcome Hall after the service today, or by contacting the church office during the week. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at 585-271-1050 X105 mmullin@asburyfirst.org
The rainbow has long been a sign of God’s promise of love and our need for hope. In that spirit, you are invited to wear rainbow clothing, or the Asbury First rainbow T-shirts, to worship on Sunday October 15 as we celebrate and show support for members of the LGBTQ community in honor of national Coming Out Day. We will be joined by a guest preacher, the Rev. Jess Winderweedle, who will help us celebrate God’s good gift of love in all of its prismatic beauty! Learn more about Jess at asburyfirst.org/news.
Saturday, October 21, Champions Mini Golf in Macedon Tee times starting at 9 am, $11 per adult, $9 per under-15
Asbury First's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group will be holding its first meeting of the season on Sunday, October 15th in the Youth Room (in the lower level of the church), as our church community celebrates National Coming Out Day. Anyone affiliated with LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome to attend. We will be setting our agenda for the year, planning for events, outreach, and educational opportunities in our community. Youth and adults are welcome! For more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at 585-271-1050 x117 or at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.
Team Meetings
3rd Sunday of the Month, Beginning October 15, 9:45 am, 1040 Youth Room (lower level)
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.
LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: Sunday, November 5, 12:30-1:30 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Lunch served. Hybrid: Wednesday, November 8, 7 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
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, November 12.
New Member’s Classes
Saturday, November 4, 5 pm Appetizers in the Gathering Center, 6 pm Host Dinners
This November sees the return of the tradition of Dining In For Outreach, which is the biggest annual fundraiser that supports all the Community Outreach Center. Members of our congregation and community gather together for appetizers before attending smaller dinner parties hosted in private homes. A dinner party is also held in the COC itself that is open to anyone who wishes to attend without expectation of a contribution. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Erica Coburn or Tim Mahan at outreach@asburyfirst.org, or sign up in person on Sunday mornings. Be sure to save the date — Saturday, November 4! All are welcome at the table!
Sunday, October 22, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream
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
TOWN HALL
The Governing Board will be hosting another open town hall to share updates on various aspects of our life together and to answer your questions. If you have specific questions, please call the church office at 585-271-1050 or email us at governance@asburyfirst.org. For more information about the Governing Board or the recent committee activity, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.
Special GuestS: Labor Religion Coalition & Kairos Center
Wednesday, October 4, 6–7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
We are privileged to have leaders from the Labor Religion Coalition of New York State and The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice visiting Rochester this October! Our visitors will include The Rev. West McNeill, The Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, and Dr. Charon Hribar. Following our weekly church community meal, they will be leading a presentation about faith-based advocacy and grassroots anti-poverty work that is open to all. This is a unique opportunity to learn alongside experienced faith-based organizers and to make connections between our local ministries and more broad work to dismantle systemic injustices. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Contact Pat Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org for more information.
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Communion Hymn
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#475 "Come Down, O Love Divine"
#617 "I Come with Joy"
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory"
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*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)