World iCommunion Sunday
October 2, 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
Organ Voluntaries on Communion Hymns “Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness” — arr. Donald Busarow “For the Bread Which You Have Broken“ — arr. Ronald Arnatt “Draw Nigh and Take the Body of The Lord” — arr. David Schack
Introit
Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored. Thy people bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee. (Words: John Cennick, 1741; Tune: Tallis’ Canon, Thomas Tallis, 1567)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 8
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We gather as your children, connected in Christ. What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? We gather as your children, seeking your kingdom. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet. We gather as your children, ready to be your hands and feet in the world. Our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We gather as your children, to give thanks for your faithful love.
*Opening Hymn
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#352 "It's Me, It's Me, O Lord (Standing in the Need of Prayer)", v. 1
11 am • October 2, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Prayer of Confession
God of eternal return, in times of bitter loss we yearn to be called home. We have felt like exiled Israel, weeping at the waters of Babylon. We want to be counted among the faithful, but we can’t seem to leave our hurts behind. Give us courage to take up the cross, despite our doubts. Help us to be the people you call us to be. Give us strength to follow you anew, in the power of the Spirit.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Christ gives us the gospel of truth. The Spirit gives us treasure from heaven. Rejoice in the mercy of God! 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 Lamentations 1:1-6
How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces has become subject to forced labor. She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers, she has no one to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies. Judah has gone into exile with suffering and hard servitude; she lives now among the nations; she finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress. The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate; her priests groan; her young girls grieve, and her lot is bitter. Her foes have become the masters; her enemies prosper because the Lord has made her suffer for the multitude of her transgressions; her children have gone away, captives before the foe. From daughter Zion has departed all her majesty. Her princes have become like stags that find no pasture; they fled without strength before the pursuer.
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
“Give to the Winds Your Fears” — Robert J. Powell; words by John Wesley Give to the winds your fears, have hope, be not dismayed, God hears your sighs and counts your tears, God shall lift up your head. Through waves and clouds and storms, God gently clears the way; Wait his own time, so shall this night soon end in joyous day. Leave to God's sovereign sway to choose and to command, So shalt you, wondering, own that way, how wise, how strong his hand! On God the Lord rely, and safe shall you go on; On God's work fix your steadfast eye; so shall your work be done.
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
#427 "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life", vv. 1, 5
*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:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
Sermon
A Shared Lament
*Communion Hymn
#617 "I Come with Joy", vv. 1-3
*Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*Closing Hymn
#634 “Now Let Us From This Table Rise”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen.
Postlude
“At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” — arr. Theodore Beck
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Communion Procession
Please come forward via the center aisle to receive the elements. If you wish, you may take a moment to kneel at the altar rail before returning to your seat. Please wait to consume the elements until everyone is seated and you are invited to do so.
Hymns
#614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken" #618 "Let Us Break Bread Together
The Lord's Supper
All those present will receive the elements together as directed.
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.
To Disperse in Mission
iOn the iCover
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, 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:
“Give to the Winds Your Fears” © 2014 St. James Music Press; 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.
This Sunday, we will partake in World Communion Sunday. As a special treat, our pulpit and lectern will display banners (or antependiums, Latin for “to hang before”) to celebrate World Communion Sunday. These beautiful, double-sided fabric pieces were lovingly created by Master Weaver, Jan Towsley. The works were commissioned by the Asbury Altar Guild in memory of our former member, Elaine Boyd.
9 am • October 2, 2022
Call to Worship Based on Psalm 8
Opening Song
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory", vv. 1, 2
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Song
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
Lamentations 1:1-6 (found on pg. 5)
Communion
Benediction
Closing Song
#634 “Now Let Us From This Table Rise”, vv. 1, 2
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: Carl Johengen
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 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 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 friends and family of Dr. Robert Miller, husband of the Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, who passed away on September 17. A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday, October 9 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to friends and family of Sarah Johnson, who passed away on September 28, 2022. A memorial service will take place on Monday, October 3 at 1 pm.
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 October 2-8
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 12:30 pm New Member Class—1050 Dining Room 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 7 pm Embodied Spirituality— Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 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) 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm New Member Class—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 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
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
Dining In For Outreach Returns!
Wednesday, November 5
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
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.
Embodied Spirituality
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: Today 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
#577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)
Hymn
#614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"
#618 "Let Us Break Bread Together"
Hymn, Ctd.
Communion Hymn
#634 "Now Let Us from This Table Rise"