October 5, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Elizabeth Church Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on pg. 3) *OPENING SONG: #374 “Standing on the Promises” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on pg. 3) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: II Timothy 1:1-14 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT ROOTED IN GRACE: GROWING IN GENEROSITY — Jonathan Caroll-Nellenback OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on pg. 15) PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: #378 “Amazing Grace” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
17th Sunday after Pentecost WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
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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.)
PRELUDE: “Fantasie in C Major” — César Franck INTROIT May Christians all with one accord unite around the sacred board to praise your holy name, O Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Words: anonymous; Tune: Gelobt sei Gott, 17th c. German) *CALL TO WORSHIP We gather to remember the faith passed down through generations. We give thanks for those who taught us to trust in God. We gather to rekindle the gift of God within us. We come seeking courage, not fear, for the Spirit makes us strong. We gather to proclaim the good news entrusted to us. We come to worship the One who calls us to faith and faithfulness. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #374 “Standing on the Promises” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”, vv. 1, 4 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of life, you have entrusted us with the gift of good news, yet we confess we are timid in sharing it. You give us a Spirit of power and love, but we too often live by anxiety and doubt. Forgive us for neglecting the gift that is within us. Rekindle our faith. Restore our trust. Help us to know the gift of your truth and to live it boldly for the sake of the world. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE The Spirit God gives us is not one of fear. God has called us and given us grace in abundance. May we live it boldly. 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. SCRIPTURE: II Timothy 1:1-14 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. 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. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “O How Amiable” — Ralph Vaughan Williams; words from Psalms 84 and 90 O how amiable are thy dwellings, O Lord of hosts! My soul has a delight and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in they house: they will be alway praising thee. The glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper thou the work of our hands upon us. O prosper thou our handiwork. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. (words: Isaac Watts; tune: St. Anne, attr. Wm. Croft) SERMON HYMN: #620 “One Bread, One Body”, vv. 1, 2
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. ROOTED IN GRACE: GROWING IN GENEROSITY — Jonathan Caroll-Nellenback 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.
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.
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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.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #632 “Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether” #618 “Let Us Break Bread Together” *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #378 “Amazing Grace” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (after Jacob Arcadelt, 16th c.) POSTLUDE: “Marche Romaine” — Charles Gounod
Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive 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. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
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.
“O How Amiable” © 1940, Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Gene Simmons by his daughter Tammy Clifford & family; and in loving memory of Martha’s parents, Henry & Sandra Woodward, by Martha & Jeremy Tuke. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, 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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Elizabeth Church Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Stewards: Angie Burch, Judy Messenger, Andrew Hunt Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Brian Bohrer, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Martha Neubert, Cindy Haag Altar Guild Team: Barb Denigris, Deb McLean, Ellen Williams Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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Help Me Connect!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals October 5 – October 12
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
10 am
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
11 am
Older Adult Fall Worship & Luncheon – 1040, Sanctuary and Gathering Center
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
Anastasia Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
SATURDAY
1 pm
Collaborative Maker's Gathering – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (10/12)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
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^
Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary
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
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
7 pm
Enough – 1040, Sanctuary
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Autumn Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
5:30 pm
Rochester Speaker Series – 1040, Sanctuary
6:30 pm
New Members Class – 1010, Red Room
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
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
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.
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
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
Would You Like To Serve Communion?
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.
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 8). In keeping with the spirit of the discussions, we are suggesting different colors for you to wear for each presentation. Wednesday, October 8 and Sunday, October 12: Censorship is So 1984, Read for Your Rights! by the AF Banned Book Team; Wear rainbow colors! Join us on Zoom: Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200
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. For more information, contact Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775
Everyday Encounters with God: A Morning Retreat
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
East Ave Grocery Run Returns!
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.
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 at pdupont@asburyfirst.org to sign up. UR 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 at pdupont@asburyfirst.org for more information.
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 after the 11 am service in the Gathering Center to honor some of our volunteers. Sign up Sundays through October 26 in Welcome Hall, or contact Diana Carter at difo@asburyfirst.org, or call her at (585) 732-7224.
WANTED!
Dining In For Outreach – Sign Up Today!
VOLUNTEERS
Build a Better Rochester: Workshop on Advocating for Inclusive Housing
Would you like to see a greater variety of housing options available in the Rochester area? Do you want to help create a more accessible community for everyone? The Social Concerns Committee and RASE Commission, together with many others, are sponsoring a workshop that will empower you to advocate for change. Join members of various faith communities for a free workshop on public advocacy for more housing options, Thursday, October 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm in Fellowship Hall.
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
Upcoming New Members Classes
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Every hour in America, a child is shot. Gun violence silences voices — but in Rochester teens are taking the stage to speak out. On Monday, Asbury First joins over 50 communities nationwide for ENOUGH!, presenting six urgent new plays by teen writers confronting gun violence. Join us Monday, October 6 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a very special evening. A Goodwill Offering will be taken. Learn more here by visiting enoughplays.com/reading
Bible Sunday – October 26 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 Speaker Series – October 7 at 7 pm
On Bible Sunday, our children receive their personalized Bibles during the 11 am service on Sunday, October 26. All families with 3rd graders and older children who haven't yet received a Bible, please email Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org by October 9, or fill out the form on our website by scanning the QR code here —>
SAVE THE DATE: Church Conference Town Hall – October 26
Postcards to Voters Need Stamps!
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 Asbury First through our New Members classes! These two-session courses cover church history, United Methodism, and offer a chance to connect with fellow new members. Next class: Tuesday, October 7 & 14 (6:30 – 8 pm, Red Room 1010), joining Sunday, October 19. Attendance at both sessions required. Contact Holly Temming to sign up at htemming@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050.
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
On Sunday, October 26, following worship, we will gather for our annual Church Conference, which in the United Methodist Church is the once-a-year meeting where the whole congregation is invited to participate in the business of the church. Think of it as both a Town Hall and a family meeting: a time to celebrate what God has done among us, to affirm leaders for the coming year, and to take care of essential matters that shape our shared life. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for this special gathering!
*Processional Hymn: #374 “Standing on the Promises”
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn: #577 “God of Grace and God of Glory”, vv. 1, 4
*Gathering Hymn (cont'd)
Hymn: #620 “One Bread, One Body”, vv. 1, 2 words and music by Dan Schutte
Communion Hymn: #632 “Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether”
Communion Hymn: #618 “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Communion Hymn (cont'd)
*Recessional Hymn: #378 “Amazing Grace”