October 16, 2022 • 9 & 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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
“Aria” — David Ashley White “Air” — Gerre Hancock
Introit
Stand up and bless the Lord, ye people of his choice; stand up and bless the Lord your God with heart and soul and voice. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We have gathered in God's holy presence, the One who etches grace on our hearts. This is the place where God will transform us into disciples. We glorify our God, who yearns for justice, not just for a favored few, but for the least of our world. This is the place where God will write compassion on our souls. We give thanks to God for unceasing grace; we remember God's persistence in saving us. This is the place where God will breathe the Word into our lives.
*Opening Hymn
#596 “Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#464 "I Will Trust in the Lord", v. 1, sung twice
11 am • October 16, 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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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
Author of Life, your words are given to us so we might be reformed, but we are intent on changing others. Your words are offered to us so we might be transformed, but we are distracted by the many temptations of our world. Your words are spoken to lead us into new life, but we hold our old ways tight to our chests. Forgive us, God of Wonder. Continue to touch us with your steadfast mercy. Show us how to be persistent in living out our faith, even as you are tenacious in offering us your grace.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Jesus reminds us that we are to be resolute in our lives of faithfulness and service. The good news is that God is steadfast in filling us with love and grace. 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.
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Anna Kristine Jang Beach (born January 23, 2018) and Jonah Charles Jang Beach (born September 20, 2016), children of Devin Palmesano-Beach and Jeff Beach
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that they may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
To celebrate baptism
11 am
To hear the word
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
#405 "Seek Ye First"
Sermon
Prayer. Persistence. Power.
Scripture Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Anthem Jordan Bachmann, Baritone
“Give Me Jesus” – traditional Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Refrain: Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You may have all this world, give me Jesus. Dark midnight was my cry, dark midnight was cry, dark midnight was my cry, give me Jesus. [Refrain] Oh, when I come to die, oh, when I come to die, oh, when I come to die, give me Jesus. [Refrain]
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
“Be Thou My Vision” – Traditional Irish melody, arr. John Leavitt, incorporating Thaxted, Gustav Holst; ancient Irish words, tr. Mary E. Byrne Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word; I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord. Thou and thou only, first in my heart, Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art. Great God of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all. Great God of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Amen!
Call to Prayer
O for the living flame from God’s own altar brought, to touch our lips, our minds inspire, and wing to heaven our thought. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter)
Pastoral Prayer
*Doxology
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.
Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, engrave your covenant – your hopes, your dreams, your vision, your peace – upon our hearts. May they beat as one with yours, eager to share your love to a suffering world. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#670 “Go Forth for God”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Anonymous)
Postlude
“Trumpet Rondo” — Fenton Groden
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Megan Ormsbee, 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
“Give Me Jesus” © 2000 Hal Leonard Corporation; “Be Thou My Vision” © 2001 John Leavitt, published by Concordia Publishing House; 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 • October 16, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Song
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
Luke 18:1-8 (found on pg. 5)
Benediction
Closing Song
#464 “I Will Trust in the Lord”, v. 1, sung twice
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news
We encourage you to give to the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR). You can give online at asburyfirst.org/give, and note "Hurricane". Or, you can mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave.
If you would like to help support those in the path of the tropical storm Ian, we encourage you to give to the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) by using the following link: advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx. You can give online at asburyfirst.org/give, and note "Hurricane". Or, you can mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Through UMCOR, United Methodists extend loving care to people within the United States. When disaster strikes, it is local churches that provide the first response to their communities.
Hurricane Ian Relief
Hurricane Relief
The Asbury Orchestra has begun to rehearse and we missed you! Bring your instrument and join us next week! Visit asburyfirst.org/news to sign up and for more information.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her husband Ray by Jane Jeszenka; and in loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Weldon Crossland by the Altar Guild. 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 The Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson on the passing of his husband Robert Miller, on September 17. His memorial service took place on Sunday, October 9 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns Marian Gottler on the passing of her brother, Bobby Rowe, in Tulsa, OK on August 14, 2022.
Celebrations and concerns
Construction Livestream
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Lectio Divinia
Meetings & Rehearsals october 16-22
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 9:45 am When Kids Ask Hard Questions— Room 201 (2nd Floor of Education Wing) 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 11 am Older Adult Worship and Luncheon—1040 Sanctuary and Gathering Center 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 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—CANCELLED 7 pm Embodied Spirituality—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 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 Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 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 11 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468)
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
Help Me
CONNECT
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.
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
Space for
For any questions, contact the Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont, Director of The Discipleship Project at rdupont@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x113.
Dining In For Outreach Returns!
Saturday, November 5
GRACE
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
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.
The Discipleship Project 2.0
Wednesdays in October, 6:15-7 pm, Gathering Center
*Processional Hymn
#596 “Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word"
#464 "I Will Trust in the Lord", v. 1, sung twice Words and Music: traditional Spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
#405 "Seek Ye First" Words and Music by Karen Lafferty
#670 "Go Forth for God"
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)
Words: John Peacey, 1975; Tune: Geneva 124, Genevan Psalter, 1551
Gathering Hymn (9:00 AM)
#131 "We Gather Together"