October 19, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Lilith Hart Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:27-34 (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 ROOTED IN GRACE: GROWING IN GENEROSITY OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #733 “Marching to Zion” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
19th 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: Duane Prill, organ: “Andante in D Major” — Felix Mendelssohn Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director: “Foundation” — hymn tunes, arr. Anna Laura Page INTROIT When Morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! (Words: 18th c., tr. Edward Caswall; Tune: Laudes Domini, Joseph Barnby) *CALL TO WORSHIP The days are coming, says the Lord, when new life will be planted. We gather, ready for God’s word of renewal. No longer will we live only by what has been. God is writing a new story upon our hearts. Come, people of God, the covenant is made new in you. We worship the One whose mercy endures forever. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #500 “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”, vv. 1, 5 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of promise, we confess that we often live as though nothing can change. We cling to old wounds, we repeat old patterns, and we fear the risk of hope. You promise to write your covenant on our hearts, yet we resist letting you in. Forgive us. Plant in us the seeds of your renewal. Write your love deep within us, so that our lives may reflect your faithfulness. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE This is God’s promise: you are not forgotten, and you are not alone. God’s covenant is not written on stone but inscribed on your very heart. God’s mercy is alive within each of us, shaping us from the inside out. We are God’s beloved, now and always. *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. WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS Janice Curtiss Jay Curtiss Paige Dustin Jim Leunk Helen Louise Perkins Mary Steensma Misty Yarnall MEMBERSHIP VOWS *CONGREGATIONAL PLEDGE Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. *HYMN: #557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:27-34 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. In those days they shall no longer say: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of the one who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir: “Awake, My Soul” — Craig Courtney; words from Psalm 57:7b-11 Awake, my soul! Awake, psaltery and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations! I will sing of you among the peoples. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (cont'd) Great is your love unto the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. I will sing and make melody; I will sing to the Lord! Awake, my soul! Awake, psaltery and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations! I will sing of you among the peoples. I will sing! 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: #383 “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, vv. 1-4 SERMON CALL TO PRAYER God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. (Words: Sarum Primer, 1514; Music: H. Walford Davies, 1869-1941) PASTORAL PRAYER
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 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.
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.
“Awake, My Soul” © 2002 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Foundation” © 2003 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “Fantasia on Ebenezer” © 2013 Lorenz Publishing Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Lilith Hart Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Ethan Hildreth, Alessandro Bucci Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Martha Tuke, Angie Burch Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Kenny Bailey, Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
OFFERTORY: Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director “Fantasia on Ebenezer” — Thomas J. Williams, arr. Tammy Waldrop *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 Faithful God, you are making all things new. Take these gifts and use them to plant hope where there is despair, mercy where there is hurt, and joy where there is sorrow. As you have written your covenant on our hearts, write your love through our generous giving, so that your promise may take root in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #733 “Marching to Zion” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God! POSTLUDE: “Allegro in B Flat Major” — Felix Mendelssohn
Permissions:
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
Celebrations and concerns
Join Covenant United Methodist Church (1124 Culver Road at Parsells Ave.) on Sunday, October 19 at 3 pm for a concert celebrating their Austin pipe organ's 100th Anniversary. Eastman student organists from four continents will perform in this free public recital; a free-will offering supports the Eastman Student Travel Fund. Visit covenantroc.org for details.
You're invited to the Urriola and Schonewolf Wedding!
Reserve your seat now for Asbury First Community Theatre's presentation of Anastasia, the Youth Musical, about a young woman named Anya with amnesia who, with the help of a con man and an ex-aristocrat, embarks on a journey from 1920s Russia to Paris to discover her identity and find where she belongs. Visit asburyfirst.org/anastasia to reserve your seats!
Covenant UMC Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of its Pipe Organ
Ian Urriola, former Ministry Intern (2017-2018), and Jo Schonewolf invite you to their wedding at Asbury First on Saturday, October 25 at 3 pm, co-presided by Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. The service will be livestreamed, followed by a cookie and punch reception in the Gathering Center. Details at ianandjogetmarried.com
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in and in loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Weldon Crossland by the Altar Guild; and for all people experiencing pain by Lorraine Fusare. 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.
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
Autumn Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
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
6 pm
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
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
Asbury First Civics Team – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Build a Better Rochester Workshop – 1040, Gathering Center
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV – Zoom #
SATURDAY
Schoenwolf-Urriola Wedding – 1040 Sanctuary
BIBLE SUNDAY (10/26)
After 11 am Worship
Church Conference / Town Hall – 1040, Sanctuary
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals October 19 – October 26
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
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 & 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.
Asbury Autumn Yoga Series, Tuesdays through October 28
Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Gathering Center, join us for our Autumn Gentle Yoga Series with Kelly Noyes. Experience a slower yoga flow as we gently draw our attention inward with mindful movement and breath. Classes are an hour long and open to participants at any level. $10 donation is payable at the door. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and bring water with you. The Winter Yoga Series will begin on Tuesday, November 18.
VOLUNTEERS
WANTED!
Wednesday Morning Book Club
Join Wednesday Morning Book Club to explore "All We Can Save," a powerful collection featuring diverse women leaders—scientists, activists, farmers, and innovators—offering bold solutions to the climate crisis through essays, poetry, and art. The group meets Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010), October 22 - December 17, with no sign-up required—just show up ready for inspiring discussions. For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org.
Fall Campus Cleanup! Saturday, November 8*, 9 am – 1 pm, 1040, Main Entrance
It's time for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup! Bring rakes, tarps — and anything else you find makes this task interesting, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at (585) 271-1050. *In case of inclement weather, we'll meet on November 15.
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!
Join the Banned Book Club as we gather to discuss Ray Bradbury's monumental "Fahrenheit 451," a dystopian prediction of a future where books have been outlawed. Join in-person Monday, November 17, at 7 pm in the Red Room (1010), or via zoom. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 Monday, November 17, 7 pm in the Red Room (1010)
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 the Gathering Center.
Build a Better Rochester: Workshop on Advocating for Inclusive Housing
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
Dining In For Outreach – Sign Up Today!
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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!
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. We'll honor some of our volunteers that Sunday in the 11 am Worship Service, and will hold a reception afterwards in the Gathering Center. Sign up Sundays through October 26 in Welcome Hall, or contact Diana Carter at difo@asburyfirst.org, or call her at (585) 732-7224.
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 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 22 and Sunday, October 26: Climate Change Update sponsored by the Social Concerns Committee; Wear green Join us on Zoom: Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200
SAVE THE DATE: Church Conference Town Hall – October 26
*Processional Hymn: #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn: #500 “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”, vv. 1, 5
Hymn: #383 “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, vv. 1-4
*Recessional Hymn: #733 “Marching to Zion”
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)