October 23, 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
"Requiescat in Pace” — Gordon Young David Strong, organ “Walking with Jesus” — arr. H. Dean Wagner Asbury Ringers
Introit
Come, come and worship the Lord; let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. Amen. (Music by Jack Goode)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. This is the day the Lord has made: a day for praise and prayer; a day for gratitude and generosity. This is the time God has given us: a time for singing and silence; a time for speaking and listening. This is the life to which God calls us: a life of humility and service; a life of faith and trust.
*Opening Hymn
#132 “All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#382 "Have Thine Own Way, Lord", vv. 1, 2
11 am • October 23, 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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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we confess that we try to measure our faithfulness by comparing ourselves with others. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us O God where we fail to see your Spirit’s work in others, in those who have lived before us. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us for choosing comfort and convenience over faithfulness. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Forgiven and healed, we open ourselves to the grace, the peace, the hope offered to us through our loving God. This is the good news we have received! 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.
Minute for Mission
Miracle Garden, Elizabeth Church
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Evelyn Rose Horning (born July 4, 2022), daughter of Dave and Elizabeth Horning; Everest Apollo Clark (born October 19, 2021), son of Susan and William Clark
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
Anthem
"Jesus, Lover of My Soul" — Mark Hayes; words by Charles Wesley Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high; hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last! Other refuge have I none; hangs my helpless soul on thee; leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me. All my trust on thee is stayed, all my help from thee I bring; cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing. Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in thee I find; raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is thy name, I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am; thou art full of truth and grace. Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art; freely let me take of thee; spring thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.
Scripture Luke 18:9-14
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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.
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
#121 "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy"
Sermon
A Tale of Two Offerings
Offertory Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
“El Shaddai” – Michael Card & John Thompson, arr. Susan E. Geschke
Call to Prayer
It's me, it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (traditional Spiritual)
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
If our lives, our love, our gifts are not shared with others, the words we offer in prayer and praise are hollow. Receive what we offer, Holy God, and bless us in the work of your kingdom. Amen. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#578 “God of Love and God of Power”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Edward Broughton)
Postlude
Toccata on “St. Anne” — Gordon Young
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Asbury RIngers; Elizabeth Church, Director 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:
To Disperse in Mission
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” © 2004 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.;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 23, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Song
#121 "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy", vv. 1-3
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 18:9-14 (found on pg. 5)
Benediction
Closing Song
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my husband Robert P. Reiners, my sister Rosemary Jung, and my brother David Seelbinder by Margaret Reiners; in loving memory of Louise Williams by her daughter Ellen Williams; with love and remembrance of their father and grandfather, Donn Paul Rice, who died on Oct. 25th, 2016 by Dave and Beth Rice & family; and in celebration of the wedding of Nina Ronayne and Chaz Boeving. 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 Marian Gottler on the passing of her brother, Bobby Rowe, in Tulsa, OK on August 14, 2022. We offer our prayers and concern to friends and family of Bill Lisi on the death of his wife, Maxine, on October 19. Her memorial service will be on Sunday, October 23, at 1 pm at Stafford UMC (6134 Main St., Stafford, NY, 14143). We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Margrieta Vogelaar, who died on October 19. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Dave Ward, who died in South Carolina on October 20.
Celebrations and concerns
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!
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 When Kids Ask Hard Questions—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 Judges Bible Study with Growing Spirits/ Living Edge—Butlers Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 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 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 5 pm 400 Souls Discussion—Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Room 201 6 pm Youth Musical: Snoopy Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6:15 pm Space for Grace—1040 Gathering Center 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope—1050 Porch 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 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) saturday 11 am Snoopy Set Building—1040 Fellowship Hall
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
Meetings & Rehearsals october 23-29
Construction Livestream
Saturday, November 19, 10 am–1 pm Sunday, November 20, 11 am Service
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
The Thanksgiving season has historically been a time for members and friends of Asbury First to donate to some of our on-campus outreach ministries. This year, we have the opportunity to bring donations and tour the new Community Outreach Center on Saturday and to the altar on Sunday during the Thanksgiving In-Gathering.
The Youth Musical: Snoopy!!
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Lectio Divinia
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
For a list of needed items, visit asburyfirst.org/ thanksgiving-in-gathering
Wednesday, November 5
Dining In For Outreach Returns!
Following Today's Worship Service
Town Hall Meeting
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
Sunday, November 20, 12 pm
Join us for 11 am worship on Sunday, November 20. The service will conclude with a processional to the Community Outreach Center to dedicate our newly renovated and expanded building. Donations can also be dropped off at the front of the sanctuary before worship.
A special town hall meeting will follow the 11 am service on Sunday October 23, 2022. This meeting will be in person and live-streamed and has no formal agenda except to answer your questions! To ask a question please email questions@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at 585-271-1050.
asburyfirst.org/coc
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news
*Processional Hymn
#132 “All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
#382 "Have Thine Own Way, Lord", v. 1, 2
#578 "God of Love and God of Power"
Gathering Hymn (9:00 AM)
#131 "We Gather Together"