October 26, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Judy Messenger Musician: David Strong
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #152 “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Joel 2:23-32 (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: “Lead On, O Cloud of Presence” (found on pg. 8) *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
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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.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
20th Sunday after Pentecost Bible Sunday
PRELUDE: “Prélude” — Théodore Dubois INTROIT: Hallelujah Kids and Wesley Singers & Ringers, Holly Temming, Director "The B-I-B-L-E" *CALL TO WORSHIP Rejoice, for God’s love and grace and mercy are raining down on us! We come with grateful hearts, ready to offer ourselves. The Spirit is poured out on all flesh—young and old, dreamers and prophets. We gather as God’s people, trusting the future to God’s care. Let us worship the God of promise and possibility. We come to rejoice, to commit, and to be renewed. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #152 “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #67 “We, Thy People, Praise Thee” PRAYER OF CONFESSION Generous God, you provide in ways that surpass our imagining, yet we confess that we do not always live with trust or gratitude. We worry about scarcity. We cling too tightly to what we have. We are timid in our giving and hesitant in our vision. Forgive us, O Lord. Pour out your Spirit upon us once again. Teach us to dream dreams and to see visions, and give us the courage to offer ourselves freely and generously for the work of your kingdom. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Hear the promise: God restores what is broken and renews what has been lost. God’s Spirit is poured out without limit on all flesh, for all people! Thanks be to God! *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: Joel 2:23-32 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) O children of Zion, be glad, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for God has given the early rain for your vindication; God has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army that I sent against you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days I will pour out my spirit. I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Wesley Singers, Holly Temming, Director Alan Giambattista, piano, Mike Mullin & Caleb Mullin, percussion “Praise the Lord” — Mark Patterson Praise the Lord with songs of gladness. Praise the Lord, come, lift up your voice and sing. Sing praise to the one who made the earth and sky and sea. Give thanks for the wondrous things God gave you and me: Meadows and mountains and gently flowing streams, fields ripe for the harvest and the glowing buds of spring. PRESENTATION OF BIBLES: Children receiving Bibles today: Jonah Beach JP Camardello Grace Chinchilla-Donnelly Leia Clark Delilah Dudley Henry Dunlavey Martin English Edward Hill Cali Kirivong Emma Parkes Adelynn Rodriguez Caroline Sauceda Pastor: Receive the Holy Scriptures and study their words. These stories belong to us all, and these words speak to us all. They tell us who we are. They tell us that we belong to one another, for we are the people of God, seeking truth together. Children: We receive these Bibles with our hands, our hearts, and our minds. Congregation: We rejoice in this step in your journey with God. We pray God will guide you, your family, and us as we use our Bibles in our homes, the Church, and throughout our lives. We commit to love, live, and serve together as we seek God’s truth. 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: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Thou fount of blessing we adore! Lo, we unlock our lips once more before thy well of holiness. O, deign to hear us now and bless. (Words: Gerhard Teerstegen, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Music: adapted from Creation, F. J. Haydn) 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.
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “O Breath of Life” — Pepper Choplin; words by Bessie Porter Head, alt. O Breath of life, come sweeping through, revive your church with life and power; O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew, prepare our lives to meet this hour. O Breath of love, come breathe within, renewing mind and will and heart; come, Love of Christ, teach us to love, revive your church in every part. O Wind of God, move through your church, come bend and break as to your will; till humbly we confess our need; then by your tenderness remold, That as you break us, come remake us as your own. O heart of Christ, broken for us, in you we find our strength and rest; receive our hearts, broken and weak, and let your waiting church be blest. Revive us, Lord, why are we still, while harvest fields are vast and white? Revive us, Lord, the world awaits, raise up your church to spread the light. O breath of life, O breath of love, O wind of God, breathe within our hearts. *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 God of abundance, today we bring not only our gifts but our commitments for the future of our church, trusting your promise to provide all that we need. Bless these pledges of treasure, that they may become seeds of hope, signs of renewal, and vessels of your Spirit’s work. As we dedicate these offerings, we dedicate ourselves—to your vision, to your people, and to your future. Let our stewardship bear witness to your faithfulness from generation to generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: “Lead On, O Cloud of Presence” (found on pg. 8) *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Go into the world and serve the Lord with joy! (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: “Postlude-Cantique” — Théodore Dubois
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 Breath of Life” © 1999 Evergreen Morning Press/Lorenz Publishing Co.; “Praise the Lord” © 2007 Augsburg Fortress; 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 Louise Williams by her daughter Ellen Williams; and in celebration of the wedding of Addie Jo Schonewolf and Ian Urriola. 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. 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: Judy Messenger Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Children's Music: Holly Temming Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: David Snyder, Poppy Marsiglio Altar Guild Team: Marlyn Agard, Martha Tuke, Angie Burch Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely, Preston Loughney Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Wednesday Evening Program
Permissions:
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: “Lead On, O Cloud of Presence”
ZUMBA IS BACK!
Join us again, November 6, at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center for moving and grooving fitness fun! No prior Zumba or dance experience needed—all fitness levels welcome! A suggested donation of $10 is paid directly to instructor Katy Reholz.
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
Church Conference / Town Hall – 1040, Sanctuary
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, Gathering Center
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
5:30 pm
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom*
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
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
6 pm
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
Anastasia Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals October 26 – November 2
To learn more or register, scan the QR code:
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 ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
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
East Ave Grocery Run – 1010, East Ave
Highland Palliative Care Memorial Service – 1040, Sanctuary
ALL-SAINTS SUNDAY (11/2)
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
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!
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. Contact 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 for the final class in the October series, : The Housing Crisis, Our Personal and Collective Response by the Housing Equity Team, Wednesday, October 29, from 6 to 7 pm in Wesley Hall. Wear red! In November we'll be learning about the history and work of the Community Outreach Center at our Wednesday Evening Programming. Stay tuned for more details to come! Join us on Zoom: Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200
Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 Monday, November 17, 7 pm in the Red Room (1010) and Zoom
Join Wednesday Morning Book Club to explore "All We Can Save," a powerful collection featuring diverse women leaders offering bold solutions to the climate crisis. The group meets Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010), through December 17, with no sign-up required. For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
Fall Campus Cleanup! Saturday, November 8*, 9 am – 1 pm, 1040, Main Entrance
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. For more info, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Wednesday Morning Book Club
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
On November 7, at 6 pm in the Gathering Center, help us package sweet treat bags of leftover Halloween candy with handwritten notes for our neighbors at the Community Outreach Center! Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information or to RSVP. Can't come but still want to join in on the fun? Bring your extra candy to the candy donation box in the Welcome Hall by November 6.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Dining In For Outreach – Sign Up Today!
Church Conference Town Hall – TODAY after 11 am Worship
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 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.
Unwanted Halloween Candy/ First Friday Family Fun Night!
Start dreaming of Thanksgiving with delicious pies from Special Touch Bakery (School of the Holy Childhood) – Apple Crumb, Pecan, Strawberry Rhubarb, Pumpkin, or Rumbleberry. Each pie is $20, benefiting Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Order and pay on Sundays 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9 in the Welcome Hall. Pick up your pies on Tuesday, 11/24 from 1 to 5 pm in the Welcome Hall. Enjoy great pies while supporting Asbury First's work building homes for local families!
Today, following 11 am 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!
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
Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale!
Today 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. Please join us after the 11 am Worship Service to celebrate what God has done among us!
TODAY: Church Conference Town Hall – after 11 am Worship
*Processional Hymn: #152 “I Sing the Almighty Power of God”
*Gathering Hymn: #67 “We, Thy People, Praise Thee”
Hymn: #541 “See How Great a Flame Aspires”
*Hymn (cont'd):