November 2, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Sean Mahan Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME and PASSING THE PEACE *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on pg. 3) *OPENING SONG: #711 “For All the Saints”, vv. 1, 2, 5, 6 REMEMBERING THE SAINTS SCRIPTURE: II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 (found on page 5) SERMON: The Grace of Love INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT 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: #670 “Go Forth for God” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
All Saints 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.)
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PRELUDE: Variations on “Sine Nomine” — Richard Proulx INTROIT Come I this day to the Maker; come I this day to the Son; come I to the powerful Holy Spirit; come I this day with God, with Christ, with the Spirit of kindly balm. (Carl Johengen; words adapted from Carmina Gadelica, a collection of Gaelic prayers and poetry) *CALL TO WORSHIP People of God, welcome to worship! We come to remember those who have gone before us. People of God, seek the grace of love with your whole heart! We come to sing the praises of God and learn God’s ways. People of God, deal bountifully with all people and live and serve with your heart. We come to pray for wholeness and mercy. Let us worship God! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #711 “For All the Saints”, vv. 1, 2, 5, 6 *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #644 “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”, v. 1 REMEMBERING THE SAINTS: LITANY OF INVOCATION Gracious, loving God, we open our hearts to you. Hear our prayer. We lift up to you all who are grieving in body, mind, heart and soul. We pray especially for those who have gone before us: those whom we held dear, and those we never met. You have welcomed them each with your loving, open arms. Comfort those who mourn their passing. Bless them with an extra measure of your healing balm as they grieve. Give us the courage to hold on to all our good memories, and the strength to love and serve you, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen. MOMENTS OF REMEMBRANCE Deceased members from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 (including constituents and associates): Departed relatives and friends of Asbury First members and those whose Memorial Services were held here: MEMORIALS LITANY At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them. At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them. At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, We remember them. When we have joys we yearn to share, We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make, We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs, We remember them. As long as we live, they too shall live, for they are a part of us, as we remember them. SCRIPTURE: II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring. To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” — American melody, attr. C.F. Letson, arr. Howard Helvey; words by Samuel Stennett (1721-1795) On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye To Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie. Don’t you feel like going home, don’t you feel like going home; My home it is in the promised land, and I feel like going home. O the pure transporting, rapturous scene that rises to my sight! Sweet fields arrayed in living green, and rivers of delight. Yes, I feel like going home, yes, I feel like going home. To Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie. Filled with great delight, my raptured soul would here no longer stay! Though Jordan’s waves around me roll, fearless I’d launch away. I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land, Oh, who will come and go with me, I am bound for the promised land. SERMON: The Grace of Love HYMN: #732 “Come, Ye That Love the Lord”, vv. 1, 3, 4
General Fund: P. R. Anderson Edward Crosby Enid Graham-Raad Ted & Peggy Epping Charles Jackson Edward Knaak Richard Moncrief Robert Peterson Carol Privitera Joyce Rotach Robert Stokes Aaron Widrick Richard Wilke
Community Outreach Center Paul Gongloff Nancy Hulse Thomas McMindes Martha Memmott Edith Montgomery Jane Pauly Joan Phillips June Pierce Dining and Caring Center Joan Ewing Human Rights Campaign Sam Nordquist
Music Fund Sheldon Merritt Ralph Zimmer Shafer Fund for Congregational Care T. K. Oates John Shafer Storehouse Nancy Jo Lattanzio
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these listings. If a name or gift has been listed incorrectly or inadvertently omitted, please accept our apologies. Please contact Holly Temming with any corrections at htemming@asburyfirst.org, or (585) 271-1050, x114.
Helen Bellanca Larry Betler Edward Crosby Bonnie Crossley Karen Daniels Enid Graham-Raad Terry Grissing Philip Guadagnino Edward Knaak
Carol Knapp Lee Koon Wayne Martin Karen Masters Thomas McMindes Maxine Morse Jane Pauly Robert Peterson
Joan Phillips Deborah Richardson Joyce Rotach Robert Stokes Carl Talbot Frederick Trumbore Warren Webster Ralph Zimmer
Robert Adamus Erwin Gifford Nancy Hulse Phyllis Johnson Martha Memmott
Ruth Peck Leland Pennington Lisa Ristau Connie Sanderson Jon Seiger
John Snyder Betty Temming Elizabeth Williams Sandra Kessler Woodward Elaine Ivah Zinnecker
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. 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.
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) #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” #619 “Now the Silence” #628 "Eat This Bread" *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: #670 “Go Forth for God” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Anonymous) POSTLUDE: Postlude on “Saint Anne” — arr. Edwin T. Childs
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.
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” © 2003 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; 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 gratitude of past and present church members. 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. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Sean Mahan Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Communion Steward: Judy Messenger Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Denise Snyder Smith, Bennet Marsiglio Altar Guild Team: Barb Denigris, Deb McLean, Ellen Williams Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
Anastasia Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Zumba – 1040, Gathering Center
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV – Zoom #
First Friday Family Fun Night – 1040, Gathering Center
SATURDAY
Fall Campus Clean-up – 1040, Welcome Hall
SUNDAY (11/9)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
10 am
Asbury Orchestra in Worship – 1040, Wesley Hall
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
Help Me Connect!
Meetings & Rehearsals November 2 – November 9
SUNDAY
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
Adult Sunday School – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY General Election Poling Site
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
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
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
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
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 ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
Asbury First is proud to host Ambient Church, featuring a special performance by celestial music pioneer Laraaji, celebrating the 45th anniversary of his landmark 1980 collaboration with Brian Eno, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, right here in the Asbury First Sanctuary. The performance will feature immersive architecturally-mapped projections, transforming the space into a living audio-visual environment. Learn more at www.ambient.church/events/recSbcY1K1wzGHlVn
Wednesday Evening Programming Wednesdays at 6 pm in Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Reserve your seat for Asbury First Community Theatre's presentation of Anastasia about a young woman named Anya who embarks on a journey from 1920s Russia to Paris to find where she belongs. Visit asburyfirst.org/anastasia to reserve your seats!
Wednesday Morning Book Club
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.
Ambient Church: Laraaji - 7 pm, November 23 in the Sanctuary
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
ZUMBA is back!
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 Carol Roote at programs@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 Monday, November 17, 7 pm in the Red Room (1010) and Zoom
Get out your rakes, tarps, and thermoses cuz it's time for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup! Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at (585) 271-1050 for more information. *In case of inclement weather, we'll meet on November 15.
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.
Join us for a presentation on the history and work of the Dining and Caring Center, led by Bob Castle and Bill Lisi, Wednesday Evening, November 5 at 6 pm in Wesley Hall and via Zoom #. (see page 9 for zoom details)
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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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 Mike Mullin at mmullin@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.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, at 11 am, Asbury First will be hosting the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Day Service. This service is the longest running of its kind in the United States, having begun in the post-civil war years. Clergy of different faith traditions will be leading worship, including representatives of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. All people are welcome. Join in-person in the sanctuary of via livestream.
SCAN TO REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 23
Sign up for Asbury First's Christmas Eve Pageant! Open to children age 3 through 5th grade. Register by November 23 by scanning the QR code. Rehearsals are Sundays at 11 am (Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21), plus Wednesday, Dec 17 (6 - 7:30 pm) and Saturday, Dec 20 (10 am - noon). Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale!
November Wednesday Programming
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.
Dining In For Outreach – Sign Up Today!
Start dreaming of Thanksgiving with delicious pies from Special Touch Bakery (School of the Holy Childhood). Each pie is $20, benefiting Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Order and pay on Sundays, 11/2 and 11/9 in the Welcome Hall. Pick up your pies on Monday, 11/24 from 1 to 5 pm in the Welcome Hall.
Children's Christmas Pageant Registration Register by November 23
Thanksgiving In-Gathering
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service comes to Asbury First
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
Unwanted Halloween Candy/ First Friday Family Fun Night!
The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, our biggest donation drive of the year, draws near! Bring a donation to offer in either the 9 or 11 am worship service on Sunday, November 23. Thank you for your involvement in the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester! Visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering for a list of needs.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #711 “For All the Saints”, vv. 1, 2, 5, 6
*GATHERING HYMN: #644 “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”, v. 1
HYMN: #732 “Come, Ye That Love the Lord”, vv. 1, 3, 4
Communion Hymn: #619 “Now the Silence”
COMMUNION HYMN: #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken”
COMMUNION HYMN: #628 “Eat This Bread”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #670 “Go Forth for God”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN (cont'd)