November 9, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #398 “Jesus Calls Us" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:1-10 (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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
22nd 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: “Choral”, op. 37, #4 — Joseph Jongen Duane Prill, organ “Holy, Holy, Holy” — arr. James Curnow Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director YOUTH MUSICAL PREVIEW : "A Rumor in St. Petersburg" from Anastasia (Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens) INTROIT Bring, O morn, thy music, night, thy starlit silence; Oceans, chant the rapture to the stormwinds coursing free; Sun and stars are singing: “God is our Creator, who was, and is, and evermore shall be.” (Words: William C. Gannett, 1893; Tune: Gannett, Harvey Loy, 1924) *CALL TO WORSHIP God sees us not for what we’ve been, but for what we can become. We come, hoping to be found and transformed by love. Christ calls us down from the trees where we hide. We come, ready to open our doors to grace. Salvation comes home today—new life begins here and now. We come to worship the One who makes all things new. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #373 “Nothing Between” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #600 “Wonderful Words of Life”, vv. 1, 3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of mercy, we confess that we are often curious but cautious, longing to see you without being seen. We climb into safe places to observe from a distance. We protect what we have instead of sharing it freely. Yet you see us and call us by name. You invite yourself into our lives and bring salvation to our homes. Forgive our fear of change. Teach us the joy of letting go, so that our lives may reflect your generosity and grace. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Christ comes not to condemn but to restore. In every home that opens to grace, salvation takes root. *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: Luke 19:1-10 (The Message) Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?” Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.” Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Sweet Spirit, Comfort Me” — Crawford Thoburn; words by Robert Herrick, 1647 In the hour of my distress, when temptations me oppress, And when I my sins confess, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When I lie within my bed, sick in heart and sick in head, And with doubts discomforted, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When, God knows, I'm tossed about either with despair or doubt; Yet before the glass be out, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When the Judgment is revealed, and that opened which was sealed, When to Thee I have appealed, Sweet Spirit, comfort me! 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: #398 “Jesus Calls Us” SERMON 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 1551) PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY: Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director “Meditation” — David Temperley Commissioned for the Asbury Orchestra, in honor of 30 years of music and fellowship, made possible with funds from the Jefferson Fraser Instrumental Music Endowment *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 transforming love, as Zacchaeus discovered joy in giving, so we bring our offerings to you. Take what we offer—our gifts, our time, our lives—and use them to heal what is broken, restore what is lost, and bring your new creation closer to us. Amen. ASBURY ORCHESTRA RECOGNITION *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Franz Schubert) POSTLUDE: “Meditation” — David Temperley (encore performance)
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. OUTREACH VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 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.
“Sweet Spirit, Comfort Me” © 2018 St. James Music Press; “Holy, Holy, Holy” © Hal Leonard Corporation; 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 Carol Doerrer by her daughter Karen McGraw and family, and in honor of Ida Hickman to celebrate her birthday on November 10 by her family. 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. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Diana Louise Carter Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Kathie Collier Bryant Altar Guild Team: Martha Hunt, Cindy Malone, Ellen Williams Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
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
DIFO Reception – 1040, Gathering Center
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
5 pm
Governing Board Meeting – 1010, Red Room
6 pm
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room
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
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
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
7 pm
Anastasia Performance – 1040, Sanctuary
SATURDAY
Grocery Bag Ministry – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
Fall Campus Clean-up – 1040, Parking Lot
1 pm
Collaborative Maker's Gathering – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (11/16)
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group – 1040, Youth Room
2 pm
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
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.
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
Help Me Connect!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 9 - NOVEMBER 16
Carolyn Hamil, a retired school nurse, began her outreach volunteering with the Grocery Bag Ministry. Later, she helped lead Asbury First’s One Great Week of Service, establishing connections with the elder day care program at St. Mary’s, the YWCA and others. She headed Asbury’s involvement with the West Avenue Teen Cafe for years, and when it closed, moved to the Cameron Community MInistries. She was a long-time member of the Outreach Committee and served on both Outreach Task Forces. She “filled in” as volunteer coordinator for the URWell clinic for two years, and today is a greeter at the Storehouse.
Some Outreach volunteers at Asbury First Do More Good by showing up and rolling up their sleeves. But others identify a need and create a solution, take on the mantle of leadership, and even do heroic deeds. In recognition of some of those special volunteers, the Outreach Committee is honoring the following:
Outreach Volunteer tribute
Andy Dutcher, a recently retired attorney, was Asbury’s first Outreach Committee chair. He was the leader of the Dining and Caring Center board for years, while also managing one of its rotating teams that serve dinner on Sundays. He recruited more than $1 million in bequests from members and non-Asbury members for the dining center, leading to the creation of an endowment. He also inspired some creative intra-church financing to complete the building fund for the gathering and welcoming halls. He continues to serve on Asbury’s investment team.
Andy Dutcher
Carolyn Hamil
Nancy Davidow
Nancy Davidow, a retired hospital administrator, began volunteering at the Asbury First Storehouse more than 25 years ago and was its co-chair for 7 1/2 years. Once she joined Asbury as a member, she served on the Outreach Committee and in that role established and led for 10 years the school tutoring program, first at School 41 and now at School 17 and others. She and husband Len Davidow, who volunteers with the dining center, were the Friday night chaperones at the former RAIHN program for years.
Older Adult Christmas Lunch
Grief Group begins Wednesday, November 12
A new grief group is being offered starting on Wednesday, November 12. This is an opportunity for people to come together and talk about their loved one who has recently died (in the last five months, or even the last five years). All are welcome to join the group for one or every meeting. We will meet in the Red Room (1010) on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 pm. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 369-3170 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Please join us Saturday, December 6, at 11 am in the Gathering Center, for the Asbury First Older Adult Christmas lunch, for a time of singing, laughing and sharing a holiday meal with friends. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge for the lunch by Monday, December 1 at (585) 737-8775 or programs@asburyfirst.org.
Thank You Asbury First!
Saturday, December 6, 9 to 5 pm in Fellowship Hall Come support the Storehouse with holiday spirit! Asbury First artisans and local craftspeople are bringing their wares to the Fellowship Hall for another Holiday Bazaar! One day only. You'll be glad you put this in your calendar.
Join us on Saturday, November 22, from 10 am – 7 pm at Barnes & Noble Pittsford (3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester) for a day of reading, shopping, and giving back. When you shop in-store or online at BN.com/bookfairs November 22 - 28, use Bookfair ID #12919783 at checkout, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to support Asbury First Library. Mark your calendars and help us make a difference — one book at a time!
Beth and Dean Woolever would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks for all the amazing support from the Asbury First community including prayers, visits, phone calls, cards and nutritiously delicious meals!
Storehouse Holiday Bazaar
Asbury First Book Fair at Barnes & Noble Pittsford
1010 Tuesday
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.
Ambient Church: Laraaji - 7 pm, November 23 in the Sanctuary
Today, congregant John Smalt will present about his Alaska trip, connecting his passion for woodworking with Northwest Coast Native Americans, including their past culture and continued plight. On November 16, join Brian Potvin, Director of Community Dementia Services at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities to learn about early detection of Alzheimer's and dementia and what to do when you notice signs. We will also discuss new local resources supporting caregivers and people living with dementia.
Adult Sunday School Sundays at 9:45 am in Wesley Hall and Zoom #
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
November 11, 8 am at the Community Outreach Center Invite your friends and neighbors! Invite your colleagues and business contacts! Invite a whole group! Reserve your spots for one of our monthly 1010 Tuesday tours of the Community Outreach Center followed by a chat around our breakfast table. Register at asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or email dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.
Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 Monday, November 17, 7 pm in the Red Room (1010) and Zoom
Fall Campus Clean-up Rescheduled
Saturday, November 15, 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.
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 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 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 or via livestream.
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 a seat!
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.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
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 today in the Welcome Hall. Pick up your pies on Monday, November 24, from 1 to 5 pm in the Welcome Hall.
Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale!
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.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service comes to Asbury First
Thanksgiving In-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
Children's Christmas Pageant Registration Register by November 23
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #373 “Nothing Between”
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (cont'd)
*GATHERING HYMN: #600 “Wonderful Words of Life”, vv. 1, 3
*HYMN: #398 “Jesus Calls Us”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”