November 16, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Karen Hibbard Musician: David Strong
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #126 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65:17-25 (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 MINUTE FOR MISSION: Dawn Riedy, Chair of Finance Committee OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #110 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
23rd 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: “Requiescat in Pace” — Gordon Young Prelude on “What a Friend” — Gordon Young INTROIT So the day dawn for me, so the day break; Christ watching over me, Christ as I wake. Be the day dark to me, be the day bright, Christ my companion be, Christ be my light. (Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith; Music: Carl Johengen) *CALL TO WORSHIP Be glad and rejoice, says the Lord, for I am creating a new heaven and a new earth. We celebrate the God who makes all things new. The sound of weeping will be no more, and life will flourish in abundance. We long for a world remade in joy. The wolf and the lamb will eat together, and peace will dwell in every heart. We worship the Creator who brings peace. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #126 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: “God of Great and God of Small”, vv. 1, 2 (found on the following page) PRAYER OF CONFESSION Creator God, your vision of a new heaven and earth is rich with peace and plenty, but we confess how small our imaginations can be. We accept the world as it is and forget that you are still creating. We grow weary of hope and settle for comfort. Forgive us. Stir in us the courage to live toward your vision: a world where all are fed, and every tear is wiped away. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE In Christ, your forgiveness is sure and your future secure. Thanks be to God, who is making all things new. *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: Isaiah 65:17-25 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating, for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days or an old person who does not live out a lifetime, for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat, for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. (cont'd) The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir “Creation Will Be at Peace” — Anna Laura Page; words by J. Paul Williams, based on Isaiah 11:6-9 (Refrain:) In the holy mountain of the Lord all war and strife will cease; in the holy mountain of the Lord creation will be at peace. The wolf will lie down with the lamb, the cow and bear will feed, their young will play together; a little child will lead, a little child will lead. (Ref.) The leopard and goat will graze, the lion will feed on straw. They will war no more, they will war no more; a child will lead them all, will lead them all. (Ref.) 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: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER O Thou who hearest every heartfelt prayer, with thy rich grace, Lord, all our hearts prepare. Thou art our life, thou art our love and light, O, let this sabbath hour with thee be bright! (Words: anonymous; Tune: Morecambe, Frederick Atkinson, 1870) PASTORAL PRAYER
*GATHERING HYMN: “God of Great and God of Small”, vv. 1, 2
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. MINUTE FOR MISSION: Dawn Riedy, Chair of Finance Committee 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: Jordan Bachmann and Juli Elliot, soloists “Come, Let Us Dream” — English folk melody, arr. Hal Hopson; words by John Middleton Come, let us dream God’s dream again. Come, one and all, let us ascend the mountain top where those of old saw God’s new day on earth unfold. The lame shall walk, the blind shall see, the doors swing wide, all prisoners free, the lowly raised, the proud brought low. This is God’s dream: let justice flow. When hatred ends and war shall cease, so all may dwell in deepest peace, then be assured the time is near when perfect love casts out all fear. Amen. *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 new creation, every gift we bring is a seed of your future. Plant these offerings deep in your purpose, and let them bear fruit in justice, peace, and joy. May our giving reflect the world you imagine—a world made whole in your love. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #110 "A Mighty Fortress is Our God” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Tom Birchwood) POSTLUDE: “Chant Héroïque” — Gordon Young
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.
Grief Group
“Creation Will Be at Peace” © 1992 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “Come, Let Us Dream” words © 2004 John Middleton, arrangement © 2015 Hope Publishing Company; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
A new grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom * (see page 8). 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. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 369-3170 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our granddaughter June Lucille Francis by Ann & John Francis. 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. Our hearts are with the family of Alan Ziegler who died on November 4. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 17 at 11 am. 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 Reader: Rev. David Durham Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Gary Burton, Chris Burton Altar Guild Team: Martha Hunt, Cindy Malone, Ellen Williams Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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.
Help Me Connect!
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
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:45 am
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group – 1040, Youth Room
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 pm
Anastasia Performance – 1040, Sanctuary
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
7 pm
Banned Book Club – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
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
4 pm
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room
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
Youth Choir – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 16 - NOVEMBER 23
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 Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
COC Open House – 1010, Dining & Caring Center
SUNDAY (11/23) Thanksgiving In-Gathering
7:15 pm
Ambient Church: Laraaji – 1040, Sanctuary
Older Adult Christmas Lunch
Adult Sunday School Sundays at 9:45 am in Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Please join us Saturday, December 6, at 11 am in the Gathering Center, for the Asbury First Older Adult Christmas lunch — 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.
Join us on Saturday, November 22, 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 - 26, 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!
Asbury First Book Fair at Barnes & Noble Pittsford
Today, 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.
In response to the sudden disappearance of SNAP and other assistance programs, and the uncertainty around their reinstatement, we are initiating an ongoing emergency food & fund drive. Donations can be dropped off in the chapel on Sundays or at the Community Outreach Center: M-Tu 9-3, W-Th 7-3, Fri 7-9. Monetary donations can be made online at asburyfirst.org/give-outreach Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors!
Ongoing Emergency Food & Fund Drive
Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 Monday, November 17, 7 pm in the Red Room (1010) and Zoom
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.
Given by: (Please Print Clearly) Phone: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: In loving memory of In honor or celebration of A donation Please scan the QR code to the left, visit our website, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 14. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at (585) 271-1050. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
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.
Children's Christmas Pageant Registration Register by November 23
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
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). The Pageant will be performed in the Sanctuary at 4 pm on Christmas Eve. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Storehouse Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6, 9 to 5 pm in Fellowship Hall
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
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
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service comes to Asbury First
Thanksgiving In-Gathering November 23, 9 and 11 am Worship Services
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.
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. Visit www.ambient.church/events/recSbcY1K1wzGHlVn
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.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
Ambient Church: Laraaji 7 pm, November 23 in the Sanctuary
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!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #126 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”
*HYMN: #428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #110 "A Mighty Fortress is Our God”