9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
November 17, 2024
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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.
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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Zacqueline Baldwin — Communications Associate, x108
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Improvisations — Alec Rowley “Solemn Prelude” and “Pastorale”
Youth Musical Preview
Newsies, Jr., performed November 22-24
Introit
Bring, O morn, thy music! Bring, O night, thy silence! Ocean, chant the rapture to the storm-wind 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
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, though the world around us may feel uncertain and unsteady. We trust in the One who is our rock and our refuge. Even when we face trials and tribulations, God’s love remains unshaken. We seek strength and courage for the journey. Let us worship with hearts open to God’s unchanging presence. Holy One, make us ready to stand firm in faith and hope.
*Processional Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
*Greeting and Passing the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", v. 1, 3
11 am • November 17, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
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Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Presentation
Finch Grayson Ogden Chan, born April 9, 2024, child of Caitlin Chan & Prescott Ogden Jennifer Queun Chang, born November 17, 2019, child of Faith Han & Mark Chang
Thanksgiving
God be with you. And also with you. God brings us to this moment of grace. And for this, we give God thanks and praise.
Promises and Baptism
Congregational Response
Siblings of the household of faith, members of the body of Christ, we commend to your love and care Jennifer and Finch, whom we this day recognize as members of the family of God. What promise will you make to these families? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the ways that lead to life eternal.
Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, we confess that we are easily shaken by the troubles of the world. We seek security in things that are temporary and forget to trust in you. Forgive us when our faith wavers, when we let fear cloud our vision, and when we fail to stand firm in hope. Remind us that you are always with us, and that in you, we find peace and strength to face whatever comes our way. Help us to trust in your unchanging love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God’s love endures, even when the world seems unsteady and uncertain. In Christ, we find peace and strength for each new day. Thanks be to God.
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3 alt.
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Scripture Mark 13:1-8 (The Message)
As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!” Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” Later, as he was sitting on Mount Olives in full view of the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew got him off by himself and asked, “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?” Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann, Soloists
“I Want to Be Ready” — Spiritual, arr. Walter Ehret (Refrain:) I want to be ready, I want to be ready, I want to be ready to walk in Jerusalem, just like John. O John, O John, what do you say? (Walk in Jerusalem, just like John.) I’ll be there at the judgment day. (Walk in Jerusalem, just like John.) (Ref.) John said the city was just four-square. (Walk in Jerusalem, just like John.) And he declared he’d meet me there. (Walk in Jerusalem, just like John.) (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.
To hear the word
*Hymn
"View the Present Through the Promise"
SIGN IN HERE
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Sermon
Call to Prayer
God, be merciful unto us and bless us, and make your face to shine upon us. (Words: Psalm 67:1; Music: Carl Johengen)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy One, we offer these gifts as signs of our trust in your enduring love. May they be used to share hope, healing, and comfort with a world that longs for stability and peace. Help us to live with open hands and open hearts, that we may reflect your grace wherever we go. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Offertory Sanctuary Choir Jordan Bachmann, Soloist
“Above the Voices of the World Around Me” — K. Lee Scott; words by Timothy Dudley Smith Above the voices of the world around me, my hopes and dreams, my cares and loves and fears, the long-awaited call of Christ has found me, the voice of Jesus echoes in my ears: ‘I gave my life to break the cords that bind you, I rose from death to set your spirit free; turn from your sins, and put the past behind you, take up your cross and come and follow me.’ What can I offer him who calls me to him? Only the wastes of sin and self and shame; a mind confused, a heart that never knew him, a tongue unskilled at naming Jesus’ name. Yet at your call, and hungry for your blessing, drawn by that cross which moves a heart of stone, now Lord I come, my tale of sin confessing, and in repentance turn to you alone. Lord, I believe; help now my unbelieving; I come in faith because your promise stands. Your word of pardon and of peace receiving, all that I am I place within your hands. Let me become what you shall choose to make me, freed from the guilt and burden of my sins. Jesus is mine, who never shall forsake me, and in his love my new-born life begins.
*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.
“Above the Voices of the World Around Me” words © 1987 Hope Publishing Co., music © 2007 Birnamwood Publications/MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.; “I Want to Be Ready” © 2000 Theodore Presser Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Permissions:
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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Tammi Vinci Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Griffin Allen, Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Recessional Hymn
#718 "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending", vv. 1, 2, 4
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Gabriel Fauré)
Postlude
“Gaudeamus” — Alec Rowley
To Disperse in Mission
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", vv. 1, 4, 5
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Mark 13:1-8 (found on pg. 5)
9 am • November 17, 2024
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Tammi Vinci Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong
Prayer
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
*Closing Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1-4, 6
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Charge Conference
Save the date: Sunday, December 8, after the 11 am service. Join us for our annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent Suzanne Block. We’ll reflect on the past year, celebrate our ministry and look ahead to the future. Your presence is important as we discuss our vision and renew our commitments. Let’s continue growing in faith and serving our world together. See you there!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ellen’s parents, Dr. Austin Truitt and Mrs. Nellie Truitt, and her brother Mr. Jim Truitt, by Bob and Ellen Hargraves; and in loving memory of our grand- daughter June Lucille Francis by Ann & John Francis. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with Penny Peterson and Andy and Erik Peterson as they grieve the death of Bob Peterson, husband and father, on October 25. A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 11 am in the Sanctuary. Our hearts and prayers are with Joyce and Bill Heberle on the death of Carl Talbot, Joyce’s brother, who died on October 3. A memorial service to celebrate Carl’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 12 pm in the Sanctuary. Our hearts and prayers are with Scot Graham-Raad and Lori Pike on the death of their mother, Enid Graham-Raad who died on November 7. A memorial service to celebrate Enid's life will be held in the Spring of 2025.
Celebrations and concerns
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 15. 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!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am LGBTQ+ Advocacy Team — 1040, Lower Level, Youth Room 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Lower Level, Smart Meeting Room, and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom # 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 2 pm Newsies Rehearsal (Youth Musical) — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 5 pm Newsies Rehearsal (Youth Musical) — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 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 5 pm Newsies Rehearsal (Youth Musical) — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group — 1050, Teak Room 7 pm Travel Opportunities Meeting — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom # 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group — 1040, Library 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040, Education Wing, Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom # 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Room 201 5 pm Newsies Rehearsal (Youth Musical) — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 205 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 5 pm Newsies Rehearsal (Youth Musical) — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm Newsies! — 1040, Fellowship Hall SaturDAY 11 am Bob Peterson Memorial — 1040, Sanctuary 7 pm Newsies! — 1040, Fellowship Hall highlights from NEXT SUNDAY (11/24) 9 & 11 am Thanksgiving In-Gathering Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 2 pm Newsies! — 1040, Fellowship Hall
ZOOM KEY
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
* zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 17 – NOVEMBER 24
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Monday, November 18, 7 - 8 pm the Asbury First Banned Book Club will be meeting to discuss The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander. Please read the book and join our lively discussion in person in the Red Room or via Zoom.
Banned Book Club: The New Jim Crow
Support Asbury First Library at the Barnes & Noble Book Fair! Join us on Saturday, December 7, 2024 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 from December 7–11, use Bookfair ID #12809786 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!
Calling All Shepherds & Angels We would love to have your children be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays beginning on December 1 during children's Sunday school immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 am service.
Scan to Register!
Don't forget about the Get To Know Your Library Scavenger Hunt! Stop by the library and pick up a clue form. When complete, make sure your name is on the form and place it in the library book return. Three people will be selected from all correct entries to receive a prize. The Scavenger Hunt runs through Sunday, November 24.
On Tuesday, November 19 at 7 pm in the Red Room (1010, COC), you will have a chance to learn about upcoming travel oppor- tunities through Asbury First! You will hear about two potential trips: a young adult (ages 18-35) experience in Taizé, France, and an any-age experience tour of sacred sites in Scotland. Plan to attend in person or on Zoom if either option interests you! Call the church office for details at (585) 271-1050.
Attention Knitters! In partnership with Temple Beth El, the Community Outreach Center will serve a Christmas Day breakfast and hand out holiday gift bags. Donations of hand-knit winter hats can be dropped off at the Community Outreach Center Mondays and Tuesdays 9 am - 3 pm, Wednesdays - Thursdays 7 am - 3 pm, and Fridays 7 - 9 am between now and Christmas. Please clearly mark donations For Christmas Breakfast.
Library Scavenger Hunt!
Travel Opportunities to Scotland and France!
Sunday, December 8, 5 pm in the Gathering Center, Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you and your kids to enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a very special Christmas story! Feel free to come in your pajamas as together we will share the magic of the season.
Advent Winter Wonder Night
Scan the QR code or visit asburyfirst.org/newsies to reserve your seat. For ad sale inquiries, please email theatreads@asburyfirst.org
November 22 & 23 at 7 pm November 24 at 2 pm Tickets: $15
The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, a worship celebration and our biggest donation drive of the year, is quickly approaching! Please consider bringing a donation to offer in worship on Sunday, November 24. A specific list of needed items is available on our website. Please consult the list as it contains the items that are most helpful in serving our neighbors. Thank you for your involvement in the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester! Scan the QR code or visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering for a list of items most helpful in serving our neighbors.
ASBURY FIRST COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS:
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)