November 23, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Dave Kennedy Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *CALL TO WORSHIP (found on the facing page) *OPENING SONG: #131 “We Gather Together” PRAYER OF CONFESSION (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:33-43 (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: #715 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Christ the King Sunday Thanksgiving In-Gathering
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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: “Now Thank We All Our God” (from Cantata No. 79) — J.S. Bach/Virgil Fox Duane Prill, organ "I Come With Joy" — American tune, arr. Sondra Tucker Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director INTROIT: Hallelujah Kids and Wesley Singers and Ringers, Holly Temming, Director Thanksgiving Day is a happy day, and we say, “Thank you, God." *CALL TO WORSHIP Children of God, whom do you follow? We follow Christ, Ruler of us all. Children of God, what kind of Ruler is Christ? Christ reigns with love and truth, justice and mercy, compassion and peace. Children of God, how will you live in the reign of Christ? We will join Christ in choosing love, truth, justice, mercy, compassion, and peace, even when our world puts obstacles in our way. Children of God, let us worship God whose Love reigns over us, manifested in Jesus. Come, let us worship! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #131 “We Gather Together”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION Sovereign God, we confess we allow the idols of power, wealth, and security to have power over us. We are tempted by the ways of this world and forget our kinship with Christ. We lose sight of the reign of God here on earth. Forgive us. Call us into your reign, to declare you the One who has power over us. Call us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to work for justice, show mercy, and love one another. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE Jesus came to us not to reign but to serve, and to show us the way of God is the way of love. In the name of Christ we are healed, forgiven, and restored. Amen. *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 23:33-43 (Common English Bible) When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing. The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.” The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read “This is the king of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM: Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director; Mike Mullin, percussion "Jubiloso" — Ludwig von Beethoven, arr. Linda R. Lamb 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: “You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd” (found on the following page) SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Lord, you are near to all who call upon you in truth. You fulfill the desires of all who love you; you hear our cries and save us. (Psalm 145:18-19; Music by Carl Johengen) PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN: “You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd”
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. STOREHOUSE ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION — Michele Layher, Storehouse Coordinator Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes: We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift by check in the mail or place your cash/check gift in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—To give a gift through Venmo, send to “@givingasburyfirst” or scan the QR code to the right.
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers “A New Song” — Lloyd Larson; words adapted from Psalm 98 (Refrain:) O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. O sing to the Lord a new song, and let your glad praises ring. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth, break forth into joyous song! Give thanks unto God, your melodies raise, let instruments of joy sound his praise! (Ref.) Let the sea roar, and all that is in it! Let the world rejoice, he is King! Let the floods clap their hands, the hills sing for joy, for the Lord who reigns over all! (Ref.) O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. O sing to the Lord a new song, sing your glad praises, ring out your praises, He has done marvelous things. Sing to the Lord a new song! *HYMNS DURING IN-GATHERING: (as needed) #694 “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” #92 “For the Beauty of the Earth” #67 “We Thy People Praise Thee” *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. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #715 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Peter Lutkin) POSTLUDE: “Now Thank We All Our God” (March Triomphale) — Sigfried Karg-Elert
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.
“A New Song” © 1991 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; "I Come With Joy" © 2008 Alfred Publishing Co. Inc.; "Jubiloso"© 2005 Ringing World Publications; 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. Our hearts are with the family of Alan Ziegler who died on November 4. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, November 17. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Julie Dougherty who died on Sunday, November 16. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place here at Asbury First on Friday, November 21 at 1 pm. Our hearts and prayers are with Myla Strawderman whose mother, Denyse Hunt, died on Saturday, November 15. 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. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Dave Kennedy Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, 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, Joe Blakely, Griffin Allen 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
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
7:15 pm
Ambient Church: Laraaji – 1040, Sanctuary
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
12:30 pm
Habitat Pie Sale Pickup – 1040, Welcome Hall
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
5:30 pm
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 1010, Red Room
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY
All Day
Storehouse Closed
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
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER 30
THURSDAY (Office Closed for Thanksgiving)
Community Outreach Center Closed (Storehouse, Dining & Caring Center and UR Well Clinic closed)
Interfaith Thanksgiving Day Service – 1040, Sanctuary
FRIDAY (Campus Closed for Thanksgiving)
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (11/30)
Grief Group
Older Adult Christmas Lunch
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
Advent Winter Wonder Night December 7, 5 pm in the Sanctuary
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 for Asbury First's Advent tradition on December 7, from 5 pm to 7 pm! Come in your pajamas, enjoy breakfast for dinner, and celebrate with music and stories. All families are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Sign up or volunteer via the QR code:
Join us for four weeks in Advent as we take a deep-dive into the Christmas stories in our Bible. What does our Bible actually say about Christmas? Which books of the Bible share this story? And what role does tradition play in our celebrations and understandings of this season. All are welcome as we unwrap these classic Christmas tales. Contact Mike Mullin with questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
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 also be made online at asburyfirst.org/give-outreach. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors!
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.
Ongoing Emergency Food & Fund Drive
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!
Christmas Eve Dinner – Celebrate and Serve After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service 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.
Children's Christmas Pageant Registration Register by November 23
Please RSVP to programs@asburyfirst.org by December 15. The cost of this meal is $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo. Are you able to help organize and run the event? Please email Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 ext. 106 to help organize and celebrate this Asbury First tradition!
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 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator 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 Thursday, November 27 at 11 am in the Sanctuary
Our Finance Committee has carefully built balanced 2026 budgets that limit spending increases to under 2%. To make these plans a reality, we rely on your pledges. Please submit your pledge by December 15 so we can finalize next year’s budget. You can pledge online at asburyfirst.org/pledge-online or use the card in the pew pad and place it in the offering plate or church office.
Asbury First is proud to host Ambient Church, featuring a special performance by Laraaji, celebrating the 45th anniversary of his 1980 album, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, right here in the Asbury First Sanctuary. The performance will transform the space into a living audio-visual environment. For tickets, 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 hosts the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Day Service. Clergy of different faith traditions will lead 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 Sunday, November 23, doors at 7:15 pm, 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!
There is still work to do.
4 Christmas Advent Services (9 and 11 am, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21) Hanging of the Greens (Wednesday 12/3) Advent Devotional (Available 11/30) Advent Winter Wonder Night (Sunday, 12/7) Service of Remembrance (Sunday, 12/14) 4 Christmas Eve Services (12 Noon, 4 pm Christmas Pageant, 7 pm and 11 pm)
Coming Soon: A host of opportunities to celebrate Advent at Asbury First!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
*GATHERING HYMN: #131 “We Gather Together”, vv. 1, 2
*IN-GATHERING HYMN: #694 “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
*IN-GATHERING HYMN: #92 “For the Beauty of the Earth”
*IN-GATHERING HYMN: #67 “We Thy People Praise Thee”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #715 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”