November 26, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome of differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. 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. Watch and listen The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Reign of Christ Sunday
* please stand as you are able
11 am • November 26, 2023
Prelude
Meditation on “Divinum Mysterium” — Charles Callahan Prelude on “Divinum Mysterium” — T. Frederick H. Candlyn
Introit
So the day dawn for me, so the day break, Christ watching over me, Christ as I wake; Be the day dark for me, be the day bright, Christ my companion be, Christ be my light. (Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 100
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Together, let’s make a joyful noise to the Lord! We bring our sadness and our celebration. We join to worship the Lord with gladness. We come into God’s presence with singing. Rejoice! For it is God who made us; we come from the Holy One. Today, we give thanks for God, whose steadfast love endures forever!
*Processional Hymn
"Gather Us In”, vv. 1, 2, 4 This hymn can be found on the following page.
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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"Gather Us In", vv. 1, 2, 4
11 am
*Hymn (Cont'd)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#188 "Christ Is the World's Light", vv. 1, 2
Prayer of Confession
Lord, like a shepherd, you never stop searching for your people. Your care for us anticipates our need. We confess that we need your forgiveness. You are the shepherd and we are your flock, but we admit the times we have refused to be led. We admit that we have pleaded with you to care for us, but we have held back from caring for others and ignored the needs of others. Lord, have mercy upon us. Forgive us in the name of Jesus.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, rejoice! God is the loving shepherd, who promises to never forsake the flock. He has shown us the path for our lives, and will never leave our sides. Give thanks for this bounteous love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. Amen.
*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.
Minute for Mission
Bicycle Repair Ministry, Simon Barnett
Anthem
"Whatever You Do" — early American tune, arr. Carl Johengen; words by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette "Whatever you do to the least ones of these, I tell you in truth that you do unto me!" Lord Jesus, you taught us! May we learn anew That when we serve others, we also serve you. When poor, waiting children pray hunger will end, When those long-forgotten cry out for a friend, When thirsty ones whisper, "O Lord, where are you?" — We hear, in their longing, that you're calling, too. (cont'd)
To hear the word
Scripture Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem (Cont'd)
In prisons and jails, Lord, we find a surprise; We see you in people whom others despise. At hospital bedsides we offer a prayer And find, when we visit the sick, you are there. When we reach to others in flood-stricken lands And offer our hearts there, and offer our hands — We notice, Lord Jesus, the gift of your grace: We see, in the crowds of the suffering, your face. "Lord, when did we see you?" Your teaching is clear That when we serve others, we're serving you here. And when your church heeds you and helps those in pain, Then out of the chaos, hope rises again. Yes, hope rises again!
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, 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
#381 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Christ the Kin Sunday
Call to Prayer
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Pastoral Prayer
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
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. 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 of cash/check in the mail or place it 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.
Offertory Brenda Nitsch, Soloist
“Unshakable Kingdom” — Michael W. Smith, Gloria Gaither and William Gaither They came to follow Him, drawn by what He promised them: If they would sell all that they had, He said that God would send a kingdom that would never end, Where all the poor would be so rich. And in their discontent they heard what they thought He meant. They heard that the weak would be strong, Bread would be multiplied, hunger be satisfied. And every servant a king in his kingdom of God, A kingdom that would never end, a living unshakable kingdom of God. But He went His quiet way, giving himself away, Building what eyes could never see. While men looked for crowns and thrones he walked with crowds alone Planting a seed in you and me; Crying for those who cried, dying for those who died Bursting forth glorified! Alive! And some of them looked for Him, sad that it had to end But some dared to look within and see the kingdom of God A kingdom that would never end, the living, unshakable kingdom of God Still some of us look for Him, sad that it has to end Do we dare to look within and see the kingdom of God A kingdom that will never end, the living unshakable kingdom of God.
To Renew Commitment
*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.
*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, for all we have received from your hand, and for these gifts we now share, help us remember Christ’s teaching: “as you’ve done this for others, you’ve done it for me.” With gratitude, we celebrate the ways you continue to bless us and others, Holy Creator. Help us use these gifts wisely to share with those who are hungry, thirsty, sick or imprisoned. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
#428 “For the Healing of the Nations”
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen ("Danish")
Postlude
Intermezzo on “Nun danket alle Gott” — John S. Dixon
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Bennet Marsiglio Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director/Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“Whatever You Do” words © 2008 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette; “The Unshakable Kingdom” © 1984 Meadowgreen Music Co. and Gaither Music Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
9 am • November 26, 2023
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: Duane Prill
Chapel service
*Call to Worship
*Opening Hymn
#381 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”, vv. 1, 2
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Matthew 25:31-46 (found on p. 6)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
#428 "For the Healing of the Nations", vv. 1, 4
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 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the Rev. Susan Shafer, Senior Minister Emerita, and her family following the death of Dr. John Shafer on October 28. A memorial service was held on Friday, November 3 at 1 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to Ralph Eckhardt and his family following the death of his wife, Joyce, on November 7. We offer our prayers and concerns to Jon Patterson, father of Susan and Matt Guffy, who is hospitalized at Strong.
Meetings & Rehearsals NovemBER 26–DecemBER 2
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Children's Enrichment—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School—1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) —1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group—1040 Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 2 pm Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 7 pm Barefoot in the Park Auditions—1040 Gathering Center Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group—1040 Library 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Choir—1040 Wesley Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 7 pm Barefoot in the Park Auditions—1040 Gathering Center FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) SaturDAY 10 am Hanging of the Greens—1040 Gathering Center 11:30 am Older Adult Christmas Luncheon—1040 Fellowship Hall
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
Register by Sunday, November 26
SONGS
Monday, November 27, 2 pm, Linden Knolls, 81 Linden Avenue, lower dining room Tuesday, November 28, 2 pm, The Highlands at Pittsford, 100 Hahnemann Trail. Music Room. Hearing loop available. Wednesday, November 29, 2 pm, St John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West (off of Elmwood), Multi-function Room
Monday, November 27, 2 pm, Linden Knoll, 81 Linden Avenue, lower dining room Tuesday, November 28, 2 pm, The Highlands at Pittsford, 100 Hahnemann Trail. Music Room. Hearing loop available. Wednesday, November 29, 2 pm, St. John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West (off of Elmwood Ave.), Multi-function Room
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your child be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Children’s Sunday School immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 3. Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor of the education wing or visit asburyfirst.org/pageant/ to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Advent Communion
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 6-7pm, Fellowship Hall
Older Adults are invited to join us for a time of favorite hymns and Advent communion, as well as an opportunity to talk with Kathy and Stephen, over punch and cookies. Feel free to attend 1, 2, or all 3 services, to connect with long-time friends and begin the Advent season. All are welcome! Any questions? Please call Barbara Eltinge, 737-8875.
CAMPFIRE
Join us around the "campfire" on Wednesday evening as we sing songs from camp and camp worship! Silly, serious, old and new -- we will have a wonderful time sharing fellowship together and singing! For questions or more information, contact Rev. Rachel Dupont at rdupont@asburyfirst.org.
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your child be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Children’s Sunday School immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 3. Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor of the education wing or click here to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Older Adults are invited to join us for a time of favorite hymns and Advent communion, as well as an opportunity to talk with Kathy and Stephen, over punch and cookies. Feel free to attend 1, 2 or all 3 services, to connect with long-time friends and begin the Advent season. All are welcome! Any questions? Please call Barbara Eltinge, 737-8875.
Saturday, December 9, 2023 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford
Sunday, December 3, 5 pm, Gathering Center
Please join us on Saturday, December 2 from 10 am to 1 pm as we gather together for the return of the Hanging of the Greens. Come when you can! Families are welcome and there will be activities for kids. Contact Amy Allen with any questions atajppa@yahoo.com or at (585) 738-9128.
Hanging of the aGreens
Saturday, December 2, 10-1 pm, Gathering Center
Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you to bring your kids and come enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a special Christmas story at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3. Please don your pajamas as we share the magic of the season with you and your family. Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by November 29 at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
Advent Winter Wonder Night
Listen to the Asbury ringers play at 1 pm while you shop! Thanks to those who have supported Asbury First's Library! There's still time to show your support! Book Fair ID #12688545
A percentage of the sales goes to the Asbury First Library and is used to add to the library's book collection. Can’t make it to Pittsford? No problem. Books may be purchased online from December 9–13 at BN.com/bookfairs. Make sure to use the Book Fair ID #12688545. Thanks for your support of our incredible library!
Asbury First Community Theatre is auditioning for the winter production of "Barefoot in the Park" by Neil Simon. The performance dates are February 9 and 10, 2024. Auditioners should be prepared to read a monologue from the play provided the night of auditions. For more information, please visit: asburyfirst.org/barefoot-park/ Questions? Contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org.
CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesdays 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
ADVENT 2023
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
God With Us
Tuesday, 11/28 and Thursday 11/30, 7 pm, 1040 - Gathering Center
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
On Sunday, December 24 we observe the Fourth Sunday of the Advent season, as well as Christmas Eve. We are changing our usual Sunday schedule in order to celebrate both of these feasts. *Please note the change in time of our morning services*
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, put this form in the offering plate, 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!
10:00 am - An Advent service of scripture, poetry, and carols in the Sanctuary (live streamed) *This replaces our usual 9:00 and 11:00 Sunday services 12:00 noon - Traditional Christmas Eve service with carols and candlelight 4:00 pm - Family Service with Christmas Pageant (live streamed) 7:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight (live streamed) 11:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight
#188 "Christ Is the World's Light”, vv. 1, 2
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
Return to Page 3
Return to Page 7
#428 "For the Healing of the Nations"