To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
January 7, 2024 • 9 & 11 AM
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 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *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 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 age 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 place your 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. Watch and listen The livestream 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
"On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry" — arr. Lyndell Leatherman "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light" — arr. Johann Schop "We Three Kings" — arr. Lloyd Larson "When Jesus Christ was Baptized" — Jeanne Lawler/Anne Britt
Introit
May Christians all with one accord unite around the sacred board to praise your holy name, O Lord: Alleluia! (Tune: Gelobt sei Gott, German, 1609)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Baptized to begin lives of faith, we would witness to all you do in our communities, in our midst, in our world. Baptized to serve, we would speak up for the voiceless, we would bring justice to those who have none. Baptized to speak, we would heal, and not hurt; we would bless, and not curse. Baptized to do what is right, we would not play favorites, but treat each as your Beloved.
*Opening Hymn
#604 “Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • January 7, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Baptism of the Lord
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Avery Juniper Conrow-Graham, born August 23, 2023, child of Megan & Benjamin Conrow-Graham Lincoln Norman VanEpps, born August 13, 2021, child of Holly & Jesse VanEpps
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day recognize as members of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that they may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? 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 way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Call to Baptismal Renewal
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Living God, we receive this water in the sure knowledge that you claim us as your beloved children. Continue to provide your living water to our thirsty souls. Renew in us the desire to serve you in all that we do and all that we say, that our lives will witness to your unending love; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Hymnal #608, v. 2
Let water be the sacred sign that we must die each day, to rise again by his design as followers of his way.
To hear the word
Scripture Genesis 1:1-5
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Mark 1:9-11
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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
#605 "Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters", v. 1
Sermon
By the Water
To Renew Commitment
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
“As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams” — American tune, arr. Crawford Thoburn; words from Psalm 42, Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1698 As pants the hart for cooling streams when heated by the chase, So longs my soul, O God, for thee, and thy refreshing grace. For thee, my God, the living God, my thirsty soul doth pine; Oh, when shall I behold thy face, thou Majesty Divine? Why restless, why cast down, my soul? Trust God, who will employ his aid to thee, and change those sighs to thankful hymns of joy. God of my strength, how long shall I like one forgotten mourn, forlorn, forsaken, and exposed to my oppressor’s scorn? Why restless, why cast down, my soul? Hope still, and thou shalt sing the praise of him who is thy God, thy health’s eternal spring.
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — based on the American folk hymn Land of Rest
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
*Communion Hymn
#636 "Christian People, Raise Your Song"
*Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*Closing Hymn
#670 "Go Forth for God"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Anonymous)
Postlude
Epiphany March on “Salzburg” — arr. Franklin D. Ashdown
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
Hymns
#623 "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face" #626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Assisting with Communion: Rev. Rebecca Laird, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Rev. Brian Rotach, Andrew Hunt Lay Reader: Mary Loughney Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir, conducted by Brian Bohrer Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
“As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams” © 1991 Carl Fischer, Inc.; 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 • January 7, 2004
#605 "Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters", vv. 1, 3
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1, 2
Invitations, Announcements
Scripture
Genesis 1:1-5; Mark 1:9-11 (found on pg. 5)
Communion
#636 "Christian People Raise Your Song"
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Help Me Connect
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 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 Mary Scahill on the death of her sister, Karen Wykoff in Ithaca, NY. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Ronald Wilson, who died recently. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Laura Brown who died on December 20. A memorial service was held in the Sanctuary on January 5. We offer our prayers and concerns for Claudia Nolan, whose grandfather, Bob Walker, is entering hospice care. We offer our prayers and concerns for Dave and Beth Rice and their family grieving the death of Dave's mother, Donna Rice, who died on December 22. A Memorial Service to celebrate Donna's life will be held 1 pm Saturday April 6, 2024 at Aldersgate UMC, 4115 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14616. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Wayne Turnblom, who died on December 27. A date for the memorial service has not yet been determined. We offer our prayers and concerns for Corinne Sandholzer, whose mother, Gail Frank, died on January 1. A Memorial Service to celebrate Gail's life was held in the Sanctuary Saturday, January 6.
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 4 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley 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 4 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 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) 5 pm Halleujah Kids Choir — 1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Building Diversity — 1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers and Ringers — 1040 Room 201 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 9:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — Hybrid - Smart Meeting Room (1040, Lower Level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 5:30 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm UR Well Clinic — (canceled) FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) Saturday 4 pm Cory Tylenda and Chris Gold Wedding — Sanctuary
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
Meetings & Rehearsals January 7–January 13
Saturday, January 13, 4 pm, Sanctuary
Ring With Us!
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady will be on WXXI's Connections with Evan Dawson next Wednesday, January 10 from 1 pm to 2 pm. Tune in to WXXI AM 1370 and WXXI FM 105.9 or online at wxxinews.org to listen to Dawson's daily talk show. You're invited to call into the show or write in to share your thoughts and well wishes for Stephen. Here are the ways to reach out: Call during the live broadcast: 585-263-9994 or 844-295-8255 Email: mmack@wxxi.org
The Asbury Ringers, Asbury First’s adult handbell choir, is beginning rehearsals for spring and Easter, and we’d love to add you to our ranks! If you're able to read music, and are either new to handbells or a seasoned ringer, join us for weekly rehearsals, Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Please contact Elizabeth Church for more information at emchurch418@gmail.com or 585-978-0007.
We celebrate the upcoming wedding of Christopher Gold and Cory Tylenda on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 4pm in the Sanctuary. This important milestone will be Asbury First's first same-sex wedding! It's truly an accomplishment due to the continued support and resolve of inclusiveness on behalf of the members of Asbury First. Chris and Cory welcome all members of Asbury First to attend the ceremony and a cookie reception in the Gathering Center.
“Bored” Saturday Night
January 27, 5 pm Gathering Center and Fellowship Hall
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary
Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 7 pm, January 3 - February 7 for engaging and educational conversation. These vital conversations will help us take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our individual, congregational, and community lives. All are welcome! We encourage you to come to all of the conversations, but if you can't make it to all, you can still benefit from attending when you can. This program is designed and led by Rev. Rachel Dupont and members of the Racial Equity leadership team. For more information, please contact Rachel at rdupont@asburyfirst.org.
A fun night of pizza, board games and, new this year, a Euchre tournament for all those that love to play! Any questions please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x111.
February 20-22 9 am-noon
BUY TICKETS
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
If you are familiar with the great Australian cartoon about a family of dogs, you will understand what we’re talking about! If not, come and find out all about what makes Bluey, the six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy so special! Join us in the Education Wing (connected to the Gathering Center) on the 2nd floor. All are welcome, and feel free to invite a friend!
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
Celebrate the Cady Family January 21, after the 11 am service
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
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call Backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
January 21, we will have only one service, at 11 am (no 9 am service), as this will be the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady’s final service with Asbury First before relocating to Fort Worth, Texas to begin his new role as President of Brite Divinity School. To learn more about this transition period, please visit asburyfirst.org. Please plan to join us after the 11 am service in the Gathering Center on January 21 to celebrate the start of a new chapter for the Cady family. And save the date for June 1st and 2nd for a more formal celebration of the Cady family's ministry among us!
Oliver!
*Processional Hymn
#604 "Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God", v. 1-4
#605 "Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters", vv. 1
Communion Hymn
Hymn
#623 "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee"
#626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
#670 “Go Forth for God”
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)