January 9, 2022 • 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department, face masks are required inside regardless of vaccination status. Outside, masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated and encouraged for everyone else. To learn more about the new policy or to read our FAQs, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/1/covid-and-worship-update. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, please fill out the half sheet in your bulletin and place it in the basket upon exiting the sanctuary. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. 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 further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, 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 Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/live. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/video-archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“The Dove of Peace” — George Blake “When John Baptized by Jordan's River” — arr. Emma Lou Diemer “May the Spirit of Christ” — arr. Janet Linker “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King” — arr. Jeffrey Blersch
Introit
O Sun beyond all suns, O soul within all souls, grant me the grace of the dawn’s glory; grant me the strength of the sun’s rays, that I may be well in my own soul, and be part of the world’s healing this day. (Words: John Phillip Newell; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Created in God’s loving image, we gather as the children of God. Beloved by Christ, who loves us well, we gather as the beloved body of Christ. Blessed by the Spirit of God, we gather in the power of the Holy Spirit.
11 am • January 9, 2022
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
*Opening Hymn
#605 “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters” (vv. 1, 3) Words: Ruth Duck, 1987; Tune: Beach Spring, attr. B. F. White, 1844
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Beloved God, who calls us together in love, even as we rejoice in your love, we ask that you strengthen our love for one another. Embolden us to love our adversaries and be kind to those who wrong us. Cover us with your amazing grace, that we might love ourselves, despite all of our misgivings, self-doubts, and wrongdoings. Guide us to live in your mercy, that we may remember our baptismal call, and live as those who are chosen and beloved.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the Good News: you are God’s beloved—chosen by God to love one another as you have been loved. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
“Baptized in Water” (vv. 1, 3) Words: Michael Saward; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Scottish melody
Anthem
“A Baptism Carol” — Mark Wilson; words by Jane Foster Knox Refrain: “This is my beloved, this is my beloved Son who is pleasing in my sight. This is my beloved, this is my beloved Son, in him I am well pleased.” When Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John, God’s love surrounded those who gathered there. The Spirit of the Lord descended as a dove, and a voice came from heaven saying: (Refrain) As Christians follow Christ’s example and come to be baptized, His love is there to guide them on their way. Bestow, O God, the gift of wonder and of joy on each lamb of your own calling. “This is my beloved, this is my beloved child who is precious in my sight. This is my beloved, this is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.”
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.
Scripture Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
To hear the word
#608 “This Is the Spirit's Entry Now” Words: Thomas Herbranson, 1972; Tune: Azmon, Carl Gläzer, arr. Lowell Mason
Sermon
Another Opening
Renewal of Baptism
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. May our lives always bear witness to your unending love.
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, 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 it 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.
Offertory
“Down to the River to Pray” — American Gospel song, arr. Robert Lee As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way, and who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way. O sisters, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. O sisters, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way, and who shall wear the robe and crown, good Lord, show me the way. O brothers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. O brothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way, and who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way. O mothers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. O fathers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way, and who shall wear the robe and crown, good Lord, show me the way.
To Renew Commitment
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Harry Bronson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God” This hymn can be found on the following pages
*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
May our gifts be offerings of love and grace, bringing the glory of your love, and the strength of your grace, to those who need them most. Amen.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (anonymous)
Postlude
“Rondeau Recessional” — David Lasky
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God” Words: Henry Tweedy, 1935; Tune: Forest Green, trad. English, arr. R. Vaughan Williams
Permissions:
Order Your Name Tag!
While some of us find it easy to remember names, many of us could use the reminder of a name tag. Wearing name tags will help us learn one another's names, keep us from worrying when we've forgotten someone's name, and help make our community stronger. Scan the QR code, go to the website, or call the office to order yours!
“A Baptism Carol” © 2006 Harold Flammer Music/Shawnee Press; “Down to the River to Pray” © 2010 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2021 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birthday of Maxine Lisi by her family; in loving memory of Rev. & Mrs. Vern VanDerLinden, Katie VanDerLinden, and Helen Howitt by Ruth & David VanDerLinden; and in loving memory of Jean E. Dutcher by Andy, Margaret, Jessica and Benjamin. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic.
Celebrations and concerns
*Due to the rise in COVID cases, choir and bell groups will be canceled for January or will meet via Zoom. Please check the calendar at asburyfirst.org/events for the most up-to-date information.
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Women on Wednesday (WOW)
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Lectio Divina
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 9–15
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Sunday Adult Bible Study—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 5:30 pm Youth Confirmation Meeting 6 pm Youth and Parent Meeting Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 3 pm Storehouse Team Meeting 4:30 pm Governance Board Meeting—Zoom Tuesday 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee Meeting —Zoom 7 pm Gospel of Mary Magdalene —Zoom (zoom.us/j/87195784797) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—Canceled* 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Canceled* 6 pm Youth Choir—Canceled* 7 pm Asbury Ringers—Canceled* 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—Canceled* Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—Closed for January 7 pm Youth Choir—Zoom 7 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961)
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
CONNECT
Help Me
Annual Church Conference 2022
Join us on SUNDAY, JAN. 30 after the 11 am service in person, or on the livestream. To get up-to-date with the Governance structure and committees in action, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, getting more involved in the life of Asbury First, or just in need of a deeper connection? We want to hear from you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
Women on Wednesday (WOW) begins new book January 26
subscribe to our sermon podcast for an Automatic Download!
Did you know that you can listen to the Sunday sermon on our podcast? It is time to subscribe to our Asbury First UMC — Sermon Podcast! If you’d like to check it out, you can find it at www.asburyfirstumc.fireside.fm, or you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music Podcasts, and many more!
reboot your year with our
Sermon Podcast
The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything is WOW’s next reading selection. WOW meets via Zoom at 12:15 pm on Wednesdays.
Visit asburyfirst.org/events for more information and Zoom link.
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