To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
January 14, 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
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 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
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" — arr. Paul Manz "Be Thou My Vision" — arr. Paul Manz "Like the Golden Sun Ascending" — arr. Paul Manz "Simple Gifts" — arr. Wilbur Held
Introit
Come away from rush and hurry to the stillness of God’s peace; from our vain ambition’s worry, come to Christ and find release. Come away from noise and clamor, life’s demands and frenzied pace; come to join the people gathered here to seek and find a place. (Words: Marva Dawn; Tune: Beach Spring, arr. Dale Wood)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The voice of God calls to us! Are you listening? Speak, Lord! Your servants are listening. The hands of God beckon us! Are you paying attention? Show us, Lord! Your servants are paying attention. The love of God asks us—are you ready to follow? Guide us, Lord, and we, your servants, will follow. Come, let us worship the God whose tenacious love never stops calling and beckoning and asking us to follow. Thanks be to God! Amen.
*Opening Hymn
#400 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#451 “Be Thou My Vision”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • January 14, 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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Second Sunday after Epiphany
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that our priorities do not always line up with yours, and too often we wander from your path. Forgive us, Lord. Your servants repent. Merciful God, we confess that we are too often complacent in answering your call to enact justice. Forgive us, Lord. Your servants repent. Merciful God, we confess that sometimes we are scared of what you might ask us to do when we do listen to your call. Forgive us, Lord. Your servants repent. Reconciling God, your steadfast love surrounds us, calling us into right relationship with you Speak, Lord! Your servants are listening.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Our loving God has called us by name, and has poured love into us in such abundance that it overflows into the world around us. Let us give thanks for the renewing power of God’s gracious love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we eagerly respond to God’s call. 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.
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Adeline Elizabeth Szmania, born June 28, 2020, child of Leighann & Dave Szmania Clark Stuart Mitchell, born September 8, 2023, child of Laura & Skyler Mitchell Antonio Timberlake Reyes, born January 7, 2013, child of Jose & Rebecca Reyes
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.
To hear the word
Scripture 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“Try Me, O God” — John Nares; words from Psalm 139:23-24 Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart; Prove me, and examine my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
Prayer
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 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.
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
#454 "Open My Eyes, that I May See", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Echoing Eli
Call to Prayer
Come, then, children, with your burdens, life’s confusions, fears and pain. Leave them at the cross of Jesus; take instead the kingdom’s reign. Bring your thirsts, for God will quench them; God alone will satisfy. All our longings find attainment when to self we gladly die. (Words: Marva Dawn; Tune: Beach Spring, arr. Dale Wood)
Pastoral Prayer
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
God of all wisdom, as we bring our gifts to be dedicated this morning, we pray that you might open our ears to hear where you call us to respond with obedience. May we boldly do what you call us to do, to be the seeds of healing our world. Amen.
Offertory Brenda Nitsch, soloist Sanctuary Choir
“Have You Heard God's Voice?” — Jacqui James, arr. Frederick Chatfield Have you heard God's voice; has your heart been stirred? Are you still prepared to follow? Have you made a choice to remain and serve, though the way be rough and narrow? Will you use your voice; will you not sit down when the multitudes are silent? Will you make a choice to stand your ground when the crowds are turning violent? (Refrain:) Will you walk the path that will cost you much and embrace God's love and sorrow? Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow? Will you watch the news with the eyes of faith and believe it could be different? Will you share your views using words of grace? Will you leave a thoughtful imprint? (Refrain) In your city streets will you be God's heart? Will you listen to the voiceless? Will you stop and eat, and when friendships start, will you share your faith with the faithless? We will walk the path that will cost us much and embrace God's love and sorrow. Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow?
*Closing Hymn
#593 "Here I Am, Lord", vv. 1, 2
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
God be with you till we meet again; God be in you, go in peace. (Words: traditional; Tune: Beach Spring, arr. Dale Wood)
Postlude
"How Firm a Foundation" — arr. Wilbur Held
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Rick Phillips; Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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: Kenny Bailey Production Team: Ethan Becks, Noël Nichols, Preston Loughney Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
“Try Me, O God” © 2010 and “Have You Heard God’s Voice?” © 2018, St. James Music Press; 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 14, 2004
#400 "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#454 Open My Eyes, that I May See", v. 1
Invitations, Announcements
Welcoming a New Member
found on the following page
Scripture
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (found on pg. 5)
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Joining Today:
David Smith
Membership Vows
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
To Welcome New Members
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 loving memory of Jean E. Dutcher by Andy, Margaret, Jessica and Benjamin; in loving memory of Rev. & Mrs. Vern VanDerLinden, Katie VanDerLinden, and Helen Howitt by Ruth & David VanDerLinden; and in celebration of the wedding of Chris Gold and Cory Tylenda. 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 for Claudia Nolan, whose grandfather, Bob Walker, is entering 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 on January 5. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Donna Rice, Dave Rice's mother, 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 memorial service will be held at Asbury First at 2 pm, Saturday, April 20. 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 on Saturday, January 6. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Jean Cook, who died on January 8. Memorial service details are yet to be confirmed. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of P.R. Anderson, who died on January 10. A memorial service will be held at Asbury First on Saturday, February 17th at 3 pm with a reception to follow.
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 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall MONday The campus is closed as we observe Martin Luther King Day. 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) 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 5:30 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 8:30 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 — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) Saturday 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
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 14 –January 20
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place in the Gathering Center 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
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.
BUY TICKETS
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
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 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.
January 14 - Bill Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism to talk about his story January 21 - Bill Wynne to help us react and respond to our own stories All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
Wednesdays, January 17, 24, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
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!
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.
“Bored” Saturday Night
February 20-22 9 am-noon
Ring With Us!
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
January 27, 5 pm Gathering Center and Fellowship Hall
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.
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
asburyfirst.org (585) 271-1050
Oliver!
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 Fellowship Hall 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!
Join us on SUNDAY, JAN. 28 after the 11 am service in person, or on the livestream as we receive our annual reports, including the nominations report and annual budget. Please note that due to NY State Law, only those in person may vote. If you are watching on the livestream and have a question that you would like answered during the meeting, please email questions@asburyfirst.org. All Asbury First members may vote. Copies of the reports will be available soon.
Annual Church Conference 2024
*Processional Hymn
*Gathering Hymn
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)