January 16, 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
Three Preludes — Gordon Young
 "A Morning Prelude" 
 "Canzona" 
 "Requiescat in Pace"
*Call to Worship
From Psalm 36

All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type.

Your steadfast love, O God, extends to the heavens! Your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your judgments are like the great deep. You save humans and animals alike, O God. With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Opening Hymn
#731 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spokenâ€, (vv. 1-3)

This hymn can be found on the next page.
*Greeting and 
Passing of the Peace
11 am • January 16, 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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Second Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
#731 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken†(vv. 1-3)












































Words: John Newton, 1779; Tune: Austria, Croatian folk song, arr. F. J. Haydn
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
#534 “Be Still, My Soul†(vv. 2, 3)













































Words:Katharina von Schlegel, tr. Jane Borthwick; Tune: Finlandia, Jean Sibelius
Presentation, Vows, and
Baptism
Maxine Laurel Muniz, child of Matthew and Kathryn Muniz, born April 4, 2021
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that this child 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 this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1
Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett

Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign;
with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
Prayer of Confession
God of our hearts, we come before you this day and offer you all that is on our minds and in our hearts. For the times our words are mischief and deceit, heal us. For the times we have ceased to act wisely and have not done good, forgive us. Hear us as we pray.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! May we take refuge in the shadow of your wings. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. 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
Anthem


“My Feet Are Tired, But My Soul Is Resting†— Frances Smith Thomas, 
 arr. Shawn Kirchner

My feet are tired, but my soul is resting (3x) I’m walking for the glory of the Lord. Hallelujah! 
My feet are worn, but my soul is shining (3x) I’m walking for the glory of the Lord. Hallelujah! 
My feet cry out, but my soul is singing (3x) I’m walking for the glory of the Lord. Hallelujah!


Inspired by the words of "Mother" Pollard, civil rights hero and participant in the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955-6, Francis Smith Thomas wrote this song for her close friend Coretta Scott King, who often sang it at rallies. 


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
Psalm 47
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm. God is king over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.
To hear the word
*Hymn
#160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heartâ€, vv. 3-5




































Words: Edward H. Plumptre, 1865; Tune: Marion, Arthur Messiter, 1889
Sermon
Move On Up a Little Higher
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







“A Place at the Table†— words by Shirley Erena Murray; tune by Jane Marshall

For everyone born, a place at the table, for everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead, 
(Refrain:) and God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice and joy! 
For woman and man, a place at the table, revising the roles, deciding the share, with wisdom and grace, dividing the power, for woman and man, a system that's fair, (Refrain) 
For young and for old, a place at the table, a voice to be heard, a part in the song, the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled, for young and for old, the right to belong, (Refrain) For just and unjust, a place at the table, abuser, abused, with need to forgive, in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy, for just and unjust, a new way to live, (Refrain) 
For everyone born, a place at the table, to live without fear, and simply to be, to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, for everyone born, the right to be free, (Refrain)
Call to Prayer
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (refrain)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel
Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin
Lay Reader: Miriam Derivan
Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan
Organist: David Strong
Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann
Choral Scholar: 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
“My Feet Are Tired, But My Soul Is Resting†© 1957, arrangement © 2021 The Estate of Francis Smith Thomas; 
“A Place at the Table†words © 1998, music © 1999 Hope Publishing Company;
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.
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#68 “When in Our Music God Is Glorifiedâ€â€¨â€¨This hymn can be found on the following page.
*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
Take these our gifts of time, talent and treasure. Use them to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and give comfort to those in turmoil. Amen.
Benediction
Postlude
"When in Our Music God Is Glorified" — C.V. Stanford/Robert A. Hobby
Permissions:
#68 “When in Our Music God Is Glorifiedâ€â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨â€¨Words: Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Engelberg, Charles Villiers Stanford
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Sunday 9:45 am Adult Sunday School: Ecumenism 
 and Interfaith 101
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Storehouse Winter Coat & Boot Drive 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday 
 Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm Youth Groups Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 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—Zoom 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope 7 pm Asbury Ringers—Canceled* 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—Canceled* Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—Closed for January 7 pm Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961)
Gentle Yoga
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
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 16–22
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for Ed Crosby and his family, on the death of his wife Kate on January 13.
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.
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, 
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reboot your year with our
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.
Sermon Podcast
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/
the-discipleship-project.
Have you ever wondered what the Bible really says—and if it truly has any meaning for us in modern times? If so, then you’re not alone and we encouraged you to sign up for a Disciple Bible Study. Groups for Disciple I Bible Studies and Disciple II will form at the end of January, and meet begining in February. 
Visit asburyfirst.org/adults 
to sign up.
Disciple Bible Study
Becoming Disciples 
Through Bible Study
Have you ever wanted to learn more about different faiths and denominations? Starting on January 16, all are invited to join us as we focus on a new faith tradition each week.
Virtual Sunday School: Ecumenism and Interfaith 101
Sundays beginning January 16, 9:45 am, Zoom
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
Visit asburyfirst.org/events 
for the Zoom link.
