January 23, 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
Partita on "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" — John Behnke based on the tune by Kathleen Thomerson
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. This day is holy to our God; let us set aside mourning and weeping. The Spirit of the Holy One is upon us to bring good news to the poor. This day is holy to our God; the joy of the Holy One is our strength. God sends us to proclaim freedom, recovery, and justice. On this day, may the scripture be fulfilled in our hearing. On this day, may our words, songs, and prayers be pleasing to the Holy One, our rock and redeemer.
11 am • January 23, 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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Third Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
#98 “To God Be the Glory” Words: Fanny Crosby; Tune: To God Be the Glory, William Doane
11 am
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#561 “Jesus, United by Thy Grace” (vv. 1, 2) Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: St. Agnes, John B. Dykes
Scripture Luke 4:14-21
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: (continued on page 7)
Prayer of Confession
Rock and redeemer, you call us to remember that we are all members of one body in your Spirit. Forgive us when we do not embody your love. Together, we drink of the same Spirit, and share in the same love that makes us one. Reclaim us when we fail to hear your word. Remind us that when any part of your creation suffers, all of creation suffers. Renew us when we forget that we are one body
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the Good News: God heals our illusions of separateness and makes us one and whole. 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.
Minute for Mission
Asbury Storehouse
To hear the word
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Anthem Brenda Nitsch, Soloist
“Song of Witness” — Donna Butler Douglas; words based on a text by St. Teresa of Avila Christ has no hands on earth but our hands, to guide and point the way, to hold a hand in need. Christ has no hands on earth but our hands. So Lord, let me be your hands. Christ has no feet on earth but our feet, to walk a different path, and follow where he leads. Christ has no feet on earth but our feet. So Lord, let me be your feet. My heart is filled with gladness when I look around and see the wonder of salvation and how he uses me. Christ uses me. Christ has no witness but through our lives, to show the world his grace, and share his bountiful love. Christ has no witness but through our lives. So Lord, use my life today.
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
“The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”, vv. 1-3 Words: Delores Dufner, OSB; Tune: Land of Rest, American folk melody
Sermon
Vaticinium Ex Eventu
Call to Prayer
O Breath of Life, come sweeping through us, revive your church with life and power. O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew us; and fit your church to meet this hour. (Words: Bessie Porter Head; Tune: Bishop Powell, David Ashley White)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Dan McInerney and Jordan Bachmann, Soloists
“O Love that Will Not Let Me Go” — Carson Cooman; words by George Matheson O Love that will not let me go, I rest my tired soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O Light that follows me all my way, I give my flickering torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day may brighter, fairer be. O Joy that seeks me through the pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be!
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy Word, Holy Breath, Holy Maker of all, we share our gifts with one another. Keep us ever grateful for the love that created us as one body. Amen.
*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.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#568 “Christ for the World We Sing” Words: Samuel Wolcott; Tune: Italian Hymn, Felice de Giardini
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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
“Song of Witness” © 2015 Hal Leonard Corporation; “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” © 2009 St. James Music Press; “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” words © 1993 Delores Dufner, administered by OCP Publications; 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.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Then let us go to serve in peace, the gospel to proclaim. God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Words: Delores Dufner, OSB; Tune: Land of Rest, American folk melody)
Postlude
"Passacaglia" — David Lacey
Permissions:
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Sunday 9:45 am Virtual Sunday School: Ecumenism and Interfaith 101 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 10 am Zoom Time with Paula and Holly—Zoom 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—Canceled* 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—Canceled* 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—Canceled* 6 pm Youth Choir—Zoom 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/6174865464)
Gentle Yoga
Celebrations and concerns
*Due to the rise in COVID cases, choir, bell and other 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 23–29
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mary W. Jackson and L. Dilwin Jackson by Charles Jackson; and in loving memory of Helen Fultz, a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all who knew her, by her husband Dan. NOTE: Congregants can come to the sacristy following the service if they would like to take flowers to a friend or neighbor that might need a bright spot in their day. 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.
CONNECT
Help Me
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.
Disciple Bible Study
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 beginning in February. Visit asburyfirst.org/adults to sign up.
subscribe to our sermon podcast for an Automatic Download!
Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
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
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.
New Class Groups
New Small Group Opportunities
Starting Now!
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
Annual Church Conference 2022
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
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT
