To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
January 28, 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
Prelude and Fugue in C — Josef Rheinberger
Introit
How pleased and blest was I to hear the people cry: “Come, let us seek our God today!” Yes, with a cheerful zeal, we haste to Zion’s hill and there our vows and honors pay. (Words: Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 122; Tune: Crusader’s Hymn, Silesian melody)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 111
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart in the company of the upright in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. God provides nourishment for those who call upon him. God has sent redemption; God’s covenant stands forever. The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; all God’s precepts are trustworthy. Great are the works of the Lord, whose love and grace endures forever!
*Opening Hymn
“Rise, Shine, You People” This hymn can be found on the following page.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#561 “Jesus, United By Thy Grace”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • January 28, 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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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Processional Hymn
"Rise, Shine, You People"
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
How can we look at this world and not sing of your praises, O God? Yet we are prone to take all that you give us for granted. We treat the world with indifference, exploiting its resources with little regard to the future. We choose war over peace as a solution to our struggles. We allow the weak and downtrodden to go unnoticed in our midst. How foolish we are, O God! How ignorant we have become. Forgive us. Heal our hearts and spirits, and make us aware of all our blessings and responsibilities. Give us again a spirit of joy in serving you.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Jesus has come to heal our spirits and our souls. The demons of arrogance, indifference and apathy are being cast out. New life is offered to you in Jesus Christ. Rejoice and be glad, for God’s love is poured out to you this day. 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.
Scripture Mark 1:21-28
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. 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
"Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit" This hymn can be found on the following page.
Sermon
Questioning Authority
Call to Prayer
O Thou, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way: the path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Campmeeting, American folk tune)
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem
“Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” — T. F. H. Candlyn; words by Charles Wesley Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true and only Light, Sun of righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shade of night; Day-spring from on high, be near; Day-star, in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by Thee; joyless is the day's return, till Thy mercy's beams I see, till they inward light impart, glad my eyes, and warm my heart. Visit then this soul of mine, pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more Thyself display, shining to the perfect day. Amen.
"Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit"
*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
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 Dan McInerney, Soloist
"There Is a Balm in Gilead" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. (Refrain) If you can preach like Peter, if you can pray like Paul, go home and tell your neighbor, “He died to save us all." (Refrain)
*Prayer of Dedication
God of justice, mercy, and compassion, we bring our tithes and offerings to your altar and pray they will be used to make your amazing love known to all. Open each of us to the possibility that we might be the ones you would call and send to do this work in your name. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#127 "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Postlude
Voluntary on "Cwm Rhondda" — Paul Manz
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jess Winderweedle Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Lay Reader: Andrew Hunt Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Team: Rick Church, Kenny Bailey, Tommy Johnson, Noël Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
“Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” © 1942, Carl Fischer, Inc.; "There Is a Balm in Gilead" © 1998 Alfred Publishing Co. 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.
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. II will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart in the company of the upright in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. God provides nourishment for those who call upon him. God has sent redemption; God’s covenant stands forever. The works of God’s hands are faithful and just; all God’s precepts are trustworthy. Great are the works of the Lord, whose love and grace endures forever!
#173 “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies”
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Mark 1:21-28 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Chapel service
9 am • January 28, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Jess Winderweedle Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Pianist: David Strong
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 Ernest Barnes by his wife Ann Barnes and family; in loving memory of Helen Fultz, a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all who knew her, by her husband Dan. 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 the friends and family of Wayne Turnblom, who died on December 27. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 2 pm. 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. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns for Cindy Malone after the death of her mother, Gail Gould, on January 8. 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 on Saturday, February 17th at 3 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns for Susan and Matt Guffey after the death of Susan's father, Jon Patterson on January 11. We offer our prayers and concerns for Claudia Nolan, whose grandfather, Bob Walker, died on January 15.
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 28 – February 3
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 Church Conference — 1040 Sanctuary 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 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) 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Oliver! Auditions— 1040 Fellowship 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 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Oliver! Auditions— 1040 Fellowship 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) 5:30 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall Saturday 1 pm Oliver! Call-backs — 1040 Fellowship Hall 2 pm Jean Cook Memorial — 1040 Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Fellowship Hall
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
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
From the earliest days Christians have chosen to have their final resting place within the community of the church. Visit the Columbarium table in the Welcoming Hall January 28 after the 11 am service for information on how to secure a niche in Asbury First's Columbarium.
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.
Secure a niche in Asbury First's
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
January 28 - Deb Bullock-Smith, Office and Data Manager, and David Stith, Director of Communications, will discuss their roles at Asbury First. February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
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!
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
February 20-22 9 am-noon
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
Wednesdays, January 17, 24, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
asburyfirst.org (585) 271-1050
Oliver!
CONFERENCE MATERIALS
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 today 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. For conference materials, please visit https://asburyfirst.org/governance-executive-summary/
Annual Church Conference 2024