January 30, 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 "How Firm a Foundation" — Alfred Fedak
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 71
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Offer God your worship and praise. Before God formed us in our mothers’ wombs, God knew and loved us. Offer Christ your love and devotion. Before we drew our first breath, Christ consecrated us as his own. Offer the Spirit your gratitude and thanksgiving. Before we heard the call to heal the world, the Spirit sustained our every heartbeat. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. We will offer God our worship and praise.
11 am • January 30, 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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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
#110 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Words: Martin Luther, tr. Frederick Hedge; Tune: Ein’ Feste Burg, Martin Luther
11 am
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#464 “I Will Trust in the Lord” (sung twice) Words and Music: Afro-American spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Scripture Jeremiah 1:4-10
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Prayer of Confession
Source of truth and love, we yearn for certainty in an uncertain world. Grant us courage to proclaim the words you place in our mouths. Remind us that your love has the power to soften hearts and minds. Allow us to know and understand that your ways are mysterious. We all see as in a mirror, dimly. Harken us to your voice, that we may abide in your love.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Rejoice in this Good News: God knows us and loves us as we are. God’s love heals our wounds, and readies us for the challenges before us. 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.
Celebration and Welcome to Ministry
Congregational Response
Siblings in Christ, as a people committed to participate in the ministries of the Church by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness, and as faithful members of the community of Asbury First, will you celebrate this new beginning and support Rev. Dupont in his ministry among you? We will, with God’s help.
To hear the word
Scripture 1 Corinthians 13:11-13
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Anthem
“Sure Foundation” — Mark Hayes; incorporating “How Firm a Foundation” When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the river, I am there. Floods may seem to overwhelm you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. When you pass through the fire, you shall not be burned. When the flame would consume you, I am there. Fiery trials may assail you, but this one thing is sure: I will never forsake you, do not fear. Do not fear, I have redeemed you. I have called you. You are mine. You can trust my sure foundation, until the end of time. "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. "When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” I’ll never forsake you, do not fear!
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
#399 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”, vv. 1, 3 Words: Frances Havergal; Tune: Messiah, Louis Hérold
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 Bess Phillips, soprano Annette Farrington, flute
“The Lord Is My Rock” — Camile Saint-Saëns The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my strength in whom I trust. I will call upon the Lord God and I shall be saved. In my distress I called to the Lord, and cried unto my God and he has heard his servant's voice. Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord my God, Singing praises ever unto thy name.
Sermon
A Mirror Dimly
Call to Prayer
God, our creator, hear our prayer, and bless all souls that wait before you. (Felix Mendelssohn)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, transform the gifts we offer. Make them sources of life and love to those thirsting for your grace.
To Disperse in Mission
*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.
*Closing Hymn
#582 “Whom Shall I Send?” Words: Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Deus Tuorum Militum, 18th c. French, arr. R. Vaughan Williams
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, 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: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Flute: Annette Farrington 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
“Sure Foundation” © 2012 Word Music, LLC; “The Lord Is My Rock” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “Whom Shall I Send?” words © 1971 Hope Publishing Co. 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.
Celebrations and concerns
*Benediction
Postlude
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" — Don Hustad
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members in celebration of the marriage of Ross Hutchinson and Kim McNulty on January 15, 2022. 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. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Ginny Fitch who passed away on January 21. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 22 at 2 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Sally Schofield who passed away on December 7. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 5 at 1 pm.
Permissions:
Gentle Yoga
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Disciple Bible Study
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 12:10 pm Annual Church Conference— In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm Parent & Youth Meetings 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 —Canceled for this week 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 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—Closed Due to COVID* 7 pm Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
*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)
Project Chacocente Virtual Mission Trip
Lectio Divina
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 30–February 5
SATURDAY 1 pm Memorial Service for Sally Schofield
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.
If you are a past, present, or perhaps future reader with Women on Wednesday (WOW), please join the meeting on Wednesday, February 2 for a fresh look into new choices for spring reading. Your ideas and input are important!!
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
Women on Wednesday (WOW) Renews Search for Next Book
Sermon Podcast
Visit asburyfirst.org/events for more information and Zoom link.
subscribe to our sermon podcast for an Automatic Download!
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.
Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Visit asburyfirst.org/newsletter for more information.
Register by Tuesday, February 8
Join us on a Virtual Mission Trip to Chacocente
We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to visit Chacocente virtually! We realize that many of you have missed traveling to Nicaragua and we hope that you will join Chacocente Board member Rev. John Shaver (pictured – bottom left), who will travel physically to Nicaragua from February 7-15, 2022.
This year, the Asbury First Annual Church Conference will be held TODAY following the 11 am service and will be a Virtual Conference with an in-person component. Learn the latest at asburyfirst.org/church-conference.
To vote, scan the QR code above or visit asburyfirst.org/ church-conference for instructions.
New Class Groups
New Small Group Opportunities
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
Starting Now!
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT
