February 6, 2022 • 11 AM
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
"Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" — arr. Robert Powell Improvisation on "We Shall Overcome" — arr. Carl Haywood
Introit
I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray, I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray, I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray, and obey the Spirit of the Lord. (traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Look back! Look back with courage. Face the truth God reveals to you. Look forward! Look forward with hope. See possibilities growing from the seeds of lessons learned. There is no shame in revisiting and relearning history. Let us learn and relearn our history together. Wisdom is vindicated by all her children. May it be so. Amen.
11 am • February 6, 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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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West” Words: John Oxenham, Laurence Hull Stookey; Tune: McKee, traditional Spiritual
11 am
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#464 “I Will Trust in the Lord” Words and Music: Afro-American spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Scripture Genesis 9:18-27
The sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole earth was peopled. Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard. He drank some of the wine and became drunk, and he lay uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; lowest of slaves shall he be to his brothers.” He also said, “Blessed by the Lord my God be Shem; and let Canaan be his slave. May God make space for Japheth, and let him live in the tents of Shem; and let Canaan be his slave.”
Prayer of Confession
Compassionate Creator, look with mercy upon us as we name our collective brokenness. Sit with us as we admit our reluctance to engage in difficult conversations. Loving Parent, hold us close as we face up to our complacency in the face of evil. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, God does not deal with us according to our weakness. God’s steadfast love for us is great, and his compassion is never ending. Thanks be to God for forgiveness. 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.
To hear the word
Scripture Ephesians 6:5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as you obey Christ; not only while being watched, and in order to please them, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free.
Anthem Bess Phillips, Soprano Brenda Nitsch, Alto Dan McInerney, Tenor Jordan Bachmnn, Baritone
“Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” — traditional Spiritual, arr. Gene Greer and Lowell Everson Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, sometimes I feel like a motherless child, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, a long way from home. (Repeat) O true believer, a long way from home. Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone, sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone, Sometimes I feel like I’m almost gone, a long way from home. Sometimes I feel...
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
#586 “Let My People Seek Their Freedom”, vv. 1, 2, 4 Words: T. Herbert O'Driscoll, 1971; Tune: Ebenezer, Thomas Williams, 1890
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.
Sermon
The First 402: Freedom in Christ
Call to Prayer
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer. It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer. (traditional Spiritual)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
*Prayer of Dedication
God of Transformation, unite us through the power of your Spirit so that we may work to manifest your presence in creation. Speak in our voices and in our lives; may our offerings help bring about your new creation. Amen.
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.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Postlude
"Fanfare on McKee" — Charles Callahan
*Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Words: James Weldon Johnson, 1921; Tune: Lift Every Voice, J. Rosamond Johnson, 1921 This hymn can be found on the following pages.
Offertory Kayla Sconiers, Soloist
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” — trad. Spiritual, arr. Stephan Casurella (Refrain:) Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, and what did I see, coming for to carry me home? A band of angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home. (Ref.) If you get there before I do, coming for to carry me home. Tell all my friends I'm coming too, coming for to carry me home. (Ref.)
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Words: James Weldon Johnson, 1921; Tune: Lift Every Voice, J. Rosamond Johnson, 1921
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 Combined Choirs Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, 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
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” © 1991 Heritage Music Press; “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” © 2014 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from “Ancestors and Ancestry: A Service for Black History Month”, Rev. Debbie McMillan, United Church of Canada. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Marion Curran, her husband Raymond, and her son Kevin by her daughters Mimi and Martha; in loving memory of our parents Kenneth and Edna Walker and Harold and Rita Carter by Elise and Hal Carter; in loving memory of Linda B. Crawford by David Crawford and family; and in loving memory of Katie VanDerLinden by Ruth and David VanDerLinden. 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, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Patricia Oberdorf who passed away on January 29. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 12 at 1 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 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 Roger Wilhelm who passed away on October 3. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 14 at 11 am.
*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
URMC Racial Equity Challenge
Project Chacocente Virtual Mission Trip
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Meetings & Rehearsals February 6–12
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 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 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee—Zoom 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall Reopened 7 pm Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Lectio Divina
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.
Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) administrative staff have moved into the Education Wing 2nd floor office suite (Room 200), and we are beyond excited to have them on our campus. Learn more at asburyfirst.org/news.
WELCOME FINGER LAKES OPERA!
Announcing Year-long, Church-Wide Read!
Change doesn’t come one month a year. Please join us as we continue the conversation of Black History Month by reading together the book, 400 Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-1620, edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain over the next year. The book is broken into ten sections and we will create venues to discuss one section a month. Whether you join us for the discussion or just read it on your own, this book is a wonderful way to know the past and begin to shape the future. Look for more information soon.
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
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
New Small Group Opportunities
New Class Groups
Starting Now!
