All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
february 7, 2021 • 11 AM
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us! If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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 and we will answer any questions you may have. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Group. Children We believe children are a sacred gift. You can join us at 10 am for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly (us02web.zoom.us/j/86857108916?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZm FxUHgrQ1hjdz09). We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. If there is a way our children’s ministry can be more welcoming to you and your child, 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 three 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. 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 www.asburyfirst.org/give. 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. You can also view all sermons on our YouTube channel.
Prelude
”Fairest Lord Jesus” — arr. Jonathan W. Lee “Give Me Jesus” — arr. Mark Hayes “Shall We Gather at the River?” — arr. C.E. Walz “Deep RIver” — arr. Barbara Heastings
Welcome
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 91)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, in the shadow of the Almighty, call to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, God in whom I trust.” God will deliver us from the snare of the fowler; under God’s wings we will find refuge. Because we have made the Lord our dwelling place, God will hear us when we call, and will answer us. Those who love God, God will deliver. God will protect those who call out in faith.
11 am • February 7, 2021
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 the Epiphany
Opening Hymn
#529 "How Firm a Foundation" (vv. 1, 3, 5) Words: Rippon’s “A Selection of Hymns, 1787; Tune: Foundation, early American
11 am
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Hymn
"This Little Light of Mine" — Words and Music: Traditional Spiritual This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. (3x) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine. (3x) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. (3x) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
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.
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of grace and glory, your mercy and compassion are never-failing. Increase our faith, that we may come to fully trust your love for us. Bless us with the knowledge that is too wonderful for us, the knowledge of your never-ending care for your people. Embolden us to live as signs of your covenant of love.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
God has spoken. God will hear and deliver those who put their trust in God. Have faith in this promise, and live. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #102, Tune: “Now Thank We All Our God”
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 Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
#474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
Deep River
Anthem Holden Turner, Guest Soloist
“Deep River” — Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes Deep river, my home is over Jordan. Deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground. Oh, don’t you want to go to the gospel feast, that promised land where all is peace? Oh, deep river, my home is over Jordan. Deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.
Pastoral Prayer
#474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Words and Music: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1932
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
Our Creative God endows us with the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Within this bulletin you will find invitations to enrich your faith journey and enhance your commitment. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. You may give a gift with a debit/credit card or by e-check by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online giving is available on our website at www.asburyfirst.org/give.
Offertory
“Ain't that Good News” — Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan I got news, I got news, O Lord, I got good news. I got a crown up in-a that kingdom, ain’t-a that good news. I’m-a gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up-a my cross, Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus, ain’t-a that good news. I got a robe up in-a my kingdom, ain’t-a that good news. I’m-a gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up-a my cross, Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus, ain’t-a that good news. I got a harp up in-a that kingdom, ain’t-a that good news. I’m-a gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up-a my cross, Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus, ain’t-a that good news. I got a song up in-a that kingdom, ain’t-a that good news. I’m-a gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up-a my cross, Gonna sing my song-a for my Jesus, I’m gonna play my harp-a for my Jesus, I’m gonna put on my robe-a for my Jesus, I’m gonna wear my crown-a for my Jesus, ain’t-a that good news. I got news, I got news, O Lord, I got good news.
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
God of abundance, as you have freely given, we return to you but a portion. Bless our gifts of time, talent and treasure to further the work of your kingdom. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (vv. 1, 2) Words: James Weldon Johnson, 1921; Tune: Lift Every Voice, J. Rosamond Johnson, 1921
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgist: Rev. Jacqueline Nelson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Guest Soloist: Holden Turner Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Jake Schwartz Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: “Deep River” © 1998 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “Ain’t That Good News” © 1999 Hal Leonard Corporation; 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 Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Postlude
"Give Me Jesus" — arr. Richard Billingham
Click here for Discipleship Meetings
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
Click here for parables of Parenting class
HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Click the button above for your meeting. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our Discipleship Zoom (passcode 200) account to take their meetings online, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Virtual meetings
Click here for Changing Weighs
Children’s Ministry would like to invite you and your family to our campus for some outdoor fellowship and fun in the snow. We will award prizes for the most creative sculptures.
For a full list of events and clickable links, visit our online calendar here.
Click here for Zoom with Paula and Holly
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Dynamic Disciple Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. (Click the buttons below for some of the Zoom links.)
Saturday, February 13, 2 pm
ASH
Pan-methodist Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 17, 7pm
&
Preaching: Rev. James Simmons — Baber AME Live streamed at asburyfirst.org
SPIRITUALS
Join us each Sunday for special music and a special guest musician, Holden Turner!
Traditional Spirituals have been gradually making their way into the hymnody of American congregations; our own 1989 Hymnal features more than 25 such songs. While they are originate in the oral tradition of slavery and often refer directly to its hardships, spirituals also served to impart and preservce Christian values. They hold a unique place in the repertoire of American church singing, and have a lot to teach us even now. They will provide a rich foundation for each of our services during Black History Month.
W E D N E S D A Y
Virtual Service
HISTORY
BLACK
MONTH
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
Another way to help us reach our goal is to share our new video on your social media. Here is an example post: Are you looking for a way to help during this panedmic? Please consider a one-time gift or a pledge to help Asbury First in the final push to make our Outreach Center a reality. Visit www.asburyfirst.org/ bettertogether for more information.
Phase 2: Bring It Home
To donate, please visit www.asburyfirst.org/bettertogether and help us Bring It Home!
Numbers as of Feb. 5
$238,544
NEEDED TO MEET GOAL
Thank you all for your continued generosity!
$261,456
RAISED TO DATE