To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
February 11, 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
“Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me” — arr. Don Hustad “Steal Away to Jesus” — arr. Robert Powell “I’ve Got a Robe” — arr. Robert Powell “Deep River” — arr. Robert Powell
Introit
The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. (Words: Habakkuk 2:20; Music: George Root)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Give ear to God’s teaching. May our eyes be open to see God’s presence. Incline your ears to the stories of God’s wondrous power and redemption. May our minds be open to perceive hope in the midst of despair. Come drink from the wellspring of life and salvation. May our hearts be open to the challenge of becoming God’s community. Let us gather to worship as a people reborn. May our voices sing out the stories of God’s love.
*Opening Hymn
#660 “God Is Here”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#404 “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”
11 am • February 11, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Last Sunday after Epiphany
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of second chances, you are always there for us. Help us to find the strength of our convictions. We want to work gladly in your vineyard, without thought of reward. Renew us in your compassion and grace. In the course of our struggles, remind us of your enduring love. May our minds be filled with the very mind of Christ.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: No matter who you are, or what you have done, Christ welcomes you into God’s kingdom with open arms. When we open our hearts and our lives to Christ, God’s forgiveness is truly ours. 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
Housing Equity Speaker Series — Bob Castle
Scripture Micah 6:6-8
“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? 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
#430 "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"
Sermon
Walk Humbly
Call to Prayer
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (Traditional Spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith)
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“Cleft for Me” — Mark Hayes; words by Augustus Toplady Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood from thy wounded side which flowed be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and power. Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law's demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown and see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.
*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 Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann, Soloists
“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” — trad. Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be a Christian. Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more holy. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be like Jesus, Lord, I want to be more holy, Lord, I want to be a Christian.
*Prayer of Dedication
Receive our gifts this day, O God, and transform them into blessings that grace the lives of others. Receive our thanks and praise, our industry and love, that all might share your blessings. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#438 "Forth in Thy Name, O Lord"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Art Frackenpohl)
Postlude
“Every Time I Feel the Spirit” — arr. Judith Maggs
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Bryant Clark Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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: Kenny Bailey, Griffin Allen, Noël Nichols, Tommy Johnson Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
““Cleft for Me” © 2014 SoundForth/Lorenz Corporation; “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” © 1999 Hal Leonard Corporation; 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 David Stith and Ly Tran
#430 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Micah 6:6-8 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
#438 "Forth In They Name, O Lord"
Chapel service
9 am • February 11, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Bryant Clark Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Pianist: David Strong
Join us February 18 for another visiting preacher in our winter preaching series, the Rev. Katie McKay Simpson! The Rev. Katie McKay Simpson is the Senior Minister of University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. For fifteen years, she has served as a pastor, community leader, and planter of new ministries among Louisiana congregations located in Bossier City and Lake Charles. She is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and received her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL and she is presently working toward a PhD in Organizational Leadership at Eastern University outside of Philadelphia.
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 Marion Curran, her husband Raymond, and her son Kevin by her daughters Mimi and Martha; 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. 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 at Asbury First 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 15th. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Helen (Betty) Galante, who died on January 24. We offer our prayers and concerns for Timothy Johnson, after the death of his twin brother, Theodore Johnson, who died on February 4.
Before our interim senior pastor arrives in March, we have invited several of our friends in ministry from near and far to share the gospel message of hope and inclusion. Please plan to join us each week for this exciting series.
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.
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 11:15 am Souper Bowl Sunday - soup and cookie dough sales to benefit youth mission trip — 1040 Welcome Hall 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Oliver! 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 5:30 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley 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) 7 pm Ash Wednesday Service — Sanctuary 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 Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley 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) Saturday 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Red Cross Blood Drive — 1040 Gathering Center
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
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
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.
BUY TICKETS
Meetings & Rehearsals February 11 – February 17
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of donors in 20 years. You can help! Next Saturday, February 17, 8:30 am to 1 pm, the American Red Cross will transform the Gathering Center into a blood donation center. If you have any questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. Please remember to bring your ID with you.
Housing availability, affordability, and security are hallmarks of a healthy community, but access to housing in the U.S. is not an equal playing field. Speakers Nick Coulter, Ryan Acuff and our own Stuart Mitchell will share their knowledge about Rochester’s housing equity problems, the ways these issues impact us, and the ways in which we can seek justice in our community.
Sundays, 9:45 -10:45 am February 25, March 3, and March 10 Fellowship Hall and Zoom All are welcome! Please contact Rachel Dupont with any questions at rdupont@asburyfirst.org
Join us every Sunday at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall for informal conversations on a variety of subjects! This week, our youth will report on each day's work projects through powerpoint and photos! Next week, our minister for discipleship and youth, Mike Mullin, will talk about his role at Asbury First. Grab a coffee and join us in Fellowship Hall every Sunday at 9:30 am. All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information. February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations February 18 - Mike Mullin on the history of Ordination in The United Methodist Church February 25 - Housing Equity (week 1) – Nick Coulter March 3 - Housing Equity (week 2) – Ryan Acuff March 10 - Housing Equity (week 3) – Stuart Mitchell March 17 - David Strong to discuss his role as Church Administrator and Assistant Organist March 24 - Ann Marie Stephan, CEO of Rochester Childfirst Network
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. February 21st – Assisi Institute – Craig Bullock and Vicki Campanero February 28th – Spiritus Christi – Celie Katovitch March 6th – Rochester Zen Center – Truman Taylor March 13th – Rochester Baha'i Center – Cheryl Jones-Richter March 20th – Psychic Medium and Shamanism – Vicki Snyder-Young Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Housing Equity in Rochester Speaker Series
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.
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
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
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!
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
Thursday, February 22, 2 pm at The Highlands at Pittsford Monday, March 11, 2 pm at Linden Knoll Wednesday, March 13, 2:30 pm at St. Johns Meadows
Pan-Methodist Ash Wednesday Service Join us as we begin the holy season of Lent together with our Pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester. Our congregation will join Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for a special combined service in the Asbury First sanctuary. Wednesday, February 14, 7 pm, Asbury First Sanctuary In-Person or Livestream
All are welcome! Please call Barbara Eltinge with any questions at 585-737-8775
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
Thursday, February 22, 2 pm - The Highlands at Pittsford Monday, March 11, 2 pm - Linden Knoll Wednesday, March 13, 2:30 pm - St. Johns Meadows
February 20-22 9 am-noon
Please join us for a time of Lenten worship followed by a time of fellowship with friends at one or more of the following times and locations:
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
February 20-22, 9 am-noon
Register here
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
*Processional Hymn
*Processional Hymn (Cont'd)
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)
11 am • January 28, 2024