February 13, 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
"Steal Away to Jesus" — traditional spiritual, arr. Robert Powell "How Great Thou Art" — Stuart Hine, arr. Dan Miller
Introit
Oh, fix me, Jesus, Oh, fix me, Jesus, Oh, fix me, Jesus, fix me, Jesus, fix me. Fix me for my long white robe, (fix me, Jesus, fix me.) Fix me for my starry crown, (fix me, Jesus, fix me.) (traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 17
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We call upon you, O God. We trust that you will hear and answer our cries. Show us your wonderful, steadfast love. You are the Savior of those who seek refuge at your right hand. Guard us as the apple of your eye. Keep us safe in the shadow of your wings. When we arise, let us behold you, face to face. Gazing upon your likeness, we will be satisfied.
11 am • February 13, 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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Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
#382 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” Words: Adelaide Pollard, 1902; Tune: Adelaide, George Stebbins, 1907
11 am
Prayer of Confession
God of creation and covenant, of rainbows and resurrection, you love all of creation. You have promised to love us always. Nothing can get in the way of your radiant, radical redemption; Not even the clouds of our carelessness or the floods of our fears. Be with us now, as we humbly gather before you. You are the source of the love and beauty that resides in everyone.
Silent Confession
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#416 “I Am Leaning on the Lord” (sung twice) Words and Music: Afro-American spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Scripture Psalm 139:1-18
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up: you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
Words of Assurance
Friends, the Spirit of God draws us into one, even as we acknowledge our divisions and brokenness. God’s mercy forms us into the Body of Christ. 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
Anthem Women's Chorus
“Steal Away” — trad. spiritual, arr. Malcolm Archer (Refrain:) Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus. Steal away, steal away home, I ain't got long to stay here. My Lord, he calls me, he calls me by the thunder; The trumpet sounds within-a my soul; I ain't got long to stay here. (Ref.) Green trees a-bending, poor sinner stands a-trembling; The trumpet sounds within-a my soul; I ain't got long to stay here. (Ref.)
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
#474 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” Words and Music: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1932
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: A Bed in Sheol
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
Offertory Bess Phillips & Jordan Bachmann, Soloists
“O Where Can I Go from Your Spirit” — Malcolm Archer; words from Psalm 139 O where can I go from your spirit, and where can I flee from your face? If I climb up to heaven you are there, If I go down to hell you are there also. If I take the winds of the morning and dwell at the sea's furthest end, Ever there your hand will guide me, and your right hand will keep me safe. O where can I go from your spirit, and where can I flee from your face?
*Prayer of Dedication
God, receive our gifts and use them for the building of a realm of peace and hope. May your new creation go beyond anything we could dream or do on our own. In Jesus’ name. 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
Amen.
Postlude
"Give Me Jesus" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Richard Billingham
*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.
#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. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Rev. Jackie Nelson 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
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of his father Rev. Talmage Theodore Johnson by Dr. Timothy Johnson; and in loving memory of Mary & Albert Swett by Marion Swett Robinson and Laura & Al Swett; and with joy and thanksgiving for the birth of our first grandchild, Finn William Patterson (son of Emily and Travis Patterson) by Beth and Dave Rice family. 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.
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“Steal Away” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “O Where Can I Go from Your Spirit” © 2010 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from “Honoring Our Identities: A Service for Black History Month”, Rev. Therese Samuel, United Church of Canada. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
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 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 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
Outreach Center Construction Livestream
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 13–19
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 4:30 pm Governance Board Meeting—Zoom 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—No Meeting This Week 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 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
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT
Starting Now!
New Small Group Opportunities
New Class Groups
Atonement: What Does the Cross Mean for Christianity?
Sundays, March 6–April 10, 9:45 am EST, Zoom
LENTEN CLASSES
Check out our new Lenten class offerings! Visit asburyfirst.org/ events for more information.
Finding Light In The Darkness
Mondays, March 7 – April 11, 12–1 pm, Zoom
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, 1619-2020, 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. We have some copies available and recommend purchasing through Cerebral Kingdom Bookstore, a local Black-owned bookstore. If you would like a copy, or want more information on Cerebral Kingdom bookstore, call the church office at 585-271-1050 or visit asburyfirst.org/news.
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