All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
february 14, 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
“My Lord, What a Morning” — arr. Richard Billingham "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" — arr. Richard Billingham “There Is a Balm in Gilead” — arr. Gilbert M. Martin
Welcome
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 130)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. O Lord, we call to you from the depths of our concern and fear. Let your ear be attentive to the voice of our pleading. We wait upon your word, we eagerly hope in your love. We trust in your forgiveness and mercy. With you there is steadfast love and redemptive power. We gather to give thanks for the grace you shower upon your people.
11 am • February 14, 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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Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Opening Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West" Words: John Ovenham & Laurence Hull Stookey; Tune: McKee, Spiritual
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we come before you shouldering many burdens. Some among us are hurt, grieving, angry, and resentful. Some of us find ourselves stretched to our limits. Some have been pushed to the margins, feeling cast out. Call us by name, loving God, that we may rise from the mire of our troubles. Renew our strength, Lord, that we may run and not grow weary.
Silent Confession
11 am
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Congregational Response
Will you, with God's help, so order your lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal? We will.
To celebrate baptism
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.
Scripture Jeremiah 8:18—9:3
My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” (“Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?”) “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (cont'd on next page)
To hear the word
Word of Assurance
Hear God’s promise to all: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall walk and not grow faint.” God’s grace is ours without cost. 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.
For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? O that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people! O that I had in the desert a traveler’s lodging place, that I might leave my people and go away from them! For they are all adulterers, a band of traitors. They bend their tongues like bows; they have grown strong in the land for falsehood, and not for truth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, says the Lord.
Hymn
#521 "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
Is There a Balm?
Anthem Holden Turner, Guest Soloist
“There Is a Balm in Gilead” — Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes (Refrain:) There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain; But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. (Ref.) If you can preach like Peter, If you can preach like Paul Go home and tell your neighbor, "He died to save us all." (Ref.)
Pastoral Prayer
#521 "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" Words: Spiritual; Tune: Sojourner, Spiritual
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
“A City Called Heaven” — Spiritual, arr. Victor Johnson I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow; I’m tossed in this wide world alone. No hope have I for tomorrow, I’ve started to make heaven my home. I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow; I’m tossed in this wide world alone. No hope have I for tomorrow, I’ve started to make heaven my home. Sometimes I am tossed and driven, sometimes I don’t know where to roam. I’ve heard of a city called heaven, I’ve started to make it my home. My mother, she’s reached that bright glory, my father still walks in sin. My brothers and sisters won’t own me, because I am trying to get in. Sometimes I am tossed and driven, sometimes I don’t know where to roam. I’ve heard of a city called heaven, I’ve started to make it my home.
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
Creating God, you give us the greatest gift we can imagine: your everlasting love and faithfulness. We offer our own gifts in thankfulness and joy, that your gospel of love may reach the world. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (vv. 1, 3) 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: “There Is a Balm in Gilead” © 1998 Alfred Publishing Co. Inc; “A City Called Heaven” © 2014 Heritage Music Press, a division of Lorenz 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, Rob Petrosyan and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Postlude
"Great Day" — arr. Robert J. Powell
Click here for Discipleship Meetings
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.
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
Virtual meetings
Click here for Changing Weighs
RESCHEDULED TO FEB. 20
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.
Saturday, February 20, 2 pm
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.)
ASH
Pan-methodist Ash Wednesday Service
Produced and hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Premiering February 16 and 17 at 9 pm on WXXI-TV. Click here for more details.
Wednesday, February 17, 7pm
Preaching: Rev. James Simmons — Baber AME Live streamed at asburyfirst.org
W E D N E S D A Y
Virtual Service
THE BLACK CHURCH: This is Our Story, This is Our Song
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
Phase 2: Bring It Home
To donate, please visit www.asburyfirst.org/bettertogether and help us Bring It Home!
SUCCESS STORY "Due to my rampant addiction to drugs and alcohol, I robbed a bank and was arrested. During the months I awaited trial, my family cut ties with me, leaving me to struggle alone. I was accepted into drug court, but I needed to complete their program to have the charges dropped. I was in Pathways drug treatment program and they gave us several opportunities for volunteer work. I chose Asbury First because I knew some people that had volunteered and they recommended it. What kept me coming in each day was the impact this place had on my depression, and anxiety. Today, I am reconciled to my family, I am a newly trained shopper at Foodlink, and I have achieved long-term sobriety." —Mike
The kitchen crew—Charles, Dan, Sylvester, and Terry— continue to provide meals for those in need during the pandemic.
Numbers as of Feb. 12
$400,294
NEEDED TO MEET GOAL
Thank you all for your continued generosity!
$99,706
RAISED TO DATE