To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
February 18, 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
“Adoration” — Florence B. Price “Jesus Paid It All/O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” — arr. Brant Adams “I Heard the Preaching of the Elder, Preaching the Word of God” from Afro-American Suite — Undine Smith Moore
Introit
All glory be unto you, Lord; all glory we give to you. All honor we give to you, Lord; all glory, all honor, all praise. We give them unto you. Amen. (Words and music by Michael Kenneth Ross)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 84
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. How wonderful it is to be in a dwelling place for God! Our souls long to be in the courts of the Lord! All seekers find a home at your altars, O God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Happy are those whose hearts follow the pathways to Zion. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, you bring joy to everyone who trusts in you.
*Opening Hymn
#559 “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • February 18, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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First Sunday in Lent
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Most holy God, we admit to you and each other that we allow ourselves to be dazzled by the false gods of this age. We find it hard to recognize who we are, where we came from, or where we are going. We easily become caught up in selfishness, seduced by cynicism, and waylaid by glittering materialism, We allow ourselves to be led along the highways and byways created by those who would exploit us. Open our hearts that we may know ourselves more clearly, and seek you more diligently. Look upon us with love, and restore us in your mercy.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Fellow travelers, always remember that there is much more forgiveness in God than we could ever exhaust. Receive from God, through the grace of Christ, the blessing of sins forgiven and a right relationship restored. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gloria Hymnal #296, v. 5
Unto God be praise and glory: to the Father and the Son, to th' eternal Spirit honor now and evermore be done; praise and glory in the highest, while unending ages run.
Scripture Ezra 3:10-13
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the Lord with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, according to the directions of King David of Israel; and they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord had been laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of families, old people who had seen the first house on its foundations, wept with a loud voice when they saw this house, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted so loudly that the sound was heard far away. 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
"Let Us with a Gladsome Mind"
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“Deep River” — Spiritual, arr. Donald P. Moore Deep river, my home is over Jordan, O, Deep river, I want to cross over into campground. Oh, don’t you want to go to that Gospel feast, That promised land where all is peace? O, Deep river, my home is over Jordan, O, Deep river, I want to cross over into campground.
Undine Smith Moore (1904–1989), is known as the "Dean of Black Women Composers". Originally trained as a classical pianist, she developed a compositional output of vocal, choral, and chamber music. Many of her works were inspired by black spirituals and folk music. She was a renowned teacher, and once stated that she experienced "teaching itself as an art". Toward the end of her life, she received many awards for her accomplishments as a music educator. Moore was a strong advocate for the promotion of black music and art: in her opinion, art could be used as "a powerful agent for social change".
Sermon
Threshold Crossings
Call to Prayer
I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says “pray”, and obey the Spirit of the Lord. (Traditional Spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Annette Farrington, flute Brian Donat, cello Duane Prill, piano
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, Lord”/"Brothers Will You Pray for Me and Help Me to Drive Ole Satan Away” from Afro-American Suite — Undine Smith Moore
*Closing Hymn
#670 "Go Forth for God"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
The peace of God be with you every day, until we meet again. (Music by Charlene Moore Cooper)
Postlude
Fanfare on “McKee” — Charles Callahan
*Doxology Tune: Land of Rest
To Disperse in Mission
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, bless the gifts we bring today for the unfinished work of your realm. Be with us on our journey through trial and transition, and help us not forget the tasks that remain in a world that still needs your love. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Dawn Riedy 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 and Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Sam Doerner, Zeke Doerner, Tommy Johnson, Jr., Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
“Deep River” © 1988 MorningStar Music Publishers; 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
*Call to Worship
“Let Us with a Gladsome Mind" (found on p. 5)
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Ezra 3:10-13 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
#670 "Go Forth for God", vv. 1, 4
Chapel service
9 am • February 18, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Pianist: David Strong
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 Mary S. Swett and Albert H. Swett by their son Al and daughter-in-law Laura, Marion Swett Robinson, and Margaret Haskell; in loving memory of Reverend Paul Gongloff by Lois Vitale; and in honor of Dave W. Smith’s 80th birthday on February 24th and his becoming a member of Asbury First in January. 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 was held on Saturday, February 17. 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 the friends and family of Rita Ratcliffe, who died on February 2. We offer our prayers and concerns for Timothy Johnson, after the death of his twin brother, Theodore Johnson, who died on February 4.
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 Smart Meeting Room (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 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 am Bluey Winter Vaction Bible School — 1040 Education Wing 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) 9 am Bluey Winter Vaction Bible School — 1040 Education Wing 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — COC Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester — 1040 Fellowship Hall 7 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class - 1040 Smart Meeting Room (LL03 – lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9 am Bluey Winter Vaction Bible School — 1040 Education Wing 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 IV Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464, Password Disciple)
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 18 – February 24
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Remembering Ron Wilson
SCAN TO READ
Ronald Wilson, a cherished member of the Asbury First community, exemplified a life lived for love through his unwavering dedication to the Dining and Caring Center. His commitment to serving others was a testament to the transformative power of selflessness. Please visit asburyfirst.com or scan the QR code to read our tribute to a man whose life embodied the principles of love, service, and resilience. Special thanks to Bob Peterson and George Albright for their help writing this article.
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.
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. Wednesdays Evenings from February 21 through March 20, at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall (1040, lower level). February 21 – Assisi Institute – Craig Bullock and Vicki Campanero February 28 – Spiritus Christi – Celie Katovitch March 6 – Rochester Zen Center – Truman Taylor March 13 – Rochester Baha'i Center – Cheryl Jones-Richter March 20 – Psychic Medium and Shamanism – Vicki Snyder-Young Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
Upcoming adult sunday school offerings SUNDAYS at 9:45 am in fellowship hall
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 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall for informal conversations on a variety of subjects! This week, Mike Mullen will explore the history of ordination in the UMC! Grab a coffee and join us in Fellowship Hall every Sunday at 9:45 am. 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 31 - No Class (Happy Easter!) April 7 - The Rev. Kathy Thiel on Death and Dying All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Housing Equity in Rochester Speaker Series
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!
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
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
All are welcome! Please call Barbara Eltinge with any questions at 585-737-8775
Join us February 25 for the final visiting preacher in our winter preaching series, the Rev. Joseph (Joe) D. Kim! The Rev. Joseph (Joe) D. Kim serves as Lead Pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church outside of Seattle, WA. He has served in and with communities of faith for over 15 years, both in the non-profit sector and in the local church. He has traveled around the world as a speaker, preacher, workshop leader and facilitator, encouraging people of faith to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.
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
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:
Secure a niche in Asbury First's
From the earliest days Christians have chosen to have their final resting place within the community of the church. For information on how to secure a niche in Asbury First's Columbarium, visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium or contact a member of our Columbarium Team (listed on the back of the Columbarium brochure, available in the Greeting Center).
Register here
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
Let’s go on a “Curry Quest,” or play in the “Rain”, or make a “Duck Cake”...
February 20-22, 9 am-noon
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Two upcoming concerts you won't want to miss!
Sunday March 3 at 3 pm, Asbury First – FREE! Ahead of her Metropolitan Opera debut, don’t miss soprano Kearstin Piper Brown’s very special performance. This performance is sponsored by WXXI
Two upcoming concerts you won't want to miss! Kearstin Piper Brown and Friends from the Black Students Union at Eastman Sunday March 3 at 3 pm, Asbury First, Sanctuary – FREE! (sponsored by WXXI) Ahead of her Metropolitan Opera debut, don’t miss soprano Kearstin Piper Brown’s very special performance. An Evening with the internationally acclaimed Spelman College Glee Club Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 pm, Asbury First, Sanctuary $25 (adults), $10 (students) Now celebrating its 99th season, this historic Spelman College Glee Club has a reputation for choral excellence.
Tuesday - Thursday, February 20-22, 9 am-noon
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
Spelman College Glee Club An evening with the internationally acclaimed women's choir
Kearstin Piper Brown and Friends from the Black Students Union at Eastman
Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 pm, Asbury First – $25 (adults), $10 (students) Now celebrating its 99th season, the historic Spelman College Glee Club has a reputation for choral excellence. Tickets will be available at a table in the Welcome Hall after worship, or by calling Bill Davis at (585) 266-4500.
*Processional Hymn
*Closing Hymn (cont'd)