February 20, 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
"His Eye Is on the Sparrow" — Charles Gabriel, arr. C.E. Walz "Deep River" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Barbara Heastings "Calvary" — Marietta Simpson/Evelyn Simpson-Curenton Annette Farrington, flute
Introit
Come by here, Lord, come by here; Oh Lord, come by here. (traditional Spiritual)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Friends, the God of hope is calling, offering refreshment to those who are heavy laden. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) Friends, the God of peace is calling, offering tender words of comfort to those in distress. Come children, how often I have longed to gather you together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. (Matthew 23:37) Friends, the God of love is calling, offering friendship and communion to those who feel alone. Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; you that have no money, come and eat without cost. (Isaiah 55:1) Friends, come, God is calling us to worship. We come with joy. Alleluia!
11 am • February 20, 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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Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
*Opening Hymn
“We Have Come to Join in Worship” Words: George Askins (18th c.), Ken Bible (1950 - verse 2); Tune: Holy Manna, attr. William Moore (American, 19th c.)
11 am
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#375 “There Is a Balm in Gilead”, v. 1 Words and Music: Afro-American spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Prayer of Confession
God, in times of bitterness and loss, we yearn to be called home. We weep with those who have felt like the exiles of Israel. Help us to pick up our cross, and to help those whose crosses are far heavier than ours. Help us to be the people you have called us to be.
Silent Confession
To celebrate baptism
Words of Assurance
Even in our doubts and failures, God gives us a spirit of power and love. We are strengthened for the journey ahead, and given the gospel of truth to share with the broken-hearted. Rejoice in the mercy of our God. 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
Ellen Smith, Executive Director, Keeping Our Promise
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Maxine Laurel Muniz, child of Matthew and Kathryn Muniz, born April 4, 2021
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that this child may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God’s help we will so order our 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.
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
Anthem
“I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” — traditional Spiritual, arr. Raymond Haan I want Jesus to walk with me, I want Jesus to walk with me. All along my pilgrim journey, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me, in my trials, Lord, walk with me. When my head is bowed in sorrow, I want Jesus to walk with me. When I am dying, Lord, walk with me, when I am dying, Lord, walk with me. When I am on my bed of sorrow, O Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
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 Psalm 137:1-8
By the rivers of Babylon—there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy. Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall, how they said, “Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!” O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us!
To hear the word
*Hymn
#700 “Abide with Me”, vv. 1-4 Words: Henry Lyte, 1847; Tune: Eventide, W. H. Monk, 1861
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: Fight or Flight
Call to Prayer
Someone needs you, Lord; come by here; O Lord, come by here. (traditional Spiritual)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Holden Turner, soloist
"Ride On, King Jesus" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Hall Johnson Ride on, King Jesus! No man can-a hinder me. Ride on, King Jesus, ride on! No man can-a hinder me. For he is King of kings, he is Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, the first and last, no man works like him. King Jesus rides a milk-white horse, no man works like him. The river of Jordan he did cross, no man works like him. For he is King of kings, he is Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, the first and last, Oh – King Jesus rides in the middle of the air, Oh – He calls the saints from everywhere, Ah – Ride on, King Jesus! No man can-a hinder me. Ride on, King Jesus, ride on! No man can-a hinder me.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of tender mercy, may the gifts we bring before you this day turn groans of despair into shouts of mirth and gladness. Bless our offerings with your abundant power, that the world may find life in the midst of loss. 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
Send a blessing, Lord, come by here; O Lord, come by here. (traditional Spiritual)
Postlude
"Every Time I Feel the Spirit" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Judith Maggs
*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. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Helen Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Flute: Annette Farrington 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
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” © 1987 MorningStar Music Publishers; “Ride On, King Jesus” arrangement © 1951, Carl Fischer, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from "How Long Will We Have To Cry? A Service of Lament for anti-Black Racism”, Alydia Smith, United Church of Canada. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Celia Pawlish by the Embrace Group; and in loving memory of Ernest L. Barnes by his wife Ann and 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. 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
Cultivate Workshop (The Discipleship Project)
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 20–26
Disciple Bible Study
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Sunday Adult Bible Study—1050 Teak Room 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 3:30 pm Youth Group—Ice Skating at MLK Rink 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 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 4 pm Youth Pie Crust Preparation —1040 Fellowship Hall FRIDAY 10 am Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Lectio Divina
Announcing Year-long, Church-Wide Read!
LENTEN CLASSES
Mondays, March 7 – April 11, 12–1 pm, Zoom
Finding Light In The Darkness
Atonement: What Does the Cross Mean for Christianity?
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.
Check out our new Lenten class offerings! Visit asburyfirst.org/ events for more information.
Sundays, March 6–April 10, 9:45 am EST, Zoom
Wednesday, March 2, 7 pm, In-Person and Livestream
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
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
Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Christ your whole life, Cultivate is a workshop where you can press pause during this season of Lent, and do some self-reflection so you can take the next right step in your faith journey.
Join us as we begin the holy season of Lent together with our pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester.
Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am—12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Pan-Methodist Ash Wednesday Service