february 21, 2021 • 11 AM
all are welcome at asbury first
Lent
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
“Steal Away” — arr. Gilbert M. Martin “How Great Thou Art” — arr. Dan Miller
Welcome
Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 107)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good: God’s steadfast love endures forever. God has gathered us in from east and west, from north and south; We wandered in a wasteland, until God heard our cries. We sat in darkness and gloom, exiles in misery; God saved us in our distress; God brought us out into the light. God raises up the needy! The upright behold, and rejoice. Let those who are wise give heed, and consider the steadfast love of God.
11 am • February 21, 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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First Sunday in Lent
Opening Hymn
#182 "Word of God, Come Down on Earth", vv. 1-3 Words: James Quinn, 1969; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle, 1664
11 am
Scripture Joshua 3:7-17
The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” Joshua then said to the Israelites, “Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.” Joshua said, “By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Lord, you abound in grace and mercy, forgiving our sins and releasing us from guilt. We deserve your judgment, but you grant us forgiveness. Create a pure heart within us, O God. Renew us, revive us, and restore us. Open our mouths that we might proclaim your praises. Give us voice, that we may sing songs of deliverance.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
God will never turn away a wounded heart, nor ignore the cry of God’s people. Let us return our whole hearts to God this day, and receive mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Tune: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
You, creator God, have written your great name on humankind; for our growing in your likeness, bring the life of Christ to mind, that by our response and service, earth its destiny may find.
Scripture John 7:37-38
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
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
#382 "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
Wade in the Water
Anthem Holden Turner, Guest Soloist
“Wade in the Water” — Spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes (Refrain:) Wade in the water, wade in the water children, Wade in the water, God's gonna trouble the water. Down in the valley, down on my knees, (God’s gonna trouble the water) Askin' my Lord to save me please. (God’s gonna trouble the water) (Ref.) See that host all dressed in white, (God’s gonna trouble the water) The leader looks like the Israelite. (God’s gonna trouble the water) (Ref.) If you don't believe I've been redeemed, (God’s gonna trouble the water) Just follow me down to the Jordan's stream. (God’s gonna trouble the water) (Ref.)
Pastoral Prayer
#382 "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" Words: Adelaide A. Pollard; Tune: Adelaide, George Stebbins
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
“Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name” — Spiritual, arr. Brazeal Dennard (Refrain:) Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name. Oh, my Lord, oh, my Lord, what shall I do? I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always. Oh, my Lord, oh, my Lord, what shall I do? (Ref.) I’m so glad I got my religion in time. Oh, my Lord, oh, my Lord, what shall I do? (Ref.) Soon one mornin’ death come creepin’ in my room. Oh, my Lord, oh, my Lord, what shall I do? (Ref.)
Doxology Tune: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
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.
Prayer of Dedication
Because you are the God who saves us, we bring our gifts to your altar, God of might. Accept our gifts and our lives, and use them to help bring salvation to this world. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (vv. 1, 2) Words: James Weldon Johnson, 1921; Tune: Lift Every Voice, J. Rosamond Johnson, 1921
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jacqueline Nelson Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady 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: Jake Schwartz Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: “Wade in the Water” © 1994 Alfred Publishing Co. Inc; “Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name” © 1986 Shawnee Press, Inc. 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
Fanfare on “McKee” — Charles Callahan
Click here for Discipleship Meetings
challenge
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.
During this season of Lent, we want to issue a weekly challenge—an action or activity—that the congregation can engage in as part of their Lenten Discipline. The goal is to connect with others and find a way to put the sermon topic into action. Tune into the live stream each week for a new challenge!
Virtual meetings
Click here for Changing Weighs
Sermon: Wade in the water
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.)
Challenge: Commit to having a conversation that you’ve been avoiding.
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
SUCCESS STORY UR Well Clinic A woman walked into the clinic one day congested and coughing, complaining of a sore throat. She was seen by the medical staff and was given a prescription for an antibiotic. However, she shared with our medical team that she is allergic to a certain antibiotic but she wasn’t sure which one. The medical student took the time to call her hometown pharmacy and got the information they needed to prescribe the appropriate medication. When she was finished seeing the medical team, our health insurance provider assisted her with getting health insurance. She also met with our social worker who assisted her with other urgent needs in her life. -Anonymous
Phase 2: Bring It Home
NEEDED TO MEET GOAL
$99,706
To donate, please visit www.asburyfirst.org/bettertogether and help us Bring It Home!
RAISED TO DATE
Thank you all for your continued generosity!
Numbers as of Feb. 12
$400,294