To worship with us
February 25, 2024 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asburyfirst.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 David Strong, Organ Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
Prelude on "Land of Rest" — Peter Pindar Stearns “I Will Arise and Go To Jesus” — Spiritual, arr. Dan R. Edwards
Introit
Praise to the holiest in the height, and in the depths be praise; in all his works most wonderful, most sure in all his ways. (Words: Cardinal John Newman; Tune: Hebdomadal, Thomas Strong)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The prophet asks: Can our soul-weary bones live again? O God, you know! We ask: Can we dance again, in the face of mourning, loss and grief? O God, you know! The gift is sure and unmistakable: God’s breath pours out as new life for weary souls. Let us celebrate the gift of God’s new life, And come to worship God with joy.
*Processional Hymn
“Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud” This hymn can be found on the next page.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#57 “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, vv. 1, 3, 5
11 am • February 25, 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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Second Sunday in Lent
"Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud"
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Compassionate God, the wind of your Spirit is the very sign of life for all who long for you. One breath from you and we are rescued from the arid valley of dry bones. You renew our tired muscles and sinews You give us joy with which to praise you. Fill us with the holy hope you grant to all your faithful children. Let our whole lives be filled with the life-breath of your Spirit. Let what has lain dormant burst into bloom. Let those parts within us that appear dead be revived.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, hear the good news: the God who hears our prayers breathes new life into us, calling us forward to resurrection. Experience the saving love of God, and be renewed. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. 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 John 11:17-27
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon
To Follow Jesus...
Call to Prayer
Hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline your ear to us and grant us your peace. (Traditional, arr. Bernadette Blount Salley)
Pastoral Prayer
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
#193 "Jesus, the Name High Over All", vv. 1-4
Anthem Sanctuary Choir
“Canticle of Hope” — Gary Hallquist; words from Psalm 130 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, yes, in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Out of the depths I cry to you; O Lord, hear my plea for mercy. For with the Lord is forgiveness for all who fear his name. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, yes, in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, for with the Lord is unfailing love.
*Doxology Tune: Land of Rest
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 Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” — Charles Gabriel, arr. Anna Laura Page
*Closing Hymn
#519 "Life Every Voice and Sing"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen, amen!
Postlude
Postlude on "The Glory of These Forty Days" — Matthew McConnell
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Joe Kim Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Lay Reader: Bennet Marsiglio Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Griffin Allen, Joe Blakely, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
“Canticle of Hope” © 2004 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; "I Will Arise and Go to Jesus" © 2002 Choristers Guild; "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" © 2007 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; 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
*Prayer of Dedication
God of all goodness, we are reminded that our discipleship decision involves more than what we bring this day to the altar. Strengthen us, we pray, not just to carry our own cross, but to help our siblings carry their crosses as well. Amen.
Prelude
*Opening Hymn
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
John 11:17-27 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing", vv. 1, 3
Chapel service
9 am • February 25, 2024
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Joe Kim 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 gratitude for past and present church members. 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 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 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) 9:30 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) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Knitting Ministry — 1040 Library 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Exploring Faith Communities — 1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers and Ringers — 1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope — 1040 Room 204 6:30 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 — Hybrid - Smart Meeting Room (1040, Lower Level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 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/834717 3468) NEXT SUnday (3/3) 9 am Worship Service (with Communion) — 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 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service (with Communion) 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 3 pm WXXI Presents Kearstin Piper Brown in Concert free — 1040 Sanctuary
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 25 – March 3
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Housing Equity in Rochester Speaker Series
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. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
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 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.
Upcoming adult sunday school offerings SUNDAYS at 9:45 am in fellowship hall
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. Wednesday Evenings from February 21 through March 20, at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall (1040, lower level). 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
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.
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
Asbury First is part of the Harvest Home Coalition that sponsors local home construction with Habitat for Humanity. We are planning an Asbury First work day at a Rochester construction site sometime this spring. If you might be interested in participating, please email Dave Kennedy at DAKennedy@Frontiernet.net so we can gauge the level of interest. Specify whether you would be able to work on a Friday or a Saturday. Work sessions are 9 am to 3 pm. No experience is necessary. Everyone 16 or older is welcome to participate. We will make plans based upon your responses.
Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111.
Habitat for Humanity Work Day
It's pretzel time! Join us March 10, 11 am to noon in Fellowship Hall for fun, fellowship, and all things pretzels! This 40 year tradition is educational, entertaining, and delicious.
1010 Tuesdays | March 12, 8 am
Secure a niche in Asbury First's
Have you wondered what goes on at the newly renovated Community Outreach Center? Here’s your chance to See For Yourself! Monthly, every 2nd Tuesday, join us for what we call 1010 TUESDAYS! Meet us at 1010 East Ave at 8 am for a simple breakfast, a brief tour of the facility, and stories about these life-changing services. Bring a friend or colleague, and help us spread the word about the Community Outreach Center. RSVP today by scanning the QR code, visiting asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or calling (585) 271-1050 x117.
Invest in your family's future now! Later this year we will be breaking ground on Asbury First's Columbarium project – a sacred, consecrated outdoor space on the southeastern outer wall of 1040, designed to provide a final resting place for the remains of our loved ones. Instead of buying a plot in a cemetery, one can reserve a niche for a pair of urns that will be built into the garden-like columbarium. These niches are available to all, but space is limited so reserve yours now. Stop by the Columbarium table in the Welcoming Hall after the 11 am service to learn more.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Monday, March 11, 2 pm - Linden Knoll Wednesday, March 13, 2:30 pm - St. Johns Meadows
It is with very mixed emotions that we announce that Lori Young, our Director of Property Care, is stepping down from her full-time position to concentrate on her career in landscape architecture. Lori has been presented with an opportunity to build a full-time landscaping business, Sacred Breadth, where she will specialize in creating beautiful gardens and sacred spaces for healing, contemplation and prayer, which is a return to her academic and experiential background and passion. We are sad to see her go, but excited to see the wonderful work this new venture will stimulate. Lori will continue with us on a part-time basis as Property Administrator so she can oversee and supervise the work and training of staff, fully implement automated applications, and serve as liaison to Monday Morning crew, Property Stewardship Committee, Garden Team, and Community Garden Team, among others. Recruitment efforts to fill the full-time position of Property Care Director is in process.
All are welcome! Please call Barbara Eltinge with any questions at 585-737-8775
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:
Director of Property Care Stepping Down
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
NEW MEMBERS CLASS
Two upcoming concerts you won't want to miss!
Bluey Winter Mini VBS
Spelman College Glee Club An evening with the internationally acclaimed women's choir
Mondays, March 4 and 11, 6:30 - 8 pm, Hybrid - Red Room (Community Outreach Center - the red brick building next door to the church) and Zoom We are pleased to be offering these classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First, both in person and via Zoom. This is a two-part series of classes sharing information about what it means to be a United Methodist, as well as information about ministries at Asbury First. Please bring a bag supper, if you'd like. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, November 12. You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email or call Deb Bullock-Smith at 585-271-1050 x117 or dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.
February 20-22 9 am-noon
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.
Kearstin Piper Brown and Friends from the Black Students Union at Eastman
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
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
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”...
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
February 20-22, 9 am-noon
#193 “Jesus, the Most High Over All”, vv. 1-4
#519 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
*Closing Hymn (cont'd)