March 6, 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
Prelude on “Imandra” — Dennis Eliot “Impressions” — Robert Roesch “Tranquility” — James Southbridge
Introit
We seek thy presence, Lord; may ours this blessing be: give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple fit for thee. Amen. (Words: John Keble; Music: J.S. Bach)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 91
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, You who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Know that God is your refuge and fortress. God will deliver you from the fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence. Under God's wings you will find protection. God will command the angels to guard you in all your ways. When you call on God, your cry will be answered. God will satisfy you with long life and salvation.
11 am • March 6, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
First Sunday of Lent
*Opening Hymn
#116 “The God of Abraham Praise” v. 1, 2, 4 Words: Daniel ben Judah, c. 1400; Tune: Leoni, Hebrew melody
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, your ways always lead to life. Be with us when our faith falters and when we forget our promises. Remind us of your steadfast love. Be with us when temptations threaten to lead us astray. Remind us that you are our refuge and strength. Be with us when we feel imperiled by forces beyond our control.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Trust the promises of God, and believe in Christ Jesus with your whole heart. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gathering Hymn
#554 “All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord", vv. 1, 2 Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Armenia, Sylvanus Pond
Anthem Bess Phillips and Brenda Nitsch, soloists
“Into the Woods My Master Went” – Richard Shepherd; words by Sidney Lanier Into the woods my Master went, clean forspent, forspent, Into the woods my Master came, forspent with love and shame. But the olives they were not blind to Him. The little grey leaves were kind to Him, The thorn tree had a mind to Him, when into the woods He came. Out of the woods my Master came and he was well content; Out of the woods my Master came, content with death and shame. When death and shame would woo Him last, From under the trees they drew Him last, ’Twas on a tree they slew Him—last when out of the woods He came.
Scripture Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
*Gloria
O God in whom all life begins, who births the seed to fruit, bestow your blessing on our lives; here let Christ's love take root. Bring forth in us the Spirit’s gifts of patience, joy, and peace; deliver us from numbing fear, and grant our faith increase. (Words: Carl J. Daw; Tune: Kingsfold, English melody, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
Minute for Mission
Kiki Smith, Southeast Area Coalition
To hear the word
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
#269 “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” Words: Claudia Hernaman, 1873; Tune: Land of Rest, American folk melody
*Doxology Hymnal #95
The One who sits upon the throne says, "I make all things new! Write down the words that you have heard, for they are firm and true." The songs of all our praise belong to you, Almighty God; We give our hearts, our minds, our tongues, to spread your name abroad. (Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: Kingsfold, English melody, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
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.
*Prayer of Dedication
Mighty God, we come before you, thankful for your many blessings. Receive our offerings, and send them into a world that is hungry to know your refuge and strength. Amen.
Sermon
Back to the Wilderness
Call to Prayer
Hear our prayer, O Lord; incline your ear to us and grant us your peace. (Music: George Whelpton)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory
“Hide Me Under the Shadow of Thy Wings” — John E. West Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings, O Lord, and give Thine angels charge concerning me: That I may lie down in peace, and take my rest, for it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest me to dwell in safety.
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#267 “O Love, How Deep”, vv. 1-3, 6 Words: 15th c. Latin, tr. Benjamin Webb; Tune: Deus Tuorum Militum, 18th c. French, arr. R. Vaughan Williams
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (John Stainer)
Postlude
“O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High” — Paul Manz
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Eleanor and Leigh Fitch by Bob, Mason and Ginn Fitch; in loving memory of Norm’s parents Gilbert and Jean Welch, and Kathy’s parents William and Dorothy Ogden by Norm and Jesse Welch; in loving memory of Sally Wing by her husband Robert and family; in loving memory of Robert A. Clinger by his family; and in loving memory of Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson’s maternal grandmother, Blonnie Smeltzer. 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 Karen, David, Morgan and Garrett Long on the death of Karen's mother, Martha Pulver, on February 21 in Oklahoma. 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.
“Into the Woods My Master Went” and “Hide Me Under the Shadow of Thy Wings” © 2016 St. James Music Press; 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 and Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Due to the rise in COVID cases, some 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
Women On Wednesday
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 March 6–12
Disciple Bible Study
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Room 204 9:45 am Atonement: What Does the Cross Mean for Christianity?—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:45 am Keep Moving — Part 2—1040 Room 201 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 12 pm Finding Light in the Darkness — Zoom (zoom.us/j/85690419217) 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center This Week Only on Monday 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—Rescheduled for Monday 7 pm Gospel of Mary Magdalene —Zoom (zoom.us/j/87195784797) 7:30 pm Community Garden Team—Zoom 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) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Choir—Zoom 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee—Zoom 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall FRIDAY 10 am Disciple Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) SaturDAY 8 am Pie Making (Pie for PI Day) —1040 Fellowship Hall Kitchen 9:30 am Cultivate: Discipleship Project Workshop —1040 Fellowship Hall
Finding Light in the Darkness Class
Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am—12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
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.
It’s Lent 2022… Which means it is time to reflect, reconnect, and reignite our faith! Join Emily Cady as she leads a new, in person class on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am, beginning THIS Sunday. This class will be focused on Maggie Smith’s NEW book KEEP MOVING — The Journal. You can join the class at any time, but if you have any questions, please contact Emily Cady at emilycady@gmail.com.
Sign Up to Read 400 Souls!
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
"Sign Up" to read the book at asburyfirst.org/ 400souls, so we can easily find a way of contacting interested folks for the conversation about the book. You can also call the church office at 585-271-1050 or email info@asburyfirst.org to show your interest.
Sundays, 9:45 am, 1040 Room 201
New Class! Keep Moving — Part 2
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.