March 20, 2022 • 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Monroe County is now in the “low risk” category, according to the CDC and NYS Health Department. As a result, we are now ready to adjust our masking policy from “masks required” to “masks recommended.” We recognize that while many people are ready to get rid of masks altogether, many others would prefer to keep wearing them. We will be respectful of both decisions as we move forward. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/3/covid-masking-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
Ciacona in F Minor — Johann Pachelbel
Introit
Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris. (Give peace in our time, O Lord.) (Music: Melchior Franck, 17th cent.)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 63
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. O God, our God, we seek you. Our souls thirst for you. Our spirits long for you, for we are parched and weary in these desert times, these wilderness places. Your love, O God, is better than life itself. May our mouths praise you, and our actions bless you. Let us seek God where God can be found. Let us call upon the Holy One, who is near. We will bless you as long as we live. We will lift up our hands and call on your name.
11 am • March 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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Third Sunday of Lent
*Opening Hymn
#127 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” Words: William Williams; Tune: Cwm Rhondda, John Hughes
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
#381 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us", v. 1 Words: attr. Dorothy Thrupp; Tune: Bradbury, William Bradbury
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, when we wander as pilgrims through a barren land, you are always near. We are weak, but you are mighty; hold us with your powerful hand. Forgive us when we turn away from you, refusing to seek or accept your help. Bid our anxious fears subside, and let your healing streams wash over us. You see us; you know us and love us as we are. In times of trial, lead us all our journeys through.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: God’s love and grace toward us are greater than we could ever imagine. God’s mercies are given before we can even ask. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*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)
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 Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
To hear the word
Anthem Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Holden Turner
“Christ, the Vine” — Robert J. Powell; words by Edith Downing Christ, the vine, and God, the gardener, we, the branches bearing fruit. We can bring forth shoots of promise when our lives in Christ take root. Christ, the fruit from Jesse springing, you fulfilled the prophet’s trust. And you pray that we, your body, will fulfill your trust in us. Christ, may we submit to pruning that we bear more grapes for wine. Help us, when we’re overburdened, draw new strength from you, the vine. You invite us to be partners, growing Spirit’s fruit anew. Keep us one in love together: you in us, and we in you!
*Hymn
#413 “A Charge to Keep I Have” Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Boylston, Lowell Mason
Sermon
The Inward Journey (or Giving a Fig)
Call to Prayer
God, our Creator, hear our prayer, and bless all souls that wait upon you. (Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory
“Amazing Grace” – 19th century American melody, arr. Carl Johengen; words by John Newton Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved and set me free! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come: 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
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
God of grace, you have fed our spirits, nourished our souls, and sustained us in every possible way. We offer our gifts in gratitude, and pledge to share what we have received from your hand. Amen.
*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)
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#431 "Let There Be Peace on Earth" Words and Music: Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Gabriel Fauré)
Postlude
Ricercar in C Minor — Johann Pachelbel
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James 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
*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.
Permissions:
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
“Amazing Grace” arr. © 2020 Carl Johengen; “Christ, the Vine” © 2015 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.
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Keep Moving: Part 2—1040 Room 201 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—Pretzel Sunday! —1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am Atonement: What Does the Cross Mean for Christianity?—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 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 5 pm Confirmation Class—1040 Youth Room 6 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 12 pm Finding Light in the Darkness — Zoom (zoom.us/j/85690419217) 2 pm Older Adult Team Easter Card Writing —1040 Gathering Center Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2 pm Memorial Service for Ginny Fitch —1040 Sanctuary, In-Person and Livestream 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm Discipleship Class Meeting—1040 Library 6:45 pm Discipleship Class Meeting—1040 Library 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—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Choir—1040 Room 201 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 FRIDAY 10 am Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) SaturDAY 8 am Altar Guild Setup—1040 Sanctuary 9:30 am Cultivate Workshop—1040 Library 7:30 pm VOICES Presents Bach's "Mass in B Minor" —1040 Sanctuary, In-Person and Livestream
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Disciple Bible Study
Outreach Center Livestream
Pretzel Sunday (Children's Ministry)
Women On Wednesday
Voices Presents "Mass in B Minor"
Meetings & Rehearsals March 20–26
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and; in celebration of Bill Lisi’s 95th birthday by his daughters; in loving memory of Mary Kay Jackson by Charles Jackson and family; and in loving memory of our beautiful son Zachary by his parents Donna & Kevin Harrington and his brother Kevin, and Mallory. 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 Tim and Ann Johnson and Kathy Thiel on the death of Tim's sister and Kathy Thiel's aunt, Kathy South, last week in England. 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.
We hope your children can join us for Pretzel Sunday on March 20 during the Sunday School hour from 9:45–10:45 am in Room 201. We will learn all about the history of the pretzel and make and bake some pretzels of our own. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for a link to the recipe!
Wonder what to do next?
NEW DATE! Saturday, March 26, 9 am– 12 pm, 1040 Library
The Church Library, off the gathering space, has a wonderful display of books celebrating Women's History Month, along with Lenten devotional books and Easter books for younger children. We highly encourage you to stop by and check us out! The church library is open when the church is open. Checking out a book is easy; you simply sign the library card in the front of the book and deposit the card in the box on the library desk. The book is yours for the reading.
Wish you could spend more time doing … (name anything!)
Want to seek God’s call on your life, but don’t know where to start?
Learn more and sign up online at asburyfirst.org/the-discipleship-project.
The Church Library Celebrates Women's History Month!
400 Souls Discussion
We're seeking volunteers to help pick up twigs and rake leaves. If you have a favorite rake, please bring it! Each year we assemble to help our maintenance staff clean up all the detritus of winter and bring our campus back to its usual beauty. All are welcome— you don't need to have a green thumb to help out. Questions? Contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org.
Wednesday, March 30, 5–6 pm, Zoom
Join us for an opening discussion of this year’s church-wide read, Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 on Wednesday, March 30 from 5–6 pm. We will be meeting over zoom to make sure as many people as would like have access to the conversation. You don’t have to have read the entire book to come. Our plan is to begin a discussion about the Introduction and Part One. All are welcome! Visit asburyfirst.org/events for the Zoom link.
Saturday, April 2, 9 am
Saturday, March 26, 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
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
New Members Classes Return!
Asbury First is delighted to host Voices in a performance of J.S. Bach's monumental "Mass in B Minor", featuring chamber choir, soloists, and orchestra. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Ukraine relief, with all donations going to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/news.
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? After more than a year hiatus, we are pleased to be offering two New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Palm Sunday, April 10.
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: Sunday, April 3, 12:30–2 pm at 1050 East Avenue Virtual: Tuesdays, March 29 and April 5, 5–6 pm, Zoom