March 27, 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
"Solemn Melody" — John Dixon "Adagio in G Minor" — Tomaso Albinoni
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 32
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous. Shout for joy, all you upright of heart! Many are the torments of the wicked. But steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. God provides a hiding place for us, and preserves us from trouble. God surrounds us with glad cries of deliverance. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayers to God. We come before God with joyful shouts!
11 am • March 27, 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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Fourth Sunday of Lent
*Opening Hymn
#132 “All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded” Words: Joachim Neander, tr. Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Michael, Herbert Howells
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am
Prayer of Confession Based on Psalm 32
God of grace and mercy, your hand is heavy upon us. When we stray from your path, our strength dries up. When we acknowledge our sins before you, you forgive us. When we do not hide our weakness from you, you are faithful. Instruct us, and teach us in the ways we should go. Counsel us, and keep us in your sight, God of love.
Silent Confession
*Gathering Hymn
#562 “Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee", vv. 1, 2 Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Savannah, Johannes Thommen
Scripture Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
(cont'd)
*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)
Words of Assurance
Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven, in whose spirit there is no deceit. Rejoice, friends, in the bountiful love and mercy of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
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.
Scripture (cont'd)
“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
Anthem Brenda Nitsch, soloist
“Call Me Home” — David Lantz III; words by Susan Bentall Boersma Wandering, wandering, Lord, I’m wandering far from home, sweet Lord, far from home. A lost lamb in the black of night, from the darkness to the light, call me home, sweet Lord, call me home. Weary, weary, Lord, I’m weary far from home, sweet Lord, far from home. A tired traveler, weak and worn, bear me up on wings of morn, call me home, sweet Lord, call me home. Call me home, call me home, sweet Lord, call me home. You paid the price, you bore my shame, I am yours, you know my name. call me home, sweet Lord, call me home. Lord, I’m waiting, waiting, Lord, I’m waiting far from home, sweet Lord, far from home. Lord, I’m longing for the light to be at home in heaven so bright. call me home, sweet Lord, call me home.
*Hymn
#348 “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling”, vv. 1, 4 Words and Music: Will L. Thompson
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
Going Home
Response Bess Phillips, Soloist
Going home, going home, I’m just going home. Quiet-like, slip away, I’ll be going home. It’s not far, just close by; Jesus is the door; Work all done, laid aside, fear and grief no more. Friends are there waiting now; he is waiting too. See his smile! Feel his hand! He will lead me through. (Words: William Arms Fisher, alt.; Music: Antonín Dvořák)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Dan McInerney, Soloist
“Nearer, My God, to Thee” – Lowell Mason, arr. Tom Trenney; words by Sarah Flower Adams Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Yea, though the vale I tread, thou art with me. When shadows cloud my head, thou anointest me. Thy rod and staff shall be comfort to shepherd me nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Though waters foam and roar, though mountains quake, thou art my refuge sure, though the earth should shake. Lord, strengthen and shelter me nearer, my God, to thee. nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
*Prayer of Dedication
God of abundance, we who have been given much give thanks for the bounty you provide. May we who call ourselves disciples of Christ continue to give freely for the good of others. 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)
*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
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", vv. 1, 3, 4 Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Beecher, John Zundel
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson Lay Reader: Sean Mahan 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
“Call Me Home” © 2009 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Nearer, My God, to Thee” © 2020 Birnamwood Publications/MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Anonymous)
Postlude
"Solemn Melody" — Walford Davies
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars to the glory of God and in loving memory of Flo Simmons by her daughter Tammy Clifford and son John Simmons. NOTE:T he congregation is welcome to pick up flowers after the 11 am Sunday service if they would like to take flowers to a family member, friend or neighbor to brighten their day. 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 John Wadsworth and his family on the death of his wife, Marilyn, on March 11. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Betty Curtis, who died on March 18. 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 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.
Celebrations and concerns
Permissions:
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—1040 Room 204 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 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040y 12 pm Finding Light in the Darkness — Zoom (zoom.us/j/85690419217) Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall 5 pm New Members Class —Zoom (zoom.us/j/84183407782) 5:30 pm Discipleship Class Meeting—1040 Library 6:45 pm Discipleship Class Meeting—1040 Library 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 400 Souls Discussion—Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Bells & 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 9 am Spring Clean Up—1040 7:30 pm Madrigalia Concert—1040 Sanctuary
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 Construction Livestream
Hallelujah Kid's Choir
Atonement Class
Madrigalia Concert
Meetings & Rehearsals March 27—April 2
The Church Library Celebrates Women's History Month!
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.
Sanctuary Social Distancing Update
Next time you enter the Sanctuary, you will notice that some of the ropes blocking the pews have been removed. In order to accommodate additional seating as attendance increases, ropes on the Lectern side of the nave have been removed, allowing for seating in every row. Ropes will remain on the Pulpit side, preserving space for those wishing to maintain social distancing while seated during the service. Our masking policy continues to be “masks recommended” for the time being. For more information on our current COVID safety measures, please visit asburyfirst.org/news.
Lectern
Pulpit
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.
400 Souls Discussion
Saturday, April 2, 9 am
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter
New Members Classes Return!
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
Sunday, April 17 7 am SERVICE — Sunrise service held on the East Avenue front lawn 7:30 am — Easter Breakfast for our D&CC guests and congregation 9 am* SERVICE — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday
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.
*Childcare is available at these services
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
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
Friday, April 15 12 pm* SERVICE LS Envisioning the Passion — Holy Week- themed art and choral music. A beloved Asbury First tradition. 5:30–7:30 pm Family Prayer Night — A come-when- you-wish child-friendly event with communion, a labyrinth walk, and prayer stations.
Sunday, April 10 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Palm Sunday
Thursday, April 14 7 pm* — Silent meditation 7:30 pm* SERVICE LS — Worship begins with communion and a candlelight re-enactment of Christ's last night, ending with the placement of the cross on the East Avenue lawn by our Christ-figure.
LS services will be livestreamed