March 31, 2024 • 9 & 11 AM
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. Today, because Easter is a special celebration, we ask the children to remain with their families in the Sanctuary after children's time. 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.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. tanderson@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Ted Anderson — Interim 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 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Variations on “Carillon Français” — Craig A. Penfield Organ (11AM only:) “Celebrate With Joy” — Cynthia Dobrinski Asbury Ringers "Entrata Festiva" — Flor Peeters Brass Ensemble, Organ
*Processional Hymn
#302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 1-4
9 & 11 am • March 31, 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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Easter Sunday
*Easter Proclamation
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Anthem
“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah — G. F. Handel Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah! The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; And he shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!
*Greeting and Passing of Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#318 Christ Is Alive (vv. 1, 3)
Scripture John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are (cont'd on next page)
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3, alt.
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Minute for Mission
Community Outreach Center — Rev. Pat Dupont, Director
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Risen Christ, as we ponder the empty tomb, we cannot help but look within. We see the pain we carry with us, the loneliness and frustration we sometimes cling to. We see the hungry and battered world before us, and recognize our complicity and complacency. As we come to the empty tomb, help us to lay our pain and emptiness before you. Help us to see hope in the face of despair, and compassion in the face of emptiness. Give us the joy of your saving health once again, that we may share it with the world.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
People of God, let us not look for the living among the dead in an empty tomb! Christ has risen to heal, forgive, and restore the creation beloved by God. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
9 & 11 am
Children’s Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. We ask the children to remain with their families in the Sanctuary after children's time to share in the Easter celebration.
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
#303 "The Day of Resurrection", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
for everyone!
Call to Prayer
Now everyone with tender heart, forgiving others, take your part; alleluia, alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, sing praise and cast on God your care. O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Words: Francis of Assisi, tr. William Draper; Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. Carl Johengen)
Pastoral Prayer
Scripture (cont'd)
you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem (11:00am only) Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
Change Ring Prelude on “Divinum Mysterium” — Fred Gramann, based on a Gregorian chant tune
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.
*Doxology Hymnal #94
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Sanctuary Choir and Instrumentalists
“This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made” — Mark Hayes This is the day the Lord has made, and I will be exceeding glad! This is the day the Lord has made, And I will sing my Maker’s praise! This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and give God praise! Who is like unto our God, the Lord strong and mighty? Who is like unto our God who reigns above in glorious splendor? You are the Rose of Sharon, the lover of my soul. You are my heart’s Desire; my soul implores me to exalt your holy name. Your name is music unto my ears; and I must sing of the great love you’ve shown to me because my heart will not be still. This is the day the Lord has made. I will be glad!
*Prayer of Dedication
God of abundance, we offer these our gifts with thanksgiving and joy in the presence of the living Christ. May these gifts bring new life to those near and far, and may we offer ourselves in service to you and one another. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Ted Anderson Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader (9:00 am): Tom Brazda Reader (11:00 am): Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children’s Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Trumpet: Bill Baldwin, Jim Farrington Horn: Steve Landgren Trombone: Jeremiah Cooper, John Ormsbee Timpani: Katherine Hutchings Flute: Annette Farrington, Laura Booth Chan Oboe: Jolene Harrigan Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifers, Acolytes: (9:00) Kathie Collier-Bryant (11:00) Ethan Hildreth, Stuart Mitchell, Martha Neubert Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Ethan Becks, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
"Entrata Festiva" © 1959 C. F. Peters Corp.; “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made” © 1995 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; "Celebrate With Joy” © 2010 Agape/Hope Publishing Co.; “Change Ring Prelude on Divinum Mysterium” © 2014 Lorenz Publishing; 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: David Stith, Ly Tran and Vecteezy
*Recessional Hymn
#702 “Sing with All the Saints in Glory”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear; repeat their song of glory here: Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Words: Paul Zeller Strodach; Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. Carl Johengen)
Postlude
“Toccata from Symphony V” — Charles Marie Widor
Permissions:
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory and celebration by those listed in the insert. 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 Daniel Koon, who died on February 21. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Saturday, March 9. We offer our prayers and concerns for Donna and Kevin Harrington following the death of Donna's mother on March 24.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals March 31 – April 7
Sunday 8 am Easter Worship Service In-Person - 1010 Community Garden (alternative location - Red Room) 9 am Easter Worship Service In-Person 9 am Childcare (available until noon)— 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — Hybrid - 1040 Smart Meeting Room/LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Easter Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday Campus is closed for Easter 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) 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 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 - Hybrid — 1010 COC Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Sanctuary 6 pm United Methodism 101 with Rachel Dupont and Ted Anderson — 1040 Fellowship Hall 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 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 (4/7) 9 am Sunday Worship Service In-Person 9:45 am Childcare (available until noon)— 1040 Education Wing 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 Smart Meeting Room/LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — Hybrid - 1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717468 PW 200) 11 am Sunday 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 12:30 pm Youth Group (Middle School and High School) - 1040 Fellowship Hall 2 pm Oliver! Rehearsal — 1040 Sanctuary ** Asbury First Campus will be closed on April 8 (eclipse day!)
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
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "eclipse revelations" by Ted Anderson [John 20:19-31]
Asbury First's Governing Board will conduct Town Hall meetings periodically throughout the year, inviting the congregation to weigh-in on a variety of important topics. The first of the sessions will be April 21. Mark your calendar! Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, after the 11 am service for updates on the Senior Minister Search, our Outreach efforts, Asbury's financial landscape, and updates from the Dream Team on new ways we're envisioning the future of Asbury First.
SCAN HERE FOR ZOOM
ASBURY FIRST TOWN HALL – April 21
Upcoming adult sunday school offerings SUNDAYS at 9:45 am in fellowship hall
Join us every Sunday at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall for informal conversations on a variety of subjects! Grab a coffee and join us in Fellowship Hall or on Zoom every Sunday at 9:45 am. April 7 - The Rev. Kathy Thiel on Death and Dying April 14 - The Rev. Dr. John Tyson to discuss his book Born in Crisis and Shaped by Controversy Volume 1 April 21 - The Rev. Dr. John Tyson to discuss his book Born in Crisis and Shaped by Controversy Volume 2 All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Join the Asbury orchestra as we prepare to play in the April 21st worship service. All band and orchestra instrumentalists are welcome. At least two years of playing experience is recommended. Join us for rehearsals on the following dates:
reserve your tickets now!
$15 general admission | $10 for students
SCAN THE QR CODE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS
note: Thank You to those who shared suggestions like these during our Annual Church Conference in January. We are truly better together!
April 7 9:30-10:30 am, Wesley Hall April 14 9:30-10:30 am, Wesley Hall April 21: Play in the service, Gather at 10 am in the Sanctuary to rehearse.
5/3 & 5/4 at 7pm 5/5 at 2 pm
PASTORAL SEARCH UPDATE
MAY 3 and 4, 7 pm MAY 5, 2 pm
Contact Laurie Kennedy with any questions at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net
Just 2 Hours per Month!
In May, witness the magic of Lionel Bart's timeless musical masterpiece, Oliver! Embark on a captivating journey with the lovable orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates the gritty streets of Victorian London. Filled with unforgettable characters, stirring melodies, and poignant storytelling, Oliver promises an immersive experience for the whole family. From the iconic "Consider Yourself" to the heart-wrenching "As Long as He Needs Me," the musical numbers will transport you to a world of Dickensian charm and musical brilliance. Scan the QR code or visit asburyfirst.org/oliver/
Would you consider volunteering just 2 HOURS per month to the odds-n-ends work of Asbury First? With spring upon us, the community garden is looking for help constructing four new raised beds, as well as help planting and harvesting in the coming months. Also, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays we have need for help with event and meeting set-up, cleaning, and other minor projects. If you're looking to spend a little extra time working alongside other Asbury folks, please contact us at volunteering@asburyfirst.org
reserve your tickets now! $15 general admission / $10 for students
Asbury Orchestra Needs You!
From Jim Quinn, Governing Board Chair and Beth Wilkens, PPRC Chair: Many of you are understandably eager for news about the search for our new senior pastor. We continue to be in regular communication with the Bishop and District Superintendent. It is clear to us that they have been actively pursuing the search process which includes many possible candidates from around the country, some of whom were referred through us. We are reassured that the Bishop and District Superintendent understand Asbury First and our needs. They remain as committed as we are to finding the right person for us. We will continue to report to you as we move toward the next chapter for our Church.
OLIVER!
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
If you've 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. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code, visiting asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or calling (585) 271-1050 x117.
Easter 2024 marks the one year anniversary of our Community Outreach Center being fully open to our community. In that time we've provided more than 9,000 meals, 1,000 bags of groceries, 5,000 individuals with clothing and household goods, 300 clinic appointments, 300 loads of laundry, 700 showers, 150 haircuts, and 150 bicycles serviced. In addition to this physical impact, there have been countless hours of less measurable ministry: conversations held, relationships deepened, burdens shared, prayers offered together. As we look forward to the rest of 2024 and beyond, let us celebrate all that we have accomplished!
One Year Later...
SCAN TO REGISTER NOW!
Children aged 4 through 5th grade, join us August 5 through 8 for Olympic-sized fun at VBS Olympic Teamwork Camp! We will meet each morning from 9 am til noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together. If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Paula Dugan, Director of Children’s Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 5 — THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 | 9 am — 12 pm
VBS OLYMPIC TEAMWORK CAMP!
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, April 9 & May 14
#302 "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", vv. 1-4
9 & 11 am • March 31, 2023
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#318 "Christ Is Alive", v. 1, 3