April 3, 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
Chorale and Settings of "If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee" — J.S. Bach/Max Reger/Paul Manz/John Behnke
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 126
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. When the Lord restored our fortunes, we were like those who dream. Our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord does great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad! Continue to do a new thing among us, O God! Let those who sowed in tears reap with shouts of joy!
11 am • April 3, 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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Fifth Sunday of Lent
*Opening Hymn
#203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed”, vv. 1, 2, 4 Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Ellacome, 18th cent. German, arr. W.H. Monk
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am
Prayer of Confession
God of grace, you beckon us to join in a glorious future. You ask us to remember no longer the things of old. You challenge us to always remember the poor among us. You call us to give freely of what we have. We are stingy with our gifts and talents. You set an example of selfless giving for the sake of others. Free us from self-absorption and fear. May our service and sacrifice become a fragrant gift in your name.
Silent Confession
*Gathering Hymn
#175 “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee", vv. 1, 4 Words: Bernard of Clairvaux, tr. Edward Caswall; Tune: St. Agnes, John B. Dykes
Scripture John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
*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
As God’s children, forgiven and free, we are blessed to give our best gifts in God’s name. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
To hear the word
Anthem
“More Love to Thee” — Timothy Shaw; words by Elizabeth Prentiss More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee; This is my earnest plea: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee! Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, more love to Thee! Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, O Christ, to Thee! Amen.
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
#189 “Fairest Lord Jesus”, vv. 1-3 Words: 17th cent. German, tr. Joseph Seiss; Tune: St. Elizabeth, 19th cent. German
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
It's Not About the Money
Call to Prayer
God, be merciful unto us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1; music by Carl Johengen)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Jordan Bachmann, Soloist
“Covenant Prayer” – words and music by Karen Marrolli Creator, we belong to you, and you dwell within our hearts. Though the road be rough, we will follow you with the strength your grace imparts. Though we be brought high, though we be brought low, though we journey far from home, let us always seek to grow in love, no matter where we roam. (Refrain:) Now let us reach out with loving hands to accept, affirm, embrace every child of God throughout the world and shower them with grace. And let us reach out with grateful hearts and praise our God above through our acts of light and justice as we warm the world with love. Creator, let us understand that our covenant with you is a covenant with humankind to honor and pursue the road of Christ, through the rocky fields, to the broken and unshod. Let us heal with love, for each soul we meet is a precious child of God. (Refrain)
*Prayer of Dedication
Receive, O God, all that we are: our treasures, time, and talent, and even our flaws. May your grace be made known through our giving, that others may be healed. 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
#431 "Let There Be Peace on Earth" Words and Music: Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson Lay Reader: Ellen Williams Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong 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
“More Love to Thee” © 2015 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “Covenant Prayer” © 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. (Gabriel Fauré)
Postlude
Prelude in E minor BWV 555 — J.S. Bach
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Al Froelicher by his wife Betty and family; in loving memory of Marie Andres by her son John Andres; and in loving memory of Richard H. and Martha Gibbons by their family. 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 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:
Madrigalia Concert
Atonement Class
Disciple Bible Study
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Hospitality Volunteer
Outreach Center Construction Livestream
Hallelujah Kid's Choir
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 6 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 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 Sanctuary 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)
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Good Friday Envisioning the Passion Service
Asbury First Art Class Hot Textiles
Meetings & Rehearsals April 3–9
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Lectern
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.
Sanctuary Social Distancing Update
Pulpit
Asbury First's Good Friday service on April 15 at noon is a multi-media presentation of carefully coordinated art, music, and Bible readings to evoke vivid images and feelings about Christ's crucifixion. The service features images selected by Lucy Winters Durkin, an Instructor in Art History at the Eastman School of Music, as well as choral music and selections by organist Duane Prill and cellist Brian Donat. This year, we focus on the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross. Each section is a meditation on the words spoken by Christ, incorporating other Bible stories to enhance the theme. Envisioning the Passion, through this cohesive multi-media presentation is always a powerful experience for all who attend.
ENVISIONING THE PASSION
Friday, April 15, 12 pm, In-Person and Livestream
Please join us for a sit-down Easter breakfast! It has been more than 2 years since we have been able to share a meal in person and we are excited to be able to do so to celebrate this holy day. The sit-down breakfast will be held in 1040 in Fellowship Hall from 7:30–8:45 am and will be no cost or a free-will offering. We hope you join us for some delicious food and excellent fellowship.
Learn more and at asburyfirst.org/easter.
Sunday, April 17, 7:30 am, Fellowship Hall
*Childcare is available at these services
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
To include our siblings from around the world, we will be continuing with last year's Easter Finest Photo Parade. We are overjoyed to have so many people join us each Sunday, and want to ensure that all are included in this sacred day. As Rev. Dr. Cady always says: "We are better together!" So, we invite you to dress in your Easter finest and take a picture! We'd love to share your photos in a special slideshow before the service on Easter Sunday as part of our Easter Finest Photo Parade.
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 Good Friday Family Night — A come-when- you-wish child-friendly event with communion, a labyrinth walk, and prayer stations.
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.
Sunday, April 10 11 am* SERVICE LS — Traditional service celebrating Palm Sunday
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
Photo Parade
Submit your photos by April 11 to be included! Learn more and get the link at asburyfirst.org/easter.
LS services will be livestreamed
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter