APRIL 4, 2021 • 11 AM
all are welcome at asbury first
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us! If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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 and we will answer any questions you may have. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Group. Children We believe children are a sacred gift. You can join us at 10 am for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly (us02web.zoom.us/j/86857108916?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZm FxUHgrQ1hjdz09). We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. If there is a way our children’s ministry can be more welcoming to you and your child, 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 three 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. 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 www.asburyfirst.org/give. 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. You can also view all sermons on our YouTube channel.
Prelude
Variations on “The Strife Is O’er” — Janet Linker Carillon Français — Craig Penfield
Introit
Now let the vault of heaven resound In praise of love that doth abound, Christ hath triumphed, alleluia! Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear, Repeat their song of glory here, “Christ hath triumphed, Christ hath triumphed!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Words: Paul Zeller Strodach; Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. Carl Johengen
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Shout for joy, for the tomb is empty! Sing praises, for death has been cheated! Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
11 am • April 4 2021
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
Opening Hymn
#302 "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", vv. 1, 2, 4 Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; tune: Easter Hymn, John Walsh, 1708
11 am
Scripture Mark 16:1-8
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of mystery and might, your wondrous love always seems to catch us off guard. We come to the tomb expecting to find death, but find life instead. As we behold your salvation, remind us of the times when grief and loss gave way to hope. As we shout “Alleluia”, remind us that despair is transported into new possibilities. In the awe of Easter morning, let us give thanks that Christ has called us each by name. May our lives reflect the depth of our gratitude that we are your disciples.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Hear the Good News: The one who raised Jesus from the dead offers us life and forgiveness of sin. Rejoice in Christ, our savior, whose resurrection brings us life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #162, vv. 2, 4
Refrain: Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name. Spread the good news o’er all the earth: Jesus has died and has risen. (Ref.) Come, let us praise the living God, Joyfully sing to our Savior. (Ref.)
Anthem
“Come Away to the Skies” — arr. John Leavitt, based on a hymn from Southern Harmony, 1855; words by Charles Wesley Come away to the skies, my beloved, arise and rejoice in the day you were born. On this festival day, come exulting away, and with singing to Zion return. We with thanks do approve the design of that love which has joined us to Jesus' name; so united in heart, let us nevermore part, till we meet at the feast of the Lamb. Hallelujah we sing, to our Father and King, and his rapturous praises repeat: to the Lamb that was slain, hallelujah again, sing, all heaven, and fall at his feet. 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
#303 "The Day of Resurrection" The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
Back to Life
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
#303 "The Day of Resurrection" Words: John of Damascus, tr. John Mason Neale, 1862; Tune: Lancashire, Henry T. Smart, 1835
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
Our Creative God endows us with the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Within this bulletin you will find invitations to enrich your faith journey and enhance your commitment. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. You may give a gift with a debit/credit card or by e-check by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online giving is available on our website at www.asburyfirst.org/give.
Offertory Archive Video from April 21, 2019 Festival Choir and Instrumental Ensemble
“This Is the Day 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 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, and I will be exceeding glad! This is the day the Lord has made, and I will be exceeding glad!
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!
Prayer of Dedication
God of grace and glory, pour your power on your people this day, that our lives may reflect the gift we have received through the resurrection of your Son. May we share the abundance of life and fullness of grace with those who turn to us in need, in the name of the resurrected one. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#315 “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain” (vv. 1, 2, 5) Words: John of Damascus; tr. John Mason Neale, 1859; Tune: St. Kevin, Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney Guest Soloists: Susan Huppé, Holden Turner Members of the Asbury Ringers: Cindy Arnold, Elizabeth Church, Marion DeLeo, Barbara Howell, Janet Lovejoy, Barb Nelson Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operators: Connor Nelson, Jake Schwartz Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: “Come Away to the Skies” © 1992 Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation; “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made” © 1995 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; 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, Rob Petrosyan and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Postlude
Toccata Symphony V — Charles Marie Widor
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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.
ALL 50
3,000+
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
2020-21 Unique Devices Watching
38,315
2019-20 In Person
We are connected more than we think! Here are some numbers and graphics showing the growth of our live-stream audience and our greater community from March 2020 to March 2021. We are truly Better Together!
#asburyfirstathome
FROM MARCH 2020–2021, A GRAND TOTAL OF
Countries reached Globally including the United states
cumulative number of viewers
comparison of Weekly attendance
32
200-600
States Reached INCLUDING New York
Unique devices watched live on Sundays
WHICH MEANS Cumulatively about
78,250
PEOPLE HAVE Watched TOGETHER Over the last year!
July 2020
Jan 2021
Nov 2020
May 2020
Christmas Eve 2021
*2 Services
Easter 2019
March 2021
March 2020
Sept 2020
Christmas Eve 2020
*5 Services
Easter 2020
1000
500
0
2,500
2,000
1,500
100-200
20-100
2-20
1
africa
ghana - 1
peru - 1 ecuador - 1
europe
United Kingdom - 37 belgium - 16 finland - 16 france - 14 netherlands - 14 Germany - 13 austria - 9 hungary - 6 sweden - 1 estonia - 1 ireland - 1 switzerland - 1
(not set) - 15
south america
United states - 8,577 Canada - 66 mexico - 2 barbados - 2 puerto rico - 1 jamaica - 1
japan - 26 south korea - 23 singapore - 22 hong kong - 17 india - 14 russia - 3 taiwan - 1 turkey - 1 bangladesh - 1
Asia
North america
9
2
12
6