APRIL 10, 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
Partita on “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” — arr. Michael Burkhardt Maestoso Allegro Andante Largo Toccata
Introit
Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near! Let every hill and valley a level way appear. Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story. O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name. (Words: Frans Franzen, tr. Charles Price; Tune: Bereden Väg För Herran, Swedish trad. tune)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 118
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. His steadfast love endures forever. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Open to us the gates of righteousness That we may enter and give thanks to the Lord.
11 am • April 10, 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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Palm Sunday
*Opening Hymn
#280 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”, vv. 1, 2, 4 Words: Theodulph of Orleans, tr. John Mason Neale; Tune: St. Theodulph, Melchior Teschner, 1615
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am
Prayer of Confession
God of righteousness, this day places a mirror before our faces. We sing hosannas with the crowd, yet hesitate to stand for our convictions. We dine with Christ at his table, yet hesitate to stand up to those who betray him. We see ourselves as Christ’s champions, yet shrink before the angry mob. Hear our humble prayers as we struggle to absorb the breadth of your sacrifice. Forgive our fickle faith, and heal our hesitating hearts.
*Gathering Hymn
#160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart", vv. 1, 2 Words: Edward Plumptre; Tune: Marion, Arthur Messiter
Silent Confession
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Donovan Lloyd Sandholzer, child of Corinne & Kenny Sandholzer, born August 21, 2021 John Joseph Cufari IV, child of John & Colleen Cufari, born May 21, 2021
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day recognize as members of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that these children may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Hymn
#611 "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise", v. 1 Words: Ronald Cole-Turner, 1981; Tune: Stuttgart, attr. C.F. Witt, arr. Henry Gauntlett Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
To celebrate baptism
*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
Hear the Good News: Jesus, the cornerstone, has become our salvation, and offers us forgiveness and fullness of grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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.
Scripture Luke 19:28-40
After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
To hear the word
Anthem
“The Simplest and the Best” — arr. Alfred V. Fedak; words by Jennette Threlfall Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang. Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang. To Jesus, who had blessed them close folded to His breast, The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best. From Olivet they followed mid an exultant crowd, The victor palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud. The Lord of men and angels rode on in lowly state, Nor scorned that little children should on His bidding wait. “Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing, For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King. O may we ever praise Him with heart and life and voice, And in His blissful presence eternally rejoice!
*Hymn
#168 “At the Name of Jesus”, vv. 1, 4 Words: Caroline Noel; Tune: King’s Weston, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Sermon
At the Gate
Joining Today:
*New Members joining virtually
Membership Vows
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Katherine Crumley* Heather Furlin* Lucas Grosodonia-Maiola Michelle Grosodonia-Maiola Tammy Heintzelman Avis Hooper Julia Kiefer* Peter Kiefer* Tai Kwong Grace Lynch Cindy Martin Marie McEneaney* John Messenger Judy Messenger
Jennifer Odorisi Sarah Pugachev Jenny Sanchez* Robert Sanchez* Corrinne Sandholzer Linda Saucke Charles Smith Robin Smith Scott Valet Sharon Valet Betty Willer Sandy Wynne
To Welcome New Members
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.
*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
Offertory
“Ah, Holy Jesus” – French plainchant melody, arr. William Roger Price; words by Johann Heermann, 1630, tr. Robert Bridges, 1899 Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended, That man to judge thee hath in hate pretended? By foes derided, by thine own rejected, O most afflicted. Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus hath undone thee. 'Twas I Lord, Jesus, I it was denied thee: I crucified thee. Lo, the good Shepherd for the sheep is offered: The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered: For man's atonement, while he nothing heedeth, God intercedeth. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy One, in your great love you sent your own Son to teach us the ways of life and death. May our gifts and offerings reflect our gratitude for Christ’s never-failing love. Amen.
*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
#159 "Lift High the Cross", vv. 1, 3, 4 Words: George Kitchin, Michael Newbolt; Tune: Crucifer, Sydney Nicholson
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Joe Finetti 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
“The Simplest and The Best” © 2014 St. James Music Press; “Ah, Holy Jesus” © 2013 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 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Seven-fold Amen (Peter Lutkin)
Postlude
"All Glory, Laud, and Honor" — arr. Dale Wood
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth’s father, Harry Howitt, by Ruth and David VanDerLinden; in loving memory of the life, the work, and the person, Theresa Fielder by Dr. Timothy J. Johnson; and in loving memory of Donna V. Wright, Donna B. Steele and Winthrop Steele by Martha, Andrew and Alex Hunt. 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 Sharon Crouch and her family, on the death of her husband, John, on July 11, 2021. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 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 9:30 am Discipleship Project Class—1050 Dining Room 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 Library Work Day—1040 Library 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 5:30 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library 6:45 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library Wednesday 7 am Men’s Devotional 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 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 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee—Zoom 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall 7 pm Maundy Thursday Service In-Person and Livestream FRIDAY 10 am Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 12 pm Envisioning the Passion Service In-Person and Livestream 5:30 pm Good Friday Family Night— 1040 Gathering Center and Fellowship Hall SaturDAY 7 am Grocery Bag Ministry—1040 Gathering Center
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Envisioning the Passion Service
Outreach Center Construction
Keep Moving: Part 2 Class
Atonement Class
Children's Music
Meetings & Rehearsals April 10–16
After a year hiatus, we have 26 new members joining our church this week, six of whom are virtual members only! Make sure to extend a warm welcome to all of our new members.
Welcome to Our New members!!
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
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.
ENVISIONING THE PASSION
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.
Sunday, April 17, 7:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 15, 12 pm, In-Person and Livestream
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
Services AT ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
*Childcare is available at these services | LS services will be livestreamed
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.
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter
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 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