April 24, 2022 • 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “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 "This Joyful Eastertide" — Paul Bouman
Introit
Blessed Jesus, at thy word we are gathered all to hear thee; let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear thee, by thy teachings sweet and holy, drawn from earth to love thee solely. (Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 116
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, people of God! Let us lift up the name of God. Let us offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving. For God is gracious and merciful, full of compassion and love. While we were still helpless, God came to save us. Let us worship God together!
*Processional Hymn
#166 "All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine", vv. 1-4 This hymn can be found on the following page.
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#166 "All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine", v. 5
11 am • April 24, 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 Easter
*Hymn
#166 "All Praise to Thee, For Thou, O King Divine" Words: F. Bland Tucker; Tune: Sine Nomine, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Prayer of Confession
O God, you come to us in unexpected places: When we are in isolation, behind closed doors; On dusty roads, as we go from place to place. You come to bring us peace, where there is no peace. You come to bring us hope when everything seems hopeless. You come to bring us courage when we are afraid. Come and be among us now, in every place where we are. Open our eyes to see you, open our hearts to know you.
11 am
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Arlo Robert Petrone, child of Lawrence & Meagan Petrone born March 11, 2021
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he 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 this child, 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
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, the surprising grace of God, the deep love of Jesus, and the sharp vision of the Spirit have been poured out upon us. May this knowledge change and empower us to be the people we are called to be. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*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.
Scripture Luke 24:13-24; 28-32
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
Anthem
“Stay with Us” — Walter Pelz; words by Herbert Brokering Stay with us, till night has come: our praise to you this day be sung, Bless our bread, open our eyes: Jesus be our great surprise. Walk with us, our spirits sigh: hear when our weary spirits cry, feel again our loss, our pain: Jesus take us to your side. Walk with us, the road will bend: make all our weeping, wailing end. Wipe our tears, forgive our fears: Jesus lift the heavy cross. Talk with us, till we behold, a joyful life you will unfold: heal our eyes to see the prize: Jesus take us to the light! Stay with us, till day is done: no tears nor dark shall dim the sun. Cheer the heart, your grace impart: Jesus, bring eternal life.
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.
#162 "Alleluia, Alleluia" Words and Music by Donald Fishel
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.
Sermon
The Two P's
Call to Prayer
Gracious Lord, thyself impart! Light of light, from God proceeding, open thou our ears and heart; help us by thy spirit's pleading; hear the cry thy people raises; hear, and bless our prayers and praises. (Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Brenda Nitsch, soloist Annette Farrington & Laura Booth Chan, Flute
"We Behold the Risen Lord" — Harold Friedell, arr. Ray Guaio; words by Tom Lawlor Mary entered in the darkness of the tomb where Jesus lay. There she heard the voice of angels: “Woman, why weep this way?” Alleluia, alleluia! Christ has conquered death today! In the upper room they gathered, the apostles lost in fear. Bidding peace, he stood among them; in glory he appeared. Alleluia, alleluia! “Ever with you, I am near!” On the road we met a stranger, hearts a flame with all he said; Then our eyes in faith were opened at the breaking of the bread. Alleluia, alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead! Drawn by love around the table, we recall with one accord How the Word and bread are broken in the love of Christ outpoured. Alleluia, alleluia! We behold the risen Lord! Alleluia, alleluia! We behold the risen Lord!
*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
Compassionate God, as the eyes of the disciples were opened in the breaking of the bread, open our eyes to understand the power of Christ’s love. May we always respond to the needs of this world with generosity and love, as we have been loved by you. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#160 "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" Words: Edward Plumpre; Tune: Marion, Arthur Messiter
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Susan Shafer Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Bonnie Matthaidess Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Flute: Annette Farrington, Laura Booth Chan 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
"Stay with Us" © 1980 Columbia Publishing House; “We Behold the Risen Lord" music © 1957 The H. W. Gray Company; text and arrangement © 2001 GIA Publications, 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 and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harry S. & Elizabeth B. Powell, Bette Ann Powell Sneed and Elaine Hoyle by Ruthellen & Gary Hoyle, Noelle & Owen Lennon, and Chad & Denni Lennon; and in loving memory of our daughter and sister, Kedron Haskins, by her Dad Ron, Kathy, Redmond and Brittany Haskins. 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 the friends and family of Louise Campbell who passed away on March 31. A memorial service was held in High Point, North Carolina. 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.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Postlude
Introduction and Theme on “Thine Be the Glory” – Alexandre Guilmant
Permissions:
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Children's Sunday
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Meetings & Rehearsals April 24–30
Asbury First Art Class Hot Textiles
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Women on Wednesday (WOW)
Outreach Center Construction Livestream
Disciple Bible Study
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Room 204 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 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 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 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 5 pm 400 Souls Discussion—Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 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) 5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary SATURDAY 10 am Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary
Lectio Divina
Storehouse Geranium Sale
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
SING WITH US!
Asbury First's Choir season will end in late May, but we are always happy to welcome new singers. If you've been thinking about choir membership, please contact Carl Johengen, our Director of Music Ministry, at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in Wesley Hall (lower level of the education wing). Our final rehearsal for the season will be May 18th. In addition, watch for announcements about Summer Choir, coming soon.
LEGACY GIVING
Legacy Giving Information Session
AT ASBURY FIRST
Wednesday, May 4, 5–6 pm, Gathering Center Have you ever considered how you might support the mission and ministry of Asbury First even after you are gone? Do you have questions about estate planning? The Giving Team invites you to join us for a special information session on Legacy Giving on Wednesday, May 4 at 5 pm in the Gathering Center regarding estates, wills, and legacy giving. This program is intended for all ages, so whether you have never thought about a will or have your estate already planned, this session will have meaningful information for you. Questions? Call the church office or email giving@asburyfirst.org.
Asbury Storehouse Geranium Sale
Orders must be received by Saturday, May 4 Pick up orders on Saturday, May 21, 9:30 to 12 pm
Sunday, May 1, 11 am In-Person and Livestream This year, the Children will lead us in special Sunday worship with the presentation of a dramatic interpretation of Charlie Mackesy's book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
It’s time to make your gardens beautiful this year while supporting the Asbury Storehouse! Fill out the form online at asburyfirst.org/news. Color options include red, white, purple sizzle, strawberry sizzle, and salmon.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
A Dramatic Interpretation of Charlie Mackesy's Book
IN LOVING MEMORY Shelly and Ann Hunter, Michael and Sophia Adamus by Dick and Nancy Adamus Curtis, Mavis, and Pamela Hughes by Ronald and Marilyn Agard Diane Dennison by Richard Dennison Our Mothers, Dorothy Swan and Dorothea Dudley by Diane and Jim Dudley Harry and Elizabeth Powell, Bette Ann Sneed (Powell), Ralph and Elaine Hoyle, Dave and Brian Hoyle by Rev. Ruthellen and Gary Hoyle Husband and father, Thomas Johnson, Sr. by Helen Johnson and family Peggy O’Neal, Dorothy Philips, and Tom Phillips, daughter, mother, and brother of Bess Phillips by a friend Our parents by Joan and Ken Slater June C. and W. Russell Clark by Nancy and Sebastian Specht Raymond Jeszenka by Jane Jeszenka Marjorie Warner by Rand Warner Marilyn and Matthew Vinci by Tammi Vinci James and Lucille Kramer, Edd and Olive Stallworth, Bob Stallworth by Carol Kramer and Ron Stallworth Corrine and Donald Dambrowski, Donna Dambrowski, Mary Ann and Fred Steele, Pamela Bergeron by Christine and Bruce Steele Dr. Selden and Mrs. Louise Williams by Ellen Williams Eli Eckman by the Marsiglio family Dr. Roy and Esther Clark, Harold and Ethel Valet by Sharon and Scott Valet Charles and Carolyn Tuke by Martha and Jeremy Tuke Alexander (Jr.) and Betty Elliott by Bonnie and Dave Kay Sally Wing by Robert Wing and family Douglas A. Hunt by Martha, Andrew and Alex Hunt Carl Tylenda by Cory Tylenda Paul Wesley Clayton by Sarah, Leo, and Henry Pugachev Tom Gibbs by Linda Gibbs and family IN Celebration In celebration of our new grandson, Finn William Patterson by Dave and Beth Rice
Easter Altar Donations 2022
SAVE THE DATE FOR VBS!
August 8–11, 9 am–12 pm, Registration Coming Soon All children age 4 through 5th grade are invited this Summer to our Vacation Bible School themed "Under Construction" where we will highlight the work being done on 1010 to better serve our community. We will have a week full of music, crafts, games and science. Registration coming soon. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 27, 5–6 pm, Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148)
400 Souls Discussion
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
Join us for the next discussion session of this year’s church-wide read, Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 on the 4th Wednesday each month 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, and can join at any time. All are welcome!