APRIL 25, 2021 • 11 AM
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
“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” — arr. Edwin T. Childs “The King of Love My Shepherd Is" — arr. Bruce Campbell "The Lord's My Shepherd" — arr. James Denton
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. We call to you, O God. We praise you for your grace and love. You care for us when we struggle. You honor our true selves. Hear us as we sing and pray. Listen for our every sigh. We hear you in the whistling wind, we know you in the music that soothes our souls. Speak to us, Loving God, in this hour and in every moment of our lives.
11 am • April 25, 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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Fourth Sunday of Easter
Opening Hymn
#152 "I Sing the Almighty Power of God" Words: Isaac Watts, 1715; Tune: Forest Green, trad. English, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
11 am
Scripture Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,[a] stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, forgive us for the times we ask for your light and then stick our head in the sand to avoid its gleam. Give us the courage to bathe in the glory of your love. Forgive us for the times we complain about not having enough when we have all that we need. Open our eyes to the abundance around us. Forgive us for the ways we have ignored those in need. Give us compassion for every situation.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
In your forgiveness, God, you put joy in our hearts. You alone make us lie down in safety. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #102, vs. 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.
Hymn
#454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See" (v. 1) Words and Music: Clara H. Scott, 1895; Tune: Open My Eyes Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Scripture Acts 4:1-11
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’
Anthem
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” — Thomas Matthews; words: Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
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.
#719 "My Lord, What a Morning" Words: Spiritual; Tune: Burleigh, spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Sermon
Peter's Eyes
Call to Prayer
O for the living flame from God's own altar brought, to touch our lips, our minds inspire, and wing to heaven our thought. (James Montgomery)
Pastoral Prayer
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
“Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” — German chorale, arr. Robert Powell; words by Louise von Hayn and F.W. Foster Jesus makes my heart rejoice; I'm his lamb and know his voice. He's my shepherd, gently guiding, in his pastures now abiding. Constant love to me he shows; yes, my very name he knows. Trusting in his path always, I go in and out with peace. He will feed me with the treasure of his grace in richest measure. When I thirst, to him I cry, living water he'll supply. Shall I sing how blest I am, led by Jesus, as his lamb? For when all my days are over, in the arms of my dear Savior, Welcome will be my delight, joy forever in his sight.
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 our hearts, we are grateful for the gifts you give to us. Accept and bless our gifts that they may heal the sick, comfort the lonely, and strengthen the weak. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#672 “God Be with You till We Meet Again” (vv. 1, 2) Words: Jeremiah Rankin, 1880; Tune: God Be With You, William Tomer, 1880
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operators: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: “The Lord Is My Shepherd” © 1956 H.T. Fitzsimmons Co., Inc.; “Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” © 2010 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 2021 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker, Rob Petrosyan and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Postlude
"Prelude in the Classic Style” — Gordon Young
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Dynamic Disciple Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. (Click the buttons below for some of the Zoom links.)
Virtual meetings
Click here for Discipleship Meetings
Click here for Zoom with Paula and Holly
HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Click the button above for your meeting. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our Discipleship Zoom (passcode 200) account to take their meetings online, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Click here for Changing Weighs
Click here for parables of Parenting class
For a full list of events and clickable links, visit our online calendar here.
Keep an eye out for a fun Welcome Back video that will go over what to expect when you return in order to help you feel as safe as possible.
MAY SCHEDULE: (5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23) 9 am Service — In-person INSIDE (limit 150) Request: We encourage those interested to choose one or two Sundays to attend. 11 am Service — Live-stream Only SUMMER SCHEDULE: (5/30 through 9/5) 9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE — Weather Permitting Only 11 am Service — Live-stream Only
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
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