May 8, 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 sign in on the red fellowship pad and pass it down your pew. 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
"La Primavera" (Spring) from The Four Seasons — Antonio Vivaldi, arr. S. Drummond Wolff Allegretto - Largo - Allegro
Introit
See the morning sun ascending, radiant in the eastern sky; hear the angel voices blending in their praise to God on high! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! (Words: Charles Parkin; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Christ is our shepherd. And we are the sheep of his pasture. The shepherd is calling us to join God’s flock. We will follow our shepherd. Rejoice, for no one can snatch us from the shepherd’s fold. Under God’s care, we rest secure. Come, let us worship!
*Processional Hymn
#731 "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#655 "Fix Me, Jesus"
11 am • May 8, 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
Scripture John 10:22-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Prayer of Confession
God of glory, the voices of your faithful ones echo in our ears: “Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” We long to join their song of praise, but we feel unworthy. We trust you, our shepherd, but still feel unsure and insecure. Open us to the one who wipes away every tear. Invite us to those pastures where we may drink from still waters. You alone restore our souls. You alone meet us in our time of need.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Trust the words of our shepherd: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I will give them eternal life and they will never perish.” Rest secure that our shepherd loves us and leads us into life. 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.
11 am
To hear the word
Anthem Combined Choirs Kathleen Suher, Oboe
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” — John Rutter; words: Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul and bring me forth 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 shalt prepare a table for me against them that trouble me: Thou hast anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full. But thy loving kindness 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.
*Hymn
#381 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
Listening is Believing
Call to Prayer
For thy lovingkindness ever shed upon our earthly way; for thy mercy, ceasing never, for thy blessing day by day: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! (Words: Charles Parkin; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
To Renew Commitment
Offertory Kathleen Suher, Oboe Duane Prill, Organ
"Ave Maria" — Astor Piazzolla
*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
Loving Shepherd, everything we have comes from the goodness of your love. Receive the gifts we return to you now, that sheep from other flocks may come to know you. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn
#181 "Ye Servants of God"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
“Wisdom, honor, power and blessing!” with the angelic host we cry; Round thy throne, thy name confessing, Lord, we would to thee draw nigh. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! (Words: Charles Parkin; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander)
Postlude
Fanfare in G Major — John Dixon
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Children's Time: Emily Cady Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Oboe: Kathleen Suher Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Connor Nelson Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” © 1978 Oxford University 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 and Freepik and Vecteezy.
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
Children's Sunday
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
Visit asburyfirst.org/archive or click here to watch the play. Did you miss out on Children's Sunday? We are proud of the hard work the children put into the service with the presentation of a dramatic interpretation of Charlie Mackesy's book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. Due to permissions from the author, you can only access Children's Sunday from our worship archive.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth’s parents Helen and Harry Howitt by Ruth and David VanDerLinden; in loving memory of her husband Vincent by Jane Pauly; and in loving memory of Rev. Russell Clark & June Clark by Nancy & Sebastian Specht. 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 Ryan Temming and his family on the death of Ryan’s father, Fred Temming, on April 24, 2022. 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 in-person and livestreamed.
A Dramatic Interpretation of Charlie Mackesy's Book
Lectio Divina
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Outreach Center Construction Livestream
Disciple Bible Study
Sunday 9:15 am Bible Study Group—1050 Porch 9:30 am Discipleship Project Class—1050 Dining Room 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 9 am Library Work Day—1040 LIbrary 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—Canceled 5:30 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library 6:45 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library 7:30 pm Community Garden Team Meeting—Zoom 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) 6 pm Youth Bells & Choir—1040 Room 201 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal for Roger Wilhelm Memorial—1040 Wesley Hall FRIDAY 10 am Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) SATURDAY 11 am Roger Wilhelm Memorial Service—1040 In-Person and Livestream
Book Drive for School 17
Asbury First Sermon Podscast
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Meetings & Rehearsals May 8–14
Virtual Race, June 20–30, Register online at asburyfirst.org/news Keeping Our Promise (KOP) invites you to participate in All In For Afghan Allies — a Virtual Race to support our wartime allies resettlement program. The race period will be June 20–30, 2022 to coincide with World Refugee Month. The t-shirt guarantee registration deadline is May 20, 2022, but registration will remain open until June 30, 2022.
Honoring Roger Wilhelm Long-Time Director of Sanctuary Choir
Saturday, May 14, 11 am, In-Person and Livestream
The life of Asbury First's former Director of Music Roger Wilhelm, who passed away in 2021, will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, May 14 at 11 am. The service will include a massed choir of current and former singers from Asbury First, the Rochester Oratorio Society, and Madrigalia. The service will be live streamed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream, and a reception in the Gathering Center will follow.
Asbury First presents this incredible 360-degree virtual tour of our sanctuary, thanks to an amazing local photographer, Brandon Sartin. Whether you are local or far away, we hope you enjoy exploring this holy space in marvelous detail. Visit asburyfirst.org/virtual-tour to delve into the tour.
360-degree Virtual Tour
Help us honor all the amazing mothers out there, whether they are still with us or not. Please share a picture of your mother on social media!! #asburyfirstmothersday2022 #asburyfirstathome
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
SAVE THE DATE FOR VBS!
August 8–11, 9 am–12 pm, Register online at asburyfirst.org/vbs-2022 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. We hope to see you there!
MAY 29 – SEP 4
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE (starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, excluding August 7) 11 am Service — In-person & Live-stream
#731 "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken"
Continued on next page
#655 “Fix Me, Jesus"