May 15, 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
“For the Beauty of the Earth” — Conrad Kocher, arr. Chris Rice “Great is Thy Faithfulness” — William Runyan, arr. Chris Rice Duane Prill, piano "Rejoice!" — John Darwall/Arthur Messiter, arr. Alan Lohr Asbury Ringers
Introit
What does the Lord require of you? Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God. To seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God. (Words: Micah 6:8; Music: Jim Strathdee)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Loving God, you graciously meet us where we are. You gather us from many walks of life. You bring us together to form us into the Body of Christ. As we worship, open our ears to hear your voice. Open our minds to receive your word. Open our hearts to feel your presence.
*Processional Hymn
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#352 "It's Me, It's Me O Lord (Standing in the Need of Prayer)", v. 1
11 am • May 15, 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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Fifth Sunday of Easter
Scripture Acts 11:1-18
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, we turn to you in our need. Remind us to always look to you for guidance. Creator who makes all things new, renew our hearts today. Restore us with your surprising and challenging grace. When we yearn to slip back into the comfortable ways of our past, Refresh us with your strength that we may continue growing into your likeness.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
When we are thirsty, God renews our souls with living waters. Drink deeply, knowing that the mercy of God is beyond our understanding. 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 Annette Farrington, Flute
“The Spirit Makes All Things New” — words and music by Pepper Choplin As warmth brings new blossoms to trees in the spring and rains bring renewal to all living things, In every heart that is open and true, the Spirit can make all things new. Follow the Spirit and find your place. Come to the source of renewal and grace. Bring your heart that is open and true. The Spirit can make all things new. All who believe and live in Christ, they are a new creation. Behold, the old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new. Lord, when we’re burdened with sin and regret, come to forgive us and help us forget. Through our confession and healing you prove: your Spirit can make all things new. Rejoice, for the morning’s a gift from the Lord. Claim the new life that’s renewed and restored. Live in the present, rejoice in the truth. The Spirit can make all things new. So let us live in the present, rejoice in the truth. We pray, “Spirit come, let your will be done.” Come, Spirit, and make us new.
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
#560 "Help Us Accept Each Other"
Sermon
Hindering God
Call to Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. (Words and music: Daniel Iverson, UMH 393)
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 Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
"Prayer for the Innocents" — Michael Helman From the composer: "This piece is dedicated to the 49 individuals who were killed at the Pulse Night Club on June 12, 2016, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones. However, this piece is also dedicated to students and teachers who have been killed and injured in what they thought was a safe haven; college students who thought their campuses were secure; people shot or bombed in their houses of worship; families maimed and killed in airports, shopping malls and on busy streets by people with bombs strapped to their bodies and all those who mourn their loss. It is also dedicated to you and me, because a little bit of us dies every time we hear of another shooting or bombing on the news. This is a "Prayer for the Innocents" all across the world." The Asbury Ringers would like to dedicate our performance to all victims of gun violence and to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
*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
Holy God, through your love and abundance our cup overflows. From the bounty of your blessings, we offer our gifts back to you. Use our offerings for your glory, as we work to bring your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#581 "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen — Anonymous
Postlude
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" — arr. Don Hustad
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Jackie Nelson Lay Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Flute: Annette Farrington Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director 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 Spirit Makes All Things New” © 2009 Lorenz Publishing Company; “Rejoice!” © 2004 SoundForth; "Prayer for the Innocents" © 2016 Lorenz Publishing Company; 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:
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.
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 Rev. Vonda J. Fossitt, Genesee Valley Dirstrict Superintendent of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, who passed away March 11. 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.
360-degree Virtual Tour
Asbury First Art Class Hot Textiles
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at 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 6 pm 9th–12th Youth Group—1040 Youth Room MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 6:30 pm Guitar Club—1040 Wesley Hall Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class - Hot Textiles —1040 Room 205 ($30 per person) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 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—Canceled 6 pm Youth Bells & Choir—No Rehearsal 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—No Rehearsal (Choir season over) Thursday 9 am 1010 Construction Meeting—Gathering Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall FRIDAY 10 am Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) SATURDAY 7 am Grocery Bag Ministry—1050 Gathering Center 9 am Intercessory Prayer Team—1050 Porch 9:30 am Storehouse Geranium Pickup—Granger Lawn 11 am Madrigalia Concert – Love: In Many Forms —1040 In-Person and Livestream
Meetings & Rehearsals May 15–21
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
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.
CHURCHWIDE CARNIVAL AND TALENT SHOW!
REV. DR. ANDY STOKER Sunday, May 22
Sunday, June 12 Join us for our churchwide carnival and talent show immediately following the 11 am service on Youth Sunday, June 12! It's the perfect way to start the Summer with hot dogs, inflatable bounce house, talent show and more. The carnival is free to all. Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org to participate in the talent show.
We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Andy Stoker as our guest preacher for Confirmation Sunday on May 22. Dr. Stoker is currently the Senior Minister of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas and has a passion for equality, community outreach and social justice. In addition to preaching Sunday, he will be leading a family systems workshop for our staff on Monday, May 23.
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE (starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, excluding August 7) 11 am Service — In-person & Live-stream
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
#384 "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
Continued on next page
#351 "Standing in the Need of Prayer", v. 1
*Recessional Hymn