May 22, 2022 • 11 AM
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
“There is a Happy Land” — George Shearing “I Love Thee, My Lord” — George Shearing Duane Prill, piano "Freedom March" — Mitchell Eithum Youth Ringers
Introit
O Sun beyond all suns, O Soul within all souls: grant me the grace of the dawn’s glory; grant me the strength of the Sun’s rays; that I may be well in my own soul, and be part of the world’s healing this day. (Words: John Philip Newell; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God calls us to this place, a haven for healing and hope. We come, with the pain of our burdens. We come to hear God's Word of hope for us. We join our voices in prayer and praise. We sing of our longing for new lives. Here, our shadowed corners are filled with Light. Here we discover that God dwells in us. And not just us, for God would teach all the way of love.
*Processional Hymn
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory", vv. 1, 3, 4 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#723 "Shall We Gather at the River", v. 1
11 am • May 22, 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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Sixth Sunday of Easter
Scripture Acts 16:9-15
During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us.
Prayer of Confession
Because you dwell in our hearts, Eternal God, you know how the anger, the pain, the bitterness of our lives try to crowd you out. The noise of the world deafens us to that Word which can heal us. You promise a new heaven and a new earth. Create new spirits and new lives within us, Healing God. Your Word, Jesus Christ our Lord, whispers to us of your mercy, your hope, your love. Your Spirit, living deep within our souls, can teach us faithful ways.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The Word which can transform us is good news for all. It fills us with forgiveness, equips us for service, and sends us forth to love others as God loves us. 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 Youth Choir Carol Lamica, Director David Strong, Piano
“Shine Like Stars” — Pinkzebra I'm dreaming wide awake. This is the life I make. Don't need a holiday to make me feel this way. Listen up, take a chance. You can sing, You can dance, You can live like there's no tomorrow. Give it time and you'll find there's a rule, there's a rhyme. Move along and the rest will follow. I want you to know… Oh yeah! We shine like stars! Oh yeah! We shine like stars! What are we waiting for? It seems we still want more. No one can take away the dreams we have today. You can go with the flow. Don't you see? Don't you know? There's a light, let it burn inside you. You can shout, let it out. Not a care, not a doubt. This is it, let the moment guide you. I want you to know… Oh yeah! We shine like stars! Oh yeah! We shine like stars!
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
#589 "The Church of Christ in Every Age", vv. 1, 3, 5
Sermon
The Courage to Prevail
Rite of Confirmation
Robin Jones Anne Nutter Roshan Temperley
Charge to Confirmands and Vows
Laying on of Hands
Congregational Response
We are happy to celebrate with you your entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ. We bid you a hearty and official welcome into Asbury First United Methodist Church. We renew our covenant with God and our commitment to Christ to love with our heart, mind, soul and strength. As you have expressed your vows of loyalty, so we also renew our own vows to support the Church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.
Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett, 1782; Tune: 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.
To Renew Commitment
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.
A Word From Our Lay Leader
Valerie Benjamin, Governance Board President
Offertory Combined Choirs
"When in Our Music God Is Glorified" — Charles Villiers Stanford, arr. Joel Raney; words by Fred Pratt Green Glory be to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Ghost. Let us come before his presence with a song! When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia! How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia! So has the Church, in liturgy and song, in faith and love, through centuries of wrong, borne witness to the truth in ev’ry tongue, Alleluia! And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night when utmost evil strove against the light? Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight: Alleluia! Let ev’ry instrument be tuned for praise, let all rejoice who have a voice to raise, and may God give us faith to sing always, to lift our voice in song! Alleluia!
*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
We do not only offer our gifts to you, but our community to all who are lonely, our hearts to all who are grieving, our hope to all who have lost their way. In Jesus’ name, we offer our lives to all who are tossed aside by the world. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#555 "Forward through the Ages"
*Benediction
Benediction Response
"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" — John Rutter
Postlude
"Toccata in Seven" — John Rutter
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Andy Stoker Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Jacqueline Nelson, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Ruth Phinney Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Soloists: Abby Rice, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Youth Choir and Chimes, Carol Lamica, Director Pianist: David Strong 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
"Shine Like Stars" © 2014 Pinkzebra; “When in Our Music God Is Glorified” words © 1972, arrangement © 2003, Hope Publishing Co.; “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” © 1981 Oxford University 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 and Freepik and Vecteezy.
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God in loving memory of my husband, Harmon (Bud) Peters on the date that would have been our 34th Wedding Anniversary by his wife, Carol, and in gratitude for past and present church members. 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 District Superintendent of the Upper NY 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.
Asbury First Art Class Hot Textiles
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
400 Souls May Discussion
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 3 pm Joint Service of Lament—Baber AME (550 Meigs Street, Rochester) 6 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 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) 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 Picnic —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 3 pm 400 Souls May Discussion —Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) 6 pm Youth Bells & Choir—No Rehearsal Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall FRIDAY 10 am Disciple II Bible Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Meetings & Rehearsals May 22–28
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
Wednesday, June 8, 5-6 pm, Gathering Center Sunday, June 12, 12:15 pm, Fellowship Hall — A light lunch will be served — please RSVP
Information Session
Asbury First is a place of worship, community and celebration of life from baptism to confirmation, marriage and memorial services. Members of the congregation have expressed an interest in having a columbarium at Asbury First for many years. Learn how Asbury First can be your final resting place, please join us for one (or both) of the information sessions. For more information, please call 585-271-1050 or email columbarium@asburyfirst.org.
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!
The shooting deaths over the weekend of ten Black people in Buffalo by a young white supremacist should shock us. We mourn the loss of life, the scourge of white supremacy, and the feeling of apathy and helplessness that too quickly sets in following these atrocities. Within our faith tradition we have a shield against apathy—an act of grief and anger that is designed to help us feel the moment faithfully. We call it lament. To that end, we are joining with our Pan-Methodist siblings for a special Joint Service of Lament on Sunday, May 22 at 3 pm to be hosted by Baber AME. We invite you to join us.
Ser.vice of Lament
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
9 am Service — In-person OUTSIDE (starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, excluding August 7) 11 am Service — In-person & Live-stream
Sunday, May 22, 3 pm Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, 550 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 14607
Pan-Methodist
MAY 29 – SEP 4
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory", vv. 1, 3, 4
Continued on next page
11 am • May 15, 2022
*Recessional Hymn
