May 23, 2021 • 9 & 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Following guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department, the services inside our sanctuary this May will have a limit of 150 people. This will allow us to maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe. Face masks are required while on campus (indoors and outdoors), and we have masks available if needed. If there are more than 150 people who come to one of the services in May, additional socially-distanced overflow seating will be provided in the Fellowship Hall for members to watch the service on a screen in community. To learn more about in-person worship, to read our FAQs, and to watch our fun "Welcome Back" video, visit www.asburyfirst.org/welomeback. 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, and they are welcome in our worship. For now, childcare will be unavailable during the 9 am in-person worship service. You can join us at 10 am for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly. 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
Suite du Deuxième Ton — Louis-Nicolas Clérambault (1676-1749) Plein Jeu-Duo Basse de Cromorne Flûtes Recit de Nazard
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. Carl Johengen; words by John Philip Newell
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. Spirit of Pentecost, blow open the doors of our sequestered hearts. Set our tongues free to proclaim your praise. Bless our youth with visions, and our elders with dreams. Renew the faith of your people throughout the world. Blow into our lives once more, Holy One. Help us find strength and courage to be the people you call us to be.
9 am & 11 am • May 23, 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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Pentecost Sunday
Opening Hymn
#192 "There's a Spirit in the Air" (vv. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) Words: Brian Wren, 1969; Tune: Orientis Partibus, medieval French melody
Prayer of Confession
Spirit of wind and flame, we long to be set free from the fears that imprison us. We yearn to draw near to your source of living water. We want to be cleansed in your holy fire, and born aloft on the winds of your grace. Renew us, Mighty Spirit, that we may be made whole.
Silent Confession
9 am & 11 am
Scripture Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’"
To hear the word
Word of Assurance
Hear the Good News: God breathes the Holy Spirit into our lives and renews the face of the earth. The steadfast love of God endures forever. 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.
Anthem
“If Ye Love Me” — Philip Wilby; words John 14:15-18 If ye love me, keep my commandments, and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; e’en the Spirit of Truth. And ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.
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
#465 "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine" (vv. 1-3) Words: Samuel Longfellow, 1864; Tune: Canterbury, adapt. from Orlando Gibbons, 1623
Sermon
There Came a Sound
Response
Jim Farrington, trumpet
Pastoral Prayer (9 am Only)
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.
To celebrate confirmation (11 am only)
To Renew Commitment
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in the true person, Jesus, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. God calls us to be the Church, the Body of Christ, to celebrate Christ’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Litany of Baptism, Confirmation and Renewal of Covenant
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.
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett, 1782; Tune: Dennis; Johann Nagli; arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Offertory (9 am)
“A Pentecost Prayer” — Carson Cooman; words from the Book of Common Prayer O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.
Offertory (11 am) Members of Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Singers David Strong, Organ Recorded May 16, 2021
“With a Voice of Singing” — Martin Shaw With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia. Utter it even unto the ends of the earth. The Lord hath delivered his people, Alleluia. The Lord hath delivered his people, Alleluia. O be joyful in God, all ye lands, O sing praises to the honor of his name, Make his praise to be glorious. With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia.
Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
For opening your hand and showering us with blessings, we give you thanks, O God. May our gifts bring dreams and visions to a world in need of hope and direction. Amen.
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. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Abby Rice, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Trumpet: Jim Farrington Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operators: Jake Schwartz Technology Support Team: Ruth Phinney, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Virtual meetings
Permissions: “If Ye Love Me” © 1992 Banks Music Publications; “With a Voice of Singing” © 1923 J. Curwen & Sons Ltd.; “A Pentecost Prayer” © 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
Suite du Deuxième Ton — Louis-Nicolas Clérambault (1676-1749) Caprice
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events.
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MAY SCHEDULE: (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 Text "join weather" to 844-239-5340 to be notified if the 9 am summer service is canceled due to weather. 11 am Service — Live-stream Only
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