To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
May 29, 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 asburyfirst.org/live-stream. 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 asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“Prélude” – Theodore Dubois “Interlude” – Theodore Dubois
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God of grace, together we turn to you in prayer. It is you alone who can unite us. You are the one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in whom we trust. You alone empower us for good. You send us out across the earth in mission. Gather us together now in worship, to strengthen us for service.
*Processional Hymn
#173 "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
"They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love", v. 1 Words and Music: Peter Scholtes We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, And we pray that all unity will one day be restored: And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
11 am • May 29, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Scripture John 17:20-26
(Jesus prayed:) ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’
Prayer of Confession
God, we believe you have called us to live together as one body, Forgive us for the times we have created division. God, you ask us to look, listen, and learn from others, Forgive us for the times we have belittled those who believe differently. God, you ask us to accept all who are called by your name. Forgive us for the times we have offended you by failing to love others as we do ourselves. God, you call us to be one even as you are one. Forgive us for the disunity we have harbored, and make us one.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, God stands ready to renew our minds and rekindle love in our hearts. By the power of the Spirit, may we strive to live into the unity to which we are called. 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 Summer Choir
“Know That God Loves You” — Carson Cooman (Refrain:) Know that God loves you. God's command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. (Refrain) For neither death nor life, nor present nor future, shall separate us from the love of God. (Refrain)
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
#561 "Jesus, United by Thy Grace", vv. 1, 2, 4, 6
Sermon
Theology, Theodicy, Theosis
Offertory Summer Choir
"Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song" — Alan Jones; words by Carl P. Daw Like the murmur of the dove’s song, like the challenge of her flight, like the vigor of the wind’s rush, like the new flame’s eager might: come, Holy Spirit, come. To the members of Christ’s body, to the branches of the Vine, to the church in faith assembled, to her midst as gift and sign: come, Holy Spirit, come. With the healing of division, with the ceaseless voice of prayer, with the pow’r to love and witness, with the peace beyond compare: come, Holy Spirit, come.
*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
Gracious God, transform us in the offering of ourselves, so that we may be your partners in transformation, to strive for the full, visible unity of your church, and the coming of a new heaven and a new earth. Amen.
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.
*Closing Hymn
#547 "O Church of God, United"
*Benediction
Benediction Response
Amen. (Steve Danyew)
Postlude
“Marche-Sortie” – Theodore Dubois
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Soloists: Bess Phillips, Dawn Yehl, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann 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
“Know That God Loves You” © 2013 St. James Music Press; “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” words © 1982 Hope Publishing Co., music © 2007 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 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 and in loving memory of John E. Clarke and in honor of servicemen and women who have served or are serving our country by Dawn Riedy, David Berg and family, and in memory of Beth’s brother, Robert Bucher, in honor of his birthday, by Beth and Dean Woolever. 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 Pete Kiefer, who passed away in Newark, NY on Friday, May 20. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Nancy Chesterton, who passed away in Rochester, NY on Friday, May 20. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Judy Dixon, who passed away in Rochester, NY on Friday, May 20. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11 at 5 pm. 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 May 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
Red Cross Blood Drive
Disciple Bible Study Picnic
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors—1040 Front Lawn 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm 6th–8th Youth Group—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm 9th–12th Youth Group—1040 Youth Room MONday Campus is closed in observance of Memorial Day 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 Picnic—1050 Porch 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class – Hot Textiles —1040 Room 205 ($30 per person) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 6:45 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall SATURDAY 8:30 am Red Cross Blood Drive—1040 Gathering Center (Sign up to donate by calling 1-800-733-2767, or go to www.RedCrossBlood.org)
Meetings & Rehearsals May 29 – June 4
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!
Church-wide Carnival and Talent Show
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
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.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Blood Drive!
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
Saturday, June 4, 8:30 am–1 pm, Gathering Center
Asbury First United Methodist Church is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, June 4 from 8:30 am– 1 pm in the Gathering Center. All presenting donors will receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice by email as a "thank you"! To schedule your appointment please call Ed Ristau at 585-223-4356 or visit redcrossblood.org.
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.
MAY 29 – SEP 4
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
#173 "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies"
Continued on next page
#561 "Jesus, United By Thy Grace", vv. 1, 2, 4, 6
*Recessional Hymn