To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
June 26, 2022 • 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-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
From “Sixty Short Pieces” – Flor Peeters Introduction Pastorale Song Cantilène Prelude
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The Spirit of God is here: inviting us to worship. The Spirit of God is here: moving within each of us. The Spirit of God is here: within this community gathered. The Spirit of God is here: guarding, guiding, and moving us onward toward perfection.
*Processional Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1-4, 6 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#557 "Blest Be the Tie That Binds", vv. 1, 2
11 am • June 26, 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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Third Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of Confession
Redeeming God, how easily we say we would follow you; But how often we live as if we have forgotten your ways. We strive to win at all costs, when we could be engaged in costly service. We expect others to do for us and rarely ask what we might do for them. Forgive us, High and Holy One. Set us free to serve in love and compassion. Help us to feast on the fruit the Spirit offers to us. Put us on the path of faithful discipleship, as we walk with our Savior Jesus.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, let us call to mind what God has done for us. Let us celebrate that God's love comes in fresh and surprising ways. Let us reflect on the fruit of the Spirit poured out upon us, and rejoice in God’s mercy. 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
Scripture 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, ‘Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
Anthem Summer Choir Bess Phillips, soloist
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" — traditional Spiritual, arr. Stephan Casurella Refrain: Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, and what did I see, coming for to carry me home? A band of angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home. (Refrain) If you get there before I do, coming for to carry me home. Tell all my friends I'm coming too, coming for to carry me home. (Refrain)
To hear the word
To Renew Commitment
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
#396 "O Jesus, I Have Promised"
Sermon
Never Gonna Give You Up
Call to Prayer
Lord, listen to your children praying; Lord, send your Spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying; send us love, send us power, send us grace. (Words and Music: Ken Medema)
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.
Offertory Summer Choir
"Children of the Heavenly Father" — Swedish folk song, arr. Austin Lovelace; words by Caroline Sandell-Berg Children of the heavenly Father, safely in His bosom gather; Nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e'er was given. God His own doth tend and nourish; in His holy courts they flourish. From all evil things He spares them; in His mighty arms He bears them. Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord His children sever; Unto them His grace He showeth, and their sorrows all He knoweth. Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne'er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy.
*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
May the gifts of time, talent, and treasure which we bring bear fruit, Holy God. May they bring a double share of your presence to all who are touched by them. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#571 "Go Make of All Disciples", vv. 1, 3, 4
*Benediction
Benediction Response
Amen. (Anonymous)
Postlude
“March” – Flor Peeters
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Lay Reader: John Messenger Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: 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: Jake Schwartz Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” © 2014, St. James Music Press; “Children of the Heavenly Father” © 2006 Paraclete 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:
Meetings & Rehearsals JUNE 26–July 2
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events
Celebrations and concerns
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 MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—1050 Granger Lawn 7:15 pm Yoga on the Lawn—1050 Granger Lawn 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) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 6:45 pm Discipleship Project Class—1040 Library Wednesday 10 am A Year of Biblical Womanhood: Summer Study —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm 400 Souls Discussion —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) Thursday 1 pm Book of Judges Bible Study —1040 Gathering Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall SATURDAY 9 am Yoga on the Lawn—1050 Granger Lawn
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God 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 Adrienne Dahl, who passed away on June 23, 2022, in Penfield, NY. We offer our prayers and concerns to Glenn Peck and his family, on the death of his mother, Jean, on June 16, 2022. We offer our prayers and concerns to Sharon Crouch and her family, on the death of her husband, John, on July 11, 2021.0 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 Rev. Roger Nicholson, who passed away on May 28 in Connecticut. Roger was "pastor to young adults” at Asbury First in 1957.
Wednesday, June 29, 5–6 pm, Zoom (zoom.us/j/85385379148) Join us for an on-going discussion of this year’s church-wide read, Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 on the last Wednesday each month from 5-6 pm (excluding July and August). We will be meeting over Zoom to make sure as many people as would like have access to the conversation. You don’t have to have read the entire book to come, and can join at any time. All are welcome!
Did you miss the information sessions about the Columbarium? Not to fret. Learn how Asbury First can be your final resting place, by reading our new Columbarium brochure — available in printed format around campus or online at asburyfirst.org/news. Learn how Asbury First can be your final resting place. For more information, please call 585-271-1050 or email columbarium@asburyfirst.org.
400 Souls Discussion
New Brochure!
We are so sorry we had to cancel the Carnival, but we have rescheduled it for Tent Sunday, August 7th, immediately following the 11 am service. What better way to kick off Tent Week than with hot dogs, bouncy house, and a talent show! The church-wide carnival is free to all and it's not too late to be a part of our talent show. Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org to participate!
Each week, visit facebook.com/ NOTAfarmmarket for a list of vendors and more!
The warmer weather is getting us excited for the new NOTA Farmers Market season! Make it a part of your week, and stop by Granger Lawn on Mondays from 4–7 pm for our 2nd season! We have even more vendors this year.
CHURCH-WIDE CARNIVAL
Mondays, 4–7 pm, Granger Lawn
RESCHEDULED!
Tent Sunday, August 7, following the 11 am service
NEW CLASSES AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES!
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
A Year of Biblical Womanhood
Wednesdays, June 22 – August 10, 10 am, Zoom
Two evenings of conversation on Zoom, Wednesday, August 3 from 7-8 pm; Thursday, August 4 from 7-8 pm
Thursdays, June 23 – July 28, 1 pm, Gathering Center
Faithful Politicking
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
Bible Study on the Book of Judges
JOIN US 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!
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1-4, 6 Words: Isaac Watts, 1719 Tune: St. Anne, attr. to Wiliam Croft, 1708
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1, 2 Words: John Fawcett, 1782 Tune: Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason, 1845
#396 "O Jesus, I Have Promised" Words: John Bode Tune: Angel's Story, Arthur Mann
*Recessional Hymn
#571 "Go, Make of All Disciples", vv. 1, 3, 4