TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
July 11, 2021 • 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department, face masks are now optional on our campus (indoor or outdoor) for those who have been fully vaccinated. Some may wish to continue wearing masks and some may not. Both are welcome. For those who have not been fully vaccinated, masks will continue to be required on our campus, both indoors and outside. To learn more about the new policy or o read our FAQs, visit www.asburyfirst.org/about/news/398-mark-policy-update. 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. During the summer, the 9 am outdoor service will include Children's Time. 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
"Morning Prelude” — Gordon Young Prelude on “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” — Gordon Young
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. We have gathered to worship the One who etches grace on our hearts. This is the place where God will transform us into disciples. We glorify our God, who yearns for justice for the forgotten. This is the place where God will write compassion on our souls. We give thanks to God for unceasing grace; we remember God's persistence in saving us. This is the place where God will breathe the Word into our lives.
11 am • July 11, 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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Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Opening Hymn
#526 "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (vv 1, 2) Words: Joseph Scriven; Tune: Converse, Charles Converse
11 am
Scripture Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Your words are given to us, Author of Life, so we might be reformed, But we are intent on changing others. Your words are offered to us so we might be transformed, But we are distracted by the charms of the world. Do not remember our sins, but continue to touch us with your steadfast mercy. Remind us how to be persistent in living out our faith.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Jesus reminds us that we are to be resolute in our lives of faithfulness and service. The good news is that God is steadfast in filling us with love and grace.. 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
“Spirit of the Lord, Come Down” — John Harper; words by the Benedictine Sisters of Stanbrook Spirit of the Lord, come down, spreading your protective wing over all that you have made; over every living thing. Come in storm-wind, cleansing fire, sweeping through a world unclean, come in every gentle breeze; Breath of God, unheard, unseen. Holy Spirit, Blessed Light, guide and strengthen mind and will, comfort every grieving heart; and our inmost being fill. Through the Father and the Son, by whose blood our life was bought, fill our empty hands with gifts; come with grace unearned, unsought.
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
#405 "Seek Ye First" Words and Music: Karen Lafferty
Sermon
Persistence is Fruitful
Call to Prayer
O Thou by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, the path of prayer thyself hast trod: Lord, teach us how to pray! (James Montgomery)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
Offertory
“Let Us Light a Candle in the Darkness” — Richard Shephard; words by Robert Willis In a world where people walk in darkness let us turn our faces to the light, To the light of God revealed in Jesus, to the Daystar scattering our night. For the light is stronger than the darkness and the day will overcome the night. Though the shadows linger all around us, let us turn our faces to the light. In a world where suffering of the helpless casts a shadow all along the way, Let us bear the Cross of Christ with gladness and proclaim the dawning of the day. For the light is stronger than the darkness and the day will overcome the night. Though the shadows linger all around us, let us turn our faces to the light. Let us light a candle in the darkness, in the face of death, a sign of life. As a sign of hope where all seems hopeless, as a sign of peace in place of strife. For the light is stronger than the darkness and the day will overcome the night. Though the shadows linger all around us, let us turn our faces to the light.
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
Gracious God, we give you thanks for all the blessings you shower upon us daily. Remind us to be as persistent in service to others as we are in prayer. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
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. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operators: Jake Schwartz Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Virtual meetings
Permissions: “Spirit of the Lord, Come Down” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “Let Us Light a Candle in the Darkness” © 1997 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 and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Postlude
Toccata on “St. Anne” — Gordon Young
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings still going as we make our way back together. For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events.
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.
Visit www.asburyfirst.org to find out more or sign up!
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
Vacation Bible School August 2–5, 2021
For more information or to sign up, contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullock-smith@asburyfirst.org.
Can you juggle, dance, play an instrument, sing and hula hoop at the same time? If yes, join our Asbury First Talent Show on the first Sunday of August. All ages and all levels of talent are welcome to participate.
Sunday, August 1, 12 pm
SHOW US YOUR TALENT!
Be the seed!