TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
July 25, 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
Chorale Improvisations, Opus 21 — arr. Paul Manz “In Thee Is Gladness” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus” "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. God of life, your call to us is music to our ears. Open our hearts to feel you within us. God of life, your gentle touch heals our every wound. Open our eyes to see you in every person we meet. God of live, your invitation to worship and pray brings us home. Open our souls to this time of worship.
11 am • July 25, 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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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Opening Hymn
#719 "My Lord, What a Morning" Spiritual; Tune: Burleigh, arr. William Farley Smith
11 am
Scripture Luke 22:35-38
Then Jesus asked the disciples, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of our hearts, you gave us life. You knew us before we were born. We are most alive when we are connected to you. And yet we often forget that we are rooted and grounded in your love. Open our eyes to the daily reminders of your grace.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Beloved Friends, hear the good news! God loves us unconditionally and forgives us. There is nothing we can do to lose the love of God. Be alive in this excellent knowledge, and deepen your faith to feel God within. 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.
Hyjmn
#420 "Breathe on Me, Breath of God", vv 1, 2 Words: Edward Hatch; Tune: Trentham, Robert Jackson
Scripture Psalm 46:10a
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
Anthem
“Come Down, O Love Divine” — Charles Beaudrot; words by Bianco da Siena, tr. Richard Littledale Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine, O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, Oh kindle it, Thy holy flame within. O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its flame; And let Thy glorious light shine on me And light my path and guide me through life's night.
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
#474 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Words and Music by Thomas Dorsey
Sermon
A Matter of Trust
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. (Ken Medema)
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
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” — Calvin Hampton (1938-1984); words by Frederick Faber (1814-1863) There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in His justice, which is more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good; There is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in His blood. For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind; And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. There is plentiful redemption in the blood that has been shed; There is joy for all the members in the sorrows of the Head. But we make His love too narrow by false limits of our own; And we magnify His strictness with a zeal He will not own. If our love were but more simple, we should take Him at His word; And our lives would be all sunshine in the sweetness of our Lord.
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
We thank you, God, for every gift you give to us. Bless these gifts we give to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and heal the sick. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Words: James Weldon Johnson; Tune: Lift Every Voice, J. Rosamond Johnson
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Rachel Dupont Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Heather Watras, Jonathan Ivers, Jordan Bachmann Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Jake Schwartz Graphics Operators: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Virtual meetings
Permissions: “Come Down, O Love Divine” © 2010 St. James Music Press; “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” © 1977 GIA Publications, Inc.; 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
Chorale Improvisations, Op. 21: "O Love, How Deep” — arr. Paul Manz
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.
Be the seed!
Summer Choir for Tent Sunday
We know that there are many singers at Asbury First who have been itching to get back to group singing. As a "warm up" for a further opening up in September, we want to invite all singers (including but not limited to Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Singers members) to take part in a one-time Summer Choir for the Tent Sunday service on August 1. Brian Bohrer will lead a rehearsal starting at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall, followed by participating in the 11 am service under the tent. All you need to do is show up ready to sing! Questions? Contact Brian at bbohrer@asburyfirst.org.
Sunday, August 1, 9:45 am
Visit www.asburyfirst.org to find out more or sign up!
Vacation Bible School August 2–5, 2021
Sunday, August 1, 12 pm
11 am • August 1, 2021
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
• Outdoor worship under a tent • Burgers, Hot Dogs, and more • Ice cream from the Cool Bus • The Asbury First Talent Show
Tent Sunday at Asbury First aims to give people a great experience of the church, as well as welcome those living nearby who may be curious about our community. We'd love to see you at 11 am, August 1, outside under the tent!
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.
For more information or to sign up, contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullock-smith@asburyfirst.org.
SHOW US YOUR TALENT!