August 1, 2021 • 11 AM
11 am • August 1, 2021
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department and monitoring the Delta variant in our community, face masks are required. Out of an abundance of caution, we will require that everyone attending this Sunday's service and activities wear a mask at all times. This includes both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. We will also be requiring everyone attending Vacation Bible School to wear a mask. Once again, this includes all children, adults, vaccinated, and unvaccinated individuals.To learn more about the new policy or to read our FAQs, visit www.asburyfirst.org/news/2021/7/covid-update-delta-variant/. 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
Hymn Sing
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. As one body of Christ, we gather together this day. Blessed by one Spirit, we gather in unity and love. Speak truth to us this day, O God. Speak truth to the most inward parts of our hearts and minds. Inspire us to share your truth in love to all those we encounter. May our words and thoughts be acceptable to you, O God our rock.
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Opening Hymn
#422 "Jesus, Thine All-Victorious Love" Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Azmon, Carl Glaser, arr. Lowell Mason
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we want to live as people worthy of your calling. When we fall short, have mercy on us. When we speak and act thoughtlessly, guide us with your grace. Create a new heart within us, full of love and gratitude. Nourish us with your presence, loving God. Help us live as a people worthy of your calling.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
The grace of Christ cleanses our hearts and makes our lives whole again. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
11 am
Scripture 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord, and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meager fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.” Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” (continued on next page)
To hear the word
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Hannah Dugan, child of Hayley and Jeff Dugan
Congregational Response
Will you, with God's help, so order your lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal? We will.
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
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
“As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams” — American hymn tune, arr. Crawford Thoburn; words from Psalm 42, Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1698 As pants the hart for cooling streams when heated by the chase, so longs my soul, O God, for thee, and thy refreshing grace. For Thee, my God, the living God, my thirsty soul doth pine; Oh, when shall I behold Thy face, Thou majesty divine? Why restless, why cast down, my soul? Trust God, who will employ His aid for thee, and change these sighs to thankful hymns of joy. God of my strength, how long shall I, like one forgotten, mourn, Forlorn, forsaken, and exposed to my oppressor’s scorn? Why restless, why cast down, my soul? Hope still, and thou shalt sing The praise of Him who is thy God, thy health’s eternal spring.
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.
Scripture 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a (continued)
Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master’s house, and your master’s wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more. Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, for you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the Lord: I will raise up trouble against you from within your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this very sun. For you did it secretly; but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan said to David, “Now the Lord has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
Sermon
A Step Outside
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
Hymn
#357 "Just As I Am", vv. 1, 3, 6 Words: Charlotte Elliott; Tune: Woodworth, William Bradbury
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
“Christians, We Have Met to Worship” — arr. Lloyd Larson (based on the tunes “Holy Manna” and “Lyons”) Christians, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God. Will you pray with all your power as we seek the Living Word? All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down; Christians, pray, and God’s great blessing will be showered all around. Let us love our God supremely; let us love each other too. Let us love and pray for others till our God makes all things new. When God calls us home to heaven, at the table we sit down; There our loving Lord will serve us with great blessings all around. O worship the King, all glorious above; And gratefully sing God’s wonderful love. Christians, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God!
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, pour your Holy Spirit on us and our gifts of talent and treasure. Make us one with you and one with each other, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#555 “Forward Through the Ages” Words: Frederick Lucian Hosmer; Tune: St. Gertrude, Arthur Seymour Sullivan
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Jackie Nelson, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Pianist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Summer Choir Director: Brian Bohrer Asbury First Summer Choir Camera Operator: Sarah Brubaker 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: “As Pants the Hart” © 1991 Carl Fischer Inc.; “Christians, We Have Met to Worship” © 1995 Beckenhorst Press 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
“We’re Marching to Zion” — arr. Larry Shackley
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.
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.
Vacation Bible School August 2–5, 2021
Stay after the worship service for some entertainment brought to you by our very own members and a special performance from some of our staff! Or, stay tuned on the live stream if you are unable to attend in person!
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
Be the seed!
TODAY at 12 pm
Visit www.asburyfirst.org to find out more or sign up!