All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
August 16, 2020 • 11 AM
11th Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude
“Prelude and Fugue in G Major” — Felix Mendelssohn
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. God made the world and all that is in it. Our life and breath come from God. God made all nations under heaven. We are all God’s offspring. Search for God in our time of worship. When we search, we find God is near.
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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. We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. We will also be holding a special Zoom meeting (https://zoom.us/j/8347173468) with Paula and Holly on Wednesdays at 11:30 am to keep connected. 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.
11 am • August 16, 2020
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
11 am
Scripture Acts 15:1-11
Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
To hear the word
Opening Hymn
#400 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Words: Robert Robinson, 1758; Tune: Nettleton, anon. American, pub. 1813
Prayer of Confession
Sometimes, O God, your ways are a mystery to us. When we doubt or deny your presence, forgive us, O God. Make your presence known to us, and receive our prayers and praise. Give us grace to trust in your loving care for us.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Beloved friends, there is nothing we need to do to earn God’s grace and favor. God’s grace is sufficient for this moment. Receive the abiding love of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #102, Tune: “Now Thank We All Our God”
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
“Amazing Grace” — Anon. American tune, arr. Carl Johengen; words by John Newton, 1779 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved and set me free! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come: 'twas grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
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
#121 “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy” Words: Frederick W. Faber, 1854; Tune: Wellesley, Lizzie S. Tourjee, 1877
Sermon
Faith Without Circumscription
Pastoral Prayer
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
Invitation 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
“How Can I Keep from Singing”— American folk hymn, arranged by Andy Beck My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. No storm can shake my inmost calm, I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? What though the tempest ‘round me roar, I know the truth, it liveth. What though the darkness ‘round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm, I hear the music ringing. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
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, receive the offering of our lives in service to your call. May our gifts bring healing and relief to a world in need of your grace. Amen.
Permissions: “Amazing Grace” arrangement © 2020, Carl Johengen; “How Can I Keep from Singing” © 2008, Alfred Publishing Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2020 Abingdon Worship Annual Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik, and Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
When First and Asbury combined in 1934, First Church had significant financial resources. What did they decide to do with them?
BICENTENNIAL TRIVIA
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Bicentennial Bible Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. For a full list of events, and clickable links, visit www.asburyfirst.org/events. HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Follow the link: zoom.us/j/8347173468 for the main meetings, and us02web.zoom.us/j/338565981 for “Changing Weighs," and us02web.zoom.us/j/868571089 16?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZmFxUHgrQ1hjdz09 for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our discipleship Zoom account to take their meetings online, please contact Rev. Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Virtual meetings
Benediction
Postlude
“Allegro in B Flat Major” — Felix Mendelssohn
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Mike Mullin Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Susan Huppé, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
From last week: In 1916 when there was a fire in First Church (located at East Ave and Anson Place), where did the congregation hold services until the building was repaired? A. At the Rochester Theological Seminary, then located at Alexander Street and East Avenue.
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.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about life in the 1820s! Here are a few posts and submitted images from your experiences.
Did you miss the chance to participate? No problem, check out www.asburyfirst.org/camp-1820 for videos and activities. Then, post about it to social media with the tags #camp1820 and #asburyfirstathome!
The Nutter Family — Beeswax candle, corn husk dolls, and butter
Jackson DeVolder playing the "Up Jenkins" game with family.
Easter 2020
5
990
#asburyfirstathome
1,500
May
July
Callers listening live on our toll-free number
We are connected more than we think! Here are some numbers from last week that show our global reach.
498
If you’re watching at home, make sure to take a picture and post it with the tag #asburyfirstathome. Here are a few more posts and submitted pictures from last week.
1,200
31
Which equals approximately:
2020 Unique Devices Watching
Cities reached Globally including Rochester
144
2019 In Person
900
Countries reached globally including: United States France Germany Singapore South Korea
600
comparison of Weekly attendance
300
Still better together
Devices watching:
People Watching Together
Ruth Phinney — Ready to greet people who are checking in by text.
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
Easter 2019
August
18
States reached Nationally including NY
June
March
April