To worship with us
August 27, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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 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. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Large print bulletins and hymnals are available from the ushers. A hearing loop is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches, and you may also request earphones from the ushers to aid you in hearing the service. The screens located toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. 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 or at 585-271-1050 x111. 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.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • August 27, 2023
Prelude
Partita on “How Firm a Foundation” — Alfred V. Fedak
Introit
Like the murmur of the dove’s song, like the challenge of her flight, Like the vigor of the wind’s rush, like the new flame’s eager might: Come, Holy Spirit, come. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; tune: Bridegroom, Peter Cutts)
*Call to Worship Based on Isaiah 124
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. If the Lord had not been on our side – let us say together: If the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed up alive. But such is not the case! Blessed be the Lord, who is our rock and our redeemer! Blessed be the Lord, in whose name is our help! Blessed be the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Come, let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#559 "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#419 "I Am Thine, O Lord", v. 1
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Scripture Romans 12:1-8
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
11 am
To hear the word
*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.
Prayer of Confession
In the midst of your holy presence, O God, we encounter a mystery, deeper than the foundations of the earth. You are who you are, sacred and indefinable. Forgive us when we try to frame you in our own image. Help us allow your divine image to shape and define us. Speak mercy and grace to us, and guide us with your shepherding love. Strengthen us for love and service in your community.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
We are in the presence of the Holy One. Rejoice and be glad, for in Christ’s love, we are reminded of this divine truth: we are God’s beloved creation, reclaimed for his holy purpose. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Hymn
#399 "Take My Life and Let It Be"
Sermon
Renewal & Rejection
Anthem Dan McInerney, Soloist
“Covenant Prayer” — words and music by Karen Marrolli Creator, we belong to you, and you dwell within our hearts. Though the road be rough, we will follow you with the strength your grace imparts. Though we be brought high, though we be brought low, though we journey far from home, let us always seek to grow in love, no matter where we roam. Now let us reach out with loving hands to accept, affirm, embrace every child of God throughout the world and shower them with grace. And let us reach out with grateful hearts and praise our God above through our acts of light and justice as we warm the world with love. Creator, let us understand that our covenant with you is a covenant with humankind to honor and pursue the road of Christ, through the rocky fields, to the broken and unshod. Let us heal with love, for each soul we meet is a precious child of God. Now let us reach out with loving hands...
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.
Call to Prayer
To the members of Christ’s body, to the branches of the Vine, To the church in faith assembled, to her midst as gift and sign: Come, Holy Spirit, come. (Words: Carl P. Daw, Jr.; tune: Bridegroom, Peter Cutts)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory
“Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” — Gilbert Martin; words by Charles Wesley Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true and only Light, Sun of righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shade of night; Day-spring from on high, be near; Day-star, in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by Thee; joyless is the day's return, till Thy mercy's beams I see, till they inward light impart, glad my eyes, and warm my heart. Visit then this soul of mine, pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more Thyself display, shining to the perfect day.
*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.
To Renew Commitment
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.
*Recessional Hymn
#438 “Forth in Thy Name, O Lord”
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Lay Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Summer Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote Production Suite: Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“Covenant Prayer” © Copyright © 2020 Birnamwood Publications; “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” © 2008 Lorenz Publishing Co.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Art Frackenpohl)
Postlude
“Intrada” — Matthew H. Corl
*Prayer of Dedication
In gratitude for your mighty acts, Holy One, we offer our gifts to further your work. Guide our steps, and bless the offerings we bring, that the world may be touched by your holy love. Amen.
9 am • August 27, 2023
OUTDOOR service
*Call to Worship
*Opening Song
"Be Thou My Vision” (Words: Ancient Irish, tr. Mary Byrne/Eleanor Hull; Tune: Slane, traditional Irish) 1. Be thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art; thou my best thought by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. 2. Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word; thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord; thou and thou only, first in my heart; great God of heaven, my treasure thou art. 3. High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Romans 12:1-8 (found on p. 4)
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you check in with us by scanning the QR code, or by visiting asburyfirst.org/worship-check-in.
Prayer
*Closing Song
"Alleluia, Alleluia” (Words and music by Donald Fishel) Refrain: Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name. Jesus is Lord of all the earth. He is the king of creation. (Ref.) Come, let us praise the living God, joyfully sing to our Savior. (Ref.)
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Pat Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Rachel Dupont Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
9 am
Monday Morning Crew
Meetings & Rehearsals August 27–September 2
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection?
NOTA Farmers Market
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at 585-271-1050
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members; and in celebration of the wedding of Mary Church and Dan Smith. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support UMCOR at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Ted Epping, who died on July 22. His memorial service will be held on September 30 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of of Jane Jeszenka who died on August 16. A memorial service will be held for Jane at Asbury First on Friday, September 22 at 1 pm.
Lectio Divina
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 10 am Summer Choir rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 3 pm Youth Angry Birds Event—1050 Granger Lawn (moved to Fellowship Hall if bad weather) MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—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) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7:30 am Bicycle Repairs—Garage behind 1010 4 pm Gentle Yoga—Canceled; Returns September 19 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic friday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Summer Worship
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
We hope that you will come out next week, Monday, August 28 from 4 to 7 pm for the FINALE of the NOTA Farmers Market. Unfortunately, there isn't enough customer interest in the market and we will be closing up shop for good following the market next week.
There has been a strong commitment to the Columbarium with 28 niches spoken for as of today. Availability of pre-construction pricing will be ending on September 1st. If you have questions or need more information, please stop by the table in the Welcome Hall after the Service or contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org.
Last Chance for the NOTA Farmers Market
Pre-construction Price Expires SEPTEMBER 1st!
Kick-OFF Sunday
Auditions: Wednesday, September 13, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall
Youth Musical Auditions
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
It’s time to dream again as a congregation! Join us for Together in Ministry Kick-Off Sunday on September 10 as we celebrate and begin to dream together again about who God is calling us to be in the years ahead. Together in Ministry Sunday is our traditional kick-off for the programmatic year and an opportunity to come back to worship in person (or online), to invite a friend, to sign up for a small group, to volunteer for a new role (outreach, hospitality, administration, etc.), and, this year, to dream again! Come and share your dreams! We hope to see you then!
Sunday, September 10
Our Youth Musical this Fall will be Godspell! Auditions begin in September with show dates of November 10–12, 2023. After the incredible success of The Sound of Music, we cannot wait to put together another incredible musical experience. For more information, please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or by calling the church office at 585-271-1050.
Return to Page 3
#559 "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#419 "I Am Thine, O Lord”, v. 1
*Gathering Hymn (cont'd)
Return to Page 5
Return to Page 7