TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
August 29, 2021 • 11 AM
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 service and activities wear a mask at all times. This includes both 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
Cantilene Réligieuse — Théodore Dubois Prelude in C Minor — Dubois
Welcome
Call to Worship Based on Psalm 27
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. God is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear? God is our shelter in times of trouble, and our joy in times of celebration. Day after day, we seek God’s face and the assurance of God’s holy love. O God, be our light and our guide. Beloved of God, enter this worship in thanksgiving, for God is among and within us! Thanks be to God!
11 am • August 29, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Opening Hymn
#132 "All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded" (vv. 1-3) Words: Joachim Neander, tr. Fred Pratt Green; Tune: Michael, Herbert Howells
11 am
Scripture Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of light, sometimes we allow ourselves to dwell in the darkness of doubt. We worry about our lives, our health, and our fears. The yoke of our burdens lies heavy upon us. Often we are unwilling to forgive, reluctant to share, and quick to quarrel. We long to turn from the dark and live in the light. Shine the light of your love upon us and transform us with your love.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
The light of God’s love shines into the dark places of our world, healing its brokenness, and bringing hope to places of despair. The light of God’s love redeems us. 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
“This One Thing I Ask of the Lord” — Charles McCartha; words adapted from Psalm 27 This one thing I ask of the Lord, this one thing is all that I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, living there eternally. This one thing I ask of the Lord, this one thing is all that I seek: that I will see the face of the Lord shining on me eternally. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? This one thing I surely know, this one thing is all I need know: that I will see the goodness of God here on earth and in heaven above.
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
#399 "Take My Life and Let It Be" Words: Frances Havergal, 1873; Tune: Messiah, Louis Herold and George Kingsley, 1839 The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
New Rituals
Call to Prayer
Creating God, hear our humble prayer and grant us your peace. (music by Roger Wilhelm)
Pastoral Prayer
#399 "Take My Life and Let It Be" Words: Frances Havergal, 1873; Tune: Messiah, Louis Herold and George Kingsley, 1839
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
“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” — Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be a Christian. Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more holy. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be like Jesus, Lord, I want to be more holy, Lord, I want to be a Christian.
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
Generous God, you show compassion to those who search, knock, and ask. Make us as generous as you to those in need. May we always be eager to shine a light, to open the door, and to welcome the stranger. 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 Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, 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 Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Virtual meetings
Permissions: "This One Thing I Ask of the Lord" © 2011 Hope Publishing Company; "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" © 1999 Hal Leonard Corporation; 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
“Postlude Cantique” — Théodore Dubois
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.
After careful consideration and consultation with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady and the Leadership Team at Asbury, “Dining In For Outreach” is being planned for October 16. All funds raised from this traditionally successful event support the many Outreach ministries of Asbury First. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship with friends old and new, share important information and updates about our Outreach programs and progress, and raise money to assist those in need locally and globally. Due to the pandemic, there will be some changes to this event. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more details.
Visit asburyfirst.org/news for details.
Dining In for Outreach Returns
DINING IN FOR
OUTREACH
Submit your video by Tuesday, September 7
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
We want to hear from you! What new thing has God done in your life since March of 2020? To participate, please send a one sentence response to the question, “What new things has God done in your life since March of 2020?” to Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont at rdupont@asburyfirst.org. Once your sentence is ready to go, please record and submit a video by Tuesday, September 7 by clicking here. If you are unable to record yourself or have questions please email communications@asburyfirst.org.
Together in Ministry Sunday
Sunday, September 12
Join us as we return to in-person worship at 11 am on Sunday, September 12 and help us find "A New Creation" from the recent chaos! After the last 18 months, we are thrilled to return to our regular schedule...even if it is slightly different from past years. There will be a chance to add your "piece" to Asbury First and greet friends again. We hope to see you then! For more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.