To worship with us
September 3, 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.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • September 3, 2023
Prelude
“Five Canzonetti” — Noel Goemanne
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Followers of Christ, God calls us just as we are to speak truth to the world. Who are we to have been called by God? Like Moses standing before the burning bush, convinced of his unworthiness, we ask: Who are we to have been called by God? Like Peter and the other disciples, who struggled to respond to Jesus’ invitation, we ask: Who are we to have been called by God? As we raise this question to God today, we open our hearts to receive God’s answer: We are God’s beloved children! We hear the call to share God’s love and to transform the world.
*Processional Hymn
#64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
“They'll Know We Are Christians” (Words and Music by Peter Scholtes) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; (repeat) and we pray that all unity will one day be restored: (Refrain:) And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, and they'll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; (repeat) and together we'll spread the news that God is in our land: (refrain)
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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*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.
Scripture Exodus 3:1-15
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness and came to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. Now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
11 am
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we live in a culture that is reluctant to admit guilt, assume responsibility, or ask for forgiveness. Yet we are so bold as to pray the words of the psalmist who said: “Search me, O God, and know my heart." Search us, O God, and reveal anything that stands between us and your love. Search us, O God, show us our sins so that we might confess them. Search us, O God, show us places where we have neglected Christian responsibility. Teach us how to live on this earth with each other. Search us, O God, and show us the ways of forgiveness and peace.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God has promised to forgive our sins when we confess them and to cleanse us from all manner of unrighteousness. Rise as children of God, reconciled and empowered to lead holy lives. Thanks be to God! Amen.
To hear the word
*Hymn
#448 "Go Down, Moses", vv. 1, 3, 11
Sermon
The Speed of Trust
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 (cont'd)
and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. Now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say t o the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.
Pastoral Prayer
Call to Prayer
Thou fount of blessing we adore! Lo, we unlock our lips once more Before thy well of holiness. O, deign to hear us now and bless. (Words: Gerhard Teerstegen, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Music: adapted from F.J. Haydn, Creation)
Offertory
“The Voice of God” — Lloyd Larson, words by Jan McGuire In every local language, in every native tongue, God hears the hearts of people and speaks to everyone. The limits of our language God easily transcends. Love hears our weakest whimper and always comprehends. (Refrain) God speaks in every language to all both far and near. With words of grace and mercy, Love longs for all to hear. But whether still and quiet, or with a mighty sound, Wherever love is spoken, the voice of God is found. The languages of nature, of land and sky and sea, Of all the living creatures, God speaks them fluently. All things that God created converse in different ways, So even trees and mountains can offer up their praise. (Ref.) God speaks at times with thunder and mighty rushing wind; At other times, a whisper, a gentle thought within. But whether still and quiet, or with a mighty sound, Wherever love is spoken, the voice of God is found.
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.
To Renew Commitment
*Recessional Hymn
#436 “The Voice of God Is Calling”
*Benediction
Postlude
“Hornpipe in D Major” — John Dixon
*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.
“The Voice of God” © 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company; 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.
To Disperse in Mission
Prayer of Dedication
Accept these offerings in gratitude and praise for the many blessings that we have received from your hand. Accept the gift of our love, and our pledge to love others as you have loved us. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Ellen Williams Organist: Duane Prill Quartet: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Carl Johengen Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote Audio Operator: Rick Church Production Director/Video Operator: Larry Dugan Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
*Opening Song
"Amazing Grace” (Words: John Newton; Tune: American melody 1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. 2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 6. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
Scripture
Exodus 3:1-15 (found on p. 4-5)
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.
9 am • September 3, 2023
OUTDOOR service
Prayer
*Closing Song
“Christ Beside Me” Words attr. St. Patrick, adapted by James Quinn; Tune: Bunessan, trad. Scottish Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart; Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me never to part. Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me shield in the strife; Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life. Christ be in all hearts thinking about me, Christ be on all tongues telling of me, Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Musician: Carl Johengen
9 am
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals September 3–9
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
Sunday 9 am Worship Service Outdoors (moved inside if inclement weather) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center MONday Campus Closed for Labor Day Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Room 205 3 pm Gentle Yoga—Canceled; Returns September 19 Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 6:30 pm Sanctury Choir—Welcome Back Desserts 7:30 pm Sancutary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 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
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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.
Youth Musical Auditions
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.
Auditions: Wednesday, September 13, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall
1050 Driveway Change
Along with the driveway sealing and re-painting of the lines in our parking lot and driveways, the driveway next to 1050 now has 2-way access (like the 1010 driveway), and the parallel parking there has been eliminated. Please be careful as you use this driveway (in either direction) while everyone gets accustomed to this change.
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
Help Me Connect
Children's Ministry Kick-Off and Open House 10 am, Education Wing Explore our children's worship and the results of our survey, then check out the bounce house! Where, oh where, has the (adult) Sunday School gone? 10 am, Fellowship Hall Learn all about adult Sunday School groups of the past, and our plans for the future at this open house. Live Music and Lunch 12 pm, Front Lawn Melody Masters Big Band will help us kick-off the Fall with an outdoor concert while enjoying hot dogs for lunch.
Together in ministry Sunday
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.
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
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.
#64 "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
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