TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
September 5, 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
Chorale Prelude on “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring” — J.S. Bach/arr. Hal Hopson Chorale Prelude on “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring” — Percy Whitlock
Welcome
Call to Worship Based on Psalm 125
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. We gather here to worship God, whose steadfast love endures forever. We gather surrounded by the Holy Spirit, who encourages us to walk with Christ. Praise be to God, whose goodness and mercy fill our days. Praise be to God, whose ways lead to peace and justice.
11 am • September 5, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Opening Hymn
#581 "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" (vv. 1-3) Words: Albert Bayly, 1961; Tune: Beach Spring, attr. B.F. White, 1844
11 am
Scripture Mark 7:24-37
Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of all, your grace and mercy fill our lives every day. Forgive us when we fail to acknowledge your presence in our lives. Forgive us when we treat your children unfairly or unequally. Forgive us when our daily actions fail to reflect our faith in you. Lead us to embrace abundant life for all of your children. Open our hearts to the healing you freely offer us.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Friends, celebrate the Good News: Christ, the great Healer, brings wholeness to our lives. 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
“At the Name of Jesus” — French carol, arr. James Kirkby; words by Caroline Noel At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess Him King of glory now; It is his pleasure we should call Him Lord, Who from the beginning was the mighty Word. Humbled for a season, to receive a name From the lips of sinners unto whom He came, Gladly He bore it spotless to the last, Brought it back victorious when from death He passed. Bore it up triumphant with its human light, Through all ranks of creatures, to the central height, Before the throne and to the Father’s breast; Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest. In your hearts enthrone Him; there let Him subdue All that is not holy, all that is not true; Crown as your Captain in temptation’s hour; Let His will enfold you in its light and power.
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
#454 "Open My Eyes, That I May See" Words and Music by Clara H. Scott
Sermon
All-Inclusive
Call to Prayer
We bring ourselves, a humble offering, an instrument, your peace to bring. Amen. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Julianne Burch, Clarinet Joe Hernandez, Piano
“Hymn for the Lost and the Living” — Eric Ewazen
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, we offer our gifts and ask you to bless them, that all may have food, clothing, and shelter. Bless us and use us, that all may know of your steadfast love and unending grace. 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. Jackie Nelson Liturgist: Rev. Rachel Dupont Children's Time: Mike Mullin 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: “At the Name of Jesus” © 2010 St. James Music Press; 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 in D” — Healy Willan
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.
Wednesday Evenings, September 15, 22, 29, 6-7 pm Wesley Hall (Choir Room on the lower level of 1040)
This Fall, our Wednesday morning study group will begin a new book, Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage by Steven Charleston. This group is open to all. Some members have been together for many years, others joined during COVID, and still others come and go as interests and schedules permit. This Fall, we are excited to be delving into Ladder to the Light as we continue to search for our own light amidst a continued pandemic. Steven Charleston is a Choctaw elder and an Episcopal priest, and his work promises to both comfort and challenge its readers. Books may be purchased online, or by contacting Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
With our Fall theme of “New Creation,” we wanted to kick off our Wednesday evenings in September based on the theme of creation. The first week, we will focus on our biblical creation accounts, and how they might speak to us in this season. For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/adults.
Adult Education
Wednesday Morning Study Group
Wednesdays, beginning September 15, 10-11:30 Beginning on Zoom, zoom.us/j/8347173468
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.
Together in Ministry Sunday
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.