I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your children shall prophesy, your elders shall dream dreams, and your youth shall see visions. —Joel 2:28 (abridged)
TOGETHER 
IN MINISTRY Sunday
September 10, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
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.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • September 10, 2023
Prelude
Brian Donat, Cello
Duane Prill, Piano
Sicilienne, Op. 78 — Gabriel Fauré Rêverie — Claude Debussy
Introit
I was glad when they said unto me: “Let us go to the house of the Lord!†And now our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem! (Words: Psalm 122:1-2; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
Based on Joel 2:28

All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type.

God’s promise to God’s people: “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; Your children shall prophesy. Your elders shall dream dreams; Your youth shall see visions.†Give us strength, courage, and vision, O divine Dreamer. May we continue to feed the flames of your imagination within our hearts.
*Processional Hymn
"Waken Now, O Christian Familyâ€â€¨â€¨This hymn can be found on the next page.
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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11 am
Words: Carol Reed; Music: David Klement
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
"We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder", vv. 1, 2
Prayer of Confession
God of bountiful love and inexhaustible vision, we pray this day for a renewed measure of your Spirit. We confess that we sometimes allow our zeal to flag. We confess that we are reluctant to risk stepping away from what’s comfortable. We have fashioned lives that seem good, while fearing we fall short of your call. Speak peace and confidence into our hearts, Lord God. Give us vision and a prophetic spirit to renew our commitment.
To hear the word
Scripture
Genesis 28:10-19a
Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a stairway set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; 
the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring, and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and 
to the east and to the north and to the south, and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until 
I have done what I have promised you.†Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!†And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.†So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.
*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.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God’s promise to God’s people: “You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.†Let these words fill you as you rise, inspired and ready to accept the challenge ahead. In the name of Jesus Christ we are forgiven and renewed. Amen.
Anthem
Solo Quartet with 
Sanctuary Choir
“Jacob's Vision" — English carol melody; words traditional 
As Jacob with travel was weary one day, at night on a stone for a pillow he lay; he saw in a vision a ladder so high that its foot was on earth and its top in the sky: 
(Refrain:) Alleluia to Jesus who died on the tree, 
and has raised up a ladder of mercy for me.

The ladder is long, it is strong and well-made, has stood hundreds of years and is not yet decayed; many millions have climbed it and reached Zion's hill, many millions by faith are climbing it still: (Refrain) 
Come let us ascend! All may climb it who will; for the angels of Jacob are guarding it still: and remember, each step that by faith we pass o'er, many prophets and martyrs have trod it before: (Refrain) 
And when we arrive at the haven of rest we shall hear the glad words, "Come to me, all the blest, here are regions of light, here are mansions of bliss." Who would not want to climb such a ladder as this? (Refrain)
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
Creating God, hear our humble prayer and grant us your peace. (Words and Music: Roger Wilhelm)
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn
"Come, Let Us Dream", vv. 1-3
Sermon
Dream On
Offertory
Sanctuary Choir
Duane Prill, Piano
Brian Donat, Cello

“The Gate of Heaven†— Craig Courtney, incorporating the spiritual “Jacob’s Ladderâ€; 
 words by Susan Bentall Boersma 
Lord of the cloud and fire, my heart is in your hand. From the darkness, lift me to the Light. Your will my soul command. Lord of the cloud and fire, lead me to worlds unknown. Light Eternal, you alone can change the darkness into dawn. From the darkness to the Light, let by the Lord of cloud and fire, at Heaven’s gate I stand. From the darkness to the Light, let by the Lord of cloud and fire, by faith I stand at Heaven’s gate, the house of God. 
(“We are climbing Jacob’s ladder…â€) Rise, shine. Give God glory. 
Lord of the cloud and fire, I bow before your throne. By faith at Heaven’s gate I stand, and find it home, and find it home.
*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
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee†This hymn can be found on the next page.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin, 
 Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Cellist: Brian Donat Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Sam Doerner Video Operator: Larry Dugan Graphics Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello 


“Jacob's Vision†arr. © 1971 Walton Music Corporation; “The Gate of Heaven†© 2012 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Prayer of Dedication
Whatever challenges we face, O God, we have also known your many blessings— threshing floors full of grain, and vats overflowing with wine and oil. Accept our gifts as tokens of our thankfulness, that they may be used to prophesy in your spirit and to share your bounty with those in need. Amen.
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Seven-fold Amen (Peter Lutkin)
Postlude
Trumpet Tune in D Major — David Johnson
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Theeâ€
9 am • September 10, 2023
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady 
Pianist: David Strong
Chapel service
Prelude
*Call to Worship

*Opening Song
"Come, Let Us Dreamâ€, vv. 1-3 This hymn can be found on page 8.
*Welcome & Passing 
of the Peace
Scripture
Genesis 28:10-19a (found on p. 6)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee†This hymn can be found on page 11.
Benediction
Wednesdays, Beginning September 13, 10–11:30 am, 
1010 Red Room 
and Zoom
Book Read: 
Your Children Are Very Greatly in Danger
NEW CLASSES AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES!
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?
Let Freedom Read
As the Spirit Moves Us
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Warren J. Root by the Froelicher family; in loving memory of Linda Crawford & Emily Ann Short by David Crawford and family; and in celebration of the wedding of Amber Conrow and Enderson Naar. 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 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. We offer our prayers and concerns 
to the family and friends of the Rev. Susan Lancaster Garofalo, who died on May 20. A memorial service will be held for Susan at Asbury First on Saturday, September 23 at 11 am.
Wednesdays, October 4, 1040 Sanctuary 
and Zoom
Disciple III Bible Studies
Wednesday Morning Study Group
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.
Fridays, Begins September 15, 
9:30 am, Zoom 
Tuesdays, Begins September 19, 
2:30 pm, Zoom

Wednesdays, September 13, 20, 27, 6-7 pm,
Room 205 
and Zoom
Sundays, Beginning September 10, 9:45–10:45 am, Room LL03 
and Zoom
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
Scan the QR code, 
visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, 
or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Asbury Art Class — Silk Painting
Lectio Divina
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 10 am Children's Education Open House
 —1040 Education Wing and Front Lawn 10 am Adult Sunday School Open House
 —1040 Fellowship Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade)
 —1040 Education Wing 1 pm Live Music and Community Meal
 —1040 Front Lawn 1 pm 6th–12th Youth Groups—1050 Granger Lawn MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 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 (Bell Room) 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Studies
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 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) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Let Freedom Read—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Godspell Auditions—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary 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 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) SATURDAY 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry— 
 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Youth Musical: Godspell
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
Wednesday Night Community Dinner
Meetings & Rehearsals September 10–16
Join us for orientation at the COC: Wednesday, September 20, 6:30-8 pm Saturday, September 23, 10-11:30 am
Auditions: Wednesday, September 13, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall
Are you as excited about the new Community Outreach Center (COC) 
as we are? Then come on over and learn about volunteering at the COC! Each session at 1010 East Ave. will last about 90 minutes and will include important information relevant to volunteering in any capacity within the Center. We are encouraging all volunteers, past, present, and future, to attend a session! 
Questions? Contact the Rev. Pat Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x136.
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.
Youth Musical Auditions
Groups are forming in September and will begin in October. If you are interested in participating in The Discipleship Project, please contact the Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont at rdupont@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 x113.
We are thrilled to announce year three 
of The Discipleship Project at Asbury First will officially begin this Fall! We will move “From Dreaming to Doing†in thoughtful weekly discussions that are framed by the liturgical seasons in the life of the church.
Volunteer Orientation
It’s time to dream again 
as a congregation! 
Join us as we celebrate what God has accomplished through 
us 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
Fill out a “dream cloud†and place it on the boards around campus. There will be a large board in the Gathering Center as well as a board in the Education Wing and at the Community Outreach Center with clouds, pens, and pushpins or tape to add your “dream cloud.†Share a dream on our Kudoboard online. Visit asburyfirst.org/dream-on to add a note with your dreams for Asbury First
from anywhere around the world! Call the church office to add your dreams! Call us at 585-271-1050 x100 and we will take down your dreams and add them 
to the dream board.
Ways to share YOUR dreams for Asbury First: