NEW
September 12, 2021 11 AM
WE MEET AGAIN
CREATION
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 inside regardless of vaccination status. Outside, masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated and encouraged for everyone else. To learn more about the new policy or to read our FAQs, visit www.asburyfirst.org/news/2021/9/updated-covid-protocols. 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 fill out the half sheet in your bulletin and place it in the basket upon exiting the sanctuary. 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. 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 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 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 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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in G Major — Felix Mendelssohn
Introit
Praise the Lord; ye heavens adore him; praise him, angels in the height. Sun and moon, rejoice before him; praise him all ye starts of night. (Music: Franz Joseph Haydn, adapted by Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 148
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. Grace to you and peace, from God our Creator and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us worship God. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God in the heights! Praise God, all God's angels; praise God, all God's host! Let all creation praise the name of the Lord, for God commanded and all was created. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for God's name alone is exalted. God’s glory is above earth and heaven. Alleluia!
11 am • September 12, 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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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Together In Ministry Sunday
*Opening Hymn
"Sing a New Church" (vv. 1, 3, 4, 5) Words: Delores Dufner, OSB, 1961; Tune: Nettleton, anon. American melody
11 am
Scripture Genesis 1:1-5
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Scripture Revelation 21:1-7
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Anthem
“Behold, the Tabernacle of God” — William Harris; words from the Sarum Primer, Salisbury, 11th century Behold, the tabernacle of God is with you, and the Spirit of God dwelleth within you: For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are: For the love of whom you do this day celebrate the joys of the temple with a season of festivity. Alleluia.
To hear the word
*Welcome
Virtual Litany
What new thing has God been doing in your life?
*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.
*Hymn
#553 "And Are We Yet Alive", vv. 1, 3, 4 Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason
Sermon
A New Creation: We Meet Again
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
#672 “God Be with You till We Meet Again” (v. 1) Words: Jeremiah Rankin, 1880; Tune: God Be With You, William Tomer, 1880
A Litany of Remembrance
Life-Giving God, we find ourselves shocked at violence perpetrated against innocent victims. It is hard to believe that such devastation can exist in our world. We pray for your new creation. Love divine all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down; Ever-Present God, we find ourselves isolated by our thoughts as we try to make sense of the losses we have sustained. We have felt numb and afraid and alone. We pray for your new creation. Visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart. Compassionate God, we find ourselves angry and frustrated in our grief. We are anxious to find a sense of normalcy. We are enraged by injustice. We pray for your new creation. Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast! All-Knowing God, we find ourselves wondering what could have changed if we took a different path. We question our leaders, our neighbors, our selves. We pray for your new creation. End of faith as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty. Almighty God, we find ourselves overwhelmed and feeling helpless in the midst of our suffering. Despite all of our activity, despite our attempts, it seems that nothing can be done. We pray for your new creation. Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive; Creator of All, help us to be present to you in the midst of our grief. Guide us to accept the challenges we have faced and the losses we have sustained as an invitation to a new path. Give us courage and wisdom to pray and live: Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be, Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee; Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
Choral Response
Amen from Requiem, Gabriel Fauré
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. You may also give by placing your offering in the basket near the doors when you exit the sanctuary today.
Offertory
“How Can I Keep from Singing” — American folk hymn, arranged by Andy Beck My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. No storm can shake my inmost calm, I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? What though the tempest ‘round me roar, I know the truth, it liveth. What though the darkness ‘round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm, I hear the music ringing. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
*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
Loving God, you bless us in so many ways and with so many gifts. May we offer our gifts so those who have little may be fed, clothed, healed, restored, and graced, in Jesus' name. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (vv. 1, 3, 4) Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Beecher, John Zundel
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolyte, Crucifer, Christ Candle Bearer: Ellie Cady, Quentin Parks, Charlie Bohrer Head Usher: Brian White 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: “Behold, the Tabernacle of God” © 1954 The Royal College of Church Music; “How Can I Keep from Singing” © 2008 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; 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
*Benediction Response
Sevenfold Amen, John Stainer
Postlude
Sonata No. 2: Allegro maestoso vivace — Felix Mendelssohn
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.
Children's Music
NOTA Farmers Market (Only 3 Weeks Left!)
Gentle Yoga (returns Sept. 21)
Check Out These Events and Classes!
Dynamic Disciple Challenge Returns
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
Our Sunday School classes have started up again! All are welcome to join. For more information and a full list of events, visit www.asburyfirst.org/events.
Lectio Divina
Together in Ministry Sunday
Help us find a "New Creation" together 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. Make sure to stop by the display case in the Welcome Hall to add your "piece" to Asbury First and greet friends again.
Wednesday Morning Study Group
Order Your Name Tag!
School Supply Drive for Schools 17 & 45
While some of us find it easy to remember names, many of us could use the reminder of a name tag. Wearing name tags will help us learn one another's names, keep us from worrying when we've forgotten someone's name, and help make our community stronger. Scan the QR code to order yours!
Women on Wednesday