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)
September 17, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x126 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 Sarah Brubaker — Director of Communications, x109 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. 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. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. Take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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 Sunday School 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. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, 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 The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • September 17, 2023
Prelude
Variations on “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” — Mark Thewes
Introit
O Sun beyond all suns; O Soul within all souls: grant me the grace of the dawn’s glory; grant me the strength of the Sun’s rays; that I may be well in my own soul, and be part of the world’s healing this day. (Words: John Phillip Newell; Music: Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The Spirit of God has brought us here. The Lord has set us down here, though our bones are tired. Can these dry bones live? Yes! The Breath of God will revive us! The Word of God will awaken us! Today, we come together to experience new life. Let us give thanks to the wild, life-giving Spirit of God!
*Processional Hymn
"Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow” 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
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
"Come, Let Us Dream", vv. 1, 2
*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.
Minute for Mission
Help Me Read, Cristy Peck
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends in Christ, hear the good news: God is more than able to restore us to life, no matter how dry and spent we may feel. Breathe in the healing, renewing, and refreshing love of God, and be restored. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
God, we come before you, broken, battered, and lifeless. Our bones are dry and we have lost sight of who we are. Breathe new life into us that we might live. We need your resurrection power to fall in our lives today. Breathe new life into our lives, our homes, our relationships, and our church. We trust in your power to breathe new life into our dry bones and dead situations. We stand waiting for your life-giving Spirit to fall upon us so that we might be revived, restored, and renewed.
Scripture Ezekiel 37:1-10
The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you and will cause flesh to come upon you and cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I had been commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
Anthem
“O Breath of Life” — Pepper Choplin; words by Bessie Porter Head, alt. O Breath of life, come sweeping through, revive your church with life and power; O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew, prepare our lives to meet this hour. O Breath of love, come breathe within, renewing mind and will and heart; come, Love of Christ, teach us to love, revive your church in every part. O Wind of God, move through your church, come bend and break as to your will; then by your tenderness remold, that as you break us, come remake us as your own. O heart of Christ, broken for us, in you we find our strength and rest; receive our hearts, broken and weak, and let your waiting church be blest. Revive us, Lord, why are we still, while harvest fields are vast and white? Revive us, Lord, the world awaits, raise up your church to spread the light. O breath of life, O breath of love, O wind of God, breathe within our hearts.
To hear the word
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.
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
*Hymn
#420 "Breathe On Me, Breath of God"
Sermon
Dream On: Past
Call to Prayer
Renewing Spirit, hear our praise for your baptismal power that washes us through all our days. Lord, cleanse again this hour. (Words: Thomas Herbranson; Tune: Azmon; Carl Gläzer)
Pastoral Prayer
*Recessional Hymn
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God”
To Disperse in Mission
Offertory Gwen Paker & Jordan Bachmann, soloists
“My Spirit Longs for Thee” — Philip Godfrey; words by John Byrom (1692-1763) My Spirit longs for thee within my troubled breast, Though I unworthy be of so divine a guest. Of so divine a guest unworthy though I be, Yet has my heart no rest unless it come from thee. Unless it come from thee, in vain I look around; In all that I can see no rest is to be found. No rest is to be found but in thy blessed love: O let my wish be crowned and send it from above..
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Claude Debussy)
Postlude
Postlude on “Llangloffan” — John S. 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.
*Prayer of Dedication
From your hands, O God, come the blessings that make life possible, even the very gift of life itself. In gratitude and thanks, receive from our hands this portion of our labors. This we do to your glory. Amen.
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?
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, 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: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“O Breath of God” © 1999 EverGreen Morning Press, © 2017 Lorenz Publishing Co.; “My Spirit Longs for Thee” © 2010 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Help Me Connect
Permissions:
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
9 am • September 17, 2023
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong
Chapel service
*Opening Hymn
#420 “Breathe on My, Breath of God”
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
"Come, Let Us Dream”, vv. 1-3 This hymn can be found on page 5.
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Ezekiel 37:1-10 (found on p. 7)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
#539 “O Spirit of the Living God”, vv. 1, 3
Disciple III Bible Studies
Wednesdays, Beginning September 13, 10–11:30 am, 1010 Red Room and Zoom
Book Read: Your Children Are Very Greatly in Danger
Sundays, Beginning September 10, 9:45–10:45 am, Room LL03 and Zoom
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Spencer and Margaret Heit by the Court family. 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.
As the Spirit Moves Us
Let Freedom Read
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/adults
Fridays, Begins September 15, 9:30 am, Zoom Tuesdays, Begins September 19, 2:30 pm, Zoom
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.
Wednesdays, September 13, 20, 27, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall and Zoom
Wednesday Morning Study Group
CLASSES AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES!
Wednesdays in October, 1040 Sanctuary and Zoom
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9:45 am Children's Enrichment—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School—1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) —1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Parent Meeting—1040 Youth Room 2 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 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—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 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 —1010 COC Red Room 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 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6:30 pm COC Volunteer Orientation —1010 COC Red Room 6:30 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—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic FRIDAY Discipleship Project Leaders Retreat 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 1 pm Jane Jeszenka Memorial—1040 Sanctuary SATURDAY Discipleship Project Leaders Retreat 10 am COC Volunteer Orientation —1010 COC DCC Dining Room 11 am Rev. Susan Lancaster Garofalo Memorial —1040 Sanctuary
Meetings & Rehearsals September 17–23
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
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.
You may have noticed that all buildings on the Asbury First campus now have key-fob entry at the main entrances. This is in response to Rochester Police Department site security surveys in 2017 and this past Spring, which included among many observations and recommendations, that we secure our buildings. The next step in our project is to re-key the remaining exterior doors which do not have fob access. This will move forward within the next month. If you need exterior door access to a building, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x117, and she can work with you to meet your needs.
Improving Campus Security and Access to Campus Buildings
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.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES & SPECIAL GUESTS
Two weeks left! Wednesdays, September 20, 27, 6-7 pm, Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) On Wednesday, September 27, we will have a special guest speaker. Director of the Monroe County Library System, Patricia Utarro, talk about contentious challenges that have taken place at the. Henrietta, Webster, and Riga Public Libraries and what we can do that would be helpful for our local libraries.
Saturday, November 4, 5 pm Appetizers in the Gathering Center, 6 pm Host Dinners
Wednesdays, Beginning October 4, 1040 Sanctuary and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) On Wednesday, October 4, we will be joined by representatives from the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights & Social Justice and the NYS Poor People's Campaign, who will help set the stage on a national level for some of the disparities and challenges that we will encounter as we read through Murphy's book. Copies of the book are available for purchase ($33) by contacting the church office at 585-271-1050 x100.
This November sees the return of the tradition of Dining In For Outreach, which is the biggest annual fundraiser that supports all of our outreach ministry work. Members of our congregation and community gather together for appetizers before attending smaller dinner parties hosted in private homes. A dinner party is also held in the COC itself that is open to anyone who wishes to attend without expectation of a contribution. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Erica Coburn or Tim Mahan at outreach@asburyfirst.org, or sign up in person on Sunday mornings. Be sure to save the date — Saturday, November 4! All are welcome at the table!
Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-2741-1050 x105.
Volunteer Orientation
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.
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
Join us for orientation at the COC: Wednesday, September 20, 6:30-8 pm Saturday, September 23, 10-11:30 am
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*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)