NEW
CREATION
FROM THE DUST
September 19, 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 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
"Choral-Prelude" — Théodore Dubois "Prelude in F" — Théodore Dubois
Introit
We seek the Lord at break of morn, and to our souls a light is borne. The earth awakes and sheds its light into the darkness of our night. God hears our prayers at break of morn, and light into our hearts is borne. (Words: John Brownlie; Music: L. van Beethoven, adapted by Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. We believe God still creates; We want to see more clearly. We believe God still speaks; We want to listen more carefully. We believe God still guides; We want to walk more faithfully. We believe God still breathes life into the world; We want to inhale more deeply. May this be a time of seeing, hearing, walking, breathing. May this be a time of true worship.
11 am • September 19, 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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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
*Opening Hymn
#152 "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" Words: Isaac Watts, 1715; Tune: Forest Green, trad. English melody, arr. R. Vaughan Williams
*Welcome
11 am
Hymn 611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Jacob Horning, child of Elizabeth and Dave Horning
Congregational Pledge
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that this child may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
*Gathering Hymn
#145 "Morning Has Broken", v. 3 Words: Eleanor Farjeon; Tune: Bunessan, Trad. Scottish melody Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning born of the one light, Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day
Prayer of Confession
We have been created for goodness by you, Artist of all things. Yet we continue to allow bitterness to fill our hearts. Your Word would enable us to speak of joy to others. Yet we offer only judgment. The Spirit which breathes hope into us could be shared with everyone we meet. Yet we hold back, rather than giving peace to those around us. God, you know our hearts, our hopes, our desire to be made new. Open us again to your presence, and give us new life.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
The good news is as true as it was on creation’s first morning: God our Creator is the redeeming Word and the Breath of life for all people. 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.
Scripture Genesis 2:4b-9
These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Anthem
“Immortal, Invisible” — Welsh melody, arr. Eric Thiman; words by Walter C. Smith Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might, thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small. In all life thou livest, the true life of all. We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight. All laud we would render; O help us to see ‘tis only the splendor of light hideth thee. Amen.
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.
Minute for Ministry
John Smalt, Help Me Read program
To hear the word
Call to Prayer
O Breath of Life, come sweeping through us, revive your church with life and power. O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew us; and fit your church to meet this hour. (Words: Bessie Porter Head, 1920; Tune: Bishop Powell; David Ashley White, 1987)
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1, 2, 3, 6 Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: St. Anne, attr. William Croft, 1708
Sermon
A New Creation: From the Dust
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 Bess Phillips, soprano Brenda Nitsch, alto Carl Johengen, tenor Holden Turner, baritone
“Creating God” — Daniel Nelson; words by Jeffrey Rowthorn Creating God, your fingers trace the bold designs of farthest space; let sun and moon and stars and light and what lies hidden praise your might. Sustaining God, your hands uphold earth's mysteries known or yet untold; let water's fragile blend with air, enabling life, proclaim your care. Redeeming God, your arms embrace all now despised for creed or race; let peace, descending like a dove, make known on earth your healing love. Indwelling God, your gospel claims one family with a billion names; let every life be touched by grace until we praise you face to face. Creating God, sustaining God, redeeming God, indwelling God.
*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
Like the gifts of creation, we are but stewards of all we possess. And like the gifts of creation, they are not to be hoarded, but shared with the hungry, the lonely, the lost, the struggling. As we offer our gifts, receive our thanks and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#150 “God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” (vv. 1, 2, 4) Words: Catherine Cameron, 1967; Tune: Holy Manna, William Moore, 1825
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!
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Christ Candle Bearer: Charlie Bohrer, Spencer Anderson Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Carolyn Curran Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Order Your Name Tag!
Permissions: “Immortal, Invisible” © 1926 Novello and Company Ltd.; “Creating God” words © 1979 Hope Publishing Co.; music © 2011 Paraclete 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
*Benediction Response
Amen, Livingston Gearhart
Postlude
“Te Deum Laudamus” — Alöys Claussmann
Lectio Divina
Dynamic Disciple Challenge Returns
Gentle Yoga (returns Sept. 21)
Children's Music
NOTA Farmers Market (Only 2 Weeks Left!)
Adult Education: New Creation
Women on Wednesday
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Meetings & Rehearsals September 20–25
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Sunday 9:15 am Bible Study Group—1050 Porch 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1010 Back Yard 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Live-Stream 12 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—Fellowship Hall 1 pm Annie Rehearsal (Youth Musical) 6 pm Youth Groups Monday 4 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961) 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—Granger Lawn Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—Gathering Center 4 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group—Zoom 8347173468 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1050 Front Porch 6 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall 6 pm New Creation—1040 Room 203 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary Thursday 4 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961)
Wednesday Morning Study Group
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
A behind-the-scenes conversation
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Was Jesus's most important disciple a woman? What does the Gospel of Mary Magdalene—manuscript fragments from the 2nd century which first came to light in 1896—reveal about how she understood the teachings of Jesus? In the spirit of being open to spiritual transformation you are invited to participate in what will be an energetic, challenging, and provocative exploration of the book The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity by Cynthia Bourgeault. The group will be facilitated by Rev. Kathy Thiel and Claude Adair starting September 28.
Sunday, After 11 am Service, Live-Stream This week we focus on the past and creation “From the Dust.” To go with that theme, there will be a new Chancel Chat following the postlude with a blast from the past. Colleen Robinson discovered some old 8 mm film of a 1959 snowstorm in Rochester that features a snow-covered Asbury First. She was kind enough to share the footage with us. Stay tuned after the 11 am service to learn more about it!
Tuesdays starting Sept. 28, 7 pm, Zoom