All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
September 20, 2020 • 11 AM
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. We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. We will also be holding a special Zoom meeting (https://zoom.us/j/8347173468) with Paula and Holly on Wednesdays at 11:30 am to keep connected. 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
Suite on “The Church's One Foundation” — Robert A. Hobby
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the liturgist will read the unbolded type. God of all creation, you have called us to be your church. You have blessed us with 200 years of singing your praise! God of our hearts, you are calling us to be your church. You are blessing us with gifts to love your children. God beyond time, your call of love never ends. Be with us as we move forward in love, life, and service to all of creation!
Opening Hymn
#57 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (vv. 1-3, 7) This hymn can be found on the next page.
Words of Greeting
Bishop Mark Webb — Resident and Presiding Bishop, Upper New York Annual Conference Dr. Angela Sims — President, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Adam Bello — Monroe County Executive Harry Bronson — New York State Assemblymember, 138th District Lovely Warren — Mayor of Rochester
16th Sunday after Pentecost BICENTENNIAL SUNDAY
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11 am • September 20, 2020
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
#57 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (vv. 1-3, 7) Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; Tune: Azmon, Carl Glaser, arr. Lowell Mason, 1839
11 am
Hymn
#117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past (vv. 1, 2) Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: St. Anne, attr. William Croft, 1708
Celebration of Life
Longest Member of the Community — Mason Fitch, joined March 18, 1937 Newest Member of the Community — William Christopher VanDenBergh, born August 31, 2020
Scripture Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
#117 O God, Our Help In Ages Past (vv. 3, 6) See above
Rev. Susan Shafer — Senior Minister, 2011-2015; Minister for Pastoral Care, 1980-2011; Current Senior Minister Emerita Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls — Senior Minister, 2007-2011 Rev. Dr. Robert Hill — Senior Minister, 1995-2006 Rev. Dr. Ted Weeden — Senior Minister, 1977-1995, Senior Minister Emeritus
To hear the word
Anthem
“What Gift Can We Bring?” — words and music by Jane Marshall What gift can we bring, what present, what token? What words can convey it, the joy of this day? When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise? Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed. Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring, the Word is our promise always, forever; we rest in God's keeping and live in God's love. This gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day! When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise!
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 Words composed for the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of First Methodist Church
"Centenary Hymn" Words: Rev. Dr. Benjamin Copeland, 1920; Tune: Truro, Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789
Sermon
For Years to Come
Moment of Remembrance
#711 For All the Saints (vv. 1, 4) Words: William W. How, 1864; Tune: Sine Nomine, Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Litany of Celebration Written by Rev. Susan Shafer
For over 200 years, we Methodists have amazingly and faithfully trusted in the inspiration of God’s Spirit made known in Christ Jesus. God has been our Guide and Guardian, our Protector and Provider, our Inspirer and Instructor. God’s faithfulness and gift-giving Presence is ever among us. We gather in excitement to celebrate what has been and to trust what is yet to be. We praise You, O God. A people called Methodists, of various names, have worshipped together Sunday by Sunday, for 200 years, listening to the preached Word of faith, singing hymns of inspiration, praying for direction and compassion, finding our hearts “strangely warmed”, and our lives called into service. The transcendent power of God has intersected with the immanence of Christ calling us into a life of the Cross. We praise You, O God, for Your steadfast faithfulness in our lives. Over 200 years, we have listened with faithfulness to the call of Christ and given with our time, talent and treasures. Having responded with our hearts and souls we have reached out beyond the borders of any particular building in which we have resided. As a community of faith, we have been a beacon of Christ’s Light to all God’s people both in our city and beyond its borders. Our faith draws us ever onward to new, deeper, and inclusive, visionary ministries of care and outreach. We praise You, O God, for the movement of Your Spirit in our lives.
Invitation 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 Recorded live in worship January 19, 2020 Festival Choir Duane Prill, Piano Ryan Dick and Jim Farrington, trumpet Jeff Dunn and Bob Kalwas, trombone
“Steadfast” — Craig Courtney; words by Susan Bentall Boersma Lord, through all the generations you have been our dwelling place. Ever true and ever faithful, showing mercy, love and grace. (Refrain:) You are steadfast, you are steadfast, Lord. Steadfast is your love, O Lord. Water from the rock you offer, bread of heaven from above, Strength each day, new every morning, hope in your redeeming love. (Refrain) When my soul by doubt is darkened in the valley of despair, Walking in the vale of shadows, I can feel your presence there. Your compassion, never failing, steadfast is your love, O Lord. You alone deserve our praises, you are worshiped and adored. (Refrain)
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
God of the Ages, as you have blessed us with the gift of life together, so we commit again to share that life with the world. May these gifts be seeds of grace for the next 200 years of life and ministry. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, for over 200 years we have trusted You to lead us and have found comfort and inspiration for faithful lives. Lead us now into the future where our eyes may see Your creative presence, our ears may hear Your call onward in faithfulness, our hearts may be inspired to respond to Christ’s call to care for all humanity and our souls may rest in Your blessed assurance made known through You, in Christ. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#555 "Forward Through the Ages" Words: Frederick Lucian Hosmer, 1908; Tune: St. Gertrude, Arthur S. Sullivan, 1871
Benediction
Benediction Response
#672 “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” (v. 1)
Permissions: “What Gift Can We Bring” © 1982, 1990, Hope Publishing Co.; “Steadfast” © 2019 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2020 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik, and Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
Postlude
“Toccata Brevis" — Daniel Gawthrop
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson, Mike Mullin Director of Children’s Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Susan Huppé, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Video Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
BICENTENNIAL TRIVIA
The cornerstone of our current chapel was laid in what year?
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Bicentennial Bible Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. For a full list of events, and clickable links, visit www.asburyfirst.org/events. HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Follow the link: zoom.us/j/8347173468 for the main meetings, and us02web.zoom.us/j/338565981 for “Changing Weighs," and us02web.zoom.us/j/868571089 16?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZmFxUHgrQ1hjdz09 for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our discipleship Zoom account to take their meetings online, please contact Rev. Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Virtual meetings
From last week: Who preached the sermon at the 1920 Centennial Celebration? A. Benjamin Rush Rhees, a Baptist minister and president of the University of Rochester.
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
Leah and Seth, Dick and Jean Miller's grandchildren
223
2,339
Check out the timeline below to see how far we've come to have a membership of
Countries reached Globally including the United states
People at First Church.
#asburyfirstathome
30
We are connected more than we think! Here are some numbers from last week that show our global reach.
Canada
Singapore
If you’re watching at home, make sure to take a picture and post it with the tag #asburyfirstathome. Here are a few more posts and submitted pictures from last week.
Social media posts
Viewers Connecting
Live Stream Check-ins
UNIQUE DEVICES watching on youtube live
Callers listening live on our toll-free number
3
Which equals approximately:
Viewers Watching
14
Still better together
495
4
Asbury First has been around almost as long as the city of Rochester starting with
Devices watching:
Text Check-ins
16
Here's to 200 more years!
42
People Watching Together
People.
995
Bruce Kost
JAPAN
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
and more...
Visit www.asburyfirst.org/200 for more 200th anniversary content:
ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10 am — Pre-service special video submissions from members of the community sharing stories and memories about Asbury First. 11 am — 200th Celebration Worship Service which includes:
CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF
Pre-service video Kudoboard Church Timeline Archive Treasures
Congratulations from Rochester leaders The longest member and newest member of the community Words of greeting from former ministers of Asbury First
Tune in at 10 am to begin the celebration!
Though we never imagined our 200th anniversary to be like this, here are a few ways to celebrate with us while we are apart: