IN THE WILDERNESS
NEW
CREATION
September 26, 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

Suite Gothique ("Gothic Suite"), Op. 25 — Léon Boëllmann
 Introduction-Choral
 Menuet gothique ("Gothic Minuet")
 Prière à Notre-Dame ("Prayer to Our Lady")


Introit
When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! (Words: 18th century German, tr. Edward Caswall; Tune: Laudes Domini, Joseph Barnby)
*Call to Worship

All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We come to this place because we want to know God, who helps us set aside the past, to walk the path to new life. We come in these moments because we want to know Jesus, who anoints us with the resurrection, who shares our lives with us. We come with these people because we want to know the Spirit, who shapes us for life with God, so we may praise God forever! Let us worship God. Alleluia! Amen.
11 am • September 26, 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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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
*Opening Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", vv. 1, 3, 4








































Words: Joachim Neander, 1680; Tune: Lobe den Herren, 17th century German tune
*Welcome
11 am
To hear the word
*Gathering Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", v. 5 
This hymn can be found on the preceding page.

Prayer of Confession
As we offer our prayers of confession, remember that God chooses to forget about our past, forgiving us so we may embrace the new life and new hope offered to us in grace. Join me as we pray: God of new things, often we complain about our own needs, rather than living in your grace. Often our focus is on the past, and we miss the new things you do in our midst. Sometimes we cling to our achievements, our treasures, and we miss the call to follow Jesus. Forgive us, Restoring God, and help us to notice the kingdom springing forth in our midst. Transform our fears into faith, our seeds of grief into an abundant harvest of joy. May our tears turn into rivers of tenderness as we journey with Christ.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Do we notice what God has done for us, what God is doing in us? God leads us into new life, where we are restored to grace, to hope, and to peace. This good news is for everyone. 
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
Isaiah 43:14-21
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. (cont'd)
Scripture
(Cont'd)
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Anthem
Bess Phillips, soprano
Kayla Sconiers, mezzo
Brenda Nitsch, alto
Dan McInerney, tenor
Holden Turner, baritone
Jordan Bachmann, baritone

“I Will Do a New Thing†— words and music by Heather Sorenson
 I will do a new thing. I will make a pathway through a barren land, rivers in the sand. I will bring a healing, I will show a vision of a greater plan, guided by my hand, thus says the Lord. 
I will bring salvation, lives from desolation bearing heaven’s name; I will take their shame. Then I will show my power; I’ll restore the hours you have run in vain, claim them for my gain, thus says the Lord. 
I make all things new. Like the past, I will do a great and mighty thing: a new wellspring of answers to prayer, of paths I’ve prepared for you. 
I will do a new thing. Feel my Spirit moving like a rushing wind. Freedom now begins. Open up the portals, and I, the Lord Immortal, pour out heavens love, riches from above, thus says the Lord.
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
#140 "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", vv. 1, 3









































Words: Thomas Chisholm, 1923; Tune: Faithfulness, William Runyan, 1923
Sermon
A New Creation: In the Wilderness
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
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






“Is This a Day of New Beginnings?†— Carl Johengen; words by Brian Wren 
Is this a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone? 
How can the seasons of a planet, mindlessly spinning ‘round its sun, with just a human name and number say that some new thing has begun? 
Yet through the life and death of Jesus, God's mighty Spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again. 
Then let us, with the Spirit's daring, step from the past and leave behind our disappointment, guilt, and grieving, seeking new paths, and sure to find. 
So let us gather round the table to taste and see what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new. 

*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
We want to know you and serve you, Generous God. Help us to let go of the things we hold dear, so that blessings of hope and life might be offered to the needy, the lonely, the hungry all around us. Receive our gifts, we pray, so that others might be transformed even as we are. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#160 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heartâ€, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5 
 










Words: Edward Plumptre, 1865; Tune: Marion, Arthur Messiter, 1889
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, Rev. Dr. Timothy Johnson, Mike Mullin
Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan
Organist: Duane Prill
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: Quentin Parks, Jack Giordano
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
Order Your Name Tag!
Permissions: “Is This a Day of New Beginnings†words © 1978, 1987 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1995 World Library Publications; 
“I Will Do a New Thing†© 2019 Hal Leonard LLC; 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
Be this, while life is mine, my canticle divine: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this the eternal song through all the ages long: May Jesus Christ be praised! (Words: 18th century German, tr. Edward Caswall; Tune: Laudes Domini, Joseph Barnby)
Postlude
Toccata from Suite Gothique, Op.25 — Léon Boëllmann
Lectio Divina
Gentle Yoga
NOTA Farmers Market 
LAST CHANCE!
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Adult Education: New Creation
Meetings & Rehearsals September 26–October 2
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 Adult Bible Study—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Live-Stream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday 
 Lunch—1040 Fellowship Hall 1 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal
 —1040 Fellowship Hall
 6 pm Youth Groups (check asburyfirst.org/events) Monday 4 pm NOTA Farmers Market—Granger Lawn 
 LAST CHANCE!!! Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 7 pm Gospel of Mary Magdalene
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/87195784797) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group—Zoom 8347173468 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Women On Wednesday
 —1040 Gathering Center 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
 —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1050 Front Porch 6 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal
 —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm New Creation—1040 Room 203 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall 7 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961) FRIDAY 9:30 am 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
We are still adjusting to being back together after so long, so here are a few reminders 
from Joe Congregant to make sure we are all safe and comfortable:
Try to follow the Pew Signs and sit to maintain social distancing. Remember 
to stay six feet apart.
Sundays, 12 pm, Tent Between 1040 and 1050 (By the Flagpole) Do you miss the Fellowship Hour after Sunday worship? So do we!
FELLOWSHIP HOUR UNDER THE TENT!
REMEMBER YOUR TIPS FROM JOE!
For the next few weeks, we have a tent set up between the 1040 Education Wing and the 1050 Office Building that provides a space for social-distanced fellowship. We hope to see you there!
To watch, or re-watch Joe's video, visit asburyfirst.org/news.
If you really want to give someone a hug, try one of the special signs available at the front entrance.
For everyone's safety, please wear a mask. Remember, Over the nose 
is where it goes.