IN CHRIST
NEW
CREATION
OCTOBER 3, 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
We look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity to celebrate Communion today. As you entered, you should have received a sealed package containing the elements. You may simply set them aside until you are directed. If you didn't receive a package, please alert an usher. Special packages with a gluten-free wafer are available for those who need them.
Prelude
Pange lingua ("Of the Glorious Body Telling") — arr. Charles Callahan St. Columbia ("The King of Love My Shepherd Is") —arr. Charles Callahan Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness — arr. Donald Busarow Adoro te devote ("Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ") — arr. Charles Callahan
Introit
Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored; thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee. (Words: John Cennick, 1741; Tune: Tallis’ Canon, Thomas Tallis, c. 1567)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 8
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We gather as your children, connected in Christ. What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? We gather as your children, seeking your kingdom. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet. We gather as your children, ready to be your hands and feet in the world. Our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We gather as your children, to give thanks for your faithful love.
11 am • October 3, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost World Communion Sunday
*Opening Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West" Words: John Oxenham, Laurence Hull Stookey; Tune: McKee, African-American spiritual
*Welcome
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God, we confess that our old ways are so comfortable. They fit like old slippers; they feel like old friends. We don them more readily than our resurrection clothes; We find it easier to dwell in the familiar than in your future. We cling to our old world, and hesitate to step into your New Creation. Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to your vision. Help us to live as Spirit-children in your New World. Help us to draw the world into a new day, warmed by the brightness of your love.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Celebrate and rejoice! The old has passed away, and the resurrection of Jesus makes everything new. 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 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Scripture Galatians 3:23-29
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Anthem
“The Church of God Is One” — David Hill; words by Daniel W. Whittle, alt. The Church of God is one as brethren here we meet; For us salvation’s work is done, in Christ we stand complete. The Church of God is one: all, sinners saved by grace; Our plea, the precious blood alone; the cross, our meeting place. The Church of God is one: one only Lord we know; We worship Jesus, God’s own Son, who came God’s love to show. The Church of God is one: His message we revere; In it all saving truth is known, and God to man brought near. The Church of God is one: one blessed hope have we; Our dear Redeemer’s sure return His loving face to see. 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.
*Hymn
#388 " O Come and Dwell with Me" Words: Charles Wesley, 1762; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter, 1551
Sermon
A New Creation: In Christ
Communion Hymn
#620 "One Bread, One Body", vv. 1, 2 Words and Music by John Foley, 1978
Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
The Lord's Supper
Prayer after Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
“Sing a New Church”, vv. 1, 3, 5 Text: Delores Dufner, OSB; Tune: Nettleton, anon. American melody
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 Lay Reader: Sean Mahan 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: Charlie Bohrer, Quentin Parks 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: “The Church of God Is One” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press 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
Amen — Théodore Dubois
Postlude
Now the Silence, Now the Peace — Carl Schalk, arr. Walter Pelz
Lectio Divina
Gentle Yoga
Governance Open Forum
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Meetings & Rehearsals October 3–9
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Sunday 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 Welcome Hall 1 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Youth Groups (check asburyfirst.org/events) 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 pm Women On Wednesday —1040 Library 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1050 Front Porch 6 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 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
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.
For everyone's safety, please wear a mask. Remember, Over the nose is where it goes.
REMEMBER YOUR TIPS FROM JOE!
To watch, or re-watch Joe's video, visit asburyfirst.org/news.
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:
If you really want to give someone a hug, try one of the special signs available at the front entrance.
Try to follow the Pew Signs and sit to maintain social distancing. Remember to stay six feet apart.
To help keep us socially distant during worship, please take a look at the signs on the pews when you find a seat. To keep our “All Are Welcome” promise, the signs are positive and instruct you on where TO SIT, instead of where NOT TO SIT. The hearts on the sign indicate where is best to be on that particular pew. We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe!
Thank you for helping keep everyone safe!
FELLOWSHIP HOUR UNDER THE TENT!
Sundays, 12 pm, Tent Between 1040 and 1050 (By the Flagpole) Do you miss the Fellowship Hour after Sunday worship? So do we!
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!
PLEASE SIT HERE
Social Distancing and Pew Seating
For more information, visit www.asburyfirst.org/governance
In order to answer questions and hear from the congregation on open questions moving forward, the Governing Board will be hosting an Open Forum following the service on Sunday, October 24 in the sanctuary (and on the live stream). We have also put up a list of answers to FAQs on our website. If you have questions that you want us to be prepared to answer or would like us to put up on the website, please email governance@asburyfirst.org.
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
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
Governance Board Open Forum Sunday, October 24, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream
This Sunday, we will partake in our first Communion in person since March 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will supply individual Communion elements upon entering the sanctuary. This will help keep us safe as we connect with each other in this wonderful sacrament. As a special treat, our pulpit and lectern will display new banners (or antependiums, Latin for “to hang before”) to celebrate World Communion Sunday. These beautiful, double-sided fabric pieces were lovingly created by Master Weaver, Jan Towsley. The works were commissioned by the Asbury Altar Guild in memory of our former member, Elaine Boyd.