To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
october 10, 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
Partita on “He Leadeth Me” — Jon Spong (Tune by William Bradbury) Chimes-Chorale-Dialogue-Verset-Trumpet Tune-Finale
Introit
Blessed Jesus, at thy word we are gathered all to hear thee; let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear thee, by thy teachings sweet and holy, drawn from earth to love thee solely. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The kingdom of God is at hand. We want to enter this kingdom. The mercy of God is made known. We want to receive this mercy. The grace of God is abundant for all. We praise you, O God, for your compassion and your love. Accept our grateful praise as we come to worship you today.
11 am • October 10, 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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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
*Opening Hymn
#98 "To God Be the Glory" Words: Fanny Crosby; Tune: To God Be the Glory; William Doane
11 am
*Welcome
Prayer of Confession
Living God, your way can be hard. Yet you still call us to give up everything and to follow you. Sometimes we call out to you, and cannot hear you above the noise of our lives. Sometimes we cling to what is familiar, fearing the future. Free us from our desires, and transform us into generous spirits. Work within us, that we may know your real presence. We cannot do this alone, Living God. We call out for your hand to guide us.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Jesus, our Savior, knows what it is to experience pain and struggle. He leads us to the one who offers grace and forgiveness. He reminds us that with God, all things are possible. 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 Mark 10:17-27
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Anthem
“Footsteps” — Craig Courtney; words by Jonathan Cook I see His footsteps in the way, and follow them through darkest night, Unafraid, I stumble not, in the glow of perfect light, I see. I walk in footsteps of His love, and find His light leads on before, Then He gently turns to me, softly whispers, “trust Me more.” I walk. Then as I follow in His way, my path ahead will brightly shine, For in His path of guiding light, I find His footsteps first, then mine.
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.
To hear the word
*Hymn
#398 "Jesus Calls Us", vv. 1, 3, 4, 5 Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1852; Tune: Galilee, William H. Jude, 1874
Sermon
A Wealthy Dispossession
Call to Prayer
Gracious Lord, thyself impart! Light of light, from God proceeding, open thou our ears and heart; help us by thy spirit's pleading; hear the cry thy people raises; hear, and bless our prayers and praises. (Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Liebster Jesu, Johann Ahle)
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 Kayla Sconiers, Mezzo-Soprano
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” — African-American Spiritual, arr. Lloyd Larson I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me; all along my pilgrim journey, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me; in my trials, Lord, walk with me; when my heart is almost breaking, I want Jesus to walk with me. When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when my head is bowed in sorrow, I want Jesus to walk with me.
*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
Jesus, you challenged the rich man to sell what he had and give to the poor. May we hear and respond to that challenge, trusting in God’s provision for our lives. May our gifts of self bring hope to places of pain and need. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#88 “Maker, in Whom We Live” Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Diademata, George Elvey
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, go to the website, or call the office to order yours!
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Jackie Neslon, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Heather Watras, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Connor Nelson Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Order Your Name Tag!
Permissions: “Footsteps” © 2018 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” arrangement © 2011, 2016 Hope Publishing Company; 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
May the sun show warm and bright upon you, your darkest night a star shine through, your dullest morn a radiance brew, and when dusk comes, God’s hand to you. (Music by Roger Wilhelm)
Postlude
Postlude in D Major — John S. Dixon
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Wednesday Morning Study Group
Governance Open Forum
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals October 10–16
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 3 pm Memorial Service — Peter Oddleifson —1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Youth Groups (check asburyfirst.org/events) MONDAY 1 pm Memorial Service — Elaine Campbell —1040 Sanctuary 4:30 pm Governance Board Meeting—Zoom 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 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee—Zoom 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) SATURDAY 7 pm Skalny Center (UofR) Concert—1040 Sanctuary
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Gentle Yoga
For more information, visit www.asburyfirst.org/governance
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
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.
Governance Board Open Forum Sunday, October 24, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream
Sermon Podcast Official Launch! subscribe to our sermon podcast for an Automatic Download!
Did you know that you can listen to the Sunday sermon on our podcast? It is time to officially launch our Asbury First UMC — Sermon Podcast! If you’d like to check it out, you can find it at www.asburyfirstumc.fireside.fm, or you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music Podcasts, and many more! Keep an eye out for a celebration of this new ministry.