October 15, 2023 • 11 AM
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 Sarah Brubaker — Director of Communications, x109 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. Please sign in on the red fellowship pad and pass it down your pew. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. Take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Large print bulletins and hymnals are available from the ushers. A hearing loop is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches, and you may also request earphones from the ushers to aid you in hearing the service. The screens located toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome of differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, 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 asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • October 15, 2023
Prelude Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
"Staccato Giocoso" — Cathy Moklebust "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" — William J. Kirkpatrick, arr. David Schwoebel "Zacchaeus "— Traditional, arr. Sandra Eithun
Introit
We greet the morn, a new day dawning, with open hands and hearts that sing: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. In the days of Noah, God placed a rainbow in the sky as the sign of a covenant of God's love for all the earth. In the colors of the rainbow, we see the sign of God's grace for all creation. In the days of Moses, God’s words were written on tablets of stone, as the sign of a covenant between God and all of God's people. In God’s words, we see the signs of hope that all humanity can live in peace with God and neighbor. In the days of the prophet, God promised to place a new covenant in our hearts. As members of the living Body of Christ, we see the signs of God's promise dwelling among us.
*Processional Hymn
"All Are Welcome”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 This hymn can be found on the following page.
{{page}}
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
"All Are Welcome", vv. 1, 2, 4, 5
11 am
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 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.
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#464 I Will Trust in the Lord, v. 1, sung twice
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, when faced with the enormity of your love for all people, sometimes all we can do is confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to embrace one another as equally valued members of one body. We have been lured into legalism, favoring human security over divine, radical grace. We have rebelled against your love, believing that your favor is earned, rather than freely given to us and every sibling in Christ. We have valued certain voices, perspectives, and bodies above others. Even when we fail to seek forgiveness, and have not yet forgiven one another, we seek forgiveness from you. Free us for joyful obedience, through Christ our redeemer. Amen.
Scripture Job 1:1, 2:1-6, 23:1-9, 16-17
There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and the accuser also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to the accuser, “Where have you come from?” The accuser answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. (cont'd on the next page)
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Hear the good news: Through the expansive, mysterious, divine gift of grace made known in the person of Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled and restored to our Creator, and entrusted to bear this magnificent love to the world. Through Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen.
To hear the word
*Hymn
#560 "Help Us Accept Each Other", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Worth Fighting For
Call to Prayer
We bring ourselves, a humble offering, an instrument, your peace to bring. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
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.
Scripture (Cont'd)
He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.” Then the accuser answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! All that the man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.” Then Job answered: “Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would give heed to me. There the upright could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge. “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face!" The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
"Trust and Obey" — Daniel B. Towner, arr. Michael Helmanh
*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.
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place it in the offering plate as it is passed to you. 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 asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory
"We Are Singing for the Lord Is Our Light" — South African Freedom Song, arr. Hal H. Hopson; verses based on Psalm 27:1-4 Refrain: We are singing, for the Lord is our light. The Lord is the strength of our lives; of whom shall we be afraid? Though foes may be near to destroy, the Lord will be our light. (Refrain) One thing have we asked of the Lord, yes, this is the thing we seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord; to live with God forever. (Refrain) When burdens are heavy to bear, our shelter is God alone. Our feet are lifted high, yes, high upon a rock. (Refrain) We walk in the strength of the Lord, God’s love is ever sure. We shout that the world may hear, we sing a joyful song. (Refrain)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
*Recessional Hymn
#529 “Sing a New Church”, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5 This hymn can be found on the following page.
To Disperse in Mission
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Jess Winderweedle Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Lay Reader: David Schlick Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Video Operator: Sam Doerner Audio Operator: Rick Church Graphics Operator: Griffin Allen Technology Support: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“We Are Singing for the Lord Is Our Light” © 1994 Hope Publishing; “Sing a New Church” words © 1991, Sisters of St. Benedict. Published by OCP Publications; “Staccato Giocoso” © Augsburg Publishing; “'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” © Agape/Hope Publishing Co.; “Zacchaeus” © Choristers Guild; “Trust and Obey” © Lorenz Music Publishers; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some liturgical elements have been adapted from Rev. Darin Arntson Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of all people, we are linked together in a community of friendship and support. May we all continue to share in your gifts of love, strength, courage and wisdom. Give us understanding and sympathy with each one’s difficulties, patience with each one’s faults, and grace to help carry each one’s burdens. Amen.
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Show us your vision, what is ours to do, illumined, changed, and made anew. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Words and music by Ashley Danyew)
Postlude
"A Joyous Recessional" — Matthew H. Corl
"Sing a New Church", vv. 1, 3, 4, 5 Words: Delores Dufner, O.S.B.; Tune: Nettleton, Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, 1813
9 am • October 15, 2023
Chapel service
Preacher: Rev. Jess Winderweedle Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong
Prelude
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. In the days of Noah, God placed a rainbow in the sky as the sign of a covenant of God's love for all the earth. In the colors of the rainbow, we see the sign of God's grace for all creation. In the days of Moses, the God’s words were written on tablets of stone, as the sign of a covenant between God and all of God's people. In God’s words, we see the signs of hope that all humanity can live in peace with God and neighbor. In the days of the prophet, God promised to place a new covenant in our hearts. As members of the living Body of Christ, we see the signs of God's promise dwelling among us.
*Opening Hymn
“Sing a New Church”, vv. 1, 3 (found on p. 9)
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Job 1:1, 2:1-6, 23:1-9, 16-17 (found on p. 5-6)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
“Sing a New Church”, vv. 4, 5 (found on p. 9)
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Weldon Crossland by the Altar Guild. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support UMCOR at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please contact Jeanne Ristau at 585-223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Anne Porter Mikels, who died on Friday, September 22. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Richard “Dick” Moncrief, who died Monday, October 9. We will share information about a service for Dick as soon as the details are finalized. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of Martha and Jeremy Tuke on the loss of Martha’s father, Henry L. Woodward, who died on October 4 in North Carolina.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals OCTOBER 15–21
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class—1050 Teak Room 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra—1040 Wesley Hall 9:45 am Children's Enrichment—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School—1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) —1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group—1040 Youth Room 2 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 11 am Older Adult Worship and Luncheon —1040 Sanctuary and Gathering Center Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 2 pm Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door Wednesday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Your Children are Greatly in Danger Class —1040 Sanctuary 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm Confirmation Class—1040 Youth Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 4 pm Gentle Yoga—Canceled, Only on Tuesdays Moving Forward 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) SaturDAY 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9 am Mini-Golf Fundraiser—Champions Mini Golf in Macedon 3 pm Palliative Care Memorial Service
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at 585-271-1050
November 10–12, 2023
Our Youth Musical this Fall will be Godspell! Rehearsals are under way (please check the church calendar for up-to-date schedule) with show dates of November 10–12, 2023. After the incredible success of The Sound of Music, we cannot wait to put together another incredible musical experience. Tickets will be on sale soon! For more information, please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or by calling the church office at 585-271-1050.
Come See the Youth Musical!
Tuesday, October 24, 6–8 p.m. 1040 Gathering Center
Representatives of the Gandhi Institute will lead a training that is open to all around best practices and skills when working with people experiencing trauma and/or crisis. This is a great opportunity to grow in our ability to offer care to our neighbors whom we encounter in the Community Outreach Center and beyond. Please visit asburyfirst.org/news to register to attend. Contact Pat Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org.
Our youth will be hosting our first-ever Asbury First Mini-Golf Outing, with all proceeds to support our youth missions.
Fall iCampus iClean Up
The costs to play are $11 for adults, and $9 for kids 15 and under. Tee times are available for purchase in the Welcome Hall after the service on Sunday, or by contacting the church office during the week. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at 585-271-1050 x105 mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Saturday, October 21, Champions Mini Golf in Macedon Tee times starting at 9 am, $11 per adult, $9 per under-15
Please join us for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup. We'll meet at the Main Entrance of the Church (parking lot entrance). Please bring rakes, tarps — and anything else you find makes this task interesting, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks will be provided. Please contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 ext. 110 if you have any questions!
The Rev. Jess Winderweedle (she/her) is an elder in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology (Homiletics) at Princeton Theological Seminary. Jess’s research interests center on the experiences of LGBTQ+ preachers in Mainline Protestant traditions. Jess grew up in Oklahoma, but she has called the East Coast home now for over 16 years. Before returning to school, Jess served as lead pastor at Kingston UMC where she also founded The Feed Truck, a mobile campus and community outreach ministry.
About our Guest Preacher
This November sees the return of the tradition of Dining In For Outreach, which is the biggest annual fundraiser that supports all of our outreach ministry work. Members of our congregation and community gather together for appetizers before attending smaller dinner parties hosted in private homes. A dinner party is also held in the COC itself that is open to anyone who wishes to attend without expectation of a contribution. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Erica Coburn or Tim Mahan at outreach@asburyfirst.org, or sign up in person on Sunday mornings. Be sure to save the date — Saturday, November 4! All are welcome at the table!
Saturday, November 4, 5 pm Appetizers in the Gathering Center, 6 pm Host Dinners
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: Sunday, November 5, 12:30-1:30 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Lunch served. Hybrid: Wednesday, November 8, 7 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
New Member’s Classes
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
The Governing Board will be hosting another open town hall to share updates on various aspects of our life together and to answer your questions. If you have specific questions, please call the church office at 585-271-1050 or email us at governance@asburyfirst.org. For more information about the Governing Board or the recent committee activity, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.
TOWN HALL
Sunday, October 22, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, November 12.
#464 "I Will Trust in the Lord”, v. 1, sung twice
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
Return to Page 3
Return to Page 7