To worship with us
october 17, 2021 • 11 AM
LOCAL AND GLOBAL MINISTRIES
Featuring:
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
OCTOBER 17, 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 “The God of Abraham Praise” — John S. Dixon (based on the tune Leoni) Chimes-Prelude-Aria-Intermezzo-Fantasia
Introit
Worship, glory, honor, blessing, Lord, we offer unto thee; Young and old, thy praise expressing, in glad homage bend the knee. All the saints in heaven adore thee, we would bow before thy throne; As thine angels serve before thee, so on earth thy will be done. (Words: Edward Osler; Music: Franz Joseph Haydn)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 104)
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God of all creation, we come to praise and worship you. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, making the clouds your chariot, and riding on the wings of the wind. You set the earth on its foundations, hiding its depths with a watery cloak that moves in the rhythm of your breath. In your wisdom, you have made us in your image, showing us glimpses of glory in the work of your hands. God of life and love, we come to praise and worship you.
11 am • October 17, 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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Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
*Opening Hymn
#529 "How Firm a Foundation" Words:attr. George Keith, 1787; Tune: Foundation, early American melody
11 am
*Welcome
Prayer of Confession
God of love and compassion, you call us to lives of love and service. You call us to work with you for the healing of the world. Yet sometimes we get caught up in complaints about the unfairness of life. We seek explanations when we don’t always get our way. Forgive us when we forget that we are not the center of your great creation. Keep us mindful that you are the beginning and ending of all things.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Hear the good news: In the midst of our everyday hardships and worries, God never leaves us. God opens our eyes to see all the good that surrounds us. 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.
Minute for Mission
Cameron Ministries — Carolyn Hamil
Scripture Job 38:1-7, 38-41
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that a flood of waters may cover you? Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’? Who has put wisdom in the inward parts, or given understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens, when the dust runs into a mass and the clods cling together? Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, when they crouch in their dens, or lie in wait in their covert? Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food?”
To hear the word
Anthem
“Canticle of the Creator" — Craig Courtney; words by Pamela Martin I laid the earth’s foundations; I stepped across her span. Where were you when I measured her scope with just my hand? I set in place her cornerstone and every beam I raised. Where were you when the angels danced, when stars sang forth in praise? I spoke and the sea was born as she poured from the deep. Where were you when her cover of clouds observed her sleep? I held her waves with doors of sand; they labored to be free. Where were you when they rushed the shores and turned back in retreat? I bid the morning show her face and drove the night away. Where were you when the dawn arose to usher in the day? Where were you at creation? The universe was bare. Before the earth’s foundations, I chose you; I was there. I chose you; I was there.
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
"When We Are Called to Sing Your Praise" Words: Mary Nelson Keithahn; Tune: Kingsfold, Trad. English melody
Sermon
Restoring Grace
Call to Prayer
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul. (Words: Horatio Spafford; Tune: Ville du Havre, Philip Biss)
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 Bess Philips, Soprano Brenda Nitsch, Alto, Dan McInerney, Tenor Holden Turner, Baritone
"How Shall I Sing to God” — Lloyd Larson; words by Brian Wren How shall I sing to God when life is filled with gladness, loving and birth, wonder and worth? I'll sing from the heart, thankfully receiving, joyful in believing. This is my song, I'll sing it with love. How shall I sing to God when life is filled with bleakness, empty and chill, breaking my will? I'll sing through my pain, angrily or aching, crying or complaining. This is my song, I'll sing it with love. How shall I sing to God and tell my Savior's story: Passover bread, life from the dead? I'll sing with my life, witnessing and giving, risking and forgiving. How shall I sing to God when life is filled with gladness, loving and birth, wonder and worth? I'll sing from the heart, thankfully receiving, joyful in believing. This is my song, I'll sing it with love.
*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
Creator of all that is and that ever shall be, we offer you our time, talent, and treasure in gratitude. May we always be thankful for your world of wonder and beauty. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, vv. 2-4 Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; Tune: Easter Hymn, from Lyra Davidica, 1708
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!
Permissions: “When We Are Called to Sing Your Praise” © 2000 Abingdon Press; “Canticle of the Creator” © 2003 Malcolm Music and Harold Flammer Music; “How Shall I Sing to God?” words © 1986 Hope Publishing Co., music © 1999 GlorySound; 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.
ALTAR FLOWERS We offer our prayers and concerns The flowers on the altar are in celebration of the wedding of Ashley King and Jordan Cole. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to friends and family of David Barber (Cristy Peck's father) who passed away October 13. We offer our prayers and concerns to friends and family of Roger Wilhelm who passed away October 3. A memorial service will be held in the Spring.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Dawn Riedy 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 Acolytes: Keeley Shafer, Quentin Parks Crucifer, Christ Candle Bearer: Declan Shafer, Spencer Anderson 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!
Celebrations and concerns
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Postlude
"The God of Abraham Praise" — Michael Burkhardt
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 17–23
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/6174865464) 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—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Parliament of World's Religions —1040 Room 203 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope 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/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961)
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Fall Campus Clean Up
Donations for Outreach
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
Because of the pandemic and the need to plan months in advance, Dining In for Outreach will not take place this year. Annually, this event raises thousands of dollars used to provide needed services for guests at our on-campus and off-campus ministries. We remain committed both to keeping our church members safe and continuing our outreach efforts. In this challenging hour, please consider making a special gift for Outreach. Please scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/give-outreach, or speak with volunteers in the Welcome Hall who will be available to accept your donation.
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). Visit our website for some FAQs and Slido question submission instructions. Questions? Please email governance@asburyfirst.org.
Governance Board Open Forum Sunday, October 24, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream