October 29, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
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 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.
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • October 29, 2023
Prelude Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director
Toccata in D Minor, BWV 538 — J.S Bach "A Hymn for Band" — Hugh M. Stuart/arr. Johnnie Vinson
Introit
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now; our hearts in true devotion bow. Your Spirit send with grace divine, and let your truth within us shine. (Words: 17th c. German, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, 17th c. German)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 90
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God, we know you are with us. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You have showered your love upon all generations, since the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Guide us now through this time of worship, and into the week ahead. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
*Processional Hymn
#155 "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 6
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#408 "The Gift of Love"
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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To hear the word
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, as we feel God’s love washing over us now, let us celebrate this love with our very lives, and boldly share the good news of God’s love and mercy with others. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. Amen.
*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.
Minute for Mission
Live Stream Operators — David Berg
Prayer of Confession
Everlasting God, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Since the creation of the world, you have nurtured us with your love. And yet we shamefully acknowledge that we do not always share your love with others. We are selective about who we choose as neighbors: those who look like us, who talk like us, and who seem safe. Loving God, teach us to love you more fully. For in loving you, our lives will show love to all others. We pray in the name of your greatest gift of love, Jesus Christ.
11 am
Scripture Matthew 22:34-46
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’? “If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Response
#431 "Let There Be Peace on Earth"
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn
#453 "More Love to Thee, O Christ", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
One Side
Anthem
"Ubi Caritas" — Maurice Duruflé, based on a Gregorian chant melody (sung in Latin) Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Amen. Where there is charity and love, God is there. We are gathered into one in Christ’s love. Let us rejoice and in Him be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And may we love each other with a sincere heart. Where there is charity and love, God is there. 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.
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.
*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 and Consecration of Pledges
Friends in Christ, God has seen fit to call us together as the Church of Jesus Christ in this place and time. For over 203 years, God has given us the word of creation, redemption and blessing. God has given us the word of forgiveness and grace. God has given us the word of guidance and mission. God has sent the Holy Spirit to empower us for that mission. Accept, O God, now our word of commitment and praise as we offer these tokens of our love and signs of pledge and commitment which we consecrate today. By your word of blessing and grace, may these gifts and pledges bring to life our dreams for your kingdom. Amen.
Offertory Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director
“That Old Time Religion” — arr. Nick Simmons-Smith
To Renew Commitment
*Recessional Hymn
#581 “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”, vv. 1, 2, 4
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Jonathan Ivers, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director/Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
“Ubi Caritas” © 1960 Editions Durand; “A Hymn for Band” © 1985 Shawnee Press, Inc.; “That Old Time Religion” © Salvation Army South Music Publications; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
All glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in one! To you, O blessed Trinity, be praise throughout eternity. (Words: 17th c. German, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, 17th c. German)
Postlude
Fugue in D Minor, BWV 538 — J. S. Bach
9 am • October 29, 2023
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong
Chapel service
Prelude
*Call to Worship
*Opening Hymn
#408 “The Gift of Love”
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Matthew 22:34-46 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
#431 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Fall iCampus iClean Up
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
Saturday, November 11th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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!
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the importance of my family and our Church family by Lorraine Fusare. 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 David Crawford and his family on the death of his sister, Susan Crawford, on October 23. A service was held on October 27. We offer 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of David Phillips who died on October 16. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 2 at 3 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Richard "Dick" Moncrief, who died on October 9, 2023. A memorial service for Dick will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11 am.
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Meetings & Rehearsals OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 5
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra—1040 Wesley Hall 9:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class—1050 Teak Room 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 2 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 12:30 pm Youth Group (Middle and High School)—1040 Youth Room (lower level) MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 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 God and Guns—1040 Sanctuary and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200) 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) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 3 pm David Phillips Memorial—1040 Sanctuary 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Tech Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall SaturDAY 5 pm Dining In for Outreach—1040 Gathering Ctr.
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
Saturday, November 4, 5 pm Appetizers in the Gathering Center, 6 pm Host Dinners
Saturday, November 4
Gather with family and friends for a fun morning of running or walking while you support our important ministries. 100% of your race registration fee will go directly to support our Dining & Caring Center and our Grocery Bag Ministry. There are 10k, 5k, 1 mile, virtual and Kid’s Fun Run Events. If running or walking isn’t for you, consider a donation to support our team. You can visit www.groceryrun.org to sign up or donate. Please be sure to register as part of our Community Outreach Center Team.
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!
Community Outreach Center Team
Join the Asbury First
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.
Asbury First Youth Musical
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
Performances: Friday, November 10 at 7 pm Saturday, November 11 at 7 pm Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm
All tickets are $12 and all proceeds support the Asbury first youth programming & missions.
To purchase tickets visit asburyfirst.org/godspell/
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.
Tickets are available!
Return to Page 3
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#408 "The Gift of Love”
Return to Page 7
#581 "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service", vv. 1, 2, 4
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)