November 5, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Partita on “St. Anne” — Jacob B. Weber
Youth Musical Preview: The Cast of "Godspell" Larry Dugan, Director Carol Lamica, Music Director
“Beautiful City” — Stephen Schwartz
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We have come to affirm our historic faith. To worship the God of our forebears. We have come to remember God’s benefits to us, the living. To respond in thanksgiving to the mighty works of God in our lives. We have come to affirm our trust in the God of all futures, To whose name be blessing and honor, glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
*Opening Hymn
#709 “Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above”, vv. 1, 2, 4 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 "In Christ There Is No East or West", vv. 1, 2
11 am • November 5, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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All Saints' Day
Litany of Invocation
Gracious, loving God, we open our hearts to you. Hear our prayer. We lift up to you all who are suffering in body, mind, and soul. We pray especially for those who have gone before us: those whom we held dear and those we never met. You have welcomed them each with your loving, open arms. Comfort those who mourn their passing. Bless them with an extra measure of your healing balm as they grieve. Give us the courage to hold on to all our good memories, and the strength to love and serve you, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.
June Brush Rev. William Burdick Katherine Crumley Dr. John DeMocker Norma Jean Dickerson Ted Epping Bonnie Erwin Robert Fitch Jefferson (Jeff) Fraser Rev. Paul Gongloff Catherine Lu Hitchcock Jane Jeszenka Beth Kleinstuber Rose Lehman Maxine Lisi Grace Matthews Alice Mahan Ruth McConnell Anne Porter Mikels David Petherbridge Michael Proukou Dorothy Ray Bruce Russell James Sands Rev. Linda Shevlin Jeremy (Jerry) Smith Margrieta Vogelaar David E. Ward Wanda Ward Marilyn Waring Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden Karen Webster Richard Wilke Darin Wilson
11 am
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of these listings. If a name or gift has been listed incorrectly or inadvertently omitted, please accept our apologies. Please contact Deb Bullock-Smith with any corrections at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org, or 585-271-1050, x117
Moments of Remembrance
Our Deceased Members from October 21, 2022 through October 1, 2023 (including constituents and associates)
Departed Relatives and Friends of Asbury First Members and those whose Memorial Services were held at Asbury First
To remember the saints
David Barber Doris Barrows Samuel Bishop John Braund Heidi Liebert Fine Rev. Susan Lancaster Garofalo Elizabeth Hackett Stephen Hemming Hogan Hickman Merilyn Israel Julian Karr Patricia Linsner Timothy McInerney Kalie Marie Moses Russell Peck Durwood Raplee Frank Szakos Karl Wiberg
Storehouse Marian Lubba Marilyn Wadsworth Marilyn Waring Dining and Caring Center Bonnie Erwin Edward Hicks Community Outreach Center Bruce Kost Heidi Liebert Fine Grocery Bag Ministry Sheldon E. Merritt Edith V. Montgomery Landscaping Don Anderson David Barber Norma Jean Dickerson Tim Fulreader Thomas Jackson Mary Morin Mary Petronio Faith Poole Music Don Anderson Balcony Railing Robert Trout Ted Weeden Preaching Fund Rev. Dr. Ted Weeden Church Building Maintenance Fund Robert Fitch
Memorials
Litany
At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them. At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them. At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, We remember them. When we have joys we yearn to share, We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make, We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs, We remember them. As long as we live, they too shall live, for they are a part of us, as we remember them.
To hear the word
Scripture Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry live, and they establish a town to live in; they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield.
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
#102 "Now Thank We All Our God", vv. 1, 2
To Renew Commitment
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
“Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether” – Harold Friedell; words by Percy Dearmer Draw us in the Spirit's tether; For when humbly, in they name, Two or three are met together, Thou art in the midst of them: Alleluia! Alleluia! Touch we now thy garment's hem. As disciples used to gather in the name of Christ to sup, Then with thanks to God the Father break the bread and bless the cup: Alleluia! Alleluia! So knit thou our friendship up. All our meals and all our living make as sacraments of thee, That by caring, helping, giving, we may true disciples be. Alleluia! Alleluia! We will serve thee faithfully. We will serve thee faithfully.
Sermon
Enduring Love
....And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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...
Communion Hymn
#618 “Let Us Break Bread Together”, vv. 1, 2
Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
Eucharistic Prayer
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ... ...And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
Hymns
#612 "Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness" #614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"
Prayer after Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we, strengthened by the communion of saints, may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
#711 “For All the Saints”, vv. 1, 2, 4, 6
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Alleluia, alleluia! (Sine Nomine, Ralph Vaughan Williams)
Postlude
Fugue and Chorale on “Sine Nomine” — Richard Proulx
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Timothy James Johnson Assisting with Communion: Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Rev. Brian Rotach Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill 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: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Zeke Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
To Disperse in Mission
“Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether” © 1957 H.W. Gray Co., Inc.; 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.
9 am • November 5, 2023
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 (found on pg. 6)
Communion
#711 "For All the Saints", vv. 1-3
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Gene Simmons by his daughter Tammy Clifford & family; and in loving memory of Kathy Welch by Norm and Jesse Welch; and in loving memory of Jane Jeszenka, beloved and dedicated member and past president of the Altar Guild — given 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 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 prayers and concerns to the family of Richard "Dick" Moncrief who died on October 9. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family of David Phillips who died on October 16. A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 2 at 3 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to David Crawford and his family on the death of his sister, Susan Crawford, on October 23. We offer our prayers and concerns to the Rev. Susan Shafer, Senior Minister Emerita, and her family following the death of Dr. John Shafer on October 28. A memorial service was held on Friday, November 3 at 1 pm.
Help Me Connect
Celebrations and concerns
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 NovemBER 5–11
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
Sunday 9 am Worship Service—1040 Gathering Center 9 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 12:30 pm New Members Class—1010 Red Room 2 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal —1040 Fellowship Hall 2 pm Youth Group - Disc Golf at Ellison Park 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 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Reh.—1040 Fell. Hall 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 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal—1040 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm New Members Class—1010 Red Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6 pm Godspell Youth Musical Rehearsal—1040 FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast—1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 7 pm Godspell Youth Musical—1040 Fell. Hall SaturDAY 9 am Fall Clean Up—1040 Front Yard 7 pm Godspell Youth Musical—1040 Fell. Hall
Monday, November 27, 2 pm, Linden Knolls, 81 Linden Avenue, lower dining room Tuesday, November 28, 2 pm, The Highlands at Pittsford, 100 Hahnemann Trail. Music Room. Hearing loop available. Wednesday, November 29, 2 pm, St John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West (off of Elmwood), Multi-function Room
Older Adults are invited to join us for a time of favorite hymns and Advent communion, as well as an opportunity to talk with Kathy and Stephen, over punch and cookies. Feel free to attend 1, 2 or all 3 services, to connect with long-time friends and begin the Advent season. All are welcome! Any questions? Please call Barbara Eltinge, 737-8875.
The Thanksgiving season has historically been a time for members and friends of Asbury First to donate to some of our on-campus outreach ministries. This year, we have the opportunity to bring donations and tour the new Community Outreach Center on Saturday and to the altar on Sunday during the Thanksgiving In-Gathering.
Register by Sunday, November 26
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your child be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Children’s Sunday School immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 3. Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor of the education wing or click here to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Sunday, November 19, 11 am Service
Advent Communion
For a list of needed items, visit asburyfirst.org/ thanksgiving-in-gathering
Sunday, December 3, 5 pm, Gathering Center
Fall iCampus iClean Up
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!
Saturday, November 11th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you to bring your kids and come enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a special Christmas story at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3. Please don your pajamas as we share the magic of the season with you and your family. Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by November 29 at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
Advent Winter Wonder Night
Asbury First Youth Musical
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.
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
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: Sunday, November 5, 12:30-1:30 pm, 1010 Red Room (new location!), Lunch served. Hybrid: Wednesday, November 8, 7 pm, 1010 Red Room (new location!) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
New Member’s Classes
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.
To purchase tickets visit asburyfirst.org/godspell/
All tickets are $12 and all proceeds support the Asbury first youth programming & missions.
Tickets are available!
*Processional Hymn
#709 “Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above", vv. 1, 2, 4
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)
#618 "Let Us Break Bread Together", vv. 1, 2
#612 "Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness"
#614 "For the Bread Which You Have Broken"
#711 "For All the Saints", vv. 1, 2, 4, 6