November 12, 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-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
* please stand as you are able
11 am • November 12, 2023
Prelude
“Autumn” from The Four Seasons, Op. 8, No 3 — Antonio Vivaldi I. Allegro II. Adagio III. Allegro
Introit
As the sun doth daily rise, brightening the morning skies, so to thee with one accord lift we up our hearts, O Lord. (Words: Latin, tr. J. Masters/Horatio Nelson; Tune: Innocents, 19th c., arr. W.H. Monk)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. We enter worship once again this day choosing to serve you, God, and no other. With waiting hearts we come to worship. We enter as witnesses to one another to live out our baptism and grow into the Body of Christ. With waiting hearts we come to worship. We enter dependent on the Spirit to be with us in our thoughts and feelings. With waiting hearts we come to worship.
*Processional Hymn
#540 "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#405 "Seek Ye First"
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Sophia Joy Caprariello (born January 16, 2019), child of Katie and Peter Caprariello
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Receive the good news: God’s steadfast love endures forever! While we were yet sinners, God made a way for us to return to God and to return to one another. By God’s grace, we are a forgiven and reconciled people. Thanks be to God! 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.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we neglect to acknowledge you as God in our lives. We forget that you created us and that we are the sheep of your pasture. We separate ourselves from the flock and abandon our bonds with one another. We have traded gratitude for individualism and thanksgiving for self-reliance. Forgive us, we pray. Free us to live as your grateful people.
11 am
Anthem
"Keep Your Lamps" — Spiritual, arr. André Thomas Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, keep your lamps trimmed and burning, Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh. (Repeat) Children, don’t get weary, Children, don’t get weary, Children, don’t get weary, till your work is done. (Repeat) Christian journey soon be over, Christian journey soon be over, Christian journey soon be over, the time is drawing nigh. (Repeat) Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, keep your lamps trimmed and burning, Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh. (Repeat)
To hear the word
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 Matthew 25:1-13
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten young women took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those young women got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other young women came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
*Hymn
#720 "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying", vv. 1, 2,
Sermon
Knock Knock
Joining Today:
Eileen Blakely Craig Burton Susan Burton Peter Caprariello Katie Caprariello Mark Chang Morgan Cox Shawn Cox Caroline Elliott-Loughney Sharon Flanagan Faith Han
Mary Beth Kelley Emily Milazzo Mary Lou Milazzo Skyler Mitchell Laura Mitchell Karyn Morris Taylor Spinning Cindy Wallace Dick Wallace AJ Wynn
Baptism
Taylor Spinning AJ Wynn
Membership Vows
*Congregational Pledge
Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
#557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
To Welcome New Members
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
Ever vigilant God, your care for us is never ceasing. Help us to keep our eyes and ears open to the needs around us. We long to be as vigilant as we strive to be the kingdom-ready church you desire here on earth. Amen.
Offertory Women's Choir
“Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester” — Roland E. Martin O holy Jesus, merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
To Renew Commitment
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Praise we, with the heavenly host, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; thee would we with one accord praise and magnify, O Lord. (Words: Latin, tr. J. Masters/Horatio Nelson; Tune: Innocents, 19th c., arr. W.H. Monk)
Postlude
“Fanfare” — Nicolas Jacques Lemmens
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Mike Mullin 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/Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“Keep Your Lamps” © 1982, 2003 Hinshaw Music; “Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester” © 2015 St. James Music Press; 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.
*Recessional Hymn
#663 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”
9 am • November 12, 2023
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong Flutist: Sheri Dunmire-Hamilton
Chapel service
*Opening Hymn
#540 “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Matthew 25:1-13 (found on p. 5)
*Closing Hymn
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev. Margie Mayson, our beloved former pastor, by Beth and Dean Woolever, and and in loving memory of Carol Doerrer by her daughter Karen McGraw and family. The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Carol Doerrer by her daughter Karen McGraw and family. 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 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to Ralph Eckhardt and his family following the death of his wife, Joyce, on November 7.
Meetings & Rehearsals OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 5
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 2 pm Godspell—1040 Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 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 Youth Choir—1040 Wesley 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 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 Dining and Caring Center 9 am Storehouse Volunteer Appreciation Brunch—1040 Fellowship Hall 11 am Dick Moncrief Memorial Service—1040 Sanctuary
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
Thank you so much to all who participated in both the Grocery Run and Dining In For Outreach last weekend as runners, spectators, sponsors, dinner hosts, guests, and donors. Both events were a huge success and we raised a great deal of support for our continuing work of serving our city through the Community Outreach Center. We are counting donations that are still coming in, but will share and celebrate the weekend's impact when we have that information available. Thank you again!
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 visit asburyfirst.org/pageant/ to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Register by Sunday, November 26
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.
Advent Communion
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
Sunday, December 3, 5 pm, Gathering Center
Thanks to those who have supported Asbury First's Library! There's still time to show your support! Book Fair ID #12688545
Saturday, December 9, 2023 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford
Hanging of the aGreens
Please join us on Saturday, December 2 from 10 am to 1 pm as we gather together for the return of the Hanging of the Greens. Come when you can! Families are welcome and there will be activities for kids. Contact Amy Allen with any questions atajppa@yahoo.com or at (585) 738-9128.
A percentage of the sales goes to the Asbury First Library and is used to add to the library's book collection. Can’t make it to Pittsford? No problem. Books may be purchased online from December 9–13 at BN.com/bookfairs. Make sure to use the Book Fair ID #12688545. Thanks for your support of our incredible library!
Saturday, December 2, 10-1 pm, Gathering Center
Asbury First Youth Musical
For a list of needed items, visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering
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.
The Thanksgiving In-Gathering is quickly approaching! This is a worship celebration and our biggest donation drive of the year. While in response to the pandemic we had a donation drop-off window on Saturday, this year we are returning to collecting only on Sunday, November 19. That said, if Sunday doesn’t work for you, donations can always be dropped off during the week when the Community Outreach Center is open.
To purchase tickets visit asburyfirst.org/godspell/
Tickets are available!
Sunday, November 19
Return to Page 3
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#405 "Seek Ye First”
#720 "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying", vv. 1, 2
Return to Page 7
*Hymn (Cont'd)
#663 "Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name"