November 14, 2021 • 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
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 “St. Anne” — Paul Manz/Jan Bender Introduction Theme Adagio Canon Fughetta Pastorale Finale
Introit
This is the day the Lord hath made; he calls the hours his own. Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, and praise surround the throne. (Words: Isaac Watts; Tune: Twenty-fourth, attr. Lucius Chapin)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 119
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. God, your word is a lamp for our feet. Your word is a light to brighten our paths. Your word is sweeter than honey in our mouths. Your word brings understanding and wisdom to our minds. Accept our offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach us to follow in your ways. We bring our hearts before you always. Be our shield and our hiding place, Great One. Uphold us according to your promise.
11 am • November 14, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
*Opening Hymn
#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", vv. 1-4, 6 Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: St. Anne, attr. William Croft, 1708
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
11 am
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
“I will remember their sins no more,” says the Lord. Friends in Christ, rejoice that we are given a new chance to walk in his ways. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Hymn
#566 "Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love", vv. 1-2 Words: Charles Wesley, 1742; Tune: Evan, William Havergal, 1847
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, the journey of faith is hard and filled with challenges. At times we complain, we are distracted, we are led astray. Help us to meet the challenges we face. Help us to rise when we fall. Help us turn toward you, our Savior and Redeemer. We pray in the name of the one who loves us unconditionally.
Sebastian Bailey Georgie Dudley Ellie Malik Isaac Mayer Maelee McQuillan
Sophia Mittler Caleb Mullin James Nutter Jacob Parks Thalia Shaver
Kristina Tourje Lily VanEpps Jeffrey Kreher Reece Tyson Brooks Wensley
Presentation of Bibles
Children receiving Bibles:
Pastor: Receive the Holy Scriptures and study their words. These stories belong to us all, and these words speak to us all. They tell us who we are. They tell us that we belong to one another, for we are the people of God, seeking truth together. Children: We receive these Bibles with our hands, our hearts, and our minds. Congregation: We rejoice in this step in your journey with God. We pray God will guide you, your family, and us as we use our Bibles in our homes, the Church, and throughout our lives. We commit to love, live, and serve together as we seek God’s truth.
Scripture I Samuel 1:4-20
Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” cont'd on next page
*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.
To hear the word
Scripture (Continued)
“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
Anthem
“King of Glory, King of Peace" — Carson Cooman (b. 1982, Rochester); words by George Herbert (1593-1633) King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee; and that love may never cease, I will move thee. Thou hast granted my request, thou hast heard me; thou didst note my working breast, thou hast spared me. Wherefore with my utmost art I will sing thee, and the cream of all my heart I will bring thee. Though my sins against me cried, thou didst clear me; and alone, when they replied, thou didst hear me. Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee; in my heart, though not in heaven, I can raise thee. Small it is, in this poor sort to enroll thee: e'en eternity's too short to extol thee.
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.
#129 "Give to the Winds Thy Fears" Words: Paul Gearhardt, tr. John Wesley, 1739; Tune: Festal Song, William Walter, 1894
Sermon
...For the People of God
Call to Prayer
Creating God, hear our humble prayer and grant us your peace. Words and music: Roger Wilhelm
Pastoral Prayer
I
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 Annette Farrington, flute Julianne Burch, clarinet Duane Prill, piano
"The Lark in the Clear Air" — Irish tune, arr. Michael McCabe
*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
Like Hannah, who brought her offerings and prayers to the temple, may our offerings find favor in your sight, Gracious Lord. Use our lives as well, that others may be encouraged in the faith, in the name of Christ. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#200 “Tell Out, My Soul” Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1961; Tune: Woodlands, Walter Greatorex, 1919
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:
"King of Glory, King of Peace” © 2013 St. James Music Press; 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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Lay Reader: Hailey Giordano Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Eric Meincke, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer: 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!
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
"Five-fold Amen" — Arthur Frackenpohl
Postlude
Postlude on "St. Anne" — Healy Willan
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jennie L. Kern, by her entire family, including her grandson, Alex Long, a member of this church; and in honor and remembrance of our Veterans; and in gratitude to Asbury First for granting meeting space to the Veteran Women’s Coffee House for the past several years by Blue Star Mother’s of America, Rochester Chapter 8. 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.
Given by: (Please Print Clearly) Phone: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: In loving memory of In honor or celebration of A donation Please scan the QR code to the left, visit our website, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 12. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Asbury First Library Bookfair at Barnes & Noble
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals November 14–20
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 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 POSTPONED: Youth Musical Annie Jr. 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 (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Memorial Service for David Barber —1040 Sanctuary 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary Thursday 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) 3 pm Memorial Service for Jennie Kern —1040 Sanctuary SaturDAY 10 am Asbury First Library Bookfair—Barnes & Noble Pittsford Plaza, Book Fair ID #12616231 10 am Thanksgiving In-Gathering (Early Drop Off)— 1040 Sanctuary or Touch-Free Drop Off
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
CONNECT
Help Me
Support the Asbury First Storehouse, Dining and Caring Center, and Asbury Day Care Center during ROC the Day! Learn more by visiting www.asburyfirst.org/news.
Tuesday, November 30
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, getting more involved in the life of Asbury First, or just in need of a deeper connection? We want to hear from you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Postponed Due to COVID
Saturday, December 4, 9 am–4 pm; Sunday, December 5, 9 am–2 pm
For more information visit asburyfist.org/news
We regret to inform you that this weekend’s youth production of Annie is postponed due to COVID. Visit asburyfirst.org/news for more inofrmation.
Saturday, November 20, 10 am–1 pm Sunday, November 21, 11 am Service
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 are holding a hybrid Thanksgiving In-Gathering to ensure safety and comfort. This is an exciting time for us to bring our gifts to the altar, bless them, and offer them to our guests and friends in need.
Make your pledge now! asburyfirst.org/pledge-online
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
Saturday, November 21, 12 pm asburyfirst.org/bettertogether
For a list of needed items, visit asburyfirst.org/ thanksgiving-in-gathering