November 19, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
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.
Thanksgiving In-Gathering
* please stand as you are able
11 am • November 19, 2023
Prelude Duane Prill, Organ Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” — Robert Powell “We Gather Together” — Robert Powell “Now Thank We All Our God” — Robert Powell "Now Thank We All Our God" — J.S. Bach, arr. Martha Lynn Thompson
Introit
Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris. Give peace, Lord, in our time. (Music: Melchior Franck, 1579-1639)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. The time for harvest is close at hand. What have you done with the gifts God has given you? We have brought our gifts to the house of the Lord. Praise God for these gifts and for opportunities for service that they represent. We praise God for all the ways in which our lives have been blessed. Generous God, accept our gifts and our lives this day. Loving God, accept our praise and gratitude. Amen.
*Processional Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", vv. 1, 2
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
In light of the war taking place in Gaza, and the realization that there are violent conflicts taking place in many corners of the world (some of which receive little or no media coverage), we no longer feel it is faithful to have the sunflower on the high altar in support of those suffering in just one region of our world. As such, we are removing it and asking you to join us in prayerful conversation around how to keep the suffering of all of God's children in front of us. May Christ's peace with justice reign.
Prayer of Confession
At a time when we are never far from news of war, conflict, and division in our world, let us as a congregation take a moment to acknowledge the challenge of responding to these tragedies in a way that is faithful to our call as disciples of Christ. Merciful God, help us to remember that, no matter what seismic changes may be taking place in the world around us, your love and compassion for every person will never change or fade. We confess that we often wish for easy and comfortable answers to the world’s woes. We admit that we are sometimes slow to respond to the consequences of war and violence. We admit that sometimes we fail to look beyond our own incomplete knowledge and unconscious biases. We pray that we may avoid the sin of weeping only with those who look like us, live like us, worship like us, or with whom we agree. We pray that as we focus our response on the immediate need, we not forget those victims of violence and war whose stories are ignored. May our lives always be centered in your love and compassion, even as we feel overwhelmed by the scope of the world's suffering. May peace reign in our hearts, Gracious God, and may we always be instruments of your peace.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, rejoice in this promise: God is with us; God will always be with us; God will never leave or forsake us. Let this knowledge inspire us to continue being bearers of God’s peace to the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and healed. 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.
11 am
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director Duane Prill, Organ
“Trumpet Voluntary” — Jeremiah Clarke, arr. Betty Garee
To hear the word
Scripture Matthew 25:14-30
“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. At once the one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance, but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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.
*Hymn
#87 "What Gift Can We Bring", vv. 1-3
Sermon
Of Tables and Talents
Call to Prayer
God be merciful unto us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1; music by Carl Johengen)
Prayers of the People
At the close of each petition: We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
To Renew Commitment
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.
*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
Gracious Creator, we give you thanks for your every blessing. Receive our offerings this day and every day. Make us mindful of those who feel that blessings have overlooked them. May all be touched by the beauty and wonder of your creation. For all that is gracious in our lives, revealing the image of Christ… For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends… For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve… For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play… (cont'd)
Offertory
“Sing to the Lord of Harvest” — 17th cent. German tune, arr. Healey Willan; words by J.S.B. Monsell Sing to the Lord of harvest, sing songs of love and praise; with joyful hearts and voices your alleluias raise. By him the rolling seasons in fruitful order move; sing to the Lord of harvest a song of happy love. By him the clouds rain fatness, the deserts bloom and spring, the hills leap up in gladness, the valleys laugh and sing. He filleth them with fullness, all things with large increase; he crowns the year with goodness, with plenty and with peace. Heap on his sacred altar the gifts his goodness gave, the golden sheaves of harvest, the souls He died to save. Your hearts lay down before him when at his feet ye fall, and with your lives adore him who gave His life for all, for all.
Thanksgiving Invitation
Hymns during In-Gathering as needed
#92 "For the Beauty of the Earth" #67 "We, Thy People, Praise Thee" #97 "For the Fruits of This Creation"
*Prayer of Dedication (Cont'd)
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice… For the communion of saints, in all times and places… We give you thanks for all the mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; to him be praise and glory, with you, Creator, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Permissions:
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Livingston Gearhart)
Postlude
“Now Thank We All Our God” — Don Hustad
Worship Leaders
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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/Graphics Operator: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Zeke Doerner Video Operator: Sam Doerner Booth Support: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“Sing to the Lord of Harvest” © 1954 Concordia Publishing House; “Trumpet Voluntary” © 1980 Harold Flammer, Inc.; “Now Thank We All Our God” © 2003 Choristers Guild; 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
#89 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
9 am • November 19, 2023
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Pianist: David Strong
Chapel service
Prelude
*Opening Hymn
#139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, vv. 1, 2, 5
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
Matthew 25:14-30 (found on p. 5)
Prayer
*Closing Hymn
#89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee", vv. 1, 3
Thanksgiving Sunday
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ellen’s parents, Dr. Austin Truitt and Mrs. Nellie Truitt, and her brother Mr. Jim Truitt, by Bob and Ellen Hargraves. 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 was held on Saturday, November 18. 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 Eckardt and his family following the death of his wife, Joyce, on November 7.
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 12–19
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 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 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) Thursday and Friday Happy Thanksgiving! Asbury First Campus is closed.
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
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
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.
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
Advent Communion
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.
Saturday, December 2, 10-1 pm, Gathering Center
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
ADVENT 2023
CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesdays 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
Thanks to those who have supported Asbury First's Library! There's still time to show your support! Book Fair ID #12688545
A percentage of the sales goes to the Asbury First Library and will be used to add to the Asbury First library's book collection. Can’t make it to Pittsford? No problem. Books may be purchased online from December 9 through 13 at BN.com/bookfairs. Make sure to use the Book Fair ID #12688545. Thanks for your support of our incredible library!
Saturday, December 9, 2023 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford
God With Us
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 15. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at 585-271-1050. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
On Sunday, December 24 we observe the Fourth Sunday of the Advent season, as well as Christmas Eve. We are changing our usual Sunday schedule in order to celebrate both of these feasts. *Please note the change in time of our morning services*
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
10:00 am - An Advent service of scripture, poetry, and carols in the Sanctuary (live streamed) *This replaces our usual 9:00 and 11:00 Sunday services 12:00 noon - Traditional Christmas Eve service with carols and candlelight 4:00 pm - Family Service with Christmas Pageant (live streamed) 7:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight (live streamed) 11:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight
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
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
Return to Page 3
Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#131 "We Gather Together”, vv. 1, 2
Return to Page 7
Hymn
#92 "For the Beauty of the Earth"
#67 "We, Thy People, Praise Thee"
#97 "For the Fruits of This Creation"
#89 "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"