November 21, 2021 • 11 AM
join us After the Service for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of our Outreach Center.
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 Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director Duane Prill, Organ
"Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” — George Elvey; arr. Bob Burroughs "Now Thank We All Our God" — J.S. Bach, arr. Virgil Fox "We Gather Together" — 16th c. Dutch tune, arr. Janet Linker and Jane McFadden
Introit
I thank you, God, for open hearts, your Spirit sending; for open minds, our boundaries bending; for open arms and love unending. (Words and Music: Ashley Danyew)
*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 126
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Those who go out weeping, they shall come home with shouts of joy! Those whose lives are filled with worry, they shall learn that God hears and knows their needs. Those who have experienced life’s many challenges, they shall eat and drink and be satisfied. Those who long for comfort, they shall be glad and rejoice, for God has done great things for us!
11 am • November 21, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Thanksgiving In-Gathering Outreach Center Groundbreaking
*Opening Hymn
#139 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", vv. 1-3, 5 Words: Joachim Neander, tr. various; Tune: Lobe den Herren, 17th c. German, arr. W.S. Bennett
11 am
Prayer of Confession
We gather before you today, O God, intent on giving you thanks. We remember the wonders you have done for your people in the past. We long to touch your mercy and your care in the here and now. So many of our lives have been sown with tears. Help us to seek the building of your kingdom. Restore our fortunes, O God, that what was once planted in sorrow we may now reap with shouts of joy.
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", vs. 1 Words: Dutch, tr. Theodore Baker; Tune: Kremser, 16th c. Dutch, arr. Edward Kremser
Scripture John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
Scripture Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Toccata on King's Weston" — Ralph Vaughan Williams; arr. Matthew Compton
*Gloria Hymnal #102, vs. 3 (alt.)
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. 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
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Through Christ, God’s love has done great things for us. God’s grace restores our life and makes us whole once more. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 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.
#394 "O Jesus, I Have Promised", vv. 1, 4 Words: John Bode, 1866; Tune: Angel’s Story, Arthur Mann, 1881
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
"For the Beauty of the Earth" — John Rutter; words by Folliot Pierpoint For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise. For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light: Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise. For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild: Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise. For each perfect gift of thine to our race so freely given, graces human and divine, flowers of earth and buds of heaven: Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.
Sermon
A Place for You
Call to Prayer
We come, believing, your words receiving. Lord, show us what you’d have us do. Teach us how to live, spur our hearts to give. You know our yearning, our hearts now turning. Lord, hear us when we pray to you. (Words and Music: Ashley Danyew)
Pastoral Prayer
I
To Renew Commitment
*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 God, source of every blessing, receive our offerings this day and every day. Help us to be mindful of those who are in need, this day and every day. Amen.
*Mission Charge
Rev. Patrick Dupont — Director of the Outreach Center
To Disperse in Mission
*Processional Hymn
#733 “Marching to Zion” Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1961; Tune: Woodlands, Walter Greatorex, 1919
Scripture Genesis 28:13b-17
I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Words: Isaac Watts; refrain by Robert Lowry; Tune: Marching to Zion, Robert Lowry
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Speakers
Chuck Hanrahan — Chair, Building Team Paula Kuempel, Patrick Fulford — Chairs, Capital Campaign Rev. Pat Dupont — Director of the Outreach Center
Litany of Thanksgiving and Hope
We stand amazed at God’s presence In this sacred space, shared by so many. God of creation, you have blessed us with your grace. Surely the Lord is in this place. We give thanks for quiet early mornings filled with prayer, For meaningful days spent sharing heartfelt conversation, And for bustling busy evenings filled with celebration and song. Surely the Lord is in this place. For the outpouring of love and compassion from so many volunteers And the ways in which Christ has been present in the faces of our guests, Our hearts are filled with gratitude. Surely the Lord is in this place. This place is an outward and visible sign of God’s grace, A tangible experience of the working of the Holy Spirit, Where the physical expression of the Body of Christ has been made manifest. Surely the Lord is in this place. God of the new creation, we turn our hearts toward hope: May this sacred space be a place of great opportunity For service, for sharing, for solidarity. May we co-create with your generous Spirit A place of warmth and welcome: an outpost of the Kingdom of Heaven. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!
Groundbreaking
Participants: Rev. Patrick Dupont, Director of the Outreach Center Chuck Hanrahan, Chair of the Property Stewardship Committee/Building Team Paula Kuempel, Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign Patrick Fulford, Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign Rev. Jackie Nelson, Minister for Social Justice Ike Jordan, Governing Board representative to Outreach Center Committee Debby F., Guest of the Dining and Caring Center Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Senior Minister Valerie Benjamin, Chair of the Governing Board, Lay Leader of the Congregation
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:
Benediction
Dismissal Hymn
We're marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we're marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Jackie Nelson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Connor Nelson Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Order Your Name Tag!
“For the Beauty of the Earth” © 1980 by Oxford University Press/Hinshaw Music, Inc.; 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.
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 Jim Truitt, by Bob and Ellen Hargraves; and in loving memory of Jennie L. Kern, by her entire family, including her grandson, Alex Long, a member of this church. 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.
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
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!
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Asbury First Library Bookfair
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Annie Youth Musical NEW DATES!
Meetings & Rehearsals November 21–27
Sunday All Day Asbury First Library Bookfair Online— bn.com/bookfairs, Book Fair ID #12616231 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) 9:45 am Thanksgiving In-Gathering 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Live-Stream 12 pm Outreach Center Groundbreaking Ceremony — 1010 Back Yard 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm Youth Groups (check asburyfirst.org/events) MONday All Day Asbury First Library Bookfair Online— bn.com/bookfairs, Book Fair ID #12616231 5:30 pm Pator Parish Relations Committee—Zoom Tuesday All Day Asbury First Library Bookfair Online— bn.com/bookfairs, Book Fair ID #12616231 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 Wednesday All Day Asbury First Library Bookfair Online— bn.com/bookfairs, Book Fair ID #12616231 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) ThursDAY Thanksgiving Day
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
Light
For a schedule of upcoming events, visit asburyfirst.org/ advent
Pick up your Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!!
Turn in your pledges at the Thanksgiving In-Gathering, or visit asburyfirst.org/pledge-online
ADVENT 2021
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
LET THERE BE
December 10–12. Visit asburyfirst.org/events for more information and to purchase tickets online.
Fred & Floy Willmott Foundation
Sunday, November 21, 12 pm, 1010 Building
J.M. McDonald Foundation
H & J Feinbloom Family Foundation
THANK YOU!
ASBURY FIRST Outreach Center
Family Charitable Foundation
We are grateful to the foundations that have helped make this dream a reality.
Glover-Crask Charitable Trust
Davenport-Hatch Foundation
Charitable Foundation