All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
JULY 19, 2020 • 11 AM
7th Sunday after Pentecost
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The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prelude
“Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” — arr. Don Hustad “Dearest Jesus, We Are Here” — arr. David Cherwien “Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me” — arr. Don Hustad “Fairest Lord Jesus” — arr. Dale Wood
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. Teach us your ways, O God, that we may walk in your truth. Give us an undivided heart to revere your name. O God, you are merciful and generous, your love for us is unconditional. We give thanks to you, Loving God, with our whole hearts. We will glorify your name forever. Let us worship God!
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us! If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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 and we will answer any questions you may have. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Group. Children We believe children are a sacred gift. We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. We will also be holding a special Zoom meeting (https://zoom.us/j/8347173468) with Paula and Holly on Wednesdays at 11:30 am to keep connected. 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. 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.
11 am • July 19, 2020
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11 am
Opening Hymn
#435 “O God of Every Nation” Words: William W. Reid, Jr., 1958; Tune: Llangloffan, Welsh hymn melody
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, for those times we have turned away from you, forgive us. For all we have left unsaid and undone, forgive us. Gracious God, we long to live a life of pure love and service to you. For every action that does not glorify you and your love, forgive us.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Hear the good news! God loves us and God watches over us. God’s love for us is eternal. God breathes into us God’s cleansing, healing breath. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #102, Tune: “Now Thank We All Our God”
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 Matthew 20:1–16
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus says the Lord, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Scripture Jeremiah 31:35
Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name.
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Anthem
“For the Fruit of All Creation” — Trad. Welsh melody, arr. Mark Hayes; words by Fred Pratt Green Give thanks to God! Give thanks to God! Let every voice give thanks to God! For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For his gifts to every nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth's safekeeping, thanks be to God. In the just reward of labor, God's will is done. In the help we give our neighbor, God's will is done. In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God's will is done. For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God. For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God. For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all, that love has found us, thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Let every voice give thanks to God!
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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
“Live Into Hope” (vv. 1, 4) Words: Greek, 2nd cent., trans. F. Bland Tucker; Tune: Rendez a Dieu, attr. Louis Bourgeois, 1551
To Renew Commitment
Invitation 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 Sanctuary Choir Duane Prill, piano Annette Farrington, Flute Beth Glaza and Jeff Fraser, violin Elena Ryck, viola Brian Donat, cello
“Psalm 91” — Craig Courtney (Recorded live in worship, September 29, 2019) You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Say to the Lord, “My refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He will deliver you from the fowler’s snare, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness shall be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day, Or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or ravages at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but you will not be harmed. If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the Lord, who is my refuge, Then no harm will befall you; no scourge will approach your tent. He will give his angels charge over you; on their hands they will lift you up, Lest you strike your foot upon a stone.
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
For all that you give to us, Loving God, we give these gifts to you. Make us your hands and feet, your words and heart in this world. Strengthen us to spread your love in all we do. Bless these gifts to your service. Amen.
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#454 “Open My Eyes That I May See” Words: Clara Scott, 1895; Tune: Open My Eyes, Clara Scott
Sermon
The Most, The First, The Found
Pastoral Prayer
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Benediction
Postlude
“The God of Abraham Praise” — arr. Michael Burkhardt
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Jackie Nelson Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Susan Huppé, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Director of Children’s Ministry: Paula Dugan Audio Operator: Carolyn Curran Video Operator: Jake Schwartz Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: ““For the Fruit of All Creation” words © 1970, music © 2018 Hope Publishing Co.; “Psalm 91” © 1996 Beckenhorst Press, Inc. “Live Into Hope” © 1980 Jane Parker Huber, administered by Westminster John Knox Press.; Other Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2020 Abingdon Worship Annual Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik, and Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#672 “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” (vv. 1-2) Words: Jeremiah Rankin, 1880; tune: God Be With You, William Tomer, 1880
Tuesday
Monday
How to join a zoom meeting
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Wednesday
Sunday
Friday
Meetings & Rehearsals JULY 20–25
7 pm
Bicentennial Bible Challenge Meeting —Zoom 8347173468
Question: What was the first property purchased by First Methodist? From last week: In the 19th century, what was the highest membership number? A. In 1834, First Methodist boasted 900 members. That figure would not be eclipsed by First or Asbury until 1903 when First made it to 1100 members.
5 pm
7:30 pm
Guided Meditation—Zoom 8347173468
Thursday
Saturday
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Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Follow the link: zoom.us/j/8347173468 for the main meetings, and us02web.zoom.us/j/338565981 for “Changing Weighs," and us02web.zoom.us/j/868571089 16?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZmFxUHgrQ1hjdz09 for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly. You can visit our website for a direct link to the meetings at www.asburyfirst.org/events. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our discipleship Zoom account to take their meetings online, please contact Rev. Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
9:45 am
Parables of Parenting—Zoom 742600309
10 am
Zoom with Paula and Holly—Zoom 8685710891
Live Stream Worship Service
12 pm
Fellowship (Half) Hour—Zoom 8347173468
1:30 pm
7 am
Men’s Fellowship Group—Zoom 8347173468
Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom 8347173468
11:30 am
Zoom with Paula and Holly —Zoom 8347173468
12:30 am
Women on Wednesdays—Zoom 834717346873468
3 pm
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers—Zoom
Choir Fellowship—Zoom
Bicentennial Trivia Weekly Questions and Answers supplied by Jim Farrington, head of the church Archive Project
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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 14620
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Callers listening live on our toll-free number
Social media posts
#asburyfirstathome
Countries reached globally: UNITED STATES Canada Finland Germany Mexico Netherlands
5–10
2–4
People Watching Together
We are connected more than we think! Here are some numbers from July 12 that show our global reach.
If you’re watching at home, make sure to take a picture and lost it with the tag #asburyfirstathome. Here are a few more posts and submitted pictures from July 12.
1,080
Viewers Connecting
Avg. WKly Devices
Rachel Stuart
500+
546 14 13 11 10 9
Average Weekly national reach since March 15
Average for top 5 States:
Still better together
503
Text Check-ins
Live Stream Check-ins
218
Which equals approximately:
1–2
29
New York Florida Pennsylvania Texas Virginia North Carolina
Viewers Watching
Cindy and Ernie Dankert — Married 30 years ago at Asbury First
Devices watching:
50
10–30