Sunday, September 25, 2016 11 am

WELCOME to Asbury First United Methodist Church

We are a caring,

Christ-centered community,

Our hearts and doors are open to all.

We invite you to join us in worship,

in learning about faith,

and in loving our neighbor.

We are Asbury First, and we are glad you’re here.

AN INVITATION TO WORSHIPWelcome visitors! We invite you to sign the ritual of friendship pad during the service. Please complete a visitor card, found in the pews, and take it to the welcome desk in the Welcoming Hall, where we have a small gift for you. Informational brochures are available in the Welcoming Hall. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our community, please check the appropriate column on the ritual of friendship pad, or contact any pastor. Again, a deep WELCOME!

Worship Aids: Large-print bulletins, Bibles, and hymnals are available from the ushers. Braille hymnals and ASL interpreters are available with one week’s advance notice to the church office, 585-271-1050, x103. A hearing loop in the sanctuary is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches; you may also request earphones from the ushers that will aid you in hearing the service if needed. CDs of our Sunday morning services or just the sermon may be borrowed or purchased; call or stop by the office and speak with the receptionist during the week.

Prayer Request Cards are in the pew racks. We invite you to place prayer requests in the offering plates, so that our pastors and the Intercessory Prayer Group may pray for you. Your prayer request is confidential.

Coffee Fellowship: You are invited to enjoy coffee, tea, or cocoa and conversation every Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Heavenly Grounds in the Gathering Center. Treats may also be available.

Giving to Asbury First: Donations to Asbury First may be made during the service by placing your gift (cash or check) in the offering plate when it is passed. You may also give online at www.asburyfirst.org. If you are interested in electronic fund transfer, contact Richard Moncrief at 585-271-1050 x108 or rmoncrief@asburyfirst.org.

As a community of faith, we believe that children are sacred gifts and they are welcome in our worship. We recognize that children can become restless during worship. Excellent nursery and childcare is offered. Children’s bulletins are available. Please see an usher for more information.

After the service we welcome you to sit in the chancel choir pews to meditate and listen to the organ postlude.

We kindly ask that as you enter the Sanctuary you turn off your cell phone.

Worship on Radio – Each Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m.-noon you can tune your radio to WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM to hear today’s worship service. You may also go to www.WYSL1040.com and hear audio of the service.

LIVE & Archived Worship on your Computer: We offer live video streaming of the 11:00 a.m. service on our website at www.asburyfirst.org. A video archive of past services is also available. We welcome your suggestions on how we may improve these offerings.

Reconciliation Statement: Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic back-ground, and physical or 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.

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WORSHIP SERVICE

* please stand, in body or in spirit

11 am • September 25, 2016As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS ...Prelude “Suite Gothique, Op. 25”—L. Boëllmann

Introit

*Call to WorshipPsalm 91

All are invited to read aloud the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded typeGod is our refuge and stronghold.We will place our trust in God.God’s faithful love protects us.We will not be afraid.When times are troubling,God will be with us.When we cry out,God will answer us.Through the years of our lives,God is with us. We are not alone.

* Processional Hymn #178 “Hope of the World”

*Greeting & Passing of the Peace

*Greeting Hymn #133 “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (vss. 1, 3)

Prayer of Confession

God of power and might,our fears are greater than our foes.Teach us your lessons once more:that the weapons of violence and hateare no match for the tools of righteousness;that purity, knowledge, patience,kindness, and genuine love,are stronger than any forcethat is set against us.This we pray in the name of the onewho overcame violence by turning the other cheek.

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TO HEAR THE WORD

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[A Moment of Silent Confession]

Words of Assurance Hear the good news: The one whose hand stills the waters reaches out to usto share God’s forgiveness and peace.Be at peace, for all is well.In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

*Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God: who has created and is creating,Who has come in the true person, Jesus,to reconcile and make new,who works in us and others by the Spirit.We trust in God.God calls us to be the Church, the Body of Christ,to celebrate Christ’s presence,to love and serve others,to seek justice and resist evil,to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.In life, in death, in life beyond death,God is with us, we are not alone.Thanks be to God.

*Gloria 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.

Scripture1 Samuel 17:41-49

The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.’ But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear;

for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.’ When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly towards the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

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Anthem “The Lord’s My Shepherd”—Geoffrey Flowers

The Lord’s my Shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters.He restoreth my soul: In paths of righteousness, He leadeth me for His name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Children’s Time (All children are invited forward at this time and may bring their prayer requests and offerings.)

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 tres-pass 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 #399 “Take My Life, and Let it Be” (vss. 1, 2)

During the singing of this hymn, children four years old through fifth grade are invited to exit the sanctuary for Enrichment Time.

Sermon Dream Weavers: Steps Toward Justice

Call to prayer

TO RENEW COMMITMENT

Invitation to Discipleship, Membership,

and Commitment

You are endowed, by your Creator God, with the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. You will find, within the worship folder, invitations to enrich your faith journey and enhance your commitment. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities.

You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet from the center aisle down the pew. Prayer request cards are available in the pew racks and may be placed in the offering plate as it is passed, or they may be placed in the wooden boxes located in the Narthex and Welcoming Hall.

The towel and bowl that are presented by the ushers at this time of the offering symboli-cally represent the giving of ourselves in humble, compassionate service to others, as was modeled by Christ when he washed his disciples’ feet using a towel and basin of water ( John 13:1-5). The offering plate of material gifts represents the ancient tradition of offering our best from life’s blessings to God (Deuteronomy 26:1-3).

Offertory “The God of Love My Shepherd Is”—Thomas Tallis

The God of love my shepherd is,And He that doth me feed;While He is mine and I am His,What can I want or need?He leads me to the tender grass,Where I both feed and rest; Then to the streams that gently pass:In both I have the best. Or if I stray, He doth convert,And bring my mind in frame, And all this not for my desert,But for His holy name.Yea, in death’s shady black abodeWell may I walk, not fear;For Thou art with me, and Thy rodTo guard, Thy staff to bear.Nay, Thou dost make me sit and dine,Ev’n in mine enemies sight:My head with oil, my cup with wine

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Pastoral Prayer Prayer Response

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TO DISPERSE IN MISSION

Runs over day and night.Surely Thy sweet and wondrous loveShall measure all my days;And as it never shall removeSo neither shall my praise.

*Doxology #95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Prayer of Dedication

God of new beginnings, may these gifts be a sign of our commit-ment to bring our dreams for your better world to life. Amen.

Recessional Hymn #418 “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”

Benediction *Benediction Response

Postlude “Suite Gothique, Op. 25”—L. Boëllmann

Participants Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady IILiturgists: Kathy Thiel, Mike MullinLay Reader: John AndresDirector, Sanctuary Choir: Dr. William WeinertOrganist: Duane PrillSoloist: Susan HuppeAcolyte: Anna Shafer Clark

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CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNSThe flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. Selden Williams by his daughter Ellen Williams; and in loving memory of C.S. and Ann Hunter by Dick and Nancy Adamus; and in celebration of the 52nd wedding anniversary of Ed and Joanne Zelazny.

If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please contact Tammy Clifford at (585) 723-6131, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date.

We offer our prayers and concern for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. Known to be hospitalized is Kathy Welch at St. Mary’s.

If you are aware of anyone who is ill and in need of a pastoral visit, please call the church office at (585) 271-1050.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRYWe invite the children to take activity bags as they enter the Sanctuary. There are two bags, the large one for children 3-6, the other for ages 7-12. Please return them to a basket after the service.

After the children’s sermon at the 11 am service, children four years old through fifth grade are invited to Enrichment, located on the second floor of the Education Wing.

Is Children’s Ministry meeting your child’s special needs? Can we make accommodations to be helpful to you and your child? Contact Children’s Ministry at (585) 271-1050 x111 to explore possibilities.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTSWe invite you to pray for members of our church families known to be serving in the military:US Air Force: SSgt Charles Key; Amn Patrick “Rick” Smith.

US Army: SPC Andrew J. Thompson; SGT Christopher M. Birdsall; MAJ Thomas Donatelle; CPT Nathan Lubba; MAJ Matthew Ristau; SGT Christian T. Dahl; CAPT Scott Moncrief; CW4 Eric R. Rutsch.US Marine Corps: Lt Craig R. Waldman; LCPL John Lyons.US Navy: LT Adam Kreutter; CAPT Jeffrey A. Ward;* PO2 Jacob Staples.US Army Reserves: PFC Wesley Regnier; SGT Philip Noland Bell; SGT Michael DiPaola; SSgt Michael Joyce.**deployed.

If you would like to add the name of a member or friend to our military listing, or if you know someone on this list who is no longer serving in the military, email Jamie Least at jleast@asburyfirst.org, or call (585) 271-1050, x109.

Share a Child’s DreamsThe data is clear—education is the first step out of poverty. One educated child can lift an entire family from despair to hope. At Chacocente Christian School in Masaya, Nicaragua, we offer quality education to children living in extreme poverty. You can be a part of their dreams by sponsoring a student. Just $1 a day ($360 yearly) will pro-vide textbooks, teacher support, a healthy daily lunch and more. Our Sponsorship Coordinator will pair you with a child in need. Donations may be made to Project Chaco-cente, PO Box 128, Lexington, MA, 02420. Please write “sponsorship” in the memo. For questions, please email projectchacocente@gmail.com or visit www.outofthed-ump.org.

School #41 NewsIn our tradition of assisting with school supplies at the beginning of the year, you may bring donations today, Sept. 25. A collection box will be provided in the Welcoming Center. Suggestions for donations include #2 pencils, Bic pens, colored pencils, crayons, pocket folders, glue sticks and scissors. Teachers can always use extra tape, construc-

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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tion paper, paper clips, post-it notes, Kleenex and paper towels. With Asbury First’s help and lots of prayers, we will be off to a good start early in October.

Growing Spirits/Living Edge 50th Anniversary CelebrationReminder! A fun 50th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 1 at 1010 for Growing Spirits/Living Edge Sunday school class. The evening will start with hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 pm followed by a Tasteful Connection dinner ($25). Please email or phone Donald and Janet Anderson ASAP if you plan to attend.

Small Group SamplerMondays, Oct. 3-24, 6-7 pm in the Gathering Center. Are you looking for a small group to call home? Are you inter-ested in helping Asbury First create new small groups? Do you just want to learn more about what small groups are all about? Join us for Small Group Sampler! During these four weeks we’ll try out four different models for small group ministry and reflect about how they might fit into the life of Asbury First. All are welcome! Contact Katie O’Hern with questions.

Calling All Musicians!All of Asbury First’s musical ensembles welcome your talents! Adult singers are welcome to sing with the Sanc-tuary Choir (11 am service) or Asbury Singers (8:30 am service). Adult and Youth bells welcome those interested in ringing, and young voices are welcome in our numerous youth and children’s choirs. Instrumentalists of all ages are welcome in the Asbury First Orchestra and Flute En-semble, and those interested in developing guitar skills are welcome to check out our guitar class. For more informa-tion on rehearsal times and places, please check the weekly schedule in the bulletin, or contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at 271-1050.

Scrapbooking WorkshopInterested in scrapbooking? Do you have photos that you’d like to put in an album? Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 8:30 am-5 pm at Asbury

First UMC. Beginners and experienced scrapbookers alike are welcome to join us for a day-long scrap booking sessions. There is no cover charge, but we ask you to bring your own scrap booking materials,and a snack. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michele Fitch at mfitch68@aol.com or (585) 472-1661 by Oct. 22, 2016.

Looking for a Good Book? Check Out the Library!If you’re looking for a great new book, check out our Oct. library selections from our books for all ages and on all topics in the church library right off the gathering space.

Asbury First Orchestra Rehearsals Beginning!The Asbury Orchestra has begun rehearsals for our next sharing scheduled for Nov. 6. If you play or have played in your past an orchestral instrument for at least two years, please join us in Wesley Hall next Sunday from 8:45-9:30 am. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Questions or concerns, e-mail Laurie Kennedy cellokennedy@frontiernet.net

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESA Little Time Can Make a BIG DifferenceIf you have at least three hours a month, the Storehouse is in need of your help! We need people who can work in teams to help serve clients and/or sort donations. Volun-teers are needed from 9 am-noon on Saturdays. Whether you are available one Saturday a month or more, your help will make a huge difference. Training will be provided. If you can help or would like more information, call Bonnie Kay at (585) 478-5611 or Charlene Lejewski at (585) 943-3361.

Asbury UR Well Clinic in Need Asbury UR Well Clinic is in need of RNs who are certi-fied to read PPDS Sunday mornings after church at 12:15 pm in the clinic office. You may only have to read PPDS once a month. The Asbury UR Well is also in need of So-cial Workers and Greeters for each Thursday and the first Tuesday of each month. If you are interested, or to learn more, please email Ida Hickman at imhickman2002@yahoo.com or call her at 585 461-9696 or 880-6488.

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The Grocery Bag Ministry The Grocery Bag Ministry continues to serve both individuals and families with ongoing food delivery across our city. In-demand donations include: canned goods such as soups, fruits and vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, jam, pasta and sauce, and boxed macaroni and cheese. A receptacle is available in the Welcoming Hall for your donations.

Altar Guild, Acolyte, & Crucifer InvitationAre you looking for a way to express your faith in the church? We are looking for new members, acolytes and crucifers for the coming year. (Please note: any adult or church youth is welcome to become an acolyte and/or crucifer.) The goal of the Altar Guild is to be of service to the pastors and the Asbury First congregation. For further information, please contact Martha Tuke, Altar Guild President at jnm2k@frontiernet.net or 585-766-3255 or Angie Burch, President-Elect at acburch26@gmail.com or 585-338-2621. For information on acolytes and crucifers, please contact Ellen Williams at ellen.williams@kodak.com or 267-6228.

Together in Service, October 14-21stWhat a powerful statement it would be, if everyone in the congregation gave just three hours of their time during the Together in Service week. If you’ve wanted experience the gift of helping those in need, but were reluctant to make a long term commitment, this is an opportunity to share a little of your time with those less fortunate in our community. There numerous opportunities during the day, evenings or on the weekend. Please join us by signing up in the welcoming area or by contacting Bob Castle at 166rcastle@gmail.com.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS NEWSAll classes take place from 9:45-10:45 am

Growing Spirits/Living EdgeA lecture series open to all.Where: 1010, Meditation RoomSeptember 25

Topic: The Road to Character

Presenter: Bonnie/Mary LynnOctober 2Topic: Stewardship SundayPresenter: Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee

50+ FellowshipA lecture series open to all.Where: 1010, Dining RoomSeptember 25Featured Topic: The Best of the UMCPresenter: Barbara NelsonOctober 2Topic: Tracing your ancestryPresenter: Robert Coomber, Rochester Genealogical Society

DoublersA lecture series open to all.Where: 1010, Red RoomSeptember 25Featured Topic: Searching for the Meaning of Life Through PoetryPresenter: Karl NelsonOctober 2Topic: Church Conference UpdatePresenter: Paula Kuempel/Barb Nelson

Disciple ClassThe Disciple series of classes is a UMC curriculum de-signed for those that truly want to commit to a study and delve deeper into their faith. Where: 1040, Room LL12 Who: Young adults and parents, but anyone is welcome

In the NewsA current events roundtable.Where: 1050, Dining RoomWho: All are welcome

Parables of ParentingFellowship for parents of all ages.Where: 1040, Room 200Who: Parents of any age

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MEETINGS & REHEARSALSSeptember 25-October 1

LEADERSHIP STAFFThe Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Senior Minister, scady@asburyfirst.org

Katie O’Hern, Minister for Discipleship and Mission, kohern@asburyfirst.org

Kathy Thiel, Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach, kthiel@asburyfirst.org

Paula Dugan, Children’s Ministry Director, pdugan@asburyfirst.org

Holly Temming, Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music, htemming@asburyfirst.org

Mike Mullin, Youth Minister,mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Melody Guadagnino, Administrative Assistant, mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org

Ken Carr, Property Care Manager,kcarr@asburyfirst.org

Morgan Dornsife, Development Director, mdornsife@asburyfirst.org

Michele Cooley, Director, Dining and Caring Center, mcooley@asburyfirst.org

Richard Moncrief, Financial Administrator, rmoncrief@asburyfirst.org

Jamie Least, Communications Coordinator, jleast@asburyfirst.org

David Strong, Music Admin.; Assistant Organist, dstrong@asburyfirst.org

Dr. William Weinert, Director of Music,wweinert@esm.rochester.edu

Duane Prill, Organist, duaneprill@gmail.com

Carol Lamica, Director, Youth Music, clamica@asburyfirst.org

Brian Bohrer, Director, Asbury Singers,tenorbri@gmail.com

Elizabeth Church, Director, Asbury Ringers, emchurch418@gmail.com

Lawrence Dugan, Director, Youth Theater, duganls@me.com

Charlene Lajewski*, Bonnie Kay*, Storehouse Directors, asburystorehouse@gmail.com

Laurie Kennedy*, Asbury First Orchestra Director, cellokennedy@frontiernet.net

*Volunteer leadership

Sun. 7:45 Asbury Singers—1040 9:45 6-12th Grade Breakfast [Making] Club —1040 9:45 6-12th Grade Gospel & the Guitar—1040 9:45 Adult Bible Study—1050 9:45 Children’s Sunday School—1040 9:45 Disciple Class—1040 9:45 Growing Spirits/Living Edge Class—1010 9:45 In the News—1050 9:45 New Member Orientation—1050 9:45 Parables of Parenting—1040 9:45 Doublers Sunday School Class—1010 9:45 50+ Fellowship Sunday School Class—1010 12:00 8th Grade Confirmation—1040 3:00 Joseph Musical Rehearsal—1040 6:00 High School Youth Group—1040 6:00 Middle School Youth Group—1040 Mon. 12:00 Sanctuary Open for Prayer—1040 Tues. 9:30 Women’s Fellowship—1040 4:00 Resource Library Committe Meeting—1040 5:00 Sanctuary Open for Prayer—1040 6:00 Joseph Rehearsal—1040

Wed. 6:00 Men’s Devotional Group—1010 10:00 Adult Study—1010 12:00 Women on Wednesday—1010 4:45 Strategic Planning Committee—1050 5:00 Hallelujah Kids—1040 5:30 Community Dinner—1040 5:30 TOPS Weight Loss—1040 6:00 Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 6:00 Young Adult Group—1010 6:30 United Methodism 101—1040 7:00 Asbury Ringers—1040 7:15 Intro to Ancient Greek—1040 7:30 Sanctuary Choir—1040 Thurs. 6:00 Wellness Clinic—1040 6:00 Youth Musical Rehearsal—1040

Sat. 8:00 Altar Guild—1040 8:45 Dining Center Baking Team—1010 5:00 Growing Spirits/Living Edge Anniversary Dinner—1010

Adult Bible StudyFor anyone interested in taking a closer look at the Bible.

Where: 1050, Teak RoomWho: All are welcome

Asbury First United Methodist Church1050 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607

585-271-1050 ~ info@asburyfirst.org ~ www.asburyfirst.org

Are you interested in becoming a member of Asbury First? We welcome you to join us for the next New Member Orientation, beginning today Sunday, September 25 at 9:45 am in 1050 East Ave (grey stone building) and lasting for 5 consecu-tive Sundays. Members will join on October 23. For more information, contact Melody Guadagnino at 585-271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@

asburyfirst.org.

New Members Classes BeginWould you like to become a member of Asbury First? Our next New Member

Orientation Series begins TODAY Sunday, September 25 at 9:45 am in 1050 East Ave (the grey stone building east of the church).

No need to register! Questions? Contact Melody Guadagnino at 585-271-1050 x103 or

mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

Fall Retreat!

October 21-23

Where: Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center

What: A three-day retreat is a wonderful way to form new connections with your Asbury First family!

All are welcome on this quick getaway where we will rejuvinate our spirits, find encouragement and fellowship, and enjoy just-plain-fun together!

Want more info? Contact Katie O’Hern or check out asburyfirst.org!

TODAY’S EVENTSDoublers

Fifty Plus FellowshipGrowing Spirits/Living Edge

Parables of ParentingIn the NewsBible Study

Disciple Class...and more!

More Information Inside

Harry Potter and the Holy Spirit• Four Wednesdays, Starting October 19• 6:30-8 pm• Gathering Center

You are invited to join us for a discussion of the themes of the Holy that run throughout these wonderfully creative books. All ages are welcome and encouraged for our discussions. Interested? Send an owl (or an email) to Melody Guadagnino at mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.