asbury united methodist church
TRANSCRIPT
1401 Camden Avenue · Salisbury, Maryland 21801 · 410-749-2131 · www.asburyweb.org
Asbury United Methodis t Church
W ORSHIP BOOKLET
We welcome all to worship and thank you for choosing Asbury Church.
Please remember to silence your cell phone.
Nursery Care is provided in Room 122
16 TH SUNDAY AFTER P ENTECOST SEPTEM BER 12 , 2021
Sermon Series
Living the Questions
Sermon
Can a Fig Tree Produce Olives?
Scriptures for Next Sunday
Proverbs 31:10-31; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37
Music for Next Sunday
8:00 am / EMA
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ, Piano
8:45 am/CAYR Worship:
Praise Band
11:00 am/Sanctuary Worship:
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ, Piano; Chancel Choir
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Early Morning Asbury (EMA)
8:00am Reflective Service in the Sanctuary Lay Reader: Sara Lewis
Head Usher: Rick Bisker
Sound: Gary Tyler
Designates your invitation to stand
Prelude Where Charity and Love Prevail Healey Willan
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ
Welcome and Announcements
Passing the Peace of Christ
Processional Hymn Where Charity and Love Prevail UMH No. 549
(vs 1-3, 6)
Greeting:
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God
Many: May our worship reflect God’s glory.
One: The firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Many: May we see each other as the handiwork of God.
One: Let our prayer and praise, our singing and proclamation project the love of God.
Many: Let us worship in Spirit and Truth!
Apostles’ Creed UMH No. 882
Opening Prayer:
Loving God, as we come before you this morning, give us open hearts and open
hands. Open our minds to your ever-present Spirit that is always moving within and
around us. Open our spirits to your nudging and open our lives to your love. We pray
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
First Lesson, Proverbs 1:20-33 (Scriptures found on page 8)
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Second Lesson, James 3:1-12
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
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Fal l Kick Off starts today! We’re back to 3 services:
EMA (Early Morning Asbury) at 8:00 am in the Sanctuary;
CAYR (Come As You Are) at 8:45 am in the Fellowship Hall, and;
Festive Service at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Adult, Youth and Children’s Sunday School resumes as well. All classes meet 10:00 - 10:45 am:
Adult Bible Study
BASIC - Library, Bible 101 - Fox Room, and Open Hearts, Open Minds - Mackey Room
Young Adult Bible Study
Wesley Foundation Young Adult Bible Study - Room 114A
Youth Sunday School
Middle School - room 220, High School - Room 222
Children’s Sunday School
PreK (4’s) - 1st grade - Room 221, 2nd - 5th grade - Room 225
Congressional Hymn Lord, Speak to Me UMH No. 463
(vs 1-4)
Blessing of the Backpacks
The Gospel Lesson, Mark 8:27-38 (Scripture found on page 9 )
One: The Gospel of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
Message Can a Fig Tree Produce Olives? Pastor Tom Pasmore
Prayers and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (See back page)
Offering of Our Gifts
Offertory Faith Mark Hayes
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Piano
Presentation Hymn Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH No. 94
Sending Forth
Recessional Hymn Make Me a Captive Lord UMH No. 421
Postlude Make Me a Captive Lord Jason Payne
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ
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Altar Guild
Prayer List Please pray for all families experiencing loss or illness, and for the following:
Ron Ardis
Garrett Bailey
Joe Ballou
Fred Batie
Robin Beattie
Ian Beckerman
Rodney Beebe
Josh and Rachel Birch
Will Bloxom
Veronica Byrd
Scott Campbell
Aria Carey
Peg Castagnola
Lauren and Lorie Cataldi
Eric Chatham
Sylvia Chiofolo
Stacie Cohick
Linda Conner
Pat Cooper
Shirley Cropper
Ronnie Diem
Kathy Donovan
Donald E.
Jorge Forgues
Tucky Franz
Henry Gibson
Lisa Gordy
Ron Gordy
The Green Family
Eileen Haley
John Hall
Wayne Hawkins
The Heacook Family
Baby Julian &
the Helton Family
Liz Hickman
Beth Hillman
Joe Hogan
Steve and Beverly Janso
The Johnson Family
Andi Stover Kennington
Pam Kondoff-Micallef
Karen Lucas
Claudia Macauley
Elizabeth Madruga
Marilyn Mann
Baby Owen & the
McPhail-Drollette Family
Karen Meredith
Elizabeth Murphy
Leslie Nielsen
Al Olinde
Laura Panagoulis
Rosamond Panda
Teresa Peters
Mary Pines
Mary Powell
Kara Press
Steven Pulhamus
Harry “Hank” Rhodes
Fran Rickman
Dottie Romanowski
Darin Ruark
Leya Schiller
Deke Sheller
Jason Spence
Sisters of the Spirit
Rev. Lawrence Staton
Pheobe Wall
Layla Warner
Alice Anne & Dean Wells
Debbie Williams
Wendy Williams
Junior Rodriguez-Zamudio
Penny Ziegler
Active Military & Veterans
Our Schools and Children
Haiti
Afghanistan
Victims of Natural Disasters
Immigrant Families
LGBTQ Community
Victims of all Violence
Cure for Coronavirus
All who are Lonely
Healthcare Workers
Racial Justice
Servants in Fellowship
Law Enforcement Officers
The Prayer Group at Asbury continues to pray weekly for the many concerns lifted up to them confidentially. Please
keep this prayer ministry in your thoughts and consider joining with them for healing and peace for all. If you need
prayer during the week, please contact Pastor Tom, Heather or Genevieve at the church, or Carol Bisker at (410) 749
-3563.
Please let us know if prayers are no longer needed for anyone on the Prayer List. We try to keep as up-to-date as
possible.
Connie Boccia, Chair, Suzanne Press, Sara Lewis and Priscilla Basehart
If you would like to have flowers placed on the altar, please call the church office.
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Come As You Are (CAYR)
8:45am Order of Worship in Fellowship Hall Lay Reader: Beth Hershey
Sound: Don Sorrenti & Jayson Feld
Designates your invitation to stand
Welcome and Announcements Brooke Phulesar
Passing the Peace of Christ
Opening Songs I Will Boast Praise Band
Less Like Me
First Lesson, Proverbs 1:20-33 (Scriptures found on page 8)
Second Lesson, James 3:1-12
Baptism and Reception of New Members Rev. Kristen Wall-Love
Rob, Danialle, and Logan Kenney
Children’s Message Heather Harman
Blessing of the Backpacks
Prayers and Concerns Cindi Hildreth
The Lord’s Prayer (See back page)
Offering Our Gifts Rev. Kristen Wall-Love
Offertory Jesus Messiah Praise Band
Gospel Lesson, Mark 8:27-38 (Scripture found on page 9)
Message Can a Fig Tree Produce Olives? Pastor Tom Pasmore
Sending Forth
Closing Song The Answer Praise Band
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Festive Worship at Eleven
11:00am Worship Service in the Sanctuary Lay Reader: Carole Brence
Head Usher: Ray Thompson
Sound: Jeff Harman
Designates your invitation to stand
Prelude Where Charity and Love Prevail Healey Willan
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ
Welcome and Announcements Brooke Phulesar
Passing the Peace of Christ
Opening Hymn Where Charity and Love Prevail UMH No. 549
(vs 1-3, 6)
Greeting:
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God
Many: May our worship reflect God’s glory.
One: The firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Many: May we see each other as the handiwork of God.
One: Let our prayer and praise, our singing and proclamation project the love of God.
Many: Let us worship in Spirit and Truth!
Opening Prayer:
Loving God, as we come before you this morning, give us open hearts and open
hands. Open our minds to your ever-present Spirit that is always moving within and
around us. Open our spirits to your nudging and open our lives to your love. We pray
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
First Lesson, Proverbs 1:20-33 (Scriptures found on page 8)
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Second Lesson, James 3:1-12
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Hymn Lord, Speak to Me UMH No. 463
(vs 1-4)
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Children’s Message Heather Harman
Blessing of the Backpacks
The Gospel Lesson, Mark 8:27-38 (Scripture found on page 9 )
One: The Gospel of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
Message Can a Fig Tree Produce Olives? Pastor Tom Pasmore
Prayers and Concerns Rev. Genevieve Brown
The Lord’s Prayer (See back page)
Offering of Our Gifts
Offertory For the Fruits of His Creation David von Kampen
Chanel Choir
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Director
For the fruits of his 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 earths’
safe keeping, 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.
Presentation Hymn Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH No. 94
Sending Forth
Recessional Hymn Make Me a Captive Lord UMH No. 421
Postlude Make Me a Captive Lord Jason Payne
Dr. Michael Stefanek, Organ
A Night of Hope Please join the community of believers in A NIGHT OF HOPE at the Riverwalk Amphitheater
Downtown Salisbury, September 30 at 6:00-7:30pm.
In case of inclement weather the Night of Hope will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 St.
Peter’s St., Salisbury, MD (off the downtown plaza.
For more information, please contact George Whitehead at 410.749.1480 or
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Scriptures
Proverbs 1:20-33 (International Standard Version)
Wisdom cries out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. She calls out at the
busiest part of the noisy streets, and at the entrance to the gates of the city she utters her
words: “You naïve ones, how long will you love naiveté? And how long will scoffers delight in
scoffing or fools hate knowledge?” Return to my correction! Look, I will pour out my spirit on
you, and I will make my words known to you.
“Because I called out to you and you refused to respond—I appealed, but no one paid
attention—because you neglected all my advice and did not want my correction, I will laugh at
your calamity. I will mock when what you fear comes, when what you dread comes like a
storm, and your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
“Then they will call out to me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will
not find me.
“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they did not want my
advice, and they rejected all my correction. They will eat the fruit of their way, and they will be
filled with their own devices. Indeed, the waywardness of the naïve will kill them, and the
complacency of fools will destroy them.
“But the person who listens to me will live safely and will be secure from the fear of evil.”
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
James 3:1-12 (Contemporary English Version)
My friends, we should not all try to become teachers. In fact, teachers will be judged more
strictly than others. All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are
mature and able to control your whole body.
By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. It takes
strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go
in any direction. Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.
It takes only a spark to start a forest fire! The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that
dirties the rest of the body and sets a person’s entire life on fire with flames that come from hell
itself. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can be tamed and have been
tamed. But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading
deadly poison.
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and
Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right. Can clean
water and dirty water both flow from the same spring? Can a fig tree produce olives or a
grapevine produce figs? Does fresh water come from a well full of salt water?
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
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Mark 8:27-38 (New International Version)
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked
them, “Who do people say I am?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the
prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by
the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after
three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to
rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me,
Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to
save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save
it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can
anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this
adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his
Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
One: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Meeting Date Corrections The church leadership meeting dates listed in the September Asburian on page 23 are
incorrect. We apologize for the error!
The correct dates are:
Board of Trustees - 9/14/2021
Nominations Committee (Lay Leadership) - 9/15/2021
UMW - 9/22/2021 (annual Fall Dinner)
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Connection Card - Next Steps
1. Reread the Scriptures for this week.
2. What questions do you have for God right now?
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2. What is God calling you to produce with your life?
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Asbury News Parking Lot Entrance Repairs
The county is scheduled to work on the Camden Ave entrance/exit that is closest to the church
offices. Beginning Monday, 9/13, the entrance will be closed for approximately 2 weeks while
repairs are completed.
Solitude and Silence in September
In assessing my spiritual needs, I am committing to taking one hour of silence and solitude each
Saturday in September. I invite you to join me for an hour of your choosing in your context. I
encourage you to prayerfully consider being part of this ‘Intentional Initiative’ for spiritual
growth. Let me know of your plan to participate and I can email you an encouraging reminder
each Thursday of September. On the journey with you, Kristen ([email protected])
Puppets for Christ Looking for a Few Good Arms!
Attention Middle and High School Youth: Have you longed for the thrill of the stage? Yearned
for the excitement of performing? Travel? The challenge of working with your hands while
down on your knees? If so, Puppets for Christ would like to give you the opportunity to satisfy
those longings and yearnings.
Our first puppet practice will begin on Monday, September 13th, 6:30 - 7:45 pm in the
Fellowship Hall. Middle and Senior High youth - don’t let this opportunity pass you by!
Beginning puppeteers must be in the sixth grade or higher. At least one parent must attend the
orientation night with youth. You’ve always wanted to be a puppeteer, so what are you waiting
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[Cont’d from previous page]
for? Contact Amy Cropper at 410-726-2847 or email to [email protected] if you are
interested. An RSVP is encouraged. If you are interested but unable to attend, please let Amy
know by Monday, September 6. Everyone who would like to be in the Puppets for Christ
ministry needs to be registered and ready to go by September 13th. Hope to see you there!
Local History Event
Dr. Clara Small will be offering a presentation here at Asbury on Saturday Sept 18th from 1 -
2:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Dr. Small is professor emeritus with Salisbury University,
historian, and published author. She has written four volumes on local African-American
history and will be highlighting several profiles from her books during her talk. All are
welcome—invite a friend! Come and soak in some local history and wisdom. Please RSVP
to [email protected] so that we can get an idea of the number planning to attend—thank
you!
"Let's Get Real and Learn About Racism"
Ruth Campbell and Kristen Wall-Love will be facilitating "Let's Get Real and Learn About
Racism" Wednesday evenings, beginning Sept 22nd, from 6:30-8:30pm. This 9 week class is an
intense immersion experience that goes deep. Let us know if you are planning to attend.
(Participants must have computer access to view class resources.) RSVP
to [email protected] by Sept 15.
Asbury Service Project
Mark your calendar– our interest / organizational meeting for the coming year will be
Sunday, September 19 from 1-3 pm in Fellowship Hall. All youth in grades 9-12, their
parents, alumni and adults interested in participating in the mission this year should plan to
attend this meeting. We will talk about the work that we do throughout the year here in our
own community, as well as the trip in June, what to expect and what will be required
throughout the year. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Carlton Bradshaw at 410-
896-2776.
Fall Membership Event: If you are considering membership at Asbury, please join us for our
fall membership event on Sunday October 17th at 12:15 in the library. This 90 minutes will
include a meet and greet with the ministry staff, asking any questions you may have, in
general, and/or about the information about the United Methodist Church you received in
advance (including the membership vows and what that might look like in daily life), and a fun
historical tour of the building. RSVP to [email protected]. Please pass this information on
to those who you think may be interested--thank you!
Salisbury Urban Ministries
Donation Requests:
Lazarus Food Pantry: side dishes (rice, pasta, potato), toothbrushes, toothpaste.
Kids Café: bottled water, cereal bars, individually packaged Frito Lay Chips.
Men’s Welcome Center: men’s white t-shirts (sizes L, XL, XXL).
Donations can be dropped off in the hallway near the Sanctuary. If you prefer to order online, please
deliver to Salisbury Urban Ministries 326 Barclay Street, Salisbury, MD 21804.
The Opportunity Shop
The Opportunity Shop will be closed for sales and donations September 1-13, due to the Labor Day
weekend and the Folk Festival road closures. Thank you for your continued support!
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DATE DAY SEPTEMBER EVENTS TIME LOCATION
14 Tue Farmers Market 2:30-5:30pm Parking Lot
14 Tue Board of Trustees 12Noon Library
15 Wed Nomination Committee 7:00pm Library
Pastoral Staff:
Senior Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Tom Pasmore
Pastor of Care
Ministries:
Rev. Genevieve Jones
Brown
Directors of
Ministries:
Music Ministries:
Dr. Michael Stefanek
Finance & Building:
Janice Ilczuk
Children & Care
Ministries:
Heather Harman
Adult Spiritual
Formation and
Membership:
Kristen Wall-Love
Youth & Family
Ministries:
Brooke Phulesar
Asbury Child
Development Center:
Casey Taylor, Danna
Abbott
Church Support Staff:
Administrative Office
Manager:
Lydia Childs
Administrative
Assistant:
Sheri Burchard
Maintenance Worker:
Bob Love
Nursery Staff:
Ashlee Plotts, Joy
Bradshaw, Ericalyn
Killip, Katie Anderson
Conference Staff:
Bishop:
LaTrelle Easterling
Salisbury District
Superintendent:
Christina Blake
Conference Office:
Rob Townsend
Salisbury Urban
Ministries:
Debbie Donaway
SU Campus Minister:
Brooke Phulesar
The 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,
for ever.
Amen.
Ways to Give:
Drop your cash or check in the offering plate during service.
Mail to: Asbury United Methodist Church
Attn: Janice Ilczuk
Visit www.asburyweb.org and click “Give Here”.
[PayPal will keep 2.2% + 0.30 of each transaction]
Electronic Funds Transfer can be set-up with Janice Ilczuk
or through your local bank.
We have been given a unique charity link that will take you directly to
smile.amazon.com and automatically selects Asbury as the charity
recipient so that you do not have to search for us on their site. Our
direct link is: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-0607975
*** If you would like to add a church-related announcement to the Asbury News section, please email [email protected] at least 2 weeks prior to the event.*** Thank You!
Please send pics of any church happenings for social media via email: [email protected]. Thanks!