January 1, 2023 • 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-covid-masking-update. 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 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. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. 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. 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 more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. 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 multiple 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 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 Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. 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 asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Variations on "Coventry Carol" — David Lasky
*Call to Worship based on Isaiah 60:1-3
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here! Darkness has been banished! God's light of hope floods the earth God's light comes to us all. Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light. Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. Amen.
*Opening Hymn
#254 “We Three Kings” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • January 1, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Feast of the Epiphany
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
"Arise, Shine", sung three times
To hear the word
Scripture Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
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
#219 "What Child Is This", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
Changing Directions
To Renew Commitment
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.
Offertory
“Saw You Never in the Twilight” — French melody, arr. Mark Schweizer; words by Cecil Frances Alexander Saw you never, in the twilight, when the sun had left the skies, Up in heav'n the clear stars shining through the gloom, like silver eyes? So of old the wise men, watching, saw a little stranger star, And they knew the King was given, and they followed from afar. Heard you never of the story how they crossed the desert wild, Journeyed on by plain and mountain, till they found the Holy Child? How they opened all their treasure, kneeling to that infant King; Gave the gold and fragrant incense, gave the Myrrh in offering? Know ye not that lowly baby was the bright and morning Star? He who came to light the Gentiles, and the darkened isles afar? And we, too, may seek his cradle; there our hearts' best treasures bring; Love, and faith, and true devotion for our Savior, God and King.
*Covenant Renewal
Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants… ….Let us therefore go to Christ, and pray: Let me be your servant, under your guidance. I will work to offer myself up to your will of love in all things. Be satisfied that Christ’s will is that we love as God first loved us. Lord, help me live according to your will. I put myself in your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart offer myself. Christ is the Savior of all God’s children… …open your hearts to the Lord as we pray: I welcome Christ as the living Way, and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him, acknowledging my own brokenness: hungry, sinful, blind and naked, unworthy even to wash the feet of his servants. I acknowledge my own unworthiness and praise God for loving me in spite of it. I acknowledge my own limited understanding and pray that I might take Christ as my wisdom. I acknowledge my own imperfect will and pray that I might take God’s perfect will of love as my guide. I do here covenant with you, O Christ, to take my lot with you as it may fall. Through your grace I promise that neither life nor death shall part me from you. Amen.
#383 "This Is a Day of New Beginnings", vv.1, 2, 3, 5
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
*Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*Closing Hymn
#238 "Angels We Have Heard on High", vv. 1, 3, 4
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Postlude
“In Dulci Jubilo” — J.S. Bach ("Good Christian Friends, Rejoice")
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
All those present will receive the elements together as directed. If you did not receive a communion packet when you entered the Sanctuary, pleas signal to an usher and you will be provided one.
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Volunteer Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
“Saw You Never in the Twilight” © 2010 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. 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, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to Angie Burch on the passing of her father, Hogan Hickman, who passed away on December 5. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Alice Mahan, who passed away on December 13.
Celebrations and concerns
Childrens Music
Sunday Sermon Podcast
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made
Gentle Yoga
Meetings & Rehearsals january 1-7
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
Sunday 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream MONday Church office is closed. Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Four Hundred Souls Discussion—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Methodism 101—1040 Fellowship Hall 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 9:30 am Tuesday Women's Fellowship - 1040 Library 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center friday 4 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Construction Livestream
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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.
What’s up with the name “Methodist?” Why do our ministers move around so much? Why do we use grape juice during communion? Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life, or have just heard of us, this class is for you! The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady will lead this four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.
Wednesdays in January, 6-7 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall
Join us on SUNDAY, JAN. 29 after the 11 am service in person, or on the livestream. To get up-to-date with the Governance structure and committees in action, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.
Methodism 101
Annual Church Conference 2023
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
CONNECT
The Sound of Music is open to all ages. Children under 12 must be supervised to be in the show. Child care will be provided for auditions and rehearsals upon request. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Not all cast members will be required to be at all rehearsals. Schedule pending review of conflict sheets. Plenty of opportunities for non-performing participants. For more information, please contact our Director of Theater Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050.
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
Asbury First Musical: The Sound of Music
Auditions: Sunday, January 15, 12:30-5 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall Shows: Friday, May 5, 7 pm, Saturday, May 6, 7 pm, Sunday, May 7, 2 pm
*Processional Hymn
#254 "We Three Kings"
Continued on next page
*Processional Hymh (Cont'd)
#383 "This Is a Day of New Beginnings", vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)