January 4, 2026
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: David Raymond Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Epiphany of the Lord
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PRELUDE WELCOME *OPENING SONG: #245 “The First Noel” PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12 (found on page 4) SERMON INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES COMMUNION: (responses found in the Hymnal on page 15) PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG: #254 “We Three Kings” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
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PRELUDE: “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” BuxWV 223 — Dietrich Buxtehude INTROIT May Christians all with one accord unite around the sacred board to praise your holy name, O Lord: Alleluia! (Tune: Gelobt sei Gott, German, 1609) *CALL TO WORSHIP The light of Christ has risen, not to be hidden, but to be followed. We come, drawn by a light that leads us forward. The story did not end at the manger. The light now moves into the world. God is revealed in unexpected places and unfamiliar people. We come, ready to be changed by what we see. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #245 “The First Noel” *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #250 “Once in Royal David's City”, vv. 1, 2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of revelation, we confess that we prefer familiar roads. We follow your light when it feels safe, but hesitate when it leads us into unknown places. We cling to old directions, even when you invite us to turn. Forgive us for mistaking comfort for faithfulness. Open our eyes to see where you are at work, and give us courage to follow where your light leads next. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE In Christ, you are forgiven, redirected, and renewed. Follow the light. God is with you. *GLORIA (#238, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, refrain) Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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. For the Word of God in Scripture. For the Word of God among us. For the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God. CHILDREN'S TIME: Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment. LORD’S PRAYER Our Father (or Our God), 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT: 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. Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes: 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 by check in the mail or place your cash/check gift 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—To give a gift through Venmo, send to “@givingasburyfirst” or scan the QR code to the right.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #256 “We Would See Jesus” #631 “O Food to Pilgrims Given” #626 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” *PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING: God of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the way to you. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #254 “We Three Kings” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Alleluia, amen! (Kings of Orient) POSTLUDE: “March of the Kings” — arr. Carl Simone
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “What Star Is This?” — 15th c. Latin hymn, arr. David Ashley White What star is this, with beams so bright, more beauteous than the noonday light? It shines to herald forth the King, and Gentiles to his crib to bring. True spake the prophet from afar who told the rise of Jaco’s star; and eastern sages with amaze upon the wondrous token gaze. The guiding star above is bright; within them shines a clearer light, and leads them on with power benign to seek the Giver of the sign. O Jesus, while the star of grace impels us on to seek thy face, let not our slothful hearts refuse the guidance of thy light to use. To God, our Maker, heavenly Light, to Christ, revealed in earthy night, to God the Holy Ghost we raise our equal and unceasing praise. SERMON HYMN: #248 “On this Day Earth Shall Ring”
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.
These persons have shared their gifts today for the glory of God. If you felt moved by what they offered, why not take a moment following worship to let them know. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
“What Star Is This?” © 1998 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: David Raymond Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Communion Stewards: Judy Messenger Altar Guild Team: Tammy Clifford, Carol Hardy, Jeanne Ristau Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Bob Peck, Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of his grand and gracious mother, L. Ruth Bornt-Smith, by her son David Smith. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, 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. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Betty Shull who died on December 15. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place at a later date. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of the Rev. James LeGro who died on December 10. He served as Associate Pastor at Asbury First as well as at several other Upper New York churches including Liverpool First UMC and Marcellus UMC. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. We want to be able to visit and pray with those who are in the hospital. If you know someone who is in the hospital and would like a pastoral call, or if you yourself are in the hospital or have a date for surgery, please call Rev. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 4 – JANUARY 11
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
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Red Room: * zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 Smart Meeting Room: ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple Other Spaces and Zoom-only: # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
THURSDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
9:30 am
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
6 pm
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
6:30 pm
Zumba – 1040, Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (1/11)
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary
11 am
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing Prek – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
2 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY
Young Adulting AF – 1040, Youth Room
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room
5 pm
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
A new grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (1010). This is an opportunity for people to come together and talk about their loved one who has recently died (in the last five months, or even the last five years). All are welcome to join the group for one or every meeting. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Grief Group
Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. Sunday, January 18 from 1 to 3 pm in the Gathering Center, Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally. Email programs@asuryfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
Disability, the Bible, and the Church Wednesdays at 6 pm, January 14 through February 11 Join Dr. David Carr in Wesley Hall or on Zoom # (see page 8) for a 5-week series on Disability, the Bible, and the Church. Explore how disability can deepen our understanding of God and Scripture—from stories of healing to broader theological insights. Questions? Email programs@asburyfirst.org
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Program Join us Sundays, from 9:45 to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall for a new series highlighting our Off-Campus Ministries.
January 11: Cameron Minister Teen Center, Tomick Madison, Ex Director of Cameron Ministry January 18: Keeping Our Promise, Ellen Smith Executive Director January 25: Habitat for Humanity, Garrett Jones, Grant Coordinator & Advocacy Lead GRHFH February 1: School 17 & 45, Help Me Read, John Smalt February 8: History of Chacocente, Robyn Gage February 15: Family Promise (formally RAIHN), Chris Linsner-Cartwright, Bob Castle
Adult Sunday School
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining worship today, whether in person or online. 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 this community. You can also drop an email to info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re participating offsite, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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. The screens located in the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors by not interacting with or distracting service animals. Need prayer? Share your prayer requests by filling out one of the prayer cards found in the pews or by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All requests are prayed over by the Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children Children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with the children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT Asbury First is a reconciling congregation and seeks to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Read a full statement at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support everyday ministries and operations, allowing this church to live into the vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome gifts by check in the mail or a cash/check gift placed 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 the 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 The livestream of the 11 am service is found at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call this toll-free number: 833-829-1050. The video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Position funded in part by the Susan Shafer Pastoral Care Fund Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Michele Layher — Storehouse Coordinator Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Position funded in part by the Helen Fultz Music Fund Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Position funded in part by the Craighead Fund David Strong — Assistant Organist Holly Temming — Operations Manager; Director of Children's Music, x114 Deb Bullock-Smith — Director of Operations, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at (206) 222-1050, VENMO VIA THE QR CODE, OR MAIL IN A CHECK TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607 Facebook and instagram: @asburyfirstumc
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Banned Book Club: James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain" Monday, January 19, 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via Zoom * (see page 8), join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," celebrated for its lyrical prose and psychological depth, and established Baldwin as a major literary voice. For more information, email programs@asburyfirst.org
Starting on January 7 at 10 am, the Wednesday Morning Study Group will begin "Ethnic America" by Thomas Sowell, which traces the history of different ethnic groups in America to help readers understand their varied experiences in American society. We will read and discuss one part each week from January 7 through February 11. All are welcome to join us in person in the Red Room (1010) or via Zoom * (see page 8). Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org
Wednesday Morning Study Group: "Ethnic America" January 7, at 10 am in the Red Room (1010)
Young Adulting January 4, at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room (1040) Asbury First (AF) is looking forward to kicking off a Young Adult Fellowship. We will gather at church on the first Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 8 pm. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. After introductions and check-ins, we will read and discuss a parable from "The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales" by Peter Rollins. Remaining time will be used to hang out, play games, and think about other ways we might connect with and within our community. In United Methodist circles, "Young Adult" is 18 - 35, but we don't plan to card; so if you're close and feel like this is a place where you would fit in, come join us for our first session on January 4! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #245 “The First Noel”
*GATHERING HYMN: #250 “Once in Royal David's City”, vv. 1, 2
HYMN: #248 “On this Day Earth Shall Ring”
HYMN: (cont'd)
COMMUNION HYMN: #256 “We Would See Jesus”
COMMUNION HYMN: #631 “O Food to Pilgrims Given”
COMMUNION HYMN: #626 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #254 “We Three Kings”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: cont'd