9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
January 5, 2005
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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.
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 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 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Administrator; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Johnny Colón — Director of Property Care, x123 Xiomara Serrano — Property Care Supervisor, x124 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
Partita on “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”— John A. Behnke
Introit
In him there is no darkness at all; the night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the City of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. (Words and music by Kathleen Thomerson))
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Arise, shine, for your light has come! We come to worship the Christ who brings light to the world. The nations shall gather, and kings will bow down in awe. We come to celebrate the wonder of God’s love revealed in Jesus. Lift up your eyes and look around; God’s glory is all around us. We come, ready to follow the star and offer our gifts to the Savior. Let us worship the God who leads us by the light of Christ. We come, rejoicing in the gift of the Messiah.
*Processional Hymn
#245 “The First Noel”
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#220 “Angels from the Realms of Glory”, vv. 2, 3
11 am • January 5, 2025
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Epiphany of the Lord
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
God of wonder and light, you sent Jesus to reveal your kingdom—a kingdom where the last are first and the humble are lifted up. Yet we confess that we often resist his way. We are drawn to power and comfort, failing to see your presence among the lowly and the outcast. We seek your light but do not always follow where it leads. Forgive us when we close our hearts to the newness you bring, and when we hesitate to proclaim the good news of Christ’s arrival. Shine your light on us again, that we may follow boldly and live as reflections of your love. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
The Light of Christ has entered the world, and God's love is made fully known. We are forgiven and made new in Christ. Thanks be to God.
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3 alt.
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.
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. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
To Renew Commitment
Minute for Mission
Worship Volunteers — Andrew Hunt
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 Our Gifts 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—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Anthem Brian Bohrer & Charlie Bohrer, Soloists
"Epiphany Carol" — carols, arranged by Stephen DeCesare Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear. Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel! (cont'd on the following page)
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.
SIGN IN HERE
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Anthem (Cont'd)
From the eastern country came the kings afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem guided by a star. Sing we Noel, etc. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the king of Israel. This star drew nigh to the northwest; o'er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. Nowell, etc. Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price. There was ne'er a place on earth so like paradise. Sing we Noel, etc.
Sermon
Communion Hymn
"A Star Shone Bright"
To celebrate holy communion
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
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.
...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
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving 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 provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
Anthem during Communion Sanctuary Choir
“Brightest and Best” — Malcolm Archer; words by Reginald Heber Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid; star of the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining; low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; angels adore him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Savior of all. Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion, odors of Edom and offerings divine, gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine? Vainly we offer each ample oblation, vainly with gifts would His favor secure; richer by far is the heart’s adoration, dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Hymn (as needed)
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light"
“Epiphany Carol” © 2018 Exultet Music; “Brightest and Best” © 1990 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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.
Permissions:
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Nancy Davidow Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, and Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
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.
To Disperse in Mission
*Recessional Hymn
#254 "We Three Kings"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen! (Music by John H. Hopkins, Jr.)
Postlude
Epiphany March on “Salzburg” — Franklin D. Ashdown
Welcome
*Opening Hymn
#245 "The First Noel"
The Light of Christ has entered the world, and God's mercy is made fully known. We are forgiven and made new in Christ. Thanks be to God.
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Matthew 2:1-12 (found on p. 4)
9 am • January 5, 2025
PLEASE SIGN IN
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: Duane Prill
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Offering Ourselves to God's Purposes
Communion
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. Words about the works of God. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Words about the works of Jesus. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Communion is shared.
*Closing Hymn
#254 “We Three Kings”
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. 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. Our hearts and prayers are with Karl Greenhagle and his sister, Janet Snyder, on the death of her husband, John Snyder, on December 27.
Team
Join us this February for comedy and calamity and share a meal with friends old and new! Presented by our very own theater company, Asbury First Community Theatre. Friday, February 7 - dinner at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Saturday, February 8 - dinner at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Sunday, February 9 - lunch at 1 pm, show starts at 2 pm Ticket are on sale now.
Visitation
SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT! All tickets are $30 and include both dinner and show.
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: Arsenic & Old Lace
Celebrations and concerns
Relationship Breakup Support Group Join us Saturday, January 11, at 10 am in the Teak Room (1050) for discussions about grief as it pertains to a relationship loss, the importance of forgiveness, and how to improve and develop healthy relationships. We will be using three books for this group, the first of which we be provided at no cost. The other two books can be borrowed from us or from the library. We will continue to meet Saturdays, January through May, 10 -12 pm, in the Teak Room (1050 East Ave). For more information, contact Anne Marie at annemarie.strivings@gmail.com.
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Help Me Connect
* zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 5 – JANUARY 12
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
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
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
ZOOM KEY
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Lower Level, Smart Meeting Room, and Zoom ^ 9:45 am Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom* 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 11 am Children's Sunday School — 1040, Education Wing PreK - 2nd grade — Room 206 3rd - 5th grade — Room 201 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Study — Zoom # 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040, Gathering Center WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom ^ 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010, Red Room and Zoom * 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir — 1040, Education Wing, Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040, Gathering Center 6 pm Wednesday Evening Programming — 1040, Wesley Hall (lower level) and Zoom * 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 201 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 205 Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives — Zoom ^ 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010, COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom # SaturDAY 10 am Relationship Breakup Support Group — 1050, Teak Room NEXT SUNday (1/12) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom * 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040, Smart Meeting Room and Zoom ^ 11 am Worship Service— In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Young Adult Gathering and Games!
Each summer, Asbury First offers mission trips for those completing grades 5 - 8 and 8 - 12. The week of June 29, our high schoolers will head to Florida to help with Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts. Our middle schoolers will help volunteer locally the week of August 4, followed by an overnight trip to Hershey, PA. Youth and Parents are invited to an information meeting in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 12, from 12:30 to 2 pm (lunch will be provided). Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
What even is a "young adult"??? The UMC defines "young adults" as those between the ages of 18 and 35. Whether or not you fit within that range, we invite you to join us! In addition to snacks and games, we will discuss what a young adult ministry at Asbury First might look like through fellowship, Bible study, outreach, mission trips and more. Sunday, January 19, 7 - 9 pm in the Red Room Come help us discern what the future holds for our young adult ministries! Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Calling all Acolytes, Crucifers, Readers, Ushers and Communion Stewards!
Are you interested in participating in worship at the 9 or 11 am service? Whether you are interested in Reading, Ritual, or Routing we are once again expanding the rosters for participants in worship at the 9 and 11 am Sunday services. Our hope is to continue to schedule in advance on rotation, allow equitable participation and ample time to plan! Training is available! We will also pair you with a mentor. If you would like to offer your time and talent to our community: Please contact Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org and tell us what role you are interested in, and whether you can do both services once in a while!
Youth Mission Trip Informational Meeting
SCAN HERE
Date: October 26 Time: BBQ Dinner at 5:30 pm, Dancing starts at 6:30 pm Mark your calendars and dust off your boots! Join us for a night of fun and fellowship at the Asbury First Hoedown. Enjoy a delicious Chicken BBQ, followed by an evening of square dancing with a live band! RSVP to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org by October 21 or stop by the Welcome Desk any Sunday in October.
SCAN TO JOIN IN VIA ZOOM
Get Ready for A Hoedown!
Volunteer Orientation is January 18 at 9:30 am in the COC, Lower Level Participation in an orientation session is required for all serving with our COC ministries. If you are serving for the first time, or have been serving already but have never attended a session, please join us!
Uncover the Truth Behind Gun Violence
Wednesdays in January and February 6 - 7 pm, Wesley Hall and Zoom Join us in January as we ground our understanding of everything from LGBTQ+ terms to an inclusive gospel ethic. On February 5, Jeannie Gainsburg, author of The Savvy Ally, will share her personal journey as an ally and some of her favorite tips for creating an LGBTQ+ welcoming, safe, and inclusive faith community. For more info, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Join us for a compelling discussion on American Carnage: Shattering the Myths that Fuel Gun Violence by criminologist Thomas Gabor and Parkland father Fred Guttenberg.
Monday, January 20, 7 - 8 pm in the Red Room or by Zoom The Banned Book Club will be discussing Maya Angelou's classic autobiographical novel "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" at their next meeting. Join us for an evening of deep discussion in the Community Outreach Center's Red Room (next door at 1010 East Ave). For more information contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room and on Zoom The Wednesday morning study group will begin a new book on January 8, How to Know a Person, by David Brooks. We will begin discussions with chapters 1 and 2 on January 8, and continue working through the book, two or three chapters each week, until February 26. All are welcome. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more info.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
We're spreading the word about the good work being done at the Community Outreach Center (COC), and we could use your help. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. We want to tell more people about the COC, and we want to learn new ways we can be effective in the community. The next date is Tuesday, January 14 at 8 am at the COC. Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117
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
January 5, 2025 Piety & Practice Religion is personal and communal, spiritual and physical. What is the relationship between rituals and daily life? How does worship inform action? How does action inform worship? January 12, 2025 Guest Rev. West McNeill: Ending Child Poverty in NY State In 2021, NY State committed to cutting child poverty in half by 2032. The Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council - set up to help meet that goal - has released its policy recommendations. What are these proposals and how can we help support the effort to make them a reality? January 19, 2025 Compassion & Justice Christians are called to ministries of compassion and justice: offering care to individuals and working for equity across communities. How do we balance the two? How are they different? Do they overlap? January 26, 2025 Guest Rev. Rachel Dupont: Elders & Deacons There are two orders of ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church: the Order of Elders and the Order of Deacons. Why? What are the differences? Does it matter? Join Revs. Rachel & Pat Dupont in discussing their respective orders and how they partner in ordained leadership.
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
Communion Hymn (Cont'd)
*Recessional Hymn (Cont'd)