ADVENT 2022
November 27, 2022 • 9 & 11 AM
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
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 659 — J.S. Bach ("Come now, Savior of the nations") "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme", BWV 645 — J.S. Bach ("Wake, awake, a voice is calling")
Introit
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us to walk in his ways. Let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:3, 5; music by Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, let us travel together to God’s mountain— where we will be surrounded by God’s glory and peace. Let us prepare for Christ’s arrival— the birth of the Prince of Peace. Come, let us worship the Spirit of love. Clothed in Christ’s love, we are ready to worship and pray.
*Opening Hymn
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1-4 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • November 27, 2022
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First Sunday of Advent
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
"In the Lord I'll be Ever Thankful", sung twice
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Members of the Tuesday Evening Discipleship Project Group
What do you hope for in the new world? The first candle is lit. Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where we can dare to hope boldly. May it be so! Amen.
*Response Hymnal #706, v. 1
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see the King.
Scripture Isaiah 2:1-5
In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
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
#730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh", vv. 1, 4, 5
To hear the word
Sermon
Walk in the Light
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
“Advent Promise” — Paul Laubengayer; words by Thomas Troeger View the present through the promise, Christ will come again. Trust despite the deepening darkness, Christ will come again. Lift the world above its grieving through your watching and believing in the hope past hope’s conceiving: Christ will come again. Probe the present with the promise, Christ will come again. Let your daily actions witness, Christ will come again. Let your loving and your giving and your justice and forgiving be a sign to all the living: Christ will come again. Match the present to the promise, Christ will come again. Make this hope your guiding premise, Christ will come again. Pattern all your calculating and the world you are creating to the advent you are waiting: Christ will come again.
*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.
*Communion Hymn
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light", vv. 1, 3
*Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*Closing Hymn
#634 "Now Let Us from This Table Rise"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Go into the world and serve the Lord with joy! (Anonymous)
Postlude
“Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” — Johann Pachelbel
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.
Communion Procession
Please come forward via the center aisle to receive the elements. If you wish, you may take a moment to kneel at the altar rail before returning to your seat. Please wait to consume the elements until everyone is seated and you are invited to do so.
Hymns
#619 "Now the Silence" #626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
The Lord's Supper
All those present will receive the elements together as directed.
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. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Lay Reader: Q.P. Parks Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary 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
Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy © 2022 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada; “Advent Promise” © 2005 Birnamwood Publications, a division of MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.; 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.
Permissions:
9 am • November 27, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#211 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", vv. 1, 2
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Song
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light", v. 1
Scripture
Isaiah 2:1-5 (found on pg. 5)
Communion
Benediction
Closing Hymn
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by December 4th at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
Sunday, December 11, 5-7 pm, Gathering Center
Winter Wonder Night
Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you to bring your kids and come enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a special Christmas story at 5 pm on Sunday, December 11. Please don your pajamas as we share the magic of the season with you and your family.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our granddaughter June Lucille Francis by Ann & John Francis. 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 Robert Dickerson on the passing of his wife, Norma Jean Dickerson, on November 4. We offer our prayers and concerns to Rebecca and Dan Mack and their family on the passing of Rebecca's mother, Elizabeth Hackett, in Marana, Arizona on November 12. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Wanda Ward, who passed away on November 18. Her memorial service will take place on Monday, November 28 at 11 am.
Celebrations and concerns
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Orchestra Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12:30 pm Youth Meal—Fellowship Hall 1 pm 6th–8th Youth Groups—1040 Gathering Center 1 pm 9th–12th Youth Groups—1040 Youth Room 2 pm 6th-12th Youth Choir—1040 Room 201 MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class—1040 Bell Room 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Fellowship Hall 7 pm Embodied Spirituality— Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 10 am The Soul of America—Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 4 pm Hanging of the Greens—1040 Gathering Center 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 Contemplative Service (Taizé)—1040 Sanctuary 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 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center friday 4 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Meetings & Rehearsals november 27-December 3
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.
Women of the Well: Waiting for God
Advent is upon us! Did you ever wonder about the family of Jesus? The lives of so many who preceded him? The stories of women in his genealogy, from whom we seldom hear? If so, please join the "Women of the Well" on Monday evening, December 5, 7-8 pm, in the Church sanctuary. In our program, "Waiting for God," we will be telling a few stories of his ancestors in faith, and we would love to see you there!
Monday, December 5, 7 pm
Grocery Bag Ministry UR Well Clinic Community Garden
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Outreach Ministries:
Dining and Caring Center Storehouse
Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/outreach-volunteer, or call the office at 585-271-1050.
Are you interested in volunteering? Volunteer with one of our outreach ministries to support the launch of our new Community Outreach Center.
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your children be part of Asbury's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Enrichment following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 4. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall
Asbury First Christmas Pageant
Register by Sunday, December 4
Be sure to pick up your 2022 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
Please join us on Saturday, December 3 from 10 am to 1 pm as we gather together for the return of the Hanging of the Greens. Come when you can! Families are welcome and there will be activities for kids. Contact Amy Allen with any questions atajppa@yahoo.com or at (585) 738-9128.
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
Contemplative Service (Taizé) Wednesdays during Advent, 6 pm, 1040 Sanctuary CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesdays 12/7 & 12/14, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Wednesday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary For more information or to view the Advent Devotional visit asburyfirst.org/advent.
Saturday, December 3, 10-1 pm, Gathering Center
*Processional Hymn
#211 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", v. 1-4
*Advent Candle Lighting
#706 "Soon and Very Soon", v. 1
#730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh", v. 1, 4, 5
Communion Hymn
Communion Hymn (Cont'd)
Hymn
#619 "Now the Silence"
#626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
#634 “Now Let Us from This Table Rise”