November 30, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Beth Rice Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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PRELUDE WELCOME *OPENING SONG: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Hope: The Promise of New Creation Mary Beth Kelley (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:11-14 (found on page 4) SERMON PRAYER 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 OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #202 “People, Look East” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
First Sunday of Advent
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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: “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (“Savior of the Nations, Come”), BWV 659 — J.S. Bach “Wachet auf , ruft uns die Stimme” (“Sleepers, Awake!"), BWV 645 — J.S. Bach 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) *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Hope: The Promise of New Creation The Curtiss family Each week in Advent, we light candles on the wreath as a sign of the growing light of Christ in the world. The circle of evergreen reminds us that God’s love has no end, and the candles mark our journey from darkness toward the dawn of new creation. As the flame is shared, we remember that God’s promise is unfolding still—hope, peace, joy, and love taking root in us and among us, until the light of Christ leads us to new life. READING FROM THE PROPHETS: Isaiah 2:1–5 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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 God may teach us God's ways and that we may walk in God's paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. God 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! RESPONSE (as the candle is lit) We light this first candle as a sign of hope. The dawn of God’s new creation breaks upon us. In God’s new creation, conflict gives way to community; weapons of war are remade into tools of peace. We awaken to the light of promise and peace. The dawn is breaking; light is rising over the world: a sign of the life that is coming. Come, Lord Jesus—make all things new. *SONG: "Arise, Shine" *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #196 “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:11-14 (The Message) But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work that began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! 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. ANTHEM: Dan McInerney, soloist “My Lord, What a Morning” — Spiritual, arr. Jay Althouse (Refrain:) My Lord, what a morning, my Lord, what a morning, my Lord, what a morning, when the stars begin to fall. You’ll hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall. (Ref.) You’ll hear the sinner moan to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall. (Ref.) 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. *HYMN: #725 “Arise, Shine Out, Your Light Has Come” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER Hear our prayer, O Lord; incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace. (Music by George Whelpton) PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “I Was Glad When They Said unto Me” — Keith Bissell; words from Psalm 122:1-2, 6-7 and Psalm 135:1-2 I was glad when they said unto me: We will go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces. Praise the Lord, laud ye the name of the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord our God, in the courts of the house of God. Amen. *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of vision and hope, you show us a world remade in peace. Take these gifts and use them to build paths of light where conflict and fear once ruled. May what we offer become tools of your new creation, shaping a world that reflects your peace and leads us toward new life. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #202 “People, Look East” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (John Storer) POSTLUDE: “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” — Johann Pachelbel
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.
“My Lord, What a Morning” © 1994, Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “I Was Glad When They Said unto Me” © 1959 Waterloo Music Company Ltd.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith | Cover Illustration: "The First Candle of Advent"
New Members Class
Permissions:
If you are interested in becoming a member here at Asbury First, you are invited to attend the two-class series beginning on Tuesday, December 2. The second class will be on Tuesday, December 9. Classes will take place in the Red Room (1010) from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. If you would like more information, or if you plan to attend, please email Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
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.
Celebrations and concerns
A new grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom * (see page 8). 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) 369-3170 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Grief Group
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 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 are with the family of Alan Ziegler who died on November 4. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, November 17. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Julie Dougherty who died on Sunday, November 16. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 21. Our hearts and prayers are with Myla Strawderman whose mother, Denyse Hunt, died on Saturday, November 15. 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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Beth Rice Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Altar Guild Team: Martha Hunt, Cindy Malone, Ellen Williams Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Help Me Connect!
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
Community Dinner: Dec 3: Baked Potato Bar | Dec 10: Pasta Bar | Dec 17: Pizza
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
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
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
2:15 pm
Disciple III Bible Study – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
6:30 pm
New Members Class – 1010, Red Room
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
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
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center featuring: Baked Potato Bar!
6 pm
Hanging of the Greens – 1040, Welcome Hall
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Wesley Singers & Ringers – 1040, Room 201
Youth Choir – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7 pm
Caroling – 1040, Outside, front lawn
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 7
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
Zumba – 1040, Gathering Center
FRIDAY
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
Holiday Bazaar – 1040, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am
Older Adult Christmas Luncheon – 1040 Gathering Center
ACT Cinderella Auditions – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY (12/7)
Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal – 1040, Wesley Hall
2 pm
ACT Cinderella Auditions – 1040, Room 201
Advent Winter Wonder Night – 1040, Fellowship Hall
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: Cinderella Auditions
Beginning November 30, join us for four weeks in Advent as we take a deep-dive into the Christmas stories in our Bible for Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas. What does our Bible actually say about Christmas? Which books of the Bible share this story? And what role does tradition play in our celebrations and understandings of this season. All are welcome as we peel back the wrapping of these classic Christmas tales. Contact Mike Mullin with questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Please join us Saturday, December 6, at 11:15 am in the Gathering Center, for the Asbury First Older Adult Christmas lunch — a time of singing, laughing and sharing a holiday meal with friends. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge for the lunch by Monday, December 1 at (585) 737-8775 or programs@asburyfirst.org.
Older Adult Christmas Lunch
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
Auditions for the next Intergenerational Musical are approaching! Auditions will be held December 6, 10 am to 1 pm in the Sanctuary, and December 7, 2 to 4 pm in Room 201 (1040). No preparations required. Performance dates will be March 13 - 15 in the Sanctuary. Contact Larry Dugan for more info at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Ongoing Emergency Food & Fund Drive
Advent Winter Wonder Night Sunday, December 7, 5 pm in Fellowship Hall
Join us for Asbury First's Advent tradition on December 7, from 5 pm to 7 pm! Come in your pajamas, enjoy breakfast for dinner, and celebrate with music and stories. All families are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Sign up or volunteer via the QR code:
In response to the sudden disappearance of SNAP and other assistance programs, and the uncertainty around their reinstatement, we are initiating an ongoing emergency food & fund drive. Donations can be dropped off in the chapel on Sundays or at the Community Outreach Center: M-Tu 9-3, W-Th 7-3, Fri 7-9. Monetary donations can also be made online at asburyfirst.org/give-outreach. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors!
Come support the Storehouse with holiday spirit! Asbury First artisans and local craftspeople are bringing their wares to the Fellowship Hall for another Holiday Bazaar! One day only. You'll be glad you came.
Ring in the Advent season on Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm as we gather together for the return of the Hanging of the Greens. Come when you can! Families are welcome for some simple decorating, Christmas Caroling, and hot cocoa!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Please RSVP to programs@asburyfirst.org by December 15. The cost of this meal is $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo. Are you able to help organize and run the event? Please email Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 ext. 106 to help organize and celebrate this Asbury First tradition!
Storehouse Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6, 9 to 5 pm in Fellowship Hall
Given by: (Please Print Clearly) Phone: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: In loving memory of In honor or celebration of A donation Please scan the QR code to the left, visit our website, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 14. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at (585) 271-1050. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
Hanging of the Greens Wednesday, December 3 after Community Dinner
Christmas Eve Dinner – Celebrate and Serve After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service in Fellowship Hall
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 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 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
4 Sunday Advent Services (9 and 11 am, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21) Hanging of the Greens (Wednesday 12/3) Advent Devotional (Available at the Welcome Desk) Advent Winter Wonder Night (Sunday, 12/7) Service of Remembrance (Sunday, 12/14) 4 Christmas Eve Services (12 Noon, 4 pm Christmas Pageant, 7 pm and 11 pm)
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
As we exchange gifts with loved ones this Christmas, let us also consider sharing our abundance with those for whom, and among whom, the Christ child was born: the poor, homeless and oppressed. Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas to learn more. 100% of our Christmas Eve offerings, along with special gifts made throughout the Christmas season, will fund outreach ministry in the community through partnerships with programs like Cameron Ministries, Keeping Our Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, Help Me Read, Tyshaun Lamar Cauldwell Memorial Scholarship, Miracle Garden Global Ministries, and Buena Vida Amigos (a successor to Project Chacocente).
There is still work to do.
Our Finance Committee has carefully built balanced 2026 budgets that limit spending increases to under 2%. To make these plans a reality, we rely on your pledges. Please submit your pledge by December 15 so we can finalize next year’s budget. You can pledge online at asburyfirst.org/pledge-online or use the card in the pew pad and place it in the offering plate or church office.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
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
Coming Soon: A host of opportunities to celebrate Advent at Asbury First!
Joy!
Joy of Christmas Giving
This year our Longest Night service will once again be known as the Service of Remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the year and remember those we miss, especially at holiday time. Please join us for music, scripture, and candlelight. All are welcome. For more info, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Reserve your seat for Asbury First Community Theatre's presentation of Anastasia about a young woman named Anya who embarks on a journey from 1920s Russia to Paris to find where she belongs. Visit asburyfirst.org/anastasia to reserve a seat!
Service of Remembrance – December 14, 2 pm, Sanctuary
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh”
*GATHERING HYMN: #196 “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
*HYMN: #725 “Arise, Shine Out, Your Light Has Come”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #202 “People, Look East”