December 4, 2022 • 9 & 11 AM
ADVENT 2022
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
“Of the Father's Love Begotten” — arr. Penny Rodriguez “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence“ — arr. Larry Shackley Duane Prill, piano “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” — arr. Jack Bullock Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director
Introit
How pleased and blest was I to hear the people cry: “Come, let us seek our God today!” Yes, with a cheerful zeal we haste to Zion’s hill, and there our vows and honors pay. (Words: Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 122; Tune: Crusaders’ Hymn, Silesian folk melody)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Prepare the way of the Lord! God’s reign has drawn near. Prepare the way of peace. God’s salvation is at hand. Prepare the way of righteousness. God’s Spirit moves among us. Prepare the way of the Lord! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
*Opening Hymn
#203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • December 4, 2022
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Second 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
"The King of Glory Comes", vv. 1, 2
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
What does peace look like in the new world? The first and second candles are lit. Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where we can boldly build a good life together. May it be so! Amen.
*Response Hymnal #706, v. 1, 2
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. No more dying there, we are going to see the King; No more dying there, we are going to see the King; No more dying there, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see the King.
Scripture Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Anthem
“Every Valley” — John Ness Beck; words based on Isaiah 40:4-5 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain made low; and the crooked made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain made low, and the crooked straight, and the rough places plain, and all flesh shall see it together. For the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Amen.
To hear the word
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.
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
#196 "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
Sermon
Way Prepared
Call to Prayer
Day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day. (Words: Sir Richard of Chichester; Music: Arthur Somervell)
Pastoral Prayer
*Closing Hymn
#567 "Heralds of Christ"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Tom Birchwood)
Postlude
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” — arr. James Denton
Offertory Asbury Orchestra Laurie Kennedy, Director
“Gloria” — Paul Barker
Doxology (Hymnal #213, v. 4, alt.)
Eternal praise, eternal fame be offered, Savior, to thy name. Thy Holy Spirit lead us on until our glorious goal is won.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, your promised salvation is like the bread of heaven for those who are perishing. May the gifts we bring before you hasten the day when none shall hurt or destroy on all your holy mountain. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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 Asbury Orchestra, Laurie Kennedy, Director 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:
Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy © 2022 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada; “Every Valley” © 1976 Beckenhorst Press; "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" © 2012 Belwin Mills Publishing Corp.; "Gloria" © 2016 Paul Barker 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.
9 am • December 4, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Song
#203 "Hail to the Lord's Anointed", vv. 1, 4
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
#196 "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus", v. 1
Scripture
Matthew 3:1-12 (found on pg. 5)
Prayer
Benediction
Closing Song
#567 "Heralds of Christ", vv. 1, 3
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
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.
Sunday, December 11, 5-7 pm, Gathering Center
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Shirley and Rev. E. Robert Ferris Jr. by the Ferris family: Susanna, Timothy, Nancy and Jeremy; and in loving memory of LaVerne Judge by her husband David and family. 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 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.
Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by today, December 4th at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
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) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6:15 pm Contemplative Service (Taizé)—1040 Sanctuary 6:30 pm Carvers of Hope—1040 Room 204 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Caroling Around the Tree—1040 Front Lawn 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 December 4-10
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.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Women of the Well: Waiting for God
Dining and Caring Center Storehouse
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!
Grocery Bag Ministry UR Well Clinic Community Garden
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.
Monday, December 5, 7 pm
Outreach Ministries:
Dining In For Outreach 2022
Thank you for making this year’s Dining In For Outreach Event a huge success! We raised over $8,700 in support of our Outreach Ministries.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
Be sure to pick up your 2022 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
Asbury First Christmas Pageant
Contemplative Service (Taizé) Wednesdays during Advent, 6:15 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.
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
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation
HAVING TROUBLE HEARING EVERYTHING IN CHURCH? Do you sometimes struggle to hear everything during worship? We can help! Ask an usher for headphones that will amplify the service- you can customize the volume to suit your needs. Or if your hearing aids are equipped with "T switches", you can connect to our hearing loop which will also make sounds more clear.
Please scan the QR Code, visit our website, or return a donation form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 18. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at 585-271-1050
*Processional Hymn
#203 "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
#567 “Heralds of Christ”