December 7, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Miriam Derivan Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
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Second Sunday of Advent
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PRELUDE WELCOME *OPENING SONG: #203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Peace: The Way of New Creation Paige Dustin (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:4–7 (found on page 3) 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: #213 “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” *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: Settings of “Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen” (Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming) — Johannes Brahms, Randolph Johnston, John Leavitt INTROIT: Wesley Singers and Ringers, Holly Temming, Director; Alan Giambattista, piano Chime Tree: Aurora Mullin; Glockenspiel: Caitlyn Kirivong, Ella Milazzo, Louisa Morse; Bell: Edie Dudley “Holy Jesus Child” — Mark Patterson Rest your head, go to sleep, we will worship at your feet. Son of God, Prince of Peace, holy Jesus child. Christ awaits, come and see, come behold the newborn King. Love and joy to all he brings, holy Jesus child. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Peace: The Way of New Creation Jane & Bill Stata 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 11:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. RESPONSE (as the candle is lit) We light this second candle as a sign of peace. From the stump of what was broken, a new shoot will grow. The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and a child shall lead them. In God’s new creation, enemies find safety side by side. Together we worship the One who makes creation whole. Come, Lord Jesus—make all things new. *SONG: "Arise, Shine", sung twice *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #213 “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”, vv. 1, 3 SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:4–7 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 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.
OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” — Melchior Vulpius and Michael Praetorius, arr. Carl Johengen Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming as those of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter when half-spent was the night. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind: With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God's love aright she bore to us a Savior when half-spent was the night. This flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, Dispel in glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us, and lighten every load. SERMON HYMN: #209 "Blessed Be the God of Israel" *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #202 “People, Look East” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (John Storer) POSTLUDE: “Now Thank We All Our God” (March Triomphale) — Sigfried Karg-Elert
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. MINUTE FOR MISSION: Tim Mahan, Chair, Financial Sustainability Task Force 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.
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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) #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken”; #612 “Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness” #628 “Eat This Bread” *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: #206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Kathleen Thomerson) POSTLUDE: Improvisation on "Veni Emmanuel" — Noel Rawsthorne
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.
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” © 2024 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: Cristy Peck Organist: David Strong Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Kathie Collier Bryant Communion Stewards: Tammy Heintzelman, Angie Burch Altar Guild Team: Tammy Heintzelman, Cindy Malone, Martha Tuke Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Bob Peck 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 Shirley and Rev. E. Robert Ferris Jr. by the Ferris family: Susanna, Timothy, Nancy and Jeremy; in loving memory of LaVerne Judge by her husband David and family; and in loving memory of Roger Wayne Benjamin by the Benjamin family; and in loving memory of Brian Denigris by his mother, Barb Denigris and his Aunt, Bonnie Crossley. 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 and friends of Julie Dougherty who died on Sunday, November 16. 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.
Joy of Christmas Giving
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Joy!
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).
When we read the Bible, we bring our experiences, our histories, and our biases with us. How, then, can being part of a Methodist church influence our interpretations of Scripture? In this 3-part series, we will engage the book Reading Scripture in Wesleyan Ways to explore the possibilities of biblical interpretation in and for Methodist Christianity. Questions, contact programs@asburyfirst.org.
Reading Scripture in Wesleyan Ways Wednesdays, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom. December 3, 10, & 17
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This Christmas Eve, we will have 4 services with over 1600 worshipers anticipated. We need your help! 8 ushers are needed for the noon and 11 pm services, and 14 ushers for the 4 pm and 7 pm services (that's a total of 44 ushers!). If you would like to help, please see Dennis Roote or Tommy Johnson or add your name to the signup spreadsheet.
Celebrations and concerns
Lend a Hand this Christmas Eve!
Christmas Poinsettia Altar Donation
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 7 - December 14
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
Christmas Eve is around the corner! To make a donation of a Christmas Poinsettia to the Christmas Eve Altar, return a donation form to the church office no later than December 14. Forms are available at the Welcome Desk or online by scanning the QR code:
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
FRIDAY
9 am
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SUNDAY (12/14)
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
Service of Remembrance – 1040, Sanctuary
SUNDAY
Cinderella Auditions – 1040, Room 201
5 pm
Advent Winter Wonder Night – 1040, Fellowship Hall
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
6:30 pm
New Members Class – 1010, Red Room
WEDNESDAY
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
4 pm
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Hallelujah Kids Choir – 1040, Room 201
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center featuring: Pasta Bar!
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 & Cocoa – 1040 Gathering Center
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) and via Zoom * (see page 9). 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.
Join us during Advent as we take a deep-dive into the Christmas stories 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 wrappings of these classic Christmas tales. Contact Mike Mullin with questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Auditions for the next Intergenerational Musical are approaching! Auditions will resume today from 2 to 4 pm in Room 201 (1040). No preparation required. Performance dates will be March 13 - 15 in the Sanctuary. Contact Larry Dugan for more info at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
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 be made online at asburyfirst.org/give-outreach. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors!
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
Ongoing Emergency Food & Fund Drive
Grief Group
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: Cinderella Auditions
Service of Remembrance – Sunday, December 14, 2 pm, Sanctuary
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.
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 Ly Tran — Communications Associate
There is still work to do.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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.
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
Christmas Eve Soup & Salad Supper After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service in Fellowship Hall
Come celebrate Christmas with your Asbury First family in Fellowship Hall — join us for a simple soup and salad supper this Christmas Eve after the 4 pm Service. The cost of this meal is $10 or pay what you're able. There will be gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. No need to RSVP. Questions? Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
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:
4 Sunday Advent Services (9 and 11 am, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21) 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)
Coming Soon!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed”
*GATHERING HYMN: #213 “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”, vv. 1, 3
HYMN: #209 "Blessed Be the God of Israel"
COMMUNION HYMN: #614 “For the Bread Which You Have Broken”
COMMUNION HYMN: #612 “Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness”
COMMUNION HYMN: #628 "Eat This Bread"
COMMUNION HYMN: #612 cont'd
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: cont'd