9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
December 8, 2024
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 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Zacqueline Baldwin — Communications Associate, x108
* please stand as you are able
11 am • December 8, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
{{page}}
Prelude
Preludes on “Veni Emmanuel” — Charles Callahan, Darwin Wolford, Alec Wyton (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”)
*Processional Hymn
#567 “Heralds of Christ”
Lighting of the Advent Candles The Nutter family - Hannah, John, Anne, James, Gary & Jeanie
This wreath of candles and evergreen reflects our joy at Christ’s coming: The candles reflect the eternal Light of God, Jesus Christ. The evergreen branches signify life and hope. Our lighting of the candles and prayer each Sunday reminds us that we are an Advent people who wait and watch in constant and joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. This wreath then, is a symbol of our faith: that Christ’s light and life will triumph over evil and death, that our hope in God’s grace and love will never leave us disappointed. Poetry: “I Praise You for What is Yet to Be” by Ted Loder, from Guerillas of Grace, Innisfree Press, Inc., 1984
*Response
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, v. 2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#207 “Prepare the Way of the Lord”, sung three times
Second Sunday of Advent
Scripture Luke 1:68-79 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his child David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann, Soloists
"Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" — Michael Wise (1648-1687); words from Isaiah 40:3-9 Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted and ev'ry mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places shall be made plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. And the voice said cry, (What shall I cry?) all flesh is grass, and the goodliness thereof is as a flower that is in the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of the Lord shall stand fast forever. O Zion, that bringeth glad tidings, get thee up into the mountains. O Jerusalem, that bringeth glad tidings lift up thy voice with strength and say unto Judah, “behold thy God”.
11 am
To hear the word
Sermon
Call to Prayer
Hear our prayer, O Lord; hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline your ear to us and grant us your peace. (Music: George Whelpton)
Pastoral Prayer
SIGN IN HERE
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.
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 11 am service
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
*Hymn
#209 "Blessed Be the God of Israel"
To Renew Commitment
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.
*Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of peace, we bring these gifts as an act of trust in your vision for the world. Use what we offer to mend what is broken, restore right relationships, and bring comfort to those in need. May our giving reflect your call to be peacemakers in all that we do, and may our lives point others toward the harmony found in you. Amen.
Postlude
Improvisation on “Veni Emmanuel” — Noel Rawsthorne
*Recessional Hymn
#203 "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. ("Danish")
To Disperse in Mission
Offertory Dan McInerney, Soloist
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” — Rowland Pritchard, arr. xxxxx; words by Charles Wesley Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” © 2018 St. James Music Press; "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" © 2008 Musicnotes.com; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
Permissions:
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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Joe Hull Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Director, Sanctuary Choir: Dr. Carl Johengen Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Ushers: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Tommy Johnson, Jr., Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
9 am • December 8, 2024
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles Chris Gold & Cory Tylenda
*Opening Hymn
#209 “Blessed Be the God of Israel”
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Luke 1:68-79 (found on p. 4)
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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Joe Hull Organist: David Strong
*Closing Hymn
PLEASE SIGN IN
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Celebrations and concerns
All are welcomed to join in sharing a turkey dinner at 5:30 pm Christmas Eve in the Fellowship Hall. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, but only give what you can. This has been a wonderful Asbury First tradition to have a meal together on this most special night. Please RSVP by December 19 to Paula Dugan via email at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x111.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in celebration of Jeanne and David Strong’s 50th wedding anniversary. 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 the family of Wayne Martin who died on November 9. Our hearts and prayers are with Melody Guadagnino on the death of her husband, Phil on November 10. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Maxine Morse who died on November 24. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Carol Knapp who died on December 2. Her funeral will be held at the Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home located at 1411 Vintage Lane in Rochester NY, 14626 at noon on Tuesday, December 10. The family will greet guests at 11 am.
Christmas Eve Dinner
ZOOM KEY
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
* zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 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 12:15 pm Church Conference — Sanctuary and live stream 5 pm Advent Winter Wonder Night — 1040, Gathering Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 6:30 pm New Members Class — 1010, COC, Red Room 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 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, Room 201 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040, Education Wing, Room 205 7:30 pm Carols and Cocoa — 1040, front yard around the Christmas tree 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 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 # 12:30 pm Asbury Women's Art Class — 1040, Room 205 (Bell Room) NEXT SUNDAY (12/15) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Asbury Orchestra Rehearsal — 1040, Wesley Hall 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 # 9:45 am LGBTQ Advocacy Team Meeting – 1040, Youth Room 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 Hal
Meetings & Rehearsals December 8 – December 15
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
Advent is here! And to guide us through this season of possibility, Rev. Susan Shafer and Ms. Bonnie Matthaidess have written a weekly devotional. This year's theme is "Holy Possibilities". The Devotional is available for digital viewing now on our website (scan the QR code), or printed copies can be picked up at the Welcome Desk.
Death & Dying
Joy of Christmas Giving
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. 100% of our Christmas Eve offerings, along with special gifts made throughout the Christmas season, will fund the outreach ministries of Asbury First such as the Community Outreach Center and partner programs like Cameron Ministries, Keeping Our Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, R Community Bikes, School 17, Miracle Garden Global Ministries, and Buena Vida Amigos (a successor to Project Chacocente).
Advent Devotional Now Available
On December 11 and 18 Kathy Thiel will be speaking at the Wednesday Evening Classes about Death and Dying. Topics to be discussed are preparing for death, the dying process, and the afterlife. We will read scripture and a bibliography will be available. Please know that all are welcome, whatever your comfort level in this area. If you are afraid, that is okay. If you have questions, that is okay. We value your opinion and love to hear your questions. Contact Kathy Thiel to learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106.
Join us for a time of scripture, music and communion followed by a time to visit with some of your Asbury First friends: • Monday, December 9 at 2 pm – Linden Knoll • Monday, December 16 at 2 pm – St John’s Meadows • Tuesday, December 17 at 2 pm – The Highlands at Pittsford Please feel free to join us at any or all of these services. No RSVP is needed. Questions? Feel free to contact Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 or email beltinge@icloud.com.
It's not too late to join! We would love to have your children be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays throughout December during children's Sunday school immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 am service.
Scan to Register!
Cookies for Christmas Eve It is an Asbury First tradition to offer cookies to all who worship with us on Christmas Eve. If you are making Christmas cookies, consider baking an extra dozen or two to bring with you to church. (Please label them "For Christmas Eve"). We also need cookie Elves to help plate and serve cookies after each service on Christmas Eve! If you can help or would just like more information, contact Johanna Mahan at jsmahan@rochester.rr.com.
Older Adult ADVENT COMMUNION SERVICES
Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm, Sanctuary This reflective moment of worship is a sacred space for those who may feel a special pain or hardship – whether from the loss of a loved one or loneliness around the holidays. Please join us on Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm for this uniquely meaningful service.
Join in between services each Sunday morning in Advent to explore themes of possibility through the lenses of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Pastor Michelle will lead reflection and discussion to help us prepare for the gift that is Christmas. Sundays in Fellowship Hall following the 9 am Service. Email Pastor Michelle at mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Sunday, December 8, 5 pm in the Gathering Center, Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you and your kids to enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a very special Christmas story! Feel free to come in your pajamas as together we will share the magic of the season.
Four Sundays of Possibility
Advent Winter Wonder Night
TODAY: Sunday, December 8, after the 11 am service. Join us for our annual Church Conference with District Superintendent Suzanne Block. We’ll reflect on the past year, celebrate our ministry and look ahead to the future. Your presence is important as we discuss our vision and renew our commitments. Let’s continue growing in faith and serving our world together. Submit any questions you'd like answered during the conference by email at questions@asburyfirst.org.
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 15. 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!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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 at Asbury First
Noon – Traditional Christmas Eve Service with carols and candlelight 4 pm – Family Service with Christmas Pageant (livestreamed) 7 pm – Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Choir, Carols and Candlelight (livestreamed) 11 pm – Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Choir, Carols, Candlelight and Communion
#567 "Heralds of Christ"