ADVENT 2023
December 10, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
God With Us
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome of differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, 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 The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
"Christmas Carol Suite" — Theodore Marier
Introit Hallelujah Kids and Wesley Singers & Ringers Holly Temming, Director
“Ring, Ring, Ring the Bells” — traditional tune Ring, ring, ring the bells, ring them loud and clear. To tell the people everywhere that Advent time is here.
*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
“O God, Show Us Your Mercy” This hymn can be found on the following page.
11 am • December 10, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Second Sunday of Advent - MUSIC SUNDAY
11 am
"O God, Show Us Your Mercy"
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
To hear the word
Scripture Psalm 85:8-13
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
*Gathering Hymn
#207 "Prepare the Way of the Lord", sung three times
*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.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath The Sauceda Family Jonathan, Catherine, Esther, Caroline, Winnie & Javier
"Hope Is Assertive, Peace Is Subversive" Two candles are lit. God of Peace, our world is full of angry voices. They call for vengeance, or for retribution posing as justice. We know the true peace that comes only from you. It is ours, if only we seek it. May peace light our way in this world that desperately needs it. Amen.
“A Babe Is Born” A babe is born all of a may (maiden), in the salvation of us. To him we sing both night and day: Veni Creator Spiritus. (Come, Creator Spirit.) At Bethlehem, that blessed place, the child of bliss was born. Him to serve God give us grace. O lux beata trinitas. (O blessed light, the Trinity.) There came three kings out of the East to worship the King so high. With gold and myrrh and frankincense A solis ortus cardine. (From the point of the sun’s rising - the East.) The shepherds heard an angel cry, a merry song sung he. Why are ye so sore aghast? Jam ortus solis cardine. (The sun has now arisen.) The angel came down with a cry, a fair song then sung he, in the worship of that child: Gloria tibi, Domine. (Glory to you, Lord.)
Anthems Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann with Duane Prill, organ and Sanctuary Choir
Two Old English Carols — Gustav Holst; words from Medieval English carols “Jesus, Thou the Virgin Born” Jesu, of a maiden thou wast born, to save mankind that was forlorn, all for our sins. Jesu, fili virgine, miserere nobis. (Jesus, son of the Virgin, have mercy on us.) Within a cradle he was laid both ox and ass with him played, with joy and bliss. Jesu, fili virgine, miserere nobis. Then for us he shed his blood, and also died he on the rood (cross), all for our sins. Jesu, fili virgine, miserere nobis. And then to hell he took the way to ransom them that there did lay, with joy and bliss. Jesu, fili virgine, miserere nobis.
"Christmas Day" — a Choral Fantasy on Old Carols Gustav Holst
choral presentation
Alto Solo, repeated by all: Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart, and soul, and voice; Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today: Ox and ass before him bow, And he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today! Baritone Solo: God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, To save us all from woe and sin, When we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
All, unison: In Bethlehem, in Judah, This blessed babe was born, And laid within a manger, Upon that holy morn; The which His Mother, Mary, Did nothing take in scorn. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this. He hath oped the heav’nly door, And we are blessed evermore. Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this.
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
#221 "In the Bleak Midwinter"
Introduction to the Choral Presentation
Sopranos and some Altos: (later, some Sopranos and Tenors overlapping with "The First Nowell") Come ye lofty, come ye lowly, Let your songs of gladness ring; In a stable lies the Holy, In a manger rests the King: See in Mary’s arms reposing, Christ by highest heav’n adored: Come, your circle round him closing, Pious hearts that love the Lord. Tenors: Come, ye poor, no pomp of station Robes the Child your hearts adore. He, the Lord of all salvation, Shares your want, is weak and poor. Oxen, round about behold them; Rafters naked, cold and bare, See the shepherds, God has told them That the Prince of Life lies there. Basses: Come ye children, blithe and merry, This one Child your model make; Christmas holly, leaf, and berry, All be prized for His dear sake; Come, ye gentle hearts, and tender, come, ye spirits, keen and bold; All in all your homage render, Weak and mighty, young and old. Sopranos and Altos: High above a star is shining, And the wisemen haste from far: Come glad hearts and spirits pining: For you all has risen the star. Let us bring our poor oblations, Thanks and love and faith and praise: Come, ye people, come ye nations, all in all draw nigh to gaze.
All: Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart, and soul, and voice; give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today: Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today! Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this. He hath oped the heav’nly door, And we are blessed evermore. Christ was born for this. Baritone solo: Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy. Alto solo: Good Christian friends, rejoice, With heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all, To gain his everlasting hall. All: Christ was born to save. Soloists: Christ was born to save.
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 Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann with Duane Prill, organ
Two Old English Carols — Gustav Holst; words from Medieval English carols “Now Let Us Sing” Now let us sing with joy and mirth, in honor of the Lordes birth, His love and his humanity that gave himself for us to die. By Adam we were all forlorn but now Christ Jesus to us born Has freed us from captivity, and vanquished has our enemy. The angels sang with merriness unto the shepherds more or less, And bade them of good comfort be, for Christes new nativity. For you were all by sin forlorn. This babe to you that now is born Shall make you safe and for you die, and you restore to liberty. This babe for you did shed his blood and suffered death upon the rood (cross) And for his great humanity exalted is his majesty. And now he is our advocate, he prays for us both aire (early) and late, This can the scripture verify, so far as any man is he. (cont'd)
*Closing Hymn
#248 "On This Day, Earth Shall Ring"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Tom Birchwood)
Postlude
Postlude on “Adeste Fideles” — Eric H. Thiman
To Disperse in Mission
Offertory (cont'd)
"The Savior of the World Is Born" In Bethlehem, that noble place, as by prophecy said it was, of Virgin Mary, full of grace, Salvator Mundi natus est. (The Savior of the world is born). Refrain: Be we merry in this feast In quo Salvator natus est. (in which the Savior is born). On Christmas night an angel told to shepherds watching o'er their fold In Bethlehem with beasties wolde (wild) Salvator Mundi natus est. (Refrain) Behold to you we bring great joy for why? Jesus is born to-day to us, of Mary that holy may (maiden) Salvator mundi natus est. (Refrain) Then compassed were the shepherds quite, around them shone a great light. “Dread ye naught”, said the angels bright, Salvator mundi natus est. (Refrain) “And thus in faith find him ye shall, lying poorly in oxen-stall.” The shepherds lauded God for all: Salvator mundi natus est. (Refrain)
Pastoral Prayer
Participants In the Service
Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Scripture Reading: Ann Johnson, Missoula, MT Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Griffin Allen Graphics Operator: Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
It’s recently been announced that Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition to Brite in February. To learn more about this transition period, please visit asburyfirst.org.
Permissions:
Compositions by Gustav Holst in public domain; 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 Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
9 am • December 10, 2023
Second Sunday of Advent
"O God, Show Us Your Mercy" (found on pg. 4)
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#706 "Soon and Very Soon", v. 1
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
found on p. 5
Invitations, Announcements
Scripture
Psalm 85:8-13 (found on pg. 5)
Musical Presentation
Gwen Paker, Megan Ormsbee, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann, Duane Prill
Prayer
#221 "In the Bleak Midwinter", vv. 1, 2, 4
Participants in Service
Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: Duane Prill
chapel service
During the Christmas season, our attention is drawn to the abundance in our lives. As Christian disciples, we believe that abundance should be shared. As we exchange gifts with loved ones at Christmas, let us also consider gifts that we can offer to those in our midst who need them most.
For more information or to view the Advent Devotional visit asburyfirst.org/advent-2023.
For more information visit asburyfirst.org/christmas.
CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesdays December 13, 20, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of John McBride who passed away recently. We offer our prayers and concerns for Julie Flynn whose mother passed away on November 30. We offer our prayers and concerns for Deanna Varble whose father passed away on December 5. We offer our prayers and concerns for Jon Patterson, father of Susan and Matt Guffy, who is hospitalized at Strong. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Karen Manasco Kelly, who passed away on November 19.
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
Be sure to pick up your weekly 2023 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
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
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 10–DecemBER 16
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 1040 Gathering Center 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Pastoral Transition Listening Session for Newer Members — 1040 Fellowship Hall 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Age 4 - 5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing (2nd Floor) 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group — 1040 Fellowship Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library 3 pm Storehouse Team Meeting — 1010 Red Room 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 (canceled until 1/9) 2 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Wednesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Pageant Rehearsal PreK - 2nd grade — Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 5:30 pm Pageant Rehearsal 3rd - 5th grades — Room 201 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm Carols and Cocoa — 1040 Front lawn 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468)
Join the Asbury Orchestra for December Caroling
Did you hear the Asbury Orchestra in worship recently and think, “I’d like to do that”? Join us December 10 at 9:30 am in Wesley Hall to rehearse Christmas carols. We will play in the Gathering Center after the 11 am worship on December 17. All are invited to join the fun!
Carols and Cocoa
Join us as we gather to sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa outside around the Christmas tree each Wednesday during Advent. Starting at 7 pm, we will join in singing Christmas favorites, welcoming new faces, and seeing old friends. Bring a friend!
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20, 7pm, Front lawn
Even if you missed the in-person book fair at Barnes & Noble bookstore, there's still time to show your support! December 9-13, visit www.BN.com/bookfairs and a percentage of sales will go to the Asbury First Library, which we use to add to the library’s book collection. Just follow these 3 steps: Add the items you want to purchase to your cart and select Checkout. From the Checkout page, scroll to the very bottom and click the plus sign next to Add Bookfair ID. Enter the Bookfair ID into the Apply Bookfair ID field and click Apply. Book Fair ID#12688545
Questions contact Laurie Kennedy at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net
On Sunday, December 24 we observe the Fourth Sunday of the Advent season, as well as Christmas Eve. We are changing our usual Sunday schedule in order to celebrate both of these feasts. *Please note the change in time of our morning services*
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, put this form in the offering plate, 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!
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
10:00 am - An Advent service of scripture, poetry, and carols in the Sanctuary (live streamed) *This replaces our usual 9 am and 11 am Sunday services 12:00 noon - Traditional Christmas Eve service with carols and candlelight 4:00 pm - Family Service with Christmas Pageant (live streamed) 7:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight (live streamed) 11:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight
*Advent Candle Lighting
#248 “On This Day Earth Shall Ring”
*Processional Hymn (cont'd)