ADVENT 2022
LET THERE BE
December 11, 2022 • 9 & 11 AM
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 Duane Prill, organ and piano Annette Farrington, flute
“Divinum Mysterium" — 12th-c. plainsong, arr. Craig Phillips Nocturne on "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Richard Willis, arr. Daniel Dorff “Angels We Have Heard on High” — arr. Karen Kuehmann
Introit
Praise to the holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise, in all his works most wonderful, most sure in all his ways. (Words: Cardinal John Newman, from The Dream of Gerontius; Tune: Hebdomadal, Bp. Thomas Strong)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Rejoice! God’s promises are ever near. We wait for Christ’s birth with patience. Rejoice! God’s strength is with us. We rest in the power of God’s mighty love. Rejoice! We gather to celebrate our salvation. Refreshed by hope, we gather to worship and give thanks.
*Opening Hymn
#182 “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#207 "Prepare the Way of the Lord", sung three times
11 am • December 11, 2022
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Third Sunday of Advent
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. And Mary said…
11 am
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Led by members of The Discipleship Project Sunday morning small group
What does joy feel like in the new world? The first three candles are lit. Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where joy boldly bubbles up in unexpected places. 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.
Anthem
“Magnificat”, Op. 10 — Charles Villiers Stanford My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior, for he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
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
#209 "Blessed Be the God of Israel", vv. 1, 3
Sermon
Magnifying Mary
Call to Prayer
Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day. (Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: Ratisbon, Johannn Gottlob Werner)
Pastoral Prayer
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 Soloists and Choral Scholars
“Mary Said Yes” — Russell Schulz-Widmar; words by Richard Leach Told of God's favor, told of God's purpose, Mary said, "Tell me, how can this be?" Told of the Spirit, told of the power, told of the promise, Mary said yes. Yes to conceiving, yes to the body changing and growing, yes to the flesh– yes to the new life kicking within her, yes to the pleasure, yes to the pain. Yes to the waiting, yes to the labor, yes to the hurting, yes to the birth– yes to the baby, yes to the future, yes to the holy, yes to the world. Told of Christ Jesus, told of the Spirit, can we say yes as Mary said yes? Yes for our bodies, yes for our spirits, yes for the future, yes for right now. Praise to the Spirit, praise to the Most High sending the word that Mary was told. Praise to Christ Jesus, who was made welcome into our world when Mary said yes.
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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, 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 Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Sam Doerner Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Closing Hymn
#200 "Tell Out, My Soul"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Theodore Dubois)
Postlude
Toccata on “Antioch” — arr. Craig Phillips
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
Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy © 2022 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada; “Mary Said Yes” words and music © 1994 Selah Publishing Co., Inc.; 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.
Permissions:
9 am • December 11, 2022
Call to Worship
Opening Song
#182 "Word of God, Come Down on Earth", 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
#207 "Prepare the Way of the Lord", sung twice
Scripture
Luke 1:26-38, 46b-55 (found on pg. 4)
Prayer
Benediction
Closing Song
#200 "Tell Out, My Soul", vv. 1, 4
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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 for the family and friends of Wanda Ward, who passed away on November 18. Her memorial service took place on Monday, November 28 at 11 am.
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 who need them most.
Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas or scan the QR code to give.
Celebrations and concerns
Meetings & Rehearsals December 11-17
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 5 pm Advent's Winter Wonder Night—1040 Gathering Center 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) 3 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry—1040 Library 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 6:35 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) Saturday 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry—Gathering Center
Be sure to pick up your 2022 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
Wednesday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 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, loneliness around the holidays, and more. Please join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 7 pm for this unique and meaningful service.
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.
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation
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
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
*Processional Hymn
#182 "Word of God, Come Down on Earth"
#209 "Blessed Be the God of Israel"
#200 “Tell Out, My Soul”