December 14, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Reader: Sean Mahan Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
SIGN IN HERE
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
PRELUDE WELCOME *OPENING SONG: #192 “There's a Spirit in the Air” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Joy: The Song of New Creation Lindsey Seitz (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: James 5:7–10 (found on page 5) SERMON PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP AND ENGAGEMENT OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD'S PURPOSES *CLOSING SONG: #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1, 2, 6, 7 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Third Sunday of Advent
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
{{page}}
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
SCAN TO SIGN IN FOR THE 11AM SERVICE
PRELUDE: Meditation on “Divinum Mysterium” — Charls Callahan “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” — arr. Marshall McDonald/Steven Nelson with Brian Donat, Cello INTROIT Let me enter God’s own dwelling, open wide the lovely door! Here, all earthly powers excelling, God receives the sick and poor. Joy, my heart, in this dear place: here I see God face to face. (Words: Benjamin Scholck, tr. Madeleine Marshall; Tune: Unser Herrscher, Joachim Neander) *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #192 “There's a Spirit in the Air” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Joy: The Song of New Creation Mary Steensma & Jim Leunk 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 35:1–10 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. God will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. God will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. RESPONSE (as the candles are lit) We light this third candle as a sign of joy. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom. Waters will break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. In God’s new creation, sorrow and sighing will flee away. Joy blossoms where light touches the soil—new life emerging from God’s grace. Come, people of promise, and rejoice! Come, Lord Jesus—make all things new. *SONG: "Arise, Shine", sung twice *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #182 “Word of God, Come Down on Earth”, vv 1, 3 WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS Thomas Beach Melissa Boyack Michael Boyack Robert James Coatsworth Mary Rebecca Fetterman *CONGREGATIONAL PLEDGE Members of the family of God, I commend to you these persons. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope and perfect them in love. We give thanks for the faith God has worked within you. We pledge to you our Christian love and hospitality as those who also live by hope. Together with you and all Christians this day, we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. *HYMN: #557 "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", v. 1 Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. SCRIPTURE: James 5:7–10 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Be patient, therefore, siblings, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Siblings, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, siblings, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 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. ANTHEM: Brenda Nitsch and Juli Elliot, soloists Recitative and Aria: "He shall feed his flock”, from Messiah — G. F. Handel Recitative: Then shall the eyes of the blind be open’d, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. Aria: He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 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. *HYMN: #210 “All Earth is Waiting” SERMON CALL TO PRAYER “Come unto me, ye weary, and I will give you rest.” O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts oppressed! It tells of benediction, of comfort, grace, and peace, of joy which has no ending, of love which cannot cease. (Words: W. Chatterton Dix, 1867; Music: Carl Johengen, adapted from Messiah, G.F. Handel) PASTORAL PRAYER 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 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. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “You Shall Go Out in Joy” — Gilbert M. Martin; words based on Isaiah 55:12-13 You shall go out in joy, you shall be led in peace, you shall walk forth in love, praising the advent of the Lord. You shall go out in joy, you shall be led in peace, you shall walk forth in love, singing the advent of his Word. No more the crooked pathway, no more the barren field; in hope and love, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. The hills and every mountain forever will rejoice; all nature, filled with wondrous life, shall sing in one strong voice! You shall go out in joy! *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Joyful God, you make deserts bloom and weary hearts sing. Take these gifts and use them to refresh the dry places of our world—with kindness, laughter, and compassion. Let our giving join your work of joy that never ends, as light grows into life. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1, 2, 6, 7 *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Carl Johengen) POSTLUDE: Toccata on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” — James Denton
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.
“You Shall Go Out in Joy” © 1997 The Sacred Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith | Cover Illustration: "The First Candle of Advent"
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. The trees in the chancel have been generously donated by Tay House Scout Troop 19. 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. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 21. 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.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Sean Mahan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer, Acolyte: Martha Neubert 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, Noel Nichols, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
Permissions:
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
Are you interested in finding your place in the life of Asbury First? To find your deeper connection speak to one of the ministers after the service, scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-connect or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
Help Me Connect!
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
Community Dinner: Dec 3: Baked Potato Bar | Dec 10: Pasta Bar | Dec 17: Pizza
SUNDAY
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:30 am
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
6 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 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
WEDNESDAY
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Men's Fellowship Group – Zoom #
Wednesday Morning Study Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
Knitting Ministry – 1040, Library
4 pm
Grief Group – 1010, Red Room and Zoom *
5 pm
Pageant Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
5:30 pm
Community Dinner – 1040, Gathering Center featuring: Baked Potato Bar!
Wednesday Evening Programming – 1040, Wesley Hall and Zoom #
Youth Choir – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm
Asbury Ringers – 1040, Room 205
7 pm
Carols and Cocoa – 1040, Outside, front lawn
7:30 pm
Sanctuary Choir – 1040, Wesley Hall
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 14 – DECEMBER 21
THURSDAY
8 am
Spiritual Perspectives – Zoom ^
Morning Prayer – 1040, Sanctuary
UR Well Clinic – 1010, COC
FRIDAY
Men's Group Christmas Service – 1040, Sanctuary
Disciple V Bible Study – Zoom #
Dining and Caring Center Christmas Celebration – 1010, DCC Dining Room
12:30 pm
Asbury Women's Art Class – 1040, Room 205
1:15 pm
Disciple IV Bible Study – Zoom #
SATURDAY
Grocery Bacg Ministry– 1010, DCC Dining Room
Children's Pageant Tech Rehearsal – 1040, Sanctuary
1 pm
Collaborative Maker's Gathering – 1040, Gathering Center
SUNDAY (12/21)
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group – 1040, Youth Room
Asbury Orchestra Caroling– 1040, Gathering Center
Lend a Hand this Christmas Eve!
Joy of Christmas Giving
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Asbury First (AF) is launching a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026, meeting the first Sunday of each month from 6:30-8 pm. We'll share snacks, discuss a parable from Peter Rollins' "The Orthodox Heretic," and connect through games and conversation. Young Adults are typically 18 - 35, but all who feel they'd fit in are welcome. First session: January 4. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
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.
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 14. 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!
Young Adulting AF
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 a variety of programs. Learn more at the link above.
SCAN TO SIGN UP
Joy!
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.
Grief Group
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 final part of 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.
This Christmas season, Asbury First is channeling its holiday spirit in a new direction. In response to growing food insecurity, we're redirecting our seasonal creativity to address hunger in our community. Our new Giving Tree in the Gathering Center was constructed by Zane Anderson (design), Scott Ross, Chuck Hanrahan, Dave Behnk, and Donna Anderson. We invite you to place food donations under the tree to support our Community Outreach Center's food programs and help neighbors in need.
You are invited to attend our new Grief Group on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (next door in the Community Outreach Center) and via Zoom * (see page 8). This is an opportunity for people to come together and talk about their loved ones who have recently died. All are welcome to join the group regularly, or just drop in. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
The Giving Tree
Join us during Advent as we dive into the Christmas stories for Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas. What does our Bible actually say about Christmas and what role does tradition play in our celebrations and understandings of this season? All are welcome! Contact Mike Mullin with questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Reading Scripture in Wesleyan Ways Wednesday, December 17, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom.
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
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 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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Service of Remembrance Today, 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.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
Reserve your seat for Asbury First Community Theatre's presentation of Anastasia about a young woman named Anya who embarks on a journey from 1920s Russia to Paris to find where she belongs. Visit asburyfirst.org/anastasia to reserve a seat!
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
There is still work to do.
SCAN TO PLEDGE TODAY
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #192 “There's a Spirit in the Air”
*GATHERING HYMN: #182 “Word of God, Come Down on Earth”, vv 1, 3
*HYMN: #210 “All Earth is Waiting”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1, 2, 6, 7