9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
December 15, 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 15, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
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Prelude
Variations on “In Dulci Jubilo” — Bach/Dupré/Goemanne/Bedford (Chorale, Trio, Cantabile, Scherzo, Gigue)
*Processional Hymn
#214 “Savior of the Nations, Come”
Lighting of the Advent Candles The Allen Family — Amy, Dave, Gillian and Griffin
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 Need to Breathe Deeply” by Ted Loder, from Guerillas of Grace, Innisfree Press, Inc., 1984
*Response
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, v. 6 O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thy justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. 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
Third Sunday of Advent
Scripture Philippians 4:4-7 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Joining Today:
Henry Brooks Edward Doud Carrie Eldred Sarah Krug
Patricia O'Hara Anne Quivey Robert Quivey, Jr. James Van Cassele
Membership Vows
*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 Words: John Fawcett; Tune: St. Dennis, Johann Nageli, arr. Lowell Mason Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
To Welcome New Members
11 am
To hear the word
Sermon
The Lord Is Near
Call to Prayer
Lord, listen to your children praying; Lord send your Spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying; send us love, send us power, send us grace. (Words and music: Ken Medema)
Pastoral Prayer
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.
#216 "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Brenda Nitsch, Soloist Mike Mullin, Percussion
"Your Light Has Come" — Andrew Everson; words from Zephaniah 3:14-18 Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice, O Israel! Your light has come! Your light has come today. O daughter Zion, sing joyfully. Be glad, exult with all your heart. Rejoice! (Refrain) The Lord removed his judgment from you, and turned away your enemies. Rejoice! (Refrain) The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior and King of Israel. Rejoice! (Refrain) He will rejoice over you with gladness. And will renew you in his love. Rejoice! (Refrain)
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
Offertory Carl Johengen, Soloist
“Hark, the Glad Sound!” — David Thorne; words by Philip Doddridge Hark, the glad sound! the Savior comes, the Savior promised long! Let every heart prepare a throne and every voice a song. He comes the prisoners to release, in Satan's bondage held; The gates of brass before him burst, the iron fetters yield. He comes the broken heart to bind, the wounded soul to cure, And with the treasures of his grace enrich the humble poor. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, your welcome shall proclaim, And heaven's eternal arches ring with your beloved name. Hark, the glad sound! the Savior comes, the Savior promised long! Let every heart prepare a throne and every voice a song. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, your welcome shall proclaim, And heaven's eternal arches ring with your beloved name.
To Renew Commitment
“Your Light Has Come” © 2022 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; "Hark, the Glad Sound!" © 2007 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
*Prayer of Dedication
God of joy, we dedicate these offerings to the work of your realm, where gladness is shared and burdens are lifted. Bless these gifts to bring hope and celebration to those who feel forgotten, and to spread the light of your joy in every corner of the world. May our giving reflect the abundance of your love and inspire others to rejoice in your presence. Amen.
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.
*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.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin Reader: Lydia Beach Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Heather Holmquest, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Director: Larry Dugan Production Suite Team: Preston Loughney, Griffin Allen, Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Postlude
“In Dulci Jubilo” (Fantasia) — J. S. Bach
*Recessional Hymn
#720 "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Tom Birchwood)
To Disperse in Mission
9 am • December 15, 2024
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles
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
*Opening Hymn
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1, 2, 6
*Passing the Peace
Scripture
Philippians 4:4-7 (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.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in for the 9 am service
Preacher: Rev. Kathy Thiel Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Organist: David Strong
*Closing Hymn
#214 "Savior of the Nations, Come"
PLEASE SIGN IN
All are welcome 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.
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 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.
Freedom Church of the Poor Christmas Service Christmas is a celebration of light in the midst of great darkness; a celebration of God’s willingness to enter into the darkest parts of the world in solidarity with those who suffer most. Please join us in reading scripture, praying, singing carols, acknowledging the darkness of poverty, homelessness and injustice, and reflecting on how we might receive and become bearers of God’s light. Friday, December 20 in the Dining & Caring Center at the COC. Free breakfast starts at 7 am followed by a Christmas Service at 9:30 am. All are welcome.
Celebrations and concerns
Older Adult ADVENT COMMUNION SERVICES
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. 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.
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 15 – December 22
ZOOM KEY
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 # 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 Hall MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040, Library 2 pm Advent Communion Service — St. John's Meadows 7 pm Banned Book Club — 1010, COC, Red Room and Zoom * Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom # 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom # 2 pm Advent Communion Service — Highlands/Pittsford 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, Sanctuary 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 pm Carols and Cocoa — 1040, Front Yard 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 am Freedom Church of the Poor Christmas Service — 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) SATURDAY 8 am Grocery Bag Ministry — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 7 pm Longest Night Service — 1040, Sanctuary NEXT SUNDAY (12/22) 9 am Worship Service — In-Person in the Sanctuary 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 Asbury Orchestra Caroling — Gathering Center 12 pm Lunch — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 12 pm 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
* zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW: 578697 ^ zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW: Disciple # zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW: 200
Death & Dying
Joy of Christmas Giving
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.
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).
On December 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.
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.
Four Sundays of Possibility
Advent Devotional Now Available
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.
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.
This Christmas Eve, we will have 4 services with over 1500 worshipers anticipated. We need your help! We need 8 ushers for the noon and 11 pm services and 14 ushers for the 4 pm and 7 pm services, meaning we have 44 spots available. If you would like to help, visit the website by scanning the QR code, or talk to Dennis Roote or Tommy Johnson today.
Are you into smiling?? Maybe you'd like to help greet some of our guests this Christmas Eve! Asbury's Hospitality team is seeking volunteers to connect with visitors in the Welcome Hall this Christmas Eve. Email Melissa Bohrer at melissa.n.bohrer@gmail.com to let her know you're interested in being a greeter. If you'd rather assist at the Welcome Desk, email Karen Barner at kjbarner@gmail.com.
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
Lend a hand this Christmas Eve!
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Christmas Day Service | 10:15 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (25 Westminster Rd)
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
*Recessional Hymn (cont'd)