December 11, 2022 • 9 & 11 AM
LET THERE BE
ADVENT 2022
December 18, 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
"Christmas Carol Medley" — arr. Charlotte Herbstsomer Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director "Noël, Grand Jeu et Duo" n°10 — Louis Claude Daquin Duane Prill, organ
Introit
"Grand Processional" — Charlotte Herbstsomer Asbury Ringers, Directed by Charlotte Herbstsomer
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. O God, hear our call. Stir up your strength and come to save us! Restore us, O God. Let your face shine, that we may be saved. We know that new life is coming. A child is born who will change us all. He will be Emmanuel, God with us. Give us life, O God, and we will forever call upon your name.
*Opening Hymn
#250 “Once in Royal David's City” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • December 18, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
*Gathering Hymn
"The King of Glory Comes", vv. 1, 2
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Led by members of the Discipleship Project small groups
What does love feel like in the new world? Four candles are lit. Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where you, and me, and all of God’s creation are treasured and beloved. 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.
11 am
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth CHurch, Director
“Stille Nacht” — Franz Gruber, arr. Betty Garee
To hear the word
Scripture Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.
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
#249 "There's a Song in the Air", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Behind the Scenes
Call to Prayer
God, be merciful unto us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us. (Psalm 67:1; Music by Carl Johengen)
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
“The Angel Gabriel” — Basque Carol, arr. Richard Shephard The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; All hail, said he, "thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady," Gloria! "For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee, thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, most highly favored lady,” Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, "to me be as it pleaseth God”, she said, “my soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name.” Most highly favored lady, Gloria! Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say, Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
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. Dr. Stephen Cady and Emily Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, 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 Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Jake Schwartz Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Closing Hymn
#202 "People, Look East"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Art Frackenpohl)
Postlude
Postlude on “Adeste Fideles" — Eric H. Thiman
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, your face has shown upon us, and we have been saved and made whole. Bless now the offerings of our hearts and lives, that we might shine as you shine, brightening the world around us. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy © 2022 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada; “The Angel Gabriel” © 2011 St. James Music Press; 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.
9 am • December 18, 2022
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. O God, hear our call. Stir up your strength and come to save us! Restore us, O God. Let your face shine, that we may be saved. We know that new life is coming. A child is born who will change us all. He will be Emmanual, God with us. Give us life, O God, and we will forever call upon your name.
Opening Hymn
#250 "Once in Royal David's City", vv. 1, 2, 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 Hymn
#249 "There's a Song in the Air", v. 1, 2
Scripture
Matthew 1:18-25 (found on pg. 5)
Prayer
Closing Hymn
#202 "People, Look East", vv. 1, 2
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady and Emily Cady Organist: David Strong
chapel service
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 will take place on Monday, November 28 at 11 am.
Celebrations and concerns
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
CONNECT
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
Sunday 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:30 am Orchestra Warm-up—1040 Wesley Hall 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 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12 pm Christmas Pageant Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary 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 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) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Sanctuary 6:35 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Longest Night Service—1040 Sanctuary 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 12 pm Christmas Eve Service—1040 Sanctuary 4 pm Family Service with Pageant—1040 Sanctuary and Livestream 7 pm Christmas Eve Service—1040 Sanctuary and Livestream 11 pm Christmas Eve Service—1040 Sanctuary
Meetings & Rehearsals December 18-24
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.
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
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.
*Processional Hymn
#250 "Once in Royal David's City"
#202 “People, Look East”