December 21, 2025
9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Frances Bryniarski Musicians: Carl Johengen, Sheri Dumire-Hamilton
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PRELUDE WELCOME *OPENING SONG: #216 “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Hope: The Promise of New Creation Cynthia, Todd and Christian Goddard (found on the facing page) *PASSING THE PEACE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 (found on page 4) 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: #200 “Tell Out, My Soul” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Fourth Sunday of Advent
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As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
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PRELUDE: “Christmas Carol Suite” — Theodore Marier Duane Prill, organ “Christmas Medley” — carols, arr. Martha Lynn Thompson and Frances L. Callahan Asbury Ringers INTROIT ‘Lift up your hearts!’ We lift them up to thee; here at thy feet none other may we see: ‘Lift up your hearts!’ E’en so with one accord we lift them up, we lift them to the Lord. (Words: Henry Montagu Butler; Tune: Chilswell, Gustav Holst) *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #214 “Savior of the Nations, Come” LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Love: The Heart of New Creation Jim VanCasselle & Carrie Eldred 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 7:10–16 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. RESPONSE (as the candles are lit) We light this fourth candle as a sign of love, the beginning and the end of creation. We gather to rejoice in the One who is Love made flesh. God’s promise takes root in human hearts. We open ourselves to the mystery of incarnation. Come, let us worship the God who makes a home among us. We come in wonder, where light becomes life and love renews the world. Come, Lord Jesus—make all things new. *SONG: "Arise, Shine", sung twice *WELCOME *GATHERING HYMN: #207 “Prepare the Way of the Lord”, sung 3 times SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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. 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: Sanctuary Choir; Duane Prill, organ Magnificat in C, op. 115 — Charles Villiers Stanford As a way of expanding our expression of God's nature, some masculine language has been changed. My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For God hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For God who is mighty hath magnified me and holy is their Name. And her mercy is on them that fear her throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. She hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble and meek. God hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich she hath sent empty away. God remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Maker, 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 (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: #216 “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming” SERMON ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir; Duane Prill, organ Nunc Dimittis in C, op. 115 — Charles Villiers Stanford Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Maker, 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. PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY: Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director; Duane Prill, organ "A Festival of Carols” — carols, arr. Douglas Wagner *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION God-with-us, you draw near in love and dwell among your people. As we offer these gifts, we offer our hearts as well. Let our giving reveal your presence—love that heals, welcomes, and restores. May your light become our life, and your life our love made visible. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN: #200 “Tell Out, My Soul” *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen. (Arthur Frackenpohl) POSTLUDE: “A Joyous Christmas” — arr. John Leavitt
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. MOMENT FOR MISSION: Chuck Hanrahan, Chair, Governing Board 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.
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.
Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis © 1909 Stainer & Bell Ltd.; “Christmas Medley” © Agape Publications and Fred Bock Music Co.; "A Festival of Carols' © Alfred Publishing; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith | Cover Illustration: "The Fourth Candle of Advent"
Celebrations and concerns
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Connor Watson (remote from Cranberry Township, PA) 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 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 Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
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 and prayers are with the family of Betty Shull who died on December 15. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place at a later date. 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.
Permissions:
THURSDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Campus Closed
7 am
Breakfast – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY (12/28)
9 am
Worship Service – In-Person in the Sanctuary
10 am
Sanctuary Choir Warm Up – 1040, Sanctuary
11 am
Worship Service – In-Person and Livestream
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 28
Community Dinner: Dec 3: Baked Potato Bar | Dec 10: Pasta Bar | Dec 17: Pizza
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
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
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
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!
The glorious poinsettias adorning the sanctuary were donated in honor or memory of many beloved ones, and we are grateful for this beautiful generosity. A list of those names and donors is available at the Welcome Desk if you would like to take one home with you today or scan the QR code to view a PDF online.
SUNDAY
Childcare – 1040, 1st Floor, Education Wing
9:45 am
Adult Sunday School – 1040, Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
As the Spirit Moves Us – 1040, Smart Room and Zoom^
Children's Sunday School – 1040, 2nd Floor, Ed. Wing Prek – 2nd grade – Room 206 3rd – 5th grade – Room 201
12 pm
Lunch – 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center
Asbury Orchestra Caroling – 1040, Gathering Center
6th – 8th and 9th – 12th grade Youth Groups – 1040, Fellowship Hall
6 pm
ACT Rehearsal – 1040, Fellowship Hall
MONDAY
Library Work Day – 1040, Library
Monday Morning Crew – 1040
TUESDAY
8:30 am
Lectio Divina – Zoom #
9:30 am
Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship – Zoom #
3 pm
Gentle Yoga – 1040, Gathering Center
6:30 pm
Carvers of Hope – 1040, Room 203
WEDNESDAY (CHRISTMAS EVE)
Traditional Candlelight Service – 1040, Sanctuary
4 pm
Children's Christmas Pageant – 1040, Sanctuary
5 pm
Soup & Salad Supper– 1040, Fellowship Hall
7 pm
11 pm
Candlelight and Communion Service – 1040, Sanctuary
Lend a Hand this Christmas Eve!
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 asburyfirst.org/christmas.
Grief Group
Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training
Joy!
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.
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.
Asbury First (AF) is launching a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026, meeting the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 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.
The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. January 18 from 1 to 3 pm in the Gathering Center, Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally. Email programs@asuryfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Joy of Christmas Giving
Young Adulting AF – January 4, 2026, 6:30 pm
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.
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
SCAN TO PLEDGE TODAY
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.
Anastasia: The Youth Musical November 14, 15 and 16 in the Asbury First Sanctuary
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.
There is still work to do.
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.
Christmas Eve Soup & Salad Supper After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service in Fellowship Hall
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and Zoom #
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.
The Giving Tree
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!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #214 “Savior of the Nations, Come”
*GATHERING HYMN: #207 “Prepare the Way of the Lord”, sung 3 times
*HYMN: #216 “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming”
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: #200“Tell Out, My Soul”