9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
December 22, 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 Xiomara Serrano — Property Care Supervisor, x124 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 Zacqueline Baldwin — Communications Associate, x108
* please stand as you are able
11 am • December 22, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, worship begins. Please respect those who are centering in silence.
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Prelude Duane Prill & Jeanne Strong, Duo-Pianists
“What Child is This?” — Greensleeves, 16th-c. English tune, arr. Joel Raney
Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Judy Messenger, John Messenger, Mike Mullin, Percussion
"On This Day Earth Shall Ring” — 16th-c. tune, arr. Cathy Moklebust
Duane Prill & Jeanne Strong, Duo-Pianists
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” — Felix Mendelssohn, arr. Joel Raney
*Processional Hymn
#198 “My Soul Gives Glory to My God”
Lighting of the Advent Candles The Temperley Family — Maya, Dave, Asha & Roshan
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: “Touch Me” by Ted Loder, from Guerillas of Grace, Innisfree Press, Inc., 1984
*Response
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, v. 7 O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind. From dust thou brought us forth to life; deliver us from earthly strife. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Scripture Luke 1:39-46 (New Revised Standard, Updated)
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said:
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Gwen Paker, Soloist
“Magnificat in G Major” — Charles Villiers Stanford; words from Luke 1:46b-55 (Book of Common Prayer) 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 showed 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 (helped) 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.
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#207 “Prepare the Way of the Lord”, sung three times
11 am
To hear the word
Sermon
Call to Prayer
We lift our prayers to you in the name of Christ our Lord. (Tom Fettke)
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
"The King of Glory Comes"
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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.
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SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Offertory Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director Gwen Paker, Soprano
“Good People All” (Wexford Carol) — trad. Irish, arr. Hart Morris Good people all, this Christmas-time, consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done in sending his beloved Son. With Mary holy we should pray to God with love this Christmas day; In Bethlehem upon that morn there was a blessed Messiah born. Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep, To whom God's angels did appear, which put the shepherds in great fear. “Prepare and go,” the angels said, “to Bethlehem, be not afraid, For there you'll find this happy morn, a princely babe, sweet Jesus born.”
To Renew Commitment
Pastoral Prayer
“Magnificat” public domain; “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” © 2006 Choristers Guild; “Good People All” © 2007 AGEHR Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
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. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Megan Ormsbee and Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
*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.
*Prayer of Dedication
God of love, we offer these gifts with grateful hearts, knowing that all we have comes from you. Bless and multiply what we bring, that it may carry your love to those who feel unseen or unloved. Teach us to give as you have given to us—freely, generously, and with deep care. May our lives and offerings embody your presence in the world. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin, Rev. Pat Dupont Reader: Max Becks Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Director, Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Bob Peck, Noel Nichols, Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Postlude
Postlude on “Adeste Fideles” — Eric H. Thiman
*Recessional Hymn
#213 "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Gerald Peterson)
To Disperse in Mission
9 am • December 22, 2024
“What Child is This?” — Greensleeves, 16th-c. English tune, arr. Joel Raney “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” — Felix Mendelssohn, arr. Joel Raney
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles The Benjamin Family
*Opening Hymn
#198 “My Soul Gives Glory to My God”, vv. 1, 2, 5
*Passing the Peace
Scripture Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowly state of this servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God's name; indeed, God's mercy is for those in awe of God from generation to generation. God has shown strength with an arm; God has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: David Strong
Scripture (cont'd)
God has come to the aid of the child Israel, in remembrance of God's mercy, according to the promise made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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.
*Closing Hymn
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ZOOM KEY
Sunday 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 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 Tuesday (CHRISTMAS EVE) Noon Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Carols and Candlelight – In-Person 4 pm Family Service with Christmas Pageant – In-Person and Livestream 7 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Carols and Candlelight – In-Person and Livestream 11 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Carols, Candlelight and Communion – In-Person WEdnesday (CHRISTMAS DAY) 7 am Breakfast — 1010, COC Dining & Caring Center 10:15 am Christmas Day Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church — 25 Westminster Rd., Rochester NY Thursday (Church Buildings Closed) FRIDAY (Church Buildings Closed) SATURDAY (Church Buildings Closed) NEXT SUNDAY (12/29) 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 ^ 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 6th-8th and 9th-12th Grade Youth Groups — 1040, Lower Level, Fellowship Hall
FOR ZOOM ADDRESSES, SEE KEY BELOW
Meetings & Rehearsals December 22 – December 29
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.
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
Cookies for 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! contact Johanna Mahan at jsmahan@rochester.rr.com for more information.
Celebrations and concerns
Lend a hand this Christmas Eve!
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS 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. 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.
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
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 Day Service | 10:15 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (25 Westminster Rd)
Christmas Eve at Asbury First
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).
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Joy of Christmas Giving