December 24, 2023 • 4 PM
Pageant Service
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome of differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. 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 Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Today, 100% of your gifts will be directed to the outreach ministry of Asbury First United Methodist Church. 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/christmas. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen The live stream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant
Prelude
Seasonal selections performed by David Strong, organ
Introit
“A Christmas Celebration” — arr. Philip Keveren Ben Nutter, piano
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace!
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
4 pm • December 24, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
*Processional Carol
#234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6) Words and Tune: John Wade, c. 1743; Tune: Adeste Fideles 1. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels; Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 2. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created; (Refrain) 3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; (Refrain) 6. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: (Refrain) Words and Tune: John F. Wade, 1743; Adeste Fidelis Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles The Cady Family
"Hope Is Assertive, Peace Is Subversive, Joy Is Provocative, Love Is Transformative" Four candles are lit. God, make your presence known to us, now and always. Shine bright in the shadows and despair, and may the warmth of your love carry us forward. Jesus’ birth changed the world forever, and you are changing our lives, right now. On this Christmas Eve, we pray that hope, peace, joy, and love be restored. Inspire us to participate in this work now by doing justice, practicing love and kindness, and walking humbly with you, our Savior and Redeemer, each day of our lives. Amen.
*Gloria
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High”, Refrain only Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Scene 1 Isaiah 11:1–3
Isaiah Foretells the Coming of the Messiah
Scene 2 Luke 1:26–48
The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
Carol
#230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, v. 1 Words: Phillip Brooks, c. 1868; Tune: St. Louis, Lewis Redner, c. 1868 1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Scene 3 Luke 2:1–5
Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem
Scene 4 Luke 2:6–7
Baby Jesus is Born
Scene 5 Luke 2:8
Shepherds in the Fields
Scene 6 Luke 2:9-20
The Angel of the Lord Speaks to the Shepherds
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3) Words and Tune: Traditional French carol; Gloria 1. Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! 3. Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. (Refrain)
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Scene 7 Matthew 2:1-12
Magi Arrive in Jerusalem
#254 “We Three Kings”, v. 1 Words and Tune: John H. Hopkins, Jr., 1857; Kings of Orient 1. We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain: O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Scene 8 John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6
Good News
*Carol
#240 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, vv. 1, 3 Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; Tune: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn, 1840 1. (Cast Only) Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th'angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!” 3. (All) Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
*Presentation of the Christ Candle
*Sharing of Christ's Light
As the acolytes “pass” the Light of Christ down the aisle, you are invited to activate the light on your candle.
Invitation to Gift Giving
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. Today, 100% of the offering will be directed to the outreach ministries of Asbury First United Methodist Church. Read more on the back of this bulletin. 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/christmas. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory
“Children, Go Where I Send Thee” — traditional Spiritual, arr. Adam Podd Asbury First Youth Choir, Carol Lamica, Director
Children’s Time
#224 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”, vv. 1, 2 Words 14th cent. Latin; tr. John Mason Neale, 1855; Tune: In Dulce Jubilo, German melody 1. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today! Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today, Christ is born today! 2. Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
TO SHARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
To Renew Commitment
*Recessional Carol
#246 “Joy to the World” Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: Antioch, G.F. Handel, adapt. Lowell Mason, 1848 1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. 2. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. 4. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Postlude
Fanfare on "Joy to the World" — Paul Fey
#239 “Silent Night”, vv. 1, 2 Words: Joseph Mohr, 1818; Tune: Stille Nacht, Franz Gruber, 1818 1. Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
*Christmas Greeting
Permissions: "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" © 2020 Alfred Music; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Ly Tran and David Stith
Participants In the Service
Ministers: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Sean Mahan Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Director of Children's Music: Holly Temming Organist: David Strong Pianist: Ben Nutter Narrators: Caitlyn Kirivong, Aurora Mullin, Louisa Morse, Camden Ebenhoe, Normandy Dornsife Isaiah: Antonio Reyes Gabriel: Georgie Dudley Mary: Violet Dunlavey Joseph: James Nutter Roman Soldier: Camden Ebenhoe Caesar Augustus: Jacob Parkes Scribe: Sam Parkes Innkeeper: Edie Dudley Angel of the Lord: Maelee McQuillan Star: Sebastian Bailey, Danny Carroll-Nellenback, Dominic Tourje Magi: Ellie Coburn, Ella Milazzo, Kristina Tourje Soloist: Georgie Dudley Lead Shepherd: Camden Ebenhoe Shepherds: Quincy Bailey, Brantley Bailey, Benjamin Bridle, JP Camardello, Henry Dunlavey, Fitzpatrick Ebenhoe, Edward Hill, Matthew Milazzo, Oliver Szmania Angels: Everett Anderson, Kellan Bangs, Lee Camardello, Sophia Caprariello, Maggie Carroll-Nellenback, Grace Chinchilla, Mari Chinchilla, Andalucia Dornsife, Delilah Dudley, Madison Dugan, Cali Kirivong (LEAD), Robin Ogden Chan, Emma Parkes (LEAD),Joanna Pollatta, Alexandra Reyes, Caroline Sauceda, Winnie Sauceda, Esther Sauceda (LEAD), Keller Schroeder Sheep: Hannah Dugan, Ali Hill, Colette Kirivong, Waverly Ness, Addie Szmania Spotlight Operator: Hannah Cady Lighting Operator: Oliver Temming Acolytes: Joscelyn Crawford, Andrew Hunt Crucifer: Martha Neubert Production Suite Operators: Rick Church, Larry Dugan, Andrew Hunt, Jake Schwartz
Welcome to Asbury First! We're so glad to have you with us. Whether its your first time here, or you'd like to learn more about the things that go on here, we'd love to help catch you up to speed with what we're all about.
New Years Eve Drop-In Service of Meditation and Communion
Besides regular 9 and 11 am Sunday service, we have activities for all ages, choirs, orchestras, theater productions, dozens of educational opportunities, a library, small groups, a robust Community Outreach Center (see back page), and so much more.
Sunday, December 31, 5-6 pm
Join us New Year's Eve for a drop-in service of meditation and communion. The sanctuary will be open from 5-6 pm and you are welcome to come for the whole time or part of the time as we look back at this year and look with hope toward next year. This service will include long periods of silence interspersed with reflective music. All are welcome.
WELCOME!
Visit asburyfirst.org to read more about us.
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.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
100% of gifts made in our offering this Christmas Eve will be directed to the outreach ministry of Asbury First United Methodist Church:
Located next door at 1010 East Avenue, the Community Outreach Center opened in early 2023 and through November has provided our neighborhood and city: 6,416 hot meals, 540 showers, 188 loads of laundry, 156 bicycles repaired, 3,846 individuals clothing and/or household goods, 304 health clinic visits, 880 bags of groceries, and numerous referrals for housing, shelter, substance abuse treatment and other services. In addition to this ‘measurable ministry,’ there is also the good work of the Center that is more difficult to quantify: relationships deepened, friendship and support shared. As we finish our first full year of operation and begin our second, we have goals for growth. Please help us meet them by making a monetary gift, a donation of supplies, or offering your time and labor.
In addition to the ministry of the Community Outreach Center we have a number of local and global off-campus outreach ministry efforts that we support as a congregation around education, housing, refugee resettlement, and food and clean water access. We invite you to make a gift to support these ministries as well. For more information about specific programs visit https://asburyfirst.org/local-and-global-outreach/
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