December 24, 2024 • 4 PM
Pageant Service
Christmas
Eve
Pageant
Service
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
Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant
Prelude
Seasonal selections performed by David Strong, organ
Introit Wesley Singers & Ringers
“O, Come, Little Children” — Johann A. P. Schulz , arr. Laurie Kennedy
*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, 2024
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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 Chan & Ogden Chan Families
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: “Let the Star of Morning Rise” by Ted Loder, from Guerillas of Grace, Innisfree Press, Inc., 1984
*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!”
*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.
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
Let us know you're here! Scan to sign in.
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Invitation to Gift Giving
We are delighted you have joined in worship and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. Today, 1100% of your Christmas Eve offerings will be directed to outreach ministry alongside vulnerable and marginalized people. 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
"Following the Star to Bethlehem" — words and music by Dan Edwards Asbury First Youth Choir, Carol Lamica, Director
SIGN IN HERE
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: “Following the Star to Bethlehem” © 2017 Choristers Guild; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: David Stith
Participants In the Service
Ministers: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Reader: Caitlyn Kirivong Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Director of Children's Music: Holly Temming Director of Asbury Orchestra: Laurie Kennedy Organist: David Strong Narrators: Lee Camardello, Molly Kahraman, Aurora Mullin, Emma Parkes, Samuel Parkes, Dominic Tourje Isaiah: Camden Ebenhoe Gabriel: Normandy Dornsife Mary: Clara Chang Joseph: Mason Kahraman Roman Soldier: Danny Carroll-Nellenbeck Caesar Augustus: Samuel Parkes Scribe: Caitlyn Kirivong Innkeeper: Edie Dudley Angel of the Lord: Ellie Coburn Star: Brantley Bailey, Quincy Bailey, Beckham Clark Magi: Fitzy Ebenhoe, Ella Milazzo, Louisa Morse Soloist: Delilah Dudley Lead Shepherd: Julian Ward Shepherds: Benjamin Bridle, Miriam Brink-Dei, JP Camardello, Dalton Clark, Gavin Craig, Declan Crawford, Matthew Milazzo, Robin Ogden Chan, Wren Ogden Chan, Emma Parkes, Ella Passic Angels: Everett Anderson, James Anderson, Kellan Bangs, Sophia Caprariello, Maggie Carroll-Nellenbeck, Jen Chang, Grace Chinchilla (LEAD), Mari Chinchilla, Leia Clark, Natalie Codd, Delilah Dudley (LEAD), Lulu Dornsife, Hannah Dugan, Madison Dugan, Cali Kirivong (LEAD), Colette Kirivong, Vivienne March, Waverly Ness Sheep: Ezra Ansari, Everest Clark, Hailey Craig, Etta Passic Spotlight Operator: Jed Morse Acolytes: Joscelyn Crawford, Kristina Tourje Production Suite Operators: Rick Church, Larry Dugan, Sam Doerner, Zeke Doerner
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. We apologize that some names may not be listed due to printing deadlines. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Megan Ormsbee and Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
Euchre Tournament Saturday, January 25, 5 pm in the Gathering Center An evening of pizza, games for children, and a thrilling Euchre Tournament!
Volunteer Orientation January 18 at 9:30 am in the COC, Lower Level Participation in an orientation session is required for all serving with our COC ministries. If you are serving for the first time, or have been serving already but have never attended a session, please join us!
Winter VBS is coming! 9 am - Noon, February 18-20 Stay tuned for more details! Contact Paula Dugan if you'd like to learn more by email at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
Banned Book Club Monday, January 20 from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or by Zoom The Banned Book Club will be discussing Maya Angelou's classic autobiographical novel "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" at their next meeting. Join for an evening of deep discussion in the Community Outreach Center's Red Room (next door at 1010 East Ave). For more information contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Coming to Asbury First UMC in 2025
Arsenic & Old Lace Friday and Saturday, February 7 & 8 - dinner at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Sunday, February 9 - lunch at 1 pm, show starts at 2 pm Join us this February for comedy and calamity presented with a meal presented by our very own theatre company, Asbury First Community Theatre. Tickets will go on sale the second week of January!
New Years Eve Open Service of Meditation and Communion
Wednesdays in January and February 6 - 7 pm, Wesley Hall and Zoom Join us in January as we ground our understanding of everything from LGBTQ+ terms to an inclusive gospel ethic. On February 5, Jeannie Gainsburg, author of The Savvy Ally, will share her personal journey as an ally and some of her favorite tips for creating an LGBTQ+ welcoming, safe, and inclusive faith community. For more info, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
January 5, 2025 Piety & Practice Religion is personal and communal, spiritual and physical. What is the relationship between rituals and daily life? How does worship inform action? How does action inform worship? January 12, 2025 Guest Rev. West McNeill: Ending Child Poverty in NY State In 2021, NY State committed to cutting child poverty in half by 2032. The Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council - set up to help meet that goal - has released its policy recommendations. What are these proposals and how can we help support the effort to make them a reality? January 19, 2025 Compassion & Justice Christians are called to ministries of compassion and justice: offering care to individuals and working for equity across communities. How do we balance the two? How are they different? Do they overlap? January 26, 2025 Guest Rev. Rachel Dupont: Elders & Deacons There are two orders of ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church: the Order of Elders and the Order of Deacons. Why? What are the differences? Does it matter? Join Revs. Rachel & Pat Dupont in discussing their respective orders and how they partner in ordained leadership.
Tuesday, 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 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.
LGBTQ Advocacy: Becoming Savvy Allies
Welcome to Asbury First United Methodist Church, a community of open hearts and open minds. You’re invited to know yourself, your neighbors, and Christ a little better, and to love, live, and serve in his name. With more than 200 years in ministry in Rochester, Asbury First is: Progressive. Christ-centered. Making a difference. Come as you are—we will save you a seat!
SCAN THE QR CODE, VISIT ASBURYFIRST.ORG OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (585)271-1050 AND WE WILL HELP YOU GET CONNECTED
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).
Joy of Christmas Giving
WELCOME!
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
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.