December 24, 2024 • 11 PM
service of lessons, carols, CANDLELIGHT and COMMUNION
service of lessons, carols, AND CANDLELIGHT
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
Prelude
Seasonal music performed by Duane Prill, organ/piano, assisted by Annette Farrington, flute and Brian Donat, cello
*Processional Carol
#234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6)
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles
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
*Carol
#249 “There's a Song in the Air”
11 pm December 24, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Christmas Eve
The Birth Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
God's Promise Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Anthem Brenda Nitsch & Dan McInerney, Soloists Annette Farrington, Flute
"Child of the Poor" — Scott Soper; incorporating "What Child Is This"
To hear the word
Christmas Message
Meditation Annette Farrington, Flute Brian Donat, Cello Duane Prill, Organ
“What Child Is This” — Greensleeves, 16th-c. English melody, arr. Lloyd Larson
Christmas Prayer
Anthem Jordan Bachmann, soloist Annette Farrington, Flute Brian Donat, Cello
“Gesù Bambino” — Pietro Yon; English words by Frederick Martens
The Shepherds Luke 2:8-20
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
#218 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”, vv. 1, 4
To Renew Commitment
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
100% of your Christmas Eve offerings will be directed to outreach ministry alongside vulnerable and marginalized people. 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.
Offertory Sanctuary Choir
"Hodie Christus Natus Est" — words and music by Andrew Carter
To celebrate holy communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
*Sharing of Christ's Light
We share with one another the light from the Christ candle. Acolytes will bring the light to the person on the end of each aisle. To receive the light, tilt your unlit candle towards a lit candle. Then turn and share the light of Christ with those around you.
*Anthem
“Christmas Night” — 16th cent. French melody, arr. John Rutter
#239 “Silent Night”, vv. 1, 2 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. 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!”
Hymns As Needed
#216 "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" #230 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" #221 "In the Bleak Midwinter"
Prayer After Receiving
Holy One, you come to us. Again, and again, you come—in stable, in song, in a supper, in silence. Meet us in our nights, shine into our lives, hold us in your grace as we come to you this holy night. For your presence, your power, and your love, we give you thanks from our deepest joy, born once again in us this night. Amen.
TO SHARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread.
Postlude
"Silent Night" — arr. John Leavitt
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, and Jordan Bachmann Sanctuary Choir Flute: Annette Farrington Cello: Brian Donat Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Ushers: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Acolytes, Crucifers: Andrew Hunt, Alex Hunt, Alé Bucci, Gio Bucci We apologize that names of some participants may not be listed due to printing deadlines.
Permissions: “Child of the Poor” © 1993 Oregon Catholic Press; “Hodie Christus Natus Est” © 1994 Oxford University Press; “Gesù Bambino” © 1919, 1947 J. Fischer & Bro; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith
*Christmas Greeting
As the lights come up, please safely extinguish your candle.
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.
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.
Coming to Asbury First UMC in 2025
Euchre Tournament Saturday, January 25, 5 pm in the Gathering Center An evening of pizza, games for children, and a thrilling Euchre Tournament!
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
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!
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!
Join us on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm from January 3-February 7 for engaging and educational conversation. These vital conversations will help us take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our individual, congregational, and community lives. All are welcome! We encourage you to come to all of the conversations, but if you can't make it to all, you can still benefit from attending when you can. This program is designed and led by Rev. Rachel Dupont and members of the Racial Equity leadership team. For more information, please contact Rachel at rdupont@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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 31, 5-6 pm
New Years Eve Open Service of Meditation and Communion
LGBTQ Advocacy: Becoming Savvy Allies
WELCOME!
Joy of Christmas Giving
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 THE QR CODE, VISIT ASBURYFIRST.ORG OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (585)271-1050 AND WE WILL HELP YOU GET CONNECTED
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
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).
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!