DECEMBER 24, 2025 • 11 PM
SERVICE OF LESSONS, CAROLS, CANDLELIGHT and Communion
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
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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.)
11 pm December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
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 THE ADVENT CANDLES Each week in Advent, we have lit 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. RESPONSE (as the candles are lit) Tonight we light all the candles—of hope, peace, joy, and love—and the Christ candle in the center. For the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The promise is fulfilled: the Word has become flesh and dwells among us. In Christ, the new creation dawns—radiant, tender, and strong. Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth! Come, Lord Jesus—Light of the World, make all things new. *CAROL: #238 “Angels We Have Heard on High”, v. 1 SCRIPTURE: GOD'S PROMISE Isaiah 9:2-7 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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: Solo Quartet "Prayer for Peace” — words and music by Abbie Betinis, inspired by Rev. Bates G. Burt SCRIPTURE: THE BIRTH Luke 2:1-7 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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. ANTHEM: Sanctuary Choir, Annette Farrington, flute “Wexford Carol” — traditional Irish carol, arr. Larry L. Finke SCRIPTURE: THE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated) 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. *CAROL: #248 “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” CHRISTMAS MESSAGE MEDITATION: Duane Prill, organ, Annette Farrington, flute, Brian Donat, cello “Coventry Carol” — arr. Lloyd Larson CHRISTMAS PRAYER 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 Ourselves to God's Purposes: 100% of Christmas Eve offerings will be directed to our Outreach Ministries alongside vulnerable and marginalized people. Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas to learn more. 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. OFFERTORY: Sanctuary Choir “A Great and Mighty Wonder” — Ian Higginson; words 7th-c. Greek, tr. John Mason Neale THE GREAT THANKSGIVING 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. Words about the works of God. Words about the works of Jesus. Words about the work of the Holy Spirit. COMMUNION Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the center aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move aside to receive 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. Return to your pew via the side aisle. Communion elements are grape juice and gluten-free bread. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION: (as needed) #218 "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" #230 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" #216 "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" *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. *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 AS CANDLES ARE LIT: Sanctuary Choir "Christmas Night" - 16th cent. French melody arr. John Rutter *CAROL: #239 “Silent Night, Holy 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!” *CHRISTMAS GREETING POSTLUDE: "Silent Night" — arr. John Leavitt
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU'RE HERE! SCAN TO SIGN IN
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
We are grateful to all who have participated in Christmas Eve services, including those whose names are not listed due to printing deadlines. If you feel moved to participate with your gifts in worship, please contact Andrew Hunt at worship@asburyfirst.org.
Joy of Christmas Giving
“Prayer for Peace” © 2009 H.T. Fitzsimmons Co.; “Wexford Carol” and “A Great and Mighty Wonder” © St. James Music Press; “Christmas Night” © 1987 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Designed by David Stith
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.
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 version of the list.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Juli Elliot, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Sanctuary Choir Flute: Annette Farrington Cello: Brian Donat Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Acolytes, Crucifers: Giovanni Bucci
Permissions:
Wednesday, December 31, 5 - 6 pm
SCAN THE QR CODE, VISIT ASBURYFIRST.ORG OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (585) 271-1050 AND WE WILL HELP YOU GET CONNECTED
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. Thanks to our Monday Morning Crew and Pumpernickel Crew, a beautiful Giving Tree now stands in the Gathering Center. We invite you to place food donations under the tree to support our Community Outreach Center's food programs and help neighbors in need.
The Giving Tree
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
WELCOME!
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.
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!
New Years Eve Open Service of Meditation 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