December 24, 2025 • 4 PM
Pageant Service
Pageant
Service
Eve
Christmas
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
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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
PRELUDE: Seasonal music performed by David Strong, organ CALL TO WORSHIP 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! *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; 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; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 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: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 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”, refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
4 pm December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve Service with Pageant
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU'RE HERE! SCAN TO SIGN IN
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
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 Carol: #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. 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. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Scene 7: Matthew 2:1-12 Magi Arrive in Jerusalem Carol: #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 the 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!” CHILDREN'S TIME CAROL: #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! 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: Asbury First Youth Choir, Carol Lamica, Director "Star of Bethlehem" — John Williams; words by Leslie Bricusse; arr. Dennis Allen *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. *CAROL: #239 “Silent Night, Holy Night” vv. 1, 2 Words: Joseph Mohr, tr. John F. Young; Tune: Stille Nacht, Franz Gruber 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 *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
SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
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.
Permissions: “Star of Bethlehem” © 1990, 2009 Fox Film Corporation, John Hughes Songs; 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 Director of Children's Music: Holly Temming Organist: David Strong Pageant Lay Reader: Louisa Morse Narrators: Samuel Parkes, Lee Camardello, Edie Dudley, Addison Hakiel Isaiah: Louisa Morse Gabriel: Molly Kahraman Mary: Caitlyn Kirivong Joseph: Danny Carroll-Nellenback Caesar Augustus: Fitzy Ebenhoe Innkeeper: Delilah Dudley Angel of the Lord: Aurora Mullin Star: Quincy Bailey, Cali Kirivong, Grace Chinchilla Donnelly Magi: Ella Milazzo, Emma Parkes, Julian Ward Lead Shepherd: JP Camardello Shepherds: Everett Anderson, Brantley Bailey, Ben Bridle, Maggie Carroll-Nellenback, Gavin Craig, Gus Hammerl, Matthew Milazzo, Angels: Kellan Bangs, Miriam Brink-Dei, Jennifer Chang, Mari Chinchilla Donnelly, Colette Kirivong, Waverly Ness, Robin Ogden Chan, Wren Ogden Chan,Evie Passic, Etta Passic, Alexandra Reyes, Charlie Sutton, Harper Sutton Sheep: James Anderson, Joesiah Ashford, Everest Clark, Hailey Craig, Gabe Hammerl, Donovan Sandholzer Spotlight Operator: Jed Morse Production Suite Operators: Kenny Bailey, Rick Church, Preston Loughney
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.
Banned Book Club
Coming to Asbury First in 2026
This Lent, we are encouraging everyone to join us in a study of "Prayer in the Night" by Tish Harrison Warren. This book explores a season of doubt and loss, navigating themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence. It also offers prayerful and frank approaches to living in a world filled with uncertainty.
Monday, January 19, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via zoom, join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," celebrated for its lyrical prose and psychological depth, and established Baldwin as a major literary voice. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details.
Trying to keep up with all that goes on here? We’ve got you covered! Sign up for the Email Newsletter, which arrives every Thursday afternoon, as well as the Monday Reader, a weekly look deeper into the life of Asbury First through short, colorful articles. Scan the QR code or sign up at asburyfirst.org/newsletter
Temple Sinai Collab
Lenten Book Study
Spirituality & Chakra Workshop
In February, Asbury First will be part of hosting two clergy from the Holy Land. All will be welcome to attend a program to greet them and learn more about Interfaith Initiatives around the world. Firm details will be available in January. Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org for more information.
In early 2026, we will host a half-day workshop that empowers us to understand the relationship between body and soul. All are welcome to attend. Firm details will be available soon. Please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org if you are interested.
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).
The Giving Tree
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.
Grief Group
A new grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to come together and talk about their loved one who has recently died (in the last five months, or even the last five years). All are welcome to join the group for one or every meeting. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
Young Adulting AF
Joy of Christmas Giving
Asbury First (AF) is launching a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026, meeting the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm. We'll share snacks, discuss a parable from Peter Rollins' "The Orthodox Heretic," and connect through games and conversation. Young Adults are typically 18 - 35, but all who feel they'd fit in are welcome. First session: January 4. Questions? 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 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
SCAN THE QR CODE, VISIT ASBURYFIRST.ORG OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (585)271-1050 AND WE WILL HELP YOU GET CONNECTED
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.
Wednesday, December 31, 5 - 6 pm