9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
DECEMBER 28, 2025
SCAN TO SIGN IN
December 28, 2025
As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God. (* Please stand as you are able.)
PRELUDE: "A Christmas Carol Sequence" — Jerry van der Pol *CALL TO WORSHIP The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them has light shined. The light shines in the darkness. And the darkness did not overcome it. For Christ is born in Bethlehem. Come, let us adore him. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #220 "Angels from the Realms of Glory" *WELCOME FIRST READING “For Light” — John O’Donahue CAROL: #223 "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light", v. 1 SECOND READING “You are Holy” — Lucien Deiss CAROL: #223 "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light", v. 2, 3 SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. CAROL: #242 "Love Came Down at Christmas" SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:33-38 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. CAROL: #224 "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice", vv. 1, 3 CHILDREN'S TIME LORD’S PRAYER Our Father (or Our God), who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. THIRD READING “What Sweeter Music” — Robert Herrick CAROL: #249 "There’s a Song in the Air", v. 1 FOURTH READING “There Was a Time I Would Reject Those” — Muhyiddin Ibn Al-’Arabi CAROL: #249 "There’s A Song in the Air", vv. 2 PASTORAL 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: We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. 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: Carl Johengen, soloist “Christmas Joy” — Mark Schweizer; words by Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky has withdrawn, When the kings see their prophecy rightly fulfilled, When the princes and shepherds have gone; Then the true work of Christmas begins. to find the lost, to heal the broken hearts, to feed the hungry, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among neighbors, to make music in the heart. FIFTH READING “Love Does That,” Meister Eckhart CAROL: #238 "Angels We Have Heard on High", vv. 1, 2 SIXTH READING “In the Lonely Midnight” - Theodore Chickering Williams CAROL: #251 "Go, Tell it on the Mountain" SEVENTH READING “On the Necessity of Snow Angels for the Well-Being of the World” — Grace Butcher CLOSING CAROL: #246 "Joy to the World" BENEDICTION “A Blessing of Angels” — John O’Donahue POSTLUDE: "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" — G.F. Handel, arr. Lani Smith
First Sunday after Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols
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SCAN TO GIVE VIA VENMO
Participants In the Service
Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Reader: Sally Wood Winslow Organist: Duane Prill Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Dennis Roote, Tommy Johnson, Jr. Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Joe Blakely, Griffin Allen Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Rick Church
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. Please Note: The congregation is welcome to pick up flowers after the 11 am Sunday services if they would like to take flowers to a family member, friend or neighbor to brighten their day. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, please contact Jeanne Ristau at (585) 223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Betty Shull who died on December 15. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place at a later date. We want to be able to visit and pray with those who are in the hospital. If you know someone who is in the hospital and would like a pastoral call, or if you yourself are in the hospital or have a date for surgery, please call Rev. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Permissions: “Christmas Joy” © 2012 St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: David Stith
Celebrations and concerns
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
Coming to Asbury First in 2026
Lenten Book Study
Spirituality & Chakra Workshop
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.
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.
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.
Banned Book Club
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.
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
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 asburyfirst.org
The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally on Sunday, January 18 in the Red Room (of the COC) from 1 to 3 pm. Contact programs@asburyfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
Love God and Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat.
Young Adulting AF
New Years Eve Open Service of Meditation and Communion
Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training
Grief Group
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
Wednesday, 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.
A grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (of the Community Outreach Center) . 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.
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.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #220 "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
9 & 11 am • December 28, 2025
CAROL: #223 "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light"
CAROL: #242 "Love Came Down at Christmas"
CAROL: #224 "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice", vv. 1, 3
CAROL: #249 "There’s a Song in the Air"
CAROL: #238 "Angels We Have Heard on High", vv. 1, 2
CAROL: #251 "Go, Tell it on the Mountain"
CLOSING CAROL: #246 "Joy to the World"