December 31, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
To worship with us
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, 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 our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. 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 toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our 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 our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts supports our everyday ministries and operations, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place your 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. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. scady@asbuyrfirst.org) Rev. Stephen Cady, PhD — Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 Robin Manley, LMSW — Social Worker, x138 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“Nӧel with Variations” — Henry Kihken
*Call to Worship based on Isaiah 60:1-3
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here! Darkness has been banished! God's light of hope floods the earth God's light comes to us all. Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light. Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. Amen.
*Opening Hymn
#249 “There's a Song in the Air” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • December 31, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Feast of the Epiphany Covenant Renewal
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
"Arise, Shine", sung three times
To hear the word
Scripture Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“Creator of the Stars of Night” — Gregorian melody, arr. John Scott; Latin words tr. John Mason Neale Creator of the stars of night, thy people’s everlasting light, O Jesus, savior of us all, regard your servants when they call. Thou, grieving at the bitter cry of all creation doomed to die, didst come to save a ruined race with healing gifts of heav'nly grace. Thou camest, bridegroom of the bride, as drew the world to eveningtide, proceeding from a virgin shrine, the Son of Man, yet Lord divine. At thy great name, majestic now, all knees must bend, all hearts must bow; and things in heaven and earth shall own that thou art Lord and King alone. To thee, O holy One, we pray, our judge in that tremendous day, preserve us, while we dwell below, from every onslaught of the foe. All praise, eternal Son, to thee, whose advent sets thy people free, whom with the Father we adore, and Spirit blest, forevermore. Amen.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, 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.
*Hymn
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light", vv. 1, 2
To Renew Commitment
*Covenant Renewal
Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants… ….Let us therefore go to Christ, and pray: Let me be your servant, under your guidance. I will work to offer myself up to your will of love in all things. Be satisfied that Christ’s will is that we love as God first loved us. Lord, help me live according to your will. I put myself in your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart offer myself. Christ is the Savior of all God’s children… …open your hearts to the Lord as we pray: I welcome Christ as the living Way, and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him, acknowledging my own brokenness: hungry, sinful, blind and naked, unworthy even to wash the feet of his servants. I acknowledge my own unworthiness and praise God for loving me in spite of it. I acknowledge my own limited understanding and pray that I might take Christ as my wisdom. I acknowledge my own imperfect will and pray that I might take God’s perfect will of love as my guide. I do here covenant with you, O Christ, to take my lot with you as it may fall. Through your grace I promise that neither life nor death shall part me from you. Amen.
#383 "This Is a Day of New Beginnings", vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
Sermon
Our Inheritance
Offertory
“The Grace Divine” — Resignation, American hymn tune, arr. Roger Price; words by Charles Wesley Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord, In a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord; Give up ourselves, through Jesus’ power, His Name to glorify; And promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die. The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind; We will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind. We never will throw off the fear of God Who hears our vow; And if Thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now. Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, let all our hearts receive, Present with Thy celestial host the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away, And register our names on high and keep us to that day!
Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
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. 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 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/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
*Closing Hymn
#238 "Angels We Have Heard on High", vv. 1, 3, 4
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
"Gloria in excelsis Deo!"
Postlude
“For Unto Us a Child Is Born” — G.F. Handel, arr. Lani Smith
To Disperse in Mission
"Creator of the Stars of Night" © 2007 Oxford University Press; “The Grace Divine” © 2010 St. James Music Press;; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church.. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
Permissions:
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, we dedicate our labor, our industry, and our very lives to the building up of your realm. May our gifts go forth to a world in need, as signs of your redemption. Amen.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Ian Urriola Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Volunteer Choir Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Feast of the Epiphany COVENANT RENEWAL
*Call to Worship
*Opening Song
#249 "There's a Song in the Air", vv. 1, 3
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#206 "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light", v. 1
Invitation, Announcements
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Scripture
Galatians 4:4-7 (found on pg. 5)
Covenant Renewal
found on pg. 6
*Closing Song
#238 "Angels We Have Heard on High", vv. 1, 4
Participants in Service
Preacher: Ian Urriola Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: Dr. Carl Johengen
9 am • December 31, 2023
chapel service
We celebrate the upcoming wedding of Christopher Gold and Cory Tylenda on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 4pm in the Sanctuary. This important milestone will be Asbury First's first same-sex wedding! It's truly an accomplishment due to the continued support and resolve of inclusiveness on behalf of the members of Asbury First. Chris and Cory welcome all members of Asbury First to attend the ceremony and a cookie reception in the Gathering Center.
Wednesday, January 3, from 6-7 pm, Room 201
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. If you would like to place flowers on the altar, 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. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Ronald Wilson who died recently. We offer our prayers and concerns for Julie Flynn whose mother died on November 30. We offer our prayers and concerns for Deanna Varble whose father died on December 5. We offer our prayers and concerns for Mary Scahill on the death of her sister, Karen Wykoff in Ithaca, NY. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Laura Brown who died recently. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on Jan 5.
Rehearsals begin for Children’s Musical
Celebrations and concerns
All children, grades 2nd - 5th, are invited to participate in our children’s musical, Esther. Esther was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai and was chosen to be the new queen of Persia. She saved the Jewish people from being killed even knowing it may cost her life. Purim, a Jewish holiday which commemorates Esther’s saving of the Jewish people, is still celebrated today. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, January 3, from 6-7 pm during the Wesley Singers & Ringers rehearsal time, in Room 201. The musical will be presented during the 11 am service on Sunday, April 28th.
Saturday, January 13, 4 pm, Sanctuary
It’s recently been announced that Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition to Brite in February. To learn more about this transition period, please visit asburyfirst.org.
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 31–January 6
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 1040 Gathering Center 9:45 am Children's Enrichment — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Age 4 - 5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing (2nd Floor) 12:30 pm Youth Group — 1040 Fellowship Hall MONday Campus Closed Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class (canceled until 1/9) 2 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Wednesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Building Diversity — 1040 Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 10 am Women's Fellowship Group — 1040 Library 6 pm UR Well Clinic — Canceled 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468 11 am Laura Brown Memorial — 1040 Sanctuary
Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 31 and February 7th, Sanctuary
Thank you to all who made donations to the Asbury First Altar Guild to enable the purchase of this years beautiful Christmas Altar Poinsettias. A complete list of gifts in loving memory, and gifts in honor and celebration can be found on our website at asburyfirst.org/christmas-altar or by scanning this QR code.
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.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm, 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.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
Tonight, December 31, 5-6 pm
New Years Eve Drop-In Service of Meditation and Communion
*Processional Hymn
#249 "There's a Song in the Air"
Continued on next page
*Closing Hymn (Cont'd)