January 2, 2022 • 11 AM
To worship with us
TO UNITE IN FAITH TO DO MORE GOOD TO JOIN A COMMUNITY TO MAKE CHANGE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department, face masks are required inside regardless of vaccination status. Outside, masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated and encouraged for everyone else. To learn more about the new policy or to read our FAQs, visit www.asburyfirst.org/news/2021/9/updated-covid-protocols. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, please fill out the half sheet in your bulletin and place it in the basket upon exiting the sanctuary. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. 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 ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, 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 in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. 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 Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/live. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/video-archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
“Noël” with Variations — Henry Kihlken
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. For so long we have waited for one who would share God's spirit; Who would judge the fearful with righteousness and the poor with justice; Who would show compassion to the weak and mercy to the condemned; Who would break down the walls dividing the peoples, that all on earth might follow a star. For so long have we seen the visions; for so long have the dreams been dreamed. But now the vision has found its life, and the dream has come to pass! Here is the One for whom we have waited! Let us open our treasures and offer our gifts: our hearts, our souls, our minds.
11 am • January 2, 2022
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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Second Sunday after Christmas Covenant Renewal
*Opening Hymn
#219 "What Child Is This" Words: William Dix, 1865; Tune: Greensleeves, 16th cent. English melody
11 am
Greeting and Passing of the Peace
Hymn
#220 "Angels from the Realms of Glory", vv. 1, 4 Words: James Montgomery, 1816; Tune: Regent Square, Henry Smart, 1867
Scripture John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Prayer of Confession
All-glorious God, we have faith in Jesus Christ, and love towards your people. Yet we are not without blemish in your sight. Our love is not as inclusive as yours. There is much we still need to learn. Give us clearer vision of all that we are meant to be. May we magnify the glory that is now revealed in Jesus Christ, your beloved.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the Good News! The liberator has come to free us from all proud pretenses. The Christ has come in Jesus of Nazareth to show us the favor of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gloria Hymnal #238, refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
To hear the word
Anthem
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" — trad. English carol, arr. Georgiann H. Toole God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray; Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh, tidings of comfort and joy! From God that is our maker the blessed angels came, Unto some certain shepherds with tidings of the same, That there was born in Bethlehem the son of God by name; Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh, tidings of comfort and joy! Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, And with true love and harmony each other now embrace. The merry time of Christmas is drawing on apace; Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!
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
"The Summons" Words: John Bell & Graham Maule, 1987; Tune: Kelvingrove, trad. Scottish melody
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.
Sermon
Being and Becoming
To Renew Commitment
Commissioning of Class Leaders and Blessing of Classes Class Leaders: Dana Cardona Jen Conrow Nancy Davidow Larry Gage Carolyn Hamil Bonnie Matthaidess Beth Rice Dave Rice Canden Simmons Martha Tuke
Prayer of Blessing: Most gracious God, bless your servants whom we now entrust with the office of class leader, Grant them wisdom tempered by your love, and courage tempered by your justice. so that Jesus Christ might be honored and served by all in this congregation, to the furtherance of your reign on earth as in heaven. Bless those disciples who seek to follow your path for their lives by participating in a class meeting. Enrich their lives with your grace, that they may be and become a community of love and light for all. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, 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 it in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. 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
"Christmas Joy" — Mark Schweizer, arr. David Janower; 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 all brothers, to make music in the heart.
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#187 “Rise, Shine, You People” Words: Ronald Klug, 1973; Tune: Wojtkiewiecz, Dale Wood, 1973
*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.
*Prayer of Dedication
O Christ, we know that the gifts of our hands are no substitute for the loyalty of our lives. As we offer our gifts, inspire and empower us to serve your whole creation. Amen.
While some of us find it easy to remember names, many of us could use the reminder of a name tag. Wearing name tags will help us learn one another's names, keep us from worrying when we've forgotten someone's name, and help make our community stronger. Scan the QR code, go to the website, or call the office to order yours!
Permissions:
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” © 2014, and “Christmas Joy” © 2012, St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2021 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Rachel Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Order Your Name Tag!
*Benediction
Postlude
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born” — G.F. Handel/arr. L. Smith
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Women on Wednesday (WOW)
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals JANUARY 2–8
Sunday 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Sunday Adult Bible Study—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Sunday School (check asburyfirst.org/events) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Live-Stream 1 pm Dining & Caring Center Sunday Lunch—1040 Welcome Hall 6 pm Youth Groups Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 12:15 pm Women On Wednesday—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Sanctuary Thursday 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1040 Welcome Hall 7 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY 9:30 am Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/813450961)
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
Gentle Yoga
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and are all one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community. Discipleship We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and as individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together. Generosity We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
We are trying to re-raise awareness of our efforts and also to recruit some new members. To those ends, we hope you will join one of the RJAG work groups: Education, Housing, Policing/ Criminal Justice Reform, Public Health/ Healthcare and Voting/Elections. If you are interested in learning how you can get involved contact Rev. Jackie Nelson at jnelson@asburyfirst.org.
CONNECT
RACIAL
Join a work group!!
Help Me
JUSTICE
ADVOCACY
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, getting more involved in the life of Asbury First, or just in need of a deeper connection? We want to hear from you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
The Discipleship Project integrates Faith and Action! We call our small groups ‘Classes’ after the original Methodist discipleship groups. Join us as we start new groups in January to walk with Jesus between Sunday mornings, to learn by doing, and to form a spiritual community.
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
New Small Group Opportunities
