Light
LET THERE BE
ADVENT 2021
November 28, 2021 • 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department and monitoring the Delta variant in our community, 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 a way our Children's Ministry can be more welcoming to you and your child, 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 three 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 www.asburyfirst.org/give. 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. You can also view all sermons on our YouTube channel.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 659 — J.S. Bach ("Come now, Savior of the nations") "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme", BWV 659 — J.S. Bach ("Wake, awake, a voice is calling")
Introit
Arise, the kingdom is at hand, the King is drawing nigh; O come with joy, thou faithful band, to meet the Lord most high! Look up, ye souls weighed down with car, the Sovereign is not far; Look up, faint hearts, from your despair, behold, the Morning Star! (Words: Johann von Rist, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Music: Christopher Tye (1505-1572)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. A righteous branch has sprung forth to bring goodness and peace to our world. Our promised salvation is at hand. A righteous branch has sprung forth to bring hope to our world. Our eyes have beheld the goodness and mercy of the Lord. A Son has been given to us, bringing justice and virtue to the earth. Our hearts have felt the stirrings of God’s presence. The Spirit of Truth is here to heal us the ways of God. Let us worship the God of our salvation.
11 am • November 28, 2021
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
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First Sunday of Advent
*Processional Hymn
#211 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Words: 9th cent. Latin, various translators; Tune: Veni Emmanuel, 15th cent. French Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
Pastoral Prayer
11 am
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Ashley and Steve Danyew (Virtual)
We light this candle as a symbol of the hope we have in the promise of Christ’s coming. For the Lord will fulfill the promise to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (The first candle is lit.) May the light sent from God shine in the darkness to show us God’s way. Let there be light!
Response Hymnal #213, v. 2
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart from earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
*Hymn
#213 "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates", vs. 1 Words: George Weissel, tr. Catherine Winkworth: Tune: Truro, anon., 1789
Anthem
“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” — Thomas Arne, arr. Roland E. Martin; words by Charles Wesley Lo! He comes, with clouds descending, once for our salvation slain; thousand thousand saints attending swell the triumph of his train: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ the Lord returns to reign. Every eye shall now behold him, robed in dreadful majesty; Those who set at nought and sold him, pierced, and nailed him to the tree, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see. Those dear tokens of his passion still his dazzling body bears, cause of endless exultation to his ransomed worshipers; with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture gaze we on those glorious scars! Yea, Amen! let all adore thee, high on thine eternal throne; Savior, take the power and glory; claim the kingdom for thine own: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.
Scripture Luke 21:25-36
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
To hear the word
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.
#218 “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, vv. 1, 2 This hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
The End of the World as We Know It
Hymn Response
#218 “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, vv. 3, 4 This hymn can be found on the next page.
Hymn
#218 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” Words: Edmund Sears, 1849; Tune: Carol, Richard Storrs Willis, 1850
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
Our Creative God endows us with the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Within this bulletin you will find invitations to enrich your faith journey and enhance your commitment. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. You may give a gift with a debit/credit card or by e-check by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online giving is available on our website at www.asburyfirst.org/give.
Offertory Dan McInerney, Tenor
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Rowland Pritchard; words by Charles Wesley Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
Doxology Hymnal #213, v.4 alt.
Eternal praise, eternal fame be offered, Savior, to thy name. Thy Holy Spirit lead us on until our glorious goal is won.
*Prayer of Dedication
Blessed One, may our love for others increase, even as you enrich the gifts you have given us. Send our gifts into the world as signs of the bounty of Christ entering our world. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen — Jacob Arcadelt, adapted from his "Ave Maria"
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#730 “O Day of God, Draw Nigh” Words: R.B.Y. Scott, 1937; Tune: St. Michael, Genevan Psalter, 1551, arr. Wm. Crotch
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:
“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” © 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 the 2021 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik and Vecteezy.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Patrick Dupont Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolyte: Keely Shafer 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!
Postlude
Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel” — James Denton
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our granddaughter June Lucille Francis by Ann and John Francis; and in loving memory of my parents Ann and George Brink by their daughter Carol Brink. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic.
Given by: (Please Print Clearly) Phone: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: In loving memory of In honor or celebration of A donation Please scan the QR code to the left, visit our website, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 12. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Advent — Hanging of the Greens
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals November 28–December 4
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 Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 12 pm Library Work Day—1040 Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 7 pm Gospel of Mary Magdalene —Zoom (zoom.us/j/87195784797) 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 5 pm Hanging of the Greens—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Contemplative Service (Taizé)—1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Caroling Around the Tree—1040 Front Lawn 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) SaturDAY Storehouse Christmas Sale — Canceled
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.
CANCELED
We regret to inform you that the Christmas Treasures Sale has been canceled. If you wish to donate to the Asbury Storehouse, visit asburyfirst.org/ give-outreach.
Tuesday, November 30
Support the Asbury First Storehouse, Dining and Caring Center, and Asbury Day Care Center during ROC the Day! Learn more by visiting www.asburyfirst.org/news.
Come support our amazing youth! Tickets are $10 at the door, or can be purchased online. Visit asburyfirst.org/news to learn more.
Contemplative Service (Taizé) Wednesdays during Advent, 6 pm, 1040 Sanctuary Caroling Around the Tree Wednesdays during Advent, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Tuesday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary For more information, visit asburyfirst.org/advent.
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
December 10–11, 7 pm and December 12, 1 pm Fellowship Hall
NEW DATES!!
Save the dates for the return of these Advent favorites!
Asbury First Youth Theater Presents
Be sure to pick up your 2021 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!