ADVENT 2023
December 3, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
God 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 of 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 ages 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 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 The live stream 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 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
* 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 645 — J.S. Bach ("Wake, awake, a voice is calling")
Introit
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us to walk in his ways. Let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:3, 5; music by Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Come, let us travel together to God’s mountain— where we will be surrounded by God’s glory and peace. Let us prepare for Christ’s arrival— the birth of the Prince of Peace. Come, let us worship the Spirit of love. Clothed in Christ’s love, we are ready to worship and pray.
*Opening Hymn
#211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, vv. 1-4 (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
11 am • December 3, 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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First Sunday of Advent
11 am
*Gathering Hymn
"In the Lord I'll be Ever Thankful", sung twice
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Bonnie & Dave Kay, Check, Christina, Caitlin, Cali & Colette Kirivong
"Hope Is Assertive" The first candle is lit. God of Hope, our world has grown cold with despair, with hopelessness, with weariness and dread. Alight in us the fire of Your Spirit. Remind us that death never has the final word. Inspire us to pursue lives of justice. May we become the embodiment of hope in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.
To hear the word
*Response Hymnal #706, v. 1
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see the King.
Scripture Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down; the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name or attempts to take hold of you, for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Wait Time
To Renew Commitment
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.
Offertory
“Drop, Dew from Heaven” — Bradley Norris; words based on Isaiah 45:8 Drop, dew, from heaven. Let the earth be opened, and send forth a Savior
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
#730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh", vv. 1, 4, 5
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
*Communion Hymn
#196 "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
*Invitation to Communion
To celebrate holy communion
*Closing Hymn
#634 "Now Let Us from This Table Rise"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Go into the world and serve the Lord with joy! (Anonymous)
Postlude
Advent March on “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” — Franklin D. Ashdown
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Please follow the ushers' direction and leave your pew via the side aisles. Step forward to receive the bread. Once you have received the bread, move toward the center aisle. There you will have the option of receiving the juice: — by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), or — by taking a small cup from the tray, drinking the juice, and placing the empty cup in the basket provided. Return to your pew via the center aisle.
Hymns
#619 "Now the Silence" #626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Rev. Susan Shafer Lay Reader: Lydia Beach Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Kenny Bailey Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Griffin Allen Graphics Operator: Joe Blakely Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Deb Bullock-Smith, Ted Skomsky Technology Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions:
“Drop, Dew, from Heaven” © 2020 Augsburg Fortress; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2022 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
9 am • December 3, 2023
#211 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", vv. 1, 2
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#706 "Soon and Very Soon", v. 1
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
found on pg. 4
Invitations, Announcements
Scripture
Isaiah 64:1-9 (found on pg. 5)
Communion
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
Help Me Connect
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 & John Francis. 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 to Ralph Eckhardt and his family following the death of his wife, Joyce, on November 7. We offer our prayers and concerns to Jon Patterson, father of Susan and Matt Guffy, who is hospitalized at Strong. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Karen Manasto Kelly, who passed away on November 19.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — 1040 Gathering Center 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1050 Teak Room 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 (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12:15 pm Pastoral Transition Listenting Session — 1040 Sanctuary 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group — 1040 Fellowship Hall 5 pm Advent Winter Wonder Night — 1040 Gathering Center MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am 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) 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 7 pm Women of the Well Presentation — 1040 Fellowship 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 pm Pageant Rehearsal PreK - 2nd — Sanctuary 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 5:30 pm Pageant Rehearsal 3rd - 5th — Sanctuary 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm Carols and Cocoa — Front lawn 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) Saturday 7:30 pm Madrigalia Concert — Sanctuary
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at 585-271-1050
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 3–DecemBER 9
Sunday, December 3, 5 pm, Gathering Center
Registration is still open!
Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you to bring your kids and come enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a special Christmas story at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3. Please don your pajamas as we share the magic of the season with you and your family. Direct your questions to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your child be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Children’s Sunday School immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 3. Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor of the education wing or click here to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
For more information or to view the Advent Devotional visit asburyfirst.org/advent-2023.
CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesdays 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
Be sure to pick up your 2023 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
Advent Winter Wonder Night
Wednesday, December 6, 7pm, Front lawn
Join the Asbury Orchestra for December Caroling
Join us as we gather to sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa outside around the Christmas tree each Wednesday during Advent. Starting at 7pm, we will join in singing Christmas favorites, welcoming new faces, and seeing old friends. Bring a friend, you won't regret it.
A percentage of the sales goes to the Asbury First Library and is used to add to the library's book collection. Can’t make it to Pittsford? No problem. Books may be purchased online from December 9–13 at BN.com/bookfairs. Make sure to use the Book Fair ID #12688545. Thanks for your support of our incredible library!
Carols and Cocoa
Did you hear the Asbury Orchestra in worship recently, and think, “I’d like to do that”? Join us December 3rd and 10th at 9:30 in Wesley Hall to rehearse Christmas carols. We will play in the Gathering Center after worship on December 17th. All are invited to join the fun!
Questions contact Laurie Kennedy at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net
Listen to the Asbury ringers play at 1 pm while you shop! Thanks to those who have supported Asbury First's Library! There's still time to show your support! Book Fair ID #12688545
Saturday, December 9, 2023 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford
The Governing Board and Pastor Parish Relations Committee invites you to a joint listening session immediately following the 11am service this Sunday, December 3, to hear your concerns and answer preliminary questions about the upcoming departure of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady. The session will take place in the sanctuary and is open to all. If you have questions that you would like to share in advance, please email governance@asburyfirst.org.
To the Asbury First Family, It is with very mixed emotions we share with you news that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Brite, located on the campus of Texas Christian University, has a distinguished history as the leading progressive divinity school in the South and Southwest, and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is also approved by the United Methodist Church to train candidates for UMC ministry and has more UMC students than any other constituency. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition in February. We are very glad that Stephen can take this wonderful next step in his ministry, one that will give him opportunities to expand the impact he has had at Asbury First to a broader national level. We congratulate him on this honor. Our prayers will be with Stephen, Emily, Ellie, Charlie, and Hannah as they begin this exciting next chapter of their lives. We also feel a deep sense of loss over Stephen’s departure. Through his inspired leadership we dreamed dreams, opened our Church to all, weathered COVID, built an online presence extending around the country and beyond, raised $8 million through the Better Together Campaign to create an amazing Community Outreach Center, enhanced our musical offerings, welcomed new members, expanded our ministries, and worked toward Doing More Good in many other ways. We have been enriched and challenged by some of the finest preaching in the country. Stephen is leaving Asbury First on solid ground and will be greatly missed. In the coming months, there will be several opportunities to thank Stephen in tangible ways for his work among us, but during this transition period, continuation of the vibrancy of the ministries he has fostered will be our highest tribute to the lasting impact he has had. To learn more about this transition period, please visit asburyfirst.org or attend the Listening Session after today's 11am Worship service. Grace and Peace, Beth Wilkens Governance Board Chair James Quinn Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair
Sunday December 3 (after the 11am service), Sanctuary
Pastoral Transition Listening Session
On Sunday, December 24 we observe the Fourth Sunday of the Advent season, as well as Christmas Eve. We are changing our usual Sunday schedule in order to celebrate both of these feasts. *Please note the change in time of our morning services*
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, put this form in the offering plate, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 15. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at 585-271-1050. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
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
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
10:00 am - An Advent service of scripture, poetry, and carols in the Sanctuary (live streamed) *This replaces our usual 9:00 and 11:00 Sunday services 12:00 noon - Traditional Christmas Eve service with carols and candlelight 4:00 pm - Family Service with Christmas Pageant (live streamed) 7:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight (live streamed) 11:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight
11 am • November 27, 2022
*Processional Hymn
#211 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", v. 1-4
*Advent Candle Lighting
#730 "O Day of God, Draw Nigh", v. 1, 4, 5
Communion Hymn
Hymn
#619 "Now the Silence"
#626 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
#634 “Now Let Us from This Table Rise”