Light
LET THERE BE
ADVENT 2021
December 5, 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
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Veni Emmanuel) — arr. Burton Bumgarner “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (Jefferson) — arr. Stephen Weber “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (Hyfrydol) — arr. Robert Thygerson
Introit
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates; behold, the King of glory waits; the King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here! (Words: George Weissel, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Truro, anon. 18th century)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. A messenger calls, “Prepare the way of the Holy One. Make a pathway for God straight into your hearts.” Blessed be the Holy One, who brings light into the deepest shadows. A prophet proclaims, “Make way in the desert for the coming of God to live in our midst.” Blessed be the Holy One, who comes to live among us in peace. Let us prepare ourselves for the coming Day of God! Let us worship the one who calls us into light!
11 am • December 5, 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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Second Sunday of Advent
*Processional Hymn
#209 “Blessed Be the God of Israel” Words: Michael Perry, 1973; Tune: Merle’s Tune, Hal H. Hopson, 1983 Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
Pastoral Prayer
11 am
Scripture Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
To hear the word
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Teddi Urriola (Virtual)
We light this candle as a symbol of the peace only God can bring. For God shall purify God’s people like gold and silver, until they shine forth righteousness. (The second candle is lit.) May the Word sent from God through the prophets lead us to God’s peace. 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
#207 “Prepare the Way of the Lord” Words: Isaiah 40:3, 52:10; Tune: Jacques Berthier and the Community of Taizé
Anthem Bess Phillips, Soprano Brenda Nitsch, Alto Dan McInerney, Tenor Holden Turner, Baritone
“Prepare the Way, O Zion” — Swedish melody, arr. Mark Schweizer; words by Franz Michael Franzen, James Montgomery Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near! Amid the hills and valleys a straighter way is clear. Behold the King of glory, foretold in ancient story. Blest is the Christ who came in God’s most holy name. The wilderness will blossom, the desert shall rejoice; The blind eyes shall be opened, the speechless given voice; Before him on the mountains his mercy flows in fountains. Blest is the Christ who came in God's most holy name. To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end. He comes to break oppression, to take away transgression. Blest is the Christ who came in God's most holy name.
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.
#206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” Words and Music by Kathleen Thomerson, 1966
Sermon
Which Way from Here?
Call to Prayer
In Him, there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. (Words and Music by Kathleen Thomerson)
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
“The King Shall Come” — American tune, arr. George Mabry; words by John Brownlie and Philip Doddridge The King shall come when morning dawns, And light triumphant breaks; When beauty gilds the eastern hills, And life to joy awakes. Not as of old a little child to bear, and fight, and die, But crowned with glory like the sun That lights the morning sky. The King shall come when morning dawns, And earth’s dark night is past; O haste the rising of that morn, The day that aye shall last. And let the endless bliss begin, By weary saints foretold, When right shall triumph over wrong, And truth shall be extolled. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, thy welcome shall proclaim; and heaven’s eternal arches ring with thy beloved name. The King shall come when morning dawns, And light and beauty brings: Hail, Christ the Lord! Thy people pray, Come quickly, King of kings.
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
Emmanuel, God with us, we offer our gifts in gratitude for the wondrous things you have done in our midst. May we overflow in generosity and good deeds as we make ready for the arrival of your reign. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#567 “Heralds of Christ” Words: Laura Copenhaver, 1915; Tune: National Hymn, George Warren, 1894
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!
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen — Arthur Frackenpohl
Postlude
“Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” — Johann Pachelbel ("Savior of the Nations, Come")
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“Prepare the Way, O Zion" © 2019, "The King Shall Come” © 2016, 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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Shirley and Rev. E. Robert Ferris Jr. by the Ferris family: Susanna, Timothy, Nancy and Jeremy. 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. We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of George "Ray" Raymond Bird (formerly of Fairport, NY) who passed away on November 21, 2021 in Overland Park, Kansas.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Joe Finetti Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, 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!
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
asburyfirst.org/ advent
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
Lectio Divina
Meetings & Rehearsals December 5–11
Sunday Storehouse Christmas Sale—Canceled 9:45 am Parables of Parenting—1040 Room 203 9:45 am Sunday Adult Bible Study—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am St. Nicholas Class—1040 Fellowship Hall 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 (check asburyfirst.org/events) Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 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 pm Red Cross Blood Drive—1040 Gathering Center 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) 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 5 pm Property Stewardship Committee Meeting 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) 7 pm Annie Youth Musical—1040 Fellowship Hall SaturDAY Storehouse Christmas Sale—Canceled 7 pm Annie Youth Musical—1040 Fellowship Hall 8 pm Madrigalia Holiday Concert —1040 Sanctuary
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.
Your holiday favorite returns! Join Madrigalia to celebrate the delights of the season with songs of hope, love, and joy. Joined by Emily Hart, oboe, Melanie Mashner, harp, and Eric Polenik, bass. Tickets: $20; $18 seniors; $5 students For tickets and information, visit www.madrigalia.org or call 585-230-2894.
Don't miss out on this chance to support our Youth. Visit asburyfirst.org/events for more information and to purchase tickets online.
If you wish to donate to the Asbury Storehouse, visit asburyfirst.org/give-outreach.
CANCELED
Saturday, December 11, 8 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
A Christmas concert combating homelessness in Rochester
Sundays in December, 9:45 am, 1040 Fellowship Hall
THe man, The Myth, The legend
He
St. Nicholas
Stars
Many of our wonderful traditions at Christmas revolve around caricatures of this character. This December, youth and adults of all ages are invited to join us for a special Sunday morning offering in Fellowship Hall from 9:45–10:45 am to learn more about the backstory of Saint Nicholas. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin, mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
CHRIS WILSON PRESENTS:
Wednesday, December 15, 7:30 pm
in the Sky Looked Down Where Lay
The
The Discipleship Project integrates Faith and Action! We call our small groups ‘Classes’ after the original Methodist discipleship groups. Join us as we work together to walk with Jesus between Sunday mornings, to learn by doing, and to form a spiritual community.
New Small Group Opportunities
REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY!
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
To avoid overcrowding and keep socially distanced, we ask that you pre-register for our Christmas Eve services. WAYS TO REGISTER: Click the link in the email coming this afternoon! Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas Call the church office at 585-271-1050 Fill out a form at the Welcome Desk
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT
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
Thank you for your grace and patience as we continue to Do More Good in this pandemic moment.