Light
LET THERE BE
ADVENT 2021
December 12, 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
“God Rest Ye, Merry, Gentlemen” — arr. Nigel Hess “The First Noel” — arr. Glenda Austin “What Child Is This?” — arr. Glenda Austin “Angel Carols” — arr. Lloyd Larson
Introit
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God, do not be afraid. Lift up your voices, the Lord is near; lift up your voices, the Lord is near. (Words and Music: Jacques Berthier and the Community of Taizé)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Let all who love God rejoice! Let all who thirst for justice draw water from the well of God’s salvation. Let all who long for Christ sing for joy! Let all who hunger for righteousness return home to the living God. Let all who seek the Spirit shout aloud! Let all who yearn for mercy come before the throne of grace.
11 am • December 12, 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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Third Sunday of Advent
*Processional Hymn
#126 "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above" Words: Johann Schutz, tr. Frances Cox; Tune: Mit Freuden Zart; 16th cent. Bohemian Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
*Welcome and Passing of the Peace
Pastoral Prayer
11 am
Scripture Luke 3:7-18
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (cont'd)
To hear the word
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Helen & Thomas Johnson
We light this candle as a symbol of God’s love for us and our love for one another. For the Lord rejoices over us with gladness, and renews us in love. God exults over us with singing and turns our shame to praise. (The third candle is lit.) May the joyful promise of God’s presence make us rejoice! Let there be light!
*Response Hymnal #238, refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
*Hymn
#207 "Prepare the Way of the Lord" Words: Isaiah 40:3, 52:10; Tune: Jacques Berthier and the Community of Taizé
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Anthem
“Lift Up Your Heads” — arr. Joyce Barthelson; words by George Weissel, tr. Catherine Winkworth 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! Oh, blest the land, the city blest, where Christ the ruler is confessed. Oh, happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes. So come, my sovereign. enter in! Let new and nobler life begin. Thy Holy Spirit guide us on, until the glorious crown be won.
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.
#436 “The Voice of God Is Calling”, vv. 1-3 Words: John Haynes Holmes; Tune: Meirionydd, William Lloyd
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 Bess Phillips, Soprano
“How Beautiful Are the Feet” — G. F. Handel, from Messiah; words: Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.
*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
Generous God, the bounty of your love overflows into every aspect of our lives. May our gifts be signs that we trust in your power to heal the world through us. Amen.
Sermon
What, Then, Should We Do?
Call to Prayer
Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to thee we open wide; let us thy inner presence feel; thy grace and love in us reveal. (Words: Georg Weissel, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Truro, 18th-cent. Austrian)
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#203 “Hail to the Lord's Anointed” Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Ellacombe, 18th cent. German, adapt. W.H. Monk
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Jackie Nelson Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont Lay Reader: Ann Johnson Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Combined Choirs Section Leaders: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer: Spencer Anderson 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
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God andand in memory of Brian Denigris who died on December 9, 2018 by Barbara Denigris and Bonnie Crossley; and in gratitude for past and present church members; and in celebration of the marriage of Kelsey Griswold and Ryan Berger. 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.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen — John Stainer
Postlude
“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” — arr. Michael Bedford
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“Lift Up Your Heads” © 1959 Plymouth Music Company, Inc.; 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.
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at www.asburyfirst.org/events
Advent — Caroling Around the Tree
The Discipleship Project: Small Groups
WOW Red & Green Christmas Dec. 15
Meetings & Rehearsals December 12–18
Sunday 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 1 pm Annie Youth Musical—1040 Fellowship Hall Monday 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 4:30 pm Governance Board Meeting—Zoom 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 (Hybrid) —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464); 1050 Dining Room 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group (Hybrid) —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468); 1040 Butler's Pantry 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 Wesly Hall 7:30 pm Chris Wilson Christmas Concert —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) 7 pm Scivias Ensemble Concert—1040 Sanctuary
There’s Something for Everyone at Asbury First!
LAST CHANCE!!!
Youth Musical: Annie Jr.
Asbury First Sermon Podcast
To avoid overcrowding and keep socially distanced, we ask that you pre-register for our Christmas Eve services. WAYS TO REGISTER: Scan the QR code to the right Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas Call the church office at 585-271-1050 Fill out a form at the Welcome Desk
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.
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
New Small Group Opportunities
REGISTER TODAY!
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
Thank you for your grace and patience as we continue to Do More Good in this pandemic moment.