ADVENT 2023
December 17, 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 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 age 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 place your gift 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. Watch and listen The livestream 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 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant, x108 *indicates part-time status
* please stand as you are able
Prelude Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Jeanne Strong & Duane Prill, Piano
Variations on "Noel" — arr. John H. Muschick Ukrainian Bell Carol — Mykola Leontovych, arr. Melody Bober Still, Still, Still — Traditional Austrian Carol, arr. Melody Bober It Came Upon the Midnight Clear — Richard Storrs Willis, arr. Melody Bober Angels From the Realms of Glory — Henry T. Smart, arr. Melody Bober
Introit
‘Lift up your hearts!’ We lift them, Lord, to thee; here at thy feet none other may we see. ‘Lift up your hearts!’ E'en so, with one accord, we lift them up, we lift them to the Lord. (Words: Henry Montagu Butler; Tune: Chilswell, Gustav Holst)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Rejoice! God’s promises are ever near. We wait for Christ’s birth with patience. Rejoice! God’s strength is with us. We rest in the power of God’s mighty love. Rejoice! We gather to celebrate our salvation. Refreshed by hope, we gather to worship and give thanks.
*Opening Hymn
#202 “People, Look East" (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#207 "Prepare the Way of the Lord", sung three times
11 am • December 17, 2023
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
{{page}}
Third Sunday of Advent
11 am
TO CELEBRATE BAPTISM
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Jolene Harrigan & Brian Donat
"Hope Is Assertive, Peace Is Subversive, Joy Is Provocative" Three candles are lit. God of joy, remind us of all we have to celebrate. Bring songs to our lips, and remind us to dance and rejoice. You are in our midst doing something new, right now. You reign over the power of death and despair. May joy take hold in a world that so desperately needs a reason to celebrate. Amen.
*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.
Presentation, Vows, and Baptism
Angelo Vito Zhushma, born October 30, 2023, child of Caitlin and George Zhushma
Congregational Response
Members of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Prayer
Hymnal #611, v. 1
Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.
To hear the word
Scripture Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Coventry Carol” — 15th-century English carol, arr. Bob Burroughs
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.
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.
*Hymn
#203 "Hail to the Lord's Anointed", vv. 1, 2
Sermon
Yes, And
Call to Prayer
To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end. The tide of time shall never his covenant remove; his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love. (Words: James Montgomery; Tune: Ellacombe, 18th-c. German)
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory
“O, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” — Herbert Howells; words from Psalm 122:6-7 O, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.
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.
Participants In the Service
Preachers: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Emily Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson 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 Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Sam Doerner Graphics Operator: Ethan Becks Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
*Closing Hymn
#200 "Tell Out, My Soul"
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Theodore Dubois)
Postlude
“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” — Michael Bedford
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, your promised salvation is like the bread of heaven for those who are perishing. May the gifts we bring before you hasten the day when none shall hurt or destroy on all your holy mountain. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Permissions:
Variations on "Noel" © 1988 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; "Coventry Carol" © 2007 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “O, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem”© 1943 Oxford University Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church.. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
9 am • December 17, 2023
Prelude
*Opening Song
#202 "People, Look East", vv. 1, 2, 4
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Song
#706 "Soon and Very Soon", v. 1
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
found on pg. 4
Invitation, Announcements
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Scripture
Luke 1:26-38 (found on pg. 5)
*Closing Song
#200 "Tell Out, My Soul", vv. 1, 4
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Musician: David Strong
chapel service
Help Me Connect
New Years Eve Drop In Service of Meditation and Communion
Join us New Year's Eve for a drop-in service of meditation and communion. The sanctuary will be open from 5-6 pm and you are welcome to come for the whole time or part of the time as we look back at this year and look with hope toward next year. This service will include long periods of silence interspersed with reflective music. All are welcome.
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for past and present Church members. 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 for the friends and family of John McBride who passed away recently. We offer our prayers and concerns for Julie Flynn whose mother passed away on November 30. We offer our prayers and concerns for Deanna Varble whose father passed away on December 5. We offer our prayers and concerns for Jon Patterson, father of Susan and Matt Guffy, who is hospitalized at Strong. We offer our prayers and concerns for the friends and family of Karen Manasco Kelly, who passed away on November 19.
It’s recently been announced that Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition to Brite in February. To learn more about this transition period, please visit asburyfirst.org.
Sunday, December 31, 5-6 pm
Celebrations and concerns
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
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) 10 am LGBTQ Advocacy Team Meeting — 1040 Youth Room 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Age 4 - 5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing (2nd Floor) 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 12:30 pm Youth Group — 1040 Fellowship Hall 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 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley 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) 3 pm Knitting Ministry Group — 1040 Library 5 pm Pageant Rehearsal PreK - 2nd grade — Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 5:30 pm Pageant Rehearsal 3rd - 5th grades — Room 201 6 pm Youth Choir — 1040 Wesley Hall 6 pm Trivia and History of Christmas Songs — 1040 Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) 7 pm Carols and Cocoa — 1040 Front lawn 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 10 am Women's Fellowship Group — 1040 Library 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6 pm Barefoot in the Park Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am COC Christmas Service — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) SaturDAY 10 am Pageant Tech Rehearsal — 1040 Sanctuary
Meetings & Rehearsals DECEMBER 17–DecemBER 23
Longest night service
For more information visit asburyfirst.org/christmas
After the 11 am service this morning, please stop in the Gathering Center for caroling, accompanied by the Asbury Orchestra. Enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of coffee while singing some songs of the season with your church family. We are grateful to Laurie Kennedy and Jolene Harrigan for leading our volunteer musicians!
Join the Asbury Orchestra for Caroling!
During the Christmas season, our attention is drawn to the abundance in our lives. As Christian disciples, we believe that abundance should be shared. As we exchange gifts with loved ones at Christmas, let us also consider gifts that we can offer to those in our midst who need them most.
This reflective moment of worship is a sacred space for those who may feel a special pain or hardship —whether from the loss of a loved one, loneliness around the holidays, and more. Please join us on Thursday, December 21 at 7 pm for this unique and meaningful service.
Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, Sanctuary
For more information or to view the Advent Devotional visit asburyfirst.org/advent-2023.
Save the dates for these favorite Advent events!
10:00 am - An Advent service of scripture, poetry, and carols in the Sanctuary (livestreamed) *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 (livestreamed) 7:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight (livestreamed) 11:00 pm - Traditional Christmas Eve service with choir, carols and candlelight
CarolING AROUND THE TREE Wednesday December 20, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary
Be sure to pick up your weekly 2023 Advent Devotional in the Welcome Hall!
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*
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
*Processional Hymn
#202 “People, Look East"
#200 “Tell Out, My Soul”