Light
LET THERE BE
ADVENT 2021
December 19, 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 Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
Six Variations on “Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen” — Gerald Near "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" — Felix Mendelssohn/arr. Linda R. Lamb
Introit
Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth. Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way. (Words: Eleanor Farjeon, 1928; Tune: Besançon, traditional French carol)
*Call to Worship Based on Luke 1:46-55, The Magnificat
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Our souls magnify the Lord. Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. The Mighty One has done great things for us. Holy is God’s name. God’s mercy is ever near, from generation to generation. God’s strength scatters the proud and lifts the humble of heart. God’s love fills us up, nourishing our hungry souls. God’s grace has called us here to strengthen our faith.
11 am • December 19, 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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Fourth Sunday of Advent
*Processional Hymn
#250 "Once in Royal David's City", vv. 1, 2, 4 Words: Cecil Alexander, 1848; Tune: Irby, Henry Gauntlett, 1849 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 Glenn & Lynn Peck
We light this candle as a symbol of the joy to be found in God’s kingdom on earth. For the Lord elevates the lowly, releases the captive, and brings sight to the blind. We rejoice in God’s justice and mercy, faithful to all generations. (All four candles are lit.) (cont'd)
*Hymn
#202 "People, Look East", vv. 1, 2 Words: Eleanor Farjeon, 1928; Tune: Besançon, traditional French carol
Scripture Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Anthem
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” — Michael Praetorius and Melchior Vulpius, arr. Carl Johengen; words: 15th cent. German, tr. Theodore Baker Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming as those of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter when half-spent was the night. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind: With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God's love aright she bore to us a Savior when half-spent was the night. O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, Dispel with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us and share our every load.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
May the visitation of the Holy Spirit make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy. Let there be light!
*Response Hymnal #238, refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Minute For Mission
The Joy of Christmas Giving Rev. Pat Dupont, Outreach Center Director
To hear the word
#230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, vv. 1, 2 Words: Phillips Brooks; Tune: St. Louis, Lewis Redner
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.
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 Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
“Joy and Hope Abounding” — Cathy Moklebust
*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
Lord, may our offerings of time, talent, and treasure magnify you and bring you glory. May we proclaim the powerful promise you bring: hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. Amen.
Sermon
Leap Year
Call to Prayer
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! (Words: Phillips Brooks; Tune: St. Louis, Lewis Redner)
To Renew Commitment
To Disperse in Mission
*Closing Hymn
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High”, vv. 1-3 Words: Trad. French carol; Tune: Gloria, French carol melody, arr. E.S. Barnes, 1937
ALTAR FLOWERS Thank you for your thoughtful donations. May the blessings of Christmas be with all of our members a nd guests during this joyous Season. For a list of altar donations, please see the Christmas Altar insert. 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 We offer our prayers and concerns to the family and friends of Valerie VanBortel who passed away on December 10, 2021.
Participants In the Service
Preachers: Emily Cady, 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, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Crucifer: Charlie Bohrer 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
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen — Jacob Arcadelt, adapt. from his "Ave Maria"
Postlude
“A Joyous Christmas” — John Leavitt
Permissions:
Celebrations and concerns
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”, public domain; "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" arr. Linda R. Lamb, RingOut Press; "Joy and Hope Abounding", Choristers Guild Publishing; 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
*Note: The 3 pm Christmas Eve Pageant will be livestream only (except for family members of participants), and the 5 and 7 pm Christmas Eve services will be in-person and livestream. **Note: In-person Christmas Eve services require masks (regardless of vaccination status) and registration.
To register for Christmas Eve services, visit asburyfirst.org/christmas or call the church office at 585-271-1050.
Meetings & Rehearsals December 19–25
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 Livestream 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) 2:30 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center 7 pm Longest Night Service In-Person and Livestream 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 Sanctuary Thursday 5:30 pm Pageant Tech Rehearsal - 1040 Sanctuary 7 pm Dynamic Disciple Challenge —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) FRIDAY Christmas Eve 12 pm Christmas Eve Worship In-Person** 3 pm* Christmas Eve Pageant—Livestream Only 5 pm* Christmas Eve Worship In-Person** and Livestream 7 pm* Christmas Eve Worship In-Person** and Livestream 11 pm Christmas Eve Worship In-Person** SaturDAY Christmas Day 10:15 am Christmas Day Worship—Joint service with St. Paul's Episcopal Church (25 Westminster Road, Rochester, NY, on the corner of East Ave and Westminster).
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
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
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
REGISTER TODAY!
The Discipleship Project integrates Faith and Action! We call our small groups ‘Classes’ after the original Methodist discipleship groups. Join us as we start new groups in January to walk with Jesus between Sunday mornings, to learn by doing, and to form a spiritual community.
Thank you for your grace and patience as we continue to Do More Good in this pandemic moment.
New Small Group Opportunities