All are welcome at Asbury First. Please join us in celebrating our 200th Anniversary!
December 20, 2020 • 11 AM
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us! If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. 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 and we will answer any questions you may have. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory 
Prayer Group. Children We believe children are a sacred gift. You can join us at 10 am for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly (us02web.zoom.us/j/86857108916?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZm
FxUHgrQ1hjdz09). We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. 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. 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.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prelude
Duane Prill, Organ, Piano
Julianne Burch, Clarinet

“Meditation on a Medieval Hymn-Tune (Divinum Mysterium)†— Charles Callahan
“Time Piecesâ€, mvt. III: Allegro Moderato — Robert Muczynski “Greensleeves†— 16th cent. English melody, arr. Chip Davis/Chuck Pennington
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!
Welcome
Call to Worship
Based on Luke 1:46-53
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay 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.
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11 am • December 20, 2020
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Opening Hymn
##250 "Once in Royal David's City" (vv. 1, 2, 4)









































Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848; Tune: Irby, Henry J. Gauntlett, 1849
 







Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
11 am
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.
To hear the word
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Brian, Ashley, Will and Sam Eckman, Danville, CA Laura, Josh, Zachariah, and Avery Girton, Severna Park, MD
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. 
 (the candles are lit.)
 May the visitation of the Holy Spirit make us ready for the coming of Jesus, 
our hope and joy. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
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.
Anthem
"Prepare the Way, O Zion" — 17th cent. Swedish carol, arr. Mark Schweizer; words by Franz Michael Franzen, 19th cent. Swedish
 Prepare the way, O Zion, the King 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.
Hymn
#240 "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" 








































Words:Charles Wesley, 1734, alt.; Tune: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn, 1840

 







Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
To Renew Commitment
Invitation 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
Julianne Burch, Clarinet
Duane Prill, Piano
“Carol of the Bells†— Mykola Leontovych, arr. Chip Davis and Chuck Pennington

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
Harking the Heralds
Call to Prayer
Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to you we open wide; let us thy inner presence feel; thy grace and love in us reveal.
Pastoral Prayer
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
Permissions: “Prepare the Way, O Zion†© 2019 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 2020 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik, and Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
Benediction
Benediction Response
#672 "God Be with You till We Meet Again" (v. 1)
Words: Jeremiah Rankin, 1880; Tune: God Be With You, William Tomer, 1880

God be with you till we meet again, by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus' feet;
Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.
Postlude
"God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" — 18th cent. English carol, arr. Alfred V. Fedak
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady and Emily Cady
Liturgist: Rev. Jackie Nelson
Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan
Organist: Duane Prill
Clarinet: Julianne Burch Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey
Graphics Operators: Connor Nelson
Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
BICENTENNIAL TRIVIA
From last week: How much did the Asbury Society pay in 1860 to purchase the St. John’s Church on the corner of Main and Clinton? A. The Asbury Society bought the church 
and property at the corner of Main and South Clinton from Hiram Davis for $7,000.
In 1916 when there was a fire in First Church (located at East Ave and Anson Place), where did the congregation hold services until the building was repaired?
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty 
of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Bicentennial Bible Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. For a full list of events, and clickable links, visit www.asburyfirst.org/events. HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Follow the link: zoom.us/j/8347173468 for the main meetings (password is "200"), and us02web.zoom.us/j/338565981 for “Changing Weighs," and us02web.zoom.us/j/868571089
16?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZmFxUHgrQ1hjdz09 for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly.
When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video?
 Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on.
 If any group would like to utilize our discipleship Zoom account to take their meetings online, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Virtual meetings
Our values represent a description of our guiding principles. 
These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do.
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.
Monday, December 21, 
7 pm, Live Stream 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 Monday, December 21 at 7 pm for this unique and meaningful service.
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
The Joy of Christmas Giving program is an opportunity for us to ensure that more of Rochester’s most vulnerable receive the support they need, we are inviting the congregation to consider donating to this fund, in lieu of donating to our individual Asbury First-afiliated outreach ministries. We’d like to be a part of mediating the current crisis around evictions,
 and believe we can do it with your help! Click here to learn more.
While we may not be together in person this Christmas Eve we invite you 
to join us in spirit via the live stream at 7 pm, Thursday, December 24 for our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service. We look forward to "being" 
with you for this most beloved service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ 
with peace, prayer, candlelight, and "Silent Night."
IF YOU MISS A SERVICE, VISIT OUR VIDEO ARCHIVE HERE.