December 24, 2021 • 12, 5, 7, & 11 PM
service of lessons, carols, AND CANDLELIGHT
COVID-19 Guidelines Following the updated guidance from the CDC and NYS Health Department, 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. We recognize children can grow restless during worship—nursery and childcare is available for all services before 9 pm should you choose. Please see an usher for more details. 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 multiple 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 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 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.
Prelude
Seasonal music performed by: Roxanne Ziegler, harp (12 pm) Brian Donat, cello and Duane Prill, piano/organ (5, 7, and 11 pm) Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director (7 pm) “O Holy Night” — Adolphe Adam, arr. Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi; English words by John S. Dwight
*Processional Carol
#234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6) This carol can be found on page 4.
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles
We have prepared the way of the Lord, lighting candles of hope, peace, love, and joy. As their light shines on this holy night, we gather to celebrate the newborn Christ come to dwell among us. (The candles are lit) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. The light of Christ is surely coming. Let there be light! Glory to God in the highest!
*Carol
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3) This carol can be found on page 5.
12, 5, 7, & 11 pm December 24, 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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Christmas Eve
#234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6) Words and Tune: John F. Wade, 1743; Adeste Fidelis Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
#238 "Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3) Words and Tune: Traditional French carol; Gloria Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
The Annunciation Luke 1:26-35
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.
Anthem
“In the Bleak Midwinter” — Harold Darke; words by Christina Rosetti In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day A breast full of milk and a manger full of hay. Enough for him, whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel which adore. What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
To hear the word
The Birth Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Anthem (12, 5, and 11 pm)
“There Is Faint Music” — Dan Forrest; words by Nancy Buckley There is faint music in the night, and pale wings fanned by silver flight; A frosty hill with tender glow of countless stars that shine on snow. A shelter from the winter storm, a straw-lined manger, safe and warm, And Mary crooning lullabies, to hush her Baby's sleepy sighs. Her eyes are rapt upon His Face, unheeded here is time and space; Her heart filled with blinding joy, for God's own Son—her baby Boy! There is faint music in the night, and pale wings fanned by silver flight; A frosty hill with tender glow of countless stars that shine on snow. For God's own Son—a baby Boy!
Anthem (7 pm)
“Christmas Reflections” — arr. Bill Ingram Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director
The Shepherds Luke 2:8-20
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
#240 “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” Words: Charles Wesley, 1734; Tune: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn, 1840
Invitation to Gift Giving
There are multiple 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 asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory
“In Thee Is Gladness” — 16th cent. German chorale, arr. Daniel Kallman In thee is gladness, gone is all sadness, Jesus, sunshine of my heart. By thee are given the joys of heaven, thou the only Savior art. To serve the ever, forsake the never, we bow before thee, love and adore thee. Alleluia, alleluia! In him is gladness, gone is all sadness, he who once was dead is raised. Jesus is giving life to the living, and ever let him be praised! Wherefore the story tell of his glory with heart and voices all heaven rejoices. Alleluia, alleluia!
Christmas Message
A Little Christmas
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)
Christmas Prayer
To Renew Commitment
*Presentation of the Christ Candle
*Sharing of Christ's Light
*Anthem
“Christmas Night” — 16th cent. French melody, arr. John Rutter
#239 “Silent Night” (vv. 1, 2) Words: Joseph Mohr, 1818; Tune: Stille Nacht, Franz Gruber, 1818
TO SHARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
*Christmas Greeting
Please extinguish your candles using the plastic snuffer that was provided to you or someone in your party. For everyone's safety we ask that you not pull down your mask to blow out your candles. Thank you.
*Recessional Carol
#246 “Joy to the World” Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: Antioch, G.F. Handel, adapt. Lowell Mason, 1848
Postlude
“Chorale/Joy to the World” — Healy Willan, Michael Bedford
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Mike Mullin, and Rev. Kathy Thiel Advent Candle Lighters: 12 pm: Harry Bronson and John White 5 pm: The Pfaff Family (in person); Barbara Eltinge, Bob Fitch, and Charlie Jackson (via video from The Highlands) 7 pm: The Hildreth Family (in person); Pat Jones, Joan Phillips, Jeanne Stickney, and Wanda Ward (via video from Linden Knoll) 11 pm: Sam Guarino and Tracy Clark Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, and Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Combined Choirs (5, 7, 11 pm) Asbury Ringers (7 pm): Elizabeth Church, Director Harp (12 pm): Roxanne Ziegler Cello (5, 7, 11 pm): Brian Donat Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Audio, Video, and Graphics Operation: Rick Church, Kenny Bailey, Connor Nelson, and Jake Schwartz Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: “O Holy Night” arr. © 2014, Lorenz Publishing Co.; “In the Bleak Midwinter” © 2013 St. James Music Press; “There Is Faint Music” © 2009 Hal Leonard Corporation; “In Thee Is Gladness” © 1992 Birnamwood Publications and MorningStar Music Publishers Inc.; “Christmas Night” © 1987 Oxford University Press; Bell selections © RingOut 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.
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.
THANK YOU!
All made possible by your generous giving!
Food Pantry Showers Laundry Hot Meals Health Clinic Dental Clinic Clothing Linens & Household Items
If you’d like to donate to our continuous Outreach efforts, please visit asburyfirst.org/give-outreach.
COMING IN FALL 2022!
ASBURY FIRST Outreach Center
Reclaim the Method, Renew the Mission, Reignite the Movement! Sign up online at asburyfirst.org/ the-discipleship-project.
Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas or scan the QR code to give.
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 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.
New Small Group Opportunities
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 who need them most.
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT