December 24, 2021 • 3 PM
Christmas Pageant
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.
Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant
Prelude
Introit
“The Christmas Song” Ben Nutter, piano
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace!
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
3 pm • December 24, 2021
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* please stand as you are able
*Processional Carol
#234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6) Words and Tune: John Wade, c. 1743; Tune: Adeste Fideles 1. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels; Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 2. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created; (Refrain) 3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; (Refrain) 6. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: (Refrain) Words and Tune: John F. Wade, 1743; Adeste Fidelis Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
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!
*Gloria
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High”, Refrain only Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Scene 1 Isaiah 11:1–3
Isaiah Foretells the Coming of the Messiah
Scene 2 Luke 1:26–48
The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
Carol
#230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, v. 1 Words: Phillip Brooks, c. 1868; Tune: St. Louis, Lewis Redner, c. 1868 1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Scene 3 Luke 2:1–5
Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem
Scene 4 Luke 2:6–7
Baby Jesus is Born
Scene 5 Luke 2:8
Shepherds in the Fields
Scene 6 Luke 2:9-20
The Angel of the Lord Speaks to the Shepherds
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3) Words and Tune: Traditional French carol; Gloria 1. Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! 3. Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. (Refrain)
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Scene 7 Matthew 2:1-12
Magi Arrive in Jerusalem
#254 “We Three Kings”, v. 1 Words and Tune: John H. Hopkins, Jr., 1857; Kings of Orient 1. We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain: O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Scene 8 John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6
Good News
*Carol
#240 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, vv. 1, 3 Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; Tune: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn, 1840 1. (Cast Only) Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th'angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!” 3. (All) Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
*Presentation of the Christ Candle
*Sharing of Christ's Light
As the acolytes “pass” the Light of Christ down the aisle, you are invited to activate the light on your candle.
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 Finn Mahan, Piano
“Christmas Time is Here” — arr. Vince Guaraldi
Children’s Time
#224 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”, vv. 1, 2 Words 14th cent. Latin; tr. John Mason Neale, 1855; Tune: In Dulce Jubilo, German melody 1. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today! Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today, Christ is born today! 2. Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
TO SHARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
To Renew Commitment
*Recessional Carol
#246 “Joy to the World” Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Tune: Antioch, G.F. Handel, adapt. Lowell Mason, 1848 1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. 2. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. 4. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Postlude
#239 “Silent Night”, vv. 1, 2 Words: Joseph Mohr, 1818; Tune: Stille Nacht, Franz Gruber, 1818 1. Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
*Christmas Greeting
Participants In the Service
Pastors: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Kathy Thiel Lay Reader: Sean Mahan Advent Candle Lighters: The Kreher Family (via video) Director of Children’s Music: Holly Temming Organist: David Strong Pianists: Finn Mahan and Ben Nutter Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Narrators: Ethan Becks, Zachary Dennison, Xander Towsley, and Maelee McQuillan Isaiah: Hannay Cady Gabriel: Poppy Marsiglio Mary: Anna Henderson Joseph: Zachary Dennison Roman Soldiers: Avery Shaver and James Nutter Caesar Augustus: William Nescio Scribe: Maelee McQuillan Innkeeper: Antonio Reyes Angel of the Lord: Lea Hakiel Star: Caroline Leader, Nora Carroll-Nellenback, Ellie Malik, and Charlie Cady Magi: Rosie Nescio, Violet Dunlavey, and Madden Parent Soloist: Hannah Cady Lead Shepherd: Reece Tyson Shepherds: Sebastian Bailey, Quincy Bailey, Henry Dunlavey, Han Fung, Kai Fung, Jed Morse, Louisa Morse, Jacob Parkes, Samuel Parkes, Dominic Tourje, and Liam Towsley Lead Angels: River Quinn, Thalia Shaver, and Kristian Tourje Angels: Ellie Coburn, Addison Hakiel, Aurora Mullin, and Emma Parkes A special thanks to all those who helped with our Pageant Production: Jessica Burdick-Giordano, Lydia Beach, Ellie Cady, Mackenzie Coleman, Rick Church, Kristin Henderson, Ann Johnson, Sue Leader, Brenda McQuillan, Riley Parent, Ash Schuman, Jake Schwartz, Ollie Temming, and Madison White. Thank you to Timothy and Ann Johnson for loaning the Pageant some traditional clothing worn by Palestinians.
Participants In the Service Contd.
Acolytes: Anna Clark, Emily Clark, Tippett Reinson, Declan Shafer, Keely Shafer, and Payton Shafer Crucifer: Chris Burton Sound: Jake Schwartz, Trevor Nelson, and Jonathan Alaimo Audio Operator: Harper Nelson Video Operator: Jonathan Alaimo
Permissions: 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 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.
New Small Group Opportunities
Visit asburyfirst.org/christmas or scan the QR code to give.
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.
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.
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.
The DISCIPLESHIP PROJECT