December 24, 2023 • 12, 7, & 11 PM
service of lessons, carols, AND CANDLELIGHT
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
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 of 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 ages 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 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 The live stream 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.
Prelude
Seasonal music performed by Duane Prill, organ/piano, assisted by: Brian Donat, cello (noon, 7pm, and 11 pm) Asbury Ringers, Elizabeth Church, Director (7 pm)
*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
"Hope Is Assertive, Peace Is Subversive, Joy Is Provocative, Love Is Transformative" Four candles are lit. God, make your presence known to us, now and always. Shine bright in the shadows and despair, and may the warmth of your love carry us forward. Jesus’ birth changed the world forever, and you are changing our lives, right now. On this Christmas Eve, we pray that hope, peace, joy, and love be restored. Inspire us to participate in this work now by doing justice, practicing love and kindness, and walking humbly with you, our Savior and Redeemer, each day of our lives. Amen.
*Carol
#238 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3) This carol can be found on page 5.
12 noon, 7 pm, & 11 pm December 24, 2023
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”
#238 "Angels We Have Heard on High” (vv. 1, 3)
Anthem (7 pm) Youth Choir Carol Lamica, Director
"Children, Go Where I Send Thee" — Traditional Spiritual, arr. Adam Podd
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 (12 noon) Brenda Nitsch, Soloist
"Christ, the Friend of Children" — Peter Cornelius
Anthem (7 pm) Asbury Ringers Elizabeth Church, Director
"’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" — Huron Carol, arr. Martha Lynn Thompson
Anthem (11pm)
“The Angel and the Shepherds” — David Williams; words by Nahum Tate (1652-1715) While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around. “Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind “glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and humankind. “To you, in David's town, this day is born of David's line a Savior, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign: “The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all humbly wrapped in swaddling cloth and in a manger laid.” Thus spoke the angel. Then appeared a glorious, shining throng of angels praising God on high, who then began their song: “All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; Good will henceforth from heaven to all begin and never cease.”
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 Brian Donat, Cello
“The Greatest Gift” — words and music by Boyd Bacon and Gene Greer The keeper of the rooms had none, except a stable bare. But he would gladly give to them this space that they could share. The donkeys did their very best to clean his little stall. And God gave us the greatest gift, a Son to save us all. The oxen gave their new cut hay to make his little bed. The cattle gave their pure sweet milk to make sure he was fed. The shepherds brought him song and dance, this tiny babe so small. And wise men sought God’s greatest gift, a Son to save us all. As Joseph rocked the newborn babe, a vigil he did keep. While Mary sang sweet songs of love, the baby he did sleep. The angels up in heaven proclaimed, “Rejoice and heed the call.” Our God, the Father, has a Son, a Babe so meek and small. God’s Christmas gift to all. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia! Christ is born that we may live.
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”
Invitation to Gift Giving
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.
Offertory
“Angels' Carol” — words and music by John Rutter Have you heard the sounds of the angel voices ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heard the news that they bring from Heaven to the humble shepherds who have waited long? Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels sing their joyful song. He is come in peace in the winter's stillness like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night; He is come in joy like the sun at morning filling all the world with radiance and with light. He is come in love as the child of Mary; in a simple stable, we have seen his birth. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear them singing ‘peace on earth.’ He will bring new light to a world in darkness, like a bright star shining in the skies above; He will bring new hope to the waiting nations when he comes to reign in purity and love. Let the Earth rejoice at the Saviour's coming; let the Heavens answer with the joyful morn: Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing, ‘Christ is born.’
Christmas Message
The Work of Christmas
Meditation Brian Donat, Cello
“Divinum Mysterium" — 12th-c. plainsong, arr. Raymond Haan
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
As the lights come up, please safely extinguish your candle.
*Recessional Carol
#246 “Joy to the World”
Postlude
12 noon: "Silent Night" — arr. John Leavitt 7pm, 11pm: “Chorale/Joy to the World” — Healy Willan, Michael Bedford
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson Organist: Duane Prill Soloists: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, and Jordan Bachmann; Megan Ormsbee (12 noon) Choral Scholar: Holden Turner Sanctuary Choir (7, 11 pm) Asbury Ringers (7 pm): Elizabeth Church, Director Youth Choir (7 pm): Carol Lamica, Director Cello: Brian Donat Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Acolytes, Crucifers: Griffin Allen, Gillian Allen, Gio Bucci, Charlie Cady, Ellie Cady, Kathie Collier-Bryant, Sean Cundy, Alex Hunt, Andrew Hunt, William Nescio, Martha Neubert, QP Parks, Ellen Williams Audio, Video, and Graphics Operation: Rick Church, Kenny Bailey, Andrew Hunt, Zeke Doerner, Sam Doerner Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Dave Berg, Kenny Bailey, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Permissions: "The Angel and the Shepherds" © 1994 The Sacred Music Press; "The Greatest Gift" © 1997 Choristers Guild; "Angels' Carol" © 1988 Oxford University Press; “Christmas Night” © 1987 Oxford University Press; “‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” © 1999 Agape/Hope Music Publishing; "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" © 2020 Alfred Music; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Ly Tran and David Stith
New Years Eve Drop-In Service of Meditation and Communion
Besides regular 9 and 11 am Sunday service, we have activities for all ages, choirs, orchestras, theater productions, dozens of educational opportunities, a library, small groups, a robust Community Outreach Center (see back page), and so much more.
Sunday, December 31, 5-6 pm
WELCOME!
Join us on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm from January 3-February 7 for engaging and educational conversation. These vital conversations will help us take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our individual, congregational, and community lives. All are welcome! We encourage you to come to all of the conversations, but if you can't make it to all, you can still benefit from attending when you can. This program is designed and led by Rev. Rachel Dupont and members of the Racial Equity leadership team. For more information, please contact Rachel at rdupont@asburyfirst.org.
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.
Visit asburyfirst.org to read more about us
Welcome to Asbury First! We're so glad to have you with us. Whether its your first time here, or you'd like to learn more about the things that go on here, we'd love to help catch you up to speed with what we're all about.
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.
Located next door at 1010 East Avenue, the Community Outreach Center opened in early 2023 and through November has provided our neighborhood and city: 6,416 hot meals, 540 showers, 188 loads of laundry, 156 bicycles repaired, 3,846 individuals clothing and/or household goods, 304 health clinic visits, 880 bags of groceries, and numerous referrals for housing, shelter, substance abuse treatment and other services. In addition to this ‘measurable ministry,’ there is also the good work of the Center that is more difficult to quantify: relationships deepened, friendship and support shared. As we finish our first full year of operation and begin our second, we have goals for growth. Please help us meet them by making a monetary gift, a donation of supplies, or offering your time and labor.
In addition to the ministry of the Community Outreach Center we have a number of local and global off-campus outreach ministry efforts that we support as a congregation around education, housing, refugee resettlement, and food and clean water access. We invite you to make a gift to support these ministries as well. For more information about specific programs visit https://asburyfirst.org/local-and-global-outreach/
100% of gifts made in our offering this Christmas Eve will be directed to the outreach ministry of Asbury First United Methodist Church:
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