That s the Change God Wants From You

Transcription

1 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES NOVEMBER 11, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP That s the Change God Wants From You MISSION STATEMENT Love God and one another, serve our community, and transform lives. VISION A radically inclusive community, empowered to spread God s love throughout the world. BELIEFS We believe all are created in the image of God. We believe God loves everyone and through Christ saves revives renews the world. We believe God through the Holy Spirit changes lives. We believe the church is the body of Christ with a mission. We believe the Bible is the word of God. We believe that God has gifted everyone and the church for the purposes of God. We believe discipleship is a continuing journey.

2 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ CONSECRATION SUNDAY 8:30 AM WORSHIP = Those who are able may stand AAHH = African American Heritage Hymnal Yellow Hymnal UMH = United Methodist Hymnal Red Hymnal Please use this time for prayer and meditation as we prepare for worship. WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PASSING OF THE PEACE GATHERING PRAISE O How I Love Jesus (170 UMH, verse 1) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (127 UMH, verse 1) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for God. People: My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold God s face? Leader: My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, Where is your God? People: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Leader: I will place my hope in God, my rock and my redeemer. People: I will praise the Lord, my help and my salvation. Leader: Come, let us worship. MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURE READING Mark 12:38 44 (NT Pages 48 50) MINISTRY OF MUSIC SERMON I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy arr. Gaither Eugene Thomas (tenor) That s the Change God Wants For You Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Take My Life, and Let It Be (399 UMH) PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY His Eye Is On the Sparrow arr. Gabriel Eugene Thomas (tenor) OFFERTORY RESPONSE Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him, above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. RECESSIONAL Rejoice, the Lord is King (715 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE 2

3 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ CONSECRATION SUNDAY 10:30 AM WORSHIP = Those who are able may stand AAHH = African American Heritage Hymnal Yellow Hymnal UMH = United Methodist Hymnal Red Hymnal Please use this time for prayer and meditation as we prepare for worship. WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PASSING OF THE PEACE INTROIT O Worship the Lord arr. McCutchan Wesleyan Choir PROCESSIONAL Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (384 UMH) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for God. People: My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold God s face? Leader: My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, Where is your God? People: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Leader: I will place my hope in God, my rock and my redeemer. People: I will praise the Lord, my help and my salvation. Leader: Come, let us worship. CHILDREN S MESSAGE Ruth Scarbrough THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM MINISTRY OF MUSIC (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) Melvin Bernard Mooring, III For the Beauty of the Earth arr. Fisher Bell Choir Selection CALL TO PRAYER Just a Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Take Time to Be Holy (395 UMH) SCRIPTURE READING Mark 12:38 44 (NT Pages 48 50) Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. MINISTRY OF MUSIC Psalm 150 arr. Lewandowski Wesleyan Choir SERMON That s the Change God Wants For You Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops 3

4 INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Take My Life, and Let It Be (399 UMH) Worshipers are invited to pray at the altar in private or signal to an Intercessory Prayer member to pray with you. Also at this time, you may come down to join Asbury in Christian Fellowship. PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY Holy Spirit arr. E. Davis Wesleyan Choir OFFERTORY RESPONSE Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him, above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. RECESSIONAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE Rejoice, the Lord is King (715 UMH) Precious Memories...arr. Martin & Jones Wesleyan Choir The congregation is asked to remain seated for the closing voluntary. WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Minister of Music & Liturgical Arts Director: Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist: Earl Hargrove (8:30 am) Music: Eugene Thomas (tenor) and The Wesleyan Choir Liturgists: Min. Kaj Milosi (8:30 am) and Ruth Scarbrough, Tange Mills (10:30 am) Ushers: Women Acolyte: Moses Boyd Greeters: Marva Ginyard, Benjamin Ginyard, and Rebecca Ross (8:30 am) and Rose James, Morris James, and Jeanarta McEachron (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Margaret Holmes (8:30 am) and James Gary (10:30 am) 4

5 Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, November 11, :30 am Valet Parking 8:00 am Coffee Hour, G 1 8:00 am Tree Donations, G 1 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:00 am Asbury Federal Credit Union, Fellowship Hall 9:00 am Adult Sunday School, 1 9 9:30 am Children s Sunday School, 2 8/2 9 9:30 am Youth Sunday School, :30 am Consecration Sunday Reception, Fellowship Hall 10:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 12:30 pm Consecration Sunday Reception, Fellowship Hall 1:00 pm Community Football, 1 11/1 12 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Monday, November 12, :00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions Tuesday, November 13, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/ :00 am Weekly Staff Meeting, 1 8 6:00 pm Mass. Condo Meeting, Fellowship, Library 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise Class, OSH 7:00 pm Disciple Fast Track II, 1 11/1 12 Wednesday, November 14, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/ :00 pm A Disciple s Path Bible Study, 1 8 6:30 pm SPPRC Meeting, 1 8 7:00 pm Wesley Theological Seminary Classes, Fellowship Hall Thursday, November 15, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 6:30 pm Asbury Dwellings Board Meeting, Asbury Dwellings 6:45 pm Asbury Federal Credit Union, Local Restaurant Friday, November 16, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Church Historian Office Hour, Church Archive Center 7:00 pm Hand Dancing Lessons, 1 11/1 12 Saturday, November 17, :00 am A Way Forward Meeting, 1 11/ :00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 13 10:00 am Prayer Bead Workshop, :00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:00 am Remembrance Service for William H. Harris, Fellowship Hall 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:00 pm Asbury Oral History Showcase, G 1 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH From The Senior Pastor s Desk Word for the Month: November 2018 FIRST Scripture of the Month: Matthew 6:24 34 Thought for the Month: Money management is an important part of the daily rhythm of our lives. Unfortunately, everyday financial pressures can leave many of us confused, frustrated, and discouraged. Money Proverbs is written for those who are tired of struggling with money. This book is for everyday people who want to get to a financially healthy place. It gives a fresh perspective on wealth and provides practical insights based on the ancient wisdom from the Book of Proverbs. The book outlines 9 simple principles that will help readers unlock their earning potential, look for ways to save more, and increase their capacity for giving. It is full of stories and practical concepts that will appeal to the average reader who is looking for a way forward in a challenging financial environment. Emphasis for the Month: Stewardship Pastor s Book of the Month: Money Proverbs by Reid Ross (son of Charles & Rita Ross) 5

6 WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS We hope that through word, music, fellowship and prayer you will experience the presence of God today. Please make sure you sign the attendance register as it is passed so that we can share with you about what is happening in the life of this church. Join us for refreshments, resources, and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 10:30 am on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th Sunday. 9:00 am 10:00 am Adults 1 9 Children 2 8/2 9 Youth 1 12 Asbury UMC Live Stream Go to asburyumcdc.org and select the live stream button on the home page to watch the 10:30 am and 5 pm services. Change your browser if there s no connection. SERMON The Heart of the Matter Scripture: Mark 12:38 44 (NIV) Sunday, November 11, :00 pm (new start time) Guest Speaker: Rev. Alexis Brown Join us in Fellowship Hall today. 6

7 Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga The Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga is a communicator, author, journalist, minister, pastor, church administrator, husband, father and most importantly, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Dr. Mulenga serves as the Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. In this role, Dr. Mulenga serves as the point person for all the official statements of the Council of Bishops and works with all the bishops throughout the world on communication planning and strategizing. Previously, Dr. Mulenga served in the dual role as the Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. As an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, he has previously served as pastor in several churches in the then Western New York Conference and as director of communications in the Upper New York Conference. Before answering a call to ordained ministry, Dr. Mulenga worked at several newspapers in Michigan and New York as editor of various departments and at various levels, including as Managing Editor. He has served as delegate to the General and NEJ Conferences and is the editor of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Conference Daily Christian Advocate. Dr. Mulenga also serves as secretary of the General Conference Committee on Correlation and Editorial Revision, the committee that edits the Book of Discipline. Dr. Mulenga serves as director on several boards including the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville; the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation in Washington, D.C.; the Board of Child Care in Baltimore, the Asbury Communities Board in Gaithersburg; and the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation in Lancaster, PA. He holds a doctorate in theology and degrees in divinity, computer-mediated communication, and journalism from colleges in Zambia, Michigan, and New York states. He is a published author in several books and publications including his own, To Our Readers: A Study of Guilt Redemption in Newspaper Corrections. He is married to Charity and they have two daughters, Lukonde and Mukuka, who attend the University of Michigan and Penn State respectively. 7

8 VETERAN S DAY PRAYER By Alden Solovy To Bend Light, amended God of compassion, dignity and strength, watch over all our veterans in recognition of their loyal service to our nation. Bless them with wholeness and love. Shelter them. Heal their wounds, Comfort their hearts. Grant them peace. God of justice and truth, Rock of our lives, bless all our veterans, these men and women of courage and valor, with a deep and abiding understanding and our profound gratefulness. Protect them and their families from loneliness and want. Grant them lives of joy and bounty. May their dedication and honor be remembered as a blessing from generation to generation. Blessed are You, Protector and Redeemer, Shield and Stronghold for carrying these dedicated souls in You bosom. Thank you for keeping them at the foot of the CROSS. With joyous gratitude, we ask all in Jesus name, Amen and Amen. 8

9 1st A fusion of art, music, and dance for the purpose of encouraging, uplifting, and spiritually inspiring. HAND DANCING EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, Dec. 21 st *We will not meet November 23* 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Donation: $10.00 For Information: (917) Do you love hand dancing or do you want to learn? Join us...both experienced dancers and beginners. Instruction provided. Asbury United Methodist Church th Street NW Washington, DC

10 Consecration Sunday is Sunday, November 11, 2018 Prayerfully consider how you will respond. The United Methodist Church Commission on A Way Forward Date: Saturday, November 17 Time: 9:00 a.m. Come hear a presentation on the recommendations of The United Methodist Church Commission on A Way Forward. Be informed. Pray with the United Methodist Church as it considers the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in all levels of church ministry. Stewardship Corner A Giving Meditation: Proportional Giving Proportional Giving The size of your gift isn t as important as what it represents to you. Someone may give a million dollars, which might seem like a lot, but might only be a drop in the bucket given their worth. This is why Jesus tells the story of the widow s mite (Mark 12:41-44). The correct way to measure any gift is by what it represents to the giver: Is it sacrificial? Is it meaningful? Or is it, in reality, puny? If you think of your gift as a percentage of your income, you can measure your thankfulness. Figure it out. What proportion of your income is your gift? Then ask the question, Am I pleased to be giving such a percentage? If the answer is yes, it will make you feel good; if the answer is no, you may want to raise the amount. Let your gift be the measure of your thankfulness; let it speak your investment and commitment to the ministry or cause. (Taken from One Minute Stewardship, by Charles Cloughen, Jr.) The Rt. Rev. Robert W. Ihlof Bishop of Maryland, Retired 10

11 The Wesley Foundation at Howard is in need of cooks, food donations, and volunteers for our Spaghetti after Thanksgiving meal for Howard students who are unable to travel home for the holidays. When: Friday, November 23, 3018 Where: Howard University If you are interested in supporting this event please contact Rev. Alexis Brown at or by phone at Advent Small Group Bible Study Meetings Begin the last week in November (Varied dates & times) Register today in the Fellowship Hall after service Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 8, :30 AM 3:30 PM For children AGES 3 11 MUSIC * STORY TIME * LUNCH * BUILDING GINGERBREAD HOUSES RSVP by Dec 2 P. Blackman at pab3@erols.com, R. Pierce at rlynnpierce@aol.com, or Vanessa at

12 Feb. 8 10, 2019 Youth interested and planning to attend this powerful and fun filled weekend in Ocean City, MD Please see or contact Vanessa Williford at williford_v@hotmail.com Dear Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills and Asbury Family, Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughtfulness. I appreciate the visits, beautiful flowers, the cards, and best wishes during my rehabilitation. It was very comforting. ~ Jean Williams Greetings, thank you for the invitation to minister at the Asbury UMC, last week. It was a privilege and honor for me to do so, and I pray it was a blessing to the members of Asbury. Embracing His Kingdom Work, Together Dr. La Verne Wilson McLaughlin Baptism of Melvin Bernard Mooring, III Sunday, November 11, 2018 Date of Birth: April 11,2018 Parents: Allison Conyers Mooring & Melvin Bernard Mooring, II 12

13 Downtown DC United Methodist Churches 13

14 The Commission on a Way Forward What You Need to Know! The Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church has called a Special Session of the General Conference to be held February 23 26, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to receive and act on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based on the recommendations of the Council of Bishops. The 32 member Commission was authorized by General Conference 2016 and appointed by the Council of Bishops to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and exploring options to strengthen the unity of the church. The Baltimore Washington Conference has prepared the following summary to assist pastors and their congregations in understanding the recommendations. The Commission s Report and other resources may be found at: on a way forward The Commission s report includes: History of the Commission s work Key Foundational Ideas (Common Core, Need for Space, Global Church, Public vs. Private Mission, etc.) Missional and Theological Framework The Three Plans One Church Connectional Conference Traditional The Appendices include information about the possibility of churches who desire to change their relationship with the UMC, the Council of Bishop s recommendation, and Wespath implications. The One Church Plan Summary Recognizes the diverse theological and scriptural understandings of our global church Provides generous unity for conferences, churches, and pastors Removes the restrictive language from our current Book of Discipline Maintains the current structure of the denomination Does not require any annual conference, bishop, congregations, or pastor to act contrary to their convictions Allows congregations and pastors greater freedom to reach new people Connectional Conference Plan Summary Unified core that includes shared doctrine and services 14

15 Creates three values based connectional conferences: Traditional, Unity, and Progressive Allows for a Book of Discipline within each connectional conference Reduces General Boards and Agencies to a few shared services: Wespath (health and benefits), Publishing House, Finance and Administration, Commission on Archives and History, United Methodist Committee on Relief, parts of Global Ministries. Current central conferences have the choice of becoming their own connectional conference or joining a values based connectional conference Council of Bishops is focused on shared learning and ecumenical relationships Episcopal oversight, accountability, elections, assignments, and funding occur within the College of Bishops of each connectional conference Jurisdictional Conferences choose their connectional conference Annual Conferences can choose a different connectional conference than Jurisdictional Conference Local churches can choose a different connectional conference from their annual conference Traditional Plan Summary Strengthens the current language of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and increases accountability Asks annual conferences and bishops to certify they will support the Discipline Streamlines the process to enforce penalties for violations of the Book of Discipline related to marriage and ordination of self avowed practicing homosexual persons Maintains the current structure of the church Continues all general agencies Designs the process for those who cannot live within the Discipline to change their relationship with the UMC. Timeline October 23 26, 2018 Judicial Council rules on constitutionality of plans ( news/judicial council to consider bishops request on petitions ) November 2018 Advanced Daily Christian Advocate is released with all petitions February 23 26, 2019 Special Session of General Conference, St. Louis, Mo. ( conference 2019 special session ) Implementation Note: Legislation passed at a General Conference is effective January 5, following General Conference unless otherwise specified. The One Church Plan suggests December 31, 2020, implementation. The Connectional Conference Plan would have to wait for ratification of constitutional amendments by annual conferences (2/3 rd aggregate voting total needed for passage). 15

16 Dear Asbury U.M. Church, Our family would like to thank you for your prayers, kind words of comfort, or anything else you may have dome during this difficult time. May God continue to Bless you. Love, The family of Rev. Pauline Wilkins Sunday, November 11 Philippians 2:1-7 Monday, November 12 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Tuesday, November 13 John 4:1-26, Wednesday, November 14 2 Peter 1:3-11 DAILY WORD Thursday, November 15 John 10:1-6 Friday, November 16 James 5:13-16 Saturday, November 17 Ephesians 3:14-19 GETTING AROUND There is an elevator in the Education Building that accesses all levels of the church the sanctuary, the fellowship hall, and all the Sunday School rooms. Free parking is available Sundays in the garage adjacent to our 11th Street entrance. Pick up a parking pass from the 11th Street reception desk. Restrooms are on the lower level on either side of the narthex and on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Asbury United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor Rev. Alexis Brown, Howard University UM Chaplain Min. Matthew Wilke, Contemporary Worship Pastor Tawana Jackson, Stephen Minister Bishop Forrest Stith, Retired Bishop in Residence Sandy Adams & Darryl Wyles, Lay Leaders Rev. Gerard A. Green, Jr., District Superintendent Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, Episcopal Leader of the Baltimore Washington Conference Visit asburyumcdc.org for information about our ministries. Find us on Facebook and Twitter th St., NW, Washington, DC ~ ~ asburymail@asburyumcdc.org Monday Friday ~ 8:00 am 4:30 pm 16