Born to Include the Excluded

Transcription

1 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 2, 2018 ~ 10:00 AM WORSHIP Born to Include the Excluded 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 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 10:00 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 PROCESSIONAL Fill My Cup I. Jones, Jr. Wesleyan Choir O Come, O Come Emmanuel (211 UMH) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: It s time to get ready. People: It s time to worship. Leader: It s time to get ready. People: It s time to be strong. Leader: It s time to get ready. People: It s time to love. Leader: Let s worship together, that God may strengthen our love this day. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CHILDREN S MESSAGE HYMN OF PRAISE Min. Matthew Wilke & Mrs. Jenny Wilke Vanessa Williford Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (196 UMH) (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CALL TO PRAYER Just a Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Let the Heaven Light Shine On Me... R. Carter SCRIPTURE READINGS Jeremiah 33:14 16 (OT Page 738) Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Luke 21:25 36 (NT Page 85 86) THE ANTHEM SERMON Sweet Little Jesus Boy MacGimsey Kehembe Eichelberger (Mezzo Soprano) Born to Include the Excluded Bishop Forrest Stith 2

3 INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Draw the Circle Wide (see insert) 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 Keep Your Lamps!... A. Thomas 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. INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION THE GREAT THANKSGIVING SHARING THE BREAD AND THE CUP COMMUNION HYMNS RECESSIONAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE Pages 7 8 (UMH) Pages 9 11 (UMH) Break Thou the Bread of Life (599 UMH) There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood (622 UMH) O Come, O Come Emmanuel (211 UMH) Robert Statham 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 Music: Kehembe Eichelberger (Mezzo Soprano) & Wesleyan Choir Liturgists: Clergy Ushers: Men Acolyte: Jordanne Semper Scott and Jazmine Scott Greeters: Marva Ginyard, Benjamin Ginyard, and Nina McEaddy Trustees on Duty: Beverly Allen and Michelle Jefferson Atkins 3

4 Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, December 2, :30 am Valet Parking 8:00 am Coffee Hour, G 1 8:00 am Tree Donations, G 1 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, :00 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 12:00 pm Faithful (Small Group Bible Study), Library 12:00 pm Christmas Gifts (Small Group Bible Study), 1 9 1:00 pm Community Football, Fellowship Hall 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Monday, December 3, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions Tuesday, December 4, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/ :30 am The Journey (Small Group), Rev. Pierce Home 11:00 am Weekly Staff Meeting, 1 8 6:00 pm Lay Leaders Meeting, 1 9 6:30 pm Christian Education Class, 1 8 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise Class, OSH 7:00 pm Disciple Fast Track II, 1 11/1 12 7:30 pm Faithful (Small Group), 1 9 Wednesday, December 5, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 1 8:00 am Makin Room (Small Group), Call, # :00 pm Mary Had A Baby Advent Study, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Wesley Foundation Board Meeting,1 9 7:00 pm Wesley Theological Seminary Classes, Fellowship Hall Thursday, December 6, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/ :00 pm Underdogs & Outsiders (Small Group), 1 8 Saturday, December 8, :00 am Prayer Ministry Meeting, 2 8/2 9 10:00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 13 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Children s Ministry Party, Fellowship Hall 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:00 pm Brighter Day & Crocheting for Christ, G 1 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH 2:00 pm Christmas Gifts (Small Group), 1 9 From The Senior Pastor s Desk Word for the Month: December 2018 REJOICE Scripture of the Month: Luke 1 2 Thought for the Month: The Mood of Christmas is a book of brief meditations that incorporate the hope, celebration, love, compassion, and blessing of the Christmas season and encourage us to find them throughout the year. Features include the poem, "The Work of Christmas,": "When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone...the Work of Christmas begins..."; and "I Will Light Candles This Christmas,": "Candles of joy, despite all sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch. Candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest tossed days..." Emphasis for the Month: Advent/Christmas Pastor s Book of the Month: The Mood of Christmas by Howard Thurman Friday, December 7, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 7:00 pm Hand Dancing, 1 11/1 12 4

5 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 Why Mary and Joseph? Scripture: Matthew 1:18 25 (NIV) Series: The Christmas Story Sunday, December 2, :00 pm (new start time) Speaker: Pastor Matthew Wilke Join us in Fellowship Hall today. 5

6 Bishop Forrest C. Stith, Retired Bishop, United Methodist Church Currently the Bishop is in Residence at Asbury United Methodist Church. His hometown is Lincoln Nebraska, and he is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a B.S. in history and education. He received the M.Div. degree from Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey, and holds honorary Doctorate degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan University and McDaniel College. Bishop Stith was ordained in 1958 in the Baltimore conference, and for several years was a pastor, community, and civil rights activist, followed by service as a Baltimore Washington Conference Executive, and District Superintendent. He was also an Adjunct Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary. He was elected to the U.M. episcopacy in 1984, serving in two areas as Bishop, in upstate New York, (eight years) and downstate (New York City) until retirement in He was noted as a preacher, administrator, pastor, teacher, and global traveler leader. After retirement, he and Josephine served for four years in East Africa under the auspices of the UMCOR, and the Council of Bishops. After retirement, he helped found the African American Methodist Heritage Center, Inc, where he served as president for ten years and is now President Emeritus. He and his wife live in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he continues to respond to church requests, enjoys reading, and participating in sports (from his favorite lounge chair.) He and Josephine, his wife and longtime Public school educator, continue to enjoy children, hobbies, and being near their daughter, and son in law Lori and Mark Robinson. 6

7 ANGEL TREE 2018 ANGEL TREE is back! This ministry, coordinated by Asbury United Methodist Women, allows our congregation to share the love of Christ during the Christmas season and throughout the year with children whose parent(s) are incarcerated. Asburyans and friends who have participated in this program found it to be a very rewarding experience. THE ANGEL TREE CHRISTMAS PARTY is December 15 th at 12:00 pm. The children, parent and caregivers are invited to meet the volunteers, celebrate the meaning of Christmas, have lunch, play games and receive their gifts. Thank you for supporting this program for needy children. If you would like to be an ANGEL TREE volunteer, please contact Christine McDaniel , Monica McEaddy , Brenda Fortenberry or Lorraine Thompson THE WAY FORWARD BISHOP'S LISTENING SESSION Bishop LaTrelle Easterling is meeting with lay and clergy from each region to explore The Way Forward and how the denomination will address issues of homosexuality at the February 23 26, 2019 Special Session of the UMC General Conference. The bishop's regional meeting for Greater Washington will be 3:00 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 2, at North Bethesda UMC in Bethesda (10100 Old Georgetown Road). All are encouraged to attend this session. THERMAL DRIVE UMW will be collecting donations to purchase thermals for women who attend our Neighbor-to-Neighbor breakfast. Please consider supporting this mission with a contribution of $10 or more. Donations are accepted in G-1 after each service beginning December 2, Your gift will help make Christmas a little merrier and warmer! 7

8 DECORATION FOR GINGERBREAD HOUSES All types and sizes of colorful candy that will fit on a gingerbread house. Monetary dona ons are also welcome, please see a member of Children s Ministry Team (Patrice Blackman, Tangie Mills, Rhonda Pierce, and Vanessa Williford) NEEDED M & M Candy (all colors) Ski le Peppermint (red and green) Peppermint candy cane Twizzles (red) Kisses and hug Spice drop & dots Life saver candy (different colors) Fruit Loop Cereal Frosted Bran cereal Mul pack of individual cereal Pretzel (straight s ck and rectangular) 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

9 Please Join Us for the Annual Senior Christmas Party Sunday, December 9, :30 pm Asbury s Fellowship Hall G-1 Entertainment, Lunch, Door Prizes, Fellowship Valet Parking Available Seniors ages 65+ please sign up following both services in G-1 on Sunday, December 2. Contact Wilhelmina Goff with any questions via wg20721@verizon.net Sponsored by United Methodist Women 9

10 Orders for poinsettias Orders for poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctuary for the Christmas Service (Dec. 23, 2018) are being accepted by Frankye Warren, Pat Crudup and Judith Roberts ( ). The deadline will be Sunday, December 16, 2018 for poinsettia orders and payment. Thank you. Frankye Warren, Pat Crudup, and Judith Roberts Hand Dancing EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, Dec. 21 st 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Donation : $10 For Information: (917) HELP!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THE MEMBERS LISTED BELOW? December 2018 If Yes, use the address change cards located outside the Church Office to provide (an Address, Telephone Number, or Address) and deposit it in the box OR contact Leona Ferguson at ( ) or leonafergyasb@verizon.net. THANK YOU! Berkeley, Nikita Blue, Donald Boyd, Maurice Bradley, LaShawn Careathers, Renalle Chatterjee, Samar Chatterjee, Sushila Christian, Jonathan O. Davis, Lilton Jr. Domally, Anissa Emerson, Lisa Johnson, Rick A. Jones, Thelma Little, Joyce Martin, Nicole McNeil, Sr., Arthur Robinson, Cheryl L. Robinson, Gwendolyn Simms, Osmond Wilcher, Edward Williams, Isaac Woods, Cynthia Young, Carl 10

11 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Care and Concern List December 2018 This list is current as of December 2, 2018 WASHINGTON, DC RESIDENCE Northwest Sharon Banks Grace Bradford Vivian Campbell Lisa Duperier Elois Jones Anna Laney Northeast Ira Blount Selma Douglas Evelyn Gray Dr. Laline Harris Mary L. Johnston Cleora Morton Mattie Nelson Lonise Robinson Ruth Williams Southeast Bertha Williams WASHINGTON, DC NURSING HOMES, HOSPITALS & ASSISTED LIVING Dr. Louis Perkins, Chevy Chase House, 5420 Connecticut Ave NW, #404A Shirley White, Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road NE MARYLAND RESIDENCE Lillian Langford Lina Reynolds Fred & Dorothy West Joyce White Clyde Brayboy, Manor Care Health Center, 2501 Musgrove Road, Silver Spring MARYLAND NURSING HOMES, HOSPITALS & ASSISTED LIVING Rev. Dr. Evans Crawford, Sunrise Senior Living, New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring Elisha Davies, Regency Rehab Center, 9101 Second Avenue, Silver Spring Phyllis Edwards, Lorien Skilled Nursing, 6334 Cedar Lane, Columbia Olivia R. Harris, Asbury Methodist Village, Wilson Health Center, 301 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg Virginia Major, Green Haven Assisted, Living Burning Tree Ct, Bowie Charles Neal, NMS Healthcare, 4922 LaSalle Rd. #468B, Hyattsville OUT OF TOWN Sallie Montgomery, 321 McDade Street, Chapel Hill, NC

12 Asbury United Methodist Church December 2018 Health Ministry Newsletter Diabetes Awareness Month Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce or respond to the hormone insulin resulting in elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine. The elevated glucose levels adversely affect our blood vessels leading to blindness, kidney failure, stroke, amputations and heart failure. The three common types of diabetes are gestational diabetes, Type I and Type II diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes which develops during pregnancy. Mothers who develop this form of diabetes will often have it go away after the baby is born. These mothers and their babies have an increased risk of developing Type II diabetes during their lifetime (50% of these mothers go on to develop Type II diabetes). Type I diabetes is insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes. It occurs when the beta cells of the pancreas which produce insulin are destroyed by the body s immune system (an autoimmune disease). Insulin is the hormone responsible for controlling the glucose (sugar) that the body makes from the food you eat. The high blood sugar that results can damage, the eyes, kidneys, nerves, the heart, and can also lead to coma and death. The amount of insulin necessary varies according to many factors such as food and the sugar content, exercise, stress, emotions and general health. If the diabetes is brittle or uncontrollable pancreas transplantation may be necessary. Type II diabetes is often called Adult onset diabetes. Patients with this form of diabetes produce some insulin but not enough or the insulin they produce is insufficient because the cells are resistant to their insulin (insulin resistance). Type II diabetes is often associated with people who are overweight or have a sedentary life style. Treatment For the diabetic focuses on diet and exercise and losing weight. Oral medications are effective and the use of insulin injections can often be avoided. Diabetes affects people of all ages and ethnicities but favors blacks, Native Americans and Latino Hispanics. What are the warning signs of diabetes? 1 Polyphagia (a ravenous appetite); 2 Polydipsia (perpetual thirstiness); 3 Polyuria (frequent urination-night and day); and 4 Excessive weight loss (this is a direct consequence of the first three, all caused by hyperglycemia [a high blood glucose level]). An early diagnosis of diabetes can be made by performing urine or blood tests. Management by monitoring the HB A1C level and by finger-stick testing or continuous glucose monitoring can keep the blood sugar at normal levels and avoid the many complications of diabetes. 12

13 Future U.S. Senator Addresses Asbury in 1965 By James Wright Jr. Asbury Historian In 1965, the first Black to serve in the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction delivered a speech to Asburyans. Edward Brooke III served as the keynote speaker of an event that was sponsored by Asbury's men's group on March 21, 1965; he was the attorney general of Massachusetts at the time. The Asburyan said of Brooke "he now holds the highest elective office of any colored person in the U.S." Brooke was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the prestigious Dunbar High School in He matriculated to Howard University where he participated, among other things, in Alpha Phi Alpha's Beta Chapter. After a stint in the U.S. Army and graduating from Boston University School of Law, he moved permanently to Boston where he served on that city's finance commission and joined the Republican Party. In 1962, Brooke was elected as attorney general, a first for an African American and in 1966 Brooke made history again as the first Black popularly elected U.S. senator. Massachusetts was only two percent Black during the 1960s. It wouldn't be until 1992 when Pamela Carter, an African American, was elected attorney general of Indiana and another Black, Carol Moseley Braun, would be elected as a U.S. senator representing Illinois. Brooke's electoral success, atypical for an African American at the time, baffled President Lyndon Johnson so much that the president reportedly stared at him in wonderment when they first met. Brooke served in the Senate from and was mentioned by political prognosticators at times as a vice presidential or U.S. Associate Supreme Court prospect. After his term in the Senate, he practiced law privately, served as the chairman of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and participated in philanthropy. He died on Jan. 3, 2015 at the age of

14 Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday 9:30 AM/ $14 Mr. Harris Rm :30 AM/ Free Rev. Pierce Rev. Pierce s Home 8:00 AM / $10 C. Travis / # Noon / $9 R. Scarbrough Rm 1 8 2:00 PM / $11.50 V. Williford Rm 1 9 9:30 AM/ $11 V. Williford Library 7:00 PM/ $14 Pastor Wilke Rm Noon / $11 Rev. Mills Sanctuary ADVENT SMALL GROUP STUDIES Starting Tuesday, November 27, :30 PM / $11.50 Min. Milosi Rm

15 Stewardship Corner Stewardship Meditation Finding Treasure Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20) Where are your treasures? What are your treasures? These are probing questions for us all. Jesus taught his followers about discipleship. He taught about the fullness and hope of life itself. He asks about treasures not necessarily the kind that we lock away in safe deposit boxes and great chests. No, these are treasures locked away in our hearts. What do we hold dear and precious in our own hearts? Hat do we value most in our lives? Jesus identifies a danger in passing, ephemeral, and illusory treasures, all that moth and rust consume, and as for security systems they are hacked; thieve do break in and steal. We attach greater value to things than they are worth. Jesus knows that all that glitters is not gold. He suggests treasures that will endure: generosity, compassion, service, and deep care precious, valuable treasures and then asks us where our hearts are. That s the primary issue, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. It s true. The things we hold precious the treasure of our lives are squarely where our hearts love and desire are found. Jesus knows that God has truly magnificent and enduring treasure for us, if we will recognize and accept them. Where are your treasures? What are your treasures? Consider these questions. Accept the treasure of God in your life. See through the short-lived and illusory ones. Where is your heart? Whom or what do you love and value? Whom or what do you hold dear? Let your heart experience the good, the beautiful, the enduring treasure of God today. To Rev. Mills and the Asbury church family, The Rev. Dr. James B Lemler Rector, Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut During my recent illness I give thanks to God, Rev. Mills, Bishop & Mrs. Stith, the associate pastors and Asbury's church family for your prayers and many acts of kindness. It was touch and go for a while, but God kept me here. I'm grateful for being remembered by each of you and you did it your way. If we always have in our hearts love, peace, kindness, joy, forgiveness and except changes, blessings will follow. To all many, many thanks. Sarah M. Wright 15

16 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS A huge thank you to all who participated Sunday November 18th to make our birthday celebration successful. Good Job! Howard University Students, Football Viewers, and Asburyans enjoyed and appreciated your efforts. GOD BLESS YOU. Sunday, December 2 Isaiah 9:1-7 Monday, December 3 Exodus 15:1-6 Tuesday, December 4 Psalm 19:1-6 Wednesday, December 5 1 Cornicles 29:14-18 DAILY WORD Thursday, December 6 John 16:15-33 Friday, December 7 Habakkuk 3:17-19 Saturday, December 8 Romans 12:9-13 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