ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 23, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP

Transcription

1 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 23, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP 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 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM AND 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 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence...French Carol Melody PROCESSIONAL 10:30 am O Come, All Ye Faithful (234 UMH, verse 1,2,3 & 6) GATHERING PRAISE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH 8:30 am Caregivers 10:30 am Neighbor to Neighbor CHILDREN S MESSAGE Ruth Scarbrough HYMN OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High (238 UMH) (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CALL TO PRAYER MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Just a Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) Silent Night, Holy Night (239 UMH) SCRIPTURE READINGS Micah 5:2 5a (OT Pages 865) Luke 1:47 55 (NT Page 57) Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. THE WORD IN SONG PRESENTED BY THE WESLEYAN CHOIR Ave Maria...G. Caccini Ceylon Mitchell, Flute How Lovely Are the Messengers...F. Mendelssohn I Waited for the Lord...F. Mendelssohn Adrienne Neal Harris, Soprano and Jeannie Carter, Mezzo Soprano 2

3 ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM AND 10:30 AM WORSHIP = Those who are able may stand AAHH = African American Heritage Hymnal Yellow Hymnal UMH = United Methodist Hymnal Red Hymnal He Is Born...Traditional French Carol/arr. T. Manor Accompanied by the Asbury Handbell Choir 10:30 am Mary s Little Boy Child...J. Hairston Aaron Leathers, Baritone The Lily of the Valley...Negro Spiritual/arr. W. Whalum The Wesleyan Choir Mary Had a Little Baby...M. Bonds Joesphine Baker, Soprano Rockin Jerusalem...Negro Spiritual/arr. J. Work Henry Brown, Soloist INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Emmanuel, Emmanuel (204 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 While We Are Waiting, Come D. Cason 8:30 am Moretha Johnson, Soloist Christmas Chimmings...arr. Edwards 10:30 am Asbury Handbell 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. 3

4 RECESSIONAL Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (240 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE The First Noel...arr. C. Strommen 10:30 am Ceylon Mitchell, Flute 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 Guest Pianist: Alma Sanford Music: Wesleyan Choir Asbury Handbell Choir Josephine Baker, Soprano Henry Brown, Soloist Jeannie Carter, Mezzo Soprano Moretha Johnson, Soloist Aaron Leathers, Baritone Ceylon Mitchell, Flute Adrienne Neal Harris, Soprano Liturgists: Ruth Scarbrough (8:30 am) and Iesha Gadsden, Jeanna Colbert Martin (10:30 am) Ushers: Men Acolyte: Jordanne Semper Scott (10:30 am) Greeters: Jane R.L. Robinson, Mary Roberts, and Catherine Waters (8:30 am) Judith Roberts, Yvonne Harvey, Mary Roberts (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Jonathan Ladson (8:30 am) and Josephine Baker (10:30 am) 4

5 Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, December 23, :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 The Wonder... (Small Group Bible Study), Chapel 9:30 am Faithful (Small Group Bible Study), Library 10:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 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, *Cancelled* Monday, December 24, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary Tuesday, December 25, 2018 ~ * ~ Christmas ~ * ~ Wednesday, December 26, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 1 Thursday, December 27, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Friday, December 28, :45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Saturday, December 29, :00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 1 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS From The Senior Pastor s Desk Word for the Month: 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. 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 5

6 9:00 am 10:00 am Adults 1 9 Children 2 8/2 9 Youth 1 12 Join us for refreshments, resources, and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 10:30 am on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th Sunday. 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. SER 6

7 ADVENT TO EPIPHANY WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS Sunday, December 2, 10:00 a.m. (Unity Sunday) 1 st Sunday of Advent Preaching: Bishop Forrest Stith, Retired Bishop in Residence Sunday, December 9, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. 2 nd Sunday of Advent Preaching: Rev. Dr. Gerard Green, Greater Washington District Superintendent Sunday, December 16, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. 3 rd Sunday of Advent Preaching: Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor Sunday, December 23, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. 4 th Sunday of Advent Wesleyan Choir Concert Monday, December 24, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight Service Combined Choir and Soloists Sunday, December 30 1 st Sunday after Christmas Preaching: Min. Heureuse Kaj Milosi (8:30 a.m.) Kwanzaa Celebration led by the Sunday School, Youth, and Young Adults (10:30 a.m.) Monday, December 31, 7:00 p.m. New Year s Eve Service Preaching: Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor Sunday, January 6, 10:00 a.m. (Unity Sunday) Epiphany Sunday Preaching: Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor 7

8 Fourth Sunday in Advent Reader: "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 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" (Luke 2:1,3 4). Reader: Today we remember Joseph, worn out traveler and worried husband, doing what was necessary for the sake of his family, the burden of poverty stifling his hope in the promise of God. There was no room for him, yet he knows to whom he belongs. People: Today we give thanks for the Josephs among us, migrating far from home when there is no choice, fiercely devoted to the ones they love, unwavering in their belief that there is room for all in the kin dom of God. Reader: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of Joseph, who knocks at the door, ready to take his place among royalty. (Light two purple candles, the rose candle, and the last purple candle.) Hymn: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Stanza 4, UMH, 211 8

9 Wesleyan Choir Concert Sunday, December 23, :30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Offering Envelopes have arrived. The envelopes will be on display in the Fellowship Hall (on the stage). They are ready for members to receive them before and a er service. Thank you. 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. Your gift will help make Christmas a little merrier and warmer! 9

10 Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight Service Monday, December 24, 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Family Kwanzaa Celebration Sunday, December 30, 10:30 a.m. A Service of Remembrance for Akosua Hannah During Sunday, December 30, 1:00 p.m. Repast immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall 10

11 Monday, December 31, :00 p.m. Sanctuary January 1 through February 26, 2019 Asbury joins United Methodists around the world in fasting and praying for God s guidance as we approach the Special General Conference in February You are invited to: 1. FAST: Engage in a weekly Wesleyan 24-hour fast from Thursday after dinner to Friday mid-afternoon. 2. PRAY: Pause and pray for our church s mission and way forward daily for four minutes from 2:23 through 2:26 a.m. or p.m. (This is because the Special Session of General Conference will be held February 23-26, 2019.) 3. AND PRAY: Pray using a weekly prayer calendar that will be posted on the UMCPrays.org website. The calendar will list a unique cluster of names each week of bishops and delegates. 11

12 Special Pre Screening: Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story January 13 th, 2019 Building on this Fall s three part presenta on on the life and legacy of Dr. Howard Thurman, John Wesley AME Zion, Foundry, & Asbury are co sponsoring two screenings of Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story Sunday, January 13 th Loca on: John Wesley AME Zion ( th Street NW) The first screening will be at 1:45PM, followed by a panel discussion at 3:15PM. A second screening will begin at 4:15. Food will be served between the screenings during the panel discussion. If you re interested, please help us know by pre registering at h p://bit.ly/thurmanfilm. As parking is extremely limited at John Wesley, transporta on will be provided from Asbury. For more informa on, contact: Carol Travis,

13 Count Your Blessings! December 23, 2018 Dear Asbury Church Family, God has truly blessed us this year! These are just a few blessings we are counting: Completed the upgrade and installation of the sanctuary Sound System. Continued offering three worship services including The Bridge on Sunday evenings to reach new people in our community in need of a church home Continued our superior music ministry that spans the breadth of musical styles including traditional and contemporary music; from hymns, spirituals, and gospel to anthems Reached community youth through Project Transformation and Vacation Bible School Monthly served 300 unhoused neighbors through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor breakfast, health education, toiletries and clothing; supported 12 families monthly with supplemental groceries; provided 100 bagged lunches weekly to needy persons; and provided 60 Thanksgiving baskets. Paid 100% apportionments and connectional responsibility to support Conference and world missions. Even though we have accomplished much together this past year, there is still much to be done as we continue pressing on in our call to love God and one another, serve our community, and transform lives. We invite you to help us finish the year strong and prepare ourselves for an exciting 2019 by prayerfully considering an end-of-year financial gift to Asbury. As you review your giving and the many ways God has blessed you in 2018, have you honored God by giving at least the first tenth to your local church? Will you prayerfully consider catching up your pledge, going the second mile, or giving a gift from your heart? You can make a donation by giving in our Sunday offerings, mailing a check to the church office, or making a contribution online via the church website, (Please note: In order for these gifts to be tax deductible they must be postmarked and/or given on or before December 31, 2018.) Thank you for being a part of the Asbury church family and helping us accomplish the vision God has given us. Together in Christ s service! Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills Senior Pastor Martrice Green Martrice Green Stewardship Chair 13

14 A Prayer for Peace During The Holiday Season Lord, in a season when every heart should be happy and light, many of us are struggling with the heaviness of life burdens that steal the joy right out of our Christmas stockings. Crazy weather disasters strike at unsuspecting areas, ravaging peaceful homes and interrupting the lives of unsuspecting residents. Tragedy arrives as innocent victims suffer, and an inner voice whispers, Be afraid! We need your peace, Jesus. Lord, we still carol the wonderful message, huddled beneath winter caps on snow-covered porches, or from churches, led by enthusiastic musicians or choir members. Yet we confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid, when the terror will stop, when rest will come. Will it ever? Is the message still true? In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up that good news again. This Christmas, make it real in our hearts. Never have we needed your joy and peace more than now. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. Forgive us for forgetting that your love never changes, never fades, and that you never abandon the purpose for which you came: to save us from our sinful condition, and to give us life eternal, the joy of relationship with a holy God. Your birth and your death sealed your promise to us forever. For those whose hearts are battered by sorrow or broken relationships, for those whose lives know only conflict and confusion, for those whose bodies are tired and tested beyond their ability to endure this year precious Savior, draw them close to you. Let them know you are still the same Jesus who was born of a virgin, not in a hospital but an animal barn, laid in a manger of hay. You are still the One sent by a heavenly Father who offered not condemnation for our sins, but love and forgiveness and daily, divine fellowship. You are still our Joy. You are still our Peace. You are no longer a babe in the manger. You are Lord of lords and King of kings. And we still celebrate you as Lord this Christmas and always. Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan 14

15 Thank you to those who responded by submitting your pledge cards on Consecration Sunday, November 11, Your commitment will give us needed financial information that will help us as we plan our ministry activities for the upcoming year. If you have not submitted your card, it will still be accepted. After completing your pledge card, you can place it in the offering basket on Sunday, bring it to the office, or mail it to the church to the attention of the Finance Office. Extra cards can be found outside the Main Office and in the Narthex. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) The Stewardship Committee Stewardship Corner Warning Warning: The Advent Virus Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus: A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than act on fears based on past experiences. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. A loss of interest in judging other people. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. A loss of interest in conflict. A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a serious one.) Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. Frequent attacks of smiling. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others, as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it. Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it. Anonymous 15

16 Thank you for sending the beautiful arrangement. Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to us. ~The Waters Family Sunday, December 23 Deuteronomy 4:27-31 Monday, December 24 Luke 1:26-35 Tuesday, December 25 Luke 2:1-7 Wednesday, December 26 Matthew 7:1-5 DAILY WORD Thursday, December 27 Psalm 20:1-9 Friday, December 28 Ephesians 3:14-21 Saturday, December 29 Colossians 3:12-17 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