ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 16, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP Don t Let The Devil Steal Your Joy! 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.
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 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 Jesus, The Light of the World (217 AAHH, verse 1) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Surely God is in our midst. People: God is our strength and our shield. Leader: Christ is with us now. People: Rejoice and give thanks for this gift! LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Stephen & Prayer Ministry MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURE READINGS Philippians 4:4 7 (NT Pages 198) Luke 3:7 18 (NT Page 60) MINISTRY OF MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King...Warren & Hill Adelle Banks (soprano) SERMON INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY Don t Let The Devil Steal Your Joy! Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills Senior Pastor I ve Got Peace Like A River (492 AAHH) Gesu Bambino Yon Adelle Banks (soprano) Doxology OFFERTORY RESPONSE 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 Joy to the World (246 UMH) 2
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 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 Come and Let Us Worship Smallwood Higher Praise Gospel Chorale PROCESSIONAL Jesus, The Light of the World (217 AAHH, verse 1) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Surely God is in our midst. People: God is our strength and our shield. Leader: Christ is with us now. People: Rejoice and give thanks for this gift! LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CHILDREN S MESSAGE Crocheting for Christ Ruth Scarbrough HYMN OF PRAISE It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (218 UMH) (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CALL TO PRAYER Just a Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Emmanuel...McGee Higher Praise Gospel Chorale SCRIPTURE READINGS Philippians 4:4 7 (NT Pages 198) Luke 3:7 18 (NT Page 60) Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMONIC SELECTION Give Me a Star Hawkins Higher Praise Gospel Chorale SERMON Don t Let The Devil Steal Your Joy! Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills Senior Pastor INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP I ve Got Peace Like A River (492 AAHH) 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. 3
PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy Wolfe Higher Praise Gospel Chorale 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 Joy to the World (246 UMH) My Lord! What a Morning...Negro Spiritual Everett Williams 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: Adelle Banks (8:30 am) & Higher Praise Gospel Chorale (10:30 am) Liturgists: Kevin Huff (8:30 am) and Maxim Waters, Ruth Scarbrough (10:30 am) Ushers: Men Acolyte: Jazmine Scott (10:30 am) Greeters: Vanessa Williford, E. Marilyn Williams, Lorraine Thompson (8:30 am) and Morris James, Rosa James, Elizabeth Saunders (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Darryl Wyles (8:30 am) and Canardo M. Richardson (10:30 am) 4
Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, December 16, 2018 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, 1 12 9:30 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 12:30 pm UMW Monthly Meeting, 2 8/2 9 1:00 pm Community Football, Fellowship Hall 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Saturday, December 22, 2018 10:00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 1 11:00 am Toiletries/Undergarments Set Up, Library 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 12:30 pm Asbury UMM Meeting, Fellowship Hall 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH 2:00 pm Christmas Gifts (Small Group), 1 9 Monday, December 17, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions Tuesday, December 18, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 10:30 am The Journey (Small Group), Rev. Pierce Home 11:00 am Weekly Staff Meeting, 1 8 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise Class, OSH 7:00 pm Disciple Fast Track II, 1 11/1 12 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 1 8:00 am Makin Room (Small Group), Call, 712 775 7035#718984 12:00 pm Mary Had A Baby Advent Study, Sanctuary Thursday, December 20, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 12:00 pm Underdogs & Outsiders (Small Group), 1 8 6:45 pm Asbury FCU Meeting, Local restaurant Friday, December 21, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 From The Senior Pastor s Desk December 2018 Word for the Month: 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
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 the Wise Men? Scripture: Matthew 2:1 12(NIV) Series: The Christmas Story Sunday, December 16, 2018 5 :00 pm (new start time) Speaker: Pastor Matthew Wilke Join us in Fellowship Hall today. 6
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
Third Sunday in Advent Reader: "And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name'" (Luke 1:46 49). Reader: Today we remember Mary, innocent and powerful, sacred and scared, worried and waiting as the Savior of all grows in her womb. She sings boldly when she might be meek; she bears her role in history with the confidence of a warrior; she is the beginning of a mighty revolution as the proud are brought down and the lowly lifted up. People: Today we give thanks for the Marys among us, who step out of the roles society has planned; unintended pioneers determined to do as God asks; fearless and fearfully stepping out in faith, and beckoning us to do the same. Reader: On this third Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of Mary, mother of God, bearer of the Way. (Light two purple candles and one rose candle.) Hymn: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Stanza 3, UMH, 211 8
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 (pacrudup@gmail.com) and Judith Roberts (202 726 4221). The deadline will be Sunday, December 16, 2018 for poinsettia orders and payment. Thank you. Frankye Warren, Pat Crudup, and Judith Roberts 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
Wesleyan Choir Concert Sunday, December 23, 2018 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 24, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Family Kwanzaa Celebration Sunday, December 30, 2018 @ 10:30 a.m. 10
Sisters in Grace will hold it's final meeting for 2018 Sunday, December 30, 2018 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM In the Chapel (prior to the 10:00 AM service) Monday, December 31, 2018 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer Vigil and Wesleyan Concert Epiphany Sunday, January 6, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m. Prepare your soul for this special time in the Lord. 11
Active Shooter Training, Part II Saturday, January 19, 2019 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary 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 Stewardship Corner What is a Pledge? It is a believer s grateful response to the overflowing goodness of God in every minute of his life. It is eager appreciation for Christ s brutal death on the cross in our place and for our pardon. It is a church member s participation in the church s witness to this saving God, both at home and around the world. It is humble obedience to the God who commanded us to love him with all that we are and have. Your pledge expresses your trust in God and your love for him. Make it adequate for that big assignment. Nuggets CSS Publishing Company, Lima, Ohio 12
Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday 9:30 AM/ $14 Mr. Harris Rm 1 9 10:30 AM/ Free Rev. Pierce Rev. Pierce s Home 8:00 AM / $10 C. Travis 712 775 7035/ #718984 12 Noon / $9 R. Scarbrough Rm 1 8 2:00 PM / $11.50 V. Williford Rm 1 9 9:30 AM/ $11 V. Williford Library 12 Noon / $11 Rev. Mills Sanctuary ADVENT SMALL GROUP STUDIES Starting Tuesday, November 27,2018 12:30 PM / $11.50 Min. Milosi Rm 1 9 13
Email Scam Alert! Unfortunately some poor soul has created and is using at least two fake GMAIL accounts to impersonate the pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, Rev. Ianther Mills. The accounts are pastor37372@gmail.com and imillsasburyumcdc@gmail.com. In one case the person asked for money to purchase an itunes card. Asbury UMC does not use GMAIL. Asbury UMC and Rev. Mills do not make requests in this manner. Do not answer any emails from these accounts. Do not send any money. Here are some general email safety tips! 1. Don't open emails from someone you don't know or trust. 2. Avoid sending any sensitive information over email. 3. Never open an attachment within an email from a company or person you don't know (or that you were not expecting). 4. Never reply to or click on links inside spam emails. 5. Use a spam filter. 6. Use anti virus software. 7. Remember to log out/sign out, especially if you're using a public computer, such as at the library or an Internet cafe, and close the browser. 8. Change your password frequently and don't share it with anyone. 9. Avoid unsolicited bulk mail. 14
Thank you to those who responded by submitting your pledge cards on Consecration Sunday, November 11, 2018. 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 We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rev Mills and our entire Asbury Family for the many acts of kindness, cards, condolences, and support as we bereaved our dear Godson and Nephew, Barry Ian Bishop, II who surrendered peacefully to God on 4 Nov 18. Blessings to all, Cardell and Jackie Richardson 15
The team members of Children Ministry thank everyone for their contribution(s) in helping to make the Christmas Celebration for children a great success. We encourage your prayers in asking God to grant us success as we continue to minister to children. to such as these belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14 NRSV Sunday, December 16 Isaiah 40:1-5 Monday, December 17 Matthew 6:25-34 Tuesday, December 18 1 Samuel 17:32-50 Wednesday, December 19 Luke 5:12-16 DAILY WORD Thursday, December 20 James 1:1-5 Friday, December 21 1 Peter 4:12-19 Saturday, December 22 Psalm 125:1-4 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. 926 11th St., NW, Washington, DC 20001 ~ 202 628 0009 ~ asburymail@asburyumcdc.org Monday Friday ~ 8:00 am 4:30 pm 16