ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 30, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP A Song of Praise 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 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS SERVICE 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 Go Tell It on the Mountain (202 AAHH) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People of God, holy and beloved, put on compassion and kindness this day. People: Praise God in the highest heaven. Praise God in the deepest sea. Leader: Children of the Most High, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves in humility and gentleness. People: Praise God with the winged messengers. Praise God with the heavenly host. Leader: Disciples of Christ, holy and beloved, find unity through the bonds of love. People: Let all creation sing God s praise. Let all creation worship the Lord. MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 148 (OT Pages 582 583) MINISTRY OF MUSIC Comfort Ye (Recitative) Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Aria)...Handel Charles Miller, Jr. (tenor) SERMON A Song of Praise Minister Heureuse Kaj Milosi Missional Fellow Program at Wesley Theological Seminary INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP We ve Come This Far by Faith (412 AAHH) PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY Messiah Now Has Come Nolan Williams Charles Miller, Jr. (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 Jesus, The Light of the World (217 AAHH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE Bring Back the Glory...Hayes 2
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A KWANZAA CELEBRATION 10:30 AM WORSHIP = Those who are able may stand AAHH = African American Heritage Hymnal Yellow Hymnal UMH = United Methodist Hymnal Red Hymnal WELCOME, WORDS OF HOSPITALITY, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PROCESSIONAL HYMN Lift Every Voice and Sing (540 AAHH) THE OCASSION: STATEMENT OF KWANZAA Ahsante Bean Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan African holiday which celebrates family, community and, and culture. Celebrated from December 26 th thru January 1 st, its origins are the first harvest celebrations of Africa. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili. CALL TO WORSHIP Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Ahsante Bean Seven times I call you Seven times I call you to unity. I call for my mother I call for my father I call for my sisters I call for my brothers I call for grandfathers I call for my grandmothers I call for my family Come to unity. Seven times I call you Seven times I call you to unity. I call for Umoja (Unity) I call for Kujichagulia (Self Determination) I call for Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) I call for Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) I call for Nia (Purpose) I call for Kuumba (Creativity) I call for Imani (Faith) Seven times I call you Seven times I call Come to unity. 3
INVOCATION SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM MORNING HYMN McCari Rashad We ve Come This Far by Faith (412 AAHH) THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF KWANZAA AND CANDLELIGHTING Miles Davies, Dara Bean, Kobina Nyarku, Jordanne Scott Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community, and culture among African Americans and the Pan African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green. The single Black candle represents the people. The three (3) Red candles are for strength. The Green candles is for the future and the hope that comes from the struggle. The candles symbolize the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles for Kwanzaa. Umoja (oo MO jah) Unity People of African descent represent a large portion of the world s population. On the first day of Kwanzaa we take time to contemplate the meaning of joining together with your African family, friends, and neighbors (Light the BLACK candle) Kuujichagulia (koo gee cha goo LEE yah) Self Determination On the second day, we celebrate personal determination because it is through this great quality that we become strong. When we strengthen our own will to succeed and be of value in the world, everything becomes possible. (Light the RED candle farthest from the center) Ujima (oo GEE mah) Collective Work and Responsibility You have heard the saying, You don t do anything by yourself. Even when we don t realize it, somebody else is helping us to get to where we re going. On the third day, we pay attention to the importance of working together with others to make our dreams come true. By working together and sharing responsibility with others, we will find that everything is easier even as the reward is that much sweeter. (Light the GREEN candle farthest from the center) Ujamaa (oo JAH mah) Cooperative Economics You have heard the saying, Money is power. Well, in society this is true. On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, we hold onto our economic power. Working together can make miracles come true. When we recycle our dollars within our community and work together to build our businesses, we grow our power. In this way, we are able to take care of each other now and in the future. (Light the next RED candle) 4
Nia (NEE yah) Purpose Today (December 30) is the fifth day of Kwanzaa. Today have a clear and focused intention. Ask the Lord to bless you with clear purpose that can guide your steps throughout the day. Ask yourself, What is my purpose for this day? What is my purpose for my life? Hold on to these questions as you go about your day. You ll be surprised at the answers you get. (Light the next GREEN candle) Kuumba (koo OOM bah) Creativity On the sixth day you are free to dream big. What does your imagination have in store for you? How can you express your creativity? With so much focus all week on paying attention and working together, now you have the chance to allow all of that to soak in as your creative energy bursts forth. What will you create? (Light the next RED candle) Imani (ee MAH nee) Faith Nothing is possible without faith. Faith can be your guiding light. Most importantly, faith that God will take care of you. Faith that your family will love you. And, faith in yourself, the belief that you are capable of being the biggest, brightest star in the universe: a star who invites all the other stars to join in forming a magnificent constellation that celebrates who you are! (Light the next GREEN candle) CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: A KWANZAA PRAYER (in unison) We give thanks to God for all the blessings of the earth, and honor for the great goodness which is manifest in all of creation. We ask that the spirit of Kwanzaa be infused into every aspect of our daily lives, that we may constantly remember the benefits and obligations of family, community, and nationhood. May the light of the seven candles illuminate our daily affairs and guide us into fulfillment of our true potential. May we always remember our ancestors with reverence and love, and may they share with us their great wisdom and strength as we seek to preserve and continue the heritage they have left us. May the NGUZO SABA become beacons to us to live lives in service, humility, unity, faith, love, and strength! Amen. SCRIPTURE READINGS Ephesians 4:1 6 (NT page 193) Luke 17:5 6 (NT Page 80) MINISTRY OF MUSIC MESSAGE: AN AFRICAN FABLE BY A GRIOT Christmas Lullaby...Adams Samira Plummer, Soprano Gloria S. McFadden OFFERING OF OUR FIRST FRUITS (Presentation of our commitment to God, our families, congregation, and the community) Kobina Nyarku 5
OFFERTORY Mary Did You Know...B. Greene Samira Plummer, Soprano 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. CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Walk Together Children (541, AAHH) (The congregation transitions to the Fellowship Hall during the hymn singing) THE HEALING CEREMONY (in the Fellowship Hall) The healing ceremony is a gathering of young and old to remember our past, give homage to the African Motherland, to honor our ancestors across continents, and celebrate the sweetness of life. (The youth and elders lead the healing ceremony. The gathered people partake in the meal.) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING As the disciples took the Good News to the people, the Holy Spirit was upon them. And the whole congregation of believers was united as one one heart, one mind! As it was then, so it is again, that the Spirit has been poured upon us from on high. In our closing moments of worship, we leave here renewed in our commitment, Oh God, to: be of one mind a mind stayed on Thee; have compassion towards each other; love one another as brothers and sisters; bless each other; knowing that we are called to the ministry of love. We go from this place on one accord in the spirit of Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani, And in the Spirit of our God. Be with us all Lord. Amen. 6
7 Turn Over
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Minister of Music & Liturgical Arts Director: Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist: Earl Hargrove Music: Charles Miller, Jr. (8:30 am) and Samira Plummer, Soprano (10:30 am) Liturgists: Ruth Scarbrough (8:30 am) and Ahsante Bean, Dara Bean, Miles Davies, Gloria S. McFadden, Kobuna Nyarku, Jordanne Semper Scott (10:30 am) Ushers: Men Acolyte: Jordanne Semper Scott (10:30 am) Greeters: Catherine Waters, Barbara Matthews, and Antonio Myers (8:30 am) Sandra Kelly, Alethea Leake, and Terri Thompson (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Beverly Allen (8:30 am) and Michelle Jefferson Atkins (10:30 am) 8
Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, December 30, 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 10:30 am Kwanzaa Service, Sanctuary 11:30 am Kwanzaa Reception, Fellowship Hall 1:00 pm Akosua During Memorial Celebration, Sanct./G 1 1:00 pm Community Football, 1 11/1 12 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall 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. Monday, December 31, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions 7:00 pm New Year s Eve Service, Sanctuary Tuesday, January 1, 2019 ~ * ~ New Year s Day ~ * ~ Wednesday, January 2, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 1 Thursday, January 3, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 10:00 am Garnet Hammond Celebration of Life, Sanctuary Friday, January 4, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Saturday, January 5, 2019 10:00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 1 11:00 am Altar Guild Set up for Communion, Sanctuary 11:00 am Archives & History Meeting, Library 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:00 pm Brighter Day & Crocheting for Christ Meeting, G 1 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH 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 9
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. SERMON The New Self Scripture: Ephesians 4:17 32 (NIV) Sunday, December 30, 2018 5 :00 pm (new start time) Speaker: Pastor Matthew Wilke Join us in Fellowship Hall today. 10
Minister Heureuse Kaj Milosi is from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she is a member of the Central Congo Annual Conference. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. While in college, she served as a resident manager and devoted herself in campus ministry program through which, she learnt to put her Christian faith in action. After college, minister Kaj Milosi served as a young adult missionary with the United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries in Japan for two years, working with women and children victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Kaj s mission service was such a transformative experience. She speaks of putting Christian love and faith into action by offering services to the underprivileged and marginalized she calls it preaching through action. After her mission in Japan, she served as a trainer for the young adult missionaries class 2016-2018. Minister Kaj Milosi is a third-year student working on her Master of Divinity degree in the Missional Fellow Program at Wesley Theological Seminary. She served as an intern at Women s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual in Silver Spring. Now Minister Kaj has joined us this academic year as a seminary student fulfilling Wesley s Practice in Mission and Ministry (Field Education) requirements at our congregation. And she will be active in The Bridge, the morning worship services, faith formation ministries, and administrative ministries. Minister Kaj Milosi is married to Rev. Ivan Milosi, who was a ministry Intern at Asbury United Methodist church last academic year. Rev. Milosi is also from the Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo formally known as Zaire). He is an ordained United Methodist minister in the South Congo Annual Conference. He is a graduate of Africa University with Bachelor of Divinity and Master in Peace Governance and Conflict Resolution degrees. He is now pursuing a Master of Divinity and Certificate of Christian Muslims Dialogue at Wesley Theological Seminary. 11
A Service of Remembrance for Akosua Hannah During Sunday, December 30, 1:00 p.m. Repast immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall 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. Monday, December 31, 2018 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Preaching: Rev. Ivan Milosi, Rev. Alexis Brown, and Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills 12
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 2019. 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. 13
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 (1615 14 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, 301 459 6303. 14
Stewardship Corner Celebrating Kwanzaa, Celebrating Community During the final day of Meditation in Kwanzaa, people are supposed to ask themselves three questions: Who am I? Am I really who I say I am? And am I all I ought to be? Everyone answers these questions as an individual, but their answers should reflect how well they are playing their part in making their community function as a whole. A person s success is deeply connected to how much value they are giving to others. At a time when our children desperately need adults to reweave the fabric of community for them, many of us need to ask ourselves the same questions. Think about how you might answer these questions and how your own community might answer them, or how our nation would. Are we all that we ought to be? Miriam Wright Edelman (Excerpt from Huffington Post article on December 31, 2010) The altar flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Akosua Hannah During, wife of Cyril Kojo During, by her husband, sisters, families and close friends. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are missed beyond words. 15
Thank You Asbury! Funds raised for Women s Day 2018 made it possible to contribute $4500.00 to the Children s Defense Fund! The United Methodist Women of Asbury are proud to help CDF in its work to give every child what they need to thrive and reach their full potential and grateful to our Asbury family and friends for ongoing support of UMW programs and projects. Sunday, December 30 Psalm 16:1-11 Monday, December 31 Acts 2:41-47 Tuesday, January 1 Psalm 67:1-7 Wednesday, January 2 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 DAILY WORD Thursday, January 3 Luke 19:1-10 Friday, January 4 Jeremiah 31:12-14 Saturday, January 5 Romans 10:12-18 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