ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES JANUARY 20, 2019 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP What Are Your Priorities? 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 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY 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 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (400 UMH) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: God, your steadfast, never giving up love is so huge that it fills the heavens. People: Your faithfulness is so vast that it rises to the clouds. Leader: Under your loving wings, we find comfort and refuge. People: In your house of love, we sit around the table feasting. Leader: Your life and love are like a fountain in our lives. People: You are the love filled Light that allows us to see and understand. O God, your faithful love is precious to us! MORNING PRAYER SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 6:25 33 (NT Page 6) MINISTRY OF MUSIC God s Love Deuschle Rev. Ivan Milosi (tenor) SERMON INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING OFFERTORY What Are Your Priorities? Bishop Marcus Matthews Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops My Hope Is Built (368 UMH) Shout to the Lord Zschech Rev. Ivan Milosi (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 We ve a Story to Tell to the Nations (569 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE O God, Our Help in Ages Past...Callahan 2
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY 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 We Are Walking in de Light Negro Spiritual Male Chorus PROCESSIONAL Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (127 UMH) CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: God, your steadfast, never giving up love is so huge that it fills the heavens. People: Your faithfulness is so vast that it rises to the clouds. Leader: Under your loving wings, we find comfort and refuge. People: In your house of love, we sit around the table feasting. Leader: Your life and love are like a fountain in our lives. People: You are the love filled Light that allows us to see and understand. O God, your faithful love is precious to us! CHILDREN S MESSAGE Ruth Scarbrough HYMN OF PRAISE Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (400 UMH) (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CALL TO PRAYER Just A Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Move Me...Henderson SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 6:25 33 (NT Page 6) Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMONIC SELECTION I Heard the Preaching of the Elders Negro Spiritual David Walker (soloist) SERMON What Are Your Priorities? Bishop Marcus Matthews Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops 3
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP My Hope Is Built (368 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 He Did it All by Himself Phillip Collins (soloist) 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 We ve a Story to Tell to the Nations (569 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling...Thompson 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: Rev. Ivan Milosi (tenor) (8:30 am) Male Chorus, Phillip Collins (soloist) and David Walker (soloist) (10:30 am) Liturgists: Judith Hightower (8:30 am) Barbara Collins and Brenda Sanders (10:30 am) Ushers: Men Greeters: Rene Carter, Margaret Holmes, and Martel Cooper (8:30 am) Sandra Kelly, Alethea Leake, and Nina McEaddy (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Margaret Holmes (8:30 am) and Canardo M. Richardson (10:30 am) 4
Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, January 20, 2019 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 Rock Meeting, Library 10:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 12:30 pm United Methodist Women Meeting, 2 8/2 9 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Saturday, January 26, 2019 8:30 am Lay Visitation Ministry, 1 11/1 12 10:00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 1 10:30 am Prayer Bead Workshop, 1 9 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:00 am Toiletries/Undergarment Set Up, Library 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 12:30 pm United Methodist Men Meeting, G 1 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH Monday, January 21, 2019 ~* Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday*~ Church is Closed Tuesday, January 22, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 11:00 am Weekly Staff Meeting, 1 9 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise, Fellowship Hall From The Senior Pastor s Desk January 2019 Word for the Month: Millennials 101 Scripture of the Month: Matthew 14 Wednesday, January 23, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 1 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting, 1 11/1 12 Thursday, January 24, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Friday, January 25, 2019 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Thought for the Month: With a unique mix of humor, illustrations, and research findings based on a nationwide study of black young adults, Black Millennials & The Church equips church leaders with a profile of black millennials that will help churches continue to effectively attract and make disciples of this emerging generation of young adults. Drawing on the biblical narrative of Matthew 14, where Jesus invites Peter to come meet him on the water, this book includes specific ministry principles and programming proposals for use in the local congregation. Emphasis for the Month: Young Adult Discipleship Pastor s Book of the Month: Black Millennials & The Church: Meet Me Where I Am by Joshua L. Mitchell 5
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. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. 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. SERMON All Systems Go Scripture: John 2:13 22 (NIV) Series: The Gospel of John: God s Stories of Scandal Sunday, January 20, 2019 5 :00 pm Speaker: Pastor Matthew Wilke 6
Bishop Marcus Matthews Bishop Marcus Matthews is the current Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church (UMC), a position he has held since Sept. 1, 2016. The Executive Secretary is charged with the day to day running of the Council of Bishops' office in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Council of Bishops Executive Committee. Previously, Bishop Matthews served as the Resident Bishop of the Baltimore Washington Conference from 2012 2016. Bishop Matthews holds a bachelor's degree from South Carolina State College (1968); a master of divinity (MDiv) from Wesley Theological Seminary (1974); and a doctor of ministry (DMin) from New York Theological Seminary (1981). He was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Paul Hardin, Jr. and he was ordained as an elder by Bishop James K. Matthew in the Baltimore Washington Conference. At the beginning of his pastoral ministry, Matthews served as a student intern at Douglas Memorial UMC in Washington, D.C., for a year. He became an assistant pastor at Asbury UMC in Washington, where he continued as associate for two years after his graduation from Wesley. Upon graduation, he served as pastor of Jones Memorial UMC in Washington, DC, (1976 1982) where he oversaw the building of a new sanctuary and established a community development program. He was pastor of Epworth Chapel UMC in Baltimore, from 1982 to 1986, when, during his pastorate, Epworth received 272 new members. In 1986, Rev. Matthews was appointed District Superintendent of the Baltimore East District and in 1991 was appointed Conference Council Director, a position he held until being appointed Washington West District Superintendent in 1999. He was serving in that position when he was elected. Rev. Matthews was elected as a bishop of The United Methodist Church on July 14, 2004, by the Northeastern Jurisdiction on the first ballot. He was assigned to serve the Philadelphia Episcopal Area (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and Peninsula Delaware Conference). In 2008, he was assigned to the New York West Area (Western New York Conference and North Central Conference). In 2010, he became the resident bishop of Upper New York Area (and a new conference uniting four former conferences; Western New York, North Central, Troy and Wyoming). In 2012, he was assigned to the Washington Area (Baltimore Washington Conference), where he served until his retirement in 2016. Bishop Matthews is married to Barbara Walker Matthews and they have two children, Jaime S. Matthews and Marci Matthews, and five grandchildren. His interests include movies, reading, jogging and playing with his grandchildren. 7
January 6 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. 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. 21 Days of Meditation on The Gospel of John Day 1......... John 1:1 51 Day 8.......... John 8:1 59 Day 15........ John 15:1 27 Day 2.......... John 2:1 25 Day 9......... John 9:1 41 Day 16....... John 16:1 33 Day 3......... John 3:1 36 Day 10........ John 10:1 42 Day 17........ John 17:1 26 Day 4.......... John 4:1 54 Day 11....... John 11:1 57 Day 18........ John 18:1 40 Day 5......... John 5:1 47 Day 12........ John 12:1 50 Day 19........ John 19:1 42 Day 6.......... John 6:1 71 Day 13........ John 13:1 38 Day 20....... John 20:1 31 Day 7.......... John 7:1 52 Day 14........ John 14:1 31 Day 21........ John 21:1 25 8
WHAT IS THE WESLEYAN FAST? For a portion of John Wesley's ministry, he advocated fasting on both Wednesday and Friday each week as a regular spiritual discipline. It's fairly well known that Wesley would not ordain anyone to the Methodist ministry who was unwilling to fast those days. But as time passed, Wesley fasted mostly on Fridays, which was the Anglican norm. (Actually, as early as August 1739, he advocated Friday fasting for Methodists in his journal, according to the Anglican rule.) Wesley usually began a Friday fast at sundown on Thursday. This was in continuity with Jewish and early Christian tradition, which both marked the beginning of the day at sundown, not midnight. Wesley typically ended his fast at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVING THE WESLEYAN FAST Be flexible and listen to the Holy Spirit. Don't get so caught up with the act of fasting itself that you forget why you're doing it in the first place. Decide whether you're going to do a complete fast (water only), a no-solid-food fast that allows milk, juice, coffee and tea, a no-meat fast, or some other kind of fast. There are no fixed rules here but it's always good to try to keep the fast you set out to do. Some fasts are more difficult than others, and there will be times you may feel led to switch things up. Only fast after you've consulted with your doctor and only if you're sure you're physically able to handle it. Make sure you drink plenty of water while fasting, no matter what kind of fast you choose. The Wesleyan Fast is observed from sundown Thursday till 3:00 Friday afternoon. Some Christians go till sundown on Friday. Do whichever you feel led to do in any given week. Remember, there will be times when it makes sense to skip your Friday fast or move it to another day of the week. For example, if you have an opportunity to have lunch on a Friday with someone you've been wanting to connect with for a while, don't feel compelled to create an awkward situation by sticking to your fast. Just change your fast day that week. Guideline #1 applies here. 9
MEETING SUNDAY, January 20, 2019 at 9:30 AM All youth including their parents and others attending Rock are asked to gather in the library. Details for ROCK weekend will be discussed. *Note: It is not too late for a youth to register and join us. Please see or contact Vanessa Williford williford_v@hotmail.com with question(s). Lay Visitation and Telecare Team Members *~ Notice Date Change ~* If you enjoy bringing comfort to those who are sick, the Lay Visitation Team Ministry might be for you. Come to the training on January 26 at 9:00 am, room 1-11/1-12, to hear what's required and how you can serve those in need. Volunteers are also needed to telephone and share words of encouragement for our home bound members. Contact Tawana Jackson at 202-628-0009 for more details and to register for the training. **Sign-up is available after both services in the Fellowship Hall ** Asbury Reading Program Kickoff Meeting Sunday, January 27, 12:30 p.m. Room 1 11/1 12 All persons who expressed interest in being part of the Asbury Reading Program that will serve the children of Thomson Elementary School and the community are invited to meet with Rev. Ianther Mills and Principal Carmen Shepherd. Principal Shepherd will share background and specific needs of Thomson Elementary School. Additionally, we will discuss a plan of action. 10
Youth Confirma on Class Confirma on is an exci ng me for young people ages 12 to 17. It is that special me in their life when they personally and publicly confirm their commitment to Jesus Christ. The Youth Confirma on Class is designed to allow our youth the opportunity to explore and affirm their faith in rela on to God and others. To register your child contact Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills at imills@asburyumcdc.org or call the church office (202) 628 0009. Facilitators: Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Min. Ma hew Wilke, Gloria McFadden Orienta on Session: Sunday, February 3, 2019 12:30 pm Room 1 9 Class Begins & Ends: Sundays, February 17 April 14, 2019 (Palm Sunday) Time: 12:30 2:00 p.m. ROCK Retreat: February 8 10, 2019 (Encouraged but not required). Confirma on Sunday: April 14, 2019 SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, February 17, 2019 International Day 10:30 AM Guest Speaker: Rev. Gloria Cline Smythe, Pastor, Good Samaritan Lutheran Church *Flag Processional Guest Choir: VUSA Voices from Southern Africa *Steel Drum Band *Enjoy a Sampling of Foods from Around the World 11
Just imagine the impact we could have on the community if we were all debt-free! Learn step by step how to handle money using biblical wisdom and common sense. Join us for Financial Peace University Tuesdays, February 19 April 16, 2019 7 PM Asbury United Methodist Church, Rooms 1-11 and 1-12 Facilitator: Darryl Wyles For more information, contact Martrice Green at 202-397-3451 or martrice69@verizon.net. STARTING SOON Disciples' Bible Study Classes CLASS LOCATION FACILITATOR Fast Track II Luke Acts Asbury UMC Mr. Jesse James (star ng February) Disciples Bible Study First UMC Hya sville Dr. Adelia Williams (star ng March) Please watch bulle n for informa on on star ng dates and when books can be purchased. B. Bland & C. McDaniel Faith Forma on Team Leaders 12
Special Pre Screening: Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story Date: Sunday, March 3, 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 Date: Sunday, March 3rd 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. 13
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU... Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Thank you for always being with us, and for giving us a faith stronger than our fears. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer taken from the Upper Room/ Emmaus Ministries website.) Need Prayer? Send your specific prayer requests to our E-mail: prayer@asburyumcdc.org. Or complete a Prayer Card and drop it in the prayer box located in the Narthex or outside the Chapel. Asbury Federal Credit Union Happy New Year to all members. The Credit Union is here to help those members that are affected by the Government shutdown. We have small loans that are available to you to help pull you through this crisis. FEEL FREE TO STOP PAST THE CREDIT UNION TABLE IN G 1 FOR MORE INFORMATION. Members that have not made a payment to your account to ensure that it will not go dormant, please do so. Thanks! Margaret Carter, CEO 202 213 9146 14
Attention Ministry Leaders We are now using the mailboxes to communicate. Going forward, mail/ correspondence will be in your ministry mailbox (unless it is over sized). If you need help retrieving mail please contact the Office Manager, Timona Ross. Thank you. NEW Church Office Hours (Trial basis for 1st Quarter 2019): Monday to Thursday (8:00 am 4:30 pm) Friday (8:00 am 12:00 Noon) Dear Asbury Family and Friends: Thank you for all of your generous donations towards the thermals, hats, gloves, underclothes and toiletries during the year, and especially during the winter season. Because of your support, we were able to provide approximately 200 of our unhoused neighbors with winter gear in December and will be able to provide the same to an additional 200 persons in January. We would like to give a special thank you to the Crocheters for Christ for making hats and scarves for our neighbors; to the United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men for donations totaling $1,000; and for all other donations, both financial and specific toiletry items, from Asburyans and friends. We also thank all of our volunteers who help to make this possible! Our unhoused neighbors truly appreciate this ministry and everything it provides. We are grateful for your continued support! Jesse James Missions and Outreach Chair Carlotta Jones Local Missions Co-chair Jeanarta McEachron Underclothes and Toiletries Ministry 15
Sincere thanks and gratitude are extended to Reverend Mills, Bishop Stith, Reverend Pierce and Asbury members for the outpouring of love and support during our dad's illness and passing. The floral expressions, cards and other kind gestures were very comforting during this transition. May God continue to bless each of you. The Garnet W. Hammond Family Sunday, January 20 Luke 12:22-31 Monday, January 21 Matthew 11:28-30 Tuesday, January 22 Romans 8:12-17 Wednesday, January 23 James 1:12-16 DAILY WORD Thursday, January 24 Psalm 62:5-7 Friday, January 25 Luke 15:11-24 Saturday, January 26 John 7:37-39 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