ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES DECEMBER 17, 2017 ~ 8:30 AM AND 10:30 AM WORSHIP ADVENT A Season of Expectation 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 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. PRELUDE INTROIT I d Rather Have Jesus...George B. Shea 10:30 am When Morning Glids the Skies...Joseph Barnby THE CHURCH GATHERS PROCESSIONAL 10:30 am Come, Christians, Join to Sing (158 UMH) WELCOME AND WORDS OF HOSPITALITY LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH PASSING OF THE PEACE (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) HYMN OF PRAISE (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CHILDREN S MESSAGE 8:30 am Semper Family 10:30 am Colbert Family Koinonia (579 AAHH) My Lord, What a Morning (719 UMH) 10:30 am Vanessa Williford CALL TO PRAYER 10:30 am Just a Little Talk with Jesus...C. Derricks MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE 10:30 am I Will Rise (Tune: Restoration) WE HEAR THE WORD SCRIPTURE LESSON John 1:6 8, 19 28 (NT Pages 91 92) Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 2
THE WORD IN SONG Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence...Old French Melody by arr. Gustav Holst Josephine Baker, Mezzo Soprano Dr. Clive Callender, Tenor Our Lord Emmanuel...Traditional Carols arr. by Tom Fettke Follow the Star...Mark Condon Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming...Michael Praetorius Kim Sator, Harp Come, Blessed Savior...Saint Saens Adelle Banks, Soprano Josephine Baker, Mezzo Soprano Listen to the Lambs...R. Nathaniel Dett Jackie Holmes, Soprano Ave Maria...Bach Gounod Nata Brown, Soprano Kim Sator, Harp The Birthday of a King...W. H. Neidlinger Aaron Leathers, Baritone Mary Sat A Rockin'...Greg Gilpin WE RESPOND IN FAITH HYMN OF INVITATION Draw the Circle Wide...Mark Miller (See page 5) 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. PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY While We Are Waiting, Come...Don Carson Moretha Johnson, 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. OFFERTORY PRAYER 3
WE SCATTER TO BE THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD HYMN OF RECESSION O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (211 UMH) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Angels We Have Heard on High...Traditional French Carol The congregation is asked to remain seated for the closing voluntary. WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Minister of Music & Liturgical Arts Director and Wesleyan Choir: Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist: Earl Hargrove Music: Josephine Baker, Mezzo Soprano Adelle Banks, Soprano Nata Brown, Soprano Dr. Clive Callender, Tenor Jackie Holmes, Soprano Moretha Johnson, Soloist Aaron Leathers, Baritone Alma Sanford, Guest Pianist Kim Sator, Harpist Wesleyan Choir Children s Message: Vanessa Williford (10:30 am) Liturgists: Clergy Ushers: Men Greeters: Margaret Holmes, Jeanne Parks & E. Marilyn Williams (8:30 am) Sandra Kelly, Alethea Leake & Nina McEaddy (10:30 am) Acolyte: Jazmine Scott (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Jonathan Ladson (8:30 am) Canardo Richardson (10:30 am) 4
5
6
7
Wesleyan Choir & Musicians Thank you for making a joyful noise to the Lord and sharing the wonder of Jesus through music. Wesleyan Choir Music Director Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist Earl Hargrove Musicians Josephine Baker, Mezzo-Soprano Adelle Banks, Soprano Nata Brown, Soprano Dr. Clive Callender, Tenor Jackie Holmes, Soprano Moretha Johnson, Soloist Aaron Leathers, Baritone Alma Sanford, Guest Pianist Kim Sator, Harpist The Wesleyan Choir 8
Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, December 17, 2017 7:30 am Valet Parking 8:30 am & 10:30 am Worship, Sanctuary 9:30 am Adult Sunday School, 1 9 9:30 am Adult Advent Bible Study, 1 11 9:30 am Children s Sunday School, 2 8/2 9 9:30 am Youth Sunday School, 1 12 9:30 am Coffee Hour, G 1 12:30 pm UMW Monthly Mtg., 2 8/2 9 12:30 pm Oral History with Adelle Banks, 1 9 1:00 pm Neighbor to Neighbor Football Event, G 1 6:00 pm The Bridge Worship Service, G 1 Monday, December 18, 2017 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Deadline: Asburyan Bulletin & Ads 3:30 pm Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Board Mtg., 2 8/2 9 7:00 pm Band Practice for the Bridge Christmas Concert, G 1 Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise Class, OSH Wednesday, December 20, 2017 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 11:00 am Live Stream Mtg., 1 8 7:00 pm Blue Christmas Service, Sanctuary Thursday, December 21, 2017 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 10:00 am Stephen Ministry Training, 1 9 6:45 pm Asbury Federal Credit Union Mtg., Off Site 7:00 pm Band Practice for The Bridge, G 1 Friday, December 22, 2017 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., 1 11/1 12/2 8/2 9 7:30 pm Bridge Christmas Concert, G 1 Saturday, December 23, 2017 10:00 am Asbury Handbell Choir Rehearsal, G 13 11:00 am Set up Toiletries/Undergarment Distribution, Library 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Food Pantry, G 4 12:30 pm Asbury UMM Mtg., G 1 12:30 pm Male Chorus Rehearsal, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise Choir Rehearsal, OSH 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. From The Senior Pastor s Desk December 2017 Word for the Month: Becoming Scripture of the Month: John 1, Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2 Thought for the Month: In The Mood of Christmas, Howard Thurman offers 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 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 6:00 pm services on Sunday. 9:30 am 10:30 am Adults 1 9 Advent 1 11 Children 2 8/2 9 Youth 1 12 9
ADVENT A Season of Expectation SERMON SERIES: THE COMING CHRIST Sermon: Jesus is the Messiah Min. Matthew Wilke Luke 2:1 20 Rico Huff, Music Director December 24 Fourth Sunday in Advent & Christmas Eve Wreath Lighting Peace & Christ Candles 8:30 am ~ Davies Family 10:30 am ~ Waters Family DEDICATE A POINSETTIA THIS CHRISTMAS Stop by the Narthex to pickup an order form and give a poinsettia In Memory of or In Honor of your loved ones during the Christmas season. Plants are $15 and the deadline for orders is TODAY. Stop by Old Social Hall TODAY after services to pick-up your 2018 offering envelopes. 10
You are cordially invited to THE GREATEST STORY A musical celebration of song and dance narrated by Rev. Adonnis Smith, Sr. Music directed by Stephen Key Today at 4 pm Third Street Church of God 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC Wednesday, December 20 7 pm If your heart is hurting with pain, loss or struggle this Christmas, please know you are not alone. This will be a gentle service of comfort, remembrance and hope for anyone who is not feeling joyful about Christmas. Service will be held in the Sanctuary and parking is available. Sun., December 31 Fellowship Hall New Year s Eve Pot-Luck 6 pm & Worship Service 7 pm 11
JANUARY 3, 2018 BWC will award scholarships for qualified students currently attending college, as well as high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall 2018. The application process begins Jan 3-Mar. 7, 2018. Visit www.bwcumc.org for details. The Floyd W. Robinson Scholarship Performance Contest Sunday, January 7, 2018 3-6 pm Old Social Hall CCYM Meeting Saturday, January 13, 2018 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Baltimore Washington Conference Mission Center 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD CCYM is the Conference Council on Youth Ministries a group of students and adult advisers who are the voice of youth in The Baltimore Washington Conference. Students in grades 6 through 12 join CCYM to organize conference wide training, service and mission projects and events and represent youth as Annual Conference Members at Large. Contact Pam Bowen, pbowen@bwcumc.org (310) 309 3427 for additional information. 12
Church Treasurer & Financial Secretary Wanted Asbury is accepting applications for its Church Treasurer position. This is a part-time position, working between 24-32 hours per week, performing general accounting and review functions as well as administrative duties. The ideal applicant is a CPA or seasoned accountant with at least three to five years of professional experience. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business is required. Experience with Quickbooks, ACS and Microsoft Office are also required. Familiarity with the United Methodist Church is a plus. Asbury is also accepting applications for its Financial Secretary position. This is a part-time position, working up to 24 hours per week, providing financial support services to the Church Treasurer, church members, Finance Committee, and others. Working knowledge of payroll practices and procedures, and experience with ACS, Quickbooks, and Microsoft Office. Resumes should be submitted to the Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) at SPRC@asburyumcdc.org and will be accepted through January 31, 2018. For more information, please contact Jeanarta McEachron at 202-669-2653. 13
SAVE THE DATE SAT., MARCH 13, 2018 9AM-3PM SPONSORED BY ASBURY HEALTH MINISTRY AND NATIONAL MOTTEP MINORITY ORGAN TISSUE TRANSPLANT EDUCATION PROGRAM FITNESS WITH THAMAR DAVIS T 7 F H T Resistance bands & weights Circuit training Target training No judgement zone Move at your own pace Drop ins welcome Pay as you go Contact the church office for details. ALL AGES WELCOME. FAMILY FRIENDLY. FIRST-AID & CPR TRAINING HEALTH SCREENINGS ASBURY UMC 926 11TH STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 14
We are still accepting Estimate of Giving Cards for this year's Consecration Sunday campaign. Extra cards can be found in the Narthex and outside the church office. Completed cards can be placed in the offering baskets on Sundays; or can be mailed to, or can be brought to the church office. Since we will soon begin to work on our plans and budget for the support of Asbury's missions, benevolent and educational ministries in the upcoming year, we would like to have your responses as soon as possible. Prayerfully consider: "What percentage of your income is God calling you to give, in response to all that He has done and is doing in your life? CALLING ALL FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY MEMBERS Please see Willie Clark or Nina McEaddy to make your $25 dona on to the birthday fund. Thanks in advance for your attention to this important faith commitment in the life of our church. The Stewardship Committee CHRISTMAS THERMAL DRIVE PROJECT The United Methodist Women would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those who made the Thermal Drive project a success! Thermals will be distributed to women at the Neighbor-to- Neighbor breakfast on Sunday, December 24th to make their Christmas a little merrier and warmer. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Thank You The family of the late Barbara Irene Semper wishes to thank the Asbury family for your prayers, support and encouragement during Barbara s illness and recent passing. Your cards, notes, visits, prayers and loving inquiries have been a source of comfort and encouragement to all of us. May God continue to bless each of you as we support and encourage each other along life s journey. Many thanks, The Semper Family 15
JOURNEYING THROUGH GRIEF CONTACT MINISTRY (PROVIDING LOVE, CARE, SUPPORT, FOLLOW UP, & OUTREACH) When a friend or family member loses a loved one, we want to show that we care. But we don t always know what to say or do. This Ministry will be responsible for preparing Journeying through Grief books for mailing, and by providing on-going care, love, support to members during the first year after a loss. If you would like to help with this ministry or obtain more information, please contact Tawana C. Jackson at 202-628-0009. Drivers Needed! Asbury will provide the church van and a $25 daily stipend for your time. We need help transporting members to and from the 10:30 am service. Transportation pick up is available to members living in the immediate Washington, DC area. Interested? Please contact Patricia Clark at 301 925 4735 or cclark19@verizon.net. Sunday, December 17 Luke 2:36-38 Monday, December 18 1 John 4:7-12 Tuesday, December 19 Galatians 6:7-10 Wednesday, December 20 Luke 22:39-46 DAILY WORD Thursday, December 21 Job 42:1-4 Friday, December 22 1 John 1:5-9 Saturday, December 23 Isaiah 49:8-16 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. You may 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 Rev. Ivan Milosi, Ministry Intern Tawana Jackson, Stephen Minister Bishop Forrest Stith, Retired Bishop in Residence Robert Mallett & 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