ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES OCTOBER 28, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM 10:30 AM WORSHIP Stay Focused 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 TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ LAITY SUNDAY 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 More Love to Thee, O Christ (453 UMH, verse 1) Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (133 UMH, verse 1) CALL TO WORSHIP Judith Hightower Leader: We are all called into ministry with our Lord. People: Our baptism calls us to be the Body of Christ. Leader: We are all called to proclaim the good news. People: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, invites all to come, share in the forgiveness! Leader: We serve one another, just as Christ served us. People: Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. ALL: Help us do the same to one another this day. MORNING PRAYER SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Sandy Adams, Associate Lay Leader SCRIPTURE READING Acts 2:41 47 (NT Page 120) MINISTRY OF MUSIC Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned arr. Hastings Aaron Leathers (baritone) SERMON The Power of Unity Rev. Dr. La Verne Wilson McLaughlin Founder of Charis Worship Center Ministries INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP I Surrender All (396 AAHH) PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING Judith Hightower OFFERTORY I Got a Home In a Dat Rock arr. L. Brown Aaron Leathers (baritone) 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 Wonderful Words of Life (600 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE 2
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ LAITY SUNDAY 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PASSING OF THE PEACE WELCOME INTROIT Darryl Wyles, Lay Leader O Lord of Love, Thou Light Divine arr. Palestrina Wesleyan Choir PROCESSIONAL My Hope Is Built (368 UMH) CALL TO WORSHIP Iesha Gadsden Leader: We are all called into ministry with our Lord. People: Our baptism calls us to be the Body of Christ. Leader: We are all called to proclaim the good news. People: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, invites all to come, share in the forgiveness! Leader: We serve one another, just as Christ served us. People: Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. ALL: Help us do the same to one another this day. Opening Prayer (In Unison) Iesha Gadsden Gracious God, through the witness of Christ, you show us the kind of leaders you desire: people of integrity and obedience who live with patience and peace. Today, we celebrate the ministry of the laity who serve you with faithful hearts and hands ready to reach out in your name. Teach us to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward except that of knowing that we do your will. May each of us joyfully give of our talents and treasure from the abundance you provide. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, and who gave his life for our salvation. Amen. CHILDREN S MESSAGE Vanessa Williford SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Sandy Adams, Associate Lay Leader HYMN OF PRAISE Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine (508 AAHH) (Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) CALL TO PRAYER MORNING PRAYER PRAYER RESPONSE Just a Little Talk With Jesus (378 AAHH) Rev. Kaj Milosi My Faith Looks Up to Thee (452 UMH) 3
SCRIPTURE READING Acts 2:41 47 (NT Page 120) Leader: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. MINISTRY OF MUSIC Praise to the Lord, The Almighty arr. Sterling Wesleyan Choir SERMON The Power of Unity Rev. Dr. Laverne Wilson McLaughlin Founder of Charis Worship Center Ministries INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP I Surrender All (396 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. PRAYER AND PRESENTATION OF TITHES & OFFERING Rev. Kaj Milosi OFFERTORY I Know the Lord has Laid His Hands on Me (Negro Spiritual)...arr. Foster Jacqueline Holmes (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 Wonderful Words of Life (600 UMH) DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING POSTLUDE Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling arr. Thompson Wesleyan Choir WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Minister of Music & Liturgical Arts Director: Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist: Earl Hargrove Music: Aaron Leathers (8:30 am) & Jaqueline Holmes, Wesleyan Choir (10:30 am) Liturgists: Judith Hightower (8:30 am) & Rev. Kaj Milosi, Iesha Gadsden Ushers: Men Greeters: Jane R. L. Robinson, E. Marilyn Williams, Lorraine Thompson (8:30 am) & Adelle Banks, Kelvin Childs, Zelma Solomon (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: Jonathan Ladson (8:30 am) & Josephine Baker (10:30 am) 4
Asbury s Week At A Glance Sunday, October 28, 2018 7:30 am Valet Parking 8:00 am Coffee Hour, G 1 8:00 am Tree Donations, G 1 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 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 1:00 pm Community Football, Fellowship Hall 5:00 pm The Bridge Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Monday, October 29, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 3:00 pm Asburyan Deadline for submissions Tuesday, October 30, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 11:00 am Weekly Staff Meeting, 1 8 7:00 pm Fitness and Exercise Class, Fellowship Hall 7:00 pm Disciple Fast Track II, 1 11/1 12 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 10:30 am Disciple Fast Track II, First UMC 12:00 pm A Disciple s Path Bible Study, 1 8 7:00 pm Wesley Theological Seminary Classes, Fellowship Hall Thursday, November 1, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 Friday, November 2, 2018 7:45 am Downtown Cluster s Geriatric Ctr., G 1/OSH/1 11/1 12 9:00 am Celebration of Life for Reginald Waters, Sanctuary 3:00 pm Church Historian Office Hour, Church Archive Center 6:00 pm King & Wilke Wedding Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Rehearsal Dinner for Jenny King & Min. Matthew Wilke, Fellowship Hall Saturday, November 3, 2018 9:00 am Jenny King & Min. Matthew Wilke Wedding, Sanctuary 10:00 am Asbury Hand Bell Choir, G 13 11:00 am Archives & History Meeting, Library 11:00 am Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am Food Pantry 12:00 pm AARP Presentation /Caregiving, G 1 12:30 pm Male Choir, OSH 2:00 pm Higher Praise, OSH From The Senior Pastor s Desk October 2018 Word for the Month: FIRST Scripture of the Month: Matthew 6:24 34 Thought for the Month: Money management is an important part of the daily rhythm of our lives. Unfortunately, everyday financial pressures can leave many of us confused, frustrated, and discouraged. Money Proverbs is written for those who are tired of struggling with money. This book is for everyday people who want to get to a financially healthy place. It gives a fresh perspective on wealth and provides practical insights based on the ancient wisdom from the Book of Proverbs. The book outlines 9 simple principles that will help readers unlock their earning potential, look for ways to save more, and increase their capacity for giving. It is full of stories and practical concepts that will appeal to the average reader who is looking for a way forward in a challenging financial environment. Emphasis for the Month: Stewardship Pastor s Book of the Month: Money Proverbs by Reid Ross (son of Charles & Rita Ross) 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 Make it Count Scripture: Proverbs 3:1 15 (NIV) Sunday, October 28, 2018 5 :00 pm (new start time) Pastor Matthew Wilke Join us in Fellowship Hall today. 6
La Verne A. Wilson-McLaughlin, D Min. Jesus said to them, Take off the grave clothes and let him go... (John 11:44b) La Verne A. Wilson McLaughlin is first and foremost a daughter and servant of God. She is a teacher, preacher, conference speaker, workshop facilitator, and is commi ed to conveying love, restora on, and enlightenment into the lives of those to whom she ministers. Past President of the Black Minister s Conference of Montgomery County, Maryland; a graduate of Leadership Montgomery, Maryland and The Masters Series for Dis nguished Clergy, Skinner Leadership Ins tute, Washington, DC; an Adjunct Professor, of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies, Arlington, Va.; and Founder of Charis Worship Center Ministries, Burtonsville, MD, a church without walls, all have proven to be a fulfilling life work. Dr. La Verne completed her Theological studies at the Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC, and Samuel De Wi Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia. She was ordained into the full Gospel ministry at The People s Community Bap st Church, in Silver Spring, Maryland, under the leadership of the late Dr. T.J. Bal more. A na ve of Brooklyn, New York, she is married to Rev. Dr. Thomas McLaughlin, the mother of two adult children and the very proud grandmother of Jacob, 18 and Joshua, 15. 7
Voter Information Important Dates & Deadlines District of Columbia Early Voting: Oct. 22, 2018 - Nov. 2, 2018 Voter Registration Deadline Post received by Tue. Oct. 16, 2018 In-Person, Received by Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 Election Day Registration & Voting Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 Request For Absentee Ballot: Received by Sat. Nov. 3, 2018 Absentee Ballot Deadline: Received by Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 8:00PM EST Maryland Early Voting: Oct. 25, 2018 - Nov. 1, 2018 Voter Registration Deadline Tue. Oct. 16, 2018 9:00PM EDT Postmarked by Tue. Oct. 16, 2018 9:00PM EDT Request For Absentee Ballot: Request for Online Ballot by Fri. Nov. 2, 2018 5:00PM EDT Absentee Ballot Deadline: Postmarked by Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 Virginia Early Voting: Not available Voter Registration Deadline Mon. Oct. 15, 2018 Online by Mon. Oct. 15, 2018 Postmarked by Mon. Oct. 15, 2018 In-Person, Received by Mon. Oct. 15, 2018 5:00PM EDT Request For Absentee Ballot: Request for Postal Ballot by Tue. Oct. 30, 2018 5:00PM EDT Absentee Ballot Deadline: Tue. Nov. 6, 2018 7:00PM EST 8
Fall Bible study opportunities! Disciple Fast Track II - Bible Study (at First UMC) Wednesday, September 12 (12 weeks) 10:30 am Disciple Fast Track II - Bible Study Tuesday, September 25 (12 weeks) 7 pm A Disciple s Path Wednesday, October 10 (6 weeks) 12 noon Register today in the Fellowship Hall after the service. Advent Small Group Bible Study Meetings Begin the last week in November (Varied dates & times) Register today in the Fellowship Hall after service New Members Orientation October 28, 2018 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Room 1 8 Loving...Serving...Transforming Lives 9
A Free Event for Family Caregivers Caring for a friend, family member or loved one? Join AARP experts for a lightly facilitated conversation about family caregiving. This is your chance to connect and exchange tips with other caregivers, find local caregiving resources available in your community and so much more. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the AARP guide, Prepare to Care: A Planning Guide for Families. Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 Time: 12-1:30 p.m. Location: Fellowship Hall Enjoy light refreshments! Sponsored by Asbury Family Caregiver Ministry, Brighter Day Ministries and Crocheting for Christ 10
Jenny King & Min. Matthew Wilke Are uniting in Holy Matrimony on November 3, 2018. They invite you to meet their family after service on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Give a hug, get a hug, make a new friend, and congratulate the newlyweds. Annual Charge Conference Wednesday, November 7, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m. Asbury Oral History Project ASBURY ORAL HISTORY SHOWCASE 1:30 PM SATURDAY, NOV. 10 Fellowship Hall The Asbury Archives and History Center has been in partnership with the DC Oral History Collaborative to produce oral history interviews of five Asburyans. The interviews are informative, entertaining, and inspirational. The workmanship of the interviewers and videographers is exceptional. You won t want to miss this!! Please save the date!! 11
Consecration Sunday is Sunday, November 11, 2018 Prayerfully consider how you will respond. The Wesley Foundation at Howard is in need of cooks, food donations, and volunteers for our Spaghetti after Thanksgiving meal for Howard students who are unable to travel home for the holidays. When: Friday, November 23, 3018 Where: Howard University If you are interested in supporting this event please contact Rev. Alexis Brown at abrown@asburyumcdc.org, or by phone at 410 905 8956. Stewardship Corner ~ New Testimonies ~ Part of the financial offerings that you entrust to Asbury are used to help fund our mission & outreach ministries. This year, we are sharing thank you notes and/or testimonies from our neighbors who are served by the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Breakfast and the Community Football ministries. The Stewardship Committee would like to thank Jesse James for sharing these with us. Thanks to the congregation for helping the Homeless. Thank you and God Bless You! Unnamed Participant Awesome to be able to watch football on Sundays. Keep it going!! Please. Please. Big Eddie C. Asbury has renewed my faith in God. With the love I ve found in the ministries it has helped us bond together with each other (who are) in the same situation, bond like friends. Keep up the blessings. God Bless. Unnamed Participant 12
As we approach the end of Pastor Appreciation Month, the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) extends a thank-you to each of you for your participation this month. We ask that you offer prayer for our pastors year-round. They will surely appreciate it. ~ Asbury s SPRC 15 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor The life of a United Methodist pastor is filled with a variety of responsibilities. They preach, teach, visit, counsel, lead, consult, communicate, budget, clean, and so much more. Pastoring a church is not a job that can be done well under the pastor s power alone. Every pastor relies heavily on God s guidance, strength and peace as they live into their call. One of the best ways we can support our pastors and show them our appreciation is to regularly pray for them. But it can be difficult to know exactly what we should pray for. To help get started, we ve assembled fifteen areas of pastors lives and ministries where they would value your prayers. 1. Spiritual lives: Our pastors spiritual lives are important to their finding the wisdom, strength and guidance necessary to lead a church. Pray for your pastors growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit works through them to serve your congregation and community. 2. Time management: With all of their responsibilities, United Methodist pastors need to become masters of their calendars. John Wesley knew this back in the 1700s. He instructed the preachers, Never trifle away time. Pray for your pastors to use time wisely, including blocking out occasions for Sabbath rest, prayer, work and family. 3. Families: Speaking of families, it is important to remember that our ministers may also be a spouse, a parent, and a child to parents who have needs. Remember to pray for your pastor s family. 4. Preaching: Delivering a great sermon (and the ones that are less than great) takes hours of study and preparation. Pray for your pastors as they prepare worship services, sacraments and sermons. May they have the words to communicate what God has placed on their hearts. 5. Strength: The work of a pastor requires reserves of spiritual and emotional strength. Ask God to bolster ministers' hearts and minds, especially on days when they feel weak, inadequate, or unqualified. 6. Visiting ministries: Visiting people in hospital rooms, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, memory centers, hospice units, homes and jail cells, is an important part of your pastor s job. Pray for her or his ability to connect with those who are struggling and to share God s comfort, peace and hope. 13
7. Leadership: Pastors shepherd their congregations, lead individuals to Christ and guide the church as a witness to the work of God in our communities. Pray for your pastor s ability to lead your congregation. 8. Decision making: Being a leader includes making difficult decisions. Sometimes that means making a call when the right answer is elusive. Other times it is about making an unpopular choice. Pray for God to guide your pastor s decisions. 9. Ministry with the poor: Pastors are called upon to help those who do not have enough food, rent money, or the ability to pay a utility bill. They also lead their congregations to do the same. Pray that your pastor has the wisdom and resources necessary to help those in need, and that he or she might represent Jesus well to those who feel forgotten. 10. Communication: We ve all sent a note, email or text that is misunderstood by the recipient. Ministers reach out to so many people, miscommunication is nearly impossible to avoid. Ask God to make your pastor s communication clear and for grace when he or she is misunderstood. 11. Conflict: Conflicts sometimes arise when people miscommunicate and disagree. Some conflicts are serious, while others are petty. Pray for your pastors strength, wisdom, patience and discernment as they navigate the conflicts that arise. 12. Vision: United Methodist pastors help set the vison for their congregations. Pray that your pastor may clearly see where God is leading your church and for opportunities for ministries to grow in those areas. 13. Finances: Money worries can be a big distraction. Pray for financial peace for your pastor, both with the congregation s budget and his or her family finances. 14. Health: Your pastor s physical health is important. Pray for them to take time to care for their bodies through rest, exercise, and eating well. 15. Encouragement: Pray for your pastors to be encouraged today. Pray that they might know in their hearts the differences they make in the lives of individuals, in your congregation, and in your community. You can be an answer to prayer when you encourage your ministers. Write a note, text or email to let them know what a difference they make in your life. They will surely appreciate it. 14
Downtown DC United Methodist Churches 15
Celebration of Life for Reginald E. Waters Friday, November 2, 2018 Family Hour 9:00 a.m. Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday, October 28 Mark 8:31-36 Monday, October 29 Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Tuesday, October 30 Matthew 5:14-16 Wednesday, October 31 Luke 10:38-42 DAILY WORD Thursday, November 1 Luke 10:25-37 Friday, November 2 Isaiah 46:3-4 Saturday, November 3 Philippians 4:4-9 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