A United Methodist Church 1700 Napa Valley Drive · Little Rock, AR 72212

225-9231 · www.asbury-lr.org

Asbury UMC Little Rock

Our Mission

To bring others into Asbury UMC

to experience a difference,

so they make a difference

for Jesus Christ and others.

Our Invitation

To all who need Comfort,

Friendship and the Love of God

through our Savior Jesus Christ.

This church opens wide its doors

in the name of our Lord and says,

“Welcome.”

December 20, 2015

“The Places of Christmas,” Part III Fourth Sunday of Advent

Welcome to Asbury. Advent is a special time of the Christian year where we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. We celebrate Advent on the four Sundays prior to Christmas. Today we will be lighting the Advent candle that represents “Love”.

Please take a few moments to silence your phone. For the most meaningful worship, we encourage you to take advantage of our nursery available

for infants through 2 years old.

Divine Worship Sanctuary

December 20, 2015 8:30 & 10:45 A.M.

Gathering in God’s Presence

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude Masters In This Hall (8:30) Asbury Ringers

Arr. Kevin McChesney

*Congregational Call to Worship

Emmanuel, Emmanuel 204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel.

God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel.

*Hymn of Praise There’s A Song in the Air 249

Preparing Our Hearts *Affirmation of Faith from I Timothy 889 There is one God and there is one mediator, Christ Jesus, who came as a ransom for all, to whom we testify.

This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel. Amen.

*Gloria Patri 70 Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen. Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candle (8:30) LaChrisha Gray, Dallas (10:45) Kombathula Family

Congregational Response: Loving Father, May we be ever mindful of the love Christ gives to us through our eternal salvation. May we honor the gift of Christ to us this Advent season, by truly loving others in the way in which He led by thought, word and deed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Children’s Moments (8:30) Laura Stinnett

(10:45) Chase Green

The congregation is invited to sing “Away in a Manger” in welcoming the children forward.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Children 3 years to 6th grade are invited to attend their own special worship service, called Kids’ Club. Please meet at the back of the worship area to attend.

Act of Praise O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Chancel Choir

Arr. Pamela M. Robertson Kelly Caldwell - violin; Elizabeth Hart, Jessica Temple - handbells; Rebecca Ricks - harp

*Please stand as you are able.

Lifting Our Lives and Prayers to God

Prayer for the People

Lord’s Prayer 895

The Giving of Our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory O Holy Night Rebecca Ricks

Adolphe Adam

*Doxology 95 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.

*Hymn of Meditation Hark the Herald Angels Sing 240

Hearing God’s Word

Scripture Lesson Luke 2:8-14 (NLT, Pew Bible) 781 The Message “Christmas Happens in the Heavens” (8:30) - Rev. Mary Hilliard (10:45) - Rev. Chase Green

Responding to God With Our Lives

*Hymn of Commitment Angels From the Realms of Glory 220

*Blessing of God’s People

*Choral Benediction Let There Be Peace on Earth 431

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God our creator, children all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

You are encouraged to go forth and serve Christ after the singing of the Benediction.

Postlude

Assisting in Worship: 8:30 - Maeghan Arnold / 10:45 - Rick Shelton Acolytes: 8:30 - Rachel Hof, January Marriott / 10:45 - Adithya Kombathula

Sound/Video Operator: 8:30 - Austin Pittman, Jason Stumhofer/ 10:45 - Mazhil, Sharath

Message Notes

Message outline for Rev. Hilliard “Christmas Happens in the Heavens” Luke 2:8-14

I. A Multi-Purpose Message by a Multi-Talented Messenger

A. “Do Not Fear.”

B. “Receive Joy for All!”

C. “You Will Be Saved through Christ the Lord!”

II. Followers of Christ....

A. Do Not Fear the World, but Practice Faith.

B. Understand the Message is: Christ Came for All.

C. Know to Praise God in the Heavens!

Celebration Worship Wilson Activity Center

December 20, 2015 10:45 A.M. Please take a few moments to silence your phone.

For the most meaningful worship, we encourage you to take advantage of our nursery available for infants through 2 years old.

Please complete the information requested in the friendship pads and return to the end of the row.

O Come All Ye Faithful

Masters In This Hall - Arr. Kevin McChesney, Asbury Ringers

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of the Advent Candle Jason and Sarah Vanderburg and Family

Congregational Response: Loving Father, May we be ever mindful of the love Christ gives to us through our eternal salvation. May we honor the gift of Christ to us this Advent season, by truly loving others in the way in which He led by thought, word and deed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing First Noel

Children’s Moments

Laura Stinnett

Children 3 years to 6th grade are invited to attend Kids’ Club, a special worship service. Please meet at the back of the worship area to attend.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Sharing of Our Gifts

Isn’t He

The Message “Christmas Happens in the Heavens”

Luke 2:8-14 Rev. Mary Hilliard

The Invitation

Jesus Messiah

The Blessing

Assisting in Worship: Mike DuPas

Sound Operator: Randy Dennis

Video Operator: Tony Hilliard

Celebration Band Celebration Singers Tom Evans Jay Greenfield Alan Gwin Lanier Hocott Dusty Jones Pat Purifoy Mike McNerlin Shawn McNerlin

Asbury Staff Rev. Mary Hilliard, Senior Pastor mary@asbury-lr.org

Rev. Chase Green, Pastor of Discipleship/Congregational Care chase@asbury-lr.org

Rev. Tom Weir, Pastor Emeritus weir-t@sbcglobal.net

Stephen Edds, Minister of Music stephen@asbury-lr.org

Anguel Kehayov, Organist kehayata@hotmail.com

Mike DuPas, Interim Part-Time Praise & Worship Leader stephen@asbury-lr.org

Laura Stinnett, Minister of Children laura@asbury-lr.org

Kayla Stout, Nursery Director nursery@asbury-lr.org

Amy Bennett, Minister of Youth amy@asbury-lr.org

Cheryl Cate, Finance Manager cheryl@asbury-lr.org

Ora Bunton, Child Development Ctr., Director accdcdir@asbury-lr.org

Judith Hill, Child Development Ctr., Asst. Director asstdir@asbury-lr.org

Special Events Sunday, December 20th...................................................................UMW Luncheon 12 pm (Warehouse) Sunday, December 20th....................................................................Youth Lock-In 4:30 pm (Warehouse) Thursday, December 24th.....................................................Christmas Eve Service 4:00 pm (Sanctuary) Thursday, December 24th.....................................................Christmas Eve Service 7:00 pm (Sanctuary) Thursday, December 24th...................................................Christmas Eve Service 11:00 pm (Sanctuary) Sunday, December 27th..................................................Stone Soup 1:30 pm (Quapaw Quarter UMC) Saturday, January 9th............................................Church Council Planning Retreat 9 am (Warehouse)

YOUTH NEWS:

Remember, we have our annual Christmas lock-in coming up TODAY! Permission slips and the

flyer are on the youth board! Cost is $20, and covers 4 UNLIMITED HOURS at Playtime Pizza! Bring a friend, but they have to have a permission slip, too! Packing list is on the flyer...make sure you check it!!!

The lock-in starts the beginning of our Christmas break! Youth activities will resume on

January 10th!

December Drivers Van Car Dave Mundorff Jim Britt

Preaching Schedule Sunday, Dec. 20th Sunday, Dec. 27th 8:30 Divine Worship Rev. Mary Hilliard Rev. Chase Green 10:45 Divine Worship Rev. Chase Green Rev. Chase Green 10:45 Celebration Service Rev. Mary Hilliard n/a

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday School: 265 8:30 (D): 167 10:45 (D): 95 10:45 (C): 148 Total Worship Attendance: 410

Guests: 34 including 7 first time

CHILDREN’S NEWS: Questions? Contact Laura Stinnett, Minister of Children

Thursday, December 24th: Christmas Eve Services

4:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 11:00 PM ~ Nursery available at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Sunday, January 10th: 6th grade Confirmation meeting, 4:00 pm, Room 227

Wednesday, January 13th: Wild Wednesdays and The Edge will resume

Open Dates for Sacred Grounds: You can sponsor a week, several weeks or a month ($100 per week). Open dates are Dec. 27, Jan. 3 &10.

Open Date for Flowers: January 3, 10 & 17. Call the office to order.

We are collecting Quarters for Heifer International! Help us fill up the Peace Pipes with your quarters, which will go toward providing an animal for those in need!

Prayers: Lonnie Baker Charlie Ward

Church Council Planning Retreat Asbury UMC’s Church Council Planning Retreat will be on January 9th from 9 am - Noon. These sessions have proved to be very important in the life of Asbury, as crucial decisions are made and feedback from members implemented. Please make every effort to be a part of this event to promote the kingdom experience known as Asbury UMC, and your own personal accountability

Pastor on Call: Dec. 25, 26, 27 Rev. Chase Green Jan. 1, 2, 3 Rev. Mary Hilliard

Christmas Eve Services 4:00 pm - Sanctuary - Childcare available 7:00 pm - Sanctuary - Childcare available 11:00 pm - Sanctuary - featuring the Quapaw Brass Quintet

UMW Luncheon All women of the church are invited to join the UMW for their Christmas luncheon today in the Warehouse at 12 pm. Guest speaker will be Kara Meyers from Katherine’s House.

Sunday, December 27 there will be 2 services; 8:30 am Divine in the Sanctuary and the 10:45 am Divine, also in the Sanctuary.

Methodist Family Health The Methodist Children’s Home is one of many ministries of Methodist Family Health. Arkansas United Methodists are blessed to be part of this outreach that touches so many lives in so many ways. Your support makes a true difference in supporting this outstanding ministry. Please pray for the children and staff, find ways to share the story about the difference Methodist Children’s Home is making and make a generous investment in the life of a child through the annual offering. There is a brochure with an offering envelope attached in your bulletin today.

WANTED if you can sponsor a week, several weeks or a month ($100 per week). THANK YOU!

Sunday, December 20th - 4th Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Room 200) 8:00 am Coffee & Cinnamon Rolls (WAC) 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal (WAC) 8:30 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30 am Children’s Choir 3 yrs-2nd grade (Room 215) 10:40 am Praise Band Pre-Service Music 10:45 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 am Celebration Worship (WAC) 12:00 pm UMW Christmas Luncheon (Warehouse) 3:00 pm Youth Basketball Practice (WAC) 4:30 pm Youth Christmas Lock-In (Warehouse, WAC)

Monday, December 21st 7:30 am ACCDC 6:00 pm Trustee Meeting (Room 123) 6:00 pm Men’s Basketball (WAC) 7:00 pm AA Meeting (Room 103)

Tuesday, December 22nd 7:30 am ACCDC

Wednesday, December 23rd ACCDC CLOSED

Thursday, December 24th ACCDC & CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary)

Friday, December 25th ACCDC & CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Saturday, December 26th

Sunday, December 27th 8:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Room 200) 8:00 am Coffee & Donuts (WAC) 8:30 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 1:30 pm Stone Soup (Quapaw Quarter UMC)

Help the church while you are shopping! Go to https://smile.amazon.com to sign up for the church to receive rewards while you shop on Amazon! You use your existing Amazon account, or set one up if you don’t have one. All the same items and prices, just the church gets a percentage on “Amazon Smile Eligible” items. You can go to our website for more information.

Daily devotionals from Pastor Mary are available on the website, www.asbury-lr.org. Click on “Blogs.”

Asbury Weekly Calendar

Opportunities to Grow in Faith and Share Christ.

* WAC - Wilson Activity Center