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

225-9231 · www.asbury-lr.org

Asbury UMC Little Rock @Maryhilliard82

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 21, 2014

4th Sunday of Advent The Sounds of Christmas:

“Carols of Christmas”

Welcome to Asbury. We are glad you are here at Asbury today, and hope you will feel God’s love in your worship experience. We invite you to note the Asbury Calendar on the back page of the bulletin, and print your information on the pads and re-turn them to the end of the pew. If you desire to join Asbury UMC, come forward during the last song, and our pastors will greet you.

Please take a few moments to silence your cell phone.

Divine Worship Sanctuary

December 21, 2014 8:30 & 10:45 A.M.

Gathering in God’s Presence † Welcome and Announcements Prelude Ave Maria Magdalena Ryszkoski, violin Bach-Gounod Anguel Kehayov

Call to Worship Canticle of Mary 199 *Hymn of Praise There’s A Song in the Air 249

Preparing Our Hearts

Lighting of the Advent Candle (8:30) O’Dell Family (10:45) Nancy Garrison Family Congregation 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.

*Affirmation of Faith Affirmation 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.

Children’s Moments Val Carr

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 Echo Gloria Chancel Choir J. Paul Williams / Jon Paige Magdalena Ryskowski, violin

Lifting Our Lives and Prayers to God † Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer 895 The Giving of Our Tithes and Offerings

*Please stand as you are able.

Offertory Carol of the Bells Chancel Choir Arr. Peter J. Wilhousky

*Doxology VENI EMMANUEL 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. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

*Hymn of Meditation Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming 216

Hearing God’s Word Scripture Lesson Luke 1:46-50 (NLT, Pew Bible) 780 The Message The Sounds of Christmas: “The Carols of Christmas” (8:30) Rev. Mary Hilliard (10:45) Rev. Chase Green

Responding to God With Our Lives *Hymn of Commitment The First Noel 245 *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: Rev. David Moore

Sound Operator: 8:30 - Austin Pittman, Joe Hof 10:45 - Mazhil, Sharath Kombathula Acolytes: 8:30 - Jaxon Dale 10:45 - Jeshwin Mazhil, Adithya Kombathula

Christmas Eve

A Service of Carols, Candles & Communion The Sounds of Christmas: “The Sound of a Baby’s Cry”

4 pm - Nursery provided 7 pm - Nursery provided 11 pm - No Nursery provided

(All services in the Sanctuary)

Celebration Worship Wilson Activity Center

December 21, 2014 10:45 A.M.

Sing For Joy

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus / Angels We Have Heard on High Arr. Janet Van Valey and Susan Berry / Arr. Frances L. Callahan

Joyful Noise Handbells

† Welcome and Announcements We ask that both guests and members PRINT the information requested in the friendship pads

and return them to the end of the row.

Lighting of the Advent Candle Clint Hutchinson family

Congregation 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.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Sing to the King

Children’s Moments Clark Cogbill

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.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Sharing of Our Gifts

Christmas Special Pat Purifoy

The Message Luke 1:46-50

The Sounds of Christmas: “The Carols of Christmas” Rev. Mary Hilliard

The Invitation

O Holy Night

The Blessing

† Assisting in Worship: Mike DuPas Sound Operator: Randy Dennis

Celebration Band Celebration Singers Pat Purifoy Scott Southern Lanier Hocott Mary Ross Dusty Jones Terry South

Asbury Staff Rev. Mary Hilliard, Senior Pastor mary@asbury-lr.org Rev. Chase Green, Pastor of Discipleship chase@asbury-lr.org Rev. David Moore, Pastor of Congregational Care david@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 Praise and Worship Leader stephen@asbury-lr.org Laura Stinnett, Minister of Children laura@asbury-lr.org Amy Bennett, Minister of Youth amy@asbury-lr.org Barbara Mills, Church Administration barbara@asbury-lr.org Connie Wagner, Nursery Director nursery@asbury-lr.org Cheryl Cate, Finance Manager cheryl@asbury-lr.org Scott Odena, Communications Coordinator news@asbury-lr.org Laura Burns, Child Development Ctr., Director accdcdir@asbury-lr.org Jamie Holstead, Child Development Ctr., Asst. Director jamie@asbury-lr.org

Special Events Sunday, December 21st………………..…….UMW Christmas Tea 11:45 am (Warehouse) Sunday, December 21st………………..……………....Youth Lock-In 5:30 pm (Warehouse) Monday, December 22nd……………..………….….Trustees Meeting 6:30 pm (Room 123) Wednesday, December 24th……………….Christmas Eve Service 4, 7, and 11 pm (Sanctuary) Wednesday-Thursday, December 24th-25th………………………..……ACCDC, Office Closed Thursday, January 1st, 2015………………………………………….ACCDC, Office Closed Friday, January 9th……………………………….....Parents’ Night Out 6 pm (Room 222) Saturday, January 10th…………………...Churchwide Planning Retreat 10 am (Warehouse)

Open dates for Sacred Grounds: December 28; January 4, 11, 18 Please contact the church office, 225-9231, if you could sponsor a week or a month.

YOUTH NEWS: • CHRISTMAS LOCK-IN TONIGHT! We’re starting at 5:30 pm in the Warehouse. Please

check the Youth board for a permission slip and a list of what to bring with you. It’s going to be a great night!

• This Wednesday is Christmas Eve, so we will not be having regular Youth that night. Come worship with us at either 4, 7, or 11 pm!

Pastor on Call: December 27 & 28 Rev. Chase Green

SUNDAY, December 14th, 2014 Sunday School: 237 8:30 (D): 156

10:45 (D): 92 10:45 (C): 123 Total Worship Attendance: 371 Guests: 42 (including) First-time guests: 4

Prayers Eleanor Kilbourne Libby Garrison

Tom & Jane New, and daughter Erin Rev. Nathan & Rev. Lynn Kilbourne

Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Services: “The Sounds of Christmas: The Sound of a Baby’s Cry” (All services in the Sanctuary) • 4 pm - Nursery provided • 7 pm - Nursery provided • 11 pm - No nursery provided

Drivers Van Car December 21st: Jim Britt Dave Mundorff December 24th (4 pm service only): OPEN Dave Mundorff December 28th: OPEN Dave Mundorff

Preaching Schedule 4th Sunday of Advent 1st Sunday after Christmas December 21st December 28th 8:30 Divine Worship Rev. Mary Hilliard Rev. Chase Green 10:45 Divine Worship Rev. Chase Green Rev. David Moore 10:45 Celebration Worship Rev. Mary Hilliard Rev. Chase Green

UMW CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE: Come and enjoy a cookie/treat exchange at 11:45 am TODAY in the Warehouse. Lunch will be provided! All women are cordially invited to attend!

Our 2015 Churchwide Planning Retreat will be from 9 am to Noon on Saturday, January 10th. Please make every effort to be a part of this event.

SPECIAL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DATES: Questions? Contact Laura Stinnett, Minister of Children • Friday, January 9th: Parents’ Night Out - 6 to 10 pm - $20/family. Please RSVP by Noon

on Wednesday, January 7th. • Sunday, January 11th: Children’s Choirs resume, 9:30 am. 2015 Confirmation Orientation

Meeting, 4 pm., Robert Moore Room, Room 227

THIS MORNING: Special music by Magdalena Ryszkowski, violinist, in the 8:30 and 10:45 am Divine services. Magdalena Ryszkowski was born in Grajewo, Poland, and began playing the violin at the age of 7. An award-winning musician, Magdalena joined the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 2009 and is active as a solo and orchestral musician in the US and Europe. She has been teaching private lessons for over 15 years and is currently on the Violin Faculty at Hendrix College in Conway. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing at home with husband Jan and two sons, Stas and Michal.

Today’s flowers: In honor of all families, by Bob & Nell Wilson.

Sunday, December 21st - 4th Sunday of Advent - Special music in all services 8:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Room 200) 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal (WAC) 8:30 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) - Special music by Magdalena Ryszkowski, violin 9:45 am Sunday School 10:45 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) - Special music by Magdalena Ryszkowski, violin 10:45 am Celebration Worship (WAC) - Handbells perform 11:45 am UMW Christmas Tea (Warehouse) 2:00 pm Youth Basketball Practice (WAC) 5:30 pm Youth Lock-In (Warehouse) Monday, December 22nd 7:30 am ACCDC 2014-2015 Classes 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting (Room 123) 7:00 pm AA Meeting (Room 103) 7:00 pm Men’s Basketball (WAC) Tuesday, December 23rd 7:30 am ACCDC 2014-2015 Classes Wednesday, December 24th All day ACCDC, Office CLOSED 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) Thursday, December 25th All day ACCDC, Office CLOSED Friday, December 26th All day ACCDC CLOSED Saturday, December 27th Sunday, December 28th - 1st Sunday After Christmas 8:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Room 200) 8:00 am Praise Team Rehearsal (WAC) 8:30 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 9:45 am Sunday School 10:45 am Divine Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 am Celebration Worship (WAC)

Asbury Weekly Calendar

Opportunities to Grow in Faith and Share Christ.

* WAC - Wilson Activity Center