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Volume 35, No. 12 December 2014
THE CIRCUIT-WRITER Asbury United Methodist Church
Rev. Mary S. Hilliard, Senior Pastor 1700 Napa Valley Drive Little Rock, AR 72212 Phone 501.225.9231
Fax 501.225.8578 www.asbury-lr.org Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 & 10:45 am Divine (Traditional)
10:45 am Celebration (Contemporary)
Volume 35, No. 12 The CIRCUIT-WRITER Page 2
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.” This quote by Dale Evans reminds us Christmas doesn’t have to be framed by a date on the calendar. Everyday can be Christmas. Through your
generous support of the outreach missions these last twelve months, you, the Asbury family, and friends, showed the spirit of Christmas by putting your love in action for these ministries. We made a difference in: Family to Family, The Salvation Army, The Van, AR Reads, Project Zero, UAMS Family Home, Ronald McDonald House, Rice Depot Adopt A School program, The Arkansas Food Bank, Good Samaritan Closet, Stone Soup, Card Ministry, UMCOR, Supplies for Vilonia and Mayflower, Prison Ministry, personal care items for the veterans at Ft. Roots, and food kits for the homeless.
Merry Christmas and thanks for Caring,
Dave’s
Place
Amy’s Announcements: Is it just me, or is this year flying by? It feels like just yesterday we were on our Back-to-School trip, and now you guys are almost out for Christmas break! We have some special events coming up! On Sunday, December 7th, I need the youth here at 2:30 pm to help work the “Cookies and Milk with Santa” event. We need youth to help with games and crafts. We’ll meet that night so you can stick around. Our other big event is going to be our Christmas Party/Lock-In on Sunday, December 21st. You are welcome to bring friends, but each person needs to bring $10, plus a gift (valued under $10) for a game we will be playing! We have lots of fun planned for that night, including Christmas games, a service project, and time at the bowling alley! You’re out of school that next day, so plan to come and bring a friend! We’ll get started at 5:30 pm, and pick-up will be at 8 am on Monday morning. Beginning December 3rd, we’ll start a cool Advent study for the month of December, on Wednesdays and Sundays. We will continue to meet in the Warehouse on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm, and Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Our LAST MEETING for 2014 will be Sunday, December 21st, at the Lock-In. We’re taking a break after that to give everyone time to be with family. We’re back to our regular schedule on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (No youth meeting on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 28th, or Sunday, January 4th). We don’t have any trip deadlines in December, but remember, coming up in January, we’ll have deposits due for Assembly (July 25-29) and Veritas, which is coming March 6-8! Be looking at your calendar and deciding if you can join us for these exciting events!
Cut to the Chase It is hard to believe that Advent has arrived. Wasn’t it just summer? With Advent comes anticipation, waiting, excitement, examination, and reflection. Advent is that season where we await Christ being born again. Our days are getting darker and colder. With that darkness comes the anticipation for light to return, to shine bright and light our path again. Throughout December, you will be bombarded with all different types of people telling you what Christmas should be about: buying stuff. Buying and giving gifts for our loved ones is a wonderful thing, a sign of love we show that we are thankful for them. However, let us not forget to reflect upon our relationship with God. Before you know it the New Year will be here. As the days speed up to Christmas, take the time to pray and think about what that first Christmas must have been like. Also think about how the Light of the World came about that day, it was a sign of greater things, a sign of hope that it is not all darkness. Embrace the light this Advent season and may you be reminded of all the wonderful blessings God has done in your life this Christmas. Spread the Christmas joy to all the people you encounter.
Happy Advent! Pastor Chase
Parents’ Night Out - Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 6 - 10 pm - $15 per family - RSVP by
Wed., Dec. 10 at Noon. For reservations or questions, please contact Laura Stinnett,
[email protected], or 501-225-9231.
LETTERS FROM LAURA It is Advent time!!!! I love this time of year! Christmas is a time to reflect on all that God has done and it's not a matter of what we get, but the birth of the Holy one, it's not about gifts with ribbons and bows, or Christmas trees, tinsel and mistletoe. The Christmas gift given to us is Jesus Christ's gift of love.
Looking at our busy calendars, there are some events that I would like your family to be a part of. First, enjoy the fun and fellowship of our Family Life Christmas Dinner on November 30 at 5:00 pm in the WAC. Secondly, on Sunday, December 7, from 3 to 5 pm, we will have our Children’s Celebration: Cookies and Milk (article included). Come enjoy crafts, refreshments, and pictures with Santa!! Thirdly, for our Advent mission project, we are asking the children to donate items for the kids at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (see items needed below). Please place your items in the basket near the Dock through Sunday, December 28. Lastly, Parents’ Night Out will be Friday, December 12 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (article included).
Items needed for ACH: Coloring books (non-holiday, regular size), Crayola markers (broad tip, 8-12 pack), Crayola water color sets, Card games for children, Books (English and Spanish), Play-doh & accessories (name brand), Hot Wheels & Matchbox cars, Cars & trucks, puzzles, Legos, Barbie & Ken dolls, Superhero figures, baby dolls (all plastic/vinyl, no cloth bodies, all ethnicities).
Have a very blessed Christmas!! Blessings,
Volume 34, No. 12 The CIRCUIT-WRITER Page 3
November 30 - 1st Sunday of Advent Hanging of the Greens Service
A Worship Experience of Scriptures, Carols and Lights 8:30 am/10:45 am - Divine Worship (Traditional)* 10:45 am - Celebration Worship (Contemporary)*
5:00 pm - Family Life Dinner
December 7 - 2nd Sunday of Advent The Sounds of Christmas: “The Beat of the Drum”
8:30 am/10:45 am - Divine Worship (Traditional) 10:45 am - Celebration Worship (Contemporary)
Childrens’ Choirs sing in all services 3:00 pm - Cookies & Milk, Pictures with Santa
(A Children’s Event)
December 14 - 3rd Sunday of Advent The Sounds of Christmas: “The Brush of Angels’ Wings”
8:30 am/10:45 am - Divine Worship (Traditional) Handbells perform Christmas Carols
10:45 am - Celebration Worship (Contemporary) Special Music - “Mary, Did You Know?”
Poinsettias adorn Sanctuary & Wilson Activity Center
December 21 - 4th Sunday of Advent The Sounds of Christmas: “Carols of Christmas” 8:30 am/10:45 am - Divine Worship (Traditional) Special music - Magdalena Ryszkowski, violinist 10:45 am - Celebration Worship (Contemporary)
Handbells perform Christmas Carols 5:30 pm - Youth Christmas Party & Lock-In
Poinsettias adorn Sanctuary & Wilson Activity Center
December 24 - Christmas Eve A Service of Carols, Candles & Communion
The Sounds of Christmas: “The Sound of a Baby’s Cry” 4:00 pm - Nursery provided 7:00 pm - Nursery provided
11:00 pm - No nursery provided (All services located in the Sanctuary)
Poinsettias may be taken home after services.
December 25 May you experience the joy of Christ in your heart this Christmas!
Advent Studies Available On
Tuesdays: December 2, 9 & 16 10:00 am - John The Baptist Advent Study
*The Divine Worship Service is in the Sanctuary. The Celebration Worship Service is in the Wilson Activity Center.
These events are available to distribute on doorhangers for your convenience. Please take a few
to distribute throughout your neighborhood.
Women’s Bible Studies – Winter 2015 Wednesday Morning, January 14 to February 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening, January (TBA) to February (TBA) at 5:30 p.m. (childcare available on Sunday) Room 123
When we look around at today’s world, hope usually isn’t the first word that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His people with a message of hope - a message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable world. But how do we do this? Where do we start? Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and circumstances of their lives. This six-week study examines God’s words of instruction to His wayward people through the prophet Jeremiah, and provides women six guidelines for intentional living to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as they surrender their wills to God’s and put their hope in Him alone. Combining rich study of the Book of Jeremiah with practical life application that resonates with the realities and experiences of today’s women, this study inspires all women to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has good plans for us. Participant workbooks will be available during class for $12. To enroll in the Wednesday class: Pat Anderson or Ginny Kurrus. To enroll in the Sunday class: Ashley Boes or Alicia Gallup. To register for childcare in the Sunday class please contact Laura Stinnett at 225-9231, or [email protected]
Page 4 The CIRCUIT-WRITER Volume 34, No. 12
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” - Luke 2:14
STONE SOUP MISSION UPDATE Thank you for your service on October 26th! We caved in slightly to the October tradition of
playing dress up. Instead of costumes, we brought in a box of goofy and light ‘bling’ you had the option to wear. Just the small touches we added broke the ice with many people who may normally not say a thing to us. And for sure brought some smiles to our patrons’ faces. 17 folks from Asbury, and one from St. James, came together to serve others in this mission. Over 125 people were served. We touched all of them in some way by word and deed, and caused them to think on God’s love and grace in the course of their days. Thank you! - Greg Stansell
Page 5 The CIRCUIT-WRITER Volume 35, No. 12
Congratulations
Memorials/Honorariums TO ASBURY BEAUTIFICATION FUND IN MEMORY OF VIRGIL PEEL Ben Cromley
TO ASBURY BEAUTIFICATION FUND IN MEMORY OF CHARLES CROMLEY Ben Cromley
TO ASBURY BEAUTIFICATION FUND IN MEMORY OF ALAN CURTIS Fran Harden John & Becky Sage Don & Becky Davis Clef & Mary Vaughan Carol Godwin
IN MEMORY OF EVELYN GALLOWAY Fred & Nina Williams Patty Shoemaker
IN MEMORY OF ALAN CURTIS Larry & Sandy Morton
IN MEMORY OF BARBARA HUGG Patricia & Vic Anderson
IN MEMORY OF BERNICE BURNS Thelma Brown Robert Moore Bible Class
Volunteers Spotlight If you are around on a Wednesday evening, you will see a large group of 3rd - 6th graders waiting by the church office to go to dinner. And who is with them? Jessica Temple and
Alicia Gallup. Jessica and Alicia take those kids every Wednesday for dinner and then come back for a lesson. Jessica Temple has been teaching the “Edge” kids for more than 5 years, but that does not end her volunteer life at Asbury. She has been on various committees, led the Sunday Night Women’s Bible Study, done various jobs in Childrens’ Ministry, and lastly, bakes bread.
Alicia Gallup is as active. She has done the “Edge” for 2 years along with many jobs in Childrens’ Ministry and organizing Parents’ Night Out. Thank you Jessica and Alicia for being so loving and faithful to our older Elementary children and to Childrens’ Ministry!
New Members Janie Mullen
Jason & Sarah Vanderburg (Molly and Tyler)
Doug & Cindi Walker
Diann White
To Revs. Nathan & Lynn Kilbourne on the birth of their baby daughter Eleanor, born on November 14, 2014. Please keep this baby girl and parents in your prayers. Eleanor was born premature and will remain in the hospital possibly until February.
Change of Address Hollis & Kaye Haley
Thank you to everyone for helping make ACCDC Rocks a HUGE success! We still have
t-shirts for sale at $10 each. All proceeds go to our playground equipment fund. The month of December is all about learning about Jesus’ birth. Please be in prayer for us as we share this very special message during our chapel time.
Here are some pictures from our Halloween trip through the office:
UMW CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE Come and enjoy a cookie/treat exchange at Noon on December 21st in the Warehouse. Lunch will be provided! All women are cordially invited to attend! Call Mary Noble for more information.
Circuit Writer Schedule CW Issue Article Due January 2015 December 12 February 2015 January 16
Upcoming Meetings SPRC - Tuesday, Dec. 9 - 6 pm - Room 123 Finance - Tuesday, Dec. 15 - 6 pm - Room 123
Contact Us
Phone (501) 225-9231 Fax (501) 225-8578 Mail 1700 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212 Online www.asbury-lr.org Email [email protected] To submit items [email protected]
Asbury United Methodist Church 1700 Napa Valley Drive Little Rock, AR 72212 (501) 225-9231 www.asbury-lr.org
Return Service Requested
Volume 35, No. 12 The CIRCUIT-WRITER Page 6
Senior Game Day will return on January 15, 2015. See you then!
KEENAGERS: TUESDAY, DEC. 2 AT NOON Keenagers will be back in the WAC on Tuesday, December 2nd at Noon for fun, fellowship and food. We will be treated to holiday tunes by the Central High School Jazz Band. The cost for the lunch is $6 per person.
Invite someone to come with you. Transportation can be provided for those who need it. Call the church office by Monday, December 1st at 9 am to let us know you will be here so we can plan the food, and also let us know if you need a ride. Keenagers will not meet in January.
Happy Birthday 90’s Club!
Margaret Raper - 12/03
If you with to sponsor flowers, please call Barbara Mills in the church office, 225-9231.
Available Dates: December 14, 28, and January 4 $118.00 total cost
POINSETTIA ORDER FORM If you would like to make a donation to the Poinsettia Christmas Fund in honor or memory of someone, please attach $10.00 for each poinsettia to this order form and return this form to the church office by Monday, December 15th. Poinsettias can be picked up after the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service.
Given by:__________________________________
Phone # in case we have any questions: __________________________________________
(Circle one) Honor/Memory of: ___________________________________________
Our food collection tubs have been running low for some time. These tubs sit in the hallway on the 1st floor, by the Library. The collections are for the Food Pantry. Please consider helping this mission.
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS The Children's choirs will be leading in worship through music on December 7 in
the 10:45 worship services. Parents, please put this date on your calendars and have your children here to worship the Lord. Stephen Edds
CHANCEL CHOIR The Chancel Choir will be presenting seasonal anthems during the month of December. We will have a special guest violinist, Magdalena Ryszkowski, on December 21 in both Divine worship services.
CELEBRATION PRAISE In the Celebration worship service, the Asbury Praise Band will present seasonal music throughout December. Don't miss this special time of the year, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ.
The Joyful Noise Handbell choir will be ringing on December 14th in the Divine worship services and will ring in the 10:45 Celebration worship service on December
21st. Come and hear music of the Christmas season.
United Methodist generosity and creativity in the fight against malaria are saving millions of people’s lives. The United Methodist Church aims to raise $75 million by the end of 2015 for Imagine No Malaria. The campaign supports United Methodist hospitals, clinics, and health boards across Africa that work to prevent and treat the disease. The various efforts are working. Since 2000, malaria deaths have decreased by 42% worldwide.
