What Can You Expect?
Asbury Memorial wants you to be comfortable when you come to a service here. We want your experience to inspire you to return — again and again. Our cheerful Greeters will be the first clue that your visit will be joyful, and the hugs and animated conversations in the Sanctuary (right up until the music begins — and sometimes after) will confirm your hunch!
Our services are always joyful, full of creative ways to express that joy. Rev. Billy Hester's sermons are inspiring — they will touch your heart. We hope that you will visit, so that you can see for yourself what "Expressing the Joy of God Creatively" is all about.
What's an Asbury Memorial service like?
Our services follow the typical order of worship most Protestant churches use. There are announcements, Scripture readings, corporate prayer, singing of hymns, an offertory with music, and a sermon (not always in the same order, so you won't be bored).
Any given Sunday can include special music, a soloist, liturgical dance, a puppet show by the Creative Kids — or something else not yet imagined! Fifth Sundays usually are "Music and Arts" Sundays, where the entire service revolves around hymn-singing, soloists, skits, and other forms of creative expressions of joy.
During Rev. Hester's summer sabbaticals, we have a roster of guest preachers that fill in. Their sermons are always welcomed — it's nice to hear their well-rounded perspectives on the universal message of Faith.
What about Sunday School and Wednesday nights?
At Asbury, we call our Sunday School "10 O'clock Hour." Fellowship and coffee time begins at 9:45a, as does the "Creative Kids" program for younger children. At 10:00a, there is a youth and adult program. Each week, they "talk the Faith" with various facilitators, videos, and group discussions. 10 O'clock Hour takes a break during the summer months. "Our Time," a group for parents with young children, meet on 1st and 3rd Sundays during the 10 O'clock Hour.
In the fall and in the spring, we have Wednesday Night Suppers, followed by programs for adults, youth, and kids. Dinner service begins at 5:45p and ends around 6:30p. You can order the complete meal with small salad, or a large salad only — both come with bread and an assortment of yummy desserts, made fresh by our Asbury volunteer cooks. Cost is $7 per adult and $7 per child, with a maximum per family of $28.
Elsewhere on this site, you can see the
menu for each supper in the current Wednesday Night Supper season, as well as make your reservation for any and all of them. Please make your reservation by noon on Mondays, as we need to make sure that we have enough food for everyone who is coming.
After supper, programs for children, youth, and adults begin at 6:30p. The Choir also rehearses at 6:30p, except for their month off during the summer.
What's the music like?
Asbury uses a wide variety of music in its worship services. There are traditional hymns, many of which will be familiar to most everyone (and Asburians do love to sing!). In addition, we often have special music provided by the Choir or one of our many-talented church family. On occasion, we'll have guest performers from outside the church (for example, we have had beautiful solos from Savannah VOICE Festival participants). And, each October, Asbury hosts its
"God on Broadway" Worship Series, where each Sunday's service revolves around the music and message of a Broadway musical — services not to be missed!
How do people dress?
Asbury is very relaxed. We have no expectations for how those attending should dress. Some folks choose to wear dressier outfits (suits and ties or "Sunday-go-to-Meeting" dresses and fancy hats). Others choose jeans, polo shirts, casual dresses, or shorts. The main thing we want is for people to feel comfortable at our services — the old expression, "Come as you are," summarizes our thoughts well.
What about my kids?
Asbury provides a nursery for infants and preschool children during every service, and we encourage parents to use the nursery when appropriate. Your children will be well cared for, allowing you to relax and enjoy worshipping with us.
We also have Children's Church for K-3rd Grade and 4th-6th Grade. Children's Church begins right before the sermon each Sunday, when the children are excused from the service. They go to their classrooms on the 2nd floor of the administration wing with their adult leaders. After the service, we ask that you pick them up from their classrooms before going to the Social Hall for fellowship and refreshments.
May I take Communion?
Asbury celebrates the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. We believe that Holy Communion is the joyful feast of the people of God, remembering Christ's total and unconditional love for us and our fellowship and reconciliation with Him.
We believe that it is God’s table, not the table of Asbury Memorial Church. Everyone has been invited to the banquet by the Lord. If you’d like to receive the Communion elements, you are welcome to participate.
We offer gluten-free bread for those who desire it. If you’re unable to come forward, but would like to receive the elements where you are seated, simply inform an usher. We’ll be glad to bring the elements to you.
After receiving the elements, feel free to stay and pray at the altar. Those who desire to give to the Emergency Fund, which Asbury maintains to help those in need, may leave their gift at the altar.
Where do I park?
Asbury has a large parking area immediately behind the church building, bounded by Ott Street, Duffy Street, and Waters Avenue. Additional parking is across Ott Street in the large, grassy area closest to Ott; please do not park in the far side of that lot, as another church uses that area for their parking. On-street parking is available on most streets in our neighborhood. Please observe any no-parking signs, and do not block driveways.
Important: the small parking lot beside the church on Henry Street is not available for Asbury parking. It is owned by the church across Henry at the corner of Ott. Please do not park there.
