November 26, 2022

 

Tomorrow is the start of a new liturgical year! I hope you will be able to join us as we begin the Advent Journey together. The theme and goal for this year's Advent season are one and the same: "Shalom". Shalom is a Hebrew word that carries with it a bevy of meanings. It can be used idiomatically to mean both "hello" and "goodbye." But for Advent, we will focus on its other meanings: peace, harmony, completeness, wholeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. 

I can't think of anything we need more in our world...and in our relationships...and in our individual lives...than Shalom. 

One of our great traditions at Asbury is closing every worship service by singing the refrain of the song, Here I Am, Lord. But for the Advent season, we'll be doing something a little different. During Advent, we'll be closing each service with a song called, Shalom Chaverim. It's number 667 in our hymnals. The words are: 

 

 

 

Here are links that will take you to sites that offer the tune and words to the song...so you can be familiar with it. As you will see, it's one of those tunes that sticks with you.

 

Since tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent and the start of the new liturgical year, we will be celebrating Holy Communion. Due to health concerns, we will still be using the "Communion Kits." However, we want to give you the opportunity to come forward to the altar for prayer. So tomorrow, you will come to the front of the sanctuary to receive your Communion Kits instead of receiving them when you enter the sanctuary.

We will be continuing our Advent tradition of giving you a strip of cloth to have with you throughout the season. The cloth represents the Shalom (the peace) we all desire and work for as we carry the light and love of Christ.

For those who were not able to be at church last week on Commitment Sunday, you can still place your Pledge Card in the basket that will be at the front of the altar. 

So when we get to that point in the service when you come forward to the alar, there will be three things to think about: Holy Communion, strips of cloth, and the basket for Pledge Cards.

If you are not able to come forward and would like to receive Communion and a strip of cloth, we will be able to bring the elements to you where you are sitting.

For those who are worshipping online, I encourage you to have juice or water and bread with you so you can participate with us. Also, plan on having a strip of cloth too.

Last Sunday during the worship service, we experienced a powerful spokesperson for love and justice as Zander Moricz was able to be with us while he was visiting Savannah. Zander had hoped to be able to stay and be with us at Coffee Hour to answer questions, but he had to leave for another appointment right after the worship service. He encouraged us to send you his email address so you could contact him if you had questions. If you do contact Zander, please let him know how much it meant to have him at church with us last Sunday. 

His email address is: zandermoricz@gmail.com 

Be sure to read the monthly newsletter that's found on our web site. It is filled with lots of good information...and pictures! During the week, the December Newsletter will be posted. Included is news and information for both the Asbury Campus and the Wesley Oak Campus.

Thursday, December 1 - The Grief Support Group, 6:00 pm

Sunday, December 4 - Church Christmas Party, 6:00 pm

Monday, December 5 - JUST Annual Assembly, 7:00 pm

Tuesday, December 6 - Congregational Church Meeting, 6:30 pm

Friday, December 9 - Parents Night Out, 5:30 pm

Love, Peace, & Blessings,
Billy