MINISTERS:
Rev. Billy Hester
Rev. Grady Mills
MUSICIANS:
Piano:Â Ray Ellis
Organ: Mary Alice Garvin
Keyboard: Rhonda Bruckman
Percussion: David Alley
PRODUCTION:
Videographer:Â Patrick Prokop
Video Editor:Â Patrick Prokop
Audio: Wesley Hester
Lighting:Â Barry Parker
FLOWERS FOR THE SERVICE:
The flowers for the service were given by Kathy & Preston Hodges to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!
SPECIAL THANKS:
Every Sunday at Asbury, there are people who work behind the scenes to help make the day so meaningful and wonderful for us and our visitors. We thank those unsung heroes of faith — our Hospitality Team, our Ushers and Greeters, our Nursery Workers, and our Children's Church Teachers.
PIANO DUET FOR FOUR HANDS: "America the Beautiful"
Pianists: Ray Ellis and Rhonda Bruckman
NATIONAL ANTHEM: "The Star-Spangled Banner" OFFERTORY: "Waitin' for the Light to Shine," from "Big River" SERMON: "Finding Your Redemption" FINAL HYMN and BENEDICTION
Sung a Capella by the Asbury Memorial UMC Choir
Words by: Francis Scott Key
Music by: John Stafford Smith
Arranged by: Russell Robinson
Director: Ray Ellis
Written by: Roger Miller
Arranged by: Linda Spevacek
Director: Ray Ellis
Piano: Ray Ellis
Soloist: Jo Poston
The Rev. Billy Hester bases his sermon on verses from Paul's letters to the Galatians and the Ephesians, which talked about the freedom that comes to us as a gift of God through Christ by Grace. He relates it to the freedom we celebrate on July 4th, which must be fought for and defended. God's Grace leads to true freedom, which leads to love.
Scripture:Â Galatians 5:1-6, 13-14; Ephesians 2:1-8 [NIV Translation; others available at the link]
Audio Version (mp3)
The Asbury Congregation sometimes sings the hymn, "Amazing Grace," to the tune of "The House of the Rising Sun," a traditional folk song. On his last Sunday before his summer break, Rev. Billy Hester sings "The House of the Rising Sun" before the congregation sang "Amazing Grace," followed by the Benediction, after which Preston Hodges said a few words of appreciation for our wonderful minister.
We hope you feel blessed by this service!