The guest preacher for this Sunday was Rabbi Robert Haas. Rabbi Haas is a native of McAllen, Texas. He holds a BS from the University of Texas at Austin, and he attended Hebrew Union College, receiving his rabbinic ordination in 2002. After spending a year of service in Africa, Rabbi Haas came to Savannah four years ago to be the 14th spiritual leader of Congregation Mickve Israel, one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States. Billy is honored to consider Rabbi Haas as a good friend—they have collaborated on Savannah Gathering interfaith events for several years.
MINISTERS:
Rabbi Robert Haas
Rev. Jan Durham
PRODUCTION:
Videographer: Patrick Prokop
Video Editor:Â Patrick Prokop
Audio: Wesley Hester
Lighting: Stephen Butler
FLOWERS FOR THE SERVICE:
The flowers for the service were given in honor of Joe Richards and Monica Mathias' 25th wedding anniversary./p>
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC: "Joyful, Joyful We Adore You"
Duet for Piano and Organ
Pianist: Ray Ellis
Organist: Kay Deffley
SERMON: "When is it alright to hate?"
In his sermon, Rabbi Robert Haas of Congregation Mickve Israel tells the congregation that the opposite of "hate" in Jewish culture is not "love," but "respec.t" He counsels us to overcome our tendency to hate others by respecting them instead. His sermon is filled with humor, as it always is when he participates in our Summer Preaching Series.
Scripture:Â Numbers 27:4 [NIV Translation; others available at the link]
OFFERTORY: "The Ballad of Love and Hate"
Music and Lyrics by: The Avett Brothers
Vocalists: Gary Shelby and Mandy Madson
Harmonica: Gary Shelby
Guitar: David Alley
Lyrics (PDF)
We hope you feel blessed by this service!