1st Sunday after Pentecost — 64th (last?) Online Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic
We will resume in-person services on June 6, 2021 — still being "Little Christs" in the world.
We extend a cordial welcome to each person worshipping with us online. We realize that during this time of separation, it is critical for us to be connected. We hope the service will leave you feeling renewed, fulfilled, and challenged. God bless you all!
The flowers for the service were given in in memory of “my mom and dad”, Kathryn and Broward Hunter. — Thomas Hunter and Robert McEwen
Special Thanks:
Every Sunday during this period of virtual services due to the pandemic, there are people who work behind the scenes to help make the service meaningful and wonderful for all of us and our online visitors. We thank those heroes of our faith — videographers, video editors, sound editors, and font editors.
Licensing
Copyright License #2291323 Streaming License #20116968 Short clips in our services used in compliance with Fair Use.
Worship Service Video (synopsis below)
NOTE: If you are watching this video after its premier, the service begins around the 13 minute mark with the Asbury Memorial steeple and courtyard and the "magic doors". We suggest that you listen to the music for a while to prepare your hearts and minds for worship.
SYNOPSIS
ANTHEM: "The Star Spangled Banner", words by Frances Scott Key, music by John Stafford Smith, arraigned by Russell Robinson. Sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir. Directed by Ray Ellis. [Recorded: July 5, 2015].
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rev. Billy Hester
CALL TO WORSHIP: Rev. Billy Hester
HYMN: "How Great Thou Art" led by Rev. Billy Hester. Piano: Ray Ellis. Organ: Kay Deffley.
TRIBUTE TO THE CLASS OF 2021 — Chris Kinkade
REMEMBERING OUR STRETCHERS (Segments every Sunday, April through May, 2020): * Inaugural stretch: Cheri Hester [4/5/2020] * Cheri Hester as the Easter Bunny [4/12/2020] * Wendell Hester as an Atlanta Braves player [4/19/2020] * Iain Armitage, Sheldon Cooper of "Young Sheldon" [4/26/2020] * Jayne Atkinson, TV and Broadway actress [5/3/2020] * Wendell Hester as King George in the musical Hamilton [5/10/2020] (not needed because the "real" King George, Euan Morton, leads the stretches) * Robert Cuccioli, Broadway star of Jekyll and Hyde [5/17/2020] * Asburian Nico Meraz, from Camp Arifjanin, Kuwait [5/24/2020] * Asburians Barb and Chris Gooby (Tyrannosaurus Rex Dinosaurs) [5/31/2020] * Asburian Linda Socks, fitness trainer [6/7/2020] * Armand Turner, representing the YMCA's REACH (Racial and ethnic approaches to community heath) program at Healthy Savannah [6/14/2020] * Asburian Tim Steinhauser as Elvis Pressley [6/21/2020] * Asburian Virginia Holliday, Asbury's Main Star [6/28/2020] * Rabbi Robert Hass as Cotton-Top [7/5/2020] * Ryan McCurdy and Kelsey Sheppard from a Manhattan rooftop [7/12/2020] * Linda Socks, fitness trainer [7/19/2020] * Asbury Memorial's matron saint, Virginia Holliday [7/26/2020] * Grand Exit: Rabbi Robert Haas as Cotton-Top
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD'S PRAYER: Rev. Bob Chvatal
HYMN: "Give Thanks" — Piano and vocal leader: Ray Ellis Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong”; Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us."
SERMON: "With a Grateful Heart" — Rev. Billy Hester Billy expresses his gratitude for all personal gifts offered by members and friends of Asbury Memorial Church during the pandemic while filming virtual services.
INVITATION FOR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: "Jesus Loves Me"
OFFERTORY: "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?” by Joel Raney. Sung by Asbury Memorial Choir. Piano: Ray Ellis. Assistant to Ray: Randy Canady. [Recorded: June 30, 2019]
DOXOLOGY
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: Rev. Bob Chvatal
PREPARING FOR NEXT SUNDAY: Rev. Billy Hester
BENEDICTION: Rev. Billy Hester
CHORAL RESPONSE: "Here I Am, Lord", led by Cheri Hester
POSTLUDE: “He Never Failed Me Yet" Sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir and congregation, with guest soloist Kate Jacobson. Directed by Ray Ellis. Piano: Kay Deffley. Assistant to Kay: Randy Canady. [Recorded: May 13, 2018].
TAG: Outtakes and Bloopers from the pandemic online services recording sessions.
