Advent/Christmas
Saturday, December 13, meet at Asbury at 2:30 PM
Add your voice in spreading some Christmas cheer! Be ready to sing well-loved carols to the shut-ins and homebound of the Asbury community. After meeting at Asbury at 2:30 PM, the group will split up to visit different home of the Asbury community before reconnecting to carol together at Luther Crest. Caroling is scheduled to take place until 5:30 PM. Anyone is welcome! Questions? Please contact Pastor Rick Brown at rbrown@asburylv.org.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at our Drive-Through Live Nativity!
Through stations located around Asbury’s parking lots, you’ll take the journey to the manger, culminating in the birth of Jesus. You’ll experience the words of the prophets welcoming in and prophesying about the coming Messiah, the angels singing to the unsuspecting shepherds, who, themselves, are excited to go to Bethlehem to see the Good News the angels sang of, and the manger where Mary and Joseph adore Jesus, who has come to earth.
Entrance will be into the second floor parking lot off of Springhouse Road (the entrance is just off of the intersection of Springhouse Road and Walbert Avenue).
All are invited!
A free-will donation will be accepted to support the Refugee Community Center at Church of the Mediator in Allentown.
| Christmas 2025 |
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Thursday, December 18, 7 PM, in the Sanctuary
Led by Rev. Evelyn Stupp, Asbury’s Pastor of Bereavement and Care Ministries, we’ll gather to experience God’s hope and healing in the midst of grief, relationship/job loss, or other life transitions/events that weigh us down. The service will include hymns and special music, scripture and reflection, prayers, and candle lighting. All are welcome.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at our Drive-Through Live Nativity!
Through stations located around Asbury’s parking lots, you’ll take the journey to the manger, culminating in the birth of Jesus. You’ll experience the words of the prophets welcoming in and prophesying about the coming Messiah, the angels singing to the unsuspecting shepherds, who, themselves, are excited to go to Bethlehem to see the Good News the angels sang of, and the manger where Mary and Joseph adore Jesus, who has come to earth.
Entrance will be into the second floor parking lot off of Springhouse Road (the entrance is just off of the intersection of Springhouse Road and Walbert Avenue).
All are invited!
A free-will donation will be accepted to support the Refugee Community Center at Church of the Mediator in Allentown.
This Christmas season, join us as we celebrate the gift of hope!
It’s tradition. The Christmas movies we watch every year bring us back to the joy and hope and laughter we long for. This sermon series is about remembering the greatest Story ever told through some great Christmas movie classics.
Saturday, December 6, 4 PM – 6 PM
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at our Drive-Through Live Nativity!
Through stations located around Asbury’s parking lots, you’ll take the journey to the manger, culminating in the birth of Jesus.
Entrance will be into the second floor parking lot off of Springhouse Road (the entrance is just off of the intersection of Springhouse Road and Walbert Avenue).
All are invited!
A free-will donation will be accepted to support the Refugee Community Center at Church of the Mediator in Allentown.
Learn more by visiting asburylv.org/LiveNativity
Sunday, December 7, following 11 AM worship
TICKETS $10/EA; ON SALE SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 16, 23, and 30 BEFORE AND WORSHIP SERVICES
Women, don’t miss this opportunity to fellowship and celebrate the Christmas season! This year’s UWIF Christmas Luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 7 in the Wesley Center following the 11 AM worship service. Entertainment will be provided by a string quartet from Parkland High School. This annual luncheon is a great time for Asbury ladies and guests to enjoy fellowship, have a wonderful meal, and hear some delightful Christmas music – a great way to start the Christmas season!
Sunday, December 14, at 4 PM in the Sanctuary
Asbury’s Jubilation Ringers handbell choir is pleased to present their annual Christmas concert: “The Magic of Christmas.” Their guest artist this year is flute quintet “Finely Fluted.”
No tickets required. A free-will offering will be taken to defray expenses.
Advent service opportunity
Bless the less fortunate families in our community with gifts this Christmas. The counselor at our partner school, Ramos Elementary, has provided us with a list of families who could use help this Christmas. Learn how you can spread Christmas joy by visiting asburylv.org/RamosGifts.
Thursday, December 18, 7 PM, Sanctuary (and streaming at live.asburylv.org)
Led by Rev. Evelyn Stupp, Asbury’s Pastor of Bereavement and Care Ministries, Quiet Christmas is a gathering to experience God’s hope and healing in the midst of grief, relationship/job loss, or other life transitions/events that weigh us down. The service will include hymns and special music, scripture and reflection, prayers, and candle lighting. All are welcome.
In-person in the Sanctuary on December 23 at 6 PM and on December 24 at 1 PM, 3 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM
Services streamed live on December 23 at 6 PM and on December 24 at 1 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM at live.asburylv.org.
Learn more at asburylv.org/ChristmasEve.
Over 90% of families of attendees of Ramos Elementary School live below the poverty level; and teachers and counselors at Ramos have identified a few families in especially great need. Each Christmas, Asbury helps to spread Christmas cheer by supporting these families by helping to purchase gifts identified by the families with assistance from the counselor at Ramos.
ALL FAMILIES HAVE NOW BEEN “ADOPTED”!
Thank you for your generosity!
If you’ve signed up for a family, please remember the following:
——-
Use the form below to contact Dick McCreight, coordinator.
Thank you for helping to make these families’ Christmases brighter!
Don’t miss out an an opportunity to grow together with others this Advent season!
Registration for “Voices of Advent” small groups is open now!
In Voices of Advent, Matthew L. Skinner leads readers through biblical texts and explores how they shape our lives and Christmas celebrations. We listen as Jesus promises to return to us in the future, to John the Baptist as he prepares the way for the Messiah, to the faithful people and poets who anticipate the magnificence of Jesus’s birth, and to the angels and visionaries who praise God when Christmas dawns. Listen carefully to the Bible’s various perspectives that shape our preparations for Christmas; you’ll hear hope in all of them. Voices of Advent helps readers experience Advent not only as the start of the Christian Church Year, but also as the powerful overture that sets the tone for the incredible story of Jesus.
REGISTER NOW at asburylv.org/VoicesOfAdventStudy
The display of colorful poinsettias in the Sanctuary and throughout the building during the Christmas season is a tradition at Asbury. We invite you to be a part of this tradition by ordering a poinsettia in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. Learn more and place your order at asburylv.org/poinsettias. Orders due by Tuesday, December 9.
Sunday, December 14, at 4 PM in the Sanctuary
Asbury’s Jubilation Ringers handbell choir is pleased to present their annual Christmas concert: “The Magic of Christmas.” Their guest artist this year is flute quintet “Finely Fluted.”
No tickets required. A free-will offering will be taken to defray expenses.
About the Jubilation Ringers
The Jubilation Ringers make music on one of the world’s largest church-owned collection of bells and related instruments: seven full octaves of English handbells, two octaves of Silver Melody Bells, three octaves of Dutch handbells, and six octaves of handchimes. That is 220 instruments in all!
In addition to worship services and annual Christmas concerts at Asbury, the Jubilation Ringers have offered music at other church services, handbell festivals, weddings, and formal concert engagements both in the Lehigh Valley and out of state.
Rehearsals for volunteers for the Drive-Through Live Nativity (December 6) are being held on November 12 and December 3, both from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, beginning in the Worship Center.
The volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
Acting – shepherds, Mary & Joseph
Carolers/Singers – heavenly host/angels
Traffic Directors
Hospitality – cookie makers, internal hospitality for those acting and singing outside, folks to hand out the goodie bags with invitations to Christmas Eve services and other upcoming Advent/January events
Runners/Troubleshooters – folks to help with anything else that comes up
THERE’S STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER! Please contact Pastor Rick Brown, Asbury’s Associate Pastor, at rbrown@asburylv.org to volunteer or with questions.
Learn more about this special event and how you can help at asburylv.org/LiveNativity.
Asbury’s Quiet Christmas Service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary and streaming at live.asburylv.org. Led by Rev. Evelyn Stupp, Asbury’s Pastor of Bereavement and Care Ministries, we’ll gather to experience God’s hope and healing in the midst of grief, relationship/job loss, or other life transitions/events that weigh us down. The service will include hymns and special music, scripture and reflection, prayers, and candle lighting. All are welcome.
Facilitators are needed for this upcoming Advent study, beginning in late November, based on the book Voices of Advent.
In Voices of Advent, Matthew L. Skinner leads readers through biblical texts and explores how they shape our lives and Christmas celebrations. We listen as Jesus promises to return to us in the future, to John the Baptist as he prepares the way for the Messiah, to the faithful people and poets who anticipate the magnificence of Jesus’s birth, and to the angels and visionaries who praise God when Christmas dawns. Listen carefully to the Bible’s various perspectives that shape our preparations for Christmas; you’ll hear hope in all of them. Voices of Advent helps readers experience Advent not only as the start of the Christian Church Year, but also as the powerful overture that sets the tone for the incredible story of Jesus.
WILLING TO FACILITATE A GROUP? Visit asburylv.org/VoicesOfAdventStudy to let us know!
This Christmas, join us as we remember the baby that was sent to offer us new life. With a full slate of service styles – featuring well-loved carols and modern songs – and a message about the unexpected elements of Christmas, we’ll celebrate the birth of our Savior.
in the Sanctuary; all services feature candlelighting
6 PM Contemporary Worship
featuring music led by Asbury’s Praise Band†
1 PM Contemporary Worship
featuring music led by Asbury’s Praise Band†
3 PM Service led by Children and Youth
led by the children and youth of Asbury*
7 PM Traditional Worship
featuring the Chancel Choir†
9 PM Traditional Worship
featuring a soloist leading the singing of beloved carols†
† message: “Christmas at the Movies: From Scrooge to Ebenezer” (Pastor Eric)
* message: [TBA] (Pastor Rick)
December 23: 6 PM // December 24: 1 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM
at live.asburylv.org.
the final message of the “Christmas at the Movies” sermon series
It’s tradition. The Christmas movies we watch every year bring us back to the joy and hope and laughter we long for. Join us for the conclusion of this sermon series about remembering the greatest Story ever told through some great Christmas movie classics.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at our Drive-Through Live Nativity!
Through stations located around Asbury’s parking lot, you’ll take the journey to the manger, culminating in the birth of Jesus. You’ll experience the words of the prophets welcoming in and prophesying about the coming Messiah, the angels singing to the unsuspecting shepherds, who, themselves, are excited to go to Bethlehem to see the Good News the angels sang of, and the manger where Mary and Joseph adore Jesus, who has come to earth.
Entrance will be into the second floor parking lot off of Springhouse Road (the entrance is just off of the intersection of Springhouse Road and Walbert Avenue).
All are invited!
A free-will donation will be accepted to support the Refugee Community Center at Church of the Mediator in Allentown.
We’re currently seeking volunteers to assist with this event!
The initial volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
Please contact Pastor Rick Brown, Asbury’s Associate Pastor, at rbrown@asburylv.org to volunteer or with questions.
The final gift from Asbury’s 2024 Christmas Eve offering to the work of translating the Old Testament into the Awa Pit language was $16,993. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the missionary work of Kevin and Kathy Bruce in Ecuador through this offering!
ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING AT ASBURY CHURCH
Each year, Asbury Church donates the offering collected on Christmas Eve to a mission partner. The following is a list of recent recipients:
2023: Mobility Worldwide ($16,426)
2022: Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania ($23,543.11)
2021: Afghan Refugees (Split between UMCOR and Bethany Christian Services) ($19,187)
2020: Salem Food Pantry (over $17,000)
2019: Healthy Women, Healthy Liberia (Dr. Chris Hena) (50% of the offering, $5,301)
2018: Youth P.E.A.C.E. Ministries (50% of the offering, $6,151)
2017: Through These Hands (60% of the offering, $6,867.00)
Join us this Christmas Eve as we celebrate the seemingly random elements that God used to usher in a new hope: the birth of a Savior!
We’ll be celebrating with services in the Sanctuary at 1 PM (Contemporary), 3 PM (Children’s and Youth), 7 PM (Traditional), and 9 PM (Traditional). The 1 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM services will be streamed live at live.asburylv.org.
Visit asburylv.org/ChristmasEve to learn more about the services and message.
THANK YOU!
Gifts were delivered on Monday, December 16 to a very grateful staff at Ramos, who will facilitate distribution to families. Thank you for your generosity!
Over 90% of families of attendees of Ramos Elementary School live below the poverty level; and teachers and counselors at Ramos have identified a few families in especially great need. Each Christmas, Asbury helps to spread Christmas cheer by supporting these families by helping to purchase gifts identified by the families with assistance from the counselor at Ramos.
The Awa are an indigenous people of Ecuador with their own language and culture. Asbury mission partners Kevin and Kathy Bruce have served as missionaries in Ecuador for close to 30 years, ministering there about the Good News of Jesus. While they have a translation of the New Testament into the native Awa Pit language, the Old Testament has yet to be translated in full. This crucial ministry and teaching aid can become a reality with your help.
Your contributions this Christmas Eve will help to fund the staffing of Awa translation helpers, technical support for the project, including computers, and, eventually, the cost of publication as the books of the Old Testament are translated.
This Christmas Eve, 100% of Asbury’s Christmas Eve offering will be donated to this vital project. Your contributions can help to spread the word of God!
Kevin & Kathy Bruce are church planting across the mountains of Ecuador.
Read their blog: mountainmissionary.info
Learn about additional ways to support them: lmusa.org/kk-bruce
Each year, Asbury finds a mission partner to support through the Christmas Eve offering. In 2023, $16,426 – 100% of the Christmas Eve offering – was donated to Mobility Worldwide, an amount that covered the cost of 38 handcarts for those in developing nations with limited mobility. Past recipients include the Second Harvest Food Bank, UMCOR, Bethany Christian Services, the Salem Food Pantry, Healthy Women, Healthy Liberia, Youth PEACE Ministries, Through These Hands, missionaries Kevin and Kathy Bruce for a church in Ecuador, Cookson Hills Center in Oklahoma, Ramos Elementary for a playground, and the community of Yarpuah, Liberia, to build their first clean-water well,
a campaign designed to help close the kindness and justice gap in our country
