Worship, serve, and grow with us this holiday season!
November 30 - December 24
“The Courage of Christmas” explores how the familiar figures of Luke 1–2 stepped into God’s unfolding story with brave, faithful hearts. From Zechariah daring to believe again, to Elizabeth breaking tradition, to Mary’s bold yes, to Joseph’s costly obedience, each person shows that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s trusting God when the path is uncertain. Even the shepherds embody this Advent courage as they move from terror to testimony. This series invites us to discover how the same courage can shape our own steps of faith today. Join us in worship Sundays at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
December 18-20
Asbury is proud to host Papa J’s Workshop – a Grace Klein Community event where parents in need can get gifts for their children. There are three ways to help: donate toys this week; help sort toys on Dec. 18 after 2:00 p.m. or anytime Dec. 19; or serve at Asbury’s hot cocoa station on Dec. 20 (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).
December
Embrace Alabama Kids began over 130 years ago as an orphanage. Today, the organization is one of the state’s most comprehensive and vital resources serving babies, children, youth, teen mothers, college students and families. Thanks for remembering Embrace Alabama Kids in your giving this Christmas.
December 11
Families of those caring with dementia or memory loss can enjoy a casual, zero-expectation worship service with their loved ones on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m.
December 14
Kindergarten-fifth graders with Asbury KiDS will carol their way through the Adult Ministry wing singing carols loud for all to hear on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9:45 a.m.
December 14
Enjoy Christmas music at its finest. Asbury’s talented chancel choir and orchestra presents its Christmas Cantata on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Traditional worship led by Music Director Nancy Beard. The 11:00 a.m. service will be live streamed.
Dec. 17
Food, drinks, music, games, fellowship, and FUZZY SOCKS! It awaits middle and high school students at RESET’s Christmas Party, Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the youth space.
Dec. 21
Mary, Jospeh, the shepherds, angels, and wise men. Kindergarten-fifth graders with Asbury KiDS will retell the beloved Christmas story as part of Modern Worship on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 11:00 a.m. in Williams Chapel.
Dec. 21
Asbury’s Service of Loss and Light is a reflective Christmas service to acknowledge grief and find hope in community and the birth of our Savior. The service will be held on Dec. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Williams Chapel.
December 24
On Christmas Eve we celebrate the birth of our Savior! We offer several services, detailed below.
4:00 PM: Modern Worship with contemporary carols and Asbury KiDS Choir. Led by Rev. Robert Mercer.
4:00 PM: Traditional Worship with Asbury KiDS and Chancel Choirs. Led by Rev. Mike Holly.
8:00 PM: Traditional Worship featuring a string quartet and soloists. Led by Rev. Mike Holly.
11:00 PM: Contemplative Traditional Worship with soloists. Led by Rev. Robert Mercer.
December 25
Merry Christmas! Join us virtually for a Christmas Day celebration featuring a message from Rev. Robert Mercer and a beloved carol by Asbury and select Birmingham Boys Choir musicians! Look for the greeting on YouTube @asburybham.
We're Grateful for Your Generosity!
As we approach the end of the year, we give heartfelt thanks for your generosity and the many ways you support Asbury UMC. If you plan to make a year-end contribution, please keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure your gift qualifies as a 2025 tax-deductible donation:
BY MAIL
Mailed contributions must be postmarked no later than December 31 to count as a 2025 gift. Our mailing address is 6690 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242.
IN PERSON
If you wish to drop off your contribution, the church office will be open December 29, 30, and 31 from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. You may also place your donation in the secure drop box outside Williams Chapel.
ONLINE GIVING
Online gifts must be entered before midnight (CST) on December 31 at asburybham.org/give.
STOCK GIFTS
Stock transfers must be completed before the stock market closes at 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, December 31. Please notify Finance Director Leah Gardner by 2:00 p.m. with the details of your transaction and to confirm instructions.
Thank you again for your faithful generosity. Every gift—large or small—helps us continue the ministry God has entrusted to us.