ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH TO WELCOME LGBTQ+ ACTIVIST ZANDER MORICZ – NOV. 20

11/22

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 16, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church will welcome viral LGBTQ+ activist Zander Moricz at 1008 E. Henry St., Savannah on Sunday, November 20 at 11:15 a.m. He will participate in the church’s Sunday worship service.

Moricz first gained a following when his Sarasota high school “I have curly hair” commencement speech went viral. At only 18 years old, he is the youngest plaintiff ever against the State of Florida in the “Don’t Say Gay” lawsuit.

“Having a public figure like Zander at Asbury Memorial will hopefully encourage others to visit as well,” said Reverend Billy Hester. “The church is not always perceived as welcoming for many people, but our doors are always open to any person who wishes to participate in a judgement free community seeking love, justice and compassion.”

Moricz will be in town November 18-20 for “The Zander Weekend” which includes a variety of paid and free events. His visit to Asbury Memorial will be the public’s last chance to see Moricz in Savannah as it will conclude his visit to the Hostess City.

Asbury Memorial Church, located at 1008 Henry Street, Savannah, GA, offers a weekly Sunday worship service at 11:15 a.m. They pride themselves on welcoming all people into their church, no matter their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status, or any other demographic. For more information on Asbury Memorial Church or to see other upcoming events, please visit https://www.asburymemorial.org/. 

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Beasley at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-417-5377 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH TO OFFER FREE WEEKLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS DEC. 1 – JAN. 12

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 15, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church (AMC) will host a weekly grief support group through Stephen Ministries every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. in Holliday Hall at AMC, located at 1008 E. Henry St., in Savannah.

This free support group will meet for seven weeks, starting Dec. 1, 2022, and ending Jan. 12, 2023. The first two sessions will be open to the public and the following sessions will be a closed group. Each session will be led by Reverend Holland Morgan, a retired bereavement counselor.

“The loss of a loved one is a heartbreaking experience and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with grief,” said Morgan. “I believe that the holiday season makes loss even harder because people will reminisce about previous years with their loved ones who are now gone. It’s never an easy time of year for a grieving person, which is why we are hosting our free support group.”

Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one in the last two years is welcome to attend this weekly grief support group. Reservations are required in advance to Candace Jenkins by emailing cjenkins@asburymemorial.com.

Stephen Ministries is a national ministry that certifies congregations throughout the nation to provide emotional and spiritual care to its members. Stephen Ministers come from many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but all have in common a heart for bringing Christ’s healing love to hurting people. Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak members are qualified Stephen Ministers.

Asbury Memorial Church, located at 1008 Henry Street, Savannah, Ga, offers a weekly Sunday worship service at 11:15 a.m. They pride themselves on welcoming all people into their church, no matter their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status, or any other demographic. For more information on Asbury Memorial Church or to see other upcoming events, please visit https://www.asburymemorial.org/. 

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Beasley at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH COMBINES THEATRE AND WORSIP IN THEIR ANNUAL GOD ON BROADWAY SERIES

10/22

SAVANNAH, GA – Sept. 19, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church (AMC) has unveiled the lineup for their highly anticipated God on Broadway worship series, which will take place at every Sunday worship service in October. These unique services will combine sermons and liturgy with the themes and characters from popular Broadway shows. Sunday worship services will begin at 11:15 a.m. at Asbury Memorial Church, located at 1008 E. Henry Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

God on Broadway will kick-off Sunday, Oct. 2 with Amadeus, followed by The Kite Runner on Oct. 9. The series will continue with The Play That Goes Wrong on Oct. 16, Dog Sees God on Oct. 23, and conclude with To Kill a Mockingbird on Oct. 30.

Under the direction of Minister of Music, Ray Ellis, the Asbury Choir will perform songs that match the themes of the shows and the scripture selected for that particular Sunday. The sermons, preached by senior pastor, Rev. Billy Hester, will be inspired by both the biblical texts and the plots of the shows.

“This worship series has become a tradition in our church that the congregation looks forward to every year,” said Rev. Hester.  “We have a great lineup prepared this year and I hope to see some new faces in the congregation.”

Rev. Hester and his wife, Cheri, have acting experience from both on and off Broadway and love using their talents and their former careers as actors to enhance the worship experience. God on Broadway has been a mainstay at the church since 2005 and, each year, is popular with people who appreciate this innovative approach to sharing the Gospel and Christ’s love.

Asbury Memorial is a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-inclusive congregating that celebrates the joy of God creatively and is committed to remaining a welcoming and affirming congregation for all. The God on Broadway series is free and open to the public. For more information or to view segments from past God on Broadway worship services, please visit the God on Broadway page at www.asburymemorial.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Beasley at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH TO SPONSOR “ADDICTIONS 911: CRISIS, RECOVERY & HOPE” EVENT – AUG. 20

SAVANNAH, GA. – August 16, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church, with the Clinton Foundation, is sponsoring an event to address the alarming substance use disorder situation in Savannah from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. “Addictions 911: Crisis, Recovery & Hope” will be held at the Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center (PARC), 425 Pennsylvania Ave., and is free to the community. For those who prefer, a livestreamed, online option will also be available on Asbury Memorial’s website, asburymemorial.org.

During this event, local experts will share information about the escalating substance abuse crisis in Savannah, provide information and resources for treatment and support, and educate addicts and those in their lives about how to remain recovery oriented with a positive mindset. There will be a NOVA film screening, panel discussion, and free hot lunch compliments of the Latin Chicks food truck. There will also be four raffle drawings open to both in-person and online attendees. Each winner will receive a $50 gift card.

“Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, and it’s important that people know that they aren’t alone, and help is available,” said Claire Marich, Asbury Memorial Church Associate Minister. “There aren’t enough opportunities for people to openly discuss substance abuse disorder, so community events like this one are important. I would like to invite everyone to attend this event, however you might be affected by addition or just to learn more about the current situation in Savannah. Everyone is welcome.”

Asbury Memorial Church, located at 1008 Henry Street, Savannah, Ga, offers a weekly Sunday worship service at 11:15 a.m. and members are committed to welcoming everybody into their church, no matter their age, gender, race, sexual orientation or economic status. For more information on Asbury Memorial Church or to see other upcoming events, please visit https://www.asburymemorial.org/. 

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Beasley at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-417-5377 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-417-LFPR (5377).

COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO RECOGNIZE NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH WITH ‘BEATING GUNS’ EVENT – JUNE 4

SAVANNAH, GA. – May 23, 2022 – The Savannah Alliance of Pastors, along with Asbury Memorial Church, Red Letter Christians, Moms Demand Action, and Full Circle Hospice Savannah, have partnered with activist and faith leader, Shane Claiborne to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Month with a ‘Beating Guns’ event. This community-wide event, supporting gun violence prevention awareness, will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at First African Baptist Church, 23 Montgomery Street (Franklin Square).

Savannah City Council, County Commissioner and District Attorney will be in attendance. The event will begin at the First African Baptist Church with a keynote address from Rev. Sharon Risher, whose family was killed in the 2015 Emanuel AME Church mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Attendees will then move to Franklin Square where the event will continue with local survivor testimonies accounting the tribulations of gun violence, spoken word performances from the youth of the Deep Center’s Block by Block program, musical performances by Huxsie Scott, and dance performances by the Royal Ambassadors. Gun violence survivors will be invited to transform a gun into a functioning garden tool with the help of a blacksmith.  

“The mission of this event is to address the proliferation of guns on our streets, to say that we can build better tools to live together harmoniously, to honor the victims, and to offer surviving family circles a therapeutic way to manifest their anger and grief over the loss of loved ones,” said Rev. Claire Marich, local ‘Beating Guns’ event coordinator and Asbury Memorial Church Associate Minister.

Attendees will be invited to interact with community partners during a meet-and-greet at the conclusion of the program. Grief counselors will be in attendance to assist those in need for the duration of this event. Those planning to attend the ‘Beating Guns’ event are encouraged to wear orange in support of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of gun violence and the need for peace in our community,” stated Rev. Marich. “It’s an honor to work alongside these activists, faith leaders, and community partners to present this important witness of hope in the face of ongoing gun violence.”

Community members will have the opportunity to hear from Claiborne again on Sunday, June 6 during the 11:15 a.m. worship service at Asbury Memorial Church, 1008 E Henry Street.

Claiborne brought this impactful event to cities across the nation, but this will be the first time ‘Beating Guns’ has taken place in Savannah. The ’Beating Guns’ initiative, stemming from a book by the same title written by Claiborne and Michael Martin, allows victims and perpetrators of gun violence to tell their own compelling stories, offering hope for change and helping reimagine the world as one that turns from death to life, where swords become plows and guns are turned into garden tools. 

 

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377). 

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH INTRODUCES NEW PROGRAMS (IN-PERSON AND ONLINE)

SAVANNAH, GA – February 21, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church has announced the return of its innovative Godly Play program for children attending church through the fifth grade, every Sunday during the church’s 11:15 a.m. worship service. Godly Play is based on Montessori principles and focuses clearly and deeply on children’s spirituality. This evolves, enhances, supports, and enlarges the quality of relationships in other activities for children and their families. The Godly Play Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 educational corporation created for the purpose of promoting and guiding Godly Play practice through research, training, and resources.

“We have missed offering children these special ways to experience God and the stories of the Bible, but now it’s back,” said Asbury Memorial Rev. Billy Hester.

Asbury Memorial has also introduced a new eight-week study which is hosted online, based on the Julia Cameron book titled, “Seeking Wisdom: A Spiritual Path to Greater Connection.” This study is facilitated by Rev. Claire Marich, and is offered via Zoom on Wednesday evenings. All are welcome to join the study and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others. 

Asbury Memorial Church is a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-embracing congregation that celebrates the joy of God creatively. For more information about Asbury Memorial, please visit www.asburymemorial.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com, Lesley Francis at lesley@leasleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

 ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH HOSTS RETURN OF VIRTUAL VALENTINE’S DAY MARRIAGE VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY 

SAVANNAH, GA – February 9, 2022 – Asbury Memorial Church will maintain its annual Valentine’s Day tradition of a vow renewal ceremony by once again offering a virtual ceremony. The tradition of inviting married couples to gather in downtown Savannah’s City Market began in 1996. The ceremony, led by Asbury Memorial’s Rev. Billy Hester and his wife Cheri, has always been free of charge for any married couple, resident, or visitors to the city alike.

“Cheri and I have enjoyed hosting this ceremony for over a quarter of a century,” said Rev. Hester. “We have been able to continue this tradition virtually due to COVID-19 precautions. Any married couple – gay or straight – who would like to renew their vows with us online, free of charge, is welcome to join us. While we will miss meeting people in person at City Market and hope to resume this next year, we are excited that our virtual platform allows people from all over the world to join us.”

This virtual celebration will take place at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Feb. 14. To join the Zoom Meeting utilize this link: https://zoom.us/j/9126951170  or meeting ID: 912 695 1170.  

Rev. Hester and his wife Cheri moved to Savannah in 1991 and worked with the congregation to rebuild Asbury Memorial into a church committed to leading the way as a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-inclusive congregation that celebrates the joy of God creatively and is a welcoming and affirming congregation for all.

For more information about Asbury Memorial Church or the virtual vow renewal ceremony, please visit www.asburymemorial.org. 

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com, Lesley Francis at lesley@leasleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377). 

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH INVITES SAVANNAH COMMUNITY TO WORKSHOP WITH PROMINENT AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST SHANE CLAIBORNE SUNDAY, DEC. 5

12/21

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH INVITES SAVANNAH COMMUNITY TO WORKSHOP WITH PROMINENT AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST SHANE CLAIBORNE SUNDAY, DEC. 5

12/21

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 16, 2021 – Asbury Memorial Church is slated to host best-selling author, speaker, and activist Shane Claiborne on Sunday, Dec 5. at Asbury Memorial Church, located at 1008 E. Henry St., Savannah. Claiborne will deliver his sermon, during Asbury Memorial’s 11:15 a.m. worship service before leading an afternoon workshop at 2:30 p.m. The wider Savannah community is encouraged to attend these inspiring events which are free and open to the public and there is plentiful parking available.

Claiborne speaks over one hundred times a year, spreading the Word of God at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe. His sermons focus on peace-making, social justice, and Christ. He has worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia, an organization supporting neighbors in building a neighborhood where everyone belongs and thrives. He is the co-founder of Red-Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” Claiborne is a champion for grace; leading him to advocate for the homeless in our jails, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion for ending the death penalty and help stop gun violence.

“We are excited about hosting Shane Claiborne at Asbury Memorial,” said Rev. Billy Hester. “We realize that people who attend other churches may not be able to hear him during our worship service, but we hope they will join us at the workshop that afternoon at 2:30 p.m.”

Claiborne has written numerous bestsellers, including Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow Me to Freedom, Jesus, Bombs and Ice Cream, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, Executing Grace, his classic The Irresistible Revolution, and his newest book, Beating Guns. He has been featured in many films including “Another World Is Possible” and “Ordinary Radicals.” His work has appeared in Esquire, SPIN, Christianity Today, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal, and he has been on many television channels across the world from Fox News and Al Jazeera to CNN and NPR. He’s given academic lectures at Harvard, Princeton, Liberty, Duke, and Notre Dame. To learn more about Claiborne, visit www.shaneclaiborne.com.

Asbury Memorial is a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-inclusive congregation that celebrates the joy of God creatively and is committed to remaining a welcoming and affirming congregation for all. For more information about Asbury staff and their worship services, please visit their website at www.asburymemorial.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES, ELLIE COVINGTON

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES, ELLIE COVINGTON

SAVANNAH, GA – September 16, 2021 – Asbury Memorial Church has welcomed a new member of their staff: Ellie Covington, the Director of Children and Family Ministries.

Covington has volunteered with All things Farmers Market, Loop it Up Savannah, River Keepers, Surf Rider, and eBird. She also graduated from Savannah State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and worked for the Georgia Shellfish Laboratory as a research technician. She now works for the United States Army of Engineers as an environmental planner.

“I love kids! I am looking forward to becoming part of the ministry team. This is an exciting time to re-connect and meet new families at Asbury and Wesley Oak!” Said Covington. “Sharing God’s love, creating care, and hearing what kids think about things always inspires and teaches me!”

The Director of Children and Family Ministries works to develop and nurture children in the Christian faith and build a strong sense of community among families, increasing the Church outreach and faith formation with families and children. This role focuses on implementing programs and empowering individuals to use and grow their gifts by volunteering time and resources to support children’s ministry.

“We welcome Ellie to our team with open arms and great enthusiasm. We are very much looking forward to the ways she is going to impact the children and families that are a part of our congregation,” said Rev. Hester. “We are very thankful for the ability to extend our staff and our message into molding the minds of these children.”

Asbury Memorial is a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-inclusive congregating that celebrates the joy of God creatively and is committed to remaining a welcoming and affirming congregation for all. For more information about Asbury staff and their worship services, please visit their website at www.asburymemorial.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETURN TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP ON JUNE 6

ASBURY MEMORIAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETURN TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP ON JUNE 6

SAVANNAH, GA – May 27, 2021 – As the Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to update its COVID-19 guidance for people who are fully vaccinated, Asbury Memorial Church has announced that it will reopen for in-person worship on Sunday, June 6. The church looks forward to welcoming back members and opening its sanctuary doors, located at 1008 E Henry Street.

Two services will be held each Sunday at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. and Asbury Memorial Church will continue to provide a virtual option with livestreamed services. 

“Our choir will not perform during in-person services initially, but they look forward to returning to Sunday Worship soon,” said Asbury Memorial Church Rev. Bill Hester. “We are thrilled to reopen our sanctuary doors and safely welcome back congregation members and guests alike to our in-person worship services.”

Those that are interested in attending Asbury Memorial Church’s in-person worship services are required to register either online at www.asburymemorial.org or by calling the church office at 912-233-4351.

Asbury Memorial is a Christ-centered, forward-thinking, all-inclusive congregation that celebrates the joy of God creatively and is committed to remaining a welcoming and affirming congregation for all.

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@leselyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457.