Meet THE PASTOR

Pastor Michael A. Parker, II

The Reverend Michael Anthony Parker, II is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Reverend Parker is a proud graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he majored in Vocal Music with an emphasis on classical voice and opera. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Coppin State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary. In addition, Reverend Parker is a Master Mason of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.

Pastor P, as he is affectionately called, accepted his call to ministry at 16 years old and from that time has committed himself to living out his call however and wherever God desires. An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, Pastor P currently serves as Senior Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Maryland, the oldest African American church in the state’s capitol. Under pastoral appointment in The United Methodist Church since 2012, Pastor P has served the Church in a variety of ways and places. Prior to leading Asbury Church, Pastor P served as the lead pastor of Journey United Methodist Church in Temple Hills, MD; Bells United Methodist Church in Camp Springs, MD; United Methodist Church of the Redeemer in Temple Hills, MD; St. John United Methodist Church in Pumphrey, MD; Ames United Methodist Church in Bel Air, MD; St. James United Methodist Church in Jarrettsville, MD; Tabernacle United Methodist Church and New Beginnings Fellowship United Methodist Church, both in Fallston, MD.

Reverend Parker’s ministry beyond the local church includes serving on several boards, agencies, and committees within The United Methodist Church and in the greater community. He has been blessed to preach and teach across denominational, racial, and geographical lines.

Embracing John Wesley’s thought that “the world is my parish” and aiming to live out the words of Isaiah 61:4, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruin cities that have been devastated for generations,” Reverend Parker’s aim is to bring God glory in all he does and to be a vessel through which God can transform lives.

Join Us Live at 11:00 AM Every Sunday!

Currently we offer a hybrid worship experience that includes in-person worship and Zoom options. Please contact the church office if you’d like to receive the link for Sunday’s service using the button below.

Welcome To Asbury UMC!

 

If you love the great hymns of Christian tradition, gospel music sung with great passion, liturgy (sometimes with a twist), biblical preaching, and, most important, warm, friendly, down-to-earth folks, welcome, we’re glad you’ve found us! Whether you’re visiting our fascinating town, new to the area, or just curious about who we are, Welcome!

We are known to many as “Mother Asbury”, the progenitor of several other African-American congregations in the area. However, we are more than our storied history. We are also a vibrant part of 21st century Annapolis. We are an open, affirming group of people who love Jesus and love our neighbors. All are welcome here.

We have a small but committed staff and leadership team who make big things happen to benefit our community. Whether it’s our partnership with local arts organizations, working with agencies that support healing and hope for the disadvantaged, or providing space for meetings, gatherings and events, they support and resource with kindness and efficiency.

Our church’s mission and vision statements say it all. We are geographically and spiritually rooted in the heart of Annapolis. We build, create and share, and provide help and hope -- all to the glory of a loving God.

We are part of The United Methodist Church. Our region is the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference which includes Washington, DC, all of Maryland except the Eastern Shore, and the panhandle of West Virginia.

As part of the United Methodist Church we seek to fulfill the denomination’s mission: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

 

Our Church History

Asbury United Methodist Church was officially established in 1838. That makes us the oldest African-American congregation in the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. To learn more about the history of our church, visit our church history page.

FAQs

  • Our church has many ministries that allow our members to find a way for themselves to serve both our church and our surrounding community. For more information on our ministries, continue reading below or visit our ministries page.

  • We are a traditional congregation in many ways so you might find ladies in their ‘Sunday best’ with magnificent matching hats. Many gents wear suits and ties. However, you’ll also see ladies in pantsuits, younger folks in jeans, fellows in casual attire. It’s all here. We welcome all!

  • On Sundays parking is free until 2:00 PM in the Larkin Street lot directly, catty-corner to our rear lot, as well as the Calvert Street Garage (19 St. Johns Street, Annapolis, MD), a roughly 8-minute walk. See an usher for a ticket for the Calvert Street Garage.

  • You’ll be greeted when you arrive and directed to the main sanctuary which is near the West Street entrance, and not too many steps from the rear (Larkin Street) entrance. Our ushers are available to assist you.

  • You are welcome here. We’re delighted you’ve decided to join us. Please make yourself at home and enjoy our hospitality.

  • At this time there is no nursery or child care provision at Asbury. A number of years ago the congregation decided they wanted children to grow up in worship with their families and extended family members. This served the congregation well for many years but we are now considering having care available for babies and toddlers. If you’d like to voice support for that, please contact us.

Have a question we didn’t answer?

Visit Us

87 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

 

Contact us

The leadership at Asbury UMC welcomes any messages or questions from both current members and guests. If you need to get in touch with us, please use the contact form here and someone will be in touch shortly.

1asbury@verizon.net
(410) 268-9500

87 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401