Weekly Update // Pastor Will

Hi friends,

My heart is so full. Sunday was an incredible day, filled with so many meaningful moments that blew my family and me away. From the music to the sharing, the hugs, the cards, the gifts, the well-wishes, and everything in between — it was a day I’ll never forget, because Asbury is a church I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for loving me and my family so incredibly well.

I also wanted to share a quick note about the song we closed the service with. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was originally written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the Broadway musical Carousel in 1945. It was later made popular by Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1963. Around that time, the DJ at Liverpool Football Club — my favorite team (and yes, the team who won the league this year 🙂) — started playing the song before matches. Fans connected deeply with the lyrics, and it became their anthem. To this day, it’s sung at the beginning and end of every game, even in defeat.

While I love hearing it at football matches, what moves me most are the Christian themes woven into it — hope, perseverance, presence in suffering, and the strength of community. I think of how God walks with us through the wind and the rain, just as the song says. I’m also reminded of Hebrews 12 and the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us. The song brings my father to mind especially — it’s a powerful reminder of him and of God’s faithful presence.

So yes, there are many layers to why that song is so special to me, and why I was so deeply moved when it was sung as a surprise at the end of the service. If you have a moment, search “Anfield You’ll Never Walk Alone” on YouTube — you’ll see thousands of fans singing it together, some through tears, and you’ll get a sense of just how much it means to so many people.

Alicia also wanted to share a quick word of thanks, included here: “Asbury has been more than a church to us, it has been family. Thank you for loving us so deeply and walking beside us through so many seasons of life. Your kindness, faithfulness, and joy have left a lasting mark on our hearts. We are heartbroken to be leaving, but forever grateful for the way you’ve made us feel at home.

With love and gratitude,
Alicia Kendust”

Thank you, Asbury, for everything. It’s not so much goodbye, it’s see ya’ll later.

Pastor Will