Weekly Update // Pastor Durwood

 Dear Asbury,

We get attached. I know that it is part of my DNA. As I shared a few weeks ago, Anne and I knew we would enjoy our time at Asbury and the opportunity to share with, and learn from, a new community. We just did not know that we would come to deeply love and cherish the family that is Asbury UMC. 

I shared with the staff this morning that they had become an important cog in that connection from day 1. What we have shared together as the team assembled to lead the ministry here has been life giving and renewing. Anne and I had both missed this connection for the past 8 years while I served as a superintendent.

Sunday will be a tough day for us. We drive away, though, with the love each of you have shared with our lives and we will carry you in our hearts. The scripture lesson is Exodus 14:10-15 - HEARING VOICES.

The best days for Asbury UMC are today and the days to come as you continue your journey as an authentic community of faith, built on the foundation of God’s love, hope, and grace. We will pray for you, for Pastor Will as he prepares to lead at Tuskawilla, and Pastors Emily and John as they become the next leaders of this marvelous faith community.

 I will always find joy in my heart when I think about Asbury. I’ll always include Asbury when someone asks what our favorite places have been. Each one of you have imprinted our heart with love and joy and we are so very grateful for having had this time together.

I do hope to see you all at one of our services at 9:30 and 11:00. If not in person, I hope you will join us online on YouTube or FaceBook.

May God continue to richly bless the ministry and mission of Asbury as we truly seek to know the love of Jesus Christ and PASS IT ON!

I have loved serving as one of your pastors, 

Durwood