Pastor’s Weekly Update

Cyndi Johnson 4/22/21 Cyndi Johnson 4/22/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
Last Sunday (April 18), we kicked off our new message series on prayer titled “Deep to Deep: Diving into the Mystery of Prayer.” Inspired by Psalm 42:7, in which the Psalmist writes about the depth of who we are longing for a connection with God, the series is taking a closer look at the practice of prayer. Why do we pray, and how do we make sense of our common struggles with prayer?

This Sunday (April 25), Pastor Mike is going to be tackling one of the hardest – maybe the hardest – question in the series (that’s why I asked him to do it!): Does prayer change things? We can all agree that prayer changes us (God uses prayer to humble and fill us), but does prayer actually change situations or circumstances? Join us for worship (in person or online) at 9:30am (contemporary) or 11am (traditional) as we explore this question.

I’m thankful for each and every one of you and the awesome privilege of serving as one of your pastors. Have a great day!

Blessings,
Chris

Cyndi Johnson 4/15/21 Cyndi Johnson 4/15/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

I think you’ll agree with me that there is a great deal of mystery surrounding prayer. We know that prayer important, that prayer plays a vital role in our relationship with God. But there are so many questions we carry about prayer.

If God already knows what we need and what we’re going to say before we speak it, why pray at all? What’s the purpose of prayer? Does prayer actually make a difference? Does a person who has a lot of friends praying for a problem stand a better than a person who only has a few friends (or no one at all) praying for the exact same problem? Why does God seem to answer some prayers but not others? Why does God seem to answer prayers for trivial things (like lost car keys or cell phones) but not more serious things (like a cancer diagnosis)? Why can’t I always feel the presence of God when I pray?

Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who was a Welsh pastor and medical doctor, once wrote the following about prayer:
Of all the activities in which the Christian engages, and which are part of the Christian life, there is surely none which causes so much perplexity, and raises so many problems, as the activity which we call prayer.

Prayer does indeed ignite our curiosity and spark our wonder.

I hope you’ll join us for worship this Sunday (April 18) in person or online (www.facebook.com/asburyumcmaitland/live) at 9:30am (contemporary) or 11am (traditional) as we begin a new sermon series on prayer titled “Deep to Deep: Diving into the Mystery.” I can’t promise that the series will address all your questions about prayer. But I hope that the series will help all of us (myself included) arrive at a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, this remarkable channel God has given us. If prayer is our communication with God, it’s worth exploring what this communication involves.
See you Sunday.

Blessings,
Chris

Cyndi Johnson 4/8/21 Cyndi Johnson 4/8/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

Dear Asbury,

God showed up in a mighty way throughout Holy Week and Easter Sunday! Our services were powerful and emotional as we told the story of Jesus’ journey to the upper room, the cross, and the empty tomb. Pastor Chris and I shared the story of Lazarus on Sunday. Jesus called Lazarus out from the grave and Lazarus walked out of his own tomb! Lazarus was a different person on the other side of his resurrection experience. He was not the man he was before. Jesus wants our lives to change because of God’s resurrection power as well! He calls us out of the graves we dig ourselves into, just like He called Lazarus out of the tomb. We celebrate the present reality of resurrection with joy!

Thank you, Asbury, for making Easter so special. It is important to thank every volunteer and team member who worked so hard to make Easter an amazing celebration. Without your faithful support and service we would not be able to pull off these fantastic celebrations. Every contribution is integral to the mission of Asbury – that is why I am so grateful to every financial supporter, every volunteer, and every team member for their investment in Asbury’s mission. Without your faithful support we could not do what God has called us to do. Thank you for making the season of Lent and Easter a powerful encounter with the risen Lord!

This Sunday we will continue telling the story of the resurrection as we reflect on the disciples’ reaction to the resurrection. John 20:19-23 makes it clear the disciples did not understand what happened on the first Easter Sunday. They were traumatized by the pain of Good Friday so much so that they could not awaken to the good news of Easter.

See you in worship (online and in person) as we continue to tell the story of Easter!

Grace and Peace,

Mike

Cyndi Johnson 4/1/21 Cyndi Johnson 4/1/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

When it comes to movies, TV shows, and books, most of us get pretty serious about spoilers, don’t we? We warn folks not to spoil the ending of a story for us; otherwise, they’ll endure our “wrath,” right?

However, we might be surprised to know that a study from two researchers at the University of California, San Diego suggests that spoilers don't spoil stories. Instead, contrary to popular wisdom they might even enhance our enjoyment of a story!

The study ran three experiments based on 12 short stories. Each version of the story was read by at least 30 people. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the study participants preferred the "spoiled" versions of suspenseful stories. For example, in one case, participants were told before reading the story that a condemned man's daring escape is all just a fantasy before the noose snaps around his neck. That spoiler alert helped readers enjoy the story even more.

One of the researchers had an interesting theory about why people liked getting a spoiler alert. He said, "It could be that once you know how [the story] turns out...you're more comfortable processing the information and you can focus on a deeper understanding of the story."

Well, here we are in Holy Week, the week leading into Easter, trying to relive what's been called "The Greatest Story Ever Told."

Years back, I used to think I'd have more of an appreciation for the Easter story if, like the disciples, I didn't know it was coming. Now I'm not so sure about that. The more I think about it, the more I realize it’s a gift for me to know how this story ends – a gift that allows me to pause, slow down, and process God’s love on a deeper level.

I hope you'll make plans to join us (in person or online) for our Maundy Thursday (7PM), Good Friday (7PM), and Easter services (6:30, 8:15, 9:30, 11am). Together, we'll journey with Jesus to the cross and experience the hope and power of the resurrection.

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 3/24/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/24/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
It’s hard to believe that Palm Sunday is this weekend (March 28).
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when we commemorate the last week of Jesus’ earthly life and the events that led up to Easter Sunday. During Palm Sunday, we wave palm branches to remember how the crowds waved palm branches as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. But have you wondered why the people waved palm branches in the first place?

At the time of Jesus, God’s people, the Israelites, had suffered a long history of oppression at the hands of various empires – the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, and then the Romans. The only time the Jews ever engaged in a successful revolt against a foreign occupant was in 164BC when Judas Maccabaeus led a rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanies of the Seleucid Empire. Antiochus had killed thousands of Jews and desecrated the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar, forcing the priests to eat its flesh. (The rededication of the temple came to be known as Hanukkah.) After the Jews regained control of the holy city, the people celebrated Judas’ victory by waving palm branches. Judas later stamped the image of the palm branch into coins to commemorate the victory. Put simply, palm branches signaled Jewish revolt against a foreign power. Many of the Jews were convinced Jesus had entered Jerusalem to lead a similar revolt – this time against the Romans. Obviously Jesus had something else in mind.

Jesus had indeed come to wage war, but not against the Romans. Instead, the war he had come to wage was against the greatest oppressor humanity has ever known – sin and evil and death and the grave. And this war was to be waged through his own body on the cross.

Join us for worship this Palm Sunday at 9:30am (contemporary) or 11am (traditional) as we worship God and enter into this most sacred of weeks.
Blessings,
Chris

Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

Dear Asbury,

I am profoundly grateful for your love and support during a difficult season in my life.

I was overwhelmed when my doctor told me I had a tumor that was likely cancer. I did not expect to suddenly take time off to have surgery. But like many things in life, it happened quickly. It was only as I was recovering from the surgery that I began to really think through all the implications.

My devotion this week was on the story of the crippled man by the pool in Bethsaida. As I read the story from (John 5:1-9) for the first time I saw myself as the crippled man. I think all of us have moments where we are humbled, where we have no choice but to ask for help.

Three weeks ago my life was going full speed and two weeks ago I needed my wife to help me sit up in bed. As I continue to recover I reflect on my humbling experience and invite you to reflect on how God is present in moments when we need some help. I look forward to seeing you in church in person or online this Sunday as we continue our I AM series.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

Dear Asbury,

I am profoundly grateful for your love and support during a difficult season in my life.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/17/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

Dear Asbury,

I am profoundly grateful for your love and support during a difficult season in my life.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Cyndi Johnson 3/12/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/12/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
I want to thank all of you who have been holding Pastors Mike and Madeline in prayer. As you probably know by now, Pastor Mike had surgery last Wednesday to remove a tumor from his body. Pastor Mike is doing generally well and appreciates the love and support all of you have shown him. I know he’s anxious to return to Asbury as soon as he’s able. Until then, please continue to pray.

This Sunday in worship we continue in our message series on the “I AM” statements of Jesus from the Gospel of John. The statement we’ll look at is Jesus’ “I AM the good shepherd” statement in John 10:11-16. In what ways does this statement speak God’s truth into our lives today? Join us for Sunday worship (in person or online) at 9:30am or 11am to find out.

I also want to invite you to attend a Bible study I’ll be leading this Tuesday (March 16) at 6pm on the last book of the Bible, the Book Revelation. In this single session study (which should last for about an hour), we’ll look at different ways Christians have historically read Revelation and then explore prominent themes of the book, including the four horsemen of the apocalypse, the 2 beasts, and the mark of the beast. The study will be both in person (in the Fellowship Hall) and online. If you choose to attend in person, childcare will be provided. I hope you’ll come with an eagerness to learn more about this remarkable text that God inspired John of Patmos to write so many years ago.
As always, it’s a privilege to serve as one of your pastors. I look forward to connecting with you this Sunday!
Blessings,
Chris

Cyndi Johnson 3/4/21 Cyndi Johnson 3/4/21

Weekly Update // Pastor Mike

Good morning,

Dear Asbury,

This week we say goodbye to our Children’s Ministry Director, Jessie Burton. I am grateful for Jessie’s leadership and service to our church. The lives of our children and families have been blessed by her ministry. I hope you will join me in thanking her and sanding her off with a blessing. It reminds me of a blessing my grandmother used to share, maybe it is familiar to you. It is called the traditional Irish blessing.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

We also want to welcome our interim children’s ministry director, Amanda Jones. Amanda will lead a team of volunteers and serve as the point person for children’s ministry while the staff parish team begins a hiring process. Please join me in lifting her up and showing some extra love to the children of our church and their families during this season of transition.

I also want to invite you to attend worship this Sunday (either in person or online) at 9:30am or 11am as we continue in our series on the “I AM” statement of Jesus in John’s Gospel. Pastor Chris will be talking about Jesus’ “I am the gate for the sheep” statement in John 10. It’s going to be a great Sunday!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Cyndi Johnson 2/26/21 Cyndi Johnson 2/26/21

Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

Dear Asbury Family,

The first words from Jesus in the Gospel of Mark are as follows:

“The time promised by God has come at last…The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Mark 1:15 (NLT)

The Greek word for repentance here is metanoia. It literally means to make 180 – to turn from one behavior (sin) and to pursue another (the purposes of God). Repentance is difficult because it involves abandoning sins to which we’ve grown accustomed. Nevertheless, repentance plays a crucial role in our journey with God.

There is a story from the Middle Ages about a young woman who was expelled from heaven. The woman was told that she would only be readmitted if she brought back the one gift God valued the most. The problem was the woman had no idea what the gift was!

She brought back drops of blood from a dying patriot. She collected coins that a destitute widow had given to the poor. She brought back the remnants of a Bible used by a prominent preacher. She even brought back the dust from the shoes of a missionary who served many years in a distant land. But every time the woman was turned away.

One day as the woman watched a small boy playing by a fountain, she saw a man ride up on horseback. The man dismounted from the horse to take a drink. When he saw the boy playing, he thought of his own childhood innocence. But as he looked into the water of the fountain, he saw a reflection of his hardened face. He was not the person he used to be. Overcome by the sin in his life, the man wept tears of repentance. The young woman took one of those tears back to heaven, where she received with joy.

Lent – the 40-day period leading into Easter – is a time of repentance. My prayer is that during this season we would be honest about our brokenness and intentionally repent of those things which are holding us back from being the people God longs for us to be. While the work isn’t easy, God gives us grace for the journey. Thanks be to God.
Blessings,
Chris

Cyndi Johnson 2/18/21 Cyndi Johnson 2/18/21

Weekly Update // Pastor Mike

Good morning,

Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday. We shared together in the liturgy, “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday holds two truths of the Christian faith in tension. First our mortality as human beings. Yesterday we reminded ourselves that we will one day return to dust through death. If that were the only truth of Ash Wednesday it would seem pretty hopeless but God does not leave us without hope. The second truth is that God creates new life out of dust. God created the first human being out of dust and God continues to create out of dust. This is the good news of Ash Wednesday! Grace and new come to us directly from God. To dust we shall return and from dust we will rise.

As we begin our journey towards Easter I invite you to reflect with us on these truths of the gospel. We will continue this conversation as we begin a new sermon series on the “I am” statements of Jesus. Join with us in worship in person or online.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Richie Hartig 2/4/21 Richie Hartig 2/4/21

Weekly Update // Pastor Mike

I have heard a lot of good news about vaccines lately. This past week I spoke with the recipients of that good news, people who have received both doses of the vaccine. It was a joy to see members of the Asbury family that I had not seen in person since the pandemic started on Sunday. These members of our church family have received both vaccine shots and are comfortable resuming their church activities. In my prayer time this week I found myself thanking God for the gift of the vaccine. I am grateful for the hard working dedicated people who developed and distributed this lifesaving medicine. Their efforts are a gift of grace to us, praise God!

There is hope on the horizon and we still need to be cautious. I wish the pandemic was over but it is not. I realize many are still not comfortable doing activities in person. Many of us will need to wait a while longer before we are able to receive the vaccine. Asbury will continue to offer our call in livestream (407) 436 – 7832 and Facebook livestream to those who would prefer to worship remotely. We will also continue to offer robust online ministry through Sunday worship, morning prayer, and small group opportunities. We the church continue to journey together through this difficult season. If there are ways we can walk with you please reach out to the church office via email or a phone call.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Richie Hartig 1/27/21 Richie Hartig 1/27/21

Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

I hope you are enjoying our series so far on faith and doubt, and that you’re finding yourself pushed and challenged to look at doubt in a new way. As we’ve established, doubt doesn’t have to bad but can lead us into a deeper and more fulfilling faith-life.

This Sunday (January 31), as we continue in this series, we’re going explore one of the most commonly posed questions to Christianity. The question goes something like this:

If God wants a relationship with us (as Christians say God does), why does God even leave room for doubt? Why does God allow us to question his existence? Why doesn’t God just rip open the heavens and “prove” himself once and for all? Why doesn’t God make himself more obvious to us?

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with this question (I wrestled with this question before and even after I got serious about my faith), be sure to join us for worship this Sunday at 9:30AM (celebration) or 11AM (traditional). You can worship with us in person or online at www.facebook.com/asburyumcmaitland/live. Also, be sure to invite and tell others.

As always, thank you for the privilege of serving as one of your pastors. I hope you enjoy your day.

Blessings,
Chris

p.s. This Sunday is the fifth Sunday of the month, which means we’ll be taking up a special offering to support the ministry of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. As you feel led, please give generously to this life-changing ministry.

Richie Hartig 1/6/21 Richie Hartig 1/6/21

Introducing Pastor Chris Jones

Dear Asbury Family,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m assuming you’ve heard the news by now that Bishop Ken Carter has appointed me to serve as one of your pastors. I’m humbled by this appointment and look forward to growing with you in the time ahead. I also sending greetings on behalf of my family, which includes my wife Amanda, our (almost) 3-year-old twins Hannah and Noah, and our two pups Teddy and Nala. You’ll hear lots about them in various sermon illustrations!

Speaking of sermons, my first message at Asbury will be this Sunday (January 10). That said, I hope you will join us for worship either online or in-person at 9:30am or 11:00am. I’m going to be preaching about God’s love for us in Jesus and God’s deep, desperate, and passionate desire to be in relationship with everybody. It’s this understanding of God that led me to pursue ministry in the first place.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your newly appointed pastor. And if I can ever be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Blessings,
Chris

Richie Hartig 11/17/20 Richie Hartig 11/17/20

Pastor Cameron Update from our Staff Parish Relations Committee, Bishop Carter, and the Cabinet

As you know, Pastor Cameron has been fighting a heroic battle with cancer. Our District Superintendent, Bob Bushong, and Pastor Mike have been in regular communication with both Cameron and his wife, Julie. Although he has made progress, his journey to recovery is far from over. The difficult, but necessary, decision has been made, jointly by the SPRC, Bishop Carter and the Cabinet, that Pastor Cameron will not be returning as the Senior Pastor of Asbury.

This will allow Pastor Cameron the time needed to focus on the healing process and will also allow Asbury UMC to continue to grow in all of the ways he envisioned. Our prayer is that someday, he will be ready again for an appointment within the Conference. Pastor Cameron would like to speak to all of us, himself, and we will update you when we know how and when that can happen. Pastor Cameron will always be a part of Asbury. We will continue to support him, and his family with our prayers. Please contact the church office if you would like to give a love offering, or send cards, letters, or emails of support.

We also recognize since Pastor Cameron’s sudden departure, Pastor Mike has had the herculean feat of holding our church together, and driving it forward through a pandemic, shut down and uncertain economic status. To say that he has risen to the challenge is an understatement. We want to thank him for carrying us through these difficult times and never swaying from his commitment to the church’s mission and to the congregation. We love you and appreciate you, Pastor Mike.

Although we are closing one chapter in the life of our church, we are also opening a new chapter, with optimism and positive change. 2020 is finally coming to an end and it is time to look forward to the new year with renewed energy. Asbury is a solid church with a strong mission. The process of choosing a pastor requires many considerations. It is important to match the right clergy with the right church, so that the church, the mission, and the surrounding community thrives.

After much thoughtful consideration, a new Pastor has been chosen for our church. I am privileged to announce the appointment of Pastor Chris Jones as the new Senior Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, beginning in January. Pastor Chris will be coming to us from Community of Faith Church in Davenport where he has served as Senior Pastor for over 5 years. He is a graduate of Florida Southern College, Duke Divinity School, and Asbury Theological Seminary. Pastor Chris is also the Chairperson of the East Central District Committee on Ordained Ministry. He is known for his experience, thoughtfulness, leadership, and his passion for community connection. Pastor Chris will be joined by his wife, Amanda, their 3 year old twins, and 2 dogs. Fun fact… Pastor Chris and Pastor Mike grew up in the same church in Ft. Lauderdale, although a few years apart. They must be doing something right down there.

We look forward to getting to know Pastor Chris and are excited about his partnership with Pastor Mike. God has great things in store for us!

Blessings,
Alison Toler (McAleenan)
Chair, Asbury SPRC

Richie Hartig 10/8/20 Richie Hartig 10/8/20

Pastoral Letter // Pastor Mike

Resilience is the word that God has put on my heart this week. It means “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulty.” I celebrate the resilience Asbury United Methodist Church. The people of our church have demonstrated these qualities. I see resilience in the wonderful events we held this past weekend! The plant sale sponsored by United Methodist Women was a new event happening in lieu of the Annual Rummage Sale. Instead of lamenting that we were not able to do the Rummage Sale the leaders of the church put on a completely different event, that is resilience! Celebrating World Communion Sunday is another example. As individuals and as a congregation we have suffered during this season. Even though we have experienced pain, grief, loss, sickness, fatigue, and more we continue find ways to be the body of Christ. Sharing in communion together in person and online with our brothers and sisters from around the globe was a holy moment.

We as a church continue to believe in the hope of the gospel and continue to work towards a better future. This is faith! We are claiming the worlds of the Psalms, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Together we are straining our eyes to see the coming light even when it feels like we are in darkness. God has given us the grace to walk this journey together and support each other as we move towards the future.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Richie Hartig 9/21/20 Richie Hartig 9/21/20

In-person Worship Announcement

Dear Asbury,

I am so excited to welcome you back to church for in person worship on September 27th at 9:30 and 11am! The leadership team and I want to thank you for your patience and faithful support as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Some members of the Asbury community are eager to return to worship in person and others would prefer to wait until they have taken the vaccine. Whatever you feel comfortable with, there are ways you can meaningfully connect with Asbury. We will continue to offer high quality live-streamed worship as well as in person worship opportunities at 9:30 and 11am. We are also already offering opportunities to connect in small groups via zoom and in person.

Our church reopening is a resurrection story. As we move forward together I am reminded of my favorite resurrection story, the one where Mary mistakes Jesus for a gardener. She did not recognize Jesus that first Easter morning (John 20:14-16). Maybe it was because Jesus looked different after He was resurrected, His body still bore the marks of the pain He had endured. It was only when Jesus said her name that she knew it was Him. We as a church are experiencing resurrection, yes we will return to worship and things will look different when we do. We will wear masks, practice social distancing, and have temperature checks in an effort to make the worship environment as safe as possible. If you would like more information on our safety protocols please visit the church website or Facebook page for more information.

We are an Easter people and we have claimed the hope of Easter in the midst of the difficulties of this season. When we gather together again for in person worship we will celebrate resurrection. Every Sunday is a mini Easter, Sunday September 27th will be much more than that!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Richie Hartig 9/13/20 Richie Hartig 9/13/20

Pastoral Letter // Pastor Mike

This week I participated in a 5k race supporting Brain Cancer Research. I ran in honor of Pastor Cameron Lashbrook. The proceeds from the charity event (Melissa’s Race) support the medical team of brain cancer specialists from Advent Health. This is the group of doctors Pastor Cameron is working with. Having the opportunity to run made me think Paul’s words, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

While I ran the 5k I took time to pray asking God to help us all faithfully run “the race that is set before us.” I prayed for Pastor Cameron, his family, Asbury UMC, and many other things. I thought about the people who are suffering and struggling right now because of health concerns, economic stress, anxiety, safety concerns, loneliness, and more. As all of that was running through my mind my dog Luna saw a squirrel and literally pulled my attention back into the present moment. Squirrels were running up and down trees in the cool morning breeze as the sunrise gently illuminated the scene. Seeing that made me pause for a moment, it reminded me to be grateful for all the small blessings God gives. There are so many blessings God has generously given even in the midst of this difficult season. One of those blessings is a community of people to run the race with, the church. If you are in need of prayer or need of financial assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out to the church. We want to run with you and support you as we journey forward together.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Richie Hartig 8/31/20 Richie Hartig 8/31/20

CoVID-19 UPDATE #8 // A Letter From Pastor Mike

I am glad to share with you that we are moving step by step closer to being reunited in person. This has been a long and arduous journey as we have loved our neighbors as ourselves by refraining from gathering for worship and small groups. As of August 31st Asbury will enter into phase 2 of the church reopening plan. Now we will be able to offer the opportunity for socially distanced small groups to meet on campus while wearing masks. If we as a church are able to do small group ministry safely then the leadership team will decide when we can resume offering in person worship services.

Until there is a vaccine there will be risk associated with just about every activity. We know this risk is still real because of the 15 people in our church community have tested positive for CoVID19. The leadership team of Asbury has worked hard to mitigate the risk and will continue to offer ministry in a safe manner. Some people are delighted to hear this news and feel this is one step closer to “back to normal.” Others may remain concerned wondering if it is in fact safe to take these steps. However you feel, please be assured, Asbury will continue to offer options like zoom small groups to ensure everyone can connect with the church in the way they are comfortable with. Everyone is invited to participate in what God is doing through Asbury United Methodist Church.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mike Luzinski

Pastor’s Weekly Update

Asbury Church