Pastor’s Weekly Update

Cyndi Johnson 6/15/23 Cyndi Johnson 6/15/23

Weekly Update// Summer Intern/ Lily Stride

Happy Thursday, Asbury!

This is Lily Stride and I’ll be writing the weekly email this week. Overall, for me this week has been nothing but busy, which sometimes can make it hard to see God in those moments. Although looking back I feel that my family has really been where I have seen God at work this week. Since I have been so stressed and busy my family has been working almost overtime to make sure that I am doing okay, and I am emotionally supported. Additionally, while preparing for Morning Prayer, I came across a part of a specific Psalm that has stuck with me this week through all my worries and stress.

Psalm 121:3-8

New International Version

3 He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Looking into next week, this upcoming Sunday Pastor Chris will be preaching a stand-alone sermon on the story of David. Then the Sunday after that I will be preaching about using our gifts to glorify God. Hopefully, you can join us for worship at either of our services, 9:30 am Celebration or 11:00 am Traditional, both of which are live-streamed. Have a great weekend!

Lily Stride

Cyndi Johnson 6/8/23 Cyndi Johnson 6/8/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

I sure hope this email finds you well. By the time you open this message, Pastors Will, Barbara and I will be at Annual Conference in Lakeland. Annual Conference is a yearly gathering of United Methodist lay and clergy leaders from around our region. We meet to worship, pray, listen to inspiring and heartfelt messages, hear and receive reports, and make decisions that impact our Annual Conference, which spans all the way from Tallahassee to Key West. Asbury has two lay delegates who represent us at Annual Conference, Lori Nadler and Letha Heulitt. I would ask that you please pray for our gathering, particularly for the Clergy Session that will happen later this evening. At this gathering, Pastor Will is going to be voted on for commissioning as an elder (an important step in the process toward full ordination). Should Will be approved, he will be commissioned at the licensing, commissioning, and ordination service in Branscomb Auditorium at 10:30am at Florida Southern College on Saturday. If you’re able to attend that service in person, wonderful! If not, we will send out a link so you can join online.

I want to thank you for the money you donated toward the Bishop’s Offering for Annual Conference. By God’s grace, we raised $1100! These funds will go to support two causes. More information about these causes can be found at the end of this message. Additionally, if you’re curious to learn more about the proceedings of Annual Conference, I invite you to attend our next Laity Council meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 at 7pm in the Welcome Friends room. We will invite one of our lay delegates to give a report. If you prefer to attend that meeting online, please email Carol Minish in our office for a Zoom link (projectmanager@asburymaitland.org).

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Will is in the pulpit. He’ll be preaching a message about the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives (a good follow-up to our recent church-wide Bible study on the Holy Spirit, which 69 people attended!). I hope you’ll join us for what’s sure to be an inspiring Sunday. Oh, we will also welcome in a new member at the 11am service! It’s always a blessing when new folks join and choose to make our congregation their official church home.
Have a wonderful weekend, and we will keep you posted about Annual Conference!

Blessings,
Chris

Rev. Geraldine Williams McClellan Endowment Scholarship at Gammon Theological Seminary, honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Geraldine McClellan. In 2021, the Florida Conference set a $100,000 goal and collected $54,000. Our Conference can finish the good work that we began and help students prepare for ministry. This scholarship supports students attending Gammon Theological Seminary who will provide future pastoral leadership in The Florida Conference. Gammon is a historically Black seminary whose students will benefit greatly from your support. Like many historic Black colleges, universities and seminaries, Gammon does not have the large endowment enjoyed by other United Methodist seminaries that is used to provide scholarship assistance to students. As we give to this scholarship, we honor Rev. McClellan, who, in 1982, became the first woman of color ordained in The Florida Conference. We help strengthen the Black churches in our Conference as well as all churches these clergy will serve in the future.

The Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center is celebrating its 75th year of ministry. There is no better time to invest in the transformation of young people than now. The camp provides a safe place for children and youth to be introduced to a relationship with Christ and grow deeper in their faith. Every summer hundreds of campers attend Warren Willis and their lives are transformed. The conference center is a sacred space for people of all ages and is used throughout the year. This year’s offering will help the camp upgrade their programs, expand their reach and provide scholarships to students who may not be able to attend on their own resources.

Cyndi Johnson 6/1/23 Cyndi Johnson 6/1/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Happy Thursday, friends!

As you may already know, Asbury United Methodist has a strong and positive relationship with the Central Florida Wesley Foundation. We recently hosted their annual fundraiser and have members of our congregation who serve on their boards. However, the internship program is where I think this relationship really shines. Every summer, the Florida United Methodist Conference provides funding for local churches to hire summer interns. Over the years, Asbury has been

fortunate to have had exceptional interns like Hannah King, our Technical Director, Morgan Watts, a talented singer and choir leader, and Noah Pullon, who leads our youth program. Last year, we were blessed to have Lily Stride as our summer intern, supporting both the youth program and the choir. This year, we are once again incredibly blessed to have Lily return as our summer intern. Personally, I am excited about this for a few reasons. Firstly, we have already witnessed Lily's abilities and gifts last summer and throughout the year. Secondly, since she is already familiar with us, we can provide her with more opportunities to broaden her internship experience. We have already begun

exploring ways for her to gain pastoral experience, which will not only benefit her but also our church community. Please join me in making Lily feel warm and welcome during her time with us, starting this Sunday as she assists with worship.

Looking ahead, I want to inform you about a few upcoming events. The United Methodist Men's breakfast will take place in the Fellowship Hall this Saturday, June 3rd, at 7:30 am. Officer Holland from the Maitland Police Department will be presenting how to handle potential situations or threats within and around our congregation. A few days later, Pastor Chris will be leading a Bible study on the Holy Spirit on June 5th in the Sanctuary at 6:15 pm. While we often discuss Jesus and God, we sometimes lack a deep understanding of the Holy Spirit. If you are unable to attend in person, the study will be live-streamed. Lastly, to embrace the summer season, we will be offering an Ice Cream Sundae

Bar on Wednesday, June 7th, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, as a refreshing alternative to hot dogs.

During Sunday's worship service, we will conclude the sermon series with Pastor Chris preaching on the cliché "Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin." It has been a captivating series, and I am excited to wrap it up together. We will also acknowledge our college and high school graduates during our 9:30 am Celebration Service and our 11:00 am Traditional Service. May you all be blessed and have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks,

Pastor Will

Cyndi Johnson 5/25/23 Cyndi Johnson 5/25/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

This Monday is Memorial Day, which is the unofficial start of summer (I believe the official start is June 21). Wherever you end up this summer, I hope that you and your family travel safely. Additionally, I hope that all of us this Memorial Day will take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifice of our fallen heroes. We wouldn’t enjoy the freedom that we have without them!

Don’t forget that this Sunday (May 28) we have one combined service at 10:45 am in the sanctuary. The primary reason for the combined service is we’re currently repaving our courtyard area, which means we won’t have access to the Fellowship Hall until the project is complete. I also have no doubt that many people will be traveling for the holiday, which is another reason for the combined service. That said, if you are in town, I hope you will make plans to join us for in-person worship on Sunday (and if you’re traveling, join us for online worship!). We’ll be celebrating Pentecost (the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church), welcoming in new members, and continuing our “What Does the Bible Say?” preaching series. In these messages, we’re evaluating popular cliches against the teaching of Scripture. So far we’ve looked at three cliches: “Everything happens for a reason,” “God helps those who help themselves,” and “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” This Sunday’s cliché is “God said, I believe it, that settles it.” On the surface, this cliché sounds great because it rightly affirms the authority of Scripture. However, when we dig a little deeper, this cliché also has several problems. Join us on Sunday to learn more.

By the way, since this Sunday is Pentecost, make sure to wear red when you come to worship (red is a color symbolizing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit). It’s going to be a great Sunday.

See you soon.

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 5/25/23 Cyndi Johnson 5/25/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

See you soon.

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 5/18/23 Cyndi Johnson 5/18/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Happy Thursday, Church,

Are you a good test taker? In school, and especially in Divinity School, I prided myself on my ability to excel in tests. Retaining knowledge came easily to me, which greatly aided my test performance. However, writing proved to be more challenging for me during my school years. Therefore, I appreciate your continued support thus far in this week's email. Even though I was proficient in testing, I distinctly remember one particular test that I bombed or at least one section of it. It was a school entrance exam that assessed my general knowledge and seemed to last forever! Overall, I performed well, except for the section on seasons. I was given several cards depicting different seasons or times of the year, each displaying distinct weather conditions. Unfortunately, having grown up in Florida my whole life, I was unfamiliar with these other seasons. The only season I was acquainted with was summer, which perhaps explains why it remains my favorite time of year.

I appreciate summer for various reasons, such as school being out, longer days, and the feeling that things slow down or at least shift gears, even if it may not be entirely true. For example, our youth ministry undergoes a shift as we wind down our Wednesday night program and replace it with a Wednesday morning Bible study, accompanied by other enjoyable activities in the evenings. You will find all the details in the newly printed summer packet! If you haven't already noticed, I absolutely love summer and am excited for the upcoming months here at Asbury, where we have the opportunity to continue our wonderful work and ministries, both new and old.

In the upcoming weeks, we have the free family Carnival on Friday, May 19th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, hosted by the Children's Ministry. The following weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and we will have one combined service at 10:45 am in the Sanctuary. That Sunday is also Pentecost, so remember to wear red.

Early next month, on June 3rd at 7:30 am, the United Methodist Men will be meeting for breakfast and the guest speaker will be Officer Holland from the Maitland Police Department. Although the topic may not be ideal, it is necessary. Officer Holland will be addressing how to respond, react, and diffuse a situation should one arise in our church. Since this is such a significant and important topic, the morning's meeting will be open to the whole congregation.

This Sunday in worship, we will continue with our sermon series titled "What Does the Bible Say?" Pastor Chris will be exploring the cliché, "God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle." This is a cliché I have not only heard but also repeated to others, so I am excited to hear Pastor Chris unpack it. I hope you can join us for either service, the 9:30 am Celebration or the 11:00 am Traditional. Both services will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube! I pray that you all have a blessed weekend and look forward to seeing you soon!

God Bless,

Pastor Will

Cyndi Johnson 5/11/23 Cyndi Johnson 5/11/23

Weekly Update// Pastoral Intern Alina Saucedo

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Asbury,

The time has come to end my Pastoral Internship at Asbury. Can you believe it? Fall and Spring went by quickly, though I can assure you that all I have learned, practiced, and shared in faith with you will last every day of my call to ministry.

During this time, Pastors Chris and Will have walked me through how pastors are called to care, support, and lead a church community. I have seen firsthand how pastoral service can be challenging, demanding, joyful, and rewarding all at the same time. I have seen God working ahead of us, providing grace, strength, and wisdom. I have learned with you that being a pastor is about giving and sharing God’s gifts – but also about receiving, and that God goes before us and meets our needs, and a church is His hands and feet.

I have confirmed with you the healing power of prayer that can unite us as a community to support each other. I have learned that interceding God with our hearts, our minds, our voices, and even our silences makes us stronger.

Participating in Asbury’s various committees and councils has allowed me to understand the complexity, the challenges, and the creative ways committed leaders keep us going, proving God’s providence at work through their giving and talents.

About the staff? Without each of them, I would have been lost at church. Oh boy! They do a lot and know so much about the church. They are the moving parts that place things together and make things happen. They reminded me about the value of teamwork and good communication.

Yes! This time has been a blessing beyond words. I leave with regained confidence, embracing and accepting whom I am with God-given gifts. I have confirmed that people like me, ones far beyond being perfect, are called and needed to serve the church’s people and that God wants me here.

I have heard the famous saying “You need a village to raise a child.” However, after my experience with all of you, I want to translate it to this: “It takes a caring, loving, committed, and serving church to raise a good pastor.” I have grown thanks to this time with all of you as a human, a leader, and a pastor “in process,” but above all, as a Christian. Thank you from my heart! Gracias de corazón!

Not sure what God’s plans are for the future, but for now, as part of my Practice in Mission Ministry, this summer I will be serving at the General Board of Church and Society, an official agency for The United Methodist Church located in Washington DC. Please take a look at the important work they are doing at https://www.umcjustice.org/

By the way, this is not a goodbye, as I plan to return to Asbury in the Fall and continue supporting and serving in their ministries.

As for now, let us continue growing in wisdom together. This Sunday, we continue with the series “What Does the Bible Say.” We will address the cliche: “God helps those who help themselves.” We will wait for you in our 9:30 Contemporary Worship and at 11:00 am Traditional Worship services. Come and join us!

In Christ's peace,

Alina Saucedo

Cyndi Johnson 5/4/23 Cyndi Johnson 5/4/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Didn’t we have a wonderful time together at our combined service last Sunday? In addition to enjoying the musical talents of our children, choir, and band, we celebrated and honored our spiritual heritage as United Methodists through a message exploring our core beliefs (if you missed it, find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDrMuLY8ug). Following the service, we advertised our various ministries through a “Ministry Fair” and then sat down with one another for a potluck. I am not sure if you’re aware, but we kept having to put more and more chairs out for the potluck. It was great to see so many folks – including plenty of families from our Early Learning Center – come out for such a fun and engaging Sunday. Our plan is to do Sundays like this once a quarter. Mark your calendar – the next one will be on July 30!

This Sunday (May 7), I am kicking off a new series of messages that I am excited about, mostly because it will engage one of my great passions – thinking through matters theologically (this part of how we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength). In the series, we will explore common cliches that people toss around through a biblical lens. The cliches we will look at will be as follows:

1. Everything happens for a reason.

2. God helps those who help themselves.

3. God won’t give you more than you can handle.

4. God said it, I believe it, that settles it.

5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

I am sure all of us have used one or more of these cliches at some point or another (I know I have), but what does the Bible have to say about them? Join us for Sunday worship to learn more. This Sunday’s message will focus on the cliché “everything happens for a reason.”

We’re just as busy as ever at Asbury, so I hope you will continue to find ways to connect with the work God is doing among us. Have a great day!

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 4/27/23 Cyndi Johnson 4/27/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Hi, Church Family,

I recently heard a story of a young boy who had show-and-tell at school. All the students brought in items that described their families. One student brought in a beach ball because her family really enjoyed time together at the beach. Another student brought in a guitar because his family was very musical. Lastly, it was the little boy’s turn and when asked what he brought, he replied, “Well, we’re Methodist, so I brought a casserole!” I think this story highlights the fact that we Methodists love Potlucks. Amen?

While the food is always an important part, I think the community makes it really special, which is why we have one combined service this Sunday at 10:30am, in the sanctuary. For our combined service, our children will be singing, and Pastor Chris will be speaking about Methodism's DNA and our core beliefs as a denomination. After service, we will have our Ministry Fair where we will showcase all of our ministries here at Asbury UMC as well, and enjoy a Potluck. I hope you are able to join us in person, but if not, we will certainly be live-streaming the service on YouTube and Facebook.

Looking on the horizon, we have a couple of upcoming events. We are still collecting food for the Lake Sybelia Elementary Food Drive, so make sure to bring those items in. May 6th is our United Methodist Men’s Breakfast at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall, where Jim Esch will be the guest speaker. Later in the month is the Mother-Daughter Sisters-in-Christ Banquet on Friday, May 12th, at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are on sale in the front office or after services for $12 per person and $6 for girls 6years old and under. The theme is birds, so wear your best bird-themed hat! It’s hard to believe, but summer is right around the corner as well, so be on the look-out for our summer events.

Have a blessed Thursday and see you soon!

Thanks,

Pastor Will

Cyndi Johnson 4/20/23 Cyndi Johnson 4/20/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

I am writing this email from Ormond Beach where, since late Monday morning, I have been with other members of my Covenant Group. We’re a group of seven pastors in Florida who have committed to doing life and ministry together. We have fun when we’re together (eating out, going to movies, ragging on each other) but we also have serious moments where we bare our souls and prayerfully support one another through what can sometimes be difficult and discouraging seasons. We don’t always agree on everything, but our love for God and each other unites and keeps us together. I pray that all of us have friends like that in our lives. They’re truly a gift from God!

By the time you open this email, I will already be back home – which means I will be at Coffee with the Pastor today. I hope to see some of you at the Starbucks in Maitland from 4:30-5:45pm.

This Sunday in worship Pastor Will is going to close out our 2-part sermon series titled “Grace-Filled Encounters.” In these messages, we are exploring two post-resurrection encounters that Jesus initiates in the gospel of John. The final message will focus on Jesus’ encounter with Peter on the beach. I hope you can make it on Sunday morning to hear the message! It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of worship.

Thank you for the honor of serving as one of your pastors. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 4/13/23 Cyndi Johnson 4/13/23

Weekly Update// Pastoral Intern Alina Saucedo Paucara

Asbury Brothers and Sisters,

The Lord has Risen! Risen indeed! Although some people would think this is the end of the story, it is the beginning. As I see it, Jesus’ Resurrection states and confirms God’s power and presence between us, among us, and for us. Therefore, the season after Easter marks the living implications of being Christ’s followers as the faith journey continues, for which we are assured of God’s company, love, and the hope of a new life.

We heard and chanted amazing music during Holy Week services. We had hymns, songs, and music that, through their rhythm and melodies, took us to remember and reflect on our path to Easter. Beautiful lyrics were able to inspire us, encourage us, and challenge us. One of them continues to resonate in my head, so I wake up every morning singing it.

The chorus says:

“And because He lives

I can face it tomorrow

Because He lives

All fear is gone

Because I know

He holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives” (#364 UMC Hymnal)

What was your favorite hymn or song for this season?

As we continue hearing about what happened after Easter morning, we invite you to join us in the “Grace-Filled-Encounters” Sermons that will start this Sunday. Pastor Will is going to share Thomas’ encounter with the Resurrected Lord. We will wait for you in our 9:30 am Contemporary and at 11:00 am Traditional Services. Come! Let us keep walking our Christian journey together!

In the joy of the Risen Lord,

Alina Saucedo Paucara

Pastoral Intern

Cyndi Johnson 4/6/23 Cyndi Johnson 4/6/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Kevin Bacon, one of Hollywood’s biggest actors who has received numerous accolades over the course of his long career, recounts when his 6-year-old son (who’s now 33) saw the movie Footloose for the first time:

He said, "Hey, Dad, you know that thing in the movie where you swing from the rafters of that building? That’s really cool, how did you do that?"

I said, "Well, I didn't do that part – it was a stunt man."

"What's a stunt man?" he asked.

"That's someone who dresses like me and does things I can't do."

"Oh," he replied and walked out of the room looking a little confused.

A little later he said, "Hey, Dad, you know that thing in the movie where you spin around on that gym bar and land on your feet? How did you do that?"

I said, "Well, I didn't do that. It was a gymnastics double."

"What's a gymnastics double?" he asked.

"That's a guy who dresses in my clothes and does things I can't do."

There was silence from my son, then he asked in a concerned voice, "Dad, what did you do?"

"I got all the glory," I sheepishly replied.

That’s what Holy Week and Easter are all about: God doing for us, in Jesus, what we could not do for ourselves. We were incapable of getting to God. We were in no position to rescue ourselves. But God did all the work for us. On Good Friday God took the weight of human sin upon his own body, and in rising victoriously from the grave on Easter Sunday, he defeated sin and its devasting effects once and for all! God does all the work, but we enjoy the fruit of that work.

I hope you will join us for our remaining Holy Week services. Our Maundy Thursday Service is happening at 7pm this evening in the Sanctuary. Then we have our Good Friday Tenebrae Service tomorrow night at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Both these services will be livestreamed if you’re not able to attend in person.

On Easter Sunday, we have three services: 6:30am Sunrise Service at our Lakeside Chapel; 9:30am Contemporary Service in the Fellowship Hall; and 11am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary. In the latter two services (which will be livestreamed), we will wrap up our series on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life with the message titled “Death’s Funeral.” I am very excited to preach it!

Remember today you are deeply loved. Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrate that. I pray you celebrate that love and allow it to shape every piece of who you are.

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 3/30/23 Cyndi Johnson 3/30/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Good Afternoon Church!

Have you ever heard of the Sunday Scaries? I’ve only recently heard about them but essentially they are a feeling of anxiety or worry that comes on Sunday knowing you have to go to work the next day. Since Sunday is a big day in the church, I sometimes get what I’ve termed the Saturday Scaries. Now, it isn’t necessarily because I’m worried to go to church on Sunday morning, but more so feel like a bundle of nerves for all that needs to happen and get done on Sunday mornings. This past Saturday, since I had not been to church since my paternity leave, I had the Saturday Scaries pretty significantly. Would I remember all I had to do? Would people be excited to see me? Would they even remember me?! However, once I got to the church and received the warm reception that I did, all of that dissipated quickly. I know I sound like a broken record, but the love, support and care this church has shown me and my family have been incredible. The reception I received at both services is difficult to put into words. Further, to know that I am a part of a church that not only talks about caring for families but shows it through their actions, I think that says a lot about who we are. Amen? Amen!

On the horizon, this coming week is Holy Week! Even though we’ve already had so many things going on, this week is exceptionally packed. This Saturday we have our United Methodist Men’s Breakfast at 7:30 AM with the head coach of Edgewater High School‘s football team as our guest speaker. Immediately following the breakfast at 9 AM we have a church workday where we will be sprucing up the campus for those joining us for Holy Week services. Then, on Sunday, which is Palm Sunday, the Children’s Ministry will have its Easter Egg Hunt during the 9:30 AM Celebration service. The Children will process through both services waving palms, which is always a favorite of mine! At 12:30 PM on Sunday, the Children’s Ministry will have their production called “God’s Grace” which won’t go longer than 30 minutes. There will be light refreshments provided before the production on the Patio starting after the Traditional Service ends.

During Holy Week, we will have our Lenten Gathering on Wednesday, but this week will be a special one because the United Women in Faith will be providing a Seder Lunch during that time, so no need to bring food! The following evening is our Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 PM in our Sanctuary. Maundy is Latin for “mandate” and the service is focused on the three mandates Jesus gave us at the Last Supper. The next night we will have our Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary as well. Tenebrae is Latin for “darkness” and the service is a journey toward the darkness of the cross with some readings and a lot of musical pieces that accentuate the talents of our choir. Of course, that following Sunday is Easter which we will touch base in next week’s letter but don’t want to skip this Sunday where Pastor Chris will focus on Jesus’ words as he quotes Psalm 22, “‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’ from Mark 15:39 NLT. Please join us as we unpack those words together at both our 9:30 AM Celebration and 11:00 AM Traditional Service. Both of those services are live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Thanks and god Bless,

Pastor Will

Cyndi Johnson 3/23/23 Cyndi Johnson 3/23/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

As a preacher, you hope to find all your illustrations BEFORE you preach the sermon, but sometimes you don’t find them until just after. This happened to me recently. While doing research for this week’s message, I came across a story that would have tied well to last week’s message titled “A Different Kind of King.” I share it with you now in hopes that you’ll be inspired by it. You can find the story at the end of this email.

In worship this Sunday, we’ll continue our series on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. The sermon I plan to preach will focus on the suffering – physical and emotional – Jesus endured and how this suffering not only demonstrates God’s love but inspires great love in us. It’ll be great to see you for worship either in person or online. I hope you’ll make plans to join us (and invite somebody to come with you!).

As I close this note, let me remind you of two upcoming events.

First, our United Women in Faith are hosting a Soul Care Retreat this coming Saturday (March 25). The retreat will take place from 10am-1pm in the Fellowship Hall. At the retreat, you’ll enjoy yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and fellowship. All women are invited!

Second, our children’s ministry is presenting a church-wide musical on April 2 (Palm Sunday) that you don’t want to miss. The musical will take place at 12:30pm in the sanctuary (just after the 11am service) and offer an inspiring and hope-filled message about God’s grace. Be sure to attend!

Enjoy the rest of your week, and I’ll see you soon!

Blessings,

Chris

Philip Ryken in his sermon “Long Live the King" writes: “Most kingdoms do anything they can to protect their king. This is the unspoken premise of the game of chess, for example. When the king falls, the kingdom is lost. Therefore, the king must be protected at all costs. Another notable example comes from the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill desperately wanted to join the expeditionary forces and watch the invasion from the bridge of a battleship in the English Channel. U.S. General Dwight David Eisenhower was desperate to stop him, for fear that the Prime Minister might be killed in battle. When it became apparent that Churchill would not be dissuaded, Eisenhower appealed to a higher authority: King George VI. The king went and told Churchill that if it was the Prime Minister's duty to witness the invasion, he could only conclude that it was also his own duty as king to join him on the battleship. At this point Churchill reluctantly agreed to back down, for he knew that he could never expose the King of England to such danger.”

King Jesus did exactly the opposite, didn’t he? As we talked on Sunday, he voluntarily surrendered his body on the cross so that we – His people – might be forgiven and set free. What kind of king is this? He’s a different kind of king, and the only king worth worshipping. Amen.

Cyndi Johnson 3/16/23 Cyndi Johnson 3/16/23

Weekly Update// Pastoral Intern Alina Saucedo

Dear Asbury Family,

Music is one of the things I enjoy the most. It feels like water when I am thirsty, the perfect medicine for a bad day or the best beat to celebrate. I love music. However, it would be only until 2004, when I participated in a Taizé Prayer with thousands of other young people from different parts of the world, that I learned and cherished the quiet times of reflection and silence. In these times, it is you, God, and silence. It is your breath, your heartbeat, and silence. It is a candle lighting, God and you. These times of silence have become the spaces to meet with God and be present that I cherish the most. It feels like the world stops, and God takes over all things.

A Taizé article reminded me that silence means recognizing that my worries can’t do much. Silence means leaving to God what is beyond my reach and capacity. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest, a truce of worries.”

Lent provides the opportunity for silence and quiet reflection, and as I continue my path during this Lenten season, I invite you to consider taking holy stops for quiet reflection and silence, like space for meaningful encounters with the Triune God.

This Sunday, Pastor Chris will continue with the “24 Hours That Changed The World” sermon series as we walk with Jesus on His path to the cross. We will wait for you in person or online at our 9:30 am Contemporary/Celebration Service in the Fellowship Hall or our 11 am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary. Let us keep the journey together!

Please remember to see the announcements and messages below.

Have a blessed week!

Alina Saucedo

Pastoral Intern

Cyndi Johnson 3/9/23 Cyndi Johnson 3/9/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Until she retired in 2011, Marlene Kropf was Associate Professor in Spiritual Formation and Worship at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She once wrote the following about Lent (the 40-day season that leads us into Easter):

In the daily round of life, dust and cobwebs accumulate in our souls. The hidden corners of our hearts become encrusted with grime or filled with forgotten debris. During the weeks of Lent, God's Spirit is given opportunity to clear away the clutter, sweep away the dust and wash us clean. We are invited to prepare ourselves—heart, soul, mind, and body—for the new life of Easter.While our default as humans is to rush the glory of Easter, Lent invites us to intentionally slow down, turn from sins and bad habits to which we’ve grown accustomed, and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. Additionally, Lent creates space for us to step into the liberating grace of God that Easter makes possible. I pray that this Lenten season has been meaningful and continues to shape you in profound ways.

Keep in mind that our Lenten Gatherings will continue to happen each Wednesday at noontime in the Fellowship Hall. In these gatherings, we are looking at the seven last words of Jesus from the cross. I want to thank Jack Frye, John Berry, and Patti Gich for the messages they have delivered, Tom Moore for his organizational work, and the staff and volunteers who support these gatherings in a variety of ways.

This Sunday, we continue in our sermon series titled “24 Hours That Changed the World” (based on a book of the same name by Pastor Adam Hamilton) in which we are looking at the last 24 hours of Jesus’ earthly life. Having looked at what happened with Jesus on Holy Thursday when he gathered with the disciples in the Upper Room and then went to the Garden of Gethsemane, we now come to the events of early morning on Good Friday when following his arrest, Jesus was tried by the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). The title of the sermon is “Condemned by the Righteous.” Ironically, Jesus was condemned by the very people who represented God at the time. How on earth did this happen? We’ll do our best to answer this question on Sunday. I hope to see you in person or online at our 9:30am Contemporary/Celebration Service in the Fellowship Hall or our 11am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 3/2/23 Cyndi Johnson 3/2/23

Weekly Update// Alina Pastoral Intern

Hello Asbury,

We are starting the second week of Lent. It started last Wednesday Ash Wednesday), and will last until the Thursday before Easter. There are 40 weekdays that invite us to prepare differently for this important time in the Christian calendar.

As some Christians give up something in this time, others try to recover the spiritual practices we may have been neglecting, or even start a new one. I have decided to reengage in my prayer time. Walking Prayers are one of the most inspiring and challenging ones I practice. So, I have separated a time in the day to converse with God while walking around the neighborhood.

This practice, besides requiring I wear appropriate clothes - my walking shoes and a hat- and preparing my body for it, helps me to fully focus on meeting God. I find it fascinating how God can meet you during your prayers in ways one does not expect and how those conversations bring us closer to all that surrounds us, places, situations, people, creation, and life.

Walking Prayer is considered an intercessory prayer that involves walking while praying. As one walks, our prayers are extended beyond our own concerns, focusing directly on the needs of others, and opening ourselves to see them with God’s eyes and heart. It is an invitation to openly meet God around us. It reminds me of Jesus looking over the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and being moved to pray for the city (Matthew 23:37-39).

As I prepare my mind, soul, and body in this journey of Lent, I invite you to look for ways to prepare yourself and connect with God. I know God is waiting for time with you.

On Sunday, Pastor Chris will continue the sermon series “24 Hours that Changed the World". Join us at our 9:30 am Celebration Service or our 11:00 am Traditional Worship. Let us continue on the path to Easter together.

Remember, many activities are happening here in the life of our church. Take some time to review the information below.

Have a blessed week!

Alina Saucedo

Pastoral Intern Asbury UMC

Cyndi Johnson 2/23/23 Cyndi Johnson 2/23/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Yesterday (February 22) was Ash Wednesday and thus the start of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading into Easter. It’s common during the Lenten season for Christ-followers to “give something up” (i.e., chocolate, soda, coffee, etc.) This “giving up” is meant to mirror (obviously in a smaller way!) the sacrifice of Jesus as he went to the cross.

Since the beginning part of the year, I’ve been trying to take better care of my body (which, per 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, honors God). For Valentine’s Day, Amanda gifted me with a large canister so I can better track my daily water intake. It’s amazing how something as simple as drinking more water has infused me with energy. My plan for Lent is to give up all drinks other than water and coffee (I still need coffee to wake up in the morning!). I expect you as a congregation to hold me accountable toward this end. Just don’t be surprised if I also ask you what you’re giving up for Lent!

Speaking of Lent, we are starting a new sermon series called “24 Hours That Changed the World.” The series is based on a book of the same name by Adam Hamilton, who serves as the founding and lead pastor of Church of the Resurrection (located in the Kansas City metropolitan area), which is the largest United Methodist congregation in the United States. The series will primarily focus on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. As the title says, these 24 hours changed the world. My prayer is that these messages will open our hearts and minds to wonder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the impact his sacrifice has on our lives (and eternities). The first message is going to focus on the events of the Last Supper. If you’d like to get a jump start, I encourage you to read Mark 14. By the way, at both services, we are welcoming in new members, which is always such a joy.

The last thing I want to mention is, because of your generosity, our church was able to send $4,045 to Bishop Juan de Dios Peña, who oversees Methodist churches in Latin America. I am continually amazed by the sacrificial giving of the people of Asbury. As a result of these funds, Bishop Juan will be able to travel to the United Kingdom. There he will receive training, which will help him as he empowers and equips leaders in Latin America to share the message of Jesus Christ with others. Thank you!

As always, there is a lot going on in the life of our church. I hope you’ll read the upcoming events page and find ways to get involved.

See you Sunday!

Blessings,

Chris

Cyndi Johnson 2/16/23 Cyndi Johnson 2/16/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Hi church!

Do you remember getting Valentines from your classmates back in grade school? The ones that had pictures of a train and read something like, “I choo choo choose you.” Or maybe a picture of some cheese and asked, “Will you brie my valentine?” I confess I never got one with a cheese reference when I was younger but wouldn’t have minded if I did.

As I write this email, it’s Tuesday, February 14, or Valentine’s Day. Alicia and I recently just received pictures from Liam’s teacher as he exchanged Valentines with his classmates. To say both our hearts melted would be an understatement. It took me back to the days when I would nervously sit in class waiting to receive Valentines from my classmates, and of course, my class crush even though she gave everyone else one as well. Despite my slight jealousy back then, I still look back on those memories with fondness.

All this highlights how wonderful and important love is, especially for Christians. Scripture identifies in 1 John 4:12 that “if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” We’re also told that the greatest commandments have to do with love. Both loving God and loving each other as we love ourselves. And that includes all types of love such as love between friends, romantic partners, or family members. It’s all important! And though the 14th of February shouldn’t be any different, it helped me appreciate love a bit more today!

This Sunday, Pastor Chris will wrap up our sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer, and then we’re full speed into Lent! Lent kicks off on Wednesday, February 22, with our first Lenten Gathering at 12 Noon in the Fellowship Hall, where we will have a great line-up of speakers guiding us through our 2023 series The Last Seven Sayings of Jesus on His way to the Cross. We will also have our Ash Wednesday service that evening in the Sanctuary at 7pm. We will impose ashes at both services. Further, we have our Lent devotionals that will be ready to be picked up on Sunday at the church campus, or you can find them online at AsburyLent.Com. We hope to see you Sunday at either our Celebration Service at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall or our Traditional Service at 11am in the Sanctuary, or both! If you can’t make it in person, both will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Last, I ask for your prayers for my family and me in these upcoming weeks as we welcome our second child. I’ll be out for a month or so as we focus on our quickly growing family but will send updates when I can. The doctor planned the scheduled delivery for Monday, but God and the baby could have other plans, so we will see!

God Bless and take care!

Pastor Will

Cyndi Johnson 2/9/23 Cyndi Johnson 2/9/23

Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
It’s been a while since I’ve written the weekly email, but I am grateful to Pastor Will and (soon-to-be Pastor) Alina for sharing in this work with me.

This Sunday (February 12) we’re continuing our journey through the Lord’s Prayer. In the sermon, we’ll explore the last two petitions Jesus instructs us to pray: Lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

At face value, the first of these last two petitions tends to confuse us. Why are we asking God not to tempt us? How do we make sense of these words in light of what James, one of the writers of the New Testament, declares: And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else” (1:13). If James is correct and God never tempts us, then why are we specifically asking to “lead us not into temptation”? We’ll explore these question and others in worship on Sunday. So don’t miss out!

I am profoundly grateful for the steady growth our children’s ministry has experienced since the start of 2023. It’s not uncommon for us to have close to 30 children on Sunday morning (not to mention their parents and/or grandparents!). Our Vision Team is currently meeting to think through ways of effectively engaging our younger families. The team is also in the process of developing small groups, and we hope to roll some new ones out by late summer/early fall.

There’s lots going on at Asbury. I encourage you to read the rest of this email to stay connected.

See you Sunday!

Blessings,

Chris

Pastor’s Weekly Update

Asbury Church