Weekly Up date Pastor Emily

 Greetings Asbury,

This Sunday we enter the Third week of Advent and the theme is JOY! In the middle of a season that can feel heavy or overwhelming, Advent reminds us that joy is not shallow happiness, but deep hope rooted in God’s faithful presence with us. Join us for worship as we light the rose candle and reflect on the joy that shines bright, even in darkness.

And this Sunday is Light up Asbury! There will be lots of Joy and Christmas cheer.After worship, our campus will come alive with lights, music, food, fellowship, and fun for all ages. This is a beautiful way to welcome our community, share the joy of the season, and celebrate together as the light of Christ shines through us.

Come worship, come celebrate, and come be reminded of the joy delivered to the world through Jesus Christ. We can’t wait to see you Sunday!

With joy,

Emily 

Weekly Update // Pastor John

 Dear Asbury,

The lights are going up all over town, the tree is standing tall in our living room, and the calendar is filling quickly, because Advent has a way of being both beautiful and busy at the same time. And yet, Scripture invites us to breathe deeply and remember that peace isn’t simply the absence of chaos, it is the presence of Christ.

This week’s reading from Isaiah 11:1–10 paints a picture of shalom: God’s dream where wolves and lambs lie together, the vulnerable are safe, justice is restored, and creation itself is healed. This is peace that goes far beyond a quiet moment or a calm schedule. It is God making all things right. It is wholeness, restoration, and hope breaking into our world.

As we light the second candle of Advent, may we seek that kind of peace, peace for our spirits, peace in our homes, peace in our relationships, peace in our community.

May the Prince of Peace meet you in the bustle and the quiet, in the lights and the shadows, and may you find His peace, His shalom, this Advent and Christmas season.

Shalom,

Pastor John

P.S. If your heart is not at peace this Christmas I want to invite you to our Blue Christmas Service Sunday December 7 at 4pm in the Chapel, it will be a time to experience hope and healing.

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

 Happy Thanksgiving, Asbury Family!

As we gather around our tables this week, I pray you feel the nearness of God’s goodness and the gratitude that comes from being a community shaped by grace. We are so thankful for each one of youThis Sunday, November 30, we begin a brand new Advent season together. Come experience hope as we light the first candle and lean into the promise that Christ is coming to make all things new.

We can’t wait to worship with you.

P.S. If you haven’t yet turned in your Estimate of Giving card for 2026, please take a moment to do so. Your commitment helps us faithfully plan for the year ahead.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor John

  Dear Asbury Family,

As we move toward a new year of ministry, we hear Paul’s beautiful words to the Colossians ringing in our ears: “May you be made strong… joyfully giving thanks to the Father… for in Christ all things hold together.”

What a promise! In Christ, everything holds together, our families, our church, our future, our hope. And because of Christ, we are strengthened with endurance, patience, and most of all, joy.

That’s why this season, we’re inviting everyone at Asbury to GO ALL IN!

When you turn in your Estimate of Giving Card for 2026, you’re not just filling out a form, you’re joining a movement of gratitude, trust, and bold faith. You’re helping build a future where Christ continues to hold Asbury together and propel us into new opportunities for worship, discipleship, outreach, and transformation.

Your commitment, whatever the amount, helps our church plan faithfully and dream boldly. And when we all go in together, our collective faith becomes a powerful witness of Christ’s love.

So this week:

Turn in your Estimate of Giving Card.

Say a prayer of thanks for all God has done.

Choose joy as you step into this holiday season.

And invite someone! A neighbor, friend, coworker, someone who needs community, hope, and joy.

Let’s go all in, Asbury, trusting the One in whom all things find their place.

Shalom,

John Shughart 

Weekly Update // Pastor John

  Dear Asbury Family,

Sometimes when we talk about money in church, people feel uncomfortable. We hear things like, “The church just wants my money.” And honestly, it’s true that we do want your money. But not for the reasons people often think. The truth is, God calls us to invest in His mission, because the way we handle our money reflects where our hearts are. Right now, one of the biggest challenges we face as a church is that we’re only able to spend about 1% of our budget on ministries for youth and children. For a church that believes in passing faith to the next generation, that’s a gap we can’t ignore.

I get it, talking about money can make any of us uneasy. We all have bills, commitments, and limited resources. Just like our personal budgets, the church has responsibilities that keep us running: staff, utilities, administration, and more. But beneath those numbers are stories of real people, our youth, our families, our neighbors, whose lives are touched by what we give.
That’s why our stewardship campaign this year is called “ALL IN: INvolved, INvested, INviting.” It’s an invitation to lean in instead of leaning away to trust that our giving isn’t just about meeting expenses, it’s about fueling ministry that changes lives. When we give generously, we open doors for others to encounter Christ.

Our youth group is growing. For months we’ve had a strong, faithful group of around ten youth who love being together and leading. Recently, they’ve started inviting friends, and for our Halloween party we had 17 youth! That’s momentum worth investing in. Imagine what could happen if, instead of 1%, we dedicated 5%, 10%, or even 20% of our budget to raising up young disciples and future leaders. This is just one exciting example of how your investment makes a difference.

This Sunday, Pastor Emily will preach on Matthew 6:19–21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If your heart is with our youth, our children, and the mission of this church, let’s show it. Let’s go ALL IN and see what the Holy Spirit can do when we trust God with our treasure.

Shalom,

Pastor John

P.S. We are going to send out Commitment cards this week and they will be available in worship. We invite you to prayerfully consider what you are going to commit this year to fund our mission. You can turn those in whenever you are done to the front office or you can bring those to our Commitment Sunday on November 23. Thank you for your generosity and going ALL IN in advance. 

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

  ALL IN: INvolved

This Sunday we begin our new stewardship series, ALL IN: INvolved, INvested, INviting.
Throughout November, we’ll explore what it means to be fully part of God’s work through Asbury with our time, our presence, and our hearts.

This week’s focus is INvolved.

When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he reminded them that “we are many parts of one body, and all belong to each other.” (Romans 12:5).
At Asbury, every hand, every prayer, every person matters. From the people who greet at the door to those who lead small groups, prepare communion, or pray behind the scenes, your involvement makes a difference.

Being INvolved isn’t just about doing more. It’s showing up for one another, using your gifts, and saying “yes” to God’s invitation to grow together and create a community of authentic belonging.

Here’s how you can be INvolved this week:

• Join a ministry team or small group.

• Pray daily for Asbury’s mission and those who serve.

• Invite someone to worship with you and introduce them to our community.

Together, let’s go ALL IN  heart, soul, mind, and strength  to love God and neighbor in all we do.

See you Sunday as we kick off this exciting journey!
We’re ALL IN! Are you?

Love and grace,

Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Dear Asbury Family,

This Sunday we will gather for a special time of worship as we celebrate All Saints Sunday. It is a day to give thanks for the saints who have gone before us and to honor the lives of those in our church family who have passed away in the past year.

During worship, we will read the names of our loved ones, light candles in their memory, and remember with gratitude the ways they shared God’s love with us. Their faith continues to shape our lives and strengthen our community.

I invite you to come with a heart of remembrance and hope, as we celebrate the great cloud of witnesses who surround us and remind us that God’s love is stronger than death. 

Shalom,

Pastor John

Weekly Update // Pastor John

 Hey Folks,

This week in worship, we’re going to look at Luke 4:16–21:

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

When I read this, it feels like I’m reading Jesus’ mission statement. These words from Isaiah capture the heart of what his public ministry would become here on earth.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to continue that mission today. What does it look like in 2025 to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives and the oppressed, to help people see a new way to live, and to be a blessing to others?

I’m excited to explore this together. This Sunday, we’ll also hear from Lori Nadler, chair of our Missions Committee, as she shares about their work and how God is calling us to love, serve, and bless our community and our world.

I hope to see you there and I encourage you to invite a friend!

Shalom,
Pastor John

P.S. If you’ve read this far, tell me your favorite hymn or worship song when you see me on Sunday

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

 This Sunday we celebrate Laity Sunday, a special time to honor the many ways you, the people of Asbury, share God’s love through service, worship, and everyday life.

From teaching children to greeting at the doors, from singing in the choir to serving in missions and prayer, our congregation is filled with ministers of grace. Together, we are the Body of Christ with many parts, one Spirit, one purpose.

Join us this Sunday at 9:30 or 11:00 as lay members lead worship and we give thanks for all God is doing through the people of Asbury!

“You are a chosen people… that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Hey Folks, 

This week in worship, we’re reflecting on one of the most powerful and practical verses in Scripture, Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?”

These words remind us that faith isn’t just about what we believe it’s about how we live. Justice, kindness, and humility are the heartbeat of a church that serves. And this week, we have a beautiful opportunity to live that out through our UWF Rummage Sale! Every item donated, every purchase made, and every hour volunteered helps support missions and outreach ministries that share God’s love with our neighbors near and far.

I hope you’ll join us for worship as we celebrate how God is at work through your generosity and service. And as always, this is a great week to invite a friend, especially someone who’s looking for a community that truly puts faith into action.

See you Sunday!

Shalom,
John Shughart

P.S. Remember that BOTH the 9:30 service and the 11:00 service will be in the SANCTUARY!

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Dear Asbury Family,

This Sunday we will join with Christians all over the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday. This day reminds us that the Table we gather around stretches farther than our eyes can see. When we take the bread and cup, we are united not only with one another, but also with believers in every nation, every language, and every tradition. It’s a beautiful glimpse of God’s Kingdom that is diverse, global, and yet gathered as one in Christ.

As we celebrate this unity, we also look forward to our Fall Festival! I pray the preparations to transform your Trunk are well underway and the treats are plentiful.  This is a joyful chance to open our doors and parking lot to the community, to bless families, and to share laughter and hospitality. You can help make it a success by decorating a trunk, donating candy, or lending a hand with setup. However you choose to serve, you’ll be helping us shine Christ’s light in a simple but powerful way.

And beyond these special moments, fall is full of opportunities to grow, serve, and connect. Whether it’s joining a small group, helping with missions, or being part of our vibrant worship life, there are so many ways to plug in and be part of what God is doing here at Asbury. You belong here, and your presence helps our church family thrive.

I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday around Christ’s Table, and I can’t wait to celebrate the season ahead together.

Grace and peace,

Pastor John

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Hi Folks,

The Spirit of God has poured out gifts on each of us, not for our own sake, but for the building up of Christ’s body and the blessing of the world. Scripture reminds us that every believer is called to be a minister of the gospel, an ambassador for Christ in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and church.

Here at Asbury, we are blessed with strong leaders who are faithfully using their gifts to serve, guide, and inspire. Their witness is a reminder that the church flourishes when we each offer what God has entrusted to us. The question before us is: How do we empower even more people to discover and live into their calling?

That is our holy work together. By encouraging one another, creating opportunities to serve, and trusting the Spirit’s guidance, we can raise up new leaders and strengthen the fabric of our community. Imagine what God can do through a church where every gift is discovered, nurtured, and unleashed for the sake of the Kingdom.

Let us continue to walk together in that Spirit-led vision.

Shalom,

Pastor John 

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

Dear Asbury Family,

This week, we continue to focus on our theme: the presence of the Spirit. As we’ve seen in Scripture and in our life together, when we open ourselves to the Spirit’s leading, what seems impossible becomes possible. The Spirit is moving among us in ways that strengthen our hearts, our community, and our mission.

Asbury Kids Singing – 11:00 Service
This Sunday, our Asbury Kids will bless us with their voices at the 11:00 service! Their energy, joy, and faith remind us that the Spirit is alive in every generation. Please come ready to encourage them as they lead us in worship.

Visits & Visions Listening Sessions
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Visits & Visions listening sessions. These gatherings were filled with honesty, hope, and a sense of the Spirit guiding our future. What we heard again and again is that Asbury has:

• A deep desire to connect with one another in meaningful ways.

• A longing to grow deeper in our faith and discipleship.

• A call to make a difference here in Maitland and across Central Florida.

Your voices confirm what we already know: Asbury is a church with a heart for people inside and outside our walls. The Spirit is shaping us for what’s ahead, and together, we will move forward in hope and faith.

Looking Ahead

• Join us in worship this Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00 as we continue our focus on the Holy Spirit.

• Invite a friend or neighbor to experience what God is doing here at Asbury.

We give thanks for each of you, for the Spirit’s movement among us, and for the ways God is using our church to shine Christ’s light in this world.

With gratitude and joy,
Rev. Emily & Rev. John

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

Dear Asbury Family,

This week has been especially full with Pastor John away on the Wesleyan Heritage Tour, and I am so grateful for the strength and spirit of leadership in this church. I continue to see you step in to share the work of ministry, not just with me, but with one another.

There was one particular day this week when I felt especially overwhelmed. In the midst of the busyness, one of our leaders noticed and quietly stepped in to help carry the load. That simple act of grace shifted everything. What had been a heavy, stressful day was transformed into one filled with peace and joy.

Moments like this remind me of what it truly means to walk in faith together with God. We are not meant to carry the heavy things of life on our own. Grace shows up when we lend a hand, share a burden, or offer encouragement. Grace is the gift of lightening someone else’s load, sometimes in small, almost unnoticed ways that makes all the difference.

I wonder this week: Who in your life might need help carrying something heavy? It might be as simple as a kind word, a meal dropped off, a prayer lifted up, or a task quietly taken on. However you offer grace, know that God works through you in those moments to bring hope and joy.

Thank you, Asbury, for being a people who embody this kind of love. Together, we are walking in faith, and together, God’s grace makes us strong.

With gratitude and peace,

Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Dear Friends,

On Thursday, I’ll be traveling to England with pastors from across the country as part of the Emerging Clergy Cohort with Rev. Adam Hamilton and Church of the Resurrection. We’ll visit historic Methodist sites and explore how the Wesleyan movement continues to inspire ministry today.

One of the things I love most about our United Methodist Church is that we are part of a global connection. The ministry we share here at Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland is linked to the work of thousands of other congregations in Florida and around the world.

Emily and I are committed to serving Asbury faithfully, while also serving as part of this wider connection. This trip is a way to learn, grow, and bring back fresh ideas that will strengthen our ministry together. I am grateful to our Staff Parish Team for supporting this time away and will be sharing more about this trip in the coming weeks and months. 

We truly get to be part of something bigger than ourselves and that’s worth celebrating!

Shalom,

Pastor John

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

Dear Asbury Family,

The long, hot days of summer are beginning to give way to something new. Backpacks are being pulled out of closets, teachers are setting up classrooms, and families are holding onto those last sweet moments of summer break. Here at Asbury, we're stepping into this new season with hope, prayer, and purpose.

Back to School Blessings
This coming Monday is Meet the Teacher Day for the Asbury Early Learning Center! We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning students and their families as our classrooms come back to life. The ELC staff has been hard at work preparing for another year of nurturing young hearts and minds, and we invite you to join us in praying for our students, teachers, parents, and administrators—at Asbury and across our community. May this school year be filled with growth, joy, and God’s peace.

Back to Sunday School: A New Sermon Series Begins
As our routines begin to reset, it’s also a perfect time to come “Back to Sunday School.” Our new sermon series kicks off this week with the Creation story in Genesis, where we’ll rediscover God’s good design and creative power that still speaks to our lives today. As we journey through familiar Old Testament stories with fresh eyes, we’ll explore what these foundational accounts can teach us about who God is and who we are called to be.

Whether you’ve been away this summer or faithfully worshipping each week, this is a wonderful moment to reconnect. Come join us—in person or online—as we step into this new season with faith.

Let’s Pray Together
Please continue to lift up our church in prayer. As we prepare for a busy fall full of ministry opportunities, your prayers and presence make all the difference. Pray for wisdom, unity, and renewal as we grow deeper in Christ and wider in love.

I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. Bring a friend, bring your questions, bring your heart—and come expectant.

With grace and gratitude,
Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor John

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

This Sunday, Pastor Emily will be reflecting on The Parable of the Rich Fool. Her message, “Storage Wars,” explores Jesus’ challenge to live generously and be rich toward God—not just rich in stuff.

The parable reminds us: abundance isn’t meant to be hoarded, but shared. As the rich man builds bigger barns to store up his harvest, Jesus calls us to use what we’ve been given for God’s purposes.

That truth speaks clearly at Asbury. We don’t own our property—it’s held in trust—but we steward it faithfully. From worship and youth group meetings to our Early Learning Center and community partners, this place is alive with ministry.

Our beautiful campus—lakeside chapel, stained glass, playground—points to God’s creativity. And yes, even the A/C is ministry in this heat! Our buildings aren’t just expenses—they’re tools for mission, spaces where people meet Jesus, grow in faith, and share love.

As you reflect on being “rich toward God,” consider:
Who could you invite to experience this sacred space that we are called to care for and to share with others?

See you Sunday.

Shalom,
Pastor John

Weekly Update // Pastor John

Dear Asbury Family,

What a joy it was to stand before you this past Sunday and preach for the first time as one of your new pastors. I was filled with gratitude and hope—not only for the opportunity to share God’s Word with you, but also for the way so many of you welcomed our family, friends, and me so warmly. Several loved ones joined us for worship, and more than one commented on how genuinely kind and hospitable this church is. That is no small thing in today’s world. Thank you for making them feel at home.

Over the next three weeks, both Emily and I will be preaching from the Gospel of Luke, following the Revised Common Lectionary. These weeks will give us the opportunity to introduce ourselves more deeply, share pieces of our own stories, and begin laying out the vision and values that guide us in ministry. We hope you’ll join us each week as we discover together what God is already doing and what lies ahead.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue praying for the people in your life—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates—anyone who might need the love and grace of a church like this one. Think about who you can invite. Tell them about the amazing music and Kelly’s Ice Cream!

Behind the scenes, we’ve hit the ground running. We’ve already had our first round of committee and staff meetings, and we are deeply grateful to be serving alongside such gifted, thoughtful, and dedicated leaders. Asbury is blessed with a strong team, and we’re excited to dream, plan, and lead with them in the days ahead.

We’re just getting started—but it already feels like home. Thank you for that.

Shalom,

Pastor John

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What an incredible first Sunday we shared together last week at Asbury United Methodist Church! The Shughart family left feeling deeply welcomed, surrounded by love and peace—and for that, we are so grateful. It was truly a gift to worship alongside you all.

On Monday evening, Pastor John and I had the opportunity to spend time with Lynn Ball, the Congregational Vitality Specialist for the Southwest District. Lynn led an onboarding session with many of our church leaders, helping us begin the important work of building relationships and setting a shared direction. On Tuesday, we continued that process with our staff team.

The goal of this time was to accelerate our understanding of one another and the life of this church, so we can move forward faithfully and fruitfully. What Pastor John and I discovered in these conversations is a remarkable community of people who:

• Have claimed their place in the family of God

• Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit

• Are full of love and grace

• Are willing to share honestly and openly about where we’ve been—and where God might be leading us next

To everyone who gave their time and energy to help shape this next season: thank you.

This week, Pastor John will be preaching from Romans 8:14–17.

We invite you to read the passage and reflect on these questions as you prepare for worship:

• What does it mean to you to be adopted into the family of God?

• What does it mean to be called a child of God?

• How has the church made a difference in your life?

• Who helped you find your place in God’s family?

We are excited to gather again on Sunday and to continue this journey together. God is doing  beautiful work here at Asbury, and we are honored to be a part of it with you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Emily

Weekly Update // Pastor Emily and John

Dear Asbury Family,

Greetings! We are so excited to begin this new season of ministry with you all. It is a joy and a blessing to be stepping into this journey together, and we are filled with gratitude for the warm welcome we’ve already received.

We look forward to discovering all the ways God is at work here at Asbury—and joining you in the work that lies ahead. From vibrant worship and discipleship to community outreach and connection, we believe God has good things in store for this church and the wider Maitland community.

A little about us:

Emily grew up in Ocala and has previously served at First UMC Orlando as an Associate Pastor, and most recently at Community of Faith UMC in Davenport. She’s a proud Gator and a graduate of Candler School of Theology. Emily enjoys gardening and making music.

John grew up right here in Orlando, graduating from Edgewater High School and growing up in the College Park neighborhood. He has served churches in Durham, NC (Glendale Heights), Auburndale (Lena Vista), and most recently alongside Emily at Community of Faith UMC. He’s a die-hard Nole (so yes, it’s a house divided!) and a Duke Divinity School grad. John loves to golf and watch college football.

We also want you to get to know our family: our daughters, Stevie (5) and Frances (2), are already making themselves at home. They are excited about starting at new schools this Fall. They love swimming, coloring, and trips to Disney and the beach!

We can’t wait to get to know each of you better. Thank you for the warm welcome—we are truly honored to serve among you. Over the next couple of weeks in worship, we will share more about who we are, our call stories, and our heart for ministry.

Grace and peace,

John and Emily