Pastor’s Pondering

“The Council of Bishops has called a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to receive and act on a report from the ‘Commission on a Way Forward’ based on the recommendations of the Council of Bishops. The 32-member Commission was authorized by General Conference 2016 and appointed by the Council of Bishops to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and exploring options to strengthen the unity of the church.” (emphasis mine) – From the United Methodist Church website.

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Pastor’s Pondering

Well, it seems hard to believe, but another year has closed and a new one is beginning!

I look back to 2018 with great fondness.  What a year it was for Asbury Church!  We celebrated 60 years worshiping God together!  Wasn’t it great to hear some of the stories our most senior members shared!  One could feel their passion for this church and the many ministries it engaged in over these many decades – the struggles in tough times as well as the many successes along the way.

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Pastor’s Pondering

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – Luke 2: 8-10 KJV

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” – Matthew 2: 1-2 KJV

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November Pastor’s Pondering

If you don’t already know it, I’m into holidays!  And the string of celebrations from Halloween through New Year’s Day have been a favorite “run” for me since I was a kid.  Trick or Treat, Turkey Day, Christmas and all the hoopla that goes with it, and finally the strike of midnight and the ringing in of the New Year offer one happy occasion following another.  They are all, just so fun!

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October Pastor’s Pondering

Commitment – an agreement or pledge to do something in the future. – Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

October is going to be a BIG month in the life of Asbury Church!  Well, every month is big in the life of the church because ministry never takes time off.  There are always needs to be fulfilled – spiritual, mental/emotional, and physical needs both in our family and beyond.

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September Pastor’s Pondering

Sometimes we must listen very carefully to hear the voice of God.  Much like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, when the LORD was not present in a great wind, a mighty earthquake, or a raging fire, but instead was revealed in the gentleness of a whisper.  So, it is with our quest to discern the will of God.

Discerning God’s will is on my mind a great deal these days as we move into the final phase of our Capital Campaign concerning the proposed building project for Asbury Church.  We will know by the end of the calendar year whether we will move forward with our project, having heard God say “Yes” through the generous people of this church, or roll up the blue-prints and put them away, having heard God say “No, now is not the time.” But between now and November 11 (Commitment Sunday) we will be listening closely as God speaks.

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August Pastor’s Pondering

Throughout much of this summer, our bulletin covers have featured our 60^th Anniversary logo, adding to the “Asbury Ship” the words “Memories, Ministry, and Mission.”

I really like this special logo and the message upon which it invites us to reflect.  I think it does well to capture and promote our past, our present, and the future which lay ahead for Asbury UMC.

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July Pastor’s Pondering

I have always been a fan of history – World history, American history, and especially for me, Church history.  To me, history is not a topic which is dead and dusty, but instead is something alive and vibrant, inviting us to look back at those who came before us and share in their dreams, their struggles, and their legacies.  I am always humbled when I get the chance to stand on historically hallowed ground – places which have stood a thousand years or maybe more.  I find myself imagining the people who occupied those places over the years.  What were their lives like?  Were their joys and concerns much like ours today?  I am always moved when special historic opportunities present themselves such as when in 1990 I stood in the very pulpit from which Martin Luther often preached, and again, only a few short weeks ago, when I had a “once in a life-time” opportunity to deliver a sermon at John Wesley’s New Room and preach from the very spot our founder preached!  WOW!

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Pastor’s Pondering

“The World Is My Parish”

(Preached at the “New Room” Bristol, England from Wesley’s pulpit.       May 21, 2018)

1 Corinthians 9: 22b – 23

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Those words of the Apostle Paul capture well the spirit of a true evangelist for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They speak of the depth of passion and commitment which is shared by those who answer God’s call to offer the Good News.

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