Pastor’s Pondering
As I write this, we are in the early days of the Season of Lent. We are also just a few weeks removed from a most divisive Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (see related article). I have just returned to my office after a meeting with my Circuit Leader and dear friend, Pastor Steve Scott where we shared our observations about the state of our greater UM Church and the potential implications the decisions and tone of the Special Session may have upon the Church we love.
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Pastor’s Pondering
As I turn the calendar to the month of March two thoughts quickly come to my mind. My first thought is a prayer. A prayer for Spring to quickly arrive! (From my office window I can see Lloyd Coulthard blowing snow from our church’s sidewalks even as I write this.) My second thought is “Wow” the season of Lent is upon us! Seems like we just packed away our Christmas stuff.
Actually, my thoughts of Spring and Lent are closely related. The word, Lent, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means “Spring.”
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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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