Weekly Update// Pastor Will
Hello friends!
As you may know, last Sunday, we hosted a Blessing of the Animals service, inviting everyone, with or without pets, to join us. This was something we had wanted to do for a long time. However, scheduling issues prevented us until this past weekend. I must say, I'm really glad we did it. We were unsure what to expect but quickly realized that this was something special. By our count, we had 51 people and 27 animals, mainly dogs, a few birds, a couple of cats, a bunny, and a hedgehog. We even had a wild bird from the lake that felt left out and joined us to receive a blessing. This tells me that we have many folks who genuinely care about their pets. While I don't know for sure, I'm confident that some of these pets were there for these people during dark and difficult times, probably helping pull them through. For that, we celebrated the lives that we share in fellowship with these pets, including the insects and the birds of the sky, and the way all of God's creation works together for our enjoyment.
I want to express special thanks to the Creation Care Team, especially Carla Smith and Linda Stevenson, for helping get this off the ground, as well as two of our young people, Lyla and Nadia, for assisting. Thanks also to Chris Kovic for helping with music, which added a special touch to the service. If you missed it, I'm pretty sure we will be doing it again soon!
In the life of the church, our significant focus right now is the Family Glow Party on Friday evening from 5:30-7:00 pm. I know Laura Molloy still needs some help, so if you can, please reach out to her at childrensministry@asburymaitland.org. The next morning is the Men’s Breakfast where Jim Esch will be speaking to the men, with breakfast starting at 7:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Come on out and bring a friend if possible for some great food and fellowship!
Speaking of food, the following Friday, February 9th, is the Valentine's Dinner and Dance. It’s such a fun evening and only $15 for a great meal and, if you want, some dancing too! The price of admission to see me attempt to dance is worth it alone! Then the following Wednesday, February 14th, we begin our Lenten Lunches at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Since that’s also Ash Wednesday, we will have a time to impose the ashes if you join, but if you can’t make that, we will have an Ash Wednesday Service that evening at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Exciting news! Join us for Amanda and Pastor Chris's Baby Shower on Sunday, February 11th, at 12pm in the Fellowship Hall, right after our 11:00 services. All are invited to celebrate and shower the Jones family with love. To help us plan, please confirm your attendance by Wednesday, February 7th. Simply click on the link provided here!
https://www.evite.com/event0250XM7TNGXRQYH7MEPOVWU4LF7ACY/
Rewinding a tad to focus on Sunday, I’ll be preaching on James 4:3 in our service “You Keep Using that Bible Verse,” and unpacking what James truly meant when he expressed that we were not getting from God what we are asking for! Both our 9:30 am Celebration/ Contemporary Service and our 11:00 am Traditional Service will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook if you’re unable to make it in person, but we hope to see you either way!
God Bless and have a wonderful weekend!
Pastor Will