Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Like many of you, I’m experiencing hurricane fatigue. These past few weeks have been challenging. While some of us dealt with power outages, leaks, and storm debris, others faced much worse—some members of our congregation experienced tree limbs crashing through windows and roofs. It’s important to remember that the impact is not limited to Central Florida; those in the Gulf region and the mountains of North Carolina continue to endure significant hardships as well. I’ve seen social media posts from colleagues in those areas expressing that their churches and communities may never be the same.

I want to thank you for your prayers and support of UMCOR, our United Methodist Committee on Relief. Our congregation has already raised thousands to assist victims of the recent hurricanes. Your generosity is making a meaningful impact, and together we are providing crucial assistance to those in need. My prayer is that we continue to stand in solidarity with our affected neighbors, showing them they are not alone on this journey of recovery.

Some believe that God sends hurricanes to get our attention. I don’t subscribe to that view. Hurricanes are natural phenomena that occur during a specific season (June 1–November 30) due to warm ocean waters and other environmental factors. Scripture makes it clear that when God wanted to communicate his thoughts, feelings, and attitude toward us, he didn't send a hurricane or any natural disaster; he sent his Son to be our Savior. As we say in our Communion liturgy, quoting Romans 5:8, "Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love toward us." The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus inform our understanding of God, not the hurricanes that come during this predictable season. God loves humanity and invites us, by grace, to embody the ongoing work of Jesus in the world as we care for those in need.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight the success of the Rummage Sale. In addition to raising money for missions, we practiced good stewardship by repurposing items we no longer want or need. We also opened our campus and provided a fun and enjoyable experience while dealing with the difficulties brought about by Hurricane Milton.

I want to quickly remind you about three upcoming events: our Fall Festival on Friday, October 18, from 5:30 to 7 PM; our Church Conference on Saturday, October 19, at 10 AM; and our choir concert on Sunday, October 20, at 3 PM. It’s going to be a fun and full weekend on our campus!

This Sunday in worship, we’ll continue our Revival series, exploring the stories of John and Charles Wesley and the foundations of Methodism. I will discuss the "secret ingredient" that propelled the Methodist movement and how we can prayerfully apply this to our work as Christians.

I am honored to be one of your pastors. Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,

Chris

 P.S. I won't be at Coffee with the Pastor today, but I hope to see you at the next gathering on October 24.