Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,

Happy Halloween!

For those of you who live in neighborhoods with trick-or-treaters, I hope you enjoy the chance to welcome kids as they come by. Growing up, I remember hearing debates about whether it was appropriate for Christians to observe Halloween, given its origins in pre-Christian customs. While it’s true that Halloween didn’t begin as a Christian celebration, it’s also true that some of our Christmas traditions—like Christmas trees (which we, like many churches, place in our worship spaces during Advent and Christmastime), yule logs, mistletoe, and holly—have roots in non-Christian customs.

Over time, the church has creatively adapted many of these practices, viewing them through a Christian lens. For example, evergreen trees, which stay vibrant through winter, can symbolize the eternal life Jesus brings. Halloween offers a similar opportunity: to welcome others, especially children, and treat them with kindness and respect as they visit our homes. Additionally, Halloween connects to All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1, inviting us to remember the faithful Christians who have gone before us. John Wesley, whose life and ministry we’re reflecting on in our current sermon series, called All Saints “a festival I truly loved.”

This Sunday in worship, we’ll honor and remember those in our congregation who have joined the church triumphant over the past year. Pastor Will will also conclude our “Revival” sermon series by sharing about John Wesley’s final days and how Methodism took root in America—including the story of our church’s namesake, Francis Asbury. I hope you will join us for what’s sure to be an inspiring day of worship.

Please also keep the family of Nancy Van Horn in your prayers as we gather to celebrate her life this Saturday at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Additionally, we have our Men’s Breakfast this Saturday at 7:30 a.m., where Tony Rosenberger, who once served as one of our appointed clergy, will be our speaker. The Men's Brekfast is open to everyone—not just men!

Wishing you a meaningful and safe evening! 

Blessings,

Chris