Weekly Update // Pastor Will

Hi Friends,

When I first arrived at Asbury in 2021, I was awestruck by the rich traditions that make our church so special. The deep culture here has been lovingly crafted by the people who call Asbury home. One tradition that stood out to me was March to the Manger—a beautiful both/and of a metaphorical and physical procession toward Christ’s manger, where we present our humble offerings to the newborn King.

Each year, our church leadership designates a mission or organization to support through this tradition. This year, we’re excited to focus on Central Florida Wesley, a United Methodist college ministry serving UCF, Valencia, and other nearby colleges. This ministry has blessed Asbury in countless ways. We’ve heard their director, Rev. Erwin Lopez, preach during Sunday worship and speak to our United Methodist Men. Their internship program has also been a gift to our church.

In my time here, we’ve partnered with Central Florida Wesley to welcome incredible interns. The work Central Florida Wesley does extends far beyond the college campuses, and it’s clear how impactful their ministry is. Thank you for your generosity in the past, and for the support I know you’ll continue to show. Pastor Chris will share more about their ministry soon in a letter!

We’ll celebrate March to the Manger on December 22nd during both our morning services—9:30 am (Contemporary) and 11:00 am (Traditional).

Before then, we have a few exciting events to highlight. This Saturday, December 7th, the United Methodist Men will meet at 7:30 am for breakfast, fellowship, and a message from Jim Esch. Immediately following, at 9:30 am, we will hold a campus cleanup day. This is a wonderful opportunity to show pride in our beautiful campus as we work together to prepare it for the season. Snacks and water will be available as we make light work of what needs to be done.

On Sunday, December 8th, Pastor Chris will continue our Advent series, The Journey, as we reflect on the story of Christ’s birth, focusing on Joseph and his relationship with Mary. At 10:30 am, in between services, we’ll gather in the Narthex for Christmas Around the World. This special event invites us to explore and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions within our congregation. Later that afternoon, at 4:00 pm, we’ll hold our Blue Christmas Service. This service provides a sacred space to process feelings of loss, grief, or sadness that often accompany the season. Though typically aligned with the Winter Solstice (December 21st), we’ve moved it forward this year to offer this time of reflection earlier in the season.

Whew! That’s a lot, but that’s Asbury—a church with a rich tradition and a vibrant community. As always, let us know if you have any questions. Be blessed, and we’ll see you Sunday!

Thanks,
Pastor Will

Peace in Christ,