Weekly Update // Pastor Will

Hi Friends,

I believe I’ve shared this before, so my apologies if it’s repetitive, but I wanted to take a moment to talk about Second Sundays. This is a monthly gathering for our youth ministry that happens on the second Sunday of each month at 11:00 a.m. We chose the second Sunday because the first Sunday is typically Communion, and we wanted to leave that open. Plus, our adult volunteers are available, and “Second Sunday” has a nice ring to it!

I like to think of youth ministry as a cone or funnel. The wide top can hold a lot of students and represents events like Second Sundays. These gatherings intentionally have a lighter focus on spiritual elements, making it easy for students to bring their friends and experience the warmth of our church. I see these events as community builders—opportunities to strengthen relationships among students, adults, and new friends.

This approach aligns with Paul’s words in Romans 10:24-25 (NLT):
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

As we move down the cone, we increase the spiritual depth. For example, our Wednesday night program is about halfway down—still a good mix of community-building and spirituality. At the narrowest point of the cone are activities like Bible study or mission trips, where spiritual growth is the primary goal. Thinking of youth ministry this way helps me strike a balance between community and spiritual elements in each event.

Second Sundays have been a great success. They allow youth and adults to connect, share a meal, spend meaningful time together, and even learn to cook. These relationships often extend beyond church, giving students peers they can rely on during tough times. While I’d love for them to call me or an adult leader first, it’s more likely they’ll reach out to a youth group friend—and that’s the kind of supportive community we’re building.

I’ve also loved seeing students who might not otherwise attend church join us for Second Sundays. It gives their parents the opportunity to attend a service and helps the students establish a rhythm of attending church. Some even come to the 9:30 a.m. service beforehand!

Switching gears—as I mentioned in my sermon this past week, I’m thrilled to have Durwood joining us this week! I’ve had some great conversations with him, and I think we’re in for a treat. He’ll be preaching this Sunday, so make plans to join us at either the 9:30 a.m. Celebration/Contemporary Service or the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service. Both will also be live-streamed if you can’t make it in person.

Two quick things before I go:

  1. We’ve seen a need for a quiet space on Sundays, so the Altar Guildis opening the Prayer Chapel (across the hall from the Sanctuary) on Sunday mornings. You’re welcome to spend time with God there before or after the service. The altar candles will be lit, and you’re invited to light a candle in honor of a loved one.

  2. A reminder that Lenten Devotionals are due by Friday, January 24th. We still need a few more, so if you’re on the fence, now’s the time to commit!

That’s all for now. Let’s give Durwood a warm Asbury welcome this Sunday, and I look forward to seeing you at worship!

Thanks and God bless,
Will

 

 

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Weekly Update // Pastor Will