Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
It’s been a while since I’ve written the weekly email, but I am grateful to Pastor Will and (soon-to-be Pastor) Alina for sharing in this work with me.  

 This Sunday (February 12) we’re continuing our journey through the Lord’s Prayer. In the sermon, we’ll explore the last two petitions Jesus instructs us to pray: Lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  

 At face value, the first of these last two petitions tends to confuse us. Why are we asking God not to tempt us? How do we make sense of these words in light of what James, one of the writers of the New Testament, declares: And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else” (1:13). If James is correct and God never tempts us, then why are we specifically asking to “lead us not into temptation”? We’ll explore these question and others in worship on Sunday. So don’t miss out!  

 I am profoundly grateful for the steady growth our children’s ministry has experienced since the start of 2023. It’s not uncommon for us to have close to 30 children on Sunday morning (not to mention their parents and/or grandparents!). Our Vision Team is currently meeting to think through ways of effectively engaging our younger families. The team is also in the process of developing small groups, and we hope to roll some new ones out by late summer/early fall.  

 There’s lots going on at Asbury. I encourage you to read the rest of this email to stay connected.  

 See you Sunday!  

Blessings,

Chris