Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Hi Church family!

It's hard to believe, but it's true! I have been commissioned, and the reality is finally sinking in. The journey to this point has been long, filled with countless hours of paperwork, classes, prayers, a few tears, and immense hard work. Reflecting on Alina's letter from a few weeks ago about the village it takes to raise a child but also a pastor, is so accurate. It's a collaborative effort, intertwined with life experiences and witnessing God's presence in our lives. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering love and support of my family, church family, and especially my wife. I am truly blessed.

With that being said, the journey continues. There are still more projects and paperwork ahead in the process of becoming a Full Connection Elder. Typically, two years as a Commissioned Elder are required before reaching Full Connection status. However, a ruling was made at last year's annual conference, counting the previous year towards the required time. This means I am halfway there! As for whether I will apply this year, that decision is yet to be made. The application process involves fulfilling numerous requirements and paperwork, which demand significant time and energy. I want to ensure that I can dedicate the proper effort and focus while also fulfilling my responsibilities to Asbury. Time will tell!

There are a few things to be on the lookout for in the upcoming weeks. We are still collecting donations for Handbags for Hope, and we will be assembling those on Friday, the 30th, in the Fellowship Hall. The United Methodist Men’s breakfast is on July 1st at 7:30 am in the Fellowship Hall where David Vatcher will be speaking on Christianity Coming to America. And looking a bit further into next month, we of course need help for VBS, the week of July 24th through the 28th. Reach out to the front office or to Laura directly at ChildrensMinistry@AsburyMaitland.Org if you can volunteer.

In worship on Sunday, our Summer Intern, Lily Stride, will be looking at the story of Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31 and how we can use our gifts for God’s glory. We hope you can join

us at either our 9:30 am Celebration service or our 11:00 am Traditional service. If you can’t make it in person, both will be live-streamed on Youtube and Facebook.

Have a blessed weekend and see you all soon!

Pastor Will