Weekly Update// Pastor

Dear Asbury Family,

It’s summer, which means it’s the time of year when a lot of us take vacations. Personally, I am grateful to have had some time away the past two weeks. During this time, I prayed, read, walked, swam in the pool, worshipped at an area church, watched movies, and of course, spent time with Amanda, Hannah, and Noah. Amanda and I also found a new TV show that we’ve been watching at night once the kids are in bed called Under the Dome. The show came out ten years ago, but we just recently found it through our Paramount + subscription. We’re already on season 2 and thus far have been enjoying it!

I want to thank everyone for granting me this time away. Somebody once said, “If you don’t come apart for a while, you will come apart in a while.” The longer I’ve been around, the more I find this quote to be true. God made us to work and exercise dominion over our planet (Genesis 1:28), but God also made us to rest and enjoy ourselves (Genesis 2:2). Indeed, when I think of those times in my life when I have been irritable, impatient, and less generous in my thoughts and actions, it’s usually because I was running on empty and not making space for God to fill me. Is it any wonder that the word recreation literally means re-creation? Put simply, when we rest and play, God recreates us! That said, I hope you’re finding ways to rest and have fun this summer.

As thankful as I am to have had some time off, I am also excited to be back. Part of what excites me most is kicking off our new sermon series called “Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You.” Based on a book of the same name by Pastor John Ortberg, this three-part sermon series will explore the ins and outs of the soul, which is the center of our life and the most important part of our existence. This Sunday’s message will answer the question, what is the soul? While all of us will agree that we have a soul, we may be hard-pressed to define the soul. What exactly is the soul? Join us for Sunday worship as we explore that central question.

Can you believe that we already have nearly 100 children signed up for Vacation Bible School (VBS), which is happening the last week of July? I can’t wait for all our kids to “blast off” into a wonderful week of fun as they learn about the God of love. Thank you to all of you who have signed up to volunteer. However, we need even more volunteers, so be sure to contact Laura Molloy if you're able to help (childrensministry@asburymaitland.org).

 Enjoy the rest of your week, and I’ll see you Sunday.

 Blessings,

Chris