Weekly Update// Pastor Mike

This week I spent time cleaning out the drawers and filing cabinets in my office.  You never know what you’ll find when you get to the bottom of a drawer.  In my experience, most people have at least one “junk drawer” where they store things that don’t have any other place to go.  I went through one of these drawers recently and I found a list of people who gave me welcome cards when I arrived at Asbury. The list was over 60 people long!  I remember feeling overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcome I received.  It was wonderful to be embraced so strongly.  Looking back, all of those cards were a leap of faith.  The people of Asbury had faith in me and opened their arms to me before we ever met.  The same was true for me, I had faith and loved the people of Asbury before I knew names, faces, and stories.  Together we took that leap of faith!  God showed up and rewarded our trust with five years of fruitful ministry together.  I will never forget the welcome and embrace Madeline and I received when we came to Asbury.  I see your faith in the way you loved me before you even knew me.  I trust you will do the same as you embrace Pastor Will and his family when they arrive on July 1st and continue to embrace Pastor Chris as well. 

            Serving as one of your pastors at Asbury has been a tremendous blessing.  It has been a privilege to journey with you through both the joyful and painful moments of life.  I have grown tremendously and I hope you have as well.  Even with the difficulties of pastoral transition, health problems, and a pandemic our church remains in a strong position.  There is a lot to look forward to and I will continue to watch the Holy Spirit move through our vibrant congregation.  May God bless you as you live out the mission of Asbury, “to know the love of Jesus Christ and pass it on!”

 Grace and Peace,

Mike