Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Dear Asbury family,

 Can you believe it? It’s already Commitment Sunday! I remember when I was younger (and still a little bit now), it was always hard for me to commit to some things. This applied to big things, but also to small things as well. Sometimes it’s hard for me to commit to scheduling plans, because what if something changes or something else comes up? It was even hard to commit to what I wanted for dinner. What if my appetite changed? What if all of a sudden, someone delivered a fresh pizza to the house because it was ordered in error, and they didn’t want it to go to waste? Maybe that last point is a bit of a stretch, but it certainly highlights the point that commitment has always been hard for me because of the “what if?”. I think another reason commitment has been hard for me is because I don’t like letting people down. Simply put, if I say I’m going to do something, I really better be able to do it. If I tell someone that I’m going to be there for them, I’m going to do everything in my power to do so.

 Growing older, I’ve realized that commitment, although difficult at times, has made me stronger and made me the person I am today. It has challenged me to stick to my word when the going gets tough instead of just saying forget it. Sure there are times when something is too overwhelming and it’s better to walk away, but for the most part, commitment has made me who I am. The same thing goes for my stewardship to the church.

 When I was interviewing for my ordination, one of the questions asked was about my views on stewardship. I thought I gave a decent response; however, the people interviewing me had a different view of my answer. The committee that was interviewing me pressed into my view of stewardship being more than just giving back because we are supposed to, but more so as a spiritual discipline. A discipline that is practiced and maintained, even when times are tough, because, simply put, the church needs me. The church needs us. The church IS us.

 With Commitment Sunday only a few days away, I feel the anticipation growing for what the future holds for us here at Asbury. I can’t wait to see how God continues to bless us in 2022, and how we will continue to know the love of Jesus and pass it on! :) See you all on Sunday, if not before!

Blessings,

 Pastor Will