April 21

On behalf of my sister, Wendy, her husband, Pat, their children, my Aunt Bette, my cousins, Cheri and our children, I want to thank all of you for the prayers and kind thoughts that have been given after my mother made her transition on Wednesday. Your prayers have been felt. We have been uplifted during a difficult time.

Our family is doing amazingly well. We were blessed that all of mom's grandchildren have been able to spend time with her in recent months, and many of them were able to fly to Savannah to be here for her last two days. Even her great-grandson, Anson, took a redeye from New York to be with her. 

Mom so wanted to be able to make her transition in her own bed at her home. At first, it did not look like that would happen as she got weaker and weaker in the hospital. But some hard work and good fortune got her back in her bed surrounded by pictures and treasures of her legacy about 30 minutes before she made her transition.

We look forward to celebrating mom's life with a worship service at Asbury. In order to have all the family here in Savannah, we're having to wait a couple of weeks. But honestly, we really need this "breather." This break will allow our family members to catch our breath. The service will be Saturday, May 13th, at 2:00 pm. Her body will be in the sanctuary at 1:00 pm. (Queen Joan would have wanted to lie in state.) I am already excited about the service. A life well lived deserves a wonderful homegoing...and it will be a great homegoing!

Please try to attend the Nehemiah Action event on Monday, April 24th at First African Baptist Church. This very important event is sponsored by JUST (Justice Unites Savannah Together). We will be meeting with city leaders to focus on two main issues: Affordable Housing and Education. We are hoping that more than 700 people from various congregations in Savannah will be in attendance to show how important it is for action to be taken in these areas. Please try to attend and sit with the Asbury/Wesley Oak group. Let's have at least 50 plus people from our congregation in attendance. There is free parking reserved at the Civic Center, several blocks south of the FABC. If you carpool, feel free to drop off your mates at the front door of the church before parking. 

If you are looking for a church home, we would love for you to be part of the Asbury-Wesley Oak Family. We offer New Member Classes three times a year. The next classes will be after the worship services on May 21st and 28th. A delicious lunch is supplied by our wonderful Kitchen Hospitality Team. If you would like to attend, please contact our Connectional Ministries Coordinator, Candace Jenkins, by calling of emailing the church office.

Tomorrow is Earth Day, so Sunday's worship service will especially focus on God's creation. The liturgists and participants in the service have helped lead our congregation in environmental ministries. Bill Anderson and Pat Prokop's photographs of God's world and creations will be on display. I have been told that we will actually be having a visit from Mother Nature herself. I can't wait! I also look forward to sharing with you about The Cosmic Christ and Creation.