August 26

This past week, we celebrated the lives of two amazing people: Virginia Holliday and Bob Francischetti. Both Virginia's and Bob's families were extremely touched by the outpouring of love they received from the Asbury congregation. I know that we have to be careful about pride, but I have to tell you how fulfilling it is for me to see our congregation in ministry...and to see how your acts of kindness touch the lives of so many people. You are amazing!

Losing Virginia and Bob has been difficult for all of us. I had some anxiety about Virginia's service. How do you try to capture in one service all that Virginia has meant to our congregation? Somehow, however, in God's power and mystery, we were taken to the top of the mountain through the music, prayers, and sharing. We stayed on the mountain even longer with an incredible celebration of food and fellowship in Holliday Hall! Virginia would have loved it! Thank you, Kitchen Hospitality Team! You made Virginia proud.

One last word about last Sunday. Yesterday, Claudette sent me the financial figures from last week to put in this Sunday's bulletin. I noticed that we did REALLY well with the offering last Sunday. It was one of those situations when Virginia would come up to me with a thankful and celebratory heart and point to the financial figure on back of the bulletin. Thank you for honoring Virginia in this way, too.

As I mentioned in my email last week, we are now being more intentional about making the giving of our tithes and offerings a communal act of worship. If you give to the church online or via automatic payment, please put an "Online Giving Card" in the plate when the offering plate is passed to you. We want you to feel included in this act of worship. You can pick up an Online Giving Card at the registration table when you check in at the church. 

Also, please bless the offering as you receive the plate and pass it on. Even if you do not contribute monetarily, please contribute with your prayers. We are grateful for your prayers and blessings.

About 28 years ago, a Hobo Clown named Hank started touching the lives of many people at Asbury. Hank, who lived on the streets of Savannah (especially Henry St.), reminded us that Christ calls us to help the downtrodden. Hank also inspired us with his spirit of optimism and hope in spite of his hard times. Hank started participating in our Christmas Eve Service over two decades ago. He never missed a December 24th with us! Many people have told me that Hank's special breaking of the bread during Communion in the Christmas Eve Service was one of the most profound spiritual moments they have ever experienced.

You may not be aware that Hank is married. In fact, he's married, to Nancy Phillips, who was a major part of our office staff in the 1990s. We recently received the news that Hank and Nancy will soon be moving to North Georgia to live closer to their children. Although this is sad news, Hank wants us to know that he is not abandoning us. He will pass his fine outfit on to Hank, Jr.!

Hank and Nancy will be at Sunday's service. This gives us the opportunity to wish them well and to thank them for their commitment to God's church and for touching our lives for so many years. I am sure going to miss them. One of the highlights of my ministry is standing with Hank each year watching everyone sing Silent Night with their lit candles at the end of our Christmas Eve Service. Hank and I always look at each other in amazement as we get goosebumps on our skin! 

Besides having Hank and Nancy with us this Sunday, we have another old friend joining us in worship. Our Minister of Music, Ray Ellis, is FINALLY taking a Sunday off, and Keena Charbonneau will be subbing for him on the piano. Keena has played for many musicals in Savannah, including some at Asbury. We look forward to having her back with us. Please give Keena an Asbury welcome on Sunday.

David Alley will be starting the service with a song called, Somos El Barco. Some of you may remember it from the days of Peter, Paul, and Mary. be ready to join David in singing the chorus: 

 

If you want to practice, here's the song: Peter, Paul and Mary -Somos El Barco - YouTube

My sermon title on Sunday is: Living Abundantly, Living Presently. I'll be sharing some of the experiences I had during my break this summer. More importantly, I'll be sharing some ideas that I hope will help you experience life in its fullness. The text will be Mark 5:21-36...when the woman touches Jesus' garment as he is walking in a crowd. 

Right around the corner are our October God On Broadway Services. Please share this news and our promo cards with neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. We hope to pack the church in October.

Every October we also offer New Member Classes. They will be after worship on the last two Sundays in October (22nd & 29th). If you are interested in learning more about church membership and attending the classes, please contact Candace Jenkins at the church office or contact me at bghester3@comcast.net.

See ya Sunday!

Love & Blessings,
Billy