January 21, 2023 (Groundhog Gospel)

The stories in the four Gospels always keep us thinking and on our toes. Take the lectionary text for this Sunday, for example. At first glance, it looks like a retelling of the same story that was our text last Sunday — the calling of Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter. We might wonder why the lectionary would have us focus on it again. This version of the story is in a different gospel and is told a different way. It's probably the most known version of the two stories...Jesus coming to Andrew and Peter while they are fishing and encouraging them to put down their nets and follow him...."Be fishers of people."

At first, I was disappointed that the lectionary gave two similar texts two weeks in a row. After all, how can I keep your interest if I'm repeating things again and again?

But after reflecting on these two stories throughout the week, my attitude has changed. I am now very thankful for both stories. I have experienced new insights that I will share on Sunday that I hope will be helpful in living out our faith.

Preston Hodges will be leading us in our prayer time this week. Preston served as Asbury's Lay Leader for many years. He still ministers to us in many ways - through his involvement on the Congregational Care Team, being part of the Thursday Men's Group, singing in the choir, and being willing to help and serve in various capacities at the church. He and his wife, Kathy, have helped nurture the people of Asbury for over 25 years. 

The Asbury Choir will be starting the service with the joyful, "Great is the Lord!" and will be singing "We Walk by Faith" for the Offertory. Thank you, members of our choir and musicians, for your ministry of music that blesses us each week. 

We will be having New Member Classes this Sunday and next. Candace Jenkins shared with me that we have twelve or more people participating! That is wonderful!!

We will gather in the choir room for lunch after the service. I'm looking forward to spending this time together with this group of people considering being new members of our Asbury/Wesley Oak family.

I will be forever grateful for the day that Asbury member Roy Hill introduced me to the work of the Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision. Like many of you, Roy not only serves at Asbury, but he is also very active in serving the community. Roy is currently the president of the board of directors for SCBLV. I encourage you to go to their website and see the great work that SCBLV does. 

This Thursday, SCBLV will be having their main fundraiser, "Dining in the Dark". To raise awareness of vision loss, a three-course meal is served in complete darkness by Savannah Metro's SWAT Team using their night-vision equipment. Then you are in the dark trying to partake of the food. It is a very affective experience. If you have not ever participated, I would encourage you to do so. It may be too late to get tickets for this year's event but circle it in your calendar for next year. Of course, you can contribute to SCBLV anytime. And by all means, check out their services. For many of us who are getting older and starting to have vision issues, SCBLV is not only for people who are totally blind. It is there to help any of us who are starting to have vision issues. They are trained to help us adapt and function with whatever eyesight we have or don't have. 

Thank you, Roy, and to all the folks at SCBLV!

Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the United States...Church of the Resurrection in Kansas. This week he sent one last reminder to his congregation about financial pledges for 2023. He tells of something that happened that reminded him that there are church members we don't want to forget. Here's what he wrote:

This week we sent one final reminder to those members who have not returned a commitment card for 2023. If you haven’t done so yet, you can complete a commitment card right now online here. I am grateful for those of you who have returned your commitments. The average commitment this year is up, but the number of cards received is down slightly. My hunch is that many of you who are actively involved and give regularly have just not returned your cards. If you could let us know your intentions for 2023, it will help us with our planning for the year. 

Interestingly, LaVon and I received this letter! I was perplexed as we turned in our pledge card on pledge Sunday. I called the church to make sure they had received our commitment which they had. I then looked at the envelope and saw it was addressed to one of our daughters who no longer lives with us! If you are like us and have grown children out of the house, please send their current mailing address to the church and we will update their record. And, if you have not been able to make your 2023 Commitment yet, I invite you to prayerfully consider your gifts to help support the mission and ministry of the church this year. 

So, Asbury and Wesley Oak parents who have adult children who no longer live at home, please contact the church office and let us know their new address and contact information. We want them to feel connected to us.

And as Adam reminded his congregation, if you still have not made a financial pledge for 2023, please know that it is never too late.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we experience our own Groundhog Day when we relive the calling of Andrew and Peter. Like Bill Murray ended up being blessed in the movie, you will be, too! 

Love,
Billy