January 6

 

January 7th will be the first Sunday in 2024, and I hope you will be able to start the new year worshipping God with your church family. 

It will also be the last Sunday with our Christmas decorations as this will be Epiphany Sunday.

Epiphany is one of my favorite celebrations. The signature story for Epiphany (the Magi story) has so much wisdom to offer us as we begin a new year. My sermon title is Wise Navigating in 2024, and the choir will be singing one of composer Mark Miller's newer songs, Home By Another Road. Rev. Carole Warfield will be leading us in prayer.

We will also be starting the new year by having Holy Communion. I know how wonderful it was to come to the altar for Communion last month to receive the elements. However, since January tends to be a Flu and Covid month, it is in everyone's best interest for us to use the Communion Kits this Sunday. We only have about two more Communions before the weather gets a little warmer....then we'll start back having Communion at the altar.

Online participants...please remember to have bread or crackers and juice or water with you during the service so you can participate in Communion with those of us in the sanctuary.

Since it's the first Sunday of the month and of the year, we'll have a BIG Coffee Hour this Sunday. If you are able, please bring food items to share so we can have plenty of food for everyone as we fellowship and celebrate with each other in Holliday Hall. You can go ahead and put your items in the kitchen when you arrive at church. THANKS!

Christmas may have Santa Claus, but Epiphany has La Befana! I've heard that La Befana may be paying us a visit on Sunday. Her life of giving to children was inspired by the Magi and their giving to the Christ child. I heard that she even met the Magi! I can't wait to meet her on Sunday.

We had over 30 people attend the Anticipation Celebration at the church on January 1st. I want to thank my wife, Cheri, and her workmates for helping people let go of what they need to let go of and to claim their hopes and dreams for the coming year. This tradition was started about 30 years ago by the late, great Janice Gantt, and I understand that Janice's daughter and grandson attended the event last Monday. Pretty cool!

Since it is a new year, we have posted a new Flower Calendar in the narthex of the sanctuary. If you would like to sponsor the flowers for the church service in honor or in memory of a Loved One...or to honor a birthday or anniversary or some other event, please print your name and the information on the calendar. The cost of the flowers are $70. If you have questions or want more information, please call the church office.

The year is young but we've hit the ground running as our Property's Committee and our Staff Relations Committee have already had meetings. Both committees got a lot accomplished, and we're excited about 2024 and how God will use Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak. I want to thank those who served on committees in 2023, and want to welcome and thank those serving on committees this year Please be praying for our committees and the important work that they do

This Sunday we'll be singing a hymn we've never sung before. It is called, What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright, and it is perfect for Epiphany. If you would like to familiarize yourself with the tune, click on this link and you'll hear the choir from the great Riverside Church in New York City singing it.

It's taken a while after the pandemic, but more and more people are starting to worship with us in person and online. That means, we are starting to have more people interested in becoming a part of our church community. Our Connectional Ministries Coordinator, Candace Jenkins, confirmed with me that we will be having our New Member Classes this month. The classes will be held after church on January 21st and 28th. A lunch will be provided for the participants.

I'm looking forward to this time with those who are interested in becoming part of our church community. Candace and I will be at the two classes to get to know you and to answer any questions you may have.

If you are looking for a church home and would like to participate, please contact me or Candace. I can be reached at bghester3@comcast.net

Can't wait to be with you on the first Sunday of 2024!

Love,
Billy