Dear Asbury & Wesley Oak Family,

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I want to thank Ray Ellis, Rev. Bob Chvatal, and everyone else who pitched in to sub for me last Sunday. We were blessed to have the Chester UMC Chancel Choir from Virginia inspire us with their music. Unfortunately, Cheri and I didn’t get to be at Asbury because Cheri got Covid on June 19th while out of town and then I got it a couple of days later when she got back home. Thanks to all of you who offered prayers for us during our illness. And thanks to all of you who sent us best wishes for our anniversary on the 27th.

I was hoping that Cheri and I would get to spend more time with each other around our anniversary — but being quarantined together with Covid wasn’t what I had in mind. Since we were sick on our anniversary, we decided that we’ll celebrate later this summer. One of our stops on our vacation will be Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where Cheri and I courted each other in 1982. We’ve only been back to Portsmouth once since then, so we’re really looking forward to going back! 

By the way, Rev. Lynn Drake and her husband, Jim, have also been battling Covid. (It must be the Covid season for clergy couples.) Lynn and Jimmy are both doing better after having been hit hard with it. They appreciate your prayers.

MY LAST SUNDAY BEFORE MY BREAK

After serving at Asbury for over two decades, the congregation thought it would be wise for me to take an extended break each summer in order to recharge. These mini sabbaticals have done a world of good for me.  But when the pandemic began and everyone was under so much stress, it didn’t feel right to be away from the church and the congregation for such a long time. So, this will be the first time I’ve had the summer break since 2019, and I am really looking forward to it. Cheri and I hope to be spending a good chunk of the time in New England. But we’ll also stop by New York for a Broadway Show and to see how the future grandchild is doing! 

So, this is my last Sunday with you for a while. Rev. Claire Marich will be hosting our services while I am away, and we will be having 6 different preachers – all Asburians! Aren’t we blessed?

Here’s the summer preaching schedule while I am gone:

  • July 10th – August Alderman
  • July 17th – Danny Beam
  • July 24th – Holland Morgan
  • July 31st – Bob Townsend
  • August 7th – Bob Chvatal
  • August 14th – Chris Kincade

Please call the church office if you have needs. Claire, Lynn, Claudette, Candace, Randy, and others are here for you, including our wonderful Stephen Ministers. The office, of course, will know how to reach me if I am needed.

HOLY COMMUNION & BIG COFFEE HOUR

This is the first Sunday of the month, so we’ll be having Holy Communion on Sunday. Let me remind everyone worshipping with us on Live Stream that we would love for you to participate with us. All you need is to have with you is juice or water and bread or crackers. If you print the bulletin that we email, you would also be able to have the Communion liturgy and could read along with us.

The first Sunday of the month is also the day we have our BIG Coffee Hour.  If you are able, please bring food to share with others. You can drop your food items off in the kitchen when you arrive at church. Thanks! 

SUMMER GIVING

I want to thank you for your commitment and for your faithful giving to the ministries of Asbury Memorial/Wesley Oak. I used to really worry about the church budget during the summer months when people are on vacations and away from the church. Offerings usually dip during the summer while we're still doing ministry and paying bills. But Asburians always come through. You are amazing! So now I only worry a tiny bit. But that's on me...I'm afraid I am a worrywart. But your faithfulness and commitment keep teaching me about having faith. So, thank you! 

ONLINERS CHAT AWAY

I want to remind those who are worshipping online that they can chat and connect with others worshipping starting at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday. It’s wonderful to see people greeting each other from different parts of the country and world. So please use your phones or computers to connect and fellowship with others before the service begins on Sundays. Even those of you who are in the sanctuary can use your phones to greet and chat with others at 11:00 before the service starts. The chat line is open from about 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

A SERMON OF QUOTES

This Sunday my sermon is going to be filled with quotes. You may want to jot some of them down. You can probably squeeze two or three on your bulletin, but I’ll be offering about 30 of them! Feel free to bring a pad to write on because there are some REALLY GOOD ONES! Of course, Barri Marshall (the director of our Live Stream Ministry) would probably want me to remind you that you can always rewatch the sermon on YouTube and write them down that way, too. But believe me, these quotes are life changing! They offer important insights, inspiration, and wisdom.

The text for Sunday is Proverbs 1:20-33. The title of my sermon is: Inspirations from Bob & Brad. Many of you are probably familiar with Bob and Brad, but if you are not, I am looking forward to introducing them to you. 

I hope I get to see you out in the congregation on Sunday so I can see you before I leave. I love you all so very, very much!

Love, Peace, & Blessings,

Billy
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