July 22

J.J. started serving as the choir director at Wesley Oak nine years ago. She then participated in the Lay Speaker Program through the United Methodist denomination and started helping Rev. Lynn Drake with preaching duties. 

J.J of course, is also known for her incredible singing voice and her wonderful concerts. 

We're all very excited about J.J.'s recent decision to enter seminary! She will be studying for her M. Div through the online course of studies at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.

How blessed we are to have two people in our church family attending seminary - August Alderman and now, J.J.! 

By now you have probably heard the news that Asbury's great matriarch, Miss Virginia Holliday, made her transition to eternity this past Thursday at the age of 99.

We want to do something extra special to celebrate Virginia's life by having Virginia's Memorial Service actually be a part of the Sunday Service on August 20th. What better way to worship and learn how to follow Christ than to focus on the life of one who followed Christ so closely and served others so consistently? It's going to be an amazing service!

Having the service later in August will allow many of our summer travelers to be in attendance. The choir, of course, will sing, and we'll have a BIG Coffee Hour after the service in HOLLIDAY HALL.

This special event on the 20th will be on the third Sunday in August, and I believe it could start a wonderful tradition. Since Virginia was our last Elderberry and last original Busy Bee, I would love for the Elderberries to be remembered and celebrated every year on the third Sunday in August. In the early 1990s, this courageous, faith-filled group of Elderberries was told that they should look for another church - that Asbury would be closing. But the Elderberries kept the faith! They kept working and praying. Recognizing and celebrating their faith every 3rd Sunday in August would help us remember their efforts as we continue to move forward in ministry. It will also be inspiring and motivating to experience right before we start a new church year.

As many of you know, church member, Mary Pulwarty, is under Hospice Care. This is obviously a very difficult time for Mary, her husband, Renwick, and for Mary's children, siblings, and friends. Please continue to pray for all of them.

The Raise the Roof Capital Campaign is still going on. There are plenty of dates to choose from on the 12 monthly calendars. If you have not signed up for a date, you may do so by going HERE. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 912-233-4351. 

By the way, an extra big THANK YOU to those who chose the month of December. It looks like there may be only 4 available dates left in December. That's great!

The doors of Asbury and Wesley Oak are always open for anyone looking for a church home and a church family. Our next New Member Classes will be in October. If you are interested in learning more about church membership and the classes, please contact Candace Jenkins at the church office or contact me at bghester3@comcast.net.

I want to thank Rabbi Robert Haas for preaching at Asbury last Sunday. His sermon was informative and courageous as he bravely addressed the subject of antisemitism. Please be in prayer for peace among people — especially for those who experience discrimination, violence, and injustice.

Love & Blessings to all!
Billy