November 18

Tomorrow will be the 30th time that Cheri and I will be placing our Pledge Card into the basket on a Commitment Sunday at Asbury Memorial. Each time is a sacred act for us as we always try to tithe  — to pledge at least 10% of our income — before we even consider the adjustments we may have to make with our budget. It has always worked out for us...Thanks be to God!

Every year, Commitment Sunday is a very important day for the church and its future. This year's pledge seems especially significant as God has given us all kinds of opportunities to make a difference in people's lives and to help transform the world. On the Stewardship brochure (that I hope you received in the mail) are the words: "Stewardship isn't about giving back to God. It's about using what God's given us to accomplish something that matters." 

God has put each of us on this planet at this time to make a difference through the ministries of Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak. The Stewardship Committee chose an "anchor" for our pledge symbol this year. In the Christian context, the anchor represents hope, steadfastness, strength, and stability. Both Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak have been anchors for people for over 110 years. Help us continue to be a beacon of hope and a source of love, acceptance, and peace. Please join Cheri and me in making a pledge and bring it to church with you tomorrow. You will have the opportunity to put the pledge in a special basket at the front of the church during the service and the opportunity to pray at the altar, if you desire.

If you are not able to be at church tomorrow, you will have another opportunity to offer your pledge during the service next Sunday, the 25th. If you are homebound or if you live far away and are part of our Online Community, please send your pledge cards to the church and we will put them in the basket for you on the 25th. We need your help and participation so we can continue to reach out and touch lives.

I want to thank Helen Downing, who chairs the Stewardship Committee, and all of her committee members for their time and effort in planning our Stewardship Month We also send a big "Thank You" to Mimi Mangrum Numer for designing our Stewardship brochure. There will be extra brochures at the church tomorrow if you did not receive one or if you need another one.

The Pecan Pies have been cooked and are selling wonderfully. I understand we have about 30 pies left. So, plan to get a pie or two after church tomorrow. Take one to someone who is homebound and make their day! Pecans are also available...and of course, honey too!

If you ordered Christmas Trees, wreaths, or garland, they are to be picked up at Wesley Oak this coming Saturday, November 25th, from 10:00 - 12:00.

Thank you to everyone who helped and supported the Rummage Sale at Wesley Oak last Saturday. The rain held off and people came, fellowshipped, and shopped. The Rummage Sale ended up grossing $5,000.00. The proceeds will go towards helping pay for a new roof on the sanctuary and/or the Joy Cottage.

Please plan on joining us for our Annual December Church Conference by ZOOM on Tuesday, December 5th, at 6:30 pm. All members of Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak are encouraged to attend. Be sure to mark it in your calendars!

The Sunday before Thanksgiving has long been one of my favorite services. There's something magical that happens when children, youth, and adults bring food from the harvest to the altar as the congregation sings "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come." It's one of those special Thin Moments for me! We will be continuing this longstanding Asbury tradition tomorrow. So, Parents, take note: We would love for your child to participate in the service on the opening hymn. If you have a child or youth who can help us with bringing the harvest to the altar, please be in the sanctuary by 10:45 and look for Randy Canady, Ray Ellis, or me. We will get them all set up.

Love & Blessings,
Billy

PS - My mother loved this Sunday as much as I did.
I'm sure she'll be with us in spirit!