Dear Asbury and Wesley Oak Family,
Our youth directors, Chris Kincade and Beth Tyson, have done a remarkable job of working with our youth during a pandemic. They have offered our youth programs, activities, and conversations that have helped them stay safely connected. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made it difficult for the rest of the congregation to stay connected with our youth. In order for us to get to see the youth more often, I've asked them to start helping me give the announcements on Sundays. 
Leading off this week will be Henry White. Henry is a long time Asburian - he basically has been attending Asbury his entire life. Henry has grown up at the church - even going through confirmation classes. He is now in the 11th grade at Memorial Day School. 
We will be starting another new thing in the worship service this Sunday. Our Stewardship Team has decided that this year’s theme for stewardship is “We Give Thanks!” We recognize that even during a pandemic, we have many things to be thankful for, and that the beginning of faith is gratitude. So from this coming Sunday, October 10th, through Sunday, November 21st (Thanksgiving Sunday), a church member will be sharing with the congregation what they are thankful for. 
This week, Karen Townsend Murphree, will be sharing. Karen is one of our newest members. She started attending Asbury online through our virtual services during the pandemic. She and her son, Benjamin, and Karen’s parents, Bob and Mickie Townsend, have become a big part of our faith community even during a pandemic. I am excited about Karen coming to share part of her story.  
Rev. Lynn Drake, who leads our Wesley Oak campus, will be offering prayers for us this Sunday. Sandra Katz will be reading scripture…another passage that some see as controversial. (It seems like we’ve had a lot of those lately.) I’m looking forward to preaching about it. The text is Mark 10:17-31, and the sermon title is, When Jesus Loved Hard. 
It is no secret that almost everyone is feeling some level of stress and anxiety these days. There are many underlying causes for these feelings, but atop the list would be COVID and polarization/divisions. Contributing to the anxiousness is our lack of being with people in person. We’re all grateful for technology that can link us together, but there is something about being with others in person that is uplifting and healing to our souls. We’re still in the midst of the pandemic, but the number of cases are starting to decline once again. So if you are vaccinated, and if you are comfortable getting out, please plan to join us for worship in person. It will do your soul good.
Love, Blessings, & Peace,
Billy