October 11

 

GOD ON BROADWAY! — This Sunday: Avenue Q

Don't let the puppets fool you! If you think this Sunday is going to be "church-lite" because puppets are involved, you would be mistaken. The musical, Avenue Q, raises more complex and challenging issues than most of the shows we've used for God On Broadway. It's going to be a great service! As always, I encourage you to invite others to this unique experience. This Sunday, in particular, would be an excellent service to bring someone who doesn't consider themselves a "church person." 

The biblical texts for this Sunday are Matthew 7:1-5 and Nehemiah 8:9-12. The title of my sermon is "We're All a Little Bit Something: Our Journey to Humility and Joy". Some of the songs from Avenue Q we'll be using are: "Purpose", "There's a Fine, Fine Line," and "If You Were Gay." We'll also be singing one of my favorite congregational hymns: "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "The House of the Rising Sun".

It's going to be a great service, indeed! Invite, invite, invite! 

Do you want to be part of a closer community within Asbury? Do you want to be with those who are searching, learning, and growing? Join the folks in Holliday Hall at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning. Coffee is ready to go at 9:45 a.m., so feel free to gather around the coffee pot before the group gathers. The group has just started a great study called, Living the Questions. They watch a 20-minute video and then follow with discussion and sharing. All are welcomed! 

Last Sunday, Meg Lego and Celebritees Print Shop gave us the opportunity to purchase a North Carolina T-shirt with all the funds going to support the flood victims in North Carolina. With your help, $1,300.00 was raised last Sunday! Thank you, thank you! And thank you, Meg and Celebritees!

I know that many of you have a special place in your heart for the Smokey Mountains. Many of of us have benefitted from vacations and retreats to Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, and Chimney Rock. This week I received an email about the work being done through Lake Junaluska. At the bottom of the page is the email, if you want to learn more about the efforts and needs at Lake Junaluska.

Now, of course, we're not only concerned for the storm victims who are north of us, but also for those south of us in Florida. We will be putting together HYGIENE KITS to send to North Carolina and/or Florida. If you are interested in helping put together the kits once the materials arrive, please contact Margaret Cook Levy at (201)286-1882. 

This is my favorite time of the year because I get to meet and talk with people who are considering making Asbury Memorial or Wesley Oak their church home. If you are wanting to become a church member, we will be having New Member Classes after church on October 20th and 27th. We will be having lunch together on those two Sundays. If you would like to participate, please contact me or Candace Jenkins, so we will know how much food to prepare. Thanks!

The members of JUST (Justice Unites Savannah Together) want to know what you think are important ways we can make life better and fairer for people in our community. We currently have a number of gatherings planned to help make these ideas and discussion possible. If you would like to be part of a Sacred Conversation meeting, please call or text Rev Claire Marich at 630-338-5478 or email her at claire.marich@gmail.com.

God bless you all and hope to see you Sunday!

Love and Blessings!
Billy

Dear Billy,

For so many of us, Lake Junaluska serves as a place of refuge, renewal and rest. The storm that passed through this sacred space on September 27 shattered any illusions we might have held of immunity from harm. While Lake Junaluska experienced less destruction, devastation and displacement than our neighboring towns, the Harrell Center, Stuart Auditorium and the Rose Walk bear the marks of flood damage.

True to our mission to be a place of Christian hospitality, we have been housing and feeding hundreds of rescue and relief workers who have traveled to the region from all over the country. Each day, they venture out into the destruction, and their stories of devastation, loss of life and home are difficult to comprehend. I am so thankful that we can be a sanctuary for them as they continue to help those in need. 

Many are asking how they can support the rescue and relief efforts as well as the necessary repairs to damaged facilities on the grounds. Please consider making a special gift today to the Annual Fund as a show of support for Lake Junaluska and our efforts to be a place of Christian hospitality for so many who are making a difference in the lives of people in Western North Carolina.

Let us be bold as a community of God’s faithful people as we live into our commitment to welcome and help those in need. Let us continue to serve as a sacred place of prayer and witness. Let us give thanks for God’s never-failing, gracious and merciful presence in all things.

Yours in Christ,
Ken Howle
Executive Director

Your support makes a difference.
Your partnership and generosity help us live into our mission and vision year-round.
Thank you for your generous support!