October 21

The Lion King was one of the first Broadway musicals we took our children to see in New York. Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and the dreaded Scar were among the many names of the characters in The Lion King that were floated around our house daily when our children were young. How special it will be that all of my children (now adults), my niece and nephew, and my grandson will be in town this weekend to experience our God On Broadway version of The Lion King. I owe this moment of synchronicity to Colin Harrison, who will be getting married tomorrow. (Congratulations, Colin and Briana!) Colin grew up at Asbury and is a tremendous singer. Ironically, his incredible singing voice was discovered on the Sunday the children of the church sang a song from The Lion King many years ago.

Besides all of my children and relatives being at Asbury this Sunday, we will have some more special guests....

Robert and Gretchen "Greene" Dodd joined Asbury when Cheri and I first arrived way back in 1993. Gretchen owned a dance studio in Savannah, where Cheri taught dance and all of our children took classes. With Gretchen's influence, it wasn't long before Asbury worship services were filled with liturgical dance. Gretchen's studio is now overseen by her children, Trina and Travis. The Gretchen Greene Dancers usually participate in one of our God On Broadway Services each year. They have danced in our services that used music from Cats, A Chorus Line, Singing in the Rain, and Wicked, among others. We're so looking forward to having them with us for The Lion King Service. They will be dancing to the song, "He Lives in You."

If you are looking for a church home, we would love to have you be part of the Asbury/Wesley Oak Family. We will have New Member Orientation Classes this Sunday and next Sunday after the worship service. Lunch is provided. The classes give us the opportunity to get to know each other better and to answer any questions you may have about the church. If you would like to be in the class, please email me today or tomorrow at bghester3@comcast.net.

There is a training event after church this Sunday for anyone interested in being part of our Refugee Ministry. Feel free to fellowship with people at Coffee Hour in the courtyard, but then make your way back inside for the training. If you have questions or need information about this ministry, please contact Rev. Claire Marich at claire.marich@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at Asbury Memorial

Wednesday, October 25th at 12 Noon at Wesley Oak

$20 Admission

Topics "George Whitefield & John Wesley"

Professor Laing is famous for her Non-boring History Presentations!

Our youth are sponsoring a Food Drive through the month of October to help support P,AC.K. (People of Action Caring for Kids). Thank you to everyone who has already brought food to the church! If you bring items this Sunday for the Drive, please put them on the stage in Hoillday Hall. For more details about this ministry, please see our October Newsletter. The icon link is at the bottom of this page.

We are all aware of the current suffering and violence in Israel, Gaza, and the Ukraine. Please be praying for the people of these lands. Like many of you, at times, I am uncertain what to pray. For an end to Hamas’ violent terrorism? Yes, of course. For innocent Palestinians not to die as a result of either Islamic Jihad’s errant rockets, or Israel’s pursuit of Hamas? Yes. For a resolution to the current crisis that might ensure Israel’s security and address the grievances of Palestinians, providing them a secure and just home? Yes. And at times my prayer is simply, “Lord, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

SAVANNAH PRIDE snuck up on us this year as it is usually held the last weekend in October. This year it is THIS weekend with events happening today and tomorrow. It's down at Ellis Square by the City Market. Be sure to stop by the Asbury/Wesley Oak Booth!

Come join us Sunday as we travel to the savannas of Africa to be inspired by the story and songs of The Lion King!
Please call, text, or email your family, friends, and neighbors to let them know about this wonderful experience!

Love & Blessings,
Billy