Dear Asbury & Wesley Oak Family,

I LOVE Halloween! 

You may wonder why a “man of the cloth” so much enjoys a holiday that promotes witches and goblins. Tomorrow I look forward to sharing what Halloween means to me, and why I think it can be a tool to help us follow Jesus and his teachings.
We’ll be looking at two biblical texts tomorrow: The famous words of Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 1:15-18), and Jesus’ response to the question, “What is the most important commandment?” (Mark 12:28-34). The sermon title is “A Hallowed Halloween.”
This week, August Alderman will be doing the “We Give Thanks” segment of the service. I’m looking forward to hearing August share part of his story and what he is thankful for.
We will also be hearing from Cynthia Harold (our Finance Chair) and Michael Dayoub (our Stewardship Chair). As we continue in the season of stewardship, they will talk about materials you will be getting in the mail as we plan for 2022. I am thankful for their leadership and for the work of their committees.

VOTING AS AN ACT OF DISCIPLESHIP

On November 2, there are important local elections taking place. Often voters do not turn out for local elections. I’m reminded of these words by Rev. Adam Hamilton:
Often voters do not turn out for these local elections, which can be a tragic mistake. Those we are electing will shape our communities, schools and children in more direct ways than those running for national office. We pray, many of us daily, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.” We’re meant not only to pray this, but to live this prayer. And, one of the most important ways we shape what happens here on Earth is through electing people to public office whose vision and values align with our own.
So I want to encourage you to vote. I never tell people who to vote for. I just encourage you to vote and to vote for people who align with your values and vision for the community and world.
That's all I got for now. I hope to see you tomorrow morning at church and hope to see folks at our Trunk Or Treat at Wesley Oak tomorrow night! 
Love,
Billy  “Boo” Hester