Pastor's Page
Pastor Darcy Dill
A Word from the Pastor
A new year…the thoughts of starting over…doing better…having a clean slate all come to mind. The truth is like the old adage says ‘wherever you go, there you are’. The only way to truly start over is to look inside ourselves and starting cleaning there. That’s tough work, but at the beginning of a new year, it is the best place to start.
This January, we are going to begin the year with Covenant Sunday on January 8th. Convenanting was important to John Wesley as was shown in his note from Christmas Day, 1747: “Urged the wholly giving of ourselves to God and renewing in every point our covenant that the Lord should be our God.” In Wesley’s day, participants were schooled in the meaning of covenant and only those with special tickets could participate. We have a much more open concept now and pray that God will lead hearts to seek more understanding as needed. That doesn’t mean the covenant is any less binding and important in the life of the church. If we are not working toward a closer and more sincere walk with Christ, any words or services are not going to make up the difference. That’s why we are setting up more studies and inviting everyone to find their preference for learning, praying, and “internal cleaning” to help guide them on their Christians journey.
The sermon series in January will look at the “Why Lord” questions which often open us to doubt and wonder. In such a time and in such a world as we live in it is easy to wonder why God allows things to continue as they do. It’s good for us to ask, discuss, and seek God’s will in these times.
Later in the month we will begin an open discussion class based on the Alpha course (alphausa.org ). We will look at the basics of Christianity and discuss what we believe. I am hoping this will allow those who are just beginning and those who are well versed to open up and explore our core belief and to draw closer to our Lord and Savior.
There is so much going on here at Asbury, if you are looking to get involved. A new group is starting classes on Unbinding Your Soul. Some fun activities designed around the men in the church are being put together. Our prayer ministry is expanding and opening new avenues for praying in and around the church and the community. And all of this is just from the first Unbinding the Gospel study. Opportunities abound and we are only beginning to explore them.
Join us! Seek God’s will for you and open your heart and mind to follow. You may have just the ministry, just the right gifts and talents to start a program which others have been seeking.
It’s a new year…be a re-newed you!
In the Love of Christ -
Darcy
This January, we are going to begin the year with Covenant Sunday on January 8th. Convenanting was important to John Wesley as was shown in his note from Christmas Day, 1747: “Urged the wholly giving of ourselves to God and renewing in every point our covenant that the Lord should be our God.” In Wesley’s day, participants were schooled in the meaning of covenant and only those with special tickets could participate. We have a much more open concept now and pray that God will lead hearts to seek more understanding as needed. That doesn’t mean the covenant is any less binding and important in the life of the church. If we are not working toward a closer and more sincere walk with Christ, any words or services are not going to make up the difference. That’s why we are setting up more studies and inviting everyone to find their preference for learning, praying, and “internal cleaning” to help guide them on their Christians journey.
The sermon series in January will look at the “Why Lord” questions which often open us to doubt and wonder. In such a time and in such a world as we live in it is easy to wonder why God allows things to continue as they do. It’s good for us to ask, discuss, and seek God’s will in these times.
Later in the month we will begin an open discussion class based on the Alpha course (alphausa.org ). We will look at the basics of Christianity and discuss what we believe. I am hoping this will allow those who are just beginning and those who are well versed to open up and explore our core belief and to draw closer to our Lord and Savior.
There is so much going on here at Asbury, if you are looking to get involved. A new group is starting classes on Unbinding Your Soul. Some fun activities designed around the men in the church are being put together. Our prayer ministry is expanding and opening new avenues for praying in and around the church and the community. And all of this is just from the first Unbinding the Gospel study. Opportunities abound and we are only beginning to explore them.
Join us! Seek God’s will for you and open your heart and mind to follow. You may have just the ministry, just the right gifts and talents to start a program which others have been seeking.
It’s a new year…be a re-newed you!
In the Love of Christ -
Darcy
Darcy Dill
1/4/12
