STATE OF THE CHURCH

At our planning retreat at the Fransican Spirituality Center this past year we decided our emphasis for 2010 was to solidify our bonds between the two congregations.  Now, halfway through 2010, here is what has happened:

* We have had cooperative music ministries.  A very fine Blue-grass gospel band has been created.  The Holy Week and Easter services were well executed combined projects.

* We have assisted each other in participating and supporting fundraising projects which have caused these projects to be successful beyond all expectation. 

* Some of our people are taking advantage of the convenience of two worship service times.

* We are finding in our getting acquainted with each other we tend to be very similar on a personal level.

* St. Luke, in particular, has significantly rebounded financially and is able to plan and dream again without the chokehold of inadequate funding.

* We have shared in the privilege of having Pastor Banze with us as he prepares for his teaching position at Africa University.

The future challenge is for both congregations is to continue to define what it means to be a church outwardly focused, a church in mission, white still maintaining and enhancing our individual identities.  Your pastor thinks it is no mere coincidence that both Asbury and St. Luke are also in close partnership with groups of different denominations and missions who share their buildings.  This may well be a signpost for the future of all churches as we are coming to see we are, at heart, one church, one body, as we share in our common affirmation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

We simply seem to be ahead of the curve in the direction God may be leading all his church in our generation.   In this regard we are being asked to let go of saying “This is MY church,” in such a way which only includes one group.  Instead, we are being asked to take on a more expansive view - a more Christ-centered view - of being able to say, “This is OUR church.”

A more specific challenge is the take more seriously our apportionment obligation to the larger UM church.  Both churches have been quite lax in this regard.  When we contribute our fair chare to the greater UM church this too is a way we continue to be in mission.      

Pastor Scott