ASHFORD MEMORIAL
METHODIST CHURCH​
PASTOR'S ARTICLE
Easter is upon us and I look forward to celebrating Christ’s resurrection at the sunrise service and the 9 and 11am services on April 20. The absolute central fact of our faith is that the tomb is empty and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has risen. We have victory over sin and death - and that’s worth celebrating!!!
When I first toured Ashford in 2020 as a potential candidate to be the senior pastor, I was shown the conceptual drawings for a new fellowship hall and classroom building that had been drawn up in the early 2000’s. Now, in 2025, we are at the cusp of bringing a different (but quite similar) project to fruition. The congregational meeting and subsequent vote is to happen on April 13, 2025. Much work, planning, and generous giving has already taken place and we will soon see whether or not the project will begin. I am optimistic about the outcome, but my prayer has been that whatever the result of the vote is, we will keep our hearts unified and remain focused on the mission of being the Lord’s Beacon on the Hill. Great days are ahead for our church and I just want to say how thankful I am for everyone in the congregation. It is a delight to serve as your pastor.
​
More than 10 years ago, I was at a meeting with Rev. Mike McAfee, who at that time was serving as senior pastor at First UMC in Albany, GA. He was at the end of his ministerial career and he said something that stood out to me. Mike lamented that it was his observation that many pastors (a majority even) he had known had grown cold at the end of their careers. He said many of them held negative attitudes about the church, and sadly many didn’t seem to love Jesus much at that stage of their career. He expressed to us that he still loved the church and he still very much loved Jesus. At the mid-point of my career, I can tell you I love the church more than when I began in ministry, and I love my Lord and Savior now even more than when He saved my soul at age 14. I am excited about my summer sabbatical because I believe it will only strengthen my feelings about the Lord and His church. Thanks to the Ashford leadership and staff that has been so steadfast in supporting me in this time of renewal. I am confident it will be beneficial for both pastor and congregation. God bless you dear saints of God.
​
<><,
Pastor Robert
MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Sunday Worship Schedule
-
9:00 am Worship Service
-
10:00 am Adult Sunday School
-
11:00 am Worship Service
​
Ashford offers two traditional worship services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The format of these services are identical, with the exception that there will not be a choir or children's church offered at the 9:00 a.m. service.
​
The 9:00 a.m. service offers Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month for those who wish to partake of the sacrament on a more frequent basis.

The 11:00 a.m. service will be streamed through our YouTube page, Ashford Memorial Methodist Church. You can find it at this link: Ashford YouTube Channel. The 9:00 a.m. service
WILL NOT be streamed on YouTube.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
​
​Holy Week Services
-
Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 PM April 17
-
Good Friday Service at 12:00 noon April 18
-
Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00 AM April 20 at the Elder Shack
-
Easter Service 9:00 AM and 11 AM in the Sanctuary April 20
​​
Ashford Updates
We rejoice to announce that Daniel Shafer will be staying on our church staff in a full-time capacity beginning this June. Daniel will remain our director of music ministries but beginning this summer he will serve in an expanded capacity. Stay tuned for developments on additional music groups within Ashford that he will be leading as we seek to worship our great God. In addition to the music role, Daniel will also be taking on the role of digital platform manager. He will help us engage with our online worship community and continue our efforts at utilizing the digital app that we launched several months back. It is a blessing to say that we are thrilled the Lord opened up this opportunity for Daniel to keep his tremendous gifts in service to the Lord through the ministry of Ashford!
​
Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet the first & third Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Hall from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Anyone interested in this ministry is welcome. You don't have to be an advanced knitter. Those who crochet are always welcome, too.​
MISSIONS
Ashford Memorial Methodist actively supports many local and international missions. You can view our recent and upcoming activities in our April Missions Newsletter. ​Contact our missions coordinator to find out how you can help.
​
​
​
​
​​
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Thank you for continuing to support Ashford financially. We are blessed to be able to continue to support our missions, service people, and ongoing church expenses.
​
Ashford now has a Pushpay account. If you choose to donate electronically, please scan the QR code or use this link.
​
As always, checks can be mailed to P. O. Box 344, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
CONTACT US
Physical Address: 1 South Main Street
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 344
Watkinsville, Georgia 30677
The Ashford Church Office is located in the Murray House (the yellow house across the parking lot). As a reminder, the church office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00-3:00 with an hour lunch break.
Office (706) 769-6928
​
THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
