WELCOME TO ASHFORD
A church with a history and relevance to now. Join us in historic downtown on the corner of Harden Hill and Main. We'd love to meet you!
A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR
“...according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
As we enter 2021, it is good to know from St. Paul’s letter above that our God “works out” everything. The Greek word used here is where we get the word “energy.” So we can draw comfort from knowing God is the energizing force on the tiller of creation and the conductor’s baton of our human symphony. That line is my paraphrase of Max Lucado but here are a few quotes from Jesus: God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Mt 5:45) God is the one who feeds the birds and watches the sparrows (Mt 6:26, 10:29). Following are some more quotes that Jesus knew well: “The Most High God rules the kingdom of men, and sets over it whom he will” (Dan 5:21). God “executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” (Ps 75:7).
After such a difficult 2020, let us begin this new year remembering the message of Christmas about “Immanuel”- God with us. Our Lord is more than capable of guiding us through 2021 whether our seas are rough or our nets are full to the point of breaking. Just as our Lord started his days with prayer, so shall we trust our Heavenly Father to “work out” everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Such prayers of faith will open our hearts to enjoy the presence and peace of God throughout this new year.
Blessings,
- Larry -
Lowrie J. Welton, Pastor
MUSIC AND WORSHIP
As a next step in Ashford's response to COVID-19, we are happy to announce plans to safely host inside worship services. This phased opening is exciting for all and will begin with our traditional worship service in the sanctuary and streaming available in the fellowship hall. Our live streaming will now go straight to our You Tube channel . Sunday school and the nursery will be opened at a later date.
As a reminder, the CoVid-19 Response Committee was tasked with how to respond to the CoVid pandemic in a manner that maintains the health and safety of our congregation. This committee has met and discussed CoVid plans numerous times since inception. The committee has spent hours viewing government, local and school policies regarding CoVid-19. The committee has also looked at their own practices in their respective medical professions for guidance. The following recommendations have not be taken lightly.
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Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be in effect. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed in the sanctuary. An additional 30 people may be seated in the fellowship hall.
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Families will sit together throughout the sanctuary and
fellowship hall in a manner that maintains social distancing. -
All entrances will be open. Members will be dismissed
in a controlled manner by rows and directed to their exit
by ushers. Six feet of separation is encouraged at all times. -
Offering plates will be available as you exit the service.
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There will be no singing at this time. Instrumental
music will be provided during the service.
You should not feel any pressure to join Ashford Methodist in our indoor service. This is a personal decision for each member and family. Please continue to support each other and to pray for our church, our community, and for our leaders.
Pastor Welton, the care team, and the entire congregation
is available for support, encouragement, and prayers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 PayPal account. If you choose to use PayPal, please use the donate button below.
As always, checks can be mailed to P. O. Box 344, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
SUNDAY EVENING LADIES BIBLE STUDY
We are pleased to announce a new Bible study for all ladies of the church. Revelation: Extravagant Hope, by Margaret Feinberg, is a 6 week study that will teach us that "Revelation is a survival guide for the suffering, a book of promise for the persecuted, a banner of hope for the beaten down”. Please join us Sunday evenings at 5:30pm via Zoom. Our first class will begin on Sunday, January 17th. If you’d like to participate, email Ellen Elder.
Please purchase your Extravagant Hope workbook directly from the Margaret Feinberg website. It will ship quicker than ordering through Amazon. No advanced preparation is required for the first meeting.
MONDAY MORNING LADIES BIBLE STUDY will meet on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. The name of the study is "Matchless" by Angie Smith. We will meet in the church fellowship hall with masks and socially distanced. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Kraps.
CARE TEAM will meet Wednesday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.
YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Julianne Blackburn leads AMMY each week on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m. If you have any questions about AMMY please email Julianne.
AMMY will meet on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. at the church.
MISSIONS
Ashford Memorial Methodist actively supports many local and international missions. You can view our recent and upcoming activities in our January Missions Newsletter.
Contact our missions coordinator to find out how you can help.
SAVE THE DATE
January 22: ACTS - Area Churches Serving Together
January 24-30: Family Promise hosting week
January 28: Red Cross Blood Drive
January 29: Sparrow’s Nest sack lunches
CONTACT US
1 South Main Street
P.O. Box 344
Watkinsville, Georgia 30677
Office (706) 769-6928
Fax (706) 769-0995
ashfordchurch@bellsouth.net
ashfordpastor@bellsouth.net
THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
© 2015 by Ashford Memorial Methodist Church