A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

As we look through November, there is much we will have to face; yet, wise Americans before us designated the last Thursday of the month to formally thank God for our personal and national blessings. Christians may have led the movement because Scripture, either by imperative or example, makes "giving thanks" more than a suggestion - but a necessity.

Max Lucado cleverly points out why ingratitude is the original sin. With millions of reasons to be thankful for living in paradise, the Snake came into the Garden to focus on the one thing in the place Adam and Eve could not have. By concentrating on what they did not need, discontent took up residence with the First Couple and let ingratitude ruin their lives.

Max's questions: What if gratitude had won the day? What if they had given the Snake a tour of all the wonderful things God had given them? What if they had chosen gratitude, would the world be different? Our question: What if we choose gratitude, will our world be different?

Let's remind ourselves each day of November what we have to be thankful for and we will have at least 26 things on our list by Thanksgiving Day.

Grace and Peace,
- Larry -
Lowrie J. Welton, Pastor

PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE​

After many months of interviewing candidates and coordinating our efforts with the Ashford Board of Directors, we are very excited to report that we are finally ready to introduce an outstanding Senior Pastor candidate to the congregation. We truly feel that God's hand has been at work connecting our church with this potential new pastor. Please mark your calendars that this Senior Pastor candidate will be coming to Ashford to preach and meet the congregation on Sunday, November 29. We will send out more details in the following weeks.

SUNDAY EVENING LADIES BIBLE STUDY meets Sundays at 5:30
p.m. on Zoom. If you would like to participate, please contact Ellen Elder.

MONDAY MORNING LADIES BIBLE STUDY meets Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please email Beth Kraps if you have any questions.

AMMY will pack the boxes for Operation Christmas Child on Sunday, November 1st at 4:30 p.m. at the home of Kyle & Laura Beaghan. Please contact Julianne Blackburn if you have any questions.

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.

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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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1. Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be in effect. A maximum of 60 people will be allowed in the sanctuary. An additional 30 people may be seated in the fellowship hall.

2. Families will sit together in locations marked by bulletins throughout the sanctuary and fellowship hall. The bulletins will be placed by members of our CoVid committee to ensure social distancing. CoVid committee members will also assist our congregation if questions arise.

3. All entrances will be open. Members will be dismissed in a controlled manner by rows and directed to their exit by ushers and/or CoVid committee members. Six feet of separation is encouraged at all times.

4. Offering plates will be available as you exit the service.

5. There will be no singing at this time. Pre-recorded and live 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.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The American Red Cross has asked Ashford to help with an additional blood drive in November, as they are experiencing an urgent need. Our Ashford Blood Drive is scheduled for Friday, November 20 from 2:00 – 7:00 in our Fellowship Hall.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
You can make a monetary donation to this mission with a check
earmarked Operation Christmas Child. We also invite families who want to make their own Shoeboxes, to do so and bring those packed boxes by Sunday, November 15.

MISSIONS

Ashford Memorial Methodist actively supports many local and international missions. You can view our recent and upcoming activities in our November Missions Newsletter.

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Contact our missions coordinator to find out how you can help.

AREA CHURCHES TOGETHER SERVING (ACTS)

The next opportunity to serve at ACTS is Friday, November 27, from 9:00 – 1:00 at 130 E. Thompson Street. Our responsibilities include stocking shelves, checking expiration dates on food items, filling baskets for clients and working at the front desk. Please see the SignUp Genius to offer your time to this Mission! 

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

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THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday