Moses on Mount Nebo

by Tom Harrison

By now you should’ve received word about my July 31 retirement date and the process of selecting our next senior pastor. This is new—we’ve only had one new pastor appointed to Asbury since 1964 (me in 1993).  Fifty-eight years of two senior leaders is remarkable, but Bill Mason and I agreed we have been blessed to have served a remarkable congregation.

I speak for all our pastors in expressing our appreciation for the MANY ways you show kindness to us. We are grateful for the wonderful gift baskets we received after Pastor Appreciation month—they were thoughtfully done and most impressive. Thank you for your generosity in those gifts, and for the many ways you let your pastors know you care about us. 

Speaking of pastors, I was so sorry to receive Andrea Stephen’s resignation as Pastor of Women for Asbury. She is creative, energetic, hardworking, and did great ministry with our women. Andrea has a polished and classy touch. I will miss her. We wish Andrea well. When our new pastor is appointed, we will see if he has someone in mind who could serve as our Pastor of Women, as we feel this is an essential role for us. If not, we will pursue on our own.  

Asbury can relate to a transition in leadership in a new way right now. There’s a lot going on with both our senior leadership and within the life of the denomination. I’d encourage you to read the book, “Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change.” Jeff Wilkie, the chair of our Transition Team, recommended it after we moved to our Mingo location in 2004. It’s been one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read. You’ll find a lot of applications. 

This Sunday will be our third message on Moses from “Mountains, Valleys, and Caves.” This is the final chapter of Moses’ life. After all the grief Moses went through with the Israelites over forty years, he was not the one to lead them into the Promised Land. However, he did get to see their destination from Mt. Nebo. The last chapter of Deuteronomy will be our focus this Sunday.

Monday: Deuteronomy 34:1-8     
Tuesday: Numbers 10:11-36
Wednesday: Numbers 13
Thursday: Numbers 14
Friday: Numbers 20
Saturday: Numbers 27:12-23
Sunday: Deuteronomy 34:1-8  

See you Sunday (it was GREAT to be back in worship).

Tom Harrison
Senior Pastor