The first time we see Jesus reveal His glory is at a wedding feast in Cana. At this event,
ordinary water became extraordinary wine! All throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus at
tables: reclining at banquets, breaking bread in homes, gathering with friends in
celebration, and even hosting a ‘holy cookout’ — feeding more than five thousand with
abundance left over. If there was a celebration of joy anywhere, if there was a community
gathering or any form of shared life, Jesus was right there! Yes, Jesus likes a good party!
And I am convinced that this past Sunday, in the celebration of 189 years of prophetic
witness at Asbury United Methodist Church, Jesus was indeed in the building.
I could feel it.
I could feel it in the excellence of our ministers, volunteers, staff, and partners.
I could feel it in the love and energy that saturated every note of worship and every smile of
fellowship.
I could see it in the care, the planning, the organization, and the execution that brought the
day together.
Beloved community, because of each of you and your diligent work, Jesus was in the room!
So today, I want to pause simply to say: thank you! Thank you for your witness, your
faithfulness, and the joy you bring into this house of God. And as I thank you, I must also
express my gratitude for the love poured out on my family this week: your well wishes for
my birthday, for Eboni and me as we celebrate fifteen years of marriage, and for Ronald III.
turning fourteen.
Asbury has embraced us with such tenderness and grace. We are humbled and grateful.
We are also glad to walk alongside you in this sacred work—helping others discover again,
and again that Jesus is in the room!
So, from the depths of my heart: thank you! Amen.
Dr. Ron Bell
