Sometime in the wee hours of April 18th, 2009, Loretta Lemke stepped over that eternal threshold to join our Lord and Savior.  Loretta was a wonderful lady in many ways, but known to us above all as Pastor Dan's partner for more than a quarter of a century.  More information is available through Rodman-Neeper Funeral Home:  http://www.rodmanneeper.com/display.asp?name=Loretta+Lemke&id=3220 

We are comforted by knowing that Loretta is in God's presence, is reunited with family whom she missed very much, has no more pain, and by the fact that we will see her again, if we surrender our hearts and souls to the Creator of all.  May we live with her warmth, humor, and joy, all of our days.

At about noon on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008, Marlo Richardson was freed from his earthly form and ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.  We can only imagine the incredible welcome he received, and the joy that floods his soul as he enters that eternal realm.  Meanwhile, though, to say that he will be greatly missed is quite an understatement.  Marlo was our Sunday School Superintendent, but he was so much more than any title could convey.  We are all enriched for having known him, but impoverished by his passing.  Thank God that He allowed  Marlo to serve Him -- and us -- in so many ways for such a long time.

We are, of course, especially sorry for the loss to his family.  Please keep them all in your prayers.  Please pray  that Mary and the rest of their family will be comforted by His love in the days ahead.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 25th, with arrangements by Rodman Neeper Funeral Home.  Condolences may be expressed online through the funeral home at this link:

http://www.rodmanneeper.com/display.asp?name=Marlo+Richardson&id=2771

We want to extend our heartiest thanks to all those who helped with our annual Bean Dinner and Car & Motorcycle Show.  By God's grace, a smaller but enthusiastic crowd turned out for the rescheduled event on July 12th.  Everyone said they had a wonderful time.  Next year, we'll start praying for good weather sooner!

On June 9, 2008, The Wesleyan Church, for the first time in its history, elected a woman as General Superintendent, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon.  Dr. Lyon is the Founder and CEO of World Hope International, the compassionate ministries partner of The Wesleyan Church.  Dr. Lyon was elected to assume the chair being vacated by retiring General Superintendent Dr. Earle L. Wilson, who has served in that capacity for 24 years.   She will join Dr. Tom Armiger and Dr. Jerry Pence, who were both re-elected earlier the same day.  For more updates on these and other stories from the General Conference, keep checking the "News" link at www.Wesleyan.org.

Maybe you know this by now, but our website now has its' own domain name, www.AshleyWesleyan.org.  It's easy to remember, and could prove to be a good way to point people toward the church (or, more importantly, toward Christ) in everyday conversation or correspondence.  Help spread the word!

If you would like to be baptized, please contact Pastor Dan quickly.  We're planning to have a baptismal service very soon.