ASBURY FIRST MONDAY READER | AUGUST 11, 2025

CONTENTS: "B CAMP" WRAP-UP | FROM THE DESK OF BISHOP HÉCTOR: ENDORSEMENT OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES

What a wonderful week we had at this year's VBS! Our "B Camp" with its delightful bee theme was absolutely buzzing with excitement from start to finish. The kids were incredible - their joy and energy were contagious and reminded us all why we love doing this every summer. And can we talk about that gorgeous weather? It felt like a blessing from above, giving us perfect days to enjoy all our outdoor activities and games.

We have to give a huge shoutout to everyone who made B Camp possible. Our amazing youth helpers jumped in with such enthusiasm, and our volunteer team was simply wonderful - each person bringing their own special gifts to make the week magical. Honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better group of helping hands and loving hearts.

You know what struck us most about this year? Everyone really did embody that bee spirit we were going for. Just like busy bees in a hive, each person found their perfect role and dove in with such grace and enthusiasm. Whether leading crafts, helping with snacks, wrangling excited kids, or cheering everyone on, the volunteers made 

B Camp special in their own unique way. The energy we all felt together was something truly special, and we hope the photos we're sharing capture even a little 

bit of that magic we experienced together.

FROM THE DESK OF BISHOP HÉCTOR:

ENDORSEMENT OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES

Recently, Bishop Héctor Nuñez issued important guidance about maintaining our gospel witness during this politically charged season.

As United Methodists, we are called to address urgent challenges facing our society, including racism, poverty, environmental concerns, and injustice, with clarity, courage, and compassion. This prophetic witness flows from our Wesleyan heritage and our commitment to holding all leaders accountable through Scripture. However, this calling does not extend to endorsing specific political candidates or parties from our pulpit or church platforms.

This guidance encourages us to distinguish between faithful prophetic witness and partisan political engagement. As individuals, we should fully participate in the democratic process, but our corporate witness as Asbury First must remain anchored in gospel values rather than political ideologies. We can continue to be agents of God's justice and love while preserving the unity and witness of Christ's church.

Paul's reminder in 2 Timothy 1:7 guides us: "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, love, and self-control." Through faithful discernment and commitment to our mission, Asbury First can continue engaging the world's challenges with gospel-centered courage while maintaining our integrity as followers of Jesus Christ.

The complete letter can be read here: https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/from-the-desk-of-bishop-hector-endorsement-of-political-candidates