Good morning, Aspen Grove Church family! 

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Sonny R. Williams, Jr., and I am honored to be your new pastor. I believe that God has brought us together so that we can grow and mature spiritually as a community. In these challenging times, especially here in the U.S., there is a noticeable departure from sound biblical teachings, which has led to many issues in our nation. It is my conviction that every believer should be engaged in The Father’s Business. What does that entail? It means sharing the Gospel as outlined in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. While we cannot save anyone ourselves, however we can share the Gospel with everyone we encounter. God asks us to be faithful and obedient to His calling, and He will take care of the rest. 

This year, we have started teaching the fundamental beliefs of our faith as taught in the Word of God. We began with God’s greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ. We have also discussed the importance of a strong prayer life and having our own personal prayer Closet—our war room. This past Sunday, we explored the gifts from God: whether to receive them, how to use them, and the cost and reward of our obedience in using these gifts. I am excited about what God has in store for us both individually and as a church. 

Let us strive to be the “light on the hill” for our community, a beacon pointing to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Together, let us use our gifts and talents to strengthen one another and spread the Gospel in our communities and circles of influence.  

Let’s be like Peter, stepping out of our comfort zones and walking by faith on water! Today is a new day and a new opportunity to grow in our faith and be better than we were yesterday. Have a wonderful day, and may God bless you all! 

Your brother In Christ,  

 

Pastor Sonny 

 Subject: A Time of Transition and a Warm Welcome to Pastor Sonny Williams

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As my time serving as your interim pastor comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. It has been an incredible honor to walk alongside this congregation, to worship together, to share in God’s Word, and to witness His faithfulness in our church.

During this season, I have seen God move in so many ways—through your faith, your prayers, your generosity, and your love for one another. Thank you for allowing me to serve, to teach, and to grow with you. Your support and encouragement have meant more to me than words can express.

As one chapter closes, another begins, and I am excited to welcome Pastor Sonny Williams as he steps into the role of lead pastor. I truly believe that God has called him for such a time as this, and that under his leadership, our church will continue to grow in faith, love, and mission. I encourage each of you to welcome him with open hearts and to pray for him as he begins this new journey with us.

Transitions can bring mixed emotions, but we know that God is always at work, leading us forward in His perfect plan. As Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) reminds us:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I may be stepping away from this role, but my love and prayers for this church family remain steadfast. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your unwavering faith. May God bless you all as you continue His work, and may He guide Pastor Sonny as he leads with wisdom and grace.

With love and gratitude,
Bill Doane
Interim Pastor, Aspen Grove Church

 Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray this letter finds you well and that your hearts are full of His love and presence.

As we gather each week to worship, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of coming before the Lord with an open heart. Worship is not just about the songs we sing, the prayers we offer, or the sermons we hear—it’s about the posture of our hearts before God.

In Psalm 95:6-7, we are called, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.” This invitation isn’t just about physical posture but about a spiritual one—one of humility, surrender, and openness.

When we enter into worship with open hearts, we allow God to move in us and through us. We lay aside distractions, burdens, and preconceived notions, making room for the Holy Spirit to work. An open heart is a heart that is ready to receive, to be transformed, and to respond to God’s love and grace.

I encourage each of us to prepare our hearts before we come together—through prayer, reflection, and a willingness to be vulnerable before the Lord. Let’s come expecting God to speak, to heal, and to guide. Whether through music, Scripture, or fellowship, God meets us where we are when we come to Him with sincerity and openness.

Let’s be a church that embodies true worship—not just in our gatherings but in our daily lives. As Romans 12:1 urges us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

May our worship be a reflection of our love for God and a testament to His goodness. Let’s open our hearts fully to Him and watch as He does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

Blessings and love in Christ,

Bill

Faith Over Fear

Scripture: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Devotion:

Fear has a way of creeping into our lives, whether through uncertainty, challenges, or unexpected circumstances. It whispers lies that paralyze us, making us doubt God’s power and our ability to overcome. But as believers, we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 that fear is not from God. Instead, He has given us power, love, and a sound mind.

When Peter walked on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29-31), he started strong, but as soon as he focused on the wind and waves, fear overtook him, and he began to sink. The same happens to us when we take our eyes off Christ. Fear distorts our vision and makes us forget who is in control.

But God calls us to stand in faith. The power He gives is not our own—it is His strength working through us. His love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and with a sound mind, we can rest in the truth of His promises.

No matter what you face today, remember: fear may knock on the door, but faith answers. Trust in God’s power, walk in His love, and hold on to the peace of His presence.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that fear does not come from You. Help me to stand firm in Your power, rest in Your love, and walk in faith with a sound mind. When fear tries to creep in, let me fix my eyes on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.