Weekly Framework
As humans, we tend to fear those who are different from ourselves. The differences can make us a bit uncomfortable, and that discomfort fueled by our imagination, our perception of the world, our culture and upbringing, the media, religious leaders and politicians, can lead us to be afraid. So how can we overcome the fear of others and see people as God sees them.
Friday's Devotional
Jesus' example made a difference, and Acts reported that the apostles preached in many Samaritan villages. But even after what happened at Pentecost, Peter still felt the reluctance he'd learned all his life about mixing closely with Gentiles, especially Romans. God had to propel him dramatically, using a startling vision, to break down some of those inner barriers. (This is a great story-if you have time, read the whole thing in
Acts 10:1-11:18.)
For Reflection:
* Peter's vision struck him so hard because, like all devout Jews, he carefully followed the laws (especially in Leviticus 11) which forbade eating "unclean" meat. Those laws were not about kitchen hygiene, but about an approach to ceremonial "cleanness" before God. Entering a Gentile dwelling also brought ceremonial impurity (cf.
John 18:28). What made Peter's mission "clean"? Are there any places or people you avoid because you fear they might make you "unclean"?
* Even after his vision came three times, Peter didn't fully get the point. Verses 27-28 of the story suggest that meeting a large group of Gentiles eager to hear the gospel was his "aha!" moment. Have you ever had a particular contact or experience that broke through some prejudice of yours, and opened your eyes to God's inclusive mission in the world??
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Lord God,
it feels so natural, in so many ways, for me to divide the human family into "us" and "them." Teach me what you taught Peter-that in your eyes, there is only "us."
Amen.
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Rather have all of this week's BLAST devotionals at once? Get them here
UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT:
The deadline to pick up SPARK SACKS & BLAST BAGS has been extended to Monday, May 11th. These grab bags are available to ANY child aged 3-4yrs (SPARK), PreK-5th grades (BLAST). We are hopeful that our online resources are reaching family members at Asbury, as well as extended family members, and friends in the community. These bags are an extension of those online resources and are intended for all. They are available in bins located at the upper entrance of Asbury Church and can be picked up at your convenience from now through May 11th.
For BLAST (PreK- 5th grades)
Ever popped a juicy grape into your mouth? Did you pluck it from the stem first? That stem is connected to the vine which supplies all the water and nutrients that grape needs to grow and become your snack.
Jesus described Himself as the vine. You are the branch. When you stay connected to Jesus, He can help you keep going, to keep doing the right thing, and to keep loving others the way He loves.
Our last story of determination is about a man who kept going even when he faced SO many setbacks. Can you figure out who it is?
He lost his beloved mother, his business failed, he ran for state legislature and lost, he got fired from his job, he couldn’t get into law school, he borrowed money from friends to start another business but that
failed too. Despite many unsuccessful runs into politics, he was
elected president in 1860. Who was he?
______________________ ______________________
H A A A B M R I O L N L N C
Ask Jesus to help you stay connected to Him so you live the way He wants you to live.
uloɔuᴉ˥ ɯɐɥɐɹq∀ :ɹǝʍsu∀
Videos for this week:
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This week,
Pastor Eric continues the "Unafraid" sermon series
with the message
"Friendless and Alone."
Loneliness is the feeling of isolation we feel at times, the feeling that we have no real companions with whom to share our life. It's not the same as solitude. We all need alone time, but though we need alone time, we are also wired as human beings for companionship, for someone to share our lives with, to talk to, to listen to, someone who cares about us and enjoys being with us. In this message, we will look at how to deal with feelings of loneliness.
We are offering 2 streaming services this Sunday, live at 10 AM (blended) and at 5 PM (Open Door) at live.asburylv.org. The 10 AM service will feature a variety of musical styles, including some live music from the Sanctuary, and Pastor Eric will be preaching live. The 5 PM service will feature new recordings from the Open Door Band and a replay of Pastor Eric's message from the morning.
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Don & Adele Bush celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on May 24!
You can help them celebrate by sending a card to:
Don & Adele Bush
4031 Coffeetown Road
Coplay, PA 18037-2131
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Asbury's building is now closed indefinitely. When the time comes to re-open, rest assured we will send that communication as far in advance as possible (and very ready to celebrate gathering again!).
For the safety of all, and to keep Asbury's building virus-free, access to the building is now limited to office and custodial staff only. All other key cards have been deactivated. Should you need to gain access to the building, please contact Israel Olivieri, Business Manager, at
iolivieri@asburylv.org.
In the midst of a challenging time, we still have much to celebrate! Thanks to your amazing generosity, we have reached our goal for the Capital Campaign of $350,000 as of April 19, 2020! Praise God!! Thank you to all who supported this important initiative; and continue to watch for updates on project progress in the coming months.
Get information about and past updates on the Capital Campaign at asburylv.org/capitalcampaign.
For those wishing to support COVID-19 relief, we encourage you to consider giving to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Advance. 100% of donations to the Advance go to COVID-19 relief, as UMCOR's administrative costs are paid through connectional giving.
Summer Camping registration is underway! Camps realize that the future is full of uncertainties and are considering alternative plans, including some offering full refunds if camps are cancelled. Visit the individual camp sites to learn more about their camps and their policies related to COVID-19:
All updates regarding Asbury's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will also be shared at that page; as well as via email blast and on our social media feeds (
Facebook and
Twitter).
Please know that during the time that the office is closed, all calls to Asbury are being received by our answering service, as there is no one available in the office to take your call. Any messages you leave with the answering service are forwarded to us and we will relay your message to the appropriate staff member to respond to you as soon as possible.
Asbury is
now a drop-off site for home-sewn masks for Lehigh Valley Health Network. The collection bin is located at the doors by the upper entrance to the building. If you're able to sew masks, but not able to deliver them,
email Pastor Barbara to get connected with a helper. We do not have supplies available to offer; but could help coordinate a pickup for an order you place at a local fabric or craft store that's offering curbside pickup.
Instructions:
St. Luke's is also collecting personal protective equipment (PPE). Learn more about the items they're accepting and their drop-off locations (their Care Now urgent care locations in Allentown, Whitehall, Bethlehem, and more)
on their website.
Cancelled/Postponed Events
Include, but not limited to:
AIM Yard Sale (cancelled)
Reschedule dates (if applicable) will be communicated when available.
No physical meetings are being held at Asbury or off-site; but please check with your group/Circle leader to see if there are plans for your group to connect online.
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f you are experiencing loneliness, or spiritual and emotional distress during these challenging days, or if there's someone you're concerned about, please reach out to Pastor Barbara at
blee@asburylv.org
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We know that these stressful times have and will cause hardships for some in our community. The following groups, recommended by Asbury in Mission (AIM), have resources available for assistance if you or someone you know has a need:
Kingdom Life Family Center Food Bank
4333 Lime Kiln Rd, Orefield, PA 18069
1401 Linden Street, Allentown, PA 18102
AIM also reminds us that while volunteer opportunities are few due to the current crisis, our mission partners can still be supported financially. Learn more about all of our AIM mission partners at
asburylv.org/aim.
If you are in a position to donate to the food banks, please be aware of the following information about donations:
Kingdom Life Family Center in Orefield wants people to make an appointment to drop off food on a Tuesday morning.
Call 610-398-0111
Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown, Food bank can take donations in the morning by appointment only.
Call Rev. Navin Satyarvata 610-432-2577
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