Weekly Framework
Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, but that was not the end of his story. When the disciples find the tomb was empty, they begin to understand that the grave could not hold their Lord. When the Resurrected Jesus calls on Peter, Jesus asks Peter to affirm his love, not once, but three times. What will it mean for Peter to repent and be forgiven? What could repentance and Jesus's forgiveness mean for you? And how then might Jesus be calling you to demonstrate your love?
Monday's Reflection
From Pastor Barbara's Daily Study Guide
The gospels forthrightly report that none of the disciples, including Peter, were eagerly waiting for Jesus to rise from the dead. Even when the women reported that men in shining white clothing asked, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?," their description "struck the apostles as nonsense." Peter saw the empty tomb and was confused, wondering what had happened. Eventually, Peter would come to understand Jesus's resurrection and everything changed for him. When you consider how Jesus rose from the dead, what effect does that fact have on you?
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is "Worship." Read the applicable scripture passage for each day below using the 'SOAP' method of reading scripture.
Scripture - First read the scripture passage.
Observation - Think about what you just read and find one thing you think God wanted you to hear that's relevant to your life and write it down.
Application - Think about what you need to do differently as a result of what you just read and write it down.
Pray- Pray about what you just read.
This Week's Readings
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God,
Thank You for reigning over both the smallest problems and the largest catastrophes in my life.
Amen.
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Think about foods that are better with salt: Saltine crackers, French fries, Pretzels, etc. Have you ever eaten a pretzel or a tortilla chip without salt? Without that salt, it's not nearly as tasty. As followers of Jesus, we are to act like that salt, making the world around a much better, friendlier, more loving place to live. When we love others like Jesus loves us, when we're honest and trustworthy, we spread spiritual salt all around. Jesus also warns that we can lose that saltiness. That's why it's so important to stay connected to Jesus by reading His words in the Bible, going to church to learn more about Him and spending time talking to Him in prayer. We were made so that we could tell others about Jesus and be "salt" to make a difference in the world around us! God created you to share His story.
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/30):
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Our final outdoor worship service of the season is this Sunday, September 6, at 8 AM. (Please note there will still be an online-only service streaming at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org).
Church Council shared an update via Zoom on Sunday, August 30, including information about an indoor worship service beginning on September 13 (registration details TBA), preschool reopening, and direction for small groups going into the fall. Watch a replay of the webinar and view the slide presentation at asburylv.org/churchcouncilupdate.
As we enter the fall, we're looking for instrumentalists to share their gifts and talents as part of worship. If you're willing to lend your time, please contact Shellie in the church office at sfritchman@asburylv.org or 610-398-2577 and a member of the music staff will be in contact.
The annual Asbury Church United Methodist Women (UMW) Holiday Bazaar is being held virtually! While the ongoing pandemic keeps us from safely holding the event in-person, the Bazaar's effort to raise money for missions in the Lehigh Valley and beyond is still vitally important. Dates and details will be announced in the coming weeks, and for now we ask you to consider what you might be able to contribute for the event. THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!!
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Our email updates are changing!
Beginning on Monday, September 7, we'll be moving our main email back to a weekly announcement and update email format, sent on Thursdays and Sundays. You will automatically continue to receive those emails as part of our email list, and don't need to take action.
We know that for some of you, getting devotional resources emailed to you on a daily basis has been life-giving and we will continue to offer those emails; but you'll need to sign up to let us know you're interested in receiving them. Simply sign up using our form and you'll continue to receive daily devotionals.
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* PLARN Mats (Plastic Sleeping Mats for the Homeless) - create at home
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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.
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.
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.
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If 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.
Due to changes in staffing at our hospitals, the church often can no longer reach hospital staff to find out if our Asbury members are hospitalized.
Please call the church office to let us know if you or a loved one is in the hospital, so we can provide pastoral care. Thank you!
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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