|
|
|
|
 |
Dear Asbury Friends,
At our Mission Team meeting on Monday, we were presented with an opportunity to help provide a "Merry Christmas" to young people who are in foster care. You can go to this website if you want to learn more about this incredible program: https://www.redbagskc.com/ Would your Sunday school class or small group consider adopting one of these children or youth? Maybe it's something your family would like to do. I decided to sponsor one of the youth. On his list was a bunch of sports equipment that I am completely unfamiliar with. So, I just sat outside with my neighbor kids who are the age of this young man I'm sponsoring, and they helped me order gifts for him! There's a short window on this. The gifts need to be purchased, wrapped and returned by Saturday, November 7. Also, they request that the gifts be returned wrapped and ready to give to the young person. If you are willing to purchase the gifts, but aren't able to get them wrapped, please bring them to the church and we will find some "good elves" who will wrap the gifts for you! If you're willing to help with this, please contact Donetta Shaner at 913.219.7243 or [email protected], and she will send you the gender, age, clothing/shoe size and wish list of a child or youth. Providing a Merry Christmas for young people who otherwise might not have one - this is one of the ways we practice what we preach...
Gayla
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Joy - An Early Opportunity
Looking for something meaningful to do? You can help bring joy to local foster children this holiday if you make an early start! The organization Christmas Families seeks sponsors to fill RED BAGS with gifts for children to unwrap. You can request age and gender to shop for.
Guidelines for filling a RED BAG:
- 8-10 wrapped packages (enough to fill the large Red Bag) for your child.
- You receive info about sizes and a wish list.
- Gifts can include small things: socks, gloves, toiletries, etc., but try to fill the bag.
- Your cost depends on what you choose and your shopping skills!
- As an estimate, about $100 for infants/toddlers, $125+ for elementary kids and $150+ for tweens and teens.
Arrangements can be made to pick up your bag from Asbury, get help wrapping, and to leave your RED BAG at church for delivery Saturday, November 7, in Olathe.
Asbury's Bernie and Donetta Shaner have been involved with this group for over 25 years. Contact Donetta to get set up as a sponsor, matched with a child and get your RED BAG: [email protected] or 913.219.7243. Website = redbagskc.com
Groups, classes, circles, and individuals are encouraged to participate as sponsors. The hope is to fill over 1400 RED BAGS this year. Asbury can be part of this. Will you help? Watch the next Alive Newsletter for info on other ways to participate.
Time is short! What we do now can make Christmas a little merrier for you and a child.
Merry Christmas, Asbury Mission Team
|
|
|
Thank You to Everyone Who Donated Blood!
Thank you to everyone who signed up to donate blood at our blood drive on Sunday! We had a wonderful turnout and couldn't be happier. 29 units of blood were collected, which is great news. Even better, six people were first-time donors on Sunday!
Because of you, the Community Blood Center is able to help save people right here in our own area. THANK YOU! We're hoping to have another blood drive sometime in mid-December. We'll keep you posted when we finalize a date!
|
|
Soup Fest 2020 Has Been Re-Imagined!
The Asbury UMW Soup Fest will not be an in-person event this year, but instead the event has been "re-imagined" so we can still raise much needed funds for our UMW mission projects. Choose one or more of the following options so you can be a part of "Soup Fest Re-Imagined!"
1 - Donate directly to UMW!
Send in a check to the church or drop off a donation in the amount that you would normally spend on a ticket to eat at Soup Fest (adults $12, children $6). Please make sure to clearly mark your donation for Soup Fest and make checks payable to Asbury UMW.
2 - PRE-ORDER a pint of our "SIGNATURE" Broccoli Cheese Soup!
Purchase a pint of soup for $10 to enjoy from the comfort of your home! One pint of our Broccoli Cheese Soup provides approximately 2 servings for you to take home and re-heat or freeze for a future date.
The DEADLINE for soup pre-orders is FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30th and pick-up will be THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 from 10:00 am-Noon or 4:00-6:00 pm in the Asbury parking lot. There is a limited quantity of soup available, so order early! Payment of $10 per pint needs to be made when you pick-up your soup. If you have any questions regarding soup pre-orders, please contact Paula Blood at 913-205-0100.
Thanks for your support toward reaching our goal of raising $2,000 for our UMW mission projects - Days for Girls, Cross-Lines, Della Lamb, IHN (Inter-Faith Hospitality Network), UMW Prison Ministry, Asbury Youth, Asbury Children's Center, and more!!
|
|
UMW Gourmet Nut Sale -
Now through Monday, October 26!
It's that wonderful time of year again when our United Methodist Women are gearing up for their annual nut sale! Lots of delicious options are available for purchase again this year. Nut orders may be placed through one of these ways:
- Printing out the order form at the following link: Nut Sale Order Form and completing it. You may then either return it to the Asbury office or scan and email it to Rick Starks at [email protected]. If you return the order to Asbury, please include a check payable to Asbury UMC, with "Nut Sale" included in the memo line. If you scan and email the order, please pay via either Easy Tithe or bring a check to the pick-up. For Easy Tithe, please visit http://www.easytithe.com/visitasbury. Choose "Other Fund" in the dropdown box, and then enter "Nut Sale" in the Note box.
-
For this option, please pay using Easy Tithe or by bringing a check to the pick-up.
-
Starting October 12, you may come by the Asbury office to obtain a paper order form,
which you can complete and leave at the office.
- Calling or texting Aimee Starks at 816-516-6811, or emailing Rick Starks at [email protected].
The pre-order deadline is Monday, October 26. All profits are used for UMW's Missions!
|
|
Lazarus Ministries Needs Help!
Lazarus Ministries, which operates a food kitchen and boutique (clothes/shoes/toiletries) on Saturday and Sundays, is in need of volunteers. If you would like to help,
sign up using these links:
|
|
Food Pantry Location Change -
Now Inside the MSR Entrance!
We've changed the location of our 24/7 Asbury Food Pantry! Anticipating fall and winter's more volatile weather, we've decided to move the food pantry entrance to just inside the MSR entrance. The inner door will be locked, but the outer door will be open so we can keep food safe from the elements and allow people to pick up the items they need while keeping safe and dry from the weather.
That being said, we could always use a helping hand when it comes to keeping our food pantry stocked! Lately, we've been running a little low, so anything you can donate helps. Some of the more specific needs include:
pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables other than corn or green beans, granola / cereal bars, toilet paper, paper towels, and any kind of personal care items.
If you are donating food, you may simply leave your donation on the donation cart outside the MSR entrance. Monetary donations may be made by calling the church office at 913.432.5573, or online at http://www.easytithe.com/visitasbury. Under the drop down "Fund" box, simply choose "Other Fund," and then type in "Food Pantry" in the "Notes" box. A final option is to purchase an Asbury face mask for $5! All profits go straight to the Asbury Food Pantry. They are available in the church office - just reach out to Phyllis Williams to reserve yours at [email protected]! If you have any questions or comments about the Asbury UMC Community Food Pantry - or if you would like to volunteer! - please let Steve Trenholm know. He welcomes anyone to reach out to him at [email protected]. Thank you, Asbury, for your continued generosity with our food pantry!
|
|
|
Virtual Webinar - Drawdown:
Solutions to Reverse Global Warming
Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 7-9 pm
Asbury's United Methodist Women and Church & Society Committee are co-sponsoring a Zoom Webinar and Q & A about PROJECT DRAWDOWN - the radical idea that we can reverse global warming by 2050 using existing technologies! (More info at www.drawdown.org). This informative webinar will be led by Emily Libla, a well-known environmentalist, social and eco-justice advocate, and Josh Thede, an acoustical consultant with Henderson Engineers and a member of the Sustainability Commission of Mission, Kansas.
Based on info from the book, Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, this webinar is designed to encourage a change in how we think about and respond to the threat of global warming and climate change. We will discuss the very real possibility of reversing global warming and highlight the important role that each of us can play in creating that reality.
Interested in attending? Sign up using the online form at https://www.visitasbury.org/project-drawdown-presentation/. We look forward to having you as part of the forum!
|
|
Zoom Yoga Class with Kim Peck:
Every Other Sunday at 4 pm -
Next Class Sunday, October 25
Join Kim Peck for a Zoom yoga class every other Sunday at 4 pm! These classes will meet via Zoom through November 22. This class is open to all levels, and will include both traditional yoga poses and restorative poses intended to relieve the effects of chronic stress. It will be taught using basic yoga props, such as blocks, straps, and bolster, although all poses can also be done without props. This class will also include a brief meditation or meditative reading to close.
Sunday afternoons a difficult time to log on to a class? Then check out our Zoom Yoga page at https://www.visitasbury.org/zoom-yoga/ - all of Kim's videos from each week will be posted here as well, and can be accessed at any time!
For more information, or if you would like to sign up, please contact Kim Peck ([email protected]).
|
|
|
Visiting the Asbury Offices? Don't Forget to Sign In!
 Our office hours have returned this week to Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The main entrance doors will be unlocked during office hours.
We would like people to enter and exit the church through the main entrance doors only, and we ask that people limit their stay to the welcome area of the church and the Asbury Cafe. Masks will be required of all people who enter the building. If you forget yours at home, individually wrapped masks are available at the sign in desk just to the right of the entrance doors inside the building. Please also check in here when you arrive!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Gayla or Pastor Lee.
 Got a Drone? Contact the Trustees for a Project!
Hey, Asbury! The Trustees Committee is looking for someone who has a drone with a camera and would be able to operate it for a project at Asbury.
If you have or know anyone who has a drone who is willing and available to help, would you send them David Blood's way? David can be contacted at 913.831.7259. Thanks so much!
Collecting Chocolate for Teachers at Santa Fe Trail Elementary!
 What helps out with the stressful moments of COVID-19? CHOCOLATE! Our teacher friends at Santa Fe Trail Elementary have been working double time getting school ready to teach this year to their students, and keeping up morale has been hard!
We'd like to show our appreciation by collecting chocolate bars to give to them as a thank you for all of their hard work this year. So next time you're out grocery shopping, would you consider picking up a couple chocolate bars for the teachers at Santa Fe? Donations can be dropped off with Phyllis Williams in the church office. Let's show our teacher friends how much we appreciate all that they do!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pam Ungashick at [email protected].
 17 Days Left to Complete 2020 Census, It Only Takes 10 Minutes
The deadline to complete the 2020 Census count is October 31, 2020. But do not delay! October 31 is at the "heart" of the end of the general election date, November 3, where thoughts and actions will be focused.
This year's census has been challenging. The coronavirus has made it difficult for census workers to reach every person. This can make it even harder to count many communities that are difficult to reach.
Taking part in the 2020 Census is part of the civic duty of every person, citizen or not, living in the country. It is a way for everyone to participate in our democracy and say, "I COUNT!" It is private and secure. It is against the law for the Census Bureau to release responses in a way that could identify anyone. By law, responses cannot be used against anyone. Don't lose your chance. If you have not completed the census, it can still be done, even if you never received an official letter. Go to https://2020census.gov/ to complete online in approximately 10 minutes! Take advantage of this opportunity to make sure every Kansan gets counted.
Guide to the 2020 Elections in Kansas
 Voting is the best way to ensure your voice is heard and your community is represented in your government. Go to https://www.thevoternetwork.org/. Click on the "How to Vote" tab and there you will find information on signing up to vote by mail, seeing who is on your ballot, options for voting early in person, plus additional helpful information.
Mark These Dates:
October 14 - Early voting begins and first day mailing of advance ballots.
October 27 - One week before the General Election and the last day to request an advance ballot, although this is not advisable with the anticipated high volume of mail ballots.
November 3 - Election Day!
So, what's the problem? These are uncertain times for all of us. You know, we know, heck, everybody knows this is a critical election for so many of us. Everyone needs to be heard. VOTE! And then make sure your family, friends and everyone you know have also voted.
Attention Newly Eligible Voters! 15 million people have aged into this year's election, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. VOTE and you could play a major role in the 2020 election.
Prayer Requests and Concerns
 Did you know that you can submit a prayer request online? We are always keeping our Asbury family in prayer!
 <--- Click on the Church Calendar logo for upcoming Asbury events! Do you have an event you would like to be listed on the calendar? Please call the church office or email Phyllis Williams at [email protected]. For inclusions in the Alive Newsletter, please contact Sharlynn Verner at [email protected].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 We need your help to keep our operations running during this tough time of needing to close down. Coronavirus has made things challenging for everyone and Asbury is no exception! Please consider giving to the church electronically through one of these four ways:
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
- Online through Easy Tithe (www.easytithe.com/visitasbury)
- Text the word "Give" to 913-774-6060
- Download our giving app, "Church by Ministry One" (find Asbury under zip code 66208)
Also, you can still just write a check and send it in the mail! Our mailing address is as follows:
Asbury United Methodist Church
5400 W. 75th St.
Prairie Village, KS 66208
We love you all and appreciate each of you so much. Stay safe and healthy!
|
|
|
Weekly Bible Studies
from Rev. Lee Johnson
Every Thursday or Friday, Rev. Lee publishes a Bible study on the Asbury website that goes along with the worship material for the weekend. Whether it be during times of anxiety and uncertainty, or of joy and hope, he helps us navigate what the Scripture tells us to do.
Click on the link below to check out some of Rev. Lee's current studies!
|
|
|
As many of you already know, our long-time nursery director Georgeann Mai retired shortly after the pandemic began. We were hoping to do something in person for her, but have determined we should not wait any longer to do something. Please send a card expressing your gratitude for Georgeann's years of service to her this month. Heather emailed Georgeann's address to both the children's ministry and youth ministry email lists. If you did not receive an email and would like her address, please email [email protected] or call the church office and Phyllis can get the address for you.
Notes from previous nursery kids and including kids' artwork with notes are strongly encouraged.
|
|
As we plan for our Halloween Drive-In movie night, we need help filling the goodie bags. We are asking for both financial donations to purchase items and donations of candy, skinny pop, veggie straws, goldfish, or fruit snacks. Financial donations can be mailed to the church with "Children's Ministry" in the memo line. If you plan on donating items, please let me know and we can arrange a time for delivery.
Donations need to be at the church by Monday, October 19 so we start filling the bags on Tuesday.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday School
This month we'll focus on faith and inviting children to Celebrate Wonder. We will strive to engage children's natural sense of curiosity to help them understand God's love. We'll encourage kids to ask big questions and help them explore the Bible in ways that feeds their imagination and encourages creativity.
 3 years - Kindergarten: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "Abraham's Visitors" (Genesis 18:1-14), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
1st-3rd Grade: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "Abraham's Visitors" (Genesis 18:1-14), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
4th-5th Grade: We will meet via Zoom at 11 am on Sunday to continue our discussion of "Who is My Neighbor?" (Matthew 25:34-40). A link was sent out via email today.
Save the Date
Halloween Drive-In Movie Night - Saturday, October 24 at 7 pm
 I n lieu of Trunk-or-Treat, we will be hosting a Halloween-themed drive-in movie night for kids. There will be goodie bags for kids filled with trunk-or-treat items. We will show "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and another kid-friendly Halloween movie that will be announced soon. Physical distancing guidelines will be followed.
Children's Family Trivia Night - Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm
 Children's Ministries is hosting our third kid-friendly family trivia night via Zoom on Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm. There will be questions for all ages. It's sure to be an evening of fun! We utilize breakout groups, so invite your friends to join your team! You don't have to be in the same room or even under the same roof! A link will be sent out to the children's ministry email list closer to the day for the event. If you do not receive those emails, you can request the link by emailing [email protected]. Virtual Paper Bag Pageant
 Asbury's annual paper bag pageant is going virtual! All our children's ministry families should be receiving a packet this week containing masks and craft sticks. We are asking that you families color some or all the masks and then record themselves walking toward the camera with masks and pausing as they get close to the camera. You can record as many characters as you would like. Then upload the video to the cloud based storage of your preference and send an editable link to Heather ( [email protected]), our Director of Family Ministries, so she can begin editing the pageant together. Please send videos to Heather by Thursday, November 19. Hold on to your masks so you can participate in the pageant on Christmas Eve!! If you have grandkids, nieces, nephews or friends that would like masks, there are some extra sets available in the church office. Or, you can email Heather ( [email protected]) to request an email file for the masks or for a packet to be mailed to you.
Family Devotional is Available!
We've purchased a family devotional from the same company that created our virtual VBS material. We are allowed to make up to 50 copies of the devotional. If you would like a copy, please email [email protected] and specify if you want a PDF copy or if you would like for us to print and mail you a copy.
to be added to the children's ministry email list.
|
|
Sunday School: The Gospel According to Harry Potter
This Sunday morning at 10 am, we'll continue our Sunday School series, "The Gospel According to Harry Potter." We'll go through the books one by one looking for where the character and themes reflect those in the Bible. We might spend a week or two on each book, depending on our discussions. All youth are invited to join via Zoom. The link was emailed out today.
Youth Drive-In Movie -
Sunday, October 18 at 6:30 pm
Youth and their families are invited to come to the church parking lot for a showing of "The Pirates of the Caribbean!" Feel free to bring your own dinner. Youth and their families can sit in their cars or in a physically distanced parking space.
RSVP is required for attendance. RSVP to [email protected] or at https://www.facebook.com/events/3132666473510801/.
Youth Family Trivia Night - Sunday, October 25 at 6 pm
 We had so much fun at our Youth Family Trivia Nights that we decided to do a third one! Our third night of fun is Sunday, October 25 at 6 pm via Zoom. You can play as a family or we can mix it up in breakout groups. Youth do not need to convince their family to join the fun in order to participate. Do you have a child in college? Invite them to join the family fun!!
Stay up to date on all that's happening in youth ministry by following our Facebook page!
or email our Director of Family Ministries to be added to the youth ministry email list.
|
|
|
|
|
SHOPPING ON AMAZON?
2. Search "Asbury Methodist Church"
3. Select the Prairie Village location...and SHOP!
|
|
|
|
