Monday's Devotional
From Pastor Barbara
Sunday's message explored the passage, usually referred to as the "Walk to Emmaus." As you read this passage again, notice that Jesus encourages the disciples to tell their story of what has happened. Why do you think Jesus asks them to share their story? Are there parts of your story that you want Jesus to help you make sense of? As you pray, can you share with Jesus, the parts of your story that have been especially challenging?
In the second half of the passage, Jesus turns to walk away, but the disciples ask him urgently to "Stay with us." Many of us have been in a situation where we must "stay-in-place." Wherever you are right now, Jesus stays with you too. Spend some time now in quiet, becoming aware of His presence. What stirs in you?
Later, Jesus sits down with them, and he blesses and breaks the bread, and then gives the bread to each one of the disciples. These are the same actions that he asked us to do when we celebrate Holy Communion. Though you have not been able to receive Communion physically for some time, give thanks to Jesus for his spiritual communion. Allow his love to burn in your heart as he stays with you today.
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Next week, Pastor Eric begins a new sermon series, "Unafraid", based on the book by Adam Hamilton. In this series, we explore the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today, consider practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflect upon fear in the light of scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don't need to live in fear. Let's live with courage and hope.
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Rather have all of this week's BLAST devotionals at once? Get them here
For BLAST (PreK- 5th grades)
Grab a piece of paper and write out today's verse.
Go ahead. We'll wait.
Done? Awesome. Put a box around the word "anything."
What does that word include? Well, everything! If you find yourself doing something just to get ahead or win or be first, "DON'T!" Instead, choose humility.
Humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve. Our focus should be on others. When we give up what we deserve, putting others first just comes naturally.
That's what Jesus did. Did Jesus choose to die on the cross to get ahead? No way! He could have stopped that whole thing any time He wanted to. Jesus could have said, "You know what, I'm done with all this. Send in an army of angels to rescue me." But He didn't. Instead, Jesus faced all the pain of the cross, He gave up everything He deserved to put you first.
So the next time you find yourself doing "anything" to get ahead, stop. Remember what Jesus has done for you and ask Him to help you put others first this week.
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Father,
In our blindness, thank You for finding us on the road
As we stumble, seeking to find answers,
Thank You for reminding us that You have already provided every answer that we need.
Help us as we seek more understanding;
and be with us in our seasons of doubt and unbelief.
Amen.
A note on prayers: to respect confidentiality, we will not be sharing specific prayer requests via email; however our prayer team is still actively praying for every request that they receive. If you have a prayer request, send it to the prayer team at prayer@asburylv.org.
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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.
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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.
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:
Jubilation Ringers Spring Concerts (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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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.
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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