Weekly Framework
Jonah becomes angry with God because God is compassionate and merciful to the Ninevites. This passage challenges us to consider who it is that we categorize as "other" and beyond God's reach. This week, we consider how God's love and compassion for us should guide our way in the world.
Tuesday's Reflection
From Pastor Barbara's Daily Study Guide
- What lesson was God trying to teach Jonah, through the vine?
- What do you think God meant when He said the Ninevites couldn't tell their left hand from their right?
- Can you think of a person or people in your life you could describe as not knowing "their left hand from their right."
- Do you struggle to have compassion for these people? Why or why not?
- If you could write a different ending to Jonah's story, what would it be?
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God,
Help me to understand what it means to have a spirit of compassion and to show it to all of Your Creation.
Amen.
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Leaders of The United Methodist Church invite all to attend a
denominational town hall discussion
on race and racism today, July 1, at 1 PM. Bishops of the UMC and social justice agencies invite all to a Town Hall at
www.UMC.org/EndRacism
July 1, at 1 PM. We'll explore the true (and often suppressed) racial history of our nation and church.
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For SPARK (3-4yr olds)
For BLAST (PreK- 5th grades)
Knowing Jesus changes the way you see others, and the way you see yourself too. Instead of seeing yourself as the most important, you realize you should put others first.
All day today, put your focus on others. Instead of taking the bathroom first, let your sister have the mirror. When you want the last bowl of cereal, let your brother have first dibs instead. Instead of waiting for your mom to remind you to pick up your dirty clothes, put them in the hamper on your own.
Ask God to help you see others as worthy of honor.
Videos for this week (new for 6/28):
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HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: join us Friday nights at 8 PM to catch up via Zoom!
If it's your first time joining us, registration is required!
A second session for college students is being scheduled - watch for the date to be announced soon!
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The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank needs volunteers noon to 2-2:30 pm Monday, Thursday and Friday and an occasional Tuesday to pack groceries for clients. Everyone must wear mask. Contact Vanessa by calling 610-821-1332 or emailing aaefb1978@gmail.com.
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Asbury's leadership has developed a survey to gather congregational input as they consider the next steps in "re-opening" Asbury's facility in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have not received the link to the survey, please respond to this email and let us know.
If you would like a print copy of the July/August issue of
The Upper Room
devotional, please let us know by completing this form. We'll mail it to you free of charge while our supplies last.
Join us for virtual coffee hours on Zoom following worship! No registration required. Meeting information is as follows:
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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.
The camps in our conference have made the difficult decision to suspend or cancel their summer camps and programs. Get more information about each camp at the links below:
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.
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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Did you know that your Amazon purchases can help Asbury? While getting a few needed items for home, visit
smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1352369, or login to your account at
smile.amazon.com and choose "Asbury Allentown United Methodist Church" as your charity. Asbury will receive 0.5% of the price of your purchase!
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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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