Weekly Framework
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. How can we meet our need for companionship?
Friday's Devotional
Have you ever had moments when you feared God had given up on you? Or maybe had a time when you tried to run away from God? The psalmist said that, no matter where we go, God goes there with us. But this sweeping poem didn't merely assert God's presence-it also told believers that God's presence is a good thing, because God will always guide, strengthen and support us.
For reflection:
* Suppose all of the promises in this psalm were shaped into a "commercial" for God. Would you believe them? Would you want to have a God who watched over you so faithfully and patiently? Which parts of your life, of yourself, do you keep the most hidden? God knows all about them-and looks on you with compassion and love anyway. Talk trustingly to God about those hidden things today-and listen inwardly for God's response.
* Jesus began the Lord's Prayer (which we say each week in worship) with "Our Father who is in heaven." "Heaven" translates the Greek word
ouranÅs, which meant, not a place far away, but "air" or "sky." Jesus was not saying God is far away, but around us, above us, wherever we go-the same idea as verses 7-12 in today's reading. What helps you experience God's presence? What spiritual difference does that make for you?
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Dear Jesus,
at my worst, I feel like hiding from you.
At my best, I want you to stay with me all the time-and that's exactly what you've promised to do.
Amen.
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We want to catch up with you!
Join Aaron, Rich, Erin, and Beth for these chances to share your joys, your challenges, and anything else that's on your mind during these crazy times.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Thursday, May 21
8 PM - 9 PM
COLLEGE STUDENTS
Tuesday, May 26
8 PM - 9 PM
YOUTH-AGED STUDENTS
Friday, May 29
8 PM - 9 PM
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Rather have all of this week's BLAST devotionals at once? Get them here
Think about our Bible story this week. Jesus had given His followers the huge job of telling people about Him all over the world. But they didn't all speak the same language. So how did God solve that problem for His followers? Yup! God sent His Holy Spirit to live in them. Their need at the moment was to be able to share the story of Jesus with people from other nations. So the Holy Spirit allowed them to speak in those different languages. God gave them what they needed to keep going and he can do the same for you.
Each day is filled with beautiful moments and has challenges as well. Whether you are learning to ride a bike, trying to be patient with your brother or sister or working to get through the school year, it's so important to remember that God gives you what you need to keep going. Take a moment and share with a family member how God can help you keep going right now. Pray for each other that God will give you the power to finish the things He has called you to do.
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 5/10):
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This week,
Pastor Eric continues the "Unafraid" sermon series with the message
"Fear of Failure." When fear of failure really takes over, you begin to avoid taking risks - because every risk includes a possibility that you will fail, that you will lose face, that you will embarrass yourself or people will laugh at you. When this happens, you may miss out on some of the most amazing blessings in your life. What can we do with our fear of failure?
Worship will be streaming live at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org and will feature a variety of musical styles.
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Asbury will be assisting the Sixth Street Shelter by collecting needed supplies for the Shelter. Donations are being collected from
4:00 - 6:00 PM on Friday, 5/29 and from 10 am - noon on Saturday, 5/30 in the church's upper parking lot. For the safety of all,
social distancing with be practiced during this time.
Items currently most in need of are:
Paper towels
Laundry detergents (no perfume or dyes if possible)
Mops (prefer Libman Wonder twist mops, they last us a lot longer)
Brooms
Hand soap
Baby wipes (sensitive skin if possible)
all-purpose cleaners
dish washing liquid
Windex glass cleaners
Stove top cleaner for electric range
Oven cleaners
Diapers (sizes 2,4, 5 & 6)
Items listed may be out of stock. Substitutions are welcome and are gladly accepting donations shipped directly to the shelter location.
Any questions, please contact Debbie Holt at 610-392-4802 or Jenn Springer at 610-395-7812.
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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The funeral for Asbury member Mark Schessler will be held Saturday, May 16 at 11 AM. Only family will be physically present for the service, but friends are invited to attend by livestream at
live.asburylv.org.
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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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