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Wednesday, August 5, 2020
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Pastor Eric is looking for some examples of Asbury members for this week's sermon. If you're willing to answer the following question and allow it to be used as part of worship, please email Pastor Eric (eyeakel@asburylv.org) with your response.
"Have you ever reluctantly stepped out of your comfort zone in your spiritual life and had an amazing experience because you did it."
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Weekly Framework
Simon Peter is a hard-working, uneducated fisherman from the northern region of the Sea of Galilee. Simon Peter is a flawed yet faithful disciple who plays a pivotal role in the Gospels. When we look at him, we are meant to see ourselves in the story. Many of us can relate to being flawed and yet attempting to be faithful to Jesus. So, what can we learn about our own faith journey from the Calling of Simon the Fisherman?
Wednesday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
In first century Judaism, there was an assumption that God distances himself from sinners. However, Jesus came along to reverse that and to establish a brand new kind of relationship between God and humankind. Are you currently afraid that God is separating himself from you because of your sin? How might your life and faith be different if you were able to put aside that fear and trust him?
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is ''Blood." 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.
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Consider what it means for you, personally, to "fish for people" as Jesus told Simon Peter he'd do; and then pray for guidance and strength to act on it.
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GodTime Reflection
Now go back and count how many times the word "created" appears in the verse. In six different places, today's verses tell us that God created. He created the heavens and the earth. He created all the things we see like vast oceans and majestic mountain ranges. He created all the things we can't see, like the tiniest cells inside our bodies and the smallest sea creatures in the ocean. All things were created by God and for God. That means that nothing in creation was an accident or surprise to God. He was intentional in His creativity, including in the amazingly monumentally awesome way He made you!
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/2):
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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!
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We hope you'll make plans to join us this Sunday, August 9, at 8 AM for our rescheduled outdoor worship service. If you registered for the postponed service, there is no need to re-register; but if you're not able to make it, we'd appreciate it if you'd let us know. If you've not yet registered, but are interested in attending, visit asburylv.org/outdoorworship for information and registration. |
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.
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.
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UPDATED INFORMATION ON RAMOS SUPPLY COLLECTION
As you know, teachers at our partner school, Ramos Elementary, have requested supplies including Clorox wipes, paper towels, tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap to help keep their classrooms and students safe this fall. It has been recently announced that Allentown School District classrooms won't be opening in September, but we're still collecting and Ramos will store the supplies for the teachers to be prepared when the classrooms do open. We'll hold a drop-off for the items you've collected on Friday August 21st from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Saturday August 22nd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Thank you, Asbury, for helping keep Ramos teachers and students safe.
Ever heard of PLARN???? Wanted: people interested in making plastic sleeping mats for the homeless to insulate them from the cold dampness of the ground Skills needed: cutting with scissors and single crochet (or team up with someone to share these two jobs) Tools needed: scissors, a bigger-sized crochet hook (size "P" is recommended), a yardstick or measuring tape Raw materials: clean used plastic shopping and grocery bags with soft seams - these are turned into a plastic yarn, called... plarn! Guidance: Wendy Arbushites can teach you how to do the entire process. It's very easy! Supply source: We currently have plenty of bags which have been "quarantined" for at least a week to avoid any Coronavirus issues. Please email Wendy if you are interested in helping at warb@rcn.com Click here to view a slideshow with steps to make a mat.
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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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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