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Saturday, August 15, 2020
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Simon Peter was an ordinary fisherman who transformed into a follower of Jesus. He was faithful, yet flawed. Peter was the first to profess Jesus as the Son of God, yet he later denied knowing him. Peter went on to give his life for the sake of his call. In this series, we take an in-depth dive into the life, faith and character of Simon Peter.
Tomorrow, Pastor Eric continues "Peter: A Flawed, Yet Faithful Follower of Jesus." Jesus asks the disciples a question that begs an answer from all of us - "who do you say that I am?" In this moment, Peter declares that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus declares that Peter is correct and that he will build his 'church' upon the rock (Peter) and nothing will destroy it. Jesus was giving Peter and through him, the church, the authority to do his work in the world. Jesus makes it clear that if we want to be his disciple it will require self-denial, sacrifice (take up your cross), and following him. We all want a convenient faith, but following Jesus requires an inconvenient faith.
Worship will be streaming live at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org and will feature a variety of musical styles.
We also have another outdoor service tomorrow morning (weather-permitting) at 8 AM on the lawn by the lower parking lot. Visit asburylv.org/outdoorworship for more information and to register now (registration required even if you attended last week's service).
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Weekly Framework
The disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee and they were terrified. Jesus walks on water in the midst of the storm and tells the disciples "Be encouraged, It's me, don't be afraid." This story is about something that happened on the Sea of Galilee a long time ago, but it's recorded in the Gospel because it's something that happens in our lives all the time if we just realize it. What can we learn about Jesus and what it means to be a disciple from this passage?
Moving Forward
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
Three things we learn from our story of Jesus and Peter on the Sea of Galilee:
1) When we look at Jesus we see God.
2) The Christian faith calls us to step outside of our boats (comfort zone).
3) In the midst of the storm Christ walks with you.
This week, reflect on which one of these lessons you need to focus on. Then take that next step that Jesus has called you to take.
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge Recap (Week of Aug. 9)
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is "God's Name." 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.
This Week's Readings
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God,
Give me the courage to step out of my "boat" and fearlessly follow You.
Amen.
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For Reflection
Do you think of yourself as creative? In what ways? Share with another family member. We often think of creativity as art or music or performing on stage. But the truth is, God made each one of us to reflect a little bit of who He is-including His creativity! So maybe you can draw or sing or dance. Or maybe your creative gift is making people laugh, solving difficult problems, cooking really tasty food, or helping your friends get along with each other. Tell each other what you think is the other person's most creative gift. Then pray for each other, that God will show you ways to use your creativity every day.
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/9):
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Virtual Escape Room Zoom
Wednesday, August 19th, 8-9 PM, for all youth age students
We'll divide into teams and see which one can solve puzzles, discover passcodes and move from one room to the next until they're finally free. Will your team be the first to finish?
Register at: https://forms.gle/4yDzKiKTRVu2pEhZ9
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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Mid-year financial statements have been released either through email (if we have a valid email address for you) or through "snail mail." Please review and advise if there is something that does not match your personal records. This is the first time that we are trying it this way, so your patience is appreciated!
Want to learn more about Asbury? There will be a virtual Adult Inquirers session on Tuesday evening, September 1. Those interested in joining the church will have an opportunity to do so afterward, but we also welcome those who wish to take the class for informational purposes only. Contact Laurie Wallace Theisen, Director of Lay Ministries(ltheisen@asburylv.org) to RSVP.
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Drop-Off Dates:
Friday August 21, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday August 22, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
* PLARN Mats (Plastic Sleeping Mats for the Homeless) - create at home
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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.
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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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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