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Dear Asbury Friends,
A childhood memory...every year during Holy Week, my family would watch Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments." Charlton Heston played Moses, and I can still picture the scene where he stands and holds his arms up as he parts the Red Sea.
Today, most children have not seen this version of the Moses story, but instead they have seen the 1998 DreamWorks movie, "The Prince of Egypt" (both of these movies are available on Amazon Prime - and I'm sure other sources - for a small fee). You might think about watching these to see how these movies tell the story of Moses!
This week, we begin a nine-week sermon series on Moses. Moses was not perfect. He lived through difficult circumstances. People doubted his leadership. And he doubted his own ability to lead. But God was able to work with him and through him. During these challenging COVID times, we can learn from the story of Moses about how we can persevere and even prosper.
Don't forget our drive-through Blessing of the Animals is this Sunday at 11:00 am. Bring your pet to be blessed, and also you can bring either some pet food or people food to donate! Blessing God's creation and providing food for all God's creatures - these are the ways we "practice what we preach..."
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Our "Making Mats for the Homeless" group was hard at work outdoors at Asbury on Wednesday!
They do amazingly creative work making mats out of recycling plastic bags and sewing them together
to make blankets for homeless men, women, and children in our community.
You're more than welcome to join the group if you want to help - contact Lynn Bain for more information!
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Blessing of the Animals:
Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 am-12 pm
by the Main Entrance!
It's back! Our popular "Blessing of the Animals" is coming back to Asbury on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 am to 12 pm in the church parking lot by the main entrance.
So bring your cat, dog, or favorite sweet creature to receive a special blessing from our pastors. Even if you don't have a pet, you can still come and listen to our Asbury musicians play outside!
We'll do this the way we do outdoor communion - enter the church on the east side by the ACC/Chapel, have your pet receive a blessing from your car, and then exit the church on the west side by Nall Avenue. We're looking forward to giving a special blessing to these furry members of our family who have been there for us through thick and thin - especially in these pandemic times!
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"People Food and Pet Food" Collection:
Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 am to 12 pm!
On "Blessing of the Animals" Sunday, we are also taking up a special collection of "People Food and Pet Food!" So bring a few cans of food for our food pantry, and while you're at it, let's not forget about the needy pets in our community
and bring some food for them as well!
All definitely means ALL here at Asbury -
all God's creatures big and small are important and loved!
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Date Change for Zoom Racism Presentation with Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram -
Moved to Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm
We are changing the date for our Zoom racism presentation
with Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram from Tuesday, September 29
to Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm!
The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden will be taking place the evening of September 29, and we know that many of you will be wanting to tune into the debate. So mark your calendars for the new date on October 13!
For more information about the presentation with Rev. Dr. Abram, please see our news bulletin under "Zoom Classes, Presentations, and Bible Studies." We're looking forward to having her speak!
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Prophetic Hope from the Old Testament:
A six-week Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Lee - Thursdays from 7-8 pm
It's not too late to sign up for Rev. Lee's six-week Zoom Bible Study on the story world of Prophetic Hope from the Old Testament! Register here in order to participate (Rev. Lee will send you a link after you do) - https://www.visitasbury.org/fall-zoom-bible-study/.
The study will look into the kind of hope expressed by the Old Testament's three Major Prophets:
Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Each has a different perspective on hope, timely for our world today.
The study will be held on Thursday evenings from 7-8 pm through October 15.
We look forward to having you as part of our study group!
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Zoom Yoga Class with Kim Peck:
Every Other Sunday at 4 pm -
Next Class Sept. 27
Join Kim Peck for a Zoom yoga class every other Sunday at 4 pm! These classes will meet via Zoom through November 22 (the next class is Sunday, Sept. 27). This class is open to all levels, and will include both traditional yoga poses and restorative poses intended to relieve the effects of chronic stress. It will be taught using basic yoga props, such as blocks, straps, and bolster, although all poses can also be done without props. This class will also include a brief meditation or meditative reading to close.
For more information, or if you would like to sign up, please contact Kim Peck
at [email protected].
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Zoom Bingo with Lindsey and Lee:
Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm!
Join us for our first ever ZOOM BINGO on Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm! Up to ten lucky winners will receive a "sweet" prize.
Players will need to register for this event by Friday, October 2. Lindsey Lang will email all registrants their bingo cards (2 per person) on Friday,
October 2. You will be able to use the cards on your computer or are welcome to print them off
(which might be helpful if there will be multiple players in your household). If you print off your cards, you must provide your own markers (dried beans, coins, etc). You will receive a separate Zoom invitation on the day of the event (Sunday). Get forward to a fun time with Pastor Lee & Lindsey Lang as your hosts and callers! We will have TEN lucky winners for the evening - each one will receive a "sweet" prize! Email Lindsey Lang at [email protected]with any questions. Participants of any age are welcome, so invite your whole family to play along!
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Zoom Series on Racism, featuring Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram:
DATE CHANGED - New Date
Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 pm
What does it mean to break ground? Maybe even a glass ceiling? Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram, during her ministry in the Nebraska Annual Conference and the Great Plains Annual Conference, did just that -
both as a woman, and as a woman of color.
On Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm (please note date change from September), in a discussion with Rev. Lee Johnson, Rev. Dr. Abram will talk about her story and the obstacles of bias she encountered on her journey. To register for this next Zoom presentation, please visit https://www.visitasbury.org/charlotte-abram-presentation/.
About Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram: Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram was the first African-American woman to become an ordained elder in the former Nebraska Conference of the UMC, and received an honorary doctorate from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. She has pastored a variety of congregations - large and small, African-American, European-American, and multi-cultural. In retirement, she serves as the Christian Education Director at Living Hope, a mission congregation in northeast Omaha. Throughout her career, she has experienced and navigated many difficult conversations.
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Zoom Grief Support Group:
Sunday evenings in October from 7-8 pm
If you've lost a partner / spouse / friend / relative / loved one during the past few years, consider being part of a "Zoom Grief Support Group" on Sunday evenings in October from 7-8 p.m. Rev. Lee Johnson will lead the group, in the hope that the support group will especially help ready participants for this year's holiday season, which promises to be different than any other because of the COVID-19 virus.
To be part of the group, please fill out the online registration form at https://www.visitasbury.org/zoom-grief-support-group/.
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Sympathy is expressed to the family and friends of Joyce Whitehead,
a former Asbury member, who died September 14.
Sympathy is expressed to the family and friends of Lisa Cook,
a former Asbury member, who died September 10.
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 Cross-Lines Hosting Its First Ever Virtual Gala Fundraiser,
"Hope at Home" - Now through Saturday, September 19
Cross-Lines Community Outreach is hosting its first ever virtual gala fundraiser, Hope at Home. Please support them by going to https://one.bidpal.net/hopeathome/welcome and registering for the silent auction, which started Monday, September 14 and goes until the live-streamed program and auction on Saturday, September 19 at 7 pm. The annual gala is typically the biggest fundraiser of the year, and this year it's their only fundraiser of the year, so it's even more important that we help them raise money to support the critical mission they provide!
Thanks for All of Your Help with Our School Supply Drive!
 Thanks to all who donated to our school supply drive! Your generosity will help families concentrate on putting food on their tables and paying their rent while letting their kids come back to school with new items. Asbury collected close to $1,000 in supplies! If you are still wanting to give, please consider a monetary donation so that we can purchase the specific items still needed.
 It's Time for Flu Shots!
It's that time of the year again when we need to schedule our annual flu shots! While Asbury has in years past offered a flu shot clinic, this year we will not be offering one at the church. However, we want you to know that flu shots are available at nearly all pharmacies, even those in grocery stores, Target, and Walmart. There is usually no cost for those with Medicare or most insurance. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment also is offering a walk-in clinic for flu shots. More information can be found here: https://www.jocogov.org/dept/health-and-environment/health/flu/flu-shots
It's more important than ever that people get a flu shot this year, so schedule yours today!
October Blood Drive at Asbury - Sunday, October 11 from 9 am to 2 pm in Hager Hall  We're hosting another blood drive through the Community Blood Center on Sunday, October 11 from 9 am to 2 pm in Hager Hall. Feel free to share this event with your friends and family! Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins will only be accepted if capacity allows. All donors are asked to wear masks to their donation. Temperatures will be checked at the door and social distancing protocols will remain in place. For more information regarding CBC's response to COVID-19, please visit https://smarturl.it/CBC_COVID19FB. For medical eligibility questions, please call 800.688.0900.
or call 1.877.468.6844. Thank you so much for your consideration, and let's help make this blood drive a success!
 Revised Census Count End Date: Every Person Counts!
The Trump administration has now extended the end date for the 2020 Census count to October 31, 2020. But do not delay! October 31 is at the "heart" of the end of the general election date, November 3, where thoughts and actions will be focused.
Taking part in the 2020 Census is part of the civic duty of every person, citizen or not, living in the country. It is a way for everyone to participate in our democracy and say, "I COUNT!" It is private and secure. It is against the law for the Census Bureau to release responses in a way that could identify anyone. By law, responses cannot be used against anyone. If you have not completed the census, it can still be done, even if you never received an official letter. Go to https://2020census.gov/to get started!
Guide to the 2020 Elections in Kansas
 Voting is the best way to ensure your voice is heard and your community is represented in your government. Go to https://www.thevoternetwork.org/. Click on the "How to Vote" tab and there you will find information on registering to vote, signing up to vote by mail, seeing who is on your ballot, options for voting early in person, plus additional helpful information.
Mark These Dates:
October 13 - Last day to register to vote in the General Election. If any of your voter registration information has changed since you last registered, such as name/address change, you must update your registration.
October 14 - Early voting begins and first day mailing of advance ballots
November 3 - Election Day!
So, what's the problem? According to Voter to Voter, a non-partisan project of the MainStream Education Foundation, only 50% of eligible voters in the U.S. vote regularly and those voters are disproportionately older, whiter and wealthier than the population as a whole. When our electorate doesn't represent reality, it means policy decisions are made without the input of the people who are often most impacted by them. VOTE!
 Donate Altar Flowers
Would you like to donate altar flowers in celebration or honor of a loved one? Celebrate a birthday or an anniversary? We would love to honor your loved one in our weekly online service. We have a standing flower order with Village Flower Company, and the cost is $50 to provide flowers each weekend for the altar. We have several openings available - the end of October, the end of November, and December, for altar flowers. Please call the church office at 913.432.5573, email Phyllis Williams at [email protected], or fill out the online form at https://www.visitasbury.org/altar-flowers/ to sign up!
Asbury Community Food Pantry
 One of our biggest community ministries is our Asbury Community Food Pantry. During these tough times, we're helping feed more people than ever before. So please give if you can! Both food and monetary donations are always appreciated and welcome. Some of our current needs for the food pantry are: pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables other than corn or green beans, granola / cereal bars, toilet paper, paper towels, and any kind of personal care items. If you are donating food, you may simply leave your donation on the donation cart outside the main entrance around back. Monetary donations may be made by calling the church office at 913.432.5573, or online at http://www.easytithe.com/visitasbury. Under the drop down "Fund" box, simply choose "Other Fund," and then type in "Food Pantry" in the "Notes" box. A final option is to purchase an Asbury face mask for $5! All profits go straight to the Asbury Food Pantry. They are available in the church office - just reach out to Phyllis Williams to reserve yours at [email protected]! If you have any questions or comments about the Asbury UMC Community Food Pantry, please let Steve Trenholm know. He welcomes anyone to reach out to him at [email protected]. Thank you, Asbury, for your continued generosity with this essential community ministry!
Prayer Requests and Concerns
 Did you know that you can submit a prayer request online? We are always keeping our Asbury family in prayer!
 <--- Click on the Church Calendar logo for upcoming Asbury events! Do you have an event you would like to be listed on the calendar? Please call the church office or email Phyllis Williams at [email protected]. For inclusions in the Alive Newsletter, please contact Sharlynn Verner at [email protected].
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 We need your help to keep our operations running during this tough time of needing to close down. Coronavirus has made things challenging for everyone and Asbury is no exception! Please consider giving to the church electronically through one of these four ways:
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
- Online through Easy Tithe (www.easytithe.com/visitasbury)
- Text the word "Give" to 913-774-6060
- Download our giving app, "Church by Ministry One" (find Asbury under zip code 66208)
Also, you can still just write a check and send it in the mail! Our mailing address is as follows:
Asbury United Methodist Church
5400 W. 75th St.
Prairie Village, KS 66208
We love you all and appreciate each of you so much. Stay safe and healthy!
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Weekly Bible Studies from Rev. Lee Johnson
Every Thursday or Friday, Rev. Lee publishes a Bible study on the Asbury website that goes along with the worship material for the weekend. Whether it be during times of anxiety and uncertainty, or of joy and hope, he helps us navigate what the Scripture tells us to do.
Click on the link below to check out some of Rev. Lee's current studies!
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Sunday School
Our brand new curriculum invites children to "Celebrate Wonder." This curriculum engages children's natural sense of curiosity to help them understand God's love. It creates a safe environment for kids to ask big questions - helping them explore the Bible in ways that feed their imagination and encourages creativity. Through carefully-selected Bible stories, songs, videos, and hands-on activities, Celebrate Wonder gives children the tools to explore their faith while incorporating it into their daily lives. This month, we'll focus on Creativity.
3 years - Kindergarten: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "God Creates People" (Genesis 1:26-2:4), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
1st-3rd Grade: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "God Creates People" (Genesis 1:26-2:4), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
4th-5th Grade: No Zoom Sunday School due to the Blessing of the Animals at 11 am.
We will record the Children's sermon on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm. A link was sent out via email. If you do not receive the Children's Ministry emails, you can request the Zoom link by emailing our Director of Family Ministries at [email protected].
Save the Date
 Children's Family Trivia Night -
Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm
Children's Ministries is hosting a kid-friendly family trivia night via Zoom on Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm. There will be questions for all ages. It's sure to be an evening of fun! We utilize breakout groups, so invite your friends to join your team! You don't have to be in the same room or even under the same roof! Watch your email and the Facebook page for more details.
Halloween Drive-In Movie Night - Saturday, October 24 at 7 pm
In lieu of Trunk-or-Treat, we will be hosting a Halloween-themed drive-in movie night for kids. There will be goodie bags for kids filled with trunk-or-treat items. We will show "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and another kid-friendly Halloween movie that will be announced soon. Physical distancing guidelines will be followed.
RSVP to Heather at [email protected] and watch your emails and Facebook for additional details. Family Devotional Now Available! We've purchased a family devotional from the same company that created our virtual VBS material. We are allowed to make up to 50 copies of the devotional. If you would like a copy, please email [email protected] and specify if you want a PDF copy or if you would like for us to print and mail you a copy.
to be added to the children's ministry email list.
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Sunday School: The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss
Due to the Blessing of the Animals at 11 am at the church, youth Sunday school will meet at 9:30 am this week. This week, we'll discuss "On Beyond Zebra" and its connection with Genesis 22:1-8; 15-18. We will gather on Zoom at 9:30 am. A link was sent out via email today. If you do not receive the youth emails, you can email [email protected] to request the link and/or be put on the email list.
Youth Group
We will resume our Isms and Phobias series via Zoom this week at 6 pm. We'll continue exploring what it means to create bigger stories. We'll spend some time catching up with each other and eating/finishing dinner before we dive into our discussion.
Save the Date
 Youth Family Trivia Night - Sunday, September 27 at 6 pm
We had so much fun at the last Youth Family Trivia Night that we decided to do it again! Our second night of fun is Sunday, September 27 at 6 pm via Zoom.
You can play as a family or we can mix it up in breakout groups. Youth do not need to convince their family to join the fun in order to participate. Do you have a child in college? Invite them to join the family fun! There will be a prize for the winning team!
Youth Drive-In Movie (Weather & Pandemic Permitting) - Sunday, October 11 at 6 pm
Youth and their families are invited to come to the church parking lot for a drive-in movie! Feel free to bring your own dinner. Youth and their families can sit in their cars or in a physically distanced parking space.
Stay up to date on all that's happening in youth ministry by following our Facebook page!
or email our Director of Family Ministries to be added to the youth ministry email list.
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SHOPPING ON AMAZON?
2. Search "Asbury Methodist Church"
3. Select the Prairie Village location...and SHOP!
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