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?
Friday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
"On a popular level, many Gentiles and probably a number of Jews believed in ghosts, although such a belief technically contradicted mainstream Jewish views of the afterlife (heaven or hell and future resurrection)." * What fears, if any, do you deal with based on popular culture, even though they may not fit into your more careful understanding of Jesus' teachings?
* HarperCollins Christian Publishing. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, eBook: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Kindle Locations 220067-220068). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"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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Lord,
Be with me as I traverse a wild ocean amidst storms; remembering that even as the waters rage, You walk with me.
Amen.
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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.
Our next outdoor worship service is this Sunday, August 16, at 8 AM. (Please note there will still be an online-only service streaming at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org). Registration is required, even if you've previously attended an outdoor worship service. Register at asburylv.org/outdoorworshipregistration. We plan to hold this outdoor worship through Labor Day weekend, so mark your calendars! Registration for future weeks will be made available shortly.
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For Reflection
You may have always believed you were creative, but many of us don't feel that way about ourselves. It's tempting to compare our creativity to other's and sometimes feel like we come up short. God reminds us in Ephesians that He created each of us with specific gifts and plans in mind. He has good works planned for you that only you can do. Say the prayer below and fill in the blank. Try to start every day this week praying this prayer, and then sit back and see what good works God puts in your path for you to do.
Dear God,
Thank You for giving me the gift of ___________ . I want to use this gift not just so people will think I'm good at it, but to help other people and show them Your love. Help me to remember that my creativity isn't about me, but about showing people how creative You are and how much You love them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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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Since the Allentown School District schools won't be physically open we've delayed our Annual Ramos Work Day until September 26th (with a rain date of October 3rd) from 9:00 AM to noon. We'll be cleaning up the grounds and remulching the playground. We will follow the governor's guidelines for masks, distancing and number of people. If you can help, please add your name to our Google Sheet or simply email dickmcc@ptd.net.
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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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.
This week, 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.
The outdoor service is also this weekend (weather-permitting) at 8 AM on the lawn by the lower parking lot. Visit asburylv.org/outdoorworship for more information and to register now. (Those who were registered for last week's postponed service do not need to re-register).
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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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