This week, Pastor Eric begins a new sermon series exploring the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. Together, we'll consider practical steps for overcoming these fears and reflect upon fear in the light of scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don't need to live in fear. Let's live with courage and hope.
Worship will be streaming live at 10 AM at
live.asburylv.org and will feature a variety of musical styles.
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Beginning next Tuesday, April 28, join Pastor Barbara for a study based on "Unafraid" by Adam Hamilton. The group will explore the themes of the book as explored by Pastor Eric in the "Unafraid" sermon series. To join the group, visit asburylv.org/unafraidstudy to sign up to receive information on how to join the online meeting. Space is limited!
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Thursday's Devotional
From Pastor Barbara
In this passage, the disciples have another encounter with the Risen Christ when they return to their former way of life as fishermen. They discover that with Jesus directing them, a disappointing fishing trip becomes a successful and joyous occasion. Even before they recognize Jesus, he is at work bringing transformation and abundance into their tired and broken lives.
Imagine for a moment that you are a disciple alongside Simon Peter in this story. After you have worked all night and caught nothing, how are you feeling in your body and mind? How do you respond to the strange man on the beach when he tells you to cast the nets on the right side of the boat? With frustration? Fatigue? Curiosity?
Simon Peter realizes that the man telling you what to do is Jesus. How do you respond in your heart when Peter says, "It is the Lord?!" What do you do next?
The disciples catch a huge number of fish when they listen to Jesus telling them to change their way of working. As you meditate on the story, how do you think Jesus is challenging you to change something in your life? As you have a time of prayer, imagine Jesus guiding and nourishing you - longing for you to flourish as his Spirit fills you with renewed energy and vision, even in these challenging days.
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Rather have all of this week's BLAST devotionals at once? Get them here
For BLAST (PreK- 5th grades)
Jesus chose to put us first, to do what God asked even though it meant going all the way to the cross. Jesus chose obedience and humility. And because He died and rose again, we can be forgiven and become a part of God's family. If you believe in what Jesus did, if you've made a choice to trust Him as your Savior, then your main job is to treat everyone around you like Jesus did.
Because Jesus listened when people were hurting, you should listen well.
Because Jesus showed compassion to the people around Him, you should show compassion.
Because Jesus taught others about God, you should tell others about Him.
Because Jesus consistently gave up what He wanted to put others first, you should put others first too.
Think of someone that's hard to get along with or someone that easily frustrates you. In the space below, write one way you could put that person first sometime this week. Be specific.
Ask God to help you follow through on what you've written so you can put others first just as Jesus put your first.
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Lord Jesus,
Grant us a spirit of courage, remembering that you were courageous enough to give your life on the cross to allow us to have life eternal.
Allay our fears. Grant us wisdom in troubled times. Give us compassion as we care for those around us, remembering that we are all part of your creation.
Amen.
A note on prayers: to respect confidentiality, we will not be sharing specific prayer requests via email; however our prayer team is still actively praying for every request that they receive. If you have a prayer request, send it to the prayer team at prayer@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.
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:
Jubilation Ringers Spring Concerts (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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