Every year United Methodists support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to provide the administrative funds for all responses to disaster around the world in the coming year. UMCOR Sunday is March 27, and gifts can be made to Asbury (with “UMCOR Sunday” on the memo line) throughout the month. This is the offering that helps UMCOR to immediately respond to disasters around the world. This is one of the most important special offerings we take each year.

In addition, UMCOR is involved in the humanitarian response for the Ukraine, aiding Ukrainians in the country and those who are leaving as refugees. If you wish to directly support the Ukrainian effort, you may do so by writing a check to Asbury UMC and putting "Ukraine" in the memo section. Gifts can also be made through Zelle, with the destination as finance@asburylive.org. If you give this way please drop an email to our financial secretary Gail Bryan so she knows what the gift is for. Gifts to the Ukrainian effort are separate from UMCOR Sunday. So please mark "Ukraine" or "UMCOR Sunday" in the memo section depending on which place you want your gift to go.

Children’s Ministry is hosting a 4.5 mile Lenten hike on Brushy Peak, Livermore, at 2pm on Sunday, March 13. Everyone of all ages, come meet us in the free-to-park parking lot near the restrooms. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, a snack, sturdy shoes, and your curiosity in finding new ways to bring compassion into the world. Complete the hike and receive a treat. This is a rain or shine event and you are welcome to wear a mask.

SAVE THE DATE(S)! Asbury Players Community Theater is back! Please mark your calendars for "Done to Death," a hilarious play about five mystery authors meeting to collaborate on a new mystery TV show. Featuring many of your favorite Asbury Players, plus some special guest appearances! This is Barbara D’s final attempt at directing this crazy group, and Dave D's final set masterpiece. March 19, 25, 26 at 7 pm, and March 20 and 27 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, or can be reserved by emailing Asbury Players. Note: proof of vaccination is required, and audience will wear masks.

This past Sunday we passed out our toolbox piggy banks for our Sierra Service Project (SSP) Lenten Offering. This offering supports the youth on our upcoming summer service trip to Smith River, CA. There are still some toolbox piggy banks left over. If you would like to get one, you can pick one up during the week in the office or when you come to worship on Sunday. Remember to pray for our group in this season of Lent and support by giving. We are asking that the piggy banks be brought back on Palm Sunday, April 10.

Many of us care deeply about helping our unsheltered neighbors, and often we have helped them indirectly, maybe by donating to one of the great service organizations that help them. The Laundry program at Asbury, in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore, provides a great opportunity to help some of these folks directly. Asbury has three washing machines and dryers available three afternoons a week, to anyone in need. Our guests wash their own clothing and bedding, and we provide volunteers to answer questions about how to run the machines, and to make sure they are being used correctly and safely.

 

Clean clothing and bedding are a basic human need that most of us take for granted. If you are interested in volunteering one afternoon a month (or more if you prefer) to help support this great program, please call the church office to volunteer.

Invite your friends to a day of spiritual renewal right here at Asbury. Our theme this year will be "Celtic Spirituality." Rev. Heather Hammer will lead us as we explore this theme in music, prayer, and fun activities. The cost for the day will be $20.00, including breakfast snacks, lunch, and program. Scholarships are available and childcare is free for all. Watch for more information and registration next week.

The Antiracism Ministry has already begun planning for Juneteenth (June 19) because time flies! We hope to have several ideas for the congregation: things to read, events to attend, celebrations to enjoy, etc. In the meantime, you may want to learn more about this important but often overlooked day in US history and culture. Here is a place to start: History. This is the resource we discussed at our February meeting. You are sure to find other good resources as well, for example on Wikipedia.  We next meet on Tuesday, March 22, on Zoom at 7 pm. We’d love to have you join us. Contact Pastor Kathy for contact information.

Lots of sorted nails, many hot-dipped coated. Located on a table by the mower shed in the Asbury west parking lot. Come and get what you need!