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?
Monday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
Too often, Christians either focus their ministry to God's world exclusively on preaching eternal salvation through Jesus, or else exclusively on making the conditions of life in this broken world better. Jesus clearly did both. What did Peter (and what do you, as one who follows Jesus the way Peter did) learn from observing Jesus' pattern of ministry?
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
|
|
Jesus,
Thank you for healing me in my times of distress.
Amen.
|
From Kevin & Kathy Bruce, Liebenzell, Ecuador
As we've been able to interact with the Awa during the pandemic - with our regular schedule definitely thrown out of whack! - we've had to rely on God to have us exactly where He wants us each day. On many different occasions God has put someone in our path at just that specific needed moment in time. Last Sunday Kathy and I went to check on a sick friend in a different community, only to disappointedly find an empty house. Across the road a voice called to us, "Hey, come on over and sit and rest!" We turned to see Fermin and his wife Ana smiling at us from their front porch. As we sat down on their wooden bench, Fermin asked if we could help him with some questions he had about a book. He went into their house and came back with an old Spanish Bible, saying that Paulino [one of the indigenous Awa, who passed away a year and a half ago] had given it to him many years ago. "Could you explain about this Book, what it's about and what the different parts of it are?" he asked. Boy, could we!! :-) And thus followed a lovely time going over the big picture of God's story found in that beautiful Book, and answering several other questions that Fermin had. An hour later we walked away, awed at God's ability to direct our steps (even in our ignorance of His bigger plan.) That's the truth of Proverbs 16:9 again! (In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.)
In His grip,
Kevin & Kathy
|
GodTime Reflection
One of the amazing things about our infinitely loving God is that He's made us to be creative. He's given you a mind to figure out new solutions to problems, hands to create and help, a mouth to speak truth in love and feet to get you where you need to go to get a job done. There is no one in all of creation exactly like you. And the best way to honor God for the wonderful way He made you is to use your creativity to make a unique mark on the world. Pray and ask God to help see where you can use your creativity today.
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/9):
|
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!
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
|
|
