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Friday, September 4, 2020
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Weekly Framework
Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, but that was not the end of his story. When the disciples find the tomb was empty, they begin to understand that the grave could not hold their Lord. When the Resurrected Jesus calls on Peter, Jesus asks Peter to affirm his love, not once, but three times. What will it mean for Peter to repent and be forgiven? What could repentance and Jesus's forgiveness mean for you? And how then might Jesus be calling you to demonstrate your love?
Friday's Reflection
From Pastor Barbara's Daily Study Guide
Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus. His heart was broken and heavy, and yet Jesus did not want that failure to haunt Peter forever. Three times, Jesus allowed Peter to affirm his love, a love deeper and more solid because he was forgiven. What failures haunt you? Imagine yourself on that beach with Jesus by the fire. Hear Jesus ask you, "__________, do you love me?" Answer Jesus three times, and hear Jesus deal with any barriers that separate you.
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is "Worship." 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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Jesus,
Thank you for putting others in my life who have nurtured me spiritually. Let me take opportunities to help nurture others who are still growing in their faith.
Amen.
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Sometimes showing God's love and sharing His story requires a little imagination and creativity! Think about what it means to be a "light". Then, think of people in your lives or in your community who may need a little light right now. What are some creative ways you could do good and show them God's love? Together, ask God to show you the places where He wants you to shine His light. Thank Him for first loving us so we're able to show others that love too! Then let that light shine!
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/30):
As the Asbury email format changes, the Children's Ministries devotionals are shifting to our Children's Ministries email. If you don't currently receive these emails and would like to be added to the list, contact Pam Unrath, Director of Children's and Youth Ministries, at punrath@asburylv.org. Lesson videos will continue to be shared in the main Asbury emails on Sundays.
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As part of a phased reopening plan, Asbury is reintroducing one indoor worship service, beginning on Sunday, September 13 at 9 AM in the Sanctuary; and continuing to be held weekly. Attendance is limited to 90 registrants due to reduced seating capacity to follow social distancing guidelines.
Registration is required. Registration will be shared each Sunday to sign up to attend the following Sunday.
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Our email updates are changing!
Only a few more daily emails will be hitting your inbox unless you take action!
Beginning on Monday, September 7, we'll be moving our main email back to a weekly announcement and update email format, sent on Thursdays and Sundays. You will automatically continue to receive those emails as part of our email list, and don't need to take action.
We know that for some of you, getting devotional resources emailed to you on a daily basis has been life-giving and we will continue to offer those emails; but you'll need to sign up to let us know you're interested in receiving them. Simply sign up using our form and you'll continue to receive daily devotionals.
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Our final outdoor worship service of the season is this Sunday, September 6, at 8 AM. (Please note there will still be an online-only service streaming at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org).
As we enter the fall, we're looking for instrumentalists to share their gifts and talents as part of worship. If you're willing to lend your time, please contact Shellie in the church office at sfritchman@asburylv.org or 610-398-2577 and a member of the music staff will be in contact.
The annual Asbury Church United Methodist Women (UMW) Holiday Bazaar is being held virtually! While the ongoing pandemic keeps us from safely holding the event in-person, the Bazaar's effort to raise money for missions in the Lehigh Valley and beyond is still vitally important. Dates and details will be announced in the coming weeks, and for now we ask you to consider what you might be able to contribute for the event. THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!!
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* PLARN Mats (Plastic Sleeping Mats for the Homeless) - create at home
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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.
On Sunday, Pastor Eric wraps up "Peter: A Flawed, Yet Faithful Follower of Jesus." After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Peter went on to minister for 34 more years. During this period of time, Peter became fearless in his faith, he continued to learn about God, and he left an amazing legacy. The same person who once denied knowing Jesus was crucified for being a follower of Jesus. What can we learn from Peter's life after Jesus?
Worship will be streaming live at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org and will feature a variety of musical styles.
The final outdoor service of the season 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.
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Asbury's building is currently only open for limited worship services. Should you need to gain access to the building, please contact Israel Olivieri, Business Manager, at iolivieri@asburylv.org. The office remains closed, but any phone messages you leave will be answered as soon as possible.
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).
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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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