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Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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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 sermon series of the same name beginning this Sunday. To join the group, visit asburylv.org/unafraidstudy to sign up to receive information on how to join the online meeting.
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Wednesday's Devotional
From Pastor Barbara
Today's reading from the Gospel of John is of Mary Magdalene's first encounter with the Risen Christ. Traumatized by the events of the crucifixion and burial, Mary returns to the tomb of Jesus. She is tearful, confused and lost. She is also full of questions as she struggles to make sense of what is happening around her. What questions do you have about recent challenging events in your life, the life of our community and the world?
Jesus asks Mary why she is weeping and who she is looking for.
Can you place yourself in the story as Mary for a moment? Can you relate to her sense of confusion, loss, and longing. How do you make sense of your life at the moment? What are you missing and longing for? Who or what are you are looking for?
As you pray, share these longings with Jesus.
When Jesus calls Mary by her name she recognizes him. Imagine Jesus calling your name.
How do you know its Jesus? How do you recognize him? By the tone of his voice? What does it sound like? How do you respond?
Stay with the scene in your mind's eye.
Maybe you feel a lot like Mary did before she recognized Jesus... but he is here with you now. In your time of prayer today, ask Jesus for his clarity and healing.
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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 leave the beauty and perfection of heaven to come to earth in a human body. He chose to live a regular life instead of entering the world as a rightful king or powerful ruler. Jesus came to serve, to love others, to help, and most importantly, to SAVE. Because of His obedience to live this way and to die on the cross for us, we can have a relationship with God forever. Jesus has given us the ultimate example of humility by choosing to put us first.
Take out of a piece of paper and write the word "JESUS" in large block letters in the center of the page. All around the page, write out words that describe how you could become more like Jesus. Here are a few examples to get you started: loving, listening, serving, helping.
When you finish, take a look at your page and thank God for sending Jesus. Ask God to help you follow Him by putting others first this week.
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Creator and Sustainer,
We thank You for equipping us with what we need to survive the day.
We thank You for coming to earth and walking among us, experiencing what we experience.
We thank Your for giving Your life on a cross.
We thank You for rising again to give us life.
Help us to share with others the news of the gift of life that You've shared with us.
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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