Weekly Framework
Moving out of the shallow end starts with feeding ourselves spiritually. But if we stop at that first step, we'll be left spiritually fat rather than spiritually fit. How do we prevent that from happening? The next step involves a spiritual workout that's unique for each of us.
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is 'Grace.' Read the applicable scripture passage for each day below using the 'SOAP' method of reading scripture.
S
cripture - First read the scripture passage.
O
bservation - 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.
A
pplication - Think about what you need to do differently as a result of what you just read and write it down.
P
ray- Pray about what you just read.
Today's Passage
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In your own words, pray for wisdom in following God's design and ways.
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A reflection from Alexandra Nelson-Tomlinson, M.Div, Certified Candidate, Concord UMC, Tennessee Valley District, originally shared on the
Holston Daily Devotional.
In the upheaval of life, as we all must continue to live in uncertainty, courageously calling for justice and lamenting overwhelming concerns, the joyful words of Psalm 116 can start to seem distanced. Psalmists write exuberant thanksgiving that God has done, and the unbridled joy leaps off the page, but for so many, that feeling may look out of reach.
Even amid uncertainty, the verses found in Psalm 116 have information for us because the Psalmist is teaching us how to 'love the Lord' (v.1). The exuberance in this passage is for only one reason; the Lord has been present and listened to the calls for mercy (v.2). The Lord has not turned their face but instead has answered the calls for mercy. The Lord has turned toward the downtrodden, the weak, and those in need of mercy and listened to their calls for help (v.1-2). Our God listens to our deep mourning, deep anxiety, and deep grief. God listens to our supplications. God is merciful. God is present. God is here now.
And what should our response be to a God who mercifully listens and answers our supplications? The Psalmist asks exactly that question in verse 12 when they ask, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?". In gratitude for all that God has done, the writer promises to continue to work for God, to serve the Lord, and proclaim the goodness of the Lord to all people in all places (v.17-19). The response to God's presence and mercy in the midst of adversity is a time of community thanksgiving and promises to continue serving God's mission (v.13-19). The answer to loving a God who mercifully listens to our cries for help is service to others and praising God's never-ending presence and mercy.
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Make your reservation! Asbury is holding an outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 2, at 8 AM! Here's a brief rundown everything you'll need to know:
The service will feature...
* A message from a pastor
* A liturgist
* Music, but no singing
* No offering collection
What You Need to Do
* Practice social distancing
* Wear a mask
* Bring a chair
The service will be held on the lawn on the lower level outside of the Worship Center area. A restroom will be available if needed.
An outdoor service is obviously dependent on good weather, so make sure to check our website (
asburylv.org) the night prior to the service to make sure it's still on as planned!
The outdoor service will not be streamed, but there will still be an online-only 10 AM service live-streamed from the Sanctuary.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
This outdoor service can only be possible with the help of volunteers to direct attendees to the designated parking spots, worship area and seating. Everyone will be wearing masks and practicing social distancing. As one church calls it: being a pool noodle apart! All volunteers will be trained, and also will be expected to attend a practice "run-through" of the process. (date & time TBA) If you would be willing to volunteer, please contact Laurie Wallace Theisen at ltheisen@asburylv.org by Friday, July 24.
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GodTime Reflection
Imagine you're in a crowd, and something is happening, but because you're a kid, you can't see what it is. You start to get worried because you can't see what's going on, much less be prepared to face it. But you look up, and you see a parent or other trusted adult, and you see that they're not worried. They can see much more than you can from their vantage point, and if they're not worried, you probably shouldn't be either!
The great news is that we follow a God who made the world and who knows everything that is happening in it, and that ever will happen in it. When we're facing problems and aren't sure what to do, remember that He can see everything, and He has a plan for the world-and YOUR world-that will win out over everything else.
Ask God to help you turn to Him when it's hard to face your fears.
Print Resources from this week:
Videos for this week (new for 7/19):
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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!
A second session for college students is being scheduled - watch for the date to be announced soon!
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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.
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.
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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.
Teachers at our partner school, Ramos Elementary, have requested supplies to help keep their classrooms and students safe this fall. Please start gathering, Clorox wipes, paper towels, tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap for classroom use. We'll have a collection day at Asbury in August to gather these items for delivery to Ramos. If you have questions, contact Dick McCreight (dickmcc@ptd.net).
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.
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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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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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