Weekly Framework
The United States of America is a nation of laws. But laws don't inspire greatness, excellence, or virtue. In fact, when we confuse what is legal with what is moral, everyone looks for a loophole to serve his or her own interests. The rich rule the poor, women become commodities, and children become victims. The law causes us to look down. It takes something else to inspire us to look up.
Wednesday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
Jesus gives his disciples their marching orders to love one another. He said this was how others would know we're really his followers. Not by how long we pray, how loud we preach, or what we do on Sunday mornings. In what areas of your life are you tempted to exert your individual rights without regard for the rights of others?
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In your own words, pray for wisdom on respecting others, particularly those with different views that your own.
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Protect Your Skin
To protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, take these precautions:
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Avoid midday sun:
Even on cloudy days or in winter.
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Wear sunscreen year-round
: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher, and reapply every 2 hrs, more often if swimming or sweating.
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Wear protective clothing:
Also a brimmed hat and broad-spectrum sunglasses.
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Avoid tanning beds:
Their UV rays increase your risk of skin damage.
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Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist and if recommended, take extra care.
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Check your skin regularly:
Consider an annual skin check with a doctor if you are at higher risk.
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Asbury will hold "BOLT" virtual VBS on July 27th - 29th.
During BOLT, your family will see Bible story videos, participate in fun games and complete crafts that illustrate what it means to listen to, focus on, and follow Jesus. Each day's experience will last about 30-45 minutes and can be done in the morning, afternoon or evening - whenever best fits your schedule! While all are invited to participate, the activities are geared towards children 3yrs & older.
If you have any questions, please contact Pam Unrath at punrath@asburylv.org
Please use the following link to register by July 19th:
https://forms.gle/Tuf4qfXACPEdY2Kc6
GodTime Reflection
What is something heavy in your room that you can't pick up by yourself? Ask someone stronger than you to come and help you. Are you able to lift it now?
What is something you struggle with? Have you ever asked God to show up and help you with it? Especially when it comes to things we know God wants us to do, like obeying our parents, being kind to others, being honest, and showing honor to others. If we are having a hard time doing those things, that gives God a chance to show up and help us. His grace means we're forgiven when we mess up, and we're strengthened when we're weak.
Know that you don't have to do it all alone!
Print Resources from this week:
Videos for this week (new for 7/5):
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Upcoming Zoom for all youth- aged students with Erin, Rich & Pam TONIGHT, Wednesday, July 8th from 8 PM - 8:45 PM.
We want to check in and see how everyone is doing.
Hope you can join us!!
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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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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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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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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