Asbury's building remains closed, but we're excited to connect tomorrow! Here's what's happening:
WORSHIP: 10 AM @ LIVE.ASBURYLV.ORG
Asbury's mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. But how do we grow deeper in our faith? No one strives to be shallow. It's easy to feel lost when we go at it alone. But what if there was a way to thrive?
This week,
Pastor Eric teaches in week 2 of the "Into the Deep End" sermon series
. 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. Join us as we explore how to go deeper.
Worship will be streaming live at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org
and will feature a variety of musical styles, both live and recorded.
Resources for Worship
COMING UP ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
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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Anxious thoughts? Well, there have been plenty of those recently. A pandemic can do that to a person. So can personal issues that seem to multiply daily. Job losses, health issues, kids out of school, not being able to see loved ones - or anyone else, for that matter, as well as more normal anxieties about our daily lives. And then, just as we think we may be able to start doing a few things that have been missing from our lives, we find ourselves taking two steps back.
It's no surprise that we may have anxious thoughts. I know I have had my share of them during this strange year. Most often they come when I have gone out in public (mask in place), knowing that I will be in the minority when it comes to those wearing masks. For those of us with compromised immune systems going out in public can be a time of anxiety.
But the psalmist not only calls on God to "know" our anxious thoughts. He also calls on God to see if there are any idolatrous ways in him and to help him get back on the right path. Now, what might idolatrous thoughts have to do with our anxious thoughts?
We are, all of us, broken in one way or another. One of those ways is found in our tendency to focus on our own needs and comforts. We, in a sense, idolize ourselves because of our broken nature. This does not mean we are evil. It simply means we are human and in the midst of our anxieties we think of ourselves first.
In the midst of our personal anxieties, how often do we simply pray for God to relieve us from the things that bring us anxiety with no thought for what that might mean to others? (Not only in this year of extreme anxiety but at all times.) If we think God does not recognize such idolatrous thoughts in our hearts, we need to think again. And perhaps we need to pray for God to help us return to the path that leads all humanity to God.
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God,
Free me from pride of self and any idolatrous ways, I pray, O God. Open my heart to walking the path that leads to you.
Amen.
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What are some ways you see God at work in your life?
It could be that you see God in nature, or in the way He's provided for your family. Maybe you see God in a special talent He's given you, like dancing or drawing or making people laugh. You can help others see God at work in their lives, too. Pray for each other, that God will give you opportunities to help others know about Him and His Son, Jesus.
Print Resources from this week:
Videos for this week (new for 7/12):
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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:
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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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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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