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.
Friday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
Jesus says that we should treat people the same way we wish to be treated. This is known as the golden rule. Do you think that our laws as a society promote the golden rule or do you think it takes more than laws to make this happen in a society?
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Consider what you need to ask God for today and, in your own words, pray for it.
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Lend a Hand
New research shows that helping out does more than fill you with a warm feeling: it also gives your heart a boost and improves your mental health. Adults who volunteered approx. 3 hrs per week lowered their risk of high blood pressure by 40%. Being a part of something bigger than yourself delivers many rewards indeed!
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GodTime Reflection
Jesus is a gift for everyone.
Take a minute and share about some things that you have to work hard to earn.
Maybe it's getting a good grade in a class at school, doing chores to earn your allowance, or working super hard to get a spot on the soccer team. We learn from an early age that it's important to work hard to get what you want. And for many things, that's true. But there's one thing we don't have to earn: God's love and His gift of life forever with Him. Pray for each other, knowing God loves and accepts you completely.
Print Resources from this week:
Videos for this week (new for 7/5):
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
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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 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 the first week of the new sermon series "Into the Deep End.". Feeding ourselves spiritually isn't intended to be another thing on our "to-do" lists. The reason we feed ourselves isn't just because of
what we find there, but
who we find there. It's a way we encounter more of Jesus. It's a step we take to lead ourselves into a growing relationship with Jesus that's marked by closeness. 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.
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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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