If you received and read yesterday's communication, this section has the same information; but we want to make sure everyone is in the loop!
We are continuing to work with our primary and alternate streaming hosts to work toward our goal of providing worship without interruptions; but be aware that streaming hosts all over the world are still working on solutions to handle the additional traffic in this time when there are so many people who are using live streaming rather than physical gatherings as a way to connect with God through worship.
As we did last week, we will again be sharing a recording of the service in its entirety tomorrow afternoon. When the service is available, we'll make the link available via email, social media, and at
asburylv.org.
We encourage you to share the streaming link with anyone who either doesn't have a church or who is part of a church without the ability to live stream!
This week's worship will feature previously recorded music from the Chancel Choir and the fifth message of the "When Pigs Fly" sermon series from Pastor Eric. Catch up on past messages at
asburylv.org/whenpigsfly.
"See" you tomorrow!
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WEEKLY FRAMEWORK:
Perhaps one of the most famous signs Jesus performed was feeding 5,000+ people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Those that followed Jesus thought he was finally getting to the point of what he could do for them. They were more enamored with the signs than with what the signs were pointing to.
Moving Forward (for Saturday and Beyond)
For Reflection:
Let's not be consumers. Let's be followers. Jesus' followers changed the world once. Perhaps we can do that again. "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:27
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Previously shared study resources:
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We realize that your personal financial landscape may have drastically changed in these few short weeks; but if you are able to continue to financially support the ministries of Asbury, please prayerfully consider doing so.
We strongly encourage you to give online through PushPay, our online giving portal, at asburylv.org/give, but you can also mail your weekly envelopes or a check in to the church office.
Your contributions will continue to help support the worship and ministries of Asbury. Additionally, we are retaining our commitment to compensating our staff at this time.
Thank you for your continued support!
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From Diana Coke, Thembelihle School, South Africa
South Africa is near the start of this pandemic, but we [realize] we are facing a massive challenge. There are approx 7 million people in this country with HIV and TB, with suppressed immune systems. Our State Health service has been mismanaged and under-resourced for at least the last decade, so there's no way we could deal with the numbers that could require medical care. This sector is very decidedly Third World and hasn't been coping with the everyday health needs of the population, let alone Covid-19.
Our State President has just made his 2nd announcement this evening.
Last Sunday he declared a National Disaster, when we had approx 130 Covid-19 patients. Since then the numbers have risen to over 400, but we know this is just the very tip of the iceberg. Thus far we have had no deaths).
We are praying that SA may somehow come through this without the total collapse of the economy that has been looming anyway. Their Crisis Task Team seems to have made some very far-reaching decisions regarding helping those who will suffer economically during this time, and we pray that these can be put in place.
All schools closed instead on 17 March, and will only return after Easter (at least that's the current decision). This makes a great deal of sense, except for the children who will have no one to care for them at home, and who will not receive the daily meals that Thembelihle, and many other schools, supply to disadvantaged children.
So please may we ask for prayer for safety for all the children, especially at Thembelihle. So many of them live in a squatter camp, or in crowded communities, where social distancing or hygiene requirements just aren't feasible. Also for those initiatives that are trying to fill the gap as regards feeding the hungry. We also ask for prayer for God's guidance for those dealing with this pandemic; protection of the most needy of our people, and the health care workers who will be at the forefront.
That is all we can do, and we really appreciate the fact that brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the world are also praying for our situation.
In Christ alone, we put our trust. May God guide and direct the USA as well, as you have to deal with this situation.
Very many thanks to all at Asbury. We value your concern and prayers.
Diana
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Lord, help our understanding be great,
Our patience be greater,
Our love for each other be boundless,
And our love for You be limitless.
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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If you are experiencing loneliness, or spiritual and emotional distress during these challenging days, you are not alone. Your pastors are praying for you. Please reach out to Pastor Barbara at
blee@asburylv.org
. She has been making calls for encouragement, counsel and prayer. If you are aware of someone in the congregation you are concerned about, please ask that individual's permission and then pass along your concern to Pastor Barbara.
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Don't forget to send your pictures or videos of palms to Miss Pam!
This month we have been talking about forgiveness-deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay. Forgiveness doesn't come naturally. When someone does something that hurts us, we want to hurt them back. But forgiveness calls for us to do just the opposite. Why? Because God forgives us!
Figure out the secret message below by writing the NEXT letter of the alphabet that comes after the one printed below. (Hint: for "Z" the next letter would be "A")
ENQFHUD NSGDQR ADBZTRD FNC ENQFHUDR XNT
Thank God for choosing to forgive always because He loves you.
Answer: Forgive others because God forgives you.
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Asbury's building is closed through (and including) Sunday, April 5. Read more at
asburylv.org/200324update. The building has been deep cleaned and we are asking that no one enter the building until it reopens.
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, or if you need assistance picking up supplies,
email Pastor Barbara
to get connected with a helper.
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:
Children's Ministries' Easter Celebration (postponed)
Jubilation Ringers Spring Concerts (cancelled)
April Blood Drive (cancelled) - please consider giving at one of their physical locations (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Reading) in this critical time of need.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Men's Group Tour to Mack Museum
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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