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Asbury Weekly Worship:
Sundays at 9 am:
Worship Service in Hager Hall
(Come 10-15 minutes early
for coffee, bagels, & donuts!)
Sunday at 10 am:
Sunday School
Sundays at 11 am:
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Dear Asbury Friends,
Since the first Sunday in May, we have been gathering for in-person worship. It has been wonderful to be back together again, and we are going to continue to gather together for in-person worship.
We also have been watching the Covid numbers, and have some concerns about the rising rates in and around Kansas City. So, if you want to sing in worship, we respectfully ask that you wear a mask. We have Asbury masks available here, just in case you left your own at home or in the car.
Also, even if you are not singing, you may decide that you feel more comfortable wearing a mask. We invite everybody to make their decision based on what is most comfortable and safe for them.
This week in worship, we will be talking about Jesus as a teacher. Jesus spent much of his ministry traveling around and teaching people new and liberating ways of understanding life and faith. I once read, "You don’t know something until it changes you." So, when I think about the teachings of Jesus, I realize I might "know" what those teachings are, but I wonder, how have I been changed by them?
When have you been changed / transformed / liberated by the teachings of Jesus? Join us this Sunday, either in-person or online, as we turn to the teachings of Jesus to help all of us "practice what we preach…"
Gayla
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M&M's - Mission and Ministry Shares |
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For our M&M's this week (or Mission and Ministry Shares), we want to highlight the important work that is Africa University. Below is an article written by our Senior Pastor, Gayla Rapp.
This week, our M&M focus is on Africa University. The development of Africa University is a consequence of the growth of United Methodism in Africa. The growth in membership and the emerging socio-economic and political needs in their countries led the African Bishops of the United Methodist Church (UMC) to call on their Church to invest in higher education provision in Africa. Below is a timeline of Africa University's development.
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1980 - Bishop Arthur Kulah of Liberia and Bishop Emilio J. M. de Carvalho of Angola took the lead in advocating for "a university for all of Africa." Their efforts generated a positive response within the United Methodist Church worldwide and in 1985, the "Africa Initiative" was born.
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1985 - Various consultations on higher education challenges in Africa took place. A site selection committee chose Zimbabwe as the location for the new university.
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1987 - The UMC in Zimbabwe donated 1542 acres of land in the Nyagambu River Valley, across the road from the Old Mutare UMC Mission Centre, as the University site.
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1988 - The General Conference of the United Methodist Church unanimously approved the founding of Africa University, and made a commitment to provide financial support for the University from the General Church Budget (US$2.5 million annually).
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1991 - In April, thousands of people converged on the site for an official groundbreaking ceremony.
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1992 - On January 21, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Robert Gabriel Mugabe, issued the Africa University Charter by official proclamation, making the institution the first recognized private university in Zimbabwe.
Total amount of M&M's for Asbury UMC: $84,559
Of that amount, $429 is for Africa University
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Let Us Know if You Want to See C.S. Lewis'
"The Great Divorce!"
Saturday, September 11 at 4 pm
at the Kauffman Center
for the Performing Arts
We're taking a poll to see if there would be group interested in going to see a stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce!" This one show only event will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 4:00 pm at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City, MO. Group rates would be $44.50 per person, including facility fees.
Would you email Phyllis Williams at [email protected] or call the church office if you are interested in attending? There will also be a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center this Sunday for those interested. We'd like to know by the end of the month if you want to go so we can order the appropriate amount of tickets. Thanks so much!! |
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UMW School Supply Drive for Santa Fe Trail Elementary -
Now through August 8
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UMW is currently collecting school supplies through August 8. Schools will be in person again, so many things will be needed! There will be a tub outside by the Main Entrance, and a blue barrel inside in the Welcome Center to collect donations. We'd love your help in collecting items for students!!
Here is a link to a list of supplies specifically needed for Santa Fe Trail Elementary:
https://santafetrail.smsd.org/families/supply-list-k-6. T here will also be printed copies of this list available on the front desk by the church offices. Some items we need are headphones, sharpened #2 pencils, 24 pack Crayola Crayons, classic Crayola markers, 5" scissors, 4 oz. glue bottles, glue sticks, wide-ruled composition and spiral notebooks, pink bevel erasers, black Expo dry erase markers, highlighters, plastic pocket folders, hand sanitizer bottles, disinfecting wipes and more.
Any questions? Contact Margie Pryor at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your help!
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Six-Week Sunday School Class
taught by Pastor Gayla:
"Freeing Jesus" by Diana Butler Bass
Sundays at 10 am in Hager Hall
Now through Sunday, August 22
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Pastor Gayla has started a new Sunday School class on Diana Butler Bass' book, "Freeing Jesus." The dates for this Sunday School class will run through August 22, and the group will meet in Hager Hall at 10 am. All are welcome to be a part of this group and discuss Bass' refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus! We'll explore what it means to call Jesus "Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence."
The books are available in the Welcome Center for $23. Checks may be made out to Asbury UMC. Please contact the church office at 913.432.5573 or email [email protected]
if you have any questions!
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Church and Society Presentation: Heather Mason
from Johnson County Mental Health
"Mental Health in Johnson County
and the Co-Responder's Role in Working with Police"
Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm in Hager Hall
(Will also be live-streamed via Zoom)
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Please join Asbury's Church and Society on Tuesday, August 10 at 7 pm as they welcome Heather Mason from Johnson County Mental Health, who will be speaking about mental health in our county and also how JCMH helps police when responding to mental health calls. This presentation will take place in Hager Hall, but we will also be live-streaming it via Zoom. You can sign up for the presentation by clicking on the following link: https://www.visitasbury.org/heather-mason-presentation/
Heather, a Licensed Master Social Worker, got her start in the mental health field in 2013, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Family Services from the University of Northern Iowa, and later a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas.
She first worked as a domestic violence advocate, partnering with law enforcement and hospitals. She continued her work with hospitals as a substance counselor on an inpatient unit as well as an assessment counselor in different KC metro emergency departments. Heather joined Johnson County Mental Health in June of 2019 as a shared co-responder with Leawood and Prairie Village Police Departments.
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Sympathy is expressed to Sallie Jones upon the death of her sister,
Tyra Rodriguez, on July 9.
A memorial service will be held at Asbury on July 24.
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Tyra Rodriguez Memorial Service - Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 am in the Asbury Sanctuary
The memorial service for Tyra Rodriguez will be held in the Sanctuary this Saturday at 11 am. The service will be live-streamed as well, if you would like to watch it from home.
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Asbury 101: Sunday, July 25 at 12 pm
Are you interested in becoming a member of Asbury? Sign up for Asbury 101 on Sunday, July 25 at noon, and we'll serve you lunch and talk to you more about the church.
Please contact Julie Woodman and Michelle Funk at [email protected] or call 913.432.5573 to sign up or if you would like more information.
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IHN Update
Beginning this Sunday, Asbury will begin our host week for IHN guests. As previously indicated, our hosting will look quite different. Because of COVID, guests are continuing to stay in motel rooms until all adults and teens can be completely vaccinated. Currently, there is a single female and a woman with two small children in the network. Another family may be admitted soon. Asbury is doing what it can by providing funds to pay for the lodging. That money is taken from a special account designated for IHN. We are grateful we can keep this additional expense from impacting IHN’s budget.
We hope that we will be able to show our Asbury hospitality in person during our two remaining 2021 host weeks: October 11 and December 26. Please pray for the guests, IHN staff and volunteers as they continue to navigate unsettled waters.
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New Church Directories Coming Out September 1
New to Asbury? Changed your phone number or your address? Phyllis Williams is putting together an updated Asbury directory, so if you would like to be included or need to update your informatio n, please send her your information by August 25. She can be reached by calling the church office or emailing her at [email protected]. |
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Donate Altar Flowers
Would you like to donate altar flowers in celebration or honor of a loved one? Celebrate a birthday or an anniversary? We would love to honor your loved one in our weekly service.
We have a standing flower order with Village Flower Company, and the cost is $50 to provide flowers each weekend for the altar.
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Rise Against Hunger Event at Asbury
on October 24 - Help Raise Money for Meals!
Asbury's food pantry helps meet the needs of our local neighbors who are hungry. Imagine creating 10,000 meals in one day! That is the goal of the "Rise Against Hunger" event at Asbury. Many of you will remember the energy and sense of fulfillment that you experienced in 2019. This will be similar, except any necessary health protocols will be followed. All ages can participate in the various stages of an assembly line to put rice, seasonings and vitamins into bags that are then sealed and boxed. The boxes will go to hunger spots in the US and abroad. Our 2019 meals went to Madagascar. Please mark your calendar so you don't miss this fun experience!
In addition to the volunteer labor involved, the costs of materials, shipping, etc. are needed. To make this a success, we need donations totaling $3500. That is 35 cents per meal. God has blessed our Asbury family with the resources to rise against hunger. Join me in helping to underwrite this mission to feed God's people. Please contact Phyllis Williams in the church office to make a pledge at 913.432.5573 or [email protected].
John Ebert, Asbury Mission Team Chairperson
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Prayer Requests and Concerns
Did you know that you can submit a prayer request online? We are always keeping our Asbury family in prayer!
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<--- Click on the Church Calendar logo for upcoming Asbury events! Do you have an event you would like to be listed on the calendar? Please call the church office or email Phyllis Williams at [email protected]. For inclusions in the Alive Newsletter, please contact Sharlynn Verner at [email protected].
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Thanks for worshiping with us!
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Help support Asbury and its missions and consider giving to the church electronically through one of these four ways:
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
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Online through Easy Tithe (www.easytithe.com/visitasbury)
- Text the word "Give" to 913-774-6060
- Download our giving app, "Church by Ministry One" (find Asbury under zip code 66208)
Also, you can still just write a check and send it in the mail! Our mailing address is as follows:
Asbury United Methodist Church / 5400 W. 75th St. / Prairie Village, KS 66208
We love you all and appreciate each of you so much!
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Weekly Bible Studies from Rev. Lee Johnson |
Every Thursday or Friday, Rev. Lee publishes a Bible study on the Asbury website that goes along with the worship material for the weekend. Whether it be during times of anxiety and uncertainty, or of joy and hope, he helps us navigate what the Scripture tells us to do.
Click on the link below to check out some of Rev. Lee's current studies!
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GodSquad
GodSquad is our annual service week for those entering 5th-7th grade. We will serve at a variety of local nonprofits throughout the week.
Participants will meet at the church at 9 am and head to the service sites, and return to the church by 1 pm daily.
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Summer is upon us! We are aware that we live in extraordinary times that require flexibility, playfulness, and kindness.
Over the next several weeks, our elementary kids and the adults who serve in our children's ministry will grow together in their understandings of loving their neighbor and God through books and activities.
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In-person Sunday at 10 am:
Join us in person at 10 am on the basketball courts. This week's Sunday school is based on the book "There is No Wrong Way to Pray" by Rebecca Ninke and her ten-year-old daughter, Kate E.H. Watson.
The book encourages all of us to talk to God during the everyday moments of life. It reminds us that folding hands and bowing heads is all fine and good, but prayer can take any form, any time, anywhere.
Virtual: Join us as a family anytime and anywhere this week! Ms. Heather will post a video to Facebook on Sunday morning that you can watch together and have discussions as a family.
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In-person at 10 am: We will meet at 10 am on the basketball court and continue our series on spiritual practices. This week we'll be discussing prayer. Kids should bring a chair.
Virtual: Join us as a family anytime and anywhere this week! We're continuing our series on the spiritual practices this week. This week's spiritual practice is prayer. Lessons and activities were emailed out today.
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VBS 2022 - Food Truck Party: Sunday, June 19 - Thursday, June 23
Ready to cook up some fun? Food Truck Party VBS invites children of all ages to get on a roll with God as a parade of Food Trucks rolls into their neighborhood for the summer's biggest party!
This VBS invites children to pray as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:11, "Give us this day our daily bread." These words serve as a reminder that everything we have comes from God - and that it's by turning to God in prayer that all of our daily needs are met.
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Youth Sunday school will be
in-person (outdoor) this Sunday at 10 am. Youth will need to bring a chair and wear a mask.
We can't wait to see you!!
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We are pausing youth group to plan events, leadership opportunities, confirmation, and new series for the fall.
We are excited to meet back together in-person when we resume youth group in a few weeks!
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or email our Director of Family Ministries to be added to the youth ministry email list.
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