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Asbury Sunday Worship:
9 & 11 am: Worship in the Sanctuary
10 am: Sunday School
11 am: Live-Streamed Worship
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Thank you to everyone who gave toward the Native American Ministries special offering! We raised $693.00 toward Native American ministries and scholarships in annual conferences.
And thank you also to everyone who contributed to the College Care packages. They are on the way to our college students!
| | New Open Table Class Study Begins Sunday, May 11 | |
The Open Table Sunday school class will begin a new study on Rev. Joseph Yoo's book, When The Saints Go Flying In: Stories About Faith, Life, and Everything In Between.
A review by Casandra Morgan-Loyer, screenwriter and writer, says: "When the Saints Go Flying In" is a love letter to God, Christianity, the saints - and pop culture. In this irreverent, yet somehow deeply reverent meditation, Yoo explores faith with compassion, wisdom, and a snap, crackle, pop humor."
We'll start with Chapter 1 on Sunday, May 11. All are welcome to join us! The Open Table Sunday school class meets at 10 am in Room 208. Cal Wiebe will facilitate. Questions? Reach Cal at hobbesnvin@gmail.com.
| | Brown Bag Prayer Walk: Wednesday, May 14 | |
The Asbury Brown Bag Prayer Team will pray for all those on the Asbury prayer list while walking along the Tomahawk Creek Trail on Wednesday, May 14. Everyone is welcome to join - bring a lunch along with you!
It will be a wonderful opportunity to pray and reflect on God’s creation. We are going to gather at and start walking from Tomahawk Park (3951 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209) at noon. Please let Pastor Daekyung Kim know if you'd like to join (daekyungk@visitasbury.org).
| | Calling All Graduates! Graduate Recognition Sunday is May 18 | |
We will celebrate our graduates (high school, college, and post-graduate), and award our scholarships at both the 9 and 11 am worship services on Sunday, May 18. There will be a small reception in the Welcome Center following each service.
If you have a graduate this year, please email heatherj@visitasbury.org the following information by Tuesday, May 13:
- Name of graduate
- School issuing diploma
- Degree (college & post-graduate)
- Future plans
| | Help the Scholarship Fund | |
Asbury will award FOURTEEN higher education scholarships this year. For the past several years, we have been awarding $1000 grants. That is a tiny percentage of one year’s tuition. Endowed funds cover 60% of the funding requirement. The remainder comes from a variety of sources, including your gift.
Show your love for Asbury youth by contributing to the scholarship fund. You may pay with check or online through Easy Tithe. Please write “2025 Scholarship Fund” in the notes or memo line. For more information, contact Dan Clevenger at the church office or email (danc@visitasbury.org).
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UWF Presentation "Belonging" -
Tuesday, June 3
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Asbury United Women in Faith are pleased to invite the community to an upcoming presentation by Kaitlin Shulman from the Shawnee Mission School District. Kaitlin will share the district’s work around “Belonging,” which is a strategy in the district’s strategic plan for 2024-2029.
We encourage all students, parents and community members to attend and participate in this important conversation! Details are below.
- Date: Tuesday, June 3
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: SMSD / Center for Academic Achievement (8200 W. 71st St, Overland Park, KS 66214)
| | Youth Service Trips Fundraiser: 144 Envelopes | |
There's a big board with 144 envelopes attached to it on the wall by the west entrance of the Sanctuary. The envelopes represent monetary amounts ranging from $1 to $144. Together, the envelopes represent $10,441 in monetary donations. If all the envelopes are selected, returned, and donations match the amount on each envelope, we will meet our fundraising goals for both of our youth service trips!
Here's how the fundraiser works:
- You decide the amount you would like to give to support the youth service trips to Washington, D.C. (High School) and Omaha, NE (Middle School)
- Select the corresponding envelope(s). For example, if you want to give $50, select envelope #50. Or you can select envelopes that equal $50 (24 & 26, 49 & 1, etc).
- Fill out the little card inside the envelope.
- Return the card, your donation, and the envelope to the church. It can be given to Phyllis at the front desk, placed in the offering plate, or in the drop box outside of the finance office.
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You will also find blank envelopes on the counter next to the big board where you can make a donation if the envelopes left on the board do not reflect the amount you would like to give. You may also give via Easy Tithe (select "Youth Missions Trips" from the drop-down menu).
Learn more by checking out this video from our youth!
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You are invited to “Travel with Pride More” every Saturday this June as part of The Asbury Travel More Project. This is a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the presence and gifts of our neighbors with various cultures and faiths. Co-hosted by Asbury Travel More Project and Words Matter, this program will be a fun way to celebrate Pride Month together. Check out the itinerary below:
- Week 1: KC Pride Fest on June 7 at 11 am at Theis Park (4800 Oak St, KCMO 64110)
- Week 2: Eating Lunch on June 14 at 12 pm at Gaels Public House & Sports
- Week 3: Watching “Will and Harper” on June 21 at 10:30 am in the Parlor
- Week 4: Attending a Heartland Men's Chorus Concert on June 28 at 7:30 pm at JCCC
Click here for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Pastor Daekyung at daekyungk@visitasbury.org. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, June 1.
| | Queer Activism in Kansas City | |
Though we’ll “Travel with Pride More” in June, in the meantime, we have a great opportunity to learn about Kansas City Queer Activism in May.
Kansas City has a rich and surprising tradition of LGBTQ activism. Join Stuart Hinds, co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America, as we explore this history in a 4-part lecture series looking at queer activism from the 1960s through the 1990s.
5:30-6:30 pm on the following dates, featuring the accompanying decades. Sign up today by clicking here.
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- May 9 – 1960s
- May 16 – 1970s
- May 23 - 1980s
- May 30 - 1990s
| | 2025 Kansas Interfaith Action Annual Event: Tuesday, May 27 | |
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 pm
Location: Capital Federal Conference Center in the Regnier Center at JCCC (12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210)
Tickets: Click here to purchase
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We find ourselves in challenging times – perhaps the most challenging many of us have ever known. Yet together, the KIFA community is meeting the moment: showing up at the statehouse, preaching a message of justice from our pulpits, holding our leaders accountable, fighting White Christian Nationalism, and living up to the divine call to protect and advocate for the most vulnerable among us.
With your help, and with God’s, KIFA is standing up for our sacred values in the midst of the challenge. Join us at our Annual Event on May 27 at Johnson County Community College, with Keynote Speaker Amanda Tyler, as we celebrate the work we have done together, and recommit to meeting this challenging moment, together.
Questions? Reach out to Rev. Mandy at mtodd@kansasinterfaithaction.org.
| | Prairie Village Juneteenth Celebration: Saturday, June 7 | |
Stand Up for Black Lives and Prairie Village are sponsoring the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on Saturday, June 7 from 11 am-2 pm at Franklin Park (8700 Roe Avenue, Prairie Village, KS 66207).
This FREE event is for all ages, and will include:
- Music, performances, & speakers
- Holy Smoke food truck
- Local, Black-owned vendors
- Kids zone with inflatables, face painting & more
Click here to RSVP on EventBrite, and click here to follow their social media page to keep up to date on the latest happenings!
| | Got An Idea for a New or Expanded Ministry? | |
Asbury Ministry Grant applications for the second quarter will be accepted between May 1 - June 1. The Asbury Endowment Fund is underwriting grants of up to $1000.
Individuals, committees, and small groups are encouraged to use these grants to create, enhance, or sustain mission and ministries within the Asbury faith community. Application and instructions can be found on the Asbury website under the Ministries drop down menu or by clicking on this link.
For questions, please contact Dan Clevenger at 913-432-5573 or at DanC@visitasbury.org.
| | Help Serve Lunch at Lazarus Ministries on Saturday, May 10 | |
We need eight people to either help serve lunch or assist in the Lazarus Boutique on Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 am-1 pm at Lazarus Ministries KC (Linwood United Church, 3151 Olive, KCMO, 64109). Come out and help with a wonderful mission opportunity!
Lunches are served 'restaurant style,' so kitchen volunteers can assist with hosting, greeting, plating, and/or serving. Lazarus Boutique volunteers serve as personal shoppers to guests, assisting people one on one in finding clothing, hygiene items, linens, or other household goods they may need.
Call us at the church at 913-432-5573 if you have any questions!
| | Food of the Month for May | |
The Asbury Food Pantry's "Food of the Month" for May is canned fruit. Any donations can be placed on the table in the Welcome Center or on the cart by the main entrance.
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in volunteering with the Asbury Food Pantry, please email Rosie Sanders at roseann.sanders@gmail.com or call 913-593-7177. Thank you!
| | Tariffs Making You Anxious About Money? | | |
“Money is a most compendious instrument…. of doing All Manner of Good.”
-John Wesley
From the NPR Life Kit Podcast, April 30, 2025, by Marielle Segarra and Malaka Gharib
Are tariffs making you anxious about money? In times of economic uncertainty, "focus on what you can control," says Lauryn Williams, a certified financial planner and founder of Worth Winning, a financial coaching firm.
Regardless of the new tariffs, stick to buying only what you need. Some people may tell you to make big purchases now or stockpile certain items as tariffs change. But Williams says to exercise some restraint. We don't know if the tariffs are temporary or long-term or how the economy will adjust. "So only purchase the necessities" and consider holding off on large, unnecessary purchases.
Watch out for scams. Beware of solicitations to "recession-proof your finances" for a fee, debt relief offers or get-rich-quick schemes, Williams says. Scams tend to ramp up during financial crises. "Avoid people who pressure you to take quick action, look closely at a group or individual's credentials and do background checks on the organization before you send money off to it."
Be wary of information overload. Don't let the news, social media or group chats about the economy "incite fear and make you second guess your financial plans," Williams says. While it's good to educate yourself about what's happening, "don't just start pressing buttons and changing your plan unless you absolutely know what's going on."
If you need to, tune out of the news for a while or unfollow people on social media who are making you feel anxious about your finances, she says.
Continue building up your emergency fund and short-term savings. If there is an economic downturn, "you are going to need something to help you get through the tough time, whether it's inflation, a layoff or some other emergency," Williams says.
Consider cutting back on debt payments. "If you're not going to be in the same financial situation you had hoped for, you're going to want those dollars in your pocket," Williams says. In periods of economic uncertainty, consider temporarily making minimum payments on your debt, but keep in mind that doing so may lead to being in debt longer term. To minimize interest, make sure you're paying off your highest interest rate debts first.
If you're close to retirement, consult with a financial professional. If you're planning on retiring in three to five years, swings in the economy could affect your retirement funds, Williams says. She recommends hiring a certified financial planner to help you make a plan.
If you're not planning on retiring anytime soon, don't watch your investments too closely. Market volatility is not going to affect your long-term outcome, Williams says, so don't change your retirement plan. If you want to, you could "ratchet down your retirement savings," but don't stop investing. "You want to continue to be able to grow and be there when the market swings back up."
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- Electronic Fund Transfer
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Online through Easy Tithe
| | - Text the word 'Give' to 913-774-6060
| | | Morning Meetup: Sunday at 10 am in Hager Hall | |
This group is tailored to the needs of parents and will meet weekly in Hager Hall at 10 am for discussions with one another and community building. The group is structured, so you can jump right in when you are able to attend. Although the group will begin gathering at 10 am, you are free to join the conversation anytime between 10-11 am.
Camp Chippewa will be here on Sunday, May 18 to talk about their camp offerings and opportunities. If you have questions, feel free to contact our Director of Family Ministries.
The nursery will be available for children who have not started kindergarten. Elementary aged children can join Kids' Hour (3rd floor east) and youth (6-12 grade) can join Coffee and Convos in the Youth Lounge (3rd floor west).
| Family Ministries Book Club | |
Family Ministries Book Club will meet again in August 2025. Date to be determined. Our summer read is Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism, by Eve L. Ewing.
All are welcome to join our discussion. Watch this space for the August discussion date!
| | Sunday Nursery Hours: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm | |
9 am: The nursery is open for children who need it, up to 3rd grade.
11 am: The Nursery is open on Sundays for children aged infant through 5-years-old (if they haven’t started Kindergarten yet). Children who have started Kindergarten are encouraged to join Children's Church.
| | Kids Hour: Sundays at 10 am (Video) | |
Kids' Hour is a great way for kids to make friends and build community while learning Bible stories.
Kids (PreK-5th grade) are invited to join the fun of exploring Bible stories through weekly rotations such as art, music, games, cooking, drama, science, and videos.
| | Children's Church: During the 11 am Service | |
Kids PreK - 3rd grade are welcome to join us for Children's Church after the Children's Moment at the 11 am service in the kids' wing (3rd floor east).
We might make a craft, play a game, watch a movie, or learn a new song and dance. No matter the activity, kids will have fun learning and growing together!
| | Vacation Bible School: Road Trip on the Go with God - Sun. July 27 to Thu. July 31 | |
Embark on an exciting journey with Road Trip VBS! This Vacation Bible School series is based on Joshua 1:9 – "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Discover God's presence everywhere as we explore new places, make new friends, and experience God's goodness together.
Click here to register today!
| | GodSquad (4th - 6th grade): August 4 - 8 | |
GodSquad is our annual service week for those in 4th - 6th grade. We will serve at a variety of local nonprofits throughout the week. Participants will meet at the church at 9 am each day and head to the service sites, and will return to the church by 1 pm daily.
Click here to register today!
| | Coffee and Convos: Sundays at 10 am in the Youth Lounge | All 6th - 12th grade students are invited to join us in the Youth Lounge for treats and discussion. | | No Youth Group this Sunday, May 11 | Enjoy time with your mom! | | Middle School Service Trip to Omaha, Nebraska: July 13-17 | |
Registration for the Middle School Service trip to Omaha, Nebraska from July 13-17, 2025 is open! The cost of our service trip is $75 per person. Register your current 6th-7th grade student today by clicking here!
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Family Ministries, Heather Jackson, at heatherj@visitasbury.org.
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