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Asbury Sunday Worship:
9 & 11 am: Worship in the Sanctuary
10 am: Sunday School
11 am: Live-Streamed Worship
| Follow us on social media! | | Save the Date! Church Council Meeting on May 11 | | |
Our next Church Council session will be held on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 pm in the Parlor.
As always, everyone is welcome to this open session. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jeff!
| | The UWF Used Book Sale was a Success - THANK YOU for the Support! | |
This year's UWF Used Book Sale was a RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS - we raised over $4,600! These proceeds will be given to local organizations that work with women, children and youth such as Della Lamb, Cross-Lines, Lazarus Ministries, Health Care Partnership, Hub Argentine and Asbury Children & Youth.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that donated items, shopped at the sale, or volunteered. We couldn't have done it without you!
| | JoCo Immigration Rally: TONIGHT at 6:30 pm | |
TONIGHT at 6:30 pm, Kansas Interfaith Action and local immigrants’ rights groups are gathering in the Asbury Sanctuary for a prayer vigil and rally in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.
If you joined us last year in Olathe, you know how moving these evenings are. If you weren't able to attend last year, we’d love for you to experience it this time!
As people of faith, let’s show up and use our voices to support the vulnerable. Please join us and help spread the word!
| | KC Musical Club Spring Concert with Pastor Daekyung: Monday, May 4 | |
Join us for a FREE spring concert at Asbury this Mon. May 4 at noon in the Sanctuary, sponsored by the KC Musical Club!
We'll enjoy amazing performances by Kenneth Walker, current organist at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and 2025 Missouri Church Musician of the Year, as well as our very own Pastor Daekyung Kim on the piano! Pastor Daekyung will be playing the bright spring-like melodies of Maurice Ravel's "Sonatine" and George Gershwin's "Songbook." The KC Musical Club will also recognize their 2026 Award Winner, Trilla Ray-Carter, who is the Founding Director of the Kansas City Baroque Consortium.
| | Sierra Richardson Master's Recital: Friday, May 8 | Music Intern and Bell Choir Director Sierra Richardson will be giving her UMKC Master’s recital in the Asbury Sanctuary on Friday, May 8 at 5 pm. This is a free event open to the public. Enjoy works by Britten/Purcell, Ricky Ian Gordon, Schoenberg, and Ravel. A small reception will follow. | | "Here for the Heart" Blood Drive: Friday, May 15 | |
The Community Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood for local hospitals and has been serving MO and KS hospitals for more than 60 years. 580 pints of blood each day are needed to meet the needs of our local hospitals!
Please share your gift of life with local hospital patients who need it by donating at the next CBC blood drive at Asbury on Fri. May 15 from 1-5 pm. To make an appointment online, click on this link and use Group Code: 4B. Contact Libby Morris at libbymorriskc@gmail.com if you have any questions!
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If you have a graduate in your family this spring (high school, college, or post-graduate), please share her / his name and degree information and future plans so we can celebrate with you as a church family!
Email your graduate's info and a headshot by Monday, May 18 to both our Director of Family Ministries, Heather Jackson, at heatherj@visitasbury.org and our Director of Communications, Sharlynn Verner, at sharlynnv@visitasbury.org. We'll celebrate our grads in worship on Sunday, June 7!
| | BIG Elections in Kansas This Summer! YOU IN?! | |
August 4 - Primary Election: In addition to the primary candidates, Kansas will have a constitutional amendment on the ballot regarding the appointment or election of judges to the Kansas Supreme Court.
Kansas is a closed primary state. A voter must declare a party affiliation in order to vote in the primary. If you have not already declared a party affiliation, or if you wish to change your party affiliation, you must do so by June 1 at 12:00 pm. You can do this online at the Kansas Secretary of State website (CLICK HERE) or at your county election office. For Johnson County voters, this website is jocoelection.org. A party affiliation is not necessary to vote for the constitutional amendment.
Questions? Contact: Julia Cotter, Asbury Voter to Voter Ambassador Team Leader, at juliaacotter@gmail.com.
| | KC PrideFest Booth Volunteers | |
The Asbury Pride Support Team invites you to come help us share love and community at the KC PrideFest on June 5-7 at Theis Park. We need volunteers to help set up and staff our booth. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt and unlimited love!
* Booth setup: June 5 (2-4 pm)
* Booth hours: June 5 (5-9 pm), June 6 (12-8 pm), June 7 (1-5 pm)
Please click here to sign up if you are interested in volunteering. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Daekyung Kim at daekyungk@visitasbury.org.
| | Youth Service Trips & Pilgrimages Fundraiser: 144 Envelopes | | |
There's a big board with 144 envelopes attached to it on the wall by the west entrance of the Sanctuary, representing monetary amounts from $1-$144 ($10,441 in all). If all the envelopes are selected, returned, and donations match the amount on each envelope, we will meet our fundraising goals for both the service trips, along with some money to put toward the 2027 Pilgrimages!
Here's how the fundraiser works:
• You decide the amount you would like to give to support the youth service trips and Leadership Lab Pilgrimages to Turkey to follow Paul's travels.
• Select the corresponding envelope(s). For example, if you want to give $50 select envelope #50, or if 50 is no longer available, select envelopes that equal $50.
• 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 or placed in the offering plate or 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. Or you may give any amount via EasyTithe. If you give online, please select "Youth Missions Trips" from the drop-down menu.
Check out the youth's video promo for the Big Board Fundraiser this year!
| | | Supporting Our Scholars with a Higher Education | | |
Did you know? Asbury will award FOURTEEN $1000 higher education scholarships this year! Endowed funds cover 60% of the awards. Our goal to meet this important need is $6,000.
Show your love for Asbury youth by investing in our scholars! You may donate via check or online at https://www.visitasbury.org/give. Please write “2026 Scholarship Fund” in the notes or memo line. For more information, contact Dan Clevenger at the church office or email DanC@visitasbury.org.
Thank you so much!
-Your Asbury Endowment Trustees
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Scholar Spotlight
Jacob Amtower - Freshman, Kansas State University
Majoring in Exercise Science
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This scholarship has meant so much to me as I have gotten to go to an amazing school that is full of people exploring their faith. I have made so many friends with God at the center of their lives, and that has made me so much closer to my faith, and I feel more connected doing my day-to-day activities.
I have gotten to live at the Wesley House, which has deepened my faith by allowing me to live with Methodists and getting to hear from several pastors from around the area as well as being involved in community service. I hope to continue this at KU where I can meet new people and spread the word to other people to create a community where love is our goal.
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We are thankful for everyone who took a College Care Package envelope. Just a few needs still remain! If you would like to partner with our Family Ministries in this important outreach to our college students, you can either make a donation for one of the following items, or purchase it and bring it with you on Sunday, May 3.
Remaining Items:
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• Sticky Notes - 4 pack $5 (x3)
• $15 Einstein Bros Gift Card
• $15 Sonic Gift Card
• $15 Starbucks Gift Card (x2)
| | This is a great way for Asbury to remind our college students that we are here for them, care for them, and are praying for them. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Family Ministries, Heather Jackson, at heatherj@visitasbury.org. Thank you! | | May "Food of the Month" for the Asbury Food Pantry: Cereal Bars & Nutrition Bars | | Asbury Serve Day at the Hub Argentine: Saturday, May 2 | |
We need ten volunteers to work on Saturday, May 2 from 9 -11 am at The Hub Argentine (3730 Metropolitan Ave, Kansas City, KS 66106).
This serve day is open to all ages - there will be plenty of opportunities for school aged kids, families, and people of all abilities! For more information, please contact Rev. Daekyung Kim at DaekyungK@visitsabury.org.
| | New & Gently Used Children's Clothing Collection | |
As we prepare to celebrate Mothers and Fathers Day in May & June, Asbury United Women in Faith is sponsoring a collection of NEW and GENTLY USED children's clothes (sizes Preemie - 4T) to help support our friends and neighbors served at The Hub Argentine. They would also appreciate donations of diapers of any size.
Donations are being collected from Mother's Day, May 10, through Father's Day, June 14, and can be dropped off in the blue barrel located in the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Peck at kimleypeck@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Help Serve Lunch at Cross-Lines:
Thursday, May 14
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We need six servers to help serve lunch on Thursday, May 14 from 10 am to 1 pm at Cross-Lines (736 Shawnee Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105).
You may click here to sign up online. If you have questions, please contact the church at 913-432-5573. Thank you for your willingness to help!
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The Asbury Endowment Committee will be accepting 2026 Second Quarter grant applications beginning May 1. Asbury endowed funds are 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 deadline for the second quarter is June 1.
Application and instructions can be found here: CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact Dan Clevenger at DanC@visitasbury.org.
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We wrapped up our Trip to Taiwan last Saturday by watching Director Ang Lee’s film, Eat Drink Man Woman, together. From listening to insightful presentations about Taiwan and sharing a delicious dinner at a Taiwanese restaurant to experiencing the culture through film—all these moments over the past month provided a truly fun opportunity to recognize and celebrate the presence and gifts of our neighbors with Taiwanese backgrounds.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated! We would like to give a special shout-out to the Travel More Project Coordinating Team for their hard work, and to our church members, Daphny and Kally, who provided so much help to make this journey possible.
Our next adventure will be a Trip to Argentina this June! As we prepare to welcome the Argentina National Soccer Team to KC for the World Cup, we’ll be celebrating their culture with that same welcoming spirit. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to see photos from our recent trips and stay in the loop for future adventures!
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- Electronic Fund Transfer
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Online through Easy Tithe
| | - Text the word 'Give' to 913-774-6060
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Many of you have asked over the past few weeks, "Susan, what exactly is an endowment?" This is a great question, and did you know that Asbury has two endowments? More on that later.
Very simply put, an endowment is a legal structure where resources (gifts of cash, stocks, liquidated property) are held permanently in a managed investment pool. The principal remains intact while a portion of the investment pool's income is used annually to fund operations or designated purposes. Endowments provide long-term stability to the church and steady annual stream income. Most importantly, endowments allow church members to make a lasting impact to the future plans and vision for the church.
The steady, annual income is produced from a percentage of gain each year. Currently, our endowment's distribution rate is calculated at 4% of a three-year rolling average. A snapshot of our endowments' valuations is taken annually on December 31. The average of the last three years is multiplied by 4% to determine the amount available for distribution for the current year.
For example, an endowment with a three-year rolling average balance of $500,000 would produce $20,000 in income to the church. Following this restricted percentage allows the endowment's principal to continue growing by reinvesting any gains realized that exceed the 4% that is distributed.
In 1981, Prairie Village Asbury UMC created a memorial endowment fund with KMF. Within this fund, you will find a few dozen named legacy gifts with specific donor-directed wishes, such as scholarships or general operating or music.
In 2001, Prairie Village Asbury UMC created a general endowment fund for gifts and charitable gift planning from members and friends of Asbury, and to hold the Asbury Advocates gifts.
Each year, the annual proceeds from the two endowments provided much-needed resources for scholarships, mission outreach, and general operations. The wise and generous planning by members past and present give Asbury solid footing to continue building these funds in service to the progressive and inclusive Christianity practiced at Asbury.
-Susan Brinkman, Kansas Methodist Foundation Development Coach to Asbury
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| Family Ministries Days at the K: Tuesday, June 30 and Tuesday, August 4 | | |
Interest was so high for Day at the K, and it was an even split on date preference, so we are going to both games (June 30 v. Tampa Bay Rays, and Dollar Dog Night on August 4 v. Minnesota Twins)!
Both games are at 6:40 pm. Game is open to youth, children, their families and friends. We have a limited amount of tickets available for each game, however, so please plan to attend only one game.
If you are committed to a game, please email our Director of Family Ministries at heatherj@visitasbury.org which game you are purchasing tickets for. Tickets are $29 each; you can pay via the church office or through EasyTithe (select "Other Fund" from the drop-down menu and type "Royals tickets" in the notes line). Tickets will be distributed electronically via the Ballpark app closer to game day.
We will carpool from the church and take both Asbury buses to both games, and depending how the numbers come out, we might need a few other drivers.
| Family Ministries Book Club | | Sunday Nursery Hours: 8:30 am-12:30 pm | |
9 am: The nursery is open for children who need it, up to 3rd grade.
11 am: The Nursery is open for children aged infant through 5-years-old (if they haven’t started Kindergarten yet). Children who have started Kindergarten are encouraged to join the Kids Sing rehearsal.
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Kids Hour: Sundays at 10 am
This Week: Earth Day Tree Planting
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Our kids will celebrate Earth Day at 10 am on Sunday with a tree planting. We will meet in the kids' wing and then move outside to plant the tree.
| | Mother's Day Kids Sing Rehearsals | Rehearsals for our next Kids' Sing continue this Sunday, May 3. Kids will be dismissed from the 11 am service to rehearse with Ms. Alicia Wolff. They will sing in worship at 11 am on Sunday, May 10. | | Does Your Child Want to Acolyte? | |
If you have a child in 3rd grade or older who would like to acolyte and has not been trained, please contact our acolyte coordinator, Hilary Duderstadt, at hduderstadt@att.net or 913-544-8744.
If your child has been trained as an acolyte, and they'd like to acolyte for an upcoming worship service, please use our SignUpGenius link to reserve a slot: click here.
| | Vacation Bible School: Sunday, June 14 - Thursday, June 18 | |
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS from 6 - 7:30 pm on June 14-18. Kids (potty-trained 3-year-olds through 4th grade) become Challengers, gearing up for frosty games, snowy surprises, and hands-on lessons about resilience and faith. Your kids will be guided daily by our wonderful volunteers and the lovable Ollie the Arctic Seal puppet, who is reporting on the frosty games.
An optional light meal will be served at 5:30 pm. Click here to register today!
| | GodSquad: July 27-31 (4th-6th grade) | |
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 between 1 pm and 2 pm daily.
Click here to register today!
| | Coffee and Convos: Sundays at 10 am in the Youth Lounge | |
Youth are encouraged to come and help the kids celebrate Earth Day at 10 am with a tree planting. We will meet in the kids' wing and then move outside to plant the tree.
| | Youth Group: Sundays at 6 pm in the Youth Lounge | |
Come for dinner, discussion, and fun!
| | High School Youth Service Trip to Spirit Lake Ministries in North Dakota:
May 30 - June 6, 2026 | | Middle School Service Trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: July 12-16, 2026 | |
Only a few spots remain for the middle school youth (current 6th & 7th graders) service trip to Oklahoma City the week of July 12-16, 2026. We'll be working with Skyline and other agencies. In addition to our work, we will have free time to do something fun.
The cost of our service trip is $75. Register today and reserve your spot by filling out the registration form and paying the $25 deposit: CLICK HERE
While we always welcome friends, priority will be given to youth currently involved at Asbury. Questions? Email Heather Jackson.
| | GodSquad: July 27 - 31 (4th-6th grade) | | |
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 between 1 pm and 2 pm daily.
Click here to register today!
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