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Dear Asbury Friends,
At our Monday afternoon staff meeting, we spent considerable time talking about the COVID numbers in our community. A few days ago, KCUR reported, "With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations near all-time highs, hospitals' capacities could be tested by surges in cases of the coronavirus, influenza and colds." We decided that we will continue to do online worship through the end of this year. Some of you might be relieved and even thankful to hear this. Others of you might be disappointed. Among our church members, we have different views about what the numbers are, what the numbers mean and what we need to do to be socially distant and safe. Your church staff members are doing the best we can to make decisions that keeps the safety and welfare of Asbury members first and foremost. While we have had to change the way we worship, one thing has not changed. We continue to share God's love with our community. We are going to do this by collecting new and gently used winter coats. We need coats for all ages and all sizes. On Sunday, November 1, we will have drive-through communion from 11:00 am to noon. We invite you to bring the coats you want to donate along with donations for our 24/7 Food Pantry. Thank you, Asbury community, for working together to "practice what we preach..."
Gayla
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UMW Gourmet Nut Sale -
LAST DAY for Pre-Orders
is Monday, October 26!
It's that wonderful time of year again when our United Methodist Women are gearing up for their annual nut sale! Lots of delicious options are available for purchase again this year. Nut orders may be placed through one of these ways:
- Printing out the order form at the following link: Nut Sale Order Form and completing it. You may then either return it to the Asbury office or scan and email it to Rick Starks at [email protected]. If you return the order to Asbury, please include a check payable to Asbury UMC, with "Nut Sale" included in the memo line. If you scan and email the order, please pay via either Easy Tithe or bring a check to the pick-up. For Easy Tithe, please visit http://www.easytithe.com/visitasbury. Choose "Other Fund" in the dropdown box, and then enter "Nut Sale" in the Note box.
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For this option, please pay using Easy Tithe or by bringing a check to the pick-up.
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Starting October 12, you may come by the Asbury office to obtain a paper order form,
which you can complete and leave at the office.
- Calling or texting Aimee Starks at 816-516-6811, or emailing Rick Starks at [email protected].
The pre-order deadline is Monday, October 26. All profits are used for UMW's Missions!
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Lazarus Ministries Coat Drive
Lazarus Ministries is in dire need of winter coats, so Asbury is conducting a coat drive throughout November.
You may place coats in the coat barrel located in the West Narthex. We will also accept coat donations during Drive-Through Communion on November 1, and again at the Soup Fest pick-ups on November 5 (10 am-12 pm and 4-6 pm).
Thanks for keeping people warm this winter!
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Lazarus Ministries Needs Volunteers!
Lazarus Ministries, which operates a food kitchen and boutique (clothes/shoes/toiletries) on Saturday and Sundays, is in need of volunteers. If you would like to help,
sign up using these links:
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Soup Fest 2020 "Re-Imagined!"
The Asbury UMW Soup Fest will not be an in-person event this year, but instead the event has been "re-imagined" so we can still raise much needed funds for our UMW mission projects.
Our soup pre-orders are just about sold out, so we encourage people to donate to UMW the amount that they would normally have spent on a Soup Fest ticket (adults $12, children $6). Please make sure to clearly mark your donation for Soup Fest and make checks payable to Asbury UMW. Checks can either be mailed or dropped off at the church any time during office hours!
Pick-up for soup pre-orders will be THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 from 10:00 am-Noon or 4:00-6:00 pm in the Asbury parking lot. There is a very limited quantity of soup left available to order - click here to check availability: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054dacad28aa8-signature. Payment of $10 per pint needs to be made when you pick-up your soup. If you have any questions regarding soup pre-orders, please contact Paula Blood at 913-205-0100.
Thanks for your support toward reaching our goal of raising $2,000 for our UMW mission projects - Days for Girls, Cross-Lines, Della Lamb, IHN (Inter-Faith Hospitality Network), UMW Prison Ministry, Asbury Youth, Asbury Children's Center, and more!!
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RED BAGS for Christmas
Be part of making Christmas joy for a local foster child. Time is short to get your RED BAG, shop and wrap gifts! The organization Christmas Families seeks sponsors. You can request age and gender to shop for.
Guidelines for filling a RED BAG:
- 8-10 wrapped packages (enough to fill the large Red Bag) for your child.
- You receive info about sizes and a wish list.
- Gifts can include small things: socks, gloves, toiletries, etc., but try to fill the bag.
- Your cost depends on what you choose and your shopping skills!
- As an estimate, about $100 for infants/toddlers, $125+ for elementary kids and $150+ for tweens and teens.
Contact Donetta Shaner to get set up as a sponsor, matched with a child and get your RED BAG: [email protected] or 913.219.7243. Website = redbagskc.com
Prefer another way you can help? You can give a monetary donation, donate unused wrapping paper, help wrap gifts, and/or transport RED BAGS from Asbury to Olathe on Saturday, November 7.
There are about 14 days left. As they say on TV, "Call Now!"
Merry Christmas, Asbury Mission Team
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Zoom Yoga Class with Kim Peck:
Every Other Sunday at 4 pm -
Next Class Sunday, October 25
Join Kim Peck for a Zoom yoga class every other Sunday at 4 pm! These classes will meet via Zoom through November 22. This class is open to all levels, and will include both traditional yoga poses and restorative poses intended to relieve the effects of chronic stress. It will be taught using basic yoga props, such as blocks, straps, and bolster, although all poses can also be done without props. This class will also include a brief meditation or meditative reading to close.
Sunday afternoons a difficult time to log on to a class? Then check out our Zoom Yoga page at https://www.visitasbury.org/zoom-yoga/ - all of Kim's videos from each week will be posted here as well, and can be accessed at any time!
For more information, or if you would like to sign up, please contact Kim Peck ([email protected]).
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We are very saddened to announce the following death in our Asbury family:
Sympathy is expressed to the family and friends of Kathie White, who passed away on October 18.
A graveside service will be held in the Asbury Memorial Garden on October 24.
Kathie was an original founder and planter of the Asbury Memorial Garden.
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A Visit to Sunflower House in Shawnee, KS
Last Saturday, October 17, our Asbury Food Pantry volunteers Steve Trenholm, Susan Strongman, Joan Brown, Charlie Bain, Roseann Sanders, and Anne Marley met at Sunflower House in Shawnee to help with their fund raiser "Pumpkin Palooza." Sunflower House is an advocacy group where children are referred after allegations of sexual or physical abuse, and the House works with police and child protective service workers to talk with children in the safe, child-centered location. It was wonderful to be able to help this wonderful organization while also getting the word out about our food pantry to people in need!
Visiting the Asbury Offices? Don't Forget to Sign In!
 Asbury's office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The main entrance doors will be unlocked during office hours.
We would like people to enter and exit the church through the main entrance doors only, and we ask that people limit their stay to the welcome area of the church and the Asbury Cafe. Masks will be required of all people who enter the building. If you forget yours at home, individually wrapped masks are available at the sign in desk just to the right of the entrance doors inside the building. Please also check in here when you arrive!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Gayla or Pastor Lee.
 2020 Census is Now Over!
This past week, the Supreme Court held that the census can end earlier than planned, which was October 31. The new deadline became October 15. Online self-responses were collected only through the end of the new deadline.
Guide to the 2020 Elections in Kansas
 Voting is the best way to ensure your voice is heard and your community is represented in your government. Go to https://www.thevoternetwork.org/. Click on the "How to Vote" tab and there you will find information on signing up to vote by mail, seeing who is on your ballot, options for voting early in person, plus additional helpful information.
Mark These Dates:
October 14 - Early voting begins and first day mailing of advance ballots.
Early In-Person Voting Continues Through November 2 - For more information, go to: JoCo.Election.org for locations, hours, and ballot drop box sites (if you live in Johnson County). OR, if you live in Wyandotte County, visit WycoVotes.org. In Wyandotte County, advance ballots can be mailed back to Wyandotte County Election Office or hand-delivered to the same location. Ballots can also be hand-delivered to any early in-person polling location, or the two ballot drop boxes located at 8th and State Ave. For hand-delivered ballots to any location, the deadline is November 3 at 7:00 pm.
November 3 - Election Day! For voters who requested advance ballots, they must be postmarked by this date.
November 6 - Mailed ballots must be received in respective County Election Offices by this date.
Quickly! - If you received an advance ballot, return ASAP!
So, what's the problem? These are uncertain times for all of us. You know, we know, heck, everybody knows this is a critical election for so many of us. Everyone needs to be heard. VOTE! And then make sure your family, friends and everyone you know have also voted.
Attention Newly Eligible Voters! 15 million people have aged into this year's election, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. VOTE and you could play a major role in the 2020 election. For "Hamilton" fans, click on the link below encouraging young voters to vote!
Prayer Requests and Concerns
 Did you know that you can submit a prayer request online? We are always keeping our Asbury family in prayer!
 <--- 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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 We need your help to keep our operations running during this tough time of needing to close down. Coronavirus has made things challenging for everyone and Asbury is no exception! Please consider giving to the church electronically through one of these four ways:
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
- 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. Stay safe and healthy!
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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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Upper Room Devotionals Available
for November/December!
We have both regular and large print copies of the November/December "Upper Room" Daily Devotional available in the church office.
If you would like one, please contact Phyllis Williams
at [email protected] or call the church office at 913.432.5573.
Please specify whether you would like regular or large print
and she will be happy to mail you a copy!
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As many of you already know, our long-time nursery director Georgeann Mai retired shortly after the pandemic began. We were hoping to do something in person for her, but have determined we should not wait any longer to do something. Please send a card expressing your gratitude for Georgeann's years of service to her this month. Heather emailed Georgeann's address to both the children's ministry and youth ministry email lists. If you did not receive an email and would like her address, please email [email protected] or call the church office and Phyllis can get the address for you.
Notes from previous nursery kids and including kids' artwork with notes are strongly encouraged.
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Sunday School
This month we'll focus on faith and inviting children to Celebrate Wonder. We will strive to engage children's natural sense of curiosity to help them understand God's love. We'll encourage kids to ask big questions and help them explore the Bible in ways that feeds their imagination and encourages creativity.
 3 years - Kindergarten: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "Isaac is Born" (Genesis 21:1-7), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
1st-3rd Grade: The lesson and activities for this week's lesson, "Isaac is Born" (Genesis 21:1-7), were emailed out today. Heather will make a video and post it to Facebook on Sunday.
4th-5th Grade: We will meet via Zoom at 11 am on Sunday to continue our discussion of "Who is My Neighbor?" (Matthew 25:34-40). A link was sent out via email today.
Save the Date
Halloween Drive-In Movie Night - Saturday, October 24 at 7 pm
 I n lieu of Trunk-or-Treat, we will be hosting a Halloween-themed drive-in movie night for kids. There will be goodie bags for kids filled with trunk-or-treat items. We will show "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and another kid-friendly Halloween movie that will be announced soon. Physical distancing guidelines will be followed.
Children's Family Trivia Night - Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm
 Children's Ministries is hosting our third kid-friendly family trivia night via Zoom on Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm. There will be questions for all ages. It's sure to be an evening of fun! We utilize breakout groups, so invite your friends to join your team! You don't have to be in the same room or even under the same roof! Let us know you plan on joining the fun at https://fb.me/e/4uS8OKQTB. A link will be sent out to the children's ministry email list closer to the day of the event. If you do not receive those emails, you can request the link by emailing [email protected]. Virtual Paper Bag Pageant
 Asbury's annual paper bag pageant is going virtual! All our children's ministry families should be receiving a packet this week containing masks and craft sticks. We are asking that you families color some or all the masks and then record themselves walking toward the camera with masks and pausing as they get close to the camera. You can record as many characters as you would like. Then upload the video to the cloud based storage of your preference and send an editable link to Heather ( [email protected]), our Director of Family Ministries, so she can begin editing the pageant together. Please send videos to Heather by Thursday, November 19. Hold on to your masks so you can participate in the pageant on Christmas Eve!! If you have grandkids, nieces, nephews or friends that would like masks, there are some extra sets available in the church office. Or, you can email Heather ( [email protected]) to request an email file for the masks or for a packet to be mailed to you. Family Devotional is Available! We've purchased a family devotional from the same company that created our virtual VBS material. We are allowed to make up to 50 copies of the devotional. If you would like a copy, please email [email protected] and specify if you want a PDF copy or if you would like for us to print and mail you a copy.
to be added to the children's ministry email list.
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Sunday School: The Gospel According to Harry Potter
This Sunday morning at 10 am, we'll continue our Sunday School series, "The Gospel According to Harry Potter." We'll go through the books one by one looking for where the character and themes reflect those in the Bible. We might spend a week or two on each book, depending on our discussions. All youth are invited to join via Zoom. The link was emailed out today.
Youth Family Trivia Night - Sunday, October 25 at 6 pm
 We had so much fun at our Youth Family Trivia Nights that we decided to do a third one! Our third night of fun is Sunday, October 25 at 6 pm via Zoom. You can play as a family or we can mix it up in breakout groups. Youth do not need to convince their family to join the fun in order to participate. Do you have a child in college? Invite them to join the family fun!! Let us know you plain on joining the fun at https://fb.me/e/3ntka0R0f.
Stay up to date on all that's happening in youth ministry by following our Facebook page!
or email our Director of Family Ministries to be added to the youth ministry email list.
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 A Letter of Thanks
from Georgeann Mai
To My Asbury Family,
My retirement decision was a difficult one. However, my responsibilities at home caused me to decide that this was the time. I loved my position in the nursery and loving and caring for the children. I miss being there. Lynn Tolson and Joan Brown and I always looked forward to Sunday mornings. I have received many cards since I retired. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and loving thanks very much.
Thank you. Love, Georgeann Mai
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SHOPPING ON AMAZON?
2. Search "Asbury Methodist Church"
3. Select the Prairie Village location...and SHOP!
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