|
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
|
|
|
If you would like a print copy of the September/October issue of The Upper Room devotional, please let us know by completing this form. We'll mail it to you free of charge while our supplies last.
Asbury's Health Ministry is offering flu shots on Sunday, October 4, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM on Asbury's campus (location TBA). Shots will be free to those with Medicare Part B. A high-dose vaccine will be available. All CDC guidelines will be followed.
Asbury's Stamp Ministry is continuing to collect used stamps to help raise money for missions and ask that you continue to save stamps to bring to the Asbury once the building is reopened. To learn more about the stamp ministry, visit asburylv.org/stamps.
|
Drop-Off Dates:
Friday August 21, 4 PM - 6 PM
Saturday August 22, 10 AM - 12 PM
* PLARN Mats (Plastic Sleeping Mats for the Homeless) - create at home
|
Weekly Framework
Jesus asks the disciples a question that begs an answer from all of us - "who do you say that I am?" In this moment, Peter declares that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus declares that Peter is correct and that he will build his 'church' upon the rock (Peter) and nothing will destroy it. Jesus was giving Peter and through him, the church, the authority to do his work in the world. So, "who do you say that he is?" And what does it mean for your life?
Wednesday's Reflection
From Pastor Eric's Daily Study Guide
Protestants and Roman Catholics have long debated whether the "rock" on which Jesus built his church was Peter the person, or Peter's faith in Jesus as Messiah. Scholar A. F. Walls wrote, "Even if it could be shown that Roman bishops are in any meaningful sense the successors of Peter (which it cannot), the passage does not allow for the transfer of its provisions to any successors whatever. It refers to the foundation of the church, which cannot be repeated." In what ways are you (and all Christians) Peter's successors? In what ways was his role unique and foundational?
90 Day Bible Reading Challenge
"Key Themes" Bible Reading Plan
The 'key theme' for this week's scripture passage is "Prayer." Read the applicable scripture passage for each day below using the 'SOAP' method of reading scripture.
Scripture - First read the scripture passage.
Observation - Think about what you just read and find one thing you think God wanted you to hear that's relevant to your life and write it down.
Application - Think about what you need to do differently as a result of what you just read and write it down.
Pray- Pray about what you just read.
This Week's Readings
|
|
The prophet Daniel said "we do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy" (Daniel 9:18b, NIV). In your own words, pray to God with a spirit of contrition for the things that are on your heart.
|
Sometimes life can seem confusing or worrisome. But even in the scary and uncertain times, God is still in charge. He is with you, even when He seems far away. God is right by your side and nothing can separate you from Him. Grab a piece of paper and write down three things you're worried about. Ask Him to remind you that He goes ahead of you and that He is with you. Thank Him for creating you for a purpose and ask Him to show you each day how you can follow him.
Print Resources for this week:
Videos for this week (new for 8/16):
|
Virtual Escape Room Zoom
TONIGHT, Wednesday, August 19th, 8-9 PM, for all youth age students
We'll divide into teams and see which one can solve puzzles, discover passcodes and move from one room to the next until they're finally free. Will your team be the first to finish?
Register at: https://forms.gle/4yDzKiKTRVu2pEhZ9
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: join us Friday nights at 8 PM to catch up via Zoom! If it's your first time joining us, registration is required!
|
Our next outdoor worship service is this Sunday, August 23, at 8 AM. (Please note there will still be an online-only service streaming at 10 AM at live.asburylv.org).
Registration is required, even if you've previously attended an outdoor worship service. Register at asburylv.org/outdoorworshipregistration for any or all of the 3 scheduled outdoor services (through September 6).
Mid-year financial statements have been released either through email (if we have a valid email address for you) or through "snail mail." Please review and advise if there is something that does not match your personal records. This is the first time that we are trying it this way, so your patience is appreciated!
Want to learn more about Asbury? There will be a virtual Adult Inquirers session on Tuesday evening, September 1. Those interested in joining the church will have an opportunity to do so afterward, but we also welcome those who wish to take the class for informational purposes only. Contact Laurie Wallace Theisen, Director of Lay Ministries(ltheisen@asburylv.org) to RSVP.
|
Asbury's building is now closed indefinitely. When the time comes to re-open, rest assured we will send that communication as far in advance as possible (and very ready to celebrate gathering again!).
For the safety of all, and to keep Asbury's building virus-free, access to the building is now limited to office and custodial staff only. All other key cards have been deactivated. Should you need to gain access to the building, please contact Israel Olivieri, Business Manager, at iolivieri@asburylv.org.
For those wishing to support COVID-19 relief, we encourage you to consider giving to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Advance. 100% of donations to the Advance go to COVID-19 relief, as UMCOR's administrative costs are paid through connectional giving.
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 them, email Pastor Barbara to get connected with a helper. We do not have supplies available to offer; but could help coordinate a pickup for an order you place at a local fabric or craft store that's offering curbside pickup. 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.
|
If you are experiencing loneliness, or spiritual and emotional distress during these challenging days, or if there's someone you're concerned about, please reach out to Pastor Barbara at blee@asburylv.org.
Due to changes in staffing at our hospitals, the church often can no longer reach hospital staff to find out if our Asbury members are hospitalized.
Please call the church office to let us know if you or a loved one is in the hospital, so we can provide pastoral care. Thank you!
We know that these stressful times have and will cause hardships for some in our community. The following groups, recommended by Asbury in Mission (AIM), have resources available for assistance if you or someone you know has a need:
Kingdom Life Family Center Food Bank 4333 Lime Kiln Rd, Orefield, PA 18069
1401 Linden Street, Allentown, PA 18102 AIM also reminds us that while volunteer opportunities are few due to the current crisis, our mission partners can still be supported financially. Learn more about all of our AIM mission partners at asburylv.org/aim. If you are in a position to donate to the food banks, please be aware of the following information about donations:
Kingdom Life Family Center in Orefield wants people to make an appointment to drop off food on a Tuesday morning. Call 610-398-0111
Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown, Food bank can take donations in the morning by appointment only. Call Rev. Navin Satyarvata 610-432-2577.
|
|
|
