The life-changing ministries at Asbury only happen because of your generous financial support. If you intend to continue to be a part of impacting the Lehigh Valley and the world through the mission and ministry of Asbury via your monetary giving, we want to encourage you to complete a financial pledge card for 2024 to help Asbury’s Finance Committee as they create the church budget. You can complete the card virtually at asburylv.org/PledgeCard; or contact the church office at 610-398-2577 or using the form below to have a physical copy of the card mailed to you.
Asbury Celebrates First Graduates of Liberian Sewing School
The following article was written by Dick McCreight of Asbury in Mission. Dick has been instrumental in fostering the relationship with and infinitives for our friends in Liberia.
Asbury Church has had a relationship with their brothers and sisters in Liberia for over 20 years. It began when Asbury connected with the Reverend Jerome Kennedy, who at that time was the District Superintendent of the Voinjama District in rural Lofa County Liberia. After years of sending clothing, educational curriculum, and medical supplies through Asbury’s Barrels of Love ministry, it was suggested by a member of Asbury’s United Methodist Women that Asbury start a sewing school so that parents could earn an income to provide for the basic needs of their families.
In 2014 the first one-room school was founded in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia. The facility could accommodate only 14 students. In 2020 the school lost their lease on that space and was in need of a new, larger, space to accommodate more students. Through the generous support of Asbury members, construction of a new building dedicated to the sewing school began in 2021 on Tylers Island, another Monrovia-area suburb. Through the leadership of Rev. Kennedy and School Director Yamah Wymon, the school was completed and opened in 2022 with funds for sewing machines and instructors provided by Asbury.
Asbury was thrilled to hear news of the first graduation class of the Tylers Island Home Economic Training Center in October 2023. School Director, Yamah Wymon writes, “[I] am so happy to present to you the first graduates of Tylers Island Home Economic Training Center, a vocational school in Tailoring. I am so proud to be a part of history-making in Liberia. Thanks [to] the Asbury United Methodist Church [for] their continued support in the life of Liberians, They are the reasons behind our success today. May God continue to bless the work of their hands. To my students, go into the world and explore the new skills acquired and make a difference. Thanks [to] the teaching staff for their patience and tireless efforts doing every section. Thanks to our parents, friends, and well-wishers for gracing our occasion this past Sunday.”
Asbury is blessed beyond measure by being a blessing in the lives of our Liberian friends and looks forward to many more graduations from the Tylers Island school.
Following up on the recent “Stewards of Eden” small group study, and in keeping with the ongoing Closing the Gap initiative, The Environmental Justice Team would like to invite you to a brief meeting/listening session between worship services (roughly 10:30 AM – 11 AM) on Sunday, November 19, in the Community Room. The team welcomes sharing of feedback, ideas for service opportunities, next steps, etc. to help close the gap regarding creation care in and around Asbury Church.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE TEAM
Founded as part of Asbury’s Closing the Gap initiative, the Environmental Justice Team works to create a sustainable future by living an eco-conscious present.
Facilitators are needed for this upcoming Advent study, beginning in late November. “An Unlikely Advent” is a four-week Advent study focusing on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
The following is a message distributed by Bishop John Schol on Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Dear United Methodists of EPA&GNJ,
In the shadows of grief and concern, I reach out to you today regarding the deeply distressing events unfolding in the Middle East. The devastating acts of war by Hamas against Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and the taking of individuals as hostages, are heartbreaking and incomprehensible. Such acts of violence and brutality have historically intensified animosities rather than fostering resolution, and we must resoundingly condemn these actions.
What can you do? I humbly call all of us, and invite our pastors to call congregations, to the following responses:
Pray – Pray for the hostages, for those who have suffered losses, and for peace in the Middle East. Pray for leaders that they will make good, right and just decisions that value and protect life.
Empathize – Reach out to those impacted by the war. It may be family, friends, colleagues, or others from the Middle East. Share your concerns and listen.
Learn – Talk with people from the Middle East or read to better understand.
Be sensitive – Aggression and war affect people differently, especially those who have been to war or combat zones. Listen, pray as needed, assist the individual to receive additional help.
While this is an ancient conflict dating back to Abraham, we must never give in or give up on hope. Jesus has always shown through prayer and working together that God does bring peace.
I want to give thanks and prayers for several EPA pastors and laity who were in Israel during this attack. They have been safely moved to another country and are or will be returning home soon. We give thanks for their safety and pray for their continued safety and consolation as they travel home.
In this daunting challenge, let our faith be the beacon that guides us and our congregations to embody Christ’s message of love, hope, and peace.
Peace,
Bishop John Schol The United Methodists of
Eastern Pennsylvania & Greater New Jersey
Take time during the month of October to say a special “thanks” to our pastors! Send an email, a card of thanksgiving, or another affirmation for their ministry at Asbury. Cards can be sent to the church office.
Next session October 26! Have young children and looking for a connection point? Mark your calendar for this new small group opportunity being led by Jon and Ashton Strohl!
FAMILY FUN DINNER MEETUP
When: Upcoming Dates TBA
Where: Wesley Center at Asbury
About the Group: Join other families with young children for fun games, activities, and dinner! Designed for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary school age children. Food and drinks will be served at the first meetup on September 21.
The P.E.P. Club will meet on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 9:30 AM in Room 108.
Join the P.E.P. Club for fellowship and entertainment.
About the P.E.P. Club
The P.E.P. (People Enjoying People) Club is made up of adults of all ages (male and female) and centers around fellowship and entertainment, with a shared devotional time as well.
P.E.P. Club meetings every third Friday of the month (except July & August) with fellowship beginning at 9:30 AM.
Each member brings something unique and provides care, love, and support for each other.
Upcoming 2023 Schedule
– This is the final meeting of the P.E.P. Club
A special thank you to all of the Asbury members who made generous donations of items and financial gifts to help many in need at the Ripple Community Center. Your contributions will help those experiencing housing insecurity.
Three car trunks were filled with boxes of grooming items, tents, water wipes, coats, and more.
Thank you to our Health Ministry Team for organizing this collection!
The Asbury Bridge Group (card playing) is looking for new members. They play on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1 PM – 3 PM. If you don’t want to commit to every session but are interested in being occasionally included, you can be added to the group’s Substitute List. Contact group leader George Grossmann using the form below to sign up.
September 23, 9:30 AM – 12 PM, at Asbury’s lower level entrance
Asbury’s Health Ministries Team is holding a collection for the Ripple Community Center on Saturday, September 23. Ripple Community is guided by a vision of Allentown as a community where everyone has a role to play, a diverse network of social support, and a connection to the place they call home. Their programs serve over 150 Allentown residents, including people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, people who are socially isolated, people living with significant histories of trauma and mental illness, and the working poor. For our neighbors living with challenges like these, RCI is a source of friendship, support, and community.
At this time they are in need of donations of the following items:
– Baby wipes (highly needed)
– Flashlights
– AA, AAA, D batteries
– Tarps
– Tents
– Toilet paper
– Blankets
– Toothbrushes
– Toothpaste
– Razors
– Hair combs
– Hairbrushes
– Bookbags
– Reusable totes
– Portable chargers for cell phones
– Deodorant
– Lotion
– Lip balm
– Socks
– Feminine products (pads, liners, and tampons)
– Shaving cream
– Reusable water bottles
– Protein/ meal replacement shakes
– Single served flavored packets for water
– Cases of water/ Gatorade
– Umbrellas/ ponchos
– LANTA Bus passes
The Asbury Health Ministry Team greatly appreciates your generosity!
Youth-aged students (or parents of youth-aged students): we need your input on how your musical talent and heart can be used in worship!
We are so grateful that Mike Grather has stepped forward as a volunteer to lead our youth (in grades 6-12) in sharing their gift of music with others. We are in the early stages of trying to develop a program that “fits” our students interests and abilities.
An initial meeting time of Sunday evenings from 6 PM – 6:30 PM (before Youth Group) is being considered; but if that time frame will not work for you, please let us know that as well.
Current ideas being for music involvement include: a consistent choir, drop in choir, musical instruments playing in prelude/postlude of worship, students participating in selection of music, etc. We need you and your student’s input to offer the best opportunity for them to use their gifts to worship and celebrate God.
If you think your youth would be interested in participating, please touch base with Pam Unrath, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, at punrath@asburylv.org.
Help is needed with a project for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church’s Project Restoration.
A repair project is being completed in Downingtown as part of recovery from damage incurred from Hurricane Ida. Tasks as determined by the Project Restoration team are as follows:
install a pre-hung door into half block as a garage fire door
a small drywall project to complete the installation
A project lead will be on-site; and coordinators estimate a half day of work (depending on the number of volunteers available). They are targeting a date of September 9 or September 16.
Our friends from the Al-Ahad Islamic Center, who are sharing our building as they construct a new worship facility, extend the following invitation to attend “The Arbaeen Exhibit”:
Peace be upon you.
With a heart full of respect and unity, we cordially invite you and the Asbury congregation to join us for a special exhibit honoring the historic events of Karbala and the spiritual pilgrimage of Arbaeen. This is more than an exhibition; it’s an opportunity to foster understanding and bridge gaps between our faiths.
Event Highlights:
Over 12 Thematic Exhibits: Dive deep into the captivating history, traditions, and significance of Arbaeen and Karbala. Our exhibits are designed to educate, inspire, and create dialogue.
Mawkibs Stations (Tents): Immerse yourself in the generous spirit of the Mawkibs, as they provide traditional food, drinks, and services to all attendees, reminiscent of their role during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Event Details
Date: September 10, 2023
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Asbury United Methodist Church
What to Expect?
Engaging storytelling through visuals during a walk around the campus.
Opportunities for open dialogue with scholars and attendees of various faith backgrounds.
Traditional refreshments and culinary delights.
A deep sense of community and mutual respect.
Through this event, we aim not only to educate but also to extend a hand of friendship and understanding. As we gather, may we reflect on the shared values that unite us across faiths and appreciate the rich tapestry of beliefs that make up our global community.
We warmly welcome you. Together, let’s honor the timeless lessons of love, sacrifice, and resilience.
Information and questions can be sent to the Al-Ahad Islamic Center at info@sijpa.org.
Looking for some Friday night fun? Dianna and Donald Schneck are leading a new small group featuring board and/or card games, beginning on September 8! Open to adults 21 and over only.
Want to try your hand at some fun and fellowship? This new small group opportunity, being led by Rick and Faye Rentschler, starts September 20!
CARDS SMALL GROUP
When: Third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 PM (Dates: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17)
Where: Room 108 at Asbury
About the Group: Do you enjoy playing card games? This group features card fun, Christian fellowship, and creating friendships! Led by Rick and Faye Rentschler.
“Treasured” is a special 6-week journey for moms and tween daughters (grades 4 & 5); a chance to discover worth while deepening a connection to each other and the Creator. The group will meet on Tuesday nights from September 26 – October 24 at Asbury (room TBA) from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Registration is now closed. Watch for additional sessions of Treasured in the future.
August 27, 2023, during Sunday School Hour: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
for Children (through 5th grade) and Youth (6th-12th grades)
Children (age 3 – 5th grade): Join us in the Worship Center as we get the school year started with fun, food, games, and a special blessing of your backpacks!
Youth (grades 6-12): Join us in the Youth Lounge as we get the school year started with fun, food, games, and a special blessing over this new season in your life!
IT’S BACK! Students in 6th – 12th grades: join us for Youth Group weekly beginning on August 20 as we connect and build relationships (and bring a friend, too)! Meetings will be from 6:30 PM – 8 PM in the Youth Lounge. For more information, contact Pam Unrath, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, at punrath@asburylv.org.
Join Carlen Blackstone for a special Sunday school class on Sunday, August 20, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM in room 217. Carlen was a member of Asbury from 1992 until 2019, when she moved to the in the Pittsburgh area where she attends Dutilh UMC. Carlen’s message will include sharing about Dutilh’s summer sermon series entitled “Words to the Wise” and relate to Pastor Eric’s new sermon series on “The Ten Commandments.”
