april 20, 2014 - Asbury Church

faith in action… imagine your life changed.
Our Vision Statement
In all aspects of our lives, we
will strive to be disciples of
Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
PASSIONATE
WORSHIP
SUNDAY SERVICES
WORSHIP
8:00 AM in the Sanctuary
WORSHIP
9:30 AM in the Sanctuary
OPEN DOOR WORSHIP
10:45 AM in the Wesley Center
WORSHIP
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Pastor
Eric S. Yeakel
SUNDAY MORNING CHILDCARE
During our 9:30 Sunday School
time, we have childcare for
infants through three year olds.
During our 11:00 Service, we
have childcare available for
infants through PreK.
OFFICE HOURS
8 AM to 4 PM, M—F
1533 Springhouse Road
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: 610-398-2577
Fax: 610-366-1108
www.asburylv.org
Publicity Requests:
http://publicityform.asburylv.org/
Asbury United
Methodist Church
@asburyumclv
APRIL 20, 2014
The Vine
HAPPY EASTER!! I am looking forward to worshipping with
you this Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord
and Savior. The sermon this weekend will focus on First Corinthians 15. About twenty years after the resurrection, the Apostle Paul writes a letter to some Christians in Corinth to explain
that they can’t separate their faith from the resurrection. Some
in the church at Corinth follow Jesus’ teachings but they are
skeptical of the resurrection. Paul says you can’t do that. You
can’t separate your faith from the resurrection.
Did you ever notice that during this time of the year, there are almost always big newsfeatured articles about Jesus and the resurrection, and can we believe, and did he really rise? Paul dealt with this question over 2,000 years ago and we will examine his
answer. My prayer is that this message will encourage you in your spiritual journey. I
am also praying for anyone who will be attending the Easter service that is not a follower of Jesus. My prayer is that they would make the step of faith to embrace Jesus as
their personal, risen Savior this Easter.
What an exciting day it was last Sunday at Asbury! Twelve of our Third Graders received their Bibles at the 9:30 service and sixteen of our Youth were confirmed at the
Confirmation Service on Sunday afternoon. We had a total of 734 people who worshiped last Sunday! The Spirit is moving and it’s so exciting. I can’t wait for the celebration of Easter! See you Sunday!
Pastor Eric
Together, with one voice,
glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:16
Asbury is blessed with musical groups that incorporate individuals of all ages. On Sunday, 5/4, we will celebrate the blessing of music that God has graciously given us by
gathering all of our choirs and bands for an afternoon of praise and worship at our Unity
in Music concert. Join us at 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary as we raise our voices together.
This concert will incorporate the Joyful NoiseMakers, the Rainbow Singers, the Youth
Choir, the Chancel Choir, the Sanctuary Choir, the Faith Ringers, the Apostle Ringers,
the Jubilation Ringers, the 9:30 AM Praise Band, and the Open Door Band. Each
group will pair with another group as we join in song to worship our Savior.
We are so thankful to have a rich tapestry of musical offerings here. Be part of the celebration of music here at Asbury and the worship of our God, who sings over His children throughout the world. A free-will offering will benefit the music program at Ramos
Elementary School.
Asbury Church will host the 2nd Annual Parkland Community
Resource Fair on 5/3, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The community is invited to come and learn from over 70 agencies covering topics of
emergency preparedness, transportation in the Parkland area, programs for seniors and
those with disabilities, help with substance abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy,
healthcare, employment, mentoring and more. This is a perfect opportunity for members and friends of Asbury Church to serve our neighbors. Please open this Google
Doc http://tinyurl.com/Parkland-Resource-Fair and enter the times you can assist. Thanks for practicing Radical Hospitality and helping make a difference in our
community.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
THE ANNUAL UMW SPRING LUNCHEON
will be held in Fellowship Hall at 12:30 PM on
Sunday, 4/27. We have invited a speaker from
the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum to teach
us about PA German Lenten and Easter
Customs. Lunch will include sandwiches,
salads and desserts. Our Mission Project is
collecting clothing and school supplies for the
Ramos School. The last day to purchase
tickets ($8.00) in the Parlor/Community Room
is this Sunday, 4/20.
ATTENTION ALL CRAFTERS: Work is beginning on the crafts
for the UMW Bazaar in November! The first official meeting will
be held on Thursday, 6/12, at 6:30 PM in Room 106. Contact
Dee Riedy ([email protected] or 610-398-0508) with
any questions. Crafters of all levels welcome!
INTERESTED IN JOINING ASBURY? Two one-day sessions
for persons interested in learning more about the church, or
joining Asbury, will be held on Wednesday, 5/21, (the first time it
has been offered on a weekday!) and Saturday, 6/7, from
approximately 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. (Lunch and childcare will be
provided.) Interested persons need to attend only ONE of the
sessions. If you would like to participate please contact Laurie
Wallace Theisen in the church office.
PEP (People Enjoying People) CLUB will gather in Fellowship
Hall at 9:30 AM on Friday, 4/25, for their social time, followed at
10:00 AM by a short business meeting. A program will be
presented by representatives of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. All
interested adults are invited to attend.
SALEM THRIFT SHOP is in need of gently-used sheets,
pillowcases, and towels. Items may be dropped off in the
Maintenance Room on the lower level of the church, across from
Fellowship Hall.
Prayers of Our Congregation
16th ANNUAL SPRING BELL FESTIVAL will be held at Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church, 514 Third Ave., Bethlehem, PA, on
Sunday, 4/27. Four handbell choirs from the area, including
our own Jubilation Ringers, will join with the Mainstreet Brass
and Festival Singers to present two concerts (4:00 & 7:00 PM)
featuring both solo and massed performances. A freewill
offering will be received.
OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP DISCIPLESHIP SKILLS
A Basic Christ Servant Ministry Course will be offered at
Asbury, Friday evening, 5/2, and continue Saturday, 5/3, at
a cost of $35.00. This ten-hour introductory course, taught
by Judy Ehninger, is the first step in the Christ Servant Ministry program. In addition, an Advanced Christ Servant Ministry Course in Caring will be offered concurrently by the Rev.
Dr. Glenn Asquith. This ten-hour course (also $35.00) will
focus on Lay Pastoral Visitation Skills including the administration of communion to the shut-in or homebound by a
trained lay member of a congregation. You do not need to
be a Christ Servant Minister to participate. Please see
www.christservantministries.net or contact Judy Ehninger
([email protected] or 610-965-2290) for more information on
either session, or for a registration form.
Jesus, Son of the living God, splendor of the Father,
eternal light, Lord, we praise you!
Taizé Prayer
For those who need health and healing
Lord, we ask your mercy and healing for all those
currently hospitalized or recently discharged, including
William Gibson, Gerald Koehler, Bill Stine, Alma Davis,
Joan Donham, Andrew Bringhurst, Kevin Anthony, Pat
Pramik, Joan Potter, Joanne Lamendola, Elizabeth
Richards and Valerie Hutton. We ask you to have mercy
on all those in pain, both physical and mental and grant
them your peace.
For those who need your special help
Lord, we affirm that your power is infinite and that you
love us all like a devoted parent. Gratefully acknowledging
your love and mercy toward us, we lift up these people for
your care: Dave Greene, for a successful surgery 4/29;
Safety for all those who are traveling to be with loved
ones during Easter.
For our congregation
We celebrate with the 12 Third Graders who received
their Bibles last Sunday, and with the 16 Youth that were
confirmed last week at a special service. Thank you for
leading us in the way that leads to life eternal.
For our children
Lord, thank you for granting us the blessing of children,
whose smiles light up our lives.
For those who mourn
Lord, we ask comfort for all who mourn the loss of loved
ones. Reassure them of your unending mercy and eternal
love.
For the world, its people and its leaders
Lord, we ask your intervention in talks for peace in Syria
and the Ukraine. Please prevent violence and instigate a
successful peace process.
With thanksgiving for our joys
We celebrate the following joys: Jesus, our Savior, died
on the cross for our sins, and on the third day was raised
from the dead; Manly Offutt observed his 73rd birthday;
James Mellen attained his Eagle rank at a Court of Honor
last Saturday; A grandson, Samuel Vincent Bagzis, was
born to Larry and Linda Bagzis.
For the missions we support
Everlasting Life Ministries waits upon God to meet the
needs of its ministry through faithful, obedient support and
partners. The vision is to reach the hurt and abandoned in
the inner cities of the Lehigh Valley.
INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT
CHILDREN’S
RISK-TAKING MISSION
AND SERVICE
MINISTRIES
Faith & Fun Alive Sunday School
 This Sunday, 4/20, Children’s Sunday School will discuss the timeline of events
during Holy Week and the glory of Easter morning.
 Congratulations to Asbury’s 3rd Grade Sunday School Class who received their
Bibles last Sunday, 4/13, at the 9:30 AM worship service.
Noe Bridges
Ryan Connors
Grant Dieter
Brooke Hadian
Jacob Hammer
Jacob Hawk
Tyler Hawk
Rosemary John
Elijah Kinzel
Brandon Leader
Matthew Muthard
Zachary Schessler
Mission Project
 This Sunday, 4/20, will conclude the “Making Change” Mission Project that the
children have been working on during this Lenten Season. They have been
working hard to earn change to donate toward Asbury’s clean water well fund to
benefit Lofa County in Liberia.
Children’s Ministry Activities
 Next Sunday, 4/27, J.A.M. (formerly 4th and 5th Grade Junior Youth Group) will
CHANGE
FOR
CHANGE
This month our Change For Change
collection is designated for the Jordan
Lutheran Pantry, which was established
in 1980 to serve families in need who live
in the Parkland School District. The
pantry is open the first and third Monday
of the month and is staffed by volunteers
who stock and distribute food to needy
families. Please place your contributions
in the containers at the rear of the
Sanctuary or in the Wesley Center
meet at Playdrome Bowling Alley at 801 N. 15th Street in Allentown from 6:15 to
8:15 PM for some fun and fellowship. Please contact Pam Unrath to register your
son or daughter in advance so that appropriate reservations can be made.
Contact Pam Unrath, Director of Children’s Ministries,
([email protected] or 610-398-2577)
for information on all Children’s Ministry activities.
ASBURY'S ANNUAL MISSIONS
YARD SALE AND THE GREAT
AMERICAN BAKE SALE WILL
BE HELD ON SATURDAY, 6/21!
Last Sunday we welcomed 16 confirmands into the church! Congratulations to:
Gabrielle Barraco Laurel Campbell Taylor Getchius
Kyle Morgan
Brooke Bartholomew Gino DiGregory
Brian Hanton
Hannah Oswald
Garrett Bonenberger Kaitlyn Furst
Timothy Inhoff Tyler Schellenberg
Max Broekhuis
Kelsey German
Robert Leiser
Kevin Slack
Thank you to Rich Kropp and Nate Diffenbaugh for teaching the Confirmation
Class and to Deb Inhoff for coordinating the potluck following the Service of
Confirmation!
There is no Youth Group on Sunday, 4/20, as we leave space to celebrate
Easter with family.
Can’t make it to Sunday School at 9:30 AM? There’s still a class for you! Come
out to the Youth Lounge at 11:00 AM on Sunday, 4/27! This class is open to
Grades 6-12.
Our weekly Sunday School Classes help to focus on what our faith is and why it's
important for us - not just on a Sunday morning, but every day of our lives. Join us
from 9:30 to 10:30 AM every Sunday. Classes are split for Grades 6&7 (Room
106), Grade 8 (Confirmation, Room 108), and High School (Youth Lounge).
Have a great Easter and remember that we are forgiven and redeemed because
of what Christ did on the cross!
Contact Aaron in the church office ([email protected] or 610-398-2577)
for information on all Youth Ministry activities and opportunities.
Children’s Ministries and Youth Ministries
wish you and your families a very
Happy Easter!
Start cleaning out your closets,
basements, and garages, and also
consider volunteering to help set up
during the week before the sale. We
especially need people who are good at
pricing, and cashiers for the day of the
sale. Baked goods would be greatly
appreciated in our endeavor to end
childhood hunger. For more information
contact Wendy Huszar (610-797-8456) or
Jennifer Springer (610-395-7812).
EXTRAVAGANT
GENEROSITY
ASBURY ENDOWMENT FUND
Consider making a gift to the Asbury
Endowment Fund in memory of a
family member or special friend.
Feel free to discuss with Pastor Eric,
Tom Gibson, or John Chappelear
any questions that you may have in
this regard.
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday, April 20 — EASTER SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
9:15 a.m. God's Rainbow- 200
9:30 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
9:30 a.m. Sunday School All Ages
10:45 a.m. Open Door Community Worship- WC
11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
1:00 p.m. Church of God- Sanctuary/FH
Monday, April 21
5:00 p.m. Athletes for Christ- WC
6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts- 108
6:30 p.m. Country Crossing HOA- Parlor
6:30 p.m. Sr. High Guys Group- YL
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 12- FH & 106
7:00 p.m. Finance Committee- Aldersgate
7:00 p.m. Jubilation Ringers- 206
7:30 p.m. Praise Band- Sanctuary
Tuesday, April 22
6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Jr. Troop 6244- 108
7:00 p.m. Growth Project Board Meeting- 217
7:00 p.m. Asbury Volleyball- WC
7:00 p.m. Summer Harmony- FH
7:30 p.m. OA- 204
Wednesday, April 23
9:00 a.m. Prayer Group- 231
10:00 a.m. Glenn Asquith Bible Study- 108
1:00 p.m. AA (Open)- 108
5:00 p.m. Daisy Troop 6075- 219
5:00 p.m. Garden of Eatin' Dinner- WC
5:40 p.m. Faith Ringers- 206
6:30 p.m. Asbury Quilters- 204
6:30 p.m. Joyful Noisemakers- 108/FH
6:30 p.m. Rainbow Singers- 106
7:00 p.m. Let's Read Together- 210
7:00 p.m. LV Wheelmen- Parlor
Wednesday, April 23 (continued)
7:00 p.m. Church & Society- 202
7:00 p.m. SPRC- Aldersgate
7:10 p.m. Youth Choir- 106
8:00 p.m. Apostle Ringers- 206
8:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir- 102
Thursday, April 24
10:00 a.m. Preschool Stretch & Grow- FH
6:00 p.m. Open Door Rehearsal- WC
7:00 p.m. Growth Project Leader Meeting- 216
7:00 p.m. Girl Scout Service Unit- FH
7:00 p.m. NARANON- 215
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir- 102
Friday, April 25
9:00 a.m. P.E.P. Club- FH
1:00 p.m. AA (Open)- 108
6:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 12 Open House- WC
Saturday, April 26
4:00 p.m. Families on the Grow Picnic- Grove
7:00 p.m. Cub Scout Planning - Aldersgate
Sunday, April 27
8:00 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
9:15 a.m. God's Rainbow- 200
9:30 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
9:30 a.m. Sunday School All Ages
10:45 a.m. Open Door Community Worship- WC
11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration- Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Youth Sunday School Class- YL
12:30 p.m. UMW Spring Luncheon- FH
1:00 p.m. Church of God- 106/108
6:00 p.m. Church Council -217
6:30 p.m. Youth Group- YL/FH/108
7:00 p.m. Dig Deep- 106
Chuck Goodge
CONGREGATIONAL CHATS
WEDNESDAY, 4/30 @ 6:30 PM
SUNDAY, 5/4 @ 12:15 PM
ROOM 217
This is an opportunity for members &
friends to gather with representatives
from Church Council, hear a brief
financial report, and ask questions.
Our Staff
Charles (“Chuck”) Goodge is a member of the Trustees at Asbury. He is a
greeter and has been a Worship Coordinator. Chuck’s passion is the Yokefellow Ministry, which supports inmates and ex-offenders and introduces them to
Christ. You might see him on a Sunday morning with young men that he is
mentoring. Chuck has also done work with Asbury in Missions. Thanks, Chuck!
Eric Yeakel, Pastor
[email protected]
Glenn Asquith, Director of Congregational Care [email protected]
Laurie Wallace Theisen, Director of Lay Ministries [email protected]
Pam Unrath, Director of Children’s Ministries
[email protected]
Aaron Forney, Director of Youth Ministries
& Leader of Open Door Worship Band
[email protected]
Karen Bowermaster, Director of PreSchool
[email protected]
& Interim Director of PlayDays
[email protected]
Tom Gibson, Business Administrator
[email protected]
Larry Hein, Head Custodian
[email protected]