NEEDS-BASED EVANGELISM

Transcription

1 NEEDS-BASED EVANGELISM N E W S L E T T E R Winter 2011 INSIDE Nashville Work Trip pg. 2 Chancel Choir News pg. 3 UMW News pg. 4 Asbury Mailbox pg. 6 Family Album pg. 8 Asbury United Methodist Church 1533 Springhouse Road Allentown, PA by Pastor Eric WHAT DO you think of when you hear the word evangelism? For most people evangelism has become a negative word. For some of us it raises fears of sharing our faith with non-churched friends, neighbors and family. For others it will invoke images of judgmental, hell and damnation speeches coming from people on a street corner. Some people like to use other terms for sharing our faith in Christ, but whatever you call it, followers of Jesus need to share their faith. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (I Peter 3:15). But, how can we do evangelism effectively in the 21 st century with gentleness and respect? Last fall Judy Ehninger proposed that all church council members read a book called Needs-Based Evangelism: Becoming a Good Samaritan Church by Robert D. Pierson, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Reverend Pierson believes that effective evangelism in the 21 st century must combine caring ministry with proclamation of the Gospel. Pierson blames the decline of so many mainline Protestant churches on their tendency to divide good works and evangelistic witness into two separate tasks. He contends that many missions are comprised of impersonal social service programs rather than relational caring. Needs-based evangelism calls for clear, gentle witnessing in tandem with ministries of compassion. Pierson favors ministries that serve persons experiencing life transition support groups for the newly widowed or divorced, substance abuse recovery programs, career transition workshops and classes for new parents. Not only do persons in these vulnerable situations need help but they are interested in and open to change and therefore receptive to the Gospel. What does this mean for us at Asbury? It means that mission and evangelism are inseparable. It means that a starting point for evangelism is to assess the needs of others in our community. In past decades nonchurched individuals were first introduced to Christianity by attending worship service. The next step was to get that individual involved in a Sunday school class or Bible Study. As that person progressed in their spiritual journey they were then asked to serve others in mission. In the 21 st century that model has changed. Many people today want to see our faith in action. Nonchurched individuals don t want to see us talk the talk; they want to see us walk the walk. If we can reach out and meet the needs in our community while simultaneously sharing why we do what we do, then we can truly make disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world. one community... encountering Christ... empowered to serve

2 March DEADLINE Hardcopy: Jan Feb. 6 Vol. 16 No. 1 STAFF Editor DAVID TELLIER UMW News FAYE RENTSCHLER A.I.M. News DICK MCCREIGHT Photography CAROL COLLINS DICK MCCREIGHT Data Entry SUE DYMOND Proofreading THOMAS BRIGGS MICHELLE HEISLER Printing SARA BROWN Mailings ROSALINE MARIN JUDY WHITBY Business Administrator TOM GIBSON Pastors MARK MOORE ERIC YEAKEL The Cross & Flame is published nine times per year by Asbury United Methodist Church. General Information Asbury UMC: Ph Fax info@asburylv.org Advertising Information David Tellier: Ph dtellier@ptd.net Editorial Information David Tellier: Ph dtellier@ptd.net VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT 2 Nashville Work Trip ASBURY MEMBERS will be traveling to the Nashville, TN from Apr. 3 to Apr. 10 to help rebuild homes damaged by the 2009 and 2010 floods. Over 41,500 homes in 31 counties were impacted with over 3,000 still requiring restoration. The majority of the repair work will involve replacement of insulation, drywall and flooring. Individuals over 18 with all levels of home remodeling skills are welcome. Housing and cooking facilities will be provided; individuals will pool money to purchase food during the stay. We expect to drive to Nashville. This trip will be the sixth trip Asbury members have taken to rebuild hurricane or flood damaged homes. Contact Dave Grieble at (610) or Dave Torrey at (610) for more information. Lenten Devotionals by Cindy Brown & Sue Dymond LENTEN DEVOTIONALS, written by members of the congregation and coordinated by the Prayer Team, will be available again this year at the end of February. The season of Lent is a time for us to remember and meditate on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to break into human history and to declare the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God refers to both our future destination, heaven, and also to a way of living here and now on earth. The Kingdom of God is any place where God s sovereignty is acknowledged and His will is done. Jesus modeled and taught kingdom living choosing to live in such a way that God s will is done so that we might know how to live as children of God and to bring the kingdom of God here on earth. Asbury s 2011 Devotional explores what the Kingdom of God looks like in our lives: What character traits do Kingdom dwellers exhibit? What kinds of activities mark their days? What difference does it make? Printed booklets will be available by Sunday, Feb. 27, and each day s devotional will also be posted on Asbury s website. We hope that you will plan to read God s Word and the accompanying devotional each day during Lent and joyfully watch for signs of God s Kingdom throughout your day.

3 Chancel Choir News HAVE YOU decided that 2011 is the year you will finally take some time for YOU? Are you looking for a small group to join which will offer fun and fellowship? The Chancel Choir is for you! The time commitment is small but the rewards are huge. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:30 9:00 p.m. Our current schedule is posted on the bulletin board outside of the choir room and on the Asbury The Lenten and Easter seasons will be here before you know it, and singing beautiful music, making new friends and worshipping together is the perfect way to begin the second half of the church year. This is an exciting time here at Asbury and we hope you will join our choral family as we share the Good News in song. We will be singing As We Gather at Your Table by Robert C. Lau at the 8:00 a.m. worship service on Feb. 6, He s Got the Whole World in His Hands arranged by Ronald Huntington on Sunday, Feb. 13 at ll:00 a.m. and Once to Every Man and Nation by David Stanley York on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 8:00 a.m. The Chancel Choir is a family of believers who happen to love to sing. We re always happy to welcome new and returning members. So come join us! Please contact Ken Schneider at (610) or Robin Fitch at (610) for further information. 3 Gifts From The Heart GIFTS FROM the Heart are back for your Valentines Day gift giving. On Sundays, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 in the Community Room, Asbury in Mission will be offering alternative gifts for Valentines Day. Choose from a number of gifts to Asbury mission partners that will be given to honor your loved ones. We ll also sell Jewels of Hope jewelry made by South African AIDS orphans if our shipment comes in by then! Regency Real Estate RICHARD L. BLACK, GRI Associate Broker 811 N. 19th St. Allentown, PA Bus. (610) Res. (610) A date to remember Caring for Others Workshop Saturday, Mar. 12 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Room Rev. Glenn Asquith, Facilitator Come and learn how you can minister to others as an individual or as a committee member. Offered by the Keep In Touch Committee Look for additional information in February!

4 MISSION MINUTE Our mission minute this month comes from Adam Burgett, US-2 young adult missionary, Crossroads Urban Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. Crossroads Urban Center has the busiest food pantry in the state and a thrift-clothing store. We do direct service, but we also look into the root causes of poverty. I worked in the pantry filling food orders today, but I mainly work in the advocacy department. A lot of the low-income people depend on public transportation because they can t afford cars. We have a petition asking the mayor for a discounted monthly bus pass for city residents. I ve found my passion in working for justice. CIRCLE NEWS Deborah Circle continues the Warren Wiersbe study Be 4 Comforted. Weekly February meetings will be held at the home of Carolyn Blahosky. For more information, contact Connie Miller, at (610) The Susanna Circle will not meet during the month of February. Watch the bulletin for details of the next scheduled meeting on Monday, Mar. 14. The Dorcas/Martha Circle will meet on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 9:15 a.m. in the parlor. Helen Noneman will lead the devotions. Donna Nuss and Dot Ball will be the hostesses. Sarah Circle will meet on Friday, Feb.11 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 215. We will continue our discussion of Bad Girls of the Bible. All women are welcome. Priscilla Circle will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Aldersgate. Cyndi Frank will lead the lesson, A Life of Moral Excellence from the book, Knowing God. All women interested in Bible study are invited. For more information, contact Brenda Baxter at (610) or Judy Whitby at (610) Please check the bulletin for Hannah Circle activities. Save the date... United Methodist Women Communion Breakfast Saturday, Mar. 19 9:00 10:30 a.m. Wesley Center For rent 3 Br. 2 b. Lake Front Cottage on Lake Wallenpaupack Contact Alice Huey North 18th St. Allentown, PA FAX info@nacciprinting.com Asbury s Indoor Golf event will take place Jan. 29. The golfers will sign up for tee times, spaced five minutes apart, starting at 9:00 a.m. All golfers will start at Hole #1. Sign up early to assure getting a good starting time.

5 Sarah Circle (Formerly The Mom Circle) Plans 20th Anniversary Celebration DO YOUremember the days when we were frazzled with preschoolers, longing for adult conversation and Christian fellowship? Thanks to the efforts of Candy Wingate and Missy Thoet, along with Alice Huey, the UMW President at that time, the MOM Circle was born sometime around January of An acronym for Meeting of Mothers, the newest UMW Circle became a place of comfort, support and sanity for many young mothers at Asbury. Once per month we were able to have adult Christian fellowship while our children were lovingly cared for by babysitters Ginny Campbell, Pearl Henninger and members of the Dorcas Circle. Fast forward twenty years most of our children are in their late teens and twenties, and we are ready to celebrate! A 20th Anniversary celebration is being planned for sometime in January of 2012 date and time to be determined. If you have EVER been a member of the MOM Circle, 5 now known as the Sarah Circle, please let us include you on our mailing list. Contact Robin Fitch at (610) or fitch5@rcn.com and let her know your name and contact information. You can also include your children s names, ages and what they are now doing if you would like. Finally, if you have photos of any MOM Circle/Sarah Circle events over the past twenty years, please to Shirley Nylund at drmaosborne@aol.com or leave in the workroom marked Shirley Nylund/MOM Circle photos. P.S. Does anyone know the date of our first meeting? Does anyone have the secretary s information from those early years? Our information only goes back to MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. 3 OCEANFRONT CONDOS FOR RENT 50 Beautiful Golf Courses 30 Miles of Glorious Beach Pool by the Sea Call Alice Hueys Huey today! at TOM A. STROHL Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Psychologist MARRIAGE SPECIALIST Premarital Marriage Problems Affairs Separation Divorce Adjustment Remarriage 5000 Tilghman Street, Ste 147 Phone: Allentown, PA TomStrohl@aol.com Office Hours By Appointment Website: Parish Nurse Health Ministry By Doris Farrar, RN WINTER BRINGS a slower pace for most families and it is still important to exercise on a regular basis. Winter sports are always available for the younger set. As we age, the body is not always cooperative with the mind-set. There are various outlets to continue to walk at the malls, stretch during commercials,and sign up for various yoga, Tai chi, or indoor sessions. We had eight members learn how to tap dance in the Fall. So head out for the winter and keep in shape. The elderly need to poke their head outside whenever possible. The outdoors has a way of clearing the head and promoting a feeling of well being. The winter blahs are a realistic happening for many of us. Be proactive and plan to do an activity to counteract this. COMING EVENTS Free cholesterol screening tentative, Sunday, Feb 6, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Room 202. Bone Density TBA. Spring Blood Drive-March TBA. Grief Support Luncheons -fourth Mon 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Net Working in a Nutshell. Next team meeting Thursday, Mar. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Room 202. New members wanted.

6 Dear Asbury Family, It is truly impossible for our family to express the profound appreciation that we feel for your many kindnesses to Bob and us during his illness. The cards, the visits, the food for us, the flowers were all a solace indeed. The outpouring of love at Bob s celebration of life and the luncheon that followed were so special because of you; including Barbi Cousland s wonderful salads, the homemade cookies AND the butter pecan ice cream provided and served by his Sunday School class, The Henritzy Class. Bob loved each one of you and so do we. The Huey Family Alice, Robert and Audrey Dear Friends, On behalf of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, we thank you for your recent donation of 30 bags of food as of Nov. 9 and 27 bags of food as of Dec. 13. Because of your caring and sharing, hungry people of our community are being fed. For every dollar we receive, we can purchase 6 pounds of food through Second Harvest Food Bank. Again, thank you for your donation. Sincerely, Esther A. Stahl AAEFB corresponding secretary 6 Dear Asbury Members, Thank you ever so much for your expressions of sympathy when I lost my husband, Sam, on Dec. 3. Your tokens of cards, notes, flowers and monetary gifts to Asbury were deeply appreciated! It gives one a very warm feeling when you know friends truly care. Sincerely, Elaine Glasser Dear Asbury THANK YOU for your recent donation of candles and supplies to the Lehigh County Conference of Churches Linkage Program. The items that you gave are being used to help the homeless people that are served. Through your giving, those who have little are linked to necessities that are needed. The kindness that you have shown is a blessing to the homeless individuals in our community, and I am grateful for your support of the Linkage Program. From, Ben Stephens, Linkage Coordinator Lehigh County Conference of Churches Dear Rev. Moore: Your contribution to the Together We Can benefit luncheon of the Lehigh County Conference of Churches was greatly appreciated and, on behalf of the Conference, I offer my thanks. Those in attendance at the wonderful venue provided by Asbury United Methodist Church witnessed the uplifting testimonies of our housing program clients and heard of the important partnerships with our local congregations and other homeless services providers. We shared fellowship and a wonderful meal and, we hope, went away educated and inspired. Your contribution went a long way to making the event a success and the best news is proceeds from Together We Can will be used to underwrite the efforts of our housing programs to benefit our neighbors in need. Together, we can make a difference in the lives on men, women, and children, walking with them from crisis to self-sufficiency and productive citizenship. Again, thank you for your support. Sincerely, Ira Faro Development Senior Director P.S. Thanks to all at Asbury for helping us to make this a great event! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I am so grateful to all of you who prayed for me, sent well wishes, and knitted prayer shawls for me. I felt your prayers each day as I visited a doctor, underwent tests, surgery and treatments. I would be the first to say that through your prayers, God put me into the hands of excellent doctors and a wonderful new treatment. I am cancer free. God Bless All of You, Marsha Johnston

7 7 Boy Scout Troop 12 Braces For The Winter Elements By Gregory Riola Troop 12 Historian TROOP 12 participated in its annual Pumpkin Chunkin event in November with two trebuchets launching hundreds of pumpkins. In December, 15 scouts sharpened their leadership skills at Junior Leadership Training followed by the year ending campout The Lock-In at Asbury! As always, there were lots of soda, pizza and computer games. No one slept! January s campout is Snow Bound at Trexler Scout Reservation. Looks like there will be plenty of snow and COLD temperatures. The scouts will be wearing lots of layers of clothing while participating in different winter events. The highlight of winter is Camp Netimus in February. Webelos 2, from Pack 12, join in this event. All scouts stay in warm cabins and all meals are prepared by the leaders. To learn more about Troop 12 visit our website at: Cross & Flame Guidelines EDITORIAL GUIDELINES Articles submitted for publications should be either placed in the Cross & Flame box, located in the work area or sent via . The submission can be supplied as follows (in order of preference): sent directly as a text or Word file to David Tellier at dtellier@ptd.net. CDs or Flash Drives the file should be saved as a text or Word file. A hard copy of the article should be included. Disks should be labeled and picked up in the C&F box after the publication of each issue. Disks not picked up after a reasonable period of time will be recycled. Hard Copy typed submissions are preferred. The article must be received by the editorial deadline, which is published in the previous month issue and announced in the church bulletin. ADVERTISING GUIDELINES The deadline for advertising is one week prior to the editorial deadline. Placement of all ads and questions pertaining to advertising copy and layout should be directed to Dave Tellier at (610) or ed to dtellier@ptd.net.

8 8 BIRTHS 1/16 Harper Elijah Slaski, son of Thom & Tara Slaski BAPTISMS 12/12 Lily Kay Stewart, daughter of Greg & Kristin Stewart 12/26 Chase Kenneth Roberts, son of David & Jessica Roberts DEATHS 12/3 Samuel Glasser