GOOD NEWS - December
GOOD NEWS
Asbury United Methodist Church Vol. 1 Issue 280
1809 Mississippi Blvd December, 2011
Bettendorf, IA 52722 355-5218
www.asbury-bett.org Asbury@netexpress.net
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday, 8:30 and 11:00 AM
8:30 – Traditional Service
9:45 – Sunday School
11:00 – Praise Service
“I WILL BE LOYAL TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH and uphold it with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service and my witness.”
BY OUR PRAYERS
Please keep the friends and family on the enclosed list in your daily prayers.
BY OUR PRESENCE
October 30 Worship – 369
October 30 Sunday School – 124
November 6 Worship – 379
November 6 Sunday School – 157
November 13 Worship – 527
November 13 Sunday School – 144
November 20 Worship – 416
November 20 Sunday School – 146
BY OUR GIFTS
October Income $58,435
October Expense $54,290
BY OUR SERVICE
Thank you for your generous contributions to the Churches United Food Pantry totaling $695 and 171 items.
Asbury United Methodist Church
1809 Mississippi Blvd.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Cookie Walk
Sunday, December 4
No time, No mess, No Fuss!!
Do your Christmas baking with us!
We’ll do the work (with your help) you have the fun! What a terrific way for baking to get done!
Author Unknown
Asbury’s Education and Church & Society Committees will have their annual Christmas Cookie Walk between services on December 4th from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
We invite you to stop by to purchase a tin of goodies. There is a cookie sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to donate cookies for this project. Proceeds are split evenly between both ministries for outreach projects. Thank you!
Sign Up at Asbury Today!!
Asbury Blood Drive
The need is still there. People still need blood. Accidents happen. Illness attacks bodies, young and old. You can help by giving blood at the Asbury Blood Drive on Monday, December 5, 2:30pm-6:00pm. Sign up sheets will be in both narthexes for the next two Sundays and you will be called. Your donation will help at least 3 people who need blood products. Please Give! Put giving blood on your Christmas Giving List!
Advent Study Group
An Advent study, “Spiritual Gifts” will be offered for three weeks during Advent on Tuesdays during Advent. The group will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on November 29th and December 6th & 13th in the Conference Room. Focus will be on the gifts God has so generously given to us and how we can return our gifts to God during the Holy Season. All are welcome!
Fellowship With Purpose
Fellowship With Purpose meets on the first and third Fridays of each month. They meet from 8:30 a.m. until about 10:00 a.m. The purpose is to help with custodial clean-up of the church in preparation for Sunday worship services. Coffee and refreshments are served afterward!
All are welcome!
Asbury Worship Services
Audio of each Asbury worship service is available to stream or download to your computer from the Asbury website:
The audio files are posted to the site within minutes of the conclusion of each service and can be found on the front page of the website. You might also want to check out the calendar of events, updated weekly, available online as well!
A few CDs of the weekly 8:30 worship service are also available for check-out in the Church Library. They include the Sunday bulletin as well as a CD for one week check-out.
Worship Service
Bulletins Available
Have you missed a Sunday worship service? Each week the previous Sunday’s 8:30 a.m. worship bulletin is being placed in the East and West Narthex. Help yourself!
Asbury Pastors
Pastor Kerrin Kirkpatrick can be reached at any time at (563)320-9175.
Her email address is:
pastorkerrin@netexpress.net
Pastor Emmanuel can be reached at (563)343-8807.
His email address is:
pastoremmanuel@netexpress.net
Pastoral Care
If you are hospitalized and do not receive a visit from Pastor Kerrin or Pastor Emmanuel within 24 hours, it means we have not been notified by the volunteer callers at the hospital. Please call the church or pastor at home to let us know.
Good News Deadline
Articles for the January issue of Good News should be in the church office by Noon on Monday, December 19, 2011. Thank you!
Quad City Dining Tour Coupon Books
The new 2011-2012 Quad City Dining Tour Coupon Books are now available in the church office. You may start using them immediately! Each book has over 300 buy-one-get-one-free coupons. There are over 180 different restaurants in the book, which are divided into three different dining categories:
18 Fine Dining/Theater
67 Casual Dining
18 Fun Eating
The fee is just $35.00. Using just one of the coupons would pay for your book! Proceeds will support Our House Preschool in Davenport.
Preschool News!
There are currently still openings in the M-W-F class at Asbury Preschool. This class is for 4-5 year olds and meets three times per week (M-W-F) from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $85.00 per month. If you or someone you know are interested please have them call the church office at 355-5218. Thank you!
It’s Bell Ringing Time!
It is bell ringing time again! Please sign-up to help ring the bell for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at K & K Hardware from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. You will find sign-up sheets in the west narthex on Sundays or near the office during the week. Asbury is responsible for 250 volunteer hours at K & K! Please sign-up to help! Last year over $10,000 was collected at K & K to help this important ministry. To give Asbury credit for your contribution to the Salvation Army, please make your check to Davenport Salvation Army and leave it in the kettle at K & K or at the church office.
Thank you!
Asbury Church & Society Ministry
Jerry Roskens, Chairman
Mitten Tree and Toy Box
This year the Church and Society Commission will again be collecting mittens, hats, gloves and toys to take to the Friendly Thrift Center. There the customers may purchase the items at a nominal cost. As you clean your closets and toy boxes to replace old items with new Christmas gifts, please consider passing them along to children in need. This is a very worthwhile project and your generosity is most appreciated. The Caring Box will be in the west narthex during November and December. Thank you for your help!!
BACKPACKS WITH SNACKS
Asbury is providing 21 filled backpacks for Bettendorf’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary School this school year. Asbury is now the only provider for backpacks for this school.
If you have not had a chance to participate in this very important and worthwhile mission project, December is a GREAT time to start! Children will be home from school for Christmas break, so we are hoping to have extra snack donations for their time at home!
Food donated for December must be at the church no later than Sunday, November 27th. There is a Food List on our display table with some new items – microwaveable individual servings of mac and cheese, popcorn, etc.
We are in need of plastic containers of jelly, pudding, animal or graham crackers, peanut butter and fruit cups.
We appreciate every food donation – if anyone would rather give a cash donation we will use that money to purchase food items needed at that time.
Thank you so much for your continued support!!
Asbury Church & Society
United Methodist Women
HANNAH CIRCLE ~ (NOTE LOCATION!)
Tuesday, December 13, 9:30 a.m.
Suzanne Yoder’s home
Christmas Potluck Brunch ~ Please bring a dish to share.
Service Project: Please bring linens & men’s gloves for the Thrift Center.
RUTH CIRCLE ~ (NOTE DAY & TIME!)
Tuesday, December 13, 11:30 a.m.
Meet at church to carpool to Davenport Country Club for lunch at Noon. Please bring a wrapped “White Elephant” gift to exchange
Service Project: Please bring items for the Food Pantry.
RACHEL CIRCLE
Tuesday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.
Upper Fellowship Hall
Program: “Growing Up in the Congo” and “Christmas Customs in Africa” by Lydia Naweji
Service Project: Please bring mittens and hats for the Thrift Center.
DORCAS CIRCLE
Tuesday, December 20
10:00am to 2:00pm
Lower Fellowship Hall
Meet for quilting & fellowship in Lower Fellowship Hall. Bring a sack lunch, coffee & Christmas cookies will be provided. If you can tie a knot, you will be most welcome! No experience needed. Come on down!
College Ministry
As we begin to prepare for our annual College Ministry Valentine mailing, we are once again thankful to Church and Society Commission for remembering our Asbury college students by budgeting money for the postage to send the packages! If you would also like to help with this important ministry by donating money, you can get a free Papa Murphy's Peel-a-Deal Card valued at $30 (NEVER expires and can be used at all Quad City locations) for every $5 donation made.
College Ministry is looking for a parent from each college-age class to help make phone calls seeking current addresses for our Asbury college students. If you would be willing to help, please call Deanne Graber 449-8332.
If you have a college student, please call the church office (355-5218) or e-mail pattys@netexpress.net with your student’s address, saving our callers time! Also be sure to drop off a picture of your student for our College Bulletin Board!
Watch for details in January on how you can help by donating goodies and letting our students know they have not been forgotten!
The 2012 Stewardship Drive has begun! As of November 22nd, we have received 198 commitments totaling $409,939. This year we are looking at the many ministries of Asbury, their purpose and impact, and the way these ministries are making a difference in God’s plan. In the past year the ministries have included:
Children & Youth $130,000
Adult $156,000
Worship & Music $187,000
Our Community $100,000
Our Nation & World $145,000
Total $718,000
You should have received a letter highlighting the many Asbury ministries, along with a pledge card and return envelope. Please be purposeful in your prayerful consideration, pledging what is appropriate for you. You may return your card to the office, bring it on Sunday, or try our new email pledge form on the web at: www.asbury-bett.org . For information on the auto debit option, please call the church office at 355-5218 and ask for Patty.
Yours for the Journey…
“For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. ” – Matthew 24:37-39
One of my favorite tellings of Noah's story is done by the comedian Bill Cosby. While we in the church tend to imagine a glorified Hollywood production of the story, Cosby imagines what kinds of realities would have been happening on the ark in the midst of such sweeping change. The result is a hilarious conversation between God and Noah in which Noah is complaining about all the problems he is having aboard God's ark – including the very messy delivery of a baby elephant on top of an unsuspecting Noah. Just when Noah reaches the peak of complaining, God interrupts with a simple question: “Noah.....how long can you tread water?”
Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the coming of our Lord. The Scriptures remind us that we are standing on the edge of something utterly new – something earth-shattering – something life-changing – when the Son of Man comes. Is that how we approach the Advent season in our everyday lives? Hardly! We are more enthralled with the coming of the Christmas bargains than we are with the coming of the Lord!
How many of us have started making Christmas lists? Planning parties? Stocking up on food? How is what we do to prepare for the coming of Christ this time of year different from everyone else
around us? If that last question stumps us, we are in serious danger of treading water in the midst of our eating, drinking, and making merry! Rev Hutson Smith, a gifted teacher and pastor, put it this way: “If churches do not present people with a momentous alternative reality to the one that bombards them every day, why should people complicate their already harried and fragmented lives with another institution?”
What will it mean for us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus until He comes again? Our task is to reflect God's alternative reality in the present in ways that are consistent with what we believe about the future. This does not mean that we cannot eat, drink, and make merry as we celebrate Christmas. Of course we can! But it does mean that we cannot lose sight of the fact that God has called us to a different reality, has gathered us as Church so that we may offer the world that saving reality in Jesus Christ. Is it difficult work? Yes! Does is seem all we do is move from mess to mess, working hard and barely staying afloat? Absolutely! Radical change is never easy. But, brothers and sisters, it beats the heck out of treading water!!
The folks in Noah's time lived with the assumption that the way things are is the way things would always be. When no one expected rain, Noah built an ark. Jesus said the same thing is still true today. Some will live their lives in urgent hope – living as if each day could be their last chance to live God's Good News for the world. And some will be asleep at the dance, exhausted, and still cuddling that “cute little baby in the manger.”
May you find Christ in a powerful and life-changing way this Christmas season. And may we, His Church, be found working aboard the ark of Christ when He comes. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Yours for the journey, Pastor Kerrin
Nursery & Story Hour
The Education Commission is putting together the new schedule for Nursery & Story Hour and need more people to help with these important ministries.
Story Hour is held in the Children's Library during the second half of each Sunday worship service. We have a wonderful team of volunteers who prepare and select a story, a worksheet and a craft for the volunteer leader to do with the group of children. In most cases a confirmation student will be scheduled to help the adult leader. Story Hour is also an excellent opportunity for younger youth (4th grade & up) to begin helping along with their parent. Please consider joining the volunteer list so that we may each be scheduled just 3 or 4 times per year. To have your name added to the list please call patty at church or email Jenifer Morgan at mjlm926@mchsi.com indicating which service you would prefer to be scheduled. Thank you for your consideration!
Asbury Education Commission
Confirmand Training
From now until May 6th, Confirmation Sunday, confirmands will be helping serve communion at either the 8:30 or 11:00 worship service. There are 15 confirmands and each one will participate twice. Along with the communion training they are serving as ushers, served a meal at the Churches United Mealsite at Salvation Army, participated in CROP Walk, and are also helping in the Nursery & Story Hour.
Thank You
A big thank you to all my Asbury friends & neighbors for their cards & visits during my stay in the hospital. Also, a special thanks to Pastor Kerrin and Pastor Emmanuel for their visits and prayers.
Bob Reiter
New Arrivals!
Congratulations to John and Kathy Cameron on the birth of a granddaughter, Stella Joan, on November 17th. Great Grandfather is Bill Cameron. Parents are Kelli and Steve Udelhofen of Royal Oak, MI.
Dan, Jessica & big brother Graham Crippen on the birth of a baby son, Brenner Daniel Crippen on November 20th. Grand-parents are Kim & Johanna Brenner.
Thoughts of Sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard Arnold and family on the death of his wife, Karen, on November 2nd.
Asbury Angel Network
We would like all members of Asbury to know that we have an Angel Network Fund. This fund is available immediately to help any member of Asbury that needs assistance. We are ready to provide financial help or food from the Bettendorf Food Pantry.
If you need assistance, please contact either of our pastors or our parish nurse, Brenda Sherrick. These requests will be kept confidential.
Prayers for Our Military
Charles Bauer, Afghanistan
Christopher Ferguson, Djbouti, Africa
(Leona Ferguson’s grandson)
Matthew Newman, San Diego
(Steve & Amy Newman’s son)
Zachary Oles, White Sands, NM
(Rose Oles’ grandson)
Keith Philips, Afghanistan
(Deborah & Paul D’Camp’s nephew)
Capt. Adrienne Stahl, Langley AFB, VA
Major Brian Stahl, Pentagon, WA D.C.
(Bob & Loraine Stahl’s grandchildren)
Fight Like a Girl!
Asbury youth and parents have bracelets available in the church office to support Tina Wiklund. All money goes to Tina. Thank you for your generous support! To stay in contact with Tina & Peter you may go to their website at www.caringbridge.org . Click on “visit” in the top left corner & “tinawiklund” (all one word) in the website field. For information on signing up to take a meal to the Wiklund family, please call the church office at 355-5218.
Altar Flowers
Thank you to Cheryl Ewert and Dave Stedwell for providing altar flowers in November. There is a sign-up sheet in the East Narthex year-round for anyone who would like to provide flowers for our altar on the Sunday of your choice. This is a nice way to honor a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion!
Exercise Class
Have you tried Asbury’s Exercise Class? We meet each Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in Upper Fellowship Hall. This is a very fun group meeting together for health and friendly fellowship. We are happy to have lots of new participants ~ men and women!
Please join us!!
Please Keep in Your Prayers~
Jane Alvarez, Barb Breiby, Cindy Bruhn, Tom Buxton, Kathy Clifford, Bill Coffenberry, Bea Coffman, Edie Collins, Peg Cripple, Margaret DeShon, Virginia Duffy, Vera Green, Helen Harvey, Herb Hengst, Bob HudsonQuartell, Lee Kaempfer, Marlynd Millage, Susan Moats, Geri Robbins, Bob Stahl, Charlotte Streeter, Tina Wiklund
Barb Bailey (Claudia Bailey’s sister-in-law)
John Beams (Harold Hoffman’s friend)
Alyssa Bennett (Sue Moats’ daughter)
Wendy Black (Joey Arney’s niece)
Karen Borglum (Pastor Kerrin’s friend)
Frank Brokaw (Jack & Ruth Baylor’s friend)
Walker Cobb (Sherri Stafford’s nephew)
Liz Coon (Don Keeney’s sister)
Vicki Dawson (Tom & Gayle Buxton’s daughter)
Troy Dawson (Tom & Gayle Buxton’s grandson)
Delvecchio Family (Mindy Lank’s friends)
Barbara Duffy (John Hobbs’ friend)
Gordon Dyer (Kathy Cameron’s brother)
Danielle Fitzgerald (Liz Heesch’s cousin)
Marsha Freund (Meri Jo Patrick’s sister)
Ashley Gillette (Kay Parch’s daughter)
Brett Greenwood
(PV & U of I Graduate & Football Player)
Holly Hampton (Hunsinger’s daughter)
Jackie Helcl (Don Keeney’s sister)
Wanda Hollowell
(Leona Gailbreath’s sister-in-law)
Silas Cole Jackson
(Celeste HudsonQuartell’s great grandson)
Holly Jasper (Gary & Alinda Littrel’s friend)
Jesse (Deanne Graber’s nephew)
Pat Jessen (Heather Dennis’ mother)
Ed Johnson (Linda Dudgeon’s brother-in-law)
Dianne Kauffman (Johanna Brenner’s friend)
Martha Keeney (Don Keeney’s mother)
Jean Koehler (Patti Sorensen’s mother)
Fred Lorschieder (Jack Fahl’s friend)
Shirley & Jack Martell (Jeff Martell’s parents)
Mary McDonald
(Johanna Brenner’s mother)
Shirley McLaughlin (Debbie Douglas’ mother)
Janet Miller (Dean Drexel’s sister-in-law)
JoAnn Munson (Barb Nelson’s sister)
Mary Jo Myers (Linda Rorke’s mother)
Ray Ney (Theona Fahl’s friend)
Yvonne Noble (Rich’s mother)
Janet Pease (Doris Meier’s cousin)
Hunter Peterson
(Terri Law’s nephew)
Reba Ripley (Pritchard’s & Wolfe’s friend)
Rebecca Robinson (Ann Ottesen’s friend)
Sandy (Billy Murphy’s friend)
Jo Sapp (Jan Westercamp’s sister-in-law)
Bob Scheuermann (Jean Black’s father)
Keith Schmidt (Alinda Littrel’s friend)
Andrea Schroeder
(Larry & Bonnie Wolff’s friend)
Marilyn Seibel (Barb Brethauer’s friend &
Kristi & Brittney Halverson’s grandma)
Gina Sloss (Al & Hue Sloss’ daughter)
Arlo Smith (Mindy Pace’s father)
Steve & Teresa Snider (Jerson’s neighbor)
Marie Stapleton
(Loraine Stahl’s sister-in-law)
Paul Stobaugh
(Jean Bowrey’s brother-in-law)
Bonnie Stua (Joann Hobb’s niece)
Susan (Heather Dennis’ friend)
Glinder Taylor-Walker
(Marla Johnson’s friend)
Mary Todtz (Claudia Bailey’s friend)
Brian Turnmeyer
(Dean & Joey Arney’s nephew)
Harley Ward (Pam Campbell’s father)
Shirley & Paul Whitbeck
(Doris Meier’s friends)
Libby Woodward
(Dave & Sharon Phillip’s friend)
Jennifer Yoder (Dee Shreve’s great niece)
Creating Moments of Joy
Recently, I attended a seminar on Alzheimer’s disease, with guest speaker, Jolene Brackey, who wrote the book Creating Moments of Joy. Ms. Brackey began her career as an interior designer after graduating from Iowa State University, but she soon realized that she derived great joy from helping people improve the interior of their lives, rather than their homes. She didn’t know what Alzheimer’s was, but she knew she liked older people. Before long she realized that God had given her a gift. She found ways to create positive outcomes and moments of joy for the individuals with the disease, their loved ones, and their professional caregivers.
Understand that a person with Alzheimer’s will lose his short-term memory, but retain some long-term memory if we learn how to trigger it. The first part of the brain that is damaged affects the short-term memory. This is why they repeat their stories, why they cannot remember what they had for breakfast, or that their son visited last night. As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer’s gets younger and younger in their mind. In Jolene Brackey’s book she shares a wealth of information on how to figure out what age they are living in at the time and then figure out what was significant in their life at that time. It is then possible to use that information to create moments of joy for a loved one.
Another chapter in her book is called Let’s Talk Communication. Did you know that ninety percent of what a person with dementia understands is not the words that come out of your mouth, but your body language and tone of voice. NINETY PERCENT!! That is a big number. She offers guidelines for positive non-verbal and verbal communication.
When a person has a short-term memory loss, their life is made up of moments. We are not able to create a perfectly wonderful day with those who have dementia, but it is absolutely attainable to create perfectly wonderful moments – moments that put smiles on their faces, a twinkle in their eyes, or trigger memories. Five minutes later, they won’t remember what you did or said, but the feeling you left with them will linger.
I have several copies of Creating Moments of Joy in my office. You are welcome to check out the book anytime. Jolene Brackey has written the book in five sections to help you achieve the overall goal of creating many moments of joy for the person in your life with dementia and for YOU!
Brenda Sherrick
Asbury Parish Nurse
PEOPLE MATTER, SO THINK PEOPLE FIRST!
Have you visited another church lately—one where you didn't know anyone? If so, how did you feel? What things impressed you? Were you uncomfortable, and if so, why? Anyone who has not attended church, or has not been in church for awhile comes with a certain amount of hesitation and fear.
First impressions matter and how a congregation welcomes visitors will determine whether or not that visitor returns. Greeting visitors is not just about the greeters at the doors or accommodating ushers. It's about all of us!
In his book, LASTING IMPRESSIONS—FROM VISITING TO BELONGING, Pastor Mark Waltz states that “anyone who comes to church is looking for help, for hope. They also show up with the mind-set of a consumer—What's in it for me?”
He continues by stating that many people don't want to be assimilated. They may not care about membership, small groups, Sunday School classes, worship, or belonging to a task force. What they care about is whether or not the church can help them address the issues right in front of them—the stuff that is affecting their life and their sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The challenge for the church is to create a welcoming safe environment and to treat visitors as if they matter! The church needs to be able to accept people where they are, without requiring them to adopt the lifestyle, have the knowledge base, or be involved in the church.
What the church needs to remember is simple. People matter to God. Other people matter to God. Right where they are. People matter. Other people matter. People matter. Period!
Pastor Waltz reports that between 40-50% of the US population is introverted. That means that a visitor is less likely to walk up to a group of people who are already talking and just strike up a conversation. What that means for the church member is that we need to be on the look-out for people who look lost, who are not engaged with someone else, or who are shy. We need to take the time to greet and to visit with them. It also doesn't hurt to make sure that they know where the restrooms are and how to locate the Sunday School classes, the sanctuary, and the office. And oh, by the way, don't just point, walk them to the location that they need!
So, why an article on visitors? Simply because Asbury has been having a lot of visitors lately, and because we are beginning a Newcomers' Gathering which will be held four times a year. There are all sorts of ideas on how a church can and or should welcome visitors, so in the following months we'll discover how people choose a church and explore some other things that make a visitor feel welcome.
Linda Manning
Director of Adult Ministries
Christmas Program Practice
Practice is going on NOW!
Youth Band – Sun. Nov. 27 & Dec. 4, 9:30-10:00am
Youth Choir – Sun. Nov. 27 & Dec. 4, 10:45-11:15am
Dress Rehearsal – 1st Grade through High School– Sat. Dec. 10, 9:30-11am
Questions? Call Michelle Swinney at 563-505-0060 or mswinney@mchsi.com
Childcare Attendant Needed
Asbury is looking for an additional paid Nursery Childcare Attendant. This is a part-time position, not to exceed 8 hours per week. Interested persons need to be available Sunday mornings as well as occasional weeknights and be at least 19 years old. We are looking for someone who can provide tender, loving quality care for infants and toddlers that reflects God’s love as shown by Jesus Christ. If you are interested in the position please contact the church office for the job description.
Sunday School Stewardship
The Sunday School students contributed $270.31 in September and October. This offering went to the Backpack Ministry to help purchase food items. Great job everyone!
In November and December the Sunday School offering will go to purchase gifts for the “Be Santa to a Senior” project. Please encourage your child to bring their offering.
Thank you!
Discovery Toy Party
The final Discovery Toy Party will be on Sunday, December 11, 2011. The toys available that day will be those that you will be able to take with you. (Although there will be an opportunity to order toys that day, these will not be delivered in time for Christmas.) This toy sale continues to be a successful fund raiser to supply our Sunday School classrooms with replacement toys that are safe, colorful, and fun. This fall, we have accumulated $300.00 credit toward the purchase of new toys. Anyone wishing to order toys prior to December 11 is able to view the toys online (DiscoveryToys.com) and then contact Barb Montgomery (563.505.2525) Please make sure that you mention to her that you are part of the Asbury family!
Pop Can Drop Fundraiser
All Asbury members and friends are asked to bring their empty pop cans to church on Sunday, December 4th from 8:00-12:30. This is a fundraiser for Middle School Youth Group.
Why Sunday School?
How would you answer this question: “What is the purpose of Sunday School?” Many people would say, “To teach the Bible.” Here at Asbury United Methodist Church we too agree that the purpose of Sunday School is to teach the Bible. But we don’t stop there. We feel that Sunday School should not only get our children “into the Bible”, we want to “get the Bible into our children”. We want them to live out the truths of the Bible in their every day experiences.
It has been said that nearly 85 percent of the people who make a decision for Christ do so between the ages of 4 and 14. Our greatest opportunity, therefore, to lead a person to Jesus happens during the elementary years. This means that Sunday School is the most powerful tool the Church has to impact the life of a person for all of eternity.
In studying the history of Sunday School, we discover that the purpose was to meet the practical needs of children (e.g.: easing pain and poverty, curing sickness, providing relief and shelter, clothing and education, elevating the dignity of women and children). We would call the beginning of Sunday School “social justice”. Jesus called it “loving people”. (“He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ". Luke 10:27) In other words, love God, love people.
In 1780, education in England was reserved for those who had the time to educate their own children or the money to hire tutors for them. Education was not compulsory nor was there public school. The children of factory workers typically worked alongside their parents six days a week, sometimes more than 13 hours a day. In 1781 in Gloucester, England, Robert Raikes (1725 – 1811) saw the dire plight of children living in the slums and reached out to them with Jesus’ love.
In the home of Mrs. Meredith, he opened the first school on Sunday, the only day boys and girls living in the slums and working in the factories could attend. His goal was to rescue children from descending into the crime that surrounded them. Using the Bible as their textbook, he taught them to read and write so they could learn about Jesus. Within four short years, over 250,000 children were attending schools on Sunday throughout England. By 1831 it was reported that attendance
at Sunday Schools had grown to 1.2 million. Robert Raikes’ schools were seen as the first schools of the English state system. Sunday School began as the Church fulfilling Jesus’ directive to care for the poor. The impact of Sunday Schools fueled a movement of God throughout the world.
Today the Sunday School has the same mission: reaching children with the Bible’s message of hope and love. What’s your part in all of this? Consider the following as a list to start your prayerful searching of an answer:
§ Welcome and support families as they bring their children on Sundays.
§ Prioritize Sunday School.
§ Demonstrate by your words, attitudes, and your actions that you rely on the revealed truths of the Bible for daily decisions, habits and motivations.
§ Encourage our Sunday School Teachers.
§ Pray for the children to learn and to live out the truths of the Bible.
§ Thank Jesus that He cares enough about each child (no matter the age) that He makes Himself known through His Word.
Bec Parrish
Director of Children’s Ministries
New Additions to Church Library
CHILDREN’S BIBLE STORIES:
Jonah & the Big Fish
David & the Giant
Noah & the Ark
The Art of Prayer
A Special Place for Santa
When I Care About Others
ADULTS:
Everyday Prayers for Women
YOUNG ADULTS:
Lent – The Daily Readings
Worship (with CD)
DVDS (ADULT & YOUNG ADULT):
Scripture Under Scrutiny
Why 66? The Canon of Scripture
Life of William Tyndale
The Authentic Christ
Asbury Library has had a very progressive year with many books & resources being used on a regular basis.
The Library holds more than 6,600 books, including fiction, study, and resource books. They are available for check-out using cards to be placed in the check-out box on the east wall of the main library.
These resources include shelving in two rooms – children’s’ in the west room, and adult & teenager books in the east room. Historical resources are also included in the east room.
Anyone may use the Library. The Library Committee urges those checking out resources to be sure to leave “old fashioned” check-out cards in the check-out boxes.
4th& 5th Grade Youth Group
December 4th
Carol Sing at Senior Dinner
Meet at 4:30 in Upper Fellowship Hall
December 7th
Salvation Army Bell Ringing at K & K
Meet in the Youth Center at 5:45pm
Permission Slip Required.
December 14th
Serve the Asbury Wed. Night Meal
Meet at 4:30 in Upper Fellowship Hall
Please bring a fruit or salad dish.
December 21st
No Youth Group
Merry Christmas!!
Please note various date & time changes. Call Jean Black with any questions ~ 441-0041.
Middle School Youth Group
► Middle School Youth Group has two meeting left this year. Meet in the Youth Center on Wednesday, November 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Note date change!)
► On Wednesday, December 14th, the youth and children will host the evening meal. We will begin set up at 4:30 and stay to clean up after the meal. Please bring a pie to share,
► Next Pop Can Drop is Sunday, December 4th. Bring your pop cans to church from 8:00-12:30.
High School Youth Group
December 4th
Meet in the Youth Center from 7:00-8:00pm to discuss and create goals for the group. “White Elephant” gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped “trinket” to be exchanged.
December 18th
Meet in the Youth Center from 7:00-8:00pm for “Ugly Holiday Sweater” Social! Find, make, create or buy a holiday sweater that is past its prime. The wearer of the sweater voted the “ugliest” will win a gift certificate to a local restaurant!
2012 Youth Mission Trip
On July 15-20, 2012 the Asbury Youth will participate in a mission trip to St. Paul, MN. Any 6-12th grader may join the group. Contact Pastor Emmanuel (355-5218) or Nancy French (320-0117) for details!!
Youth Group T-Shirts
Youth Group T-shirts are in. See the order form enclosed in this Good News to get your shirt for $5.00. Orders due Nov. 28th.
Sweetheart Banquet
Asbury youth will be hosting the Sweetheart Banquet on Sunday, February 12th. This is the major fundraising event for the Youth Mission Trip. Mark your calendar and watch for upcoming details!! All are invited!
Global Ministries
Mission Trip
Global Ministries has made arrangements to go to Joplin, Missouri. The trip will be March 3rd-10th, 2012. The deadline for signing up is December 15th. If you are willing and able to go along with us on a mission trip, please call Nancy French at 320-0117 or the church office at 355-5218.
Thanksgiving Ingathering
Loving God, through our gifts to the Thanksgiving Ingathering, may we reach out to those who struggle so hard each day just to survive. May our contributions build a reservoir of caring that gives hope and the promise of a brighter future. Amen
(Prayer of Dedication at November 5th Mt. Pleasant District Ingathering)
The members of Asbury’s Global Ministries Commission wish to thank all who helped in providing the School Bags and Health Kits for the Ingathering. The bags were cut out and distributed by Bev Warner to helping hands who stitched them together, and donors who filled them with the requested items. The Health Kits were gathered together by the UMW Circles and a Girl Scout troop provided items for School Bags & Health Kits. With many hands working for a single goal Asbury members delivered 65 Health Kits, 29 completed School Bags, 16 empty School Bags, and some “extras” which will be added to other incomplete kits. The “assessed” valuation of the kits came to $1,147 and will contribute to the well-being of many who have nothing. Two large rolls of decorator fabric were brought back to make into bags for another year…donated by the manufacturer.
United Methodist Women sent a check for $91.24 to be used as UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) sees the need.
“Our of my abundance I choose to offer my gift, knowing that what I regard as excess, others may need, and that all I need others may regard as excess. (Christian Aid, U.K.)
Trustees Looking for Help
The Trustees are looking for a few additional people willing to do some light clean-up at the church between the 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. services on Christmas Eve. With Christmas Eve falling on Saturday, Ron will be cleaning after the 11:00 p.m. service to be ready for the Sunday service. Your help would allow Ron to spend more of the holiday with his family. If you can help, please contact a member of the Trustees or the church office at 355-5218. Thank you!!
Prices Slashed!
Great Christmas Gift Idea!
The most recent Asbury UMW cookbook is now $5.00 & available in the church office. Proceeds benefit United Methodist Women missions.
Thank You!
Asbury Church members have been phenomenal in their support of the restoration of Thea Leclair’s Pleyel piano. You have helped in the overall effort to reach $13,000 ~ over halfway toward our $25,000 goal! Asbury members have been our most generous donors, we could not have done it without you!
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
Rose Oles &
the Pleyel Piano Committee
Many Thanks!
A big thank you to all of the leaders and participants in our Purpose Driven Life study. I've heard many stories and have been pleased to hear about the many blessings! Please give prayerful consideration to joining a group during Lent. Ash Wednesday is February 22, so the first sermon in this series will be on February 26 with small groups to meet during the following week. The last session of this 7 week study will be held after Easter which is April 8. Details regarding this study which will be based on a book entitled 24 HOURS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD by Adam Hamilton will be coming in the next issue of Good News. If you have questions, or if you would like to lead a group, please see me .
Thanks!
Linda Manning
Newcomers’ Gathering
Anyone who is new to Asbury or anyone who has been attending for awhile and would like more information, please save Wednesday, January 25 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. We plan to hold Newcomers" Gatherings four times a year, so if you missed the first one and would like to attend this one, you are more than welcome to come. There will be more on this later, but we wanted you to have the date in advance so that you could plan accordingly. These gatherings are a great time to meet other newcomers and begin to know others in the congregation. It's also a time for us to find ways to help you get better connected in our congregation. We look forward to meeting with you!
Linda Manning
Card Ministry
Our next regular meeting will be Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. in rooms 302 & 303 on the 3rd floor across from the balcony. All are welcome!
Cookie Walk
Christ United Methodist Women invite you to their Cookie Walk on Saturday, Dec. 10th, 7:30-10:30am. 2330 West 41st St., Davenport.
Bring Your Family and Friends for
Evening Worship this Christmas Eve
Each of the three services, 5:00, 7:30 and 11:00 p.m. will conclude with a candlelight hymn. The 5:00 service will be family oriented for younger children (they will be invited to be part of the nativity story), 7:30 is a traditional Christmas family service oriented for older children. A nursery will be provided at both 5:00 and 7:30. The 11:00 service will be a traditional communion service (no nursery). This is a wonderful time to invite friends and family to join you in Worship.
Sunday School Christmas Program December 11th at 11:00 a.m.
(No Sunday School on December 25th & January 1st)
ONE SERVICE ONLY ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 & JANUARY 1…10:00 A.M.
The church office will be closed December 23rd and 26th. All staff will be spending time with family during the holidays and may be working flexible hours. If you are unable to reach a staff member at the church, please call their home.
The Christmas Offering will be divided between Churches United Ministries (2/3) and Our House Preschool (1/3). You may leave your contribution (made to Asbury UMC and marked accordingly on the memo line) in the offering plate, church office or send by mail. Our Christmas Eve offering will also go toward these important outreach ministries.
