Asbury United Methodist Church 204 East Arch Street
Portland, IN 47371
Pastor Tim Dilley Phone: 260-726-8464
Fax: 260-726-2925
E-mails: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Web Sites: www.asburyministries.org
Pastor Tim’s TidbitsPastor Tim’s Tidbits
GROWING GOD’S WAY
“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered
around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And
He told them many things in parables, saying, “Listen! A SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW . . . .”
(Matthew 13:1-3)
Growing up in an agricultural community with my dad being a dairy/crop farmer, I still have a special place “in my heart” for farmers and the communities they are a part of. The beauty of Portland is . . . it offers both small city living, and the agricultural community surrounding it. Where Asbury’s parsonage is located is also gratifying. Having the sun rise over the Eastern corn/soy bean fields each morning reminds me of God’s faithful-ness and the gift of each new day. I also have always been attracted to the stories Jesus used about growth in na-ture to teach us about spiritual and numerical growth in His kingdom.
Again this year as I do each year, I planted my annual flowers, flower pots/baskets, and a very small garden with some vegetable plants. I have also added some perennials to the parsonage property for variety and color. It’s a relaxing experience for my “heart and soul” to get my hands in the dirt, and to put the seeds, bulbs, and plants in the ground expecting they will grow and mature.
This year as I was planting I was again reminded of the story Jesus told in Matthew 13:1-9. For those of us who are in the “gardening hobby,” we know there are many forces that are often at work in growing a successful flower or vegetable garden. Often it is an uphill battle. There has to be proper cultivation, ample water, sunlight, cooperative weather, and care and interest given to the plants.
Our faith could also be compared to a garden that God faithfully plants, cultivates, waters, feeds, and then harvest. God plants and nourishes our faith with the good news and His love and salvation revealed in Jesus Christ. He does the planting by the power of the Holy Spirit in baptism. In spite of God’s care, though, there are always forces at work to destroy this garden of faith.
Our old sinful selves often lure us away from God and caring for our neighbor. Then, there is also the evil one . . . Satan . . . Who is constantly making empty promises to us of power and security if we would only doubt God and His will for our lives. With such persistent enemies, how can our garden of faith survive?
By itself it cannot! We need God’s continued care and support for our faith to grow, flourish, and survive. This care and support is found in the church of Jesus Christ. When we gather and remember each week our new beginning that Christ gave to us in the waters of holy baptism . . . when we hear God’s Word proclaimed to us in worship . . . when we study God’s Word in Sunday School . . . when we experience Christ’s presence and nour-ishment in the common elements of bread and wine . . . when we are strengthened by the support of our broth-ers and sisters in faith . . . OUR GARDEN OF FAITH IS ALWAYS NOURISHED.
Summer months do provide us with special times with our families, friends, and opportuni-ties for vacation. However, summer does not need to take you away from church every week. Looking forward to seeing you in worship these dog days of summer. And if you are away on the weekend . . . find a local church to worship at. And if you remember . . . bring me a worship folder/bulletin from the church you attended. I always am looking for new ideas and creative ministries offered in other settings.
Forward in Christ,
Pastor Tim
JULY/AUGUST SERMON TOPICS
Summer is a great time! It’s often a time when the pace of life seem to slow down in the corporate life of the church with pro-gramming and activities. Families often take vacations to “get away from it all.” There are summer-parties, family reunions, gardening, canning, yard work, swimming, and conversations over iced tea and lemonade on the porch or under our favorite shade tree. There are good times to be had during summer. However, we still need to worship, find balance between work and rest, and hear God’s Word. We also need to be strengthened in our faith by fellowship with other Christians. During July and August this can happen each Sunday at Asbury as we gather for worship. Service times are 8:00 a.m. (Chapel – casual) 9:00 a.m. (Sanctuary – Traditional) 11:15 a.m. (Fellowship Hall – Contemporary with light meal). Following are the service details . . .
SUMMER SERMON SERIES BEGINS “Strength for the Broken Places of Our Lives”
Part II
Have you ever had a crisis that overwhelmed you? Have you ever found yourself in one of those broken places of life and did not know how to put the broken place together again. Whatever the crisis . . . whatever the problem that you have encountered or experienced. . . THERE IS STRENGTH FOR THAT BROKEN PLACE. God does long to give us all His strength, guidance, grace and mercy. The cross tells us that God does not punish us for our failures. . . but He forgives us and gives to us the power always to begin anew and know of His grace in our weakest moments. Beginning July 10th, I will be sharing with you from God’s Word a Sermon Series entitled, “Strength for the Broken Places in Our Lives.” I will be sharing with you a variety of top-ics that will be most interesting and applicable to where we live. I am looking forward to being in worship with you as we experi-ence God’s grace and forgiveness through Word and Sacrament. In the following is a schedule of those broken places where God’s grace can meet us. Sunday, July 3 (3rd Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: Tom Lightle, Director of Caring Ministries at Asbury will be sharing the ministry of the Word.
Sunday, July 10 (4th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: “After Burnout” “Exodus 3:1-6; 4:1-4 Holy Communion will be served.
Sunday, July 17 (5th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: “After Losing Success” I Kings 19:1-10, Food Pantry Sunday.
Sunday, July 24 (6th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: 8:00 a.m. Service – Angie Bentz, Lay Speaker 9:00 a.m. Service – Mark Fitzpatrick will providing a service of worship and music 11:00 a.m. Service – Angie Bentz, Lay Speaker
Sunday, July 31 (7th Sunday after Pentecost), Sermon Topic: Bonnie Maitlen, Lay Speaker
Sunday, August 7 (8th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: “After Moral Failure” Psalm 51:1-17 Holy Communion will be served.
Sunday, August 14 (9th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: “After Breaking a Promise” John 21:3-22; Romans 7:14-25
Sunday, August 21 (10th Sunday after Pentecost) Sermon Topic: “In the Storms of Anxiety” Psalm 46
Sunday, August 28 (11th Sunday after Pentecost) MISSIONS EMPHASIS SUNDAY Guest speaker: Joey LeTournea "Joey LeTourneau is 30 years old and works with his wife Destiny as a part of Heavenly Hope Ministries to coordinate M.A.R.K. 10:14, a movement focused on gathering the poor, broken, and empty children of the world into the Father’s arms. He has grown up in full-time ministry, picking up this mantle when he was 18 years old. He travels worldwide empowering the Body of Christ to draw near to their First Love. After spending the last 3 years living in Ethiopia, he now lives in Denver, CO, with his wife, Des-tiny, and their four daughters, Anna, Aynalem, Mercy, and Galilee."
Stewardship Corner
(continues on next page)
(Indiana Annual Conference 2011 Summary continues)
Thank You
Dear Asbury, Thank you to everyone for their cards, prayers, and con-cerns during my recent illness. Thanks to Bob Vance and the Trustees for covering for me, and Kody & Alicia Degler for cleaning the church. Charlie Pogue
Dear Asbury,
Betty wants to thank Pastor Tim & Tom Lightle for their visits and all the prayers and cards she has received.
Millard Schwartz
Dear Asbury,
Thanks to all who contributed food, visited the Strawberry Fest and Car Wash and especially those who worked preparing and serving food and washing cars. All three worship services were well represented over 200 people were served, and our car wash skills are improving.
Constructive Suggestions are welcomed by the N. O. W. Committee.
Thanks from the benefactors of our labors, the Youth Camp Schol-
Thanks to all who helped and attended the Spring Fling. The Asbury Bells and the sing-a-long were great local talent. Thanks Again.
The N. O. W. Committee
Celebration
Kris & Leslie Leiter - safe arrival of Kolten Wesley Leiter on Friday June 17th. 9 lbs 6 oz. 21 "
It was a long delivery by Cesarean Section. Please pray for Leslie's health as she recovers, and for Kolten.
In our Prayers Hospitalized
Marjorie Saxman, Ball Hospital Ruth Gillett, Jay County Hospital
Dismissed from the Hospital
Sue Schoenlein
Our deepest sympathy is extended to . . . Vera Heffner & Ilona Beck with the death of their brother Hans Riedel who resided in Germany. Our Lord called him home Friday, May 27. Continue to remember the family in your prayers and acts of sympathy.
The Dorothey Shinabery family. Our Lord called Dorothy home on Thursday, May 19, 2011. Continue to remember the family in your prayers and acts of sympathy. Tom Lightle Officiated.
Glen & Mary Bryant and family with the death of their son Mark Bryant. Our Lord called him home Friday, June 17. Continue to remember the family in your prayers and acts of sympathy.
David Ford & Family in the recent passing of Ruby Reitenour. Our Lord called her home Saturday, June 18. Continue to remember the family in your prayers and acts of sympathy.
Joanna Stone and family in the recent passing of Joanna’s sister, Jeanne Wilson. She passed into eternity on Sunday, June 19, 2011. Her funeral was in Ft. Wayne on Friday.
VBS 2011
Who: Children in
Preschool - Grade 5 What:
Stories, Crafts, Snacks, Games, Music!!! When:
July 10-14 _ 6pm-8pm
Dear Asbury Church Family, It has been an honor and a privilege for me to have been involved in the free family meal program. However, I’m about to embark on a new adventure by entering a full time nursing program starting July 5th. Prayers are always appreci-ated! My plea is that someone would be convicted to step into a leadership role to coordinate these meals. Here’s what that would entail:
> Coordinate and plan our monthly meal and find volunteers to donate food, supplies and help. >Line up volunteers to help at the other meals on Monday because someone from Asbury must be present at each event. >Check supplies and replenish when necessary >Make sure the 5th Monday of the month is covered >Advertising >Coordinate with Trinity, Westchester and Fellowship Baptist on a regular basis to be sure all is going well
Thanks to the many people who have made this program successful, it is a valuable ministry. Mary Boozier, Cletes Rines, Wanetta Shreeve, Margie Jetter, Art and Wanda Hall, Betty and Millard Schwartz, Mary Hardy, Pat Chittum, Erna Reynolds, Rose Snow Betty Noble, Rowena Miller, Sandy Bubp, Rosemary Loucks, The Round Table Class and the countless people who have made donations and prayed for this ministry. Please forgive me if I have omitted your name, know that you are appreciated. We served at least seventy people Monday, June 13. If you have any questions please call me 726-7287. Thank you-Elizabeth Hudson
Moments of Devotions We are needing someone to help with Moments of Devotions. Barry & Elizabeth
Hudson do the fourth Sunday of each month. Elizabeth is stepping down while she is going through the nursing program. We need someone for the fourth Sunday
every other month. Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping with this. Thanks.
Ethiopia Trip
The trip to Ethiopia is July 23 – August 2, 2011. The individuals that will be going on the trip are Ian Bentz, Pastor Tim & Kristen Dilley, Sarah DeGraaf, Barry, Aaron & Mary Hudson, Keegan Smith , & Julie Tarr. Saturday, July 23 - we will depart from Dayton arriving at Washington Dulles. We will de-part at noon and arrive in Addis Ababa the capitol of Ethiopia at 7:45 a.m. their time. Sunday, July 24 - we will visit Project Mercy. Monday, July 25 – we will go to Lalibela to view the under-ground rock hewn churches. Tuesday, July 26 - 31— will arrive at Axum to visit with children at Miss Lillian Orphanage – we will paint rooms in the orphanage. We will visits the families homes including “Mary” Bayone, and will visit the blind ladies feeding center, the new school we (yes, you) help build, the Arch of Covenant – visit with Keeper or Guardian, stele Square, Queen of Sheba pool, Rosetta Stone of Geez, Axum Museum & St. Mary’s Church & Museum. Monday, August 1 – return to Addis Ababa. Tuesday, August 2 – arrive in Dayton at 1:56 p.m.
Free Family Meal at Asbury on Mondays
from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
It is for the whole community.
Announcements
For September InformatIon Is
Monday, august 15 by 3:30 p.m.
Thursday Prayer Time You are invited to join Cletes Rines at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel as Asbury, community, national, and world concerns are lifted up in prayer. Any and all interested parties are welcome! You may also offer any prayer concerns you would like remembered by calling the church office. Concerns may be specified or unspoken.
Women of Faith August 19 &20 at Con-
seco Fieldhouse, Indianapo-
lis.
We will not print a Newsletter in July. The next one will be printed
on Sunday, August 28.
Back to School Bus
This mission project is to help families
get school supplies and clothing for
school. The tags on the buses will have
an item that you will need to purchase
A donation was given for the new
heating / air conditioning unit for
Pastor Tim’s Office & the Nurs-
ery / Toddlers Room by Jim &
Julie Forcum in memory of Dr.
Community Food Pantry We are taking volunteers to work at the pantry the first and second Thursdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Two people can do it but it would be nice to have 3 people. Please contact Erna Reynolds (726-2248) to volunteer for this very worthy commu-nity project.
FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY 3rd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH
Toilet paper, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, paper towels, hygiene products, canned vegetables, canned fruit, muffin mix, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, jello, crackers, cake mixes & frosting are the items for July 17 & August 21 collections. They are very low on these items. The bas-kets are located at each entrance. Items may be dropped off at any time. Your continued support of Asbury’s local outreach will be appreciated.
Missions
Prayer Shawl & Lap Robe Ministry....be the hands of Je-
sus!
What a blessing this ministry has been as an outreach project of the church. Thanks to
everyone who has helped in making them or sharing them with someone. They are made in
prayer and are yours to share to comfort someone in the church or community. We only ask
that you sign the registry and check to see if your special person may have already been given
one .
We are in great need of Prayer Shawls...there are no real instructions...they may be cro-
cheted, knitted or quilted. Approximate size is 24 x 64.
A new project is the Prayer Square Ministry. Feel free to make them anyway you wish
approximately 3" x 3" or slightly larger. These are a great gift to share in cards ( they may
require more postage).
ASBURY CONNECTIONS
Find out about our ministries and projects located in the Overflow
Room. Welcome to all groups who would like to share their pro-
jects... We will help you!
Prayer Shawl & Lap robe Ministry
Care Team Ministry
Food Pantry....volunteers needed to help give food away.
Pregnancy Care Center
Kids Hope USA
Ethiopia Project....help build a school
Church Quiet Time tools for Children
Prayer Board
May 29 June 5 June 12 June 19
8:00 Worship 22 24 26 23
9:00 Worship 109 131 89 120
Nursery 3 5 2 2
Praise Café 53 65 68 58
Total 187 225 185 203
May 29 June 5 June 12
Nursery/Toddler 3 5 12
Pre-2ndGrade 3 - -
3rd-5th Grade 6 - -
6th and 7th Grade 3 - -
8th-12th Grade 0 5 0
Roundtable 9 7 9
Open Door 16 20 13
Homemakers 26 21 27
Totals 66 63 66
June 19
2
-
-
-
6
10
17
25
58
Upper Room Class 0 5 5 0
Radio Message participants for July
July 3—Angie Bentz July 10—Ron Freeman July 17—Julie Forcum July 24 — Need Someone July 31— Ron Freeman
Liturgists for July July 3—Bonnie Maitlen July 10—Kathy Bauman
July 17—Larry Paxson July 24—Tom Lightle July 31—Cletes Rines
Greeters at West & South Doors for July July 3 & 10—Thelma Bock & Deb Spitzer, Les & Janet Sautbine July 17 & 24—Billy & Jane Jobe, Stan Teeter July 31 & Aug. 7—Veryl & Betty Lyons, Lee & Sharon Newman
Greeters at North (Elevator) Doors for July July 3 & 10—Alice Valentine & Nancy Cheeseman July 17 & 24—Greg Ashley July 31 & Aug. 7—Alice Valentine & Nancy Cheeseman
Nursery Workers for July July 3—Teresa Cavanaugh & Abby Boggs July 10—Bob & Rose Snow July 17—Bob & Rose Snow July 24—Sharon Bentz & Deanna Brass July 31—Linda Selvey & Sue Cain
Ushers for July: Neil Medler, Jerry Abbott, Don Gillespie, Lew Heffner, Warren Lowe, Larry Loyd, Duane Sautbine & Phil Zicht
Radio Message participants for August
August 7—Angie Bentz August 14—Ron Freeman August 21—Julie Forcum August 28 — Barry Hudson
Liturgists for August August 7—Julie Forcum August 14—Larry Paxson
August 21—Ron Freeman August 28—Bonnie Maitlen
Greeters at West & South Doors for August Aug. 7—Veryl & Betty Lyons, Lee & Sharon Newman Aug. 14 & 21—Russ & Carol Smith, Mary Hardy & JoAnn Witherspoon Aug. 28 & Sept. 4—Nancy Cheeseman & Alice Valentine, Eugene & Harriet Evans
Greeters at North (Elevator) Doors for August Aug. 7—Alice Valentine & Nancy Cheeseman Aug. 14 & 21—Donna Ogborn & Virginia Conkling Aug. 28 & Sept. 4—Deb & Kristen Dilley
Nursery Workers for August Aug. 7—Linda Selvey & Debi Abbott Aug. 14—Craig & Rebecca Frazee Aug. 21—Denise Glentzer Aug. 28—Rob & Bonita Frazee
Ushers for August: James Hedges, Jim Forcum, Michael Fowler, Brad Glentzer, Mark Horn, David Minnis, Roger Prescott, & Verlyn Reynolds Jr.
