UPCOMING EVENTS  

GUEST SPEAKER - May 11, 9:45 a.m., Library. Rev. Greg Kroger, Glacial Lakes District Superintendent, will lead a discussion on UMC Annual Conference.

CIRCUIT RIDER DEADLINE - May 13

READING CLUB - May 14, 1:30 p.m., Hospitality Room. Special Guests are two “lost boys” from Sudan and Don Smith. Please join us even if you have not read the book, They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY - May 27, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hospitality Room. We can teach you how to knit or crochet.

NEW ORLEANS MISSION TRIP - May 31 - June 8

NEW ORLEANS MISSION TRIP PRAYER VIGIL - May 31, 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Let’s pray for our 29 missioners the day they travel to New Orleans and for God’s blessings on this mission trip.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - July 7-11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Registration forms coming soon!!

For a complete calendar, please refer to the Circuit Rider or our website: www.sfasbury.org and click on Calendar.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIVING FAITH WORSHIP - May 18, 12:45-2:00 p.m. Jeremiah Nimely, an Asbury UMC member, recently began leading worship for a small group with African Methodist roots.  They named the group "Living Faith" and have been meeting in the Nimely's garage.  Administrative Council granted permission for the group to worship in the Asbury sanctuary.  The service will be held each Sunday beginning May 18.  The worship is open to everyone!

PRAISE AND WORSHIP MUSICIANS NEEDED

We are looking for musicians that have a heart for worship and the gift of music to join our Praise and Worship ministry team.  We see music as an extension of the creative grace that God has given to us and desire to use this gift as an offering to bring Glory to God. We would like a percussionist (soft percussions, could lead to electric drums in the future), lead guitar, and bass player.  A firm commitment to weekly Thursday rehearsals and weekly Sunday worship is required. No auditions are necessary.  If you have questions, please contact Kathy Green or Jason Bowker. God Bless!

WORSHIP SCHEDULE DISCUSSION: MAY 11

9:45—10:45 a.m. in the library

Sunday morning worship attendance continues to grow at Asbury.  What a blessing!  From September 2007 through March 2008 our average attendance on Sunday morning is 308 worshippers.  This compares to an average attendance of 257 during the same period in 2006-2007.

The Asbury Worship Committee recognizes a need for a third Sunday morning worship service and we have prayerfully considered several alternatives.  The following is our current proposal which would begin in September 2008:

• 8:00 or 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship
• 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
• 11:00 a.m. Praise and Worship

At this point we have not set times for Sunday School.  The Worship Committee welcomes your ideas and input as we discern a schedule that will work best for our current members and those we hope to reach.  Cindy Nelson, Worship chairperson, will hold listening/discussion sessions so that members of the congregation can ask questions and offer comments and suggestions regarding this proposal.  After these sessions, the Worship Committee will review all input and present a final recommendation to the Ad Council at their June meeting.

If you are unable to attend the discussions, you may call Cindy at 338-5019 or send her an email at: cynthianelson1@sio.midco.net.

UNION GOSPEL MISSION LOVE GIFT

The May Love Gift is white sugar.  Please place your gifts in the box in the Hospitality Room.  Thank you for your prayers and support for the Union Gospel Mission guests.

DRY GOODS NEEDED FOR NEW ORLEANS MISSION TRIP

Please place items in the Hospitality Room in the designated containers.

• Spaghetti noodles
• Macaroni
• Trail Mix
• Jelly
• Coffee
• Powdered Drink Mix - Tang, Gatorade
• Canned Meats - chicken, tuna
• Cream Soups - chicken, mushroom
• Tomato soup
• Pancake mix
• Syrup
• Muffin mix
• Canned spaghetti sauce
• Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper
• Manwich
• Jell-O/Pudding mix
• Canned fruit
• Dry cereal (in boxes)
• Granola bars
• Single serving chip bags
• Canola Oil
• Cooking spray
• Ketchup/Mustard and Salt/Pepper
• Storage Bags - sandwich, quart, gallon
• Brown sandwich/lunch bags
• Paper towels
• Paper plates
• Paper cups and coffee cups
• Plastic utensils
• Wet Wipes - unscented
• First Aid Supplies

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MISSIONS?

OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY

A unique fundraiser is now underway.  The United Methodist Camp at Lake Poinsett razed old cabin #6 and built the new Hubbard Cabin.  Many groups have stayed in the new facility, and, have found it to be a wonderful place that enhanced their total camp experience. 

Sadly, a debt of $60,000 still exists on the Hubbard Cabin.  The plan was that no such debt would exist.  Although the cost of construction was less than expected, so were the donations. 

The good new is that can all change!  Prior to it’s demolition, the interior paneling was salvaged from cabin #6.  A limited number of keepsake crosses have been made from this vintage wood.  Your chance to own a cross, and help pay off the Hubbard Cabin are coming soon.  100% of the money raised in this cross sale will go towards the debt of this construction project.  Only 1000 crosses exist.  These limited edition keepsakes will certainly rekindle memories of your time at camp … and … will make it possible for future campers to create their own.  Crosses are available in the office.