Scriptures

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”
– Acts 2:42.

Purpose

This Committee shall encourage a sense of devotion on the part of the Asbury membership to the apostles’ teachings, fellowship and prayer that in effect grows disciples and sustains faith-forming relationships.

Objectives

• To provide for an increase in the number of persons involved in small group discipling experiences, particularly in the areas of Sunday Church School, Prayer and Bible Study Classes, Nurture Care, Class Leader Fellowships, and so on.
• To strive to have 60-80% of those actively attending worship in small group formation or education experiences.
• To provide comfort and care for members experiencing illness, bereavement or other areas of personal distress.
• To facilitate and assist with fellowship and celebration occasions.

INTENTIONAL is the key. It is hoped that every member of Asbury North will be a part of some small learning and fellowship group each year. If we are serious about becoming and making disciples for Jesus Christ but are unsure of what and why we believe, we must start with ourselves before we can invite others to join us. To enable our intentionality the congregation will be divided into geographic clusters. Watch the Sunday bulletins for more information.

Vacation Bible School was July 13-17 for all ages. The theme is “ON THE MOVE GOD’S GRACE FROM PLACE TO PLACE. It is a unique heritage-based, multicultural curriculum focused on how God’s spirit gave momentum to the Civil Rights Movement in different places, drawing the people of God toward greatness through blessing, justice, truth and reconciliation.

Christian Education Sunday is September 20, 2009. The theme for Christian Education week is: MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST—CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS LIFE-LONG.

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Grandparents Day will be Sunday, September 11, 2009. All grandparents are asked to wear red. This will be a special recognition for all the love and care they give to children.

Elders Ministry
Carolyn Johnson, Chairperson
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Mission Statement: “We are committed to live out our LOVE for our ELDERS through our SERVICE to our ELDERS.

Bible Basis: “Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Our Elders’ Ministry program (our ministry to our members & friends who are 70+) is off to a good start and we thank God for his guidance and the Elders’ Ministry Committee members for their hard work. We would also like to thank all of our Partners who have agreed to work with out Elders in this ministry.

Our Elders have made the following suggestions regarding the work of our program:

• Transportation Issues: Transportation is needed to attend the daily lunch program and Pastor Lynn’s Bible Study Class. Transportation is also needed for doctor and dental visits. We need to expand our pool of drivers and are seeking volunteers. Please see Barbara Patterson regarding any transportation issues or to volunteer to drive.
  
• Legal Documents: There is a need to get more information about Living Wills; Wills, and Power of Attorney. As noted by Mrs. Mary C. Woods, our Elders must be careful about signing ANY documents. We plan to invite an attorney to meet with out Elders group to discuss these legal documents and other legal issues.
  
• Health Issues: There is a need to get more information about Medicare Parts A/B/D and Medicaid. It was suggested that we have a Diabetes Forum We also need more information regarding other Social Security issues. It was suggested that we have a representative to the following agencies: MAC; LEADS; Council on Aging and AARP.
  
• Social Activities: As seniors there is a need to continue to be active. They suggested recreational activities; field trips; small trips and one large trip per year; attend plays and movies. They would also like to go on organized shopping trips. It was also suggested that we have a multi-cultural camping weekend yearly.
  
• Housing Issues: As a group they would like to learn more about the Homestead Act; payment of taxes and property tax issues; information from the Auditor’s office; and home health care/housekeeping issues and challenges.
  
• Safety Issues: Never go alone – always try to go anyplace in the company of others – for safety. There is a need for an Escort Service at night, in order to get safely to your car. This service has been developed and has been announced – see any member of the Elders’ Ministries Committee for details and watch for the ESCORT badges on our male volunteers.
  
• Church related items: Elders Sunday will be developed where our Elders will be in charge of the worship experience. We will have a section in The Epistle to keep our Elders informed about our activities. Elders, remember that you can call your Partners in addition to your partners calling you – we want to make sure you feel free to call your partners to say hello.
  
• Partners: Our partners are asked to call their Elders at least one time per week and to contact them if you are going to Church, Bible Study, or evening services, to see if your Elder would like a ride. Attend special gathering with your Elder and get to know your Elder better, making sure you search out and speak – by name – to your Elder each Sunday. In general, be a friend to your Elder.

Our Elders’ Ministry Committee has collected contact information for our elders. This is very important information, which will be kept in the Church Office and by the Elders’ Ministry Committee and our Transportation Coordinator, Barbara Patterson.

Honorees Profiles

Bernard and Mary Anne Gilbert
Amelia Prillerman
Beufus and Emma Smith
James and Mary Seay
Mary Boyer
Jean Beckham
Mary Jean Weston
Reverend Ruby Hill

Asbury North Crusaders Children's Ministry

Sue Patterson
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Praise the Lord! For He is Good!

Yes, He is Good!

The A.N.C. (Asbury North Crusaders) are looking for you! Children’s ages 4-13 are welcome to join our wonderful group of boys and girls.

The A.N.C. has committed to be in leadership every 4 th Sunday of each month. Our first Sunday, March 16, went very well. Our new musician, Tammi Collins is truly a blessing. The children really enjoy her expertise and well rounded nature.

We have also committed to participate in an afternoon of song, dance and Praise the Lord Service to be held at Woodland Christian Church on April 20 th at 3:30 p.m. The ministry team encourages you to come and support our children as we sing and dance for the Lord. The theme is “A little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:8).

Get all excited…go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is King!

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ASBURY NORTH CRUSADERS

Nuture Care Unit by Pauline Singletary
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The Nurture Care Unit is one of the ministries involved with the Intentional Faith Development (formerly Faith Forming Relationships Core Group) under the guidance of Ms. Ethel Johnson.

As they have done in the past, the Nurture Care Committee will continue to lead a personal touch to the membership. The directory has been updated and distributed. Information about our shut-ins and hospitalized members is current and being disseminated to all interested members of the congregation. Rev. Lynn Robinson and Ms. Ethel Johnson are two of the Faith Workers who visit the sick regularly. This is the work of the church. “Praise God for His indescribable gift to the daughters (and sons) of men.”

Barbara Patterson shares the church’s care and concern with cards and phone calls. Mary C. Woods takes charge of all arrangements for food and flowers for the families of deceased members.

Intentional Faith Development refers to the ministries congregations who offer spiritual growth outside of weekly worship that increases their understanding of and love for God. These ministries include Bible Study, Sunday School classes, spiritual retreats, youth programs and other small group experiences.