Asbury Circuit Rider 2019-8-18

ASBURY CIRCUIT RIDER

Catty (Who do they say I am?) Volume 19 Issue 18

One of the many treas- politicians running for elec- August 18, 2019 ures that I receive whenev- tion. But the benefits can er I read scripture, partic- become liabilities when we ularly the stories told by stretch too far to fit some- Special points of interest: and about Jesus, is I fre- one else’s mold. I don’t quently learn something think that this was the issue >>> Leadership Team will meet new. The subject of what I that Jesus was wrestling on Tuesday, August 19th at 6pm learn varies from new in- with but I do believe that in the Asbury Library. Worship sights about God to in- Jesus knows that this sort of Design will meet on Tuesday, sights about others, to in- surfaced was a story told thing mattered to His fol- August 26th at 6pm. sights about myself. What about Jesus. In the Gospel lowers. And, as often is the is really interesting for me of Luke, towards the end of case with Jesus, His ques- is that I often can’t see the the book, Jesus is talking to tion becomes a teaching connection between the His disciples. He asks them point. insight and what I’m read- “Who do the crowds say I How about you? Have ing at first. I love it. No am?” It wasn’t the answers you every wondered what wonder the bible continues that the disciples gave that others are saying about to be a best seller. caught my attention. It was you? I’ve noticed that catti- Jesus’ question. ness is a common practice A few weeks ago I was in our neighborhood. In thinking about our new We don’t seem to out- series that starts this Sun- grow our need to be visible. conversations I have had day, Tell your story. The And we definitely don’t out- Page 2 first scripture that came to grow our desire to be liked. mind when this subject “People-pleasing” is a great Inside this issue: idea for restaurants and Catty– Who do they say I am? 1 Superpower (Join the faith hall of fame) Superpower 1 In Our Prayers / Free Movie Nite 3 Have you ever visit- ductees. You find names to name a few that I recog- Asbury Worship Series-Tell your Story 4 ed a “hall of fame” such like Janet Jackson and nized. Pastor’s Book Club as the one dedicated to Stevie Nicks on this list. 4 people who played a The Zombies are listed Leadership in Worship & Service 4 prominent role in rock- as well. The first year Asbury Worship Series 5 and-roll located in Cleve- that people were induct- Updates— 6 land, Ohio? It must be ed into this hall of fame Asbury Farm to Table 7 quite an honor for your is 1986. That first class Small Group Questions & Notes 8 name to appear there. included Chuck Berry, There is a link on their Fats Domino, James Superpower 9 website for the 2019 in- Brown and Elvis Presley, Catty—Who do they say I am? 10 Page 2 Page 2 ASBURY CIRCUIT RIDER Superpower (Join the faith hall of fame )...cont. from page 1

Each inductee had a superpow- are often the antagonist of our superpower that the child cannot er that set them apart from thou- perheroes. Outside of comic book imagine having on their own. sands of others who contributed to characters, however, we usually So this suggests that super- rock-and-roll. Some played an in- reserve superpower status for powers are related to the circum- strument. Others had outstanding countries who have global influ- stances. And what one person vocal abilities. Still, others wrote ence, generally as a result of the considers to be a superpower an- songs, produced records, organized nation’s ability to exert power mili- other person may think different- events. For example, Dick Clark was tarily, economically, technological- ly. Just because a friend feeding inducted in 1993. He hosted a show ly and culturally. But here we are an infant gives them a temporary and is listed in the “non-performer” talking about persons and perhaps superpower doesn’t mean they category. There are influencers, groups of people, but not coun- still have this superpower after such as Billie Holliday, a “sideman” tries. the bottle is empty. category that is all men and in- I suspect that most of us do not cludes Earl Palmer. Altogether Each one of us has a super- claim any particular superpower. there are 330 names listed of indi- power. Some of us have claimed More of us feel powerless than we viduals and groups. It’s quite a list. our superpower and others have- feel powerful. We turn to people n't accepted their superpower. We associate the idea of a su- that we hope to have a superpower Your superpower is a gift. What is perpower with a superhero. Some- that can be used on our behalf. For your superpower? Your story is one with extraordinary gifts that a child, this may be a parent or your superpower. It's that simple. are used for the good of humanity. guardian. The person feeding an But there are superpowers attribut- infant is that child’s superhero for Page 9 ed to not so helpful persons. These the moment since they have a su-

Catty… cont. from page 1

person who apparently was a friend partially about getting feedback on with people participating in this prac- but the person’s behavior was hurtful our sermons. The question is mostly tice, I have wondered if taking trash to one of the people airing their com- about wanting to be liked. Most of about others is an accessible way to plaints to someone else. I interrupted us put ourselves out there every exert power. Having power is a natu- the conversation with a question. “Is time speak. A feeling of being judged ral action to feelings of powerlessness. this what they call being catty?” The comes to mind. Do you get what I’m I overheard a conversation the response to my question was some- saying? other day. I won’t say who was in- what timid, “yes.” Just checking. This Page 10 volved to protect the innocent. In this article was already developing legs. case, me. The subject was another “What are they, the crowds, other people, so-called friends, saying about One day when Jesus was me?” It might surprise you to know praying alone, the disciples came to him, “Who do the that pastors are particularly suscepti- crowds say I am?” ble to asking this question. We think about this question even if we know Luke 24:18b better than to ask. And it’s only Volume 19 Issue 18 Page 3

Coming up this week

In our Prayers Aug 19 Mon 5:00pm Youth Choir 6:00pm Leadership Team Curtis Young Shirley Craig 7:00pm Flint Jubilee Rachel Bastine Christopher Lewis Norma Buzzard Sarah Tanner Aug 20 Tues 10am-2pm Water Distribution Virginia Bigger Elizabeth Wright 6:00pm Community Gospel Choir Barbara McIvor Judy Tanner Austin & Mary Suffle Mary Lyons Aug 21 Wed 12Noon Pastor Book Club 6:00pm Beginners Bible Study

6:00pm Youth Group FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES WHO ARE HOMEBOUND OR IN NURSING CARE Aug 22 Thu 4:30-6pm Gaming as Education 6:00pm Worship Band Practice Mary Nations Mary Russell Aug 23 Fri 10am-2pm Asbury Cafe Open Elaine Lamoreaux 6:00pm Asbury Youth Group MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Aug 24 Sat 10am-12N Japanese Jiu Jitsi

- FREE MOVIE NITE - Aug 25 Sun 8am-10am Japanese Jiu Jitsi ASBURY FELLOWSHIP HALL 9:30am Café Open THURSDAY, AUGUST 29TH 10:30am New Beginnings AT 6:00PM Contemporary Worship

SUNDAY, August 11th

9:30am Café Opens

10:30am New Beginnings

Contemporary Worship

Last Week for Worship

Attendance 34 Offering $ 928 Page 4 ASBURY CIRCUIT RIDER

Asbury Worship Series that his friend’s story had taken a twist. His Jaymes wondered if he might be interested in Tell your Story friend was not the same person that he had been a similar adventure. “Who do you say He is?” His friend had a going away gift for Jaymes. A bible. The very bible that his friend had used to learn about God. This Our book club participants are reading a Bible that his friend gave him became a book that tells a story about a man traveling to central park of an unfolding story. There Mississippi in the hope of starting a business. The would be others on the same bus who would man leaves his family in Chicago and hopes that encourage Jaymes to read the stories about they will be reunited after he can afford to have people who had wrestled with belief and them travel to where he will find a place for them faith. Each person that appeared in scripture to live as soon as he saves enough money. But the had their own story. And parts of their stories facts of his journey are only part of his story. in the past. He had changed a lot. For the good, Jaymes concluded. And his friend’s change have been told and retold not because they did anything particularly impressive. But The man named Jaymes has a friend give began with learning that God knew his whole him a ride to the bus station. On the way he learns story and invited him to begin a new adventure. because parts of their story help us to know a His friend’s story caught Jayme’s interest. little more about God and other ourselves. Page 5 Book Club News

After reading and discussing the book Our next book was written by Dennis Jericho will challenge our own Shame-less written by Nadia Bolz-Weber Sykes. Most of you have seen Dennis knowledge of scripture as the people our group is taking a short break. On July 10 around Asbury at one point or another. Jaymes meets challenges him to continue we hosted our youth who are working with Perhaps you would better recognize Den- reading and studying God’s Word. Jaymes us for the nis as the Roman Governor, Pilate, whom is amazed by how much people around him summer and Dennis played in our Easter musical. Per- had changed for the better after coming to a youth choir haps you remember Dennis in one of our know Jesus Christ for themselves. And a from Omaha, concerts. He sings with our community long bus ride was just what Jaymes needed Nebraska. A gospel choirs. Dennis is a member of to spend some solid reading time. week after Ebenezer Ministries located a short dis- that we tance from Asbury. Since this is novel is hot off the watched a shelves and since we want to support Den- video from Our next book is titled Jericho. The nis in his first book publishing we ordered the Nooma book follows a man by the name of ten copies at just under $20 each. A few of series by Jaymes Devans. As the novel begins, us have purchased our books directly from Rob Bell James is leaving Chicago, Illinois. He is Dennis but it helps him even more when we titled Sun- going South to make a better life for the buy his books from retailers. Dennis hopes day. A great discussion followed the video family he loves. However, Jaymes finds to participate in one our sessions to an- on why we go to church. We concluded that out that his plans and God’s plans are not swer questions and autograph books. we don’t get together out of a sense of duty, the same. He becomes caught up in a although these feelings are often felt. Ulti- world of murder, drug smuggling, crooked I encourage you to come to our mately, we go because we encounter God businessmen, politicians, secret agents, Wednesday gatherings. Our small group is in our worship and in our time together. and a God with a plan. a diverse group and we are delighted when new persons join us. I hope that you will join in on our discussion. We meet each Wednesday at Noon. Come join us for a Leadership in Worship & Service light lunch, fellowship and discussion. Our food selections have been fantastic and we Welcome Team Tony, Mirium Sylvia Pittman Worship Arts always have plenty to share. And we are Ushers Anthony, Jim Jim Craig Leadership Chair always on the lookout for our next book, Production Team Jonathon Kevin Croom Farm to Table video lesson or topic. Your participation Children Patrice & Mirium Israel Unger Business Operations and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Worship Leaders Cyndi Café Christine & Norma Asbury Café * Dennis James (Dennis Sykes). Jeri- cho: a Novel in Dialogue: Journey of a New Plan to meet outside the sanctuary each Creature. Xlibris, 2018. Sunday before worship for coffee, tea, snacks, Asbury Staff conversation and so on. The music will Rev. Dr. Tommy McDoniel Pastor Pastor Tommy start when it is time to wrap up and head Connie Portillo Office Secretary in for worship. Volume 19 Issue 18 Page 5

Asbury Worship Series–Tell your Story (Who do you say He is?) ... Cont. from page 4

What’s your story? Where were For example, our stories include A key testimony at any trial is the you born? Do you live in Flint or do events, thoughts, and feelings that are actual person on trial. The defendant. I not witnessed by anyone. This is one of use the idea of a trial as a metaphor be- you live elsewhere? Are you a Flint- stone or did you move here recent- the many remarkable things that I because one major reason that so many of ly? How old are you? What is your lieve to be true about God. That God is our stories are not told is that having our the only One who knows every part of story told feels a lot like being on trial. gender? Who raised you? Are your parents still living? Do you keep in our story. Our real story. The rest of our What will people think when they know touch? story that isn’t told by witnesses even if the truth? Can I tell only those parts of everyone who ever knew us was called my story that bring out the best version You could answer a thousand to testify. of me? When we are the witness in our questions for me and I still don’t own trial we hope to tell only the parts The Bible is full of stories and Jesus that we choose to tell. know your story. Our story is not taught through stories. And Jesus be- about answering questions. Our sto- came the subject of the stories told by Our stories matter to God and our ry is not just about the facts of the others. Jesus once asked His disciples stories should matter to each other. Our case. During a jury trial after one “Who do the crowds say I am?” Jesus stories intersect and intertwine as we side of the legal argument is finished seemed curious about the story that oth- interact and find ways of living and asking the witness questions the ers were telling about Him. Jesus knew working together. But how do I tell my other side has to opportunity to cross His story but do others? Did His disci- story? What parts of my story will even -examine. That is, the other attorney ples know His story? matter to someone else? This is the crux is given the opportunity to ask ques- of our new worship series, Tell your tions. The Judge might say to the We all have a story. Some stories story. other attorney something like “Your are long novels while others are short witness.” stories or just a few lines. All of us want Our focus over the next few weeks our lives to matter. We don’t all try to will be on how and when to tell parts of Jury trials are a lot more than achieve earth shattering feats or even try our story. And which parts. Have you getting to the facts of the case. There to stand out of the crowd. A lot of us are ever heard a part of someone’s story that are questions of motive, credibility content just to blend in with the rest. But touched you? Perhaps what happened to matter is to be noticed. To be heard. also happened to you. Perhaps you were “What about you?” he asked them. To be visible. But a lot of us also have a inspired and see yourself having a simi- “Who do you say I am?” fear that if we are too visible we won’t lar experience. These are life-giving gifts when we receive them. And when Luke 24:18 we give them.

and other subjective opinions. The You can be a life-saver simply by jury is asked to come to agreement telling your story when the parts you tell on whether the evidence is sufficient are about life-saving experiences. Don’t for a verdict. Does the evidence, think you have any? We all do but most which includes all allowable testi- of us miss the significance of our own mony, provide sufficient proof, experiences. God is active in each of our without any doubt, that the defend- lives even when we don’t give God ant did what the prosecutor claimed? be loved. So we hide just enough of us credit or believe that this could be true. and expose only those parts that we pre- I invite you to come and hear the Our stories all involve witness- sume are acceptable to the people whose stories of others who can inspire you es who frequently offer testimony opinions matter. about us. But this isn’t our story and teach you to be aware of your own stories. Learn to share your own story so either. This is only a part of our sto- I suspect that most of us have parts that others can be inspired. Learn to ry. Very few of us have the same of our stories that we would rather dis- observe ways that God is active in your person around us at all times. I don’t own. Perhaps even pretend that they never happened and sometimes deny life and in the lives of those around you. know anyone who has experienced Come and Tell your story. such a thing. People come into our they ever happened. But they did. And they are a part of our story. But no event, lives and eventually are no longer a I pray that you will join us for our nothing that anyone ever did to us or we part of our unfolding story as a first new worship series called Tell your did to someone else is who we are. story. I hope to see you each Sunday for hand witness. But they are still a These are just chapters and sometimes a worship at 10:30 am. Remember Bible part of our story. Just a part of our single scene within a fascinating story of study in the Asbury Café is before wor- story. Not our whole story. what it is to live. ship at 9:30 am. Pastor Tommy

Page 6 THE CROP HUNGER WALK NEEDS YOU!!

What is the CROP Hunger Walk?

· A community-led fundraising event to end hunger.

· A way to show global solidarity with the millions who walk miles every day in search of food and water

· An opportunity to support CWS (Church World Service) development projects and disaster assistance globally

· A source of income for more than 1,500 local food banks and soup kitchens in the U.S.

So, We NEED YOU! It’s easy to register, just by calling Connie (810)814-7985 or in the office at 235-0016 and I will get a packet to you. MARK YOUR CALENDARS, THE WALK WILL BE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019. WE WILL MEET AT 1:30PM AT COURT STREET UMC AND WALK WILL BEGAN AT 2:00PM. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME. Asbury Farm to Table

While turning blight into beautiful and productive landscape is good on its own, transforming a food desert into abundance is life giving. But Asbury wants to make sure that produce is available on the tables of our residents. Our culinary arts and nu- tritional education programs offer residents the know how just as our farms offers nature’s bounty. In ad- dition, the Asbury Café is a culinary experience accessible to our neighbors and anyone with an appetite. Our “pay what you can” approach means that no one is turned away. Those who can help either on the farm or in the café are offered special MyFlintStones tokens that can be used either in the Asbury Café or in exchange for produce to prepare at home.

We proudly accept MyFlintStones

The Asbury Café is open Fridays 10am to 2pm & Sundays 10 am to 12 Noon Volume 19 Issue 18 Page 8 Life Group Questions & Notes To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval. It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. Hebrews 11:1-3 GNT

NOTES FROM WORSHIP

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QUESTIONS FOR LIFE GROUPS

1. Read Hebrews 11:1-3. What does faith mean for you? In what ways are you being faithful? In what ways are you struggling with being faithful? 2. Read this week’s article titled Superpower. Have you ever thought of your faith story as a superpower? The rest of Hebrews chapter 11 is a hall of fame listing of characters that we read about in the Old Tes- tament. The heroes of the faith. They are heroes not because of what they did themselves. Their superpower is their story of faith. And so it is with you. Tell each other a part of your own story of faith. Welcome to the faith hall of fame. 3. How can the members of your group help you this week and on-going to help you to be more receptive to hearing and understanding the Word of God? Superpower (Join the faith hall of fame) ...cont. from page 2 Page 9

The Bible has a hall of fame list with them. They also faced self-doubt, can, but will deliver. Our story takes on that is found in the 11th chapter of heard voices in their heads that led superpower status. It is like Superman Hebrews. We see one of the most them astray, and questioned God’s deci- putting on his cape or Popeye chewing famous names, Abraham, with some sions. Perhaps the most common doubt on his spinach. What emerges is a su- of his stories. While a few biblical was, “Why in the world would God perpower. celebrities have a few words about choose me?” why their name is listed, the writer Last week I asked you to write ends the section by just listing several Let’s consider how the writer of down 2 to 3 subjects that are on your names. Hebrews begins chapter 11. “To have heart. Things about you, parts of your faith is to be sure of the things we hope story, that by telling them to someone What an honor. Can you imagine for, to be certain of the things we cannot they would find out something about being named in the Bible’s list of su- see.” So we will have doubts like why you that makes you uncomfortable. I perheroes? Of course, this would me, I don’t deserve this, there are too didn’t ask you to share them but to pray mean that you have been dead for many obstacles, no one would love me if about your list. Now consider the re- centuries. But still — can’t you imag- they really knew me, and more. The quirement for being a superhero listed ine how many people throughout question to be wrestled with is “Despite on God’s hall of fame. That is, the super- history have wondered whether or all of the obstacles do I believe that God power of faith. God gives each of us this not if they had lived during biblical will come through.” superpower as a gift. Now rethink your times if their name might have ap- list of subjects in light of your super- peared? It is by faith that we understand that power. Reflect on how your story of faith can shed light on your superpower Given the timeframe of the writ- the universe was created by God’s of faith. ing of Hebrews, we don’t see any of word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. the names from the time of Jesus min- My prayer for you is that you will istries. They appear elsewhere. He- Hebrew 11:3 share your superpower with the world brews is looking at the Old Testament for good. It takes a superhero to be vul- scriptures. But more important than Knowing that God will come nerable enough to share our hurts and which names appear is how the writ- through. This is faith. This is the heart doubts, and to be faithful despite the er of Hebrews chooses the names for of our story. This is our superpower. apparent obstacles. We can see the ob- this list? The biblical hall of fame is not a list of stacles. The way around or over them is superheroes who could leap over build- usually not visible. But God already Life is full of obstacles. And all of ings. The biblical hall of fame is a list of knows the outcome. God saw the obsta- us respond to the challenges we face ordinary people who didn’t stop believ- cle coming. And God will deliver just as with varying degrees of heroism and ing that God will deliver, even in the God delivered for our list of biblical hall disgustingly poor decisions. None of face of their own doubts. And God deliv- of fame inductees. us are perfect and we face a system ered. It is God who can leap over build- that is racist, oppressive, and full of ings, feed thousands with not enough Your story of faith is your super- bullies using their power to beat us food, walk on water and bring the dead power. up. Some of us are bullies. So how back to life. could a pastor make a claim that any Use your superpower. Come join us. of our stories is a superpower? Our superpower is our story. When We worship each Sunday at 10:30 am. we tell our story we change lives for the Come learn why it is important to tell I do this because I realize that good. When we share our hurts, our your story and how to do so. I lead a those listed in Hebrews chapter 11 failures, and our doubts people find short Bible study in the Asbury Cafe� at also faced similar obstacles. Power- someone like them. When we can say 9:30 am. You can find more information ful nations led by violent leaders. that while we have our doubts, when about us on our website at FlintAs- Bullies who used their power we don’t see how, when we can’t reason bury.org. Pastor Tommy against anyone who disagreed why, but we know that God not only Welcome to the Asbury Community

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Catty...Who do they say I am? ...cont. from page 2

Before we can get around to tell- While the answers that the disci- Each of us is created in God’s im- ing stories that reveal something ples gave Jesus were insightful Jesus age. This means that who we are is about who we are we have to deal followed up with the more important rooted in Jesus Christ. And this means with our fear of judgment. Some of question. “Who do You say I am?” that the more that others come to know us can just start talking. My dad used This is more than just a play on What if you could reach a point to tell us children that sometimes we words. Knowing Jesus changes eve- where what others say about are talking out loud to ourselves be- rything. And when others know us it you no longer concern you? cause we want to hear our story. We also is a game-changer. And this is talk towards someone else to make it true when we know others. Jesus seem less weird. More often, we feel was inviting His followers to reflect who we are at our core the clearer this a hesitancy if the story we are shar- on where they stand on His identity. image of God becomes. But wrapped ing reveals something about us that By chapter 24 of Luke, His followers around this inner image are stories of no one else knows. “What will they had spent a lot of time with Jesus. try and fail. Stories of try and do. These say about me?” questions can both Have they come to know who He is? stories can become the bonds that hold precede our telling and immediately us together. While our stories are When we tell our story people uniquely ours, the experiences we have follow our telling. come to know who we are. And yes, are likely similar to the experiences What if you could reach a point sometimes what they come to know that others have had also. where what others say about you no about us can taint their view of us. I hope that you will join us. We longer concern you? I’m not talking We may either rise or fall in how worship each Sunday at 10:30 am. they evaluate our character. But our about a lack of caring about what Come learn why it is important to tell others think altogether. I’m talking question should be just as deep as your story and how to do so. I lead a about being free from worrying what when Jesus asks His question. “Who short Bible study in the Asbury Café at others might be saying behind your do you say I am?” Peter responded to 9:30 am. You can find more infor- back. Wouldn’t this free you to tell the question with an insight that mation about us on our website at your story? Wouldn’t this allow you only comes from God. “You are God's FlintAsbury.org. to be heard? To be visible? Messiah.” Pastor Tommy