Plan for Returning to In-Person Worship at Asbury

Asbury is opening its doors up again for worship. We want to do this well so that we do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. We are looking at CDC guidelines, research and recommendations in order to reduce risk to our sacred community. We do good by providing the best welcoming hospitality that we can, and we stay in love with God through meaningful worship, be that in-person or online.

In-person worship will look different, but the intention of returning to in-person corporate worship is to praise, pray, lament, and learn alongside with others in the presence of God. It is experiencing transformation through God’s grace as a people. You may see many physical limitations, but we can still do real work on our hearts and souls if you are able to join us for in-person corporate worship.

In-person worship will begin starting Sunday, July 5th at 10:30 am. For now, we will not be holding the 8:00 am worship service. From July 5th to August 9th the chancel area will be setup using a more intimate setting for our online worship on Facebook Live and Zoom. Starting on August 16th the chancel setup will return to our regular worship setup.

Should I attend worship in-person?

The CDC considers indoor group gatherings (like worship) a higher risk activity and careful consideration should be made when making a personal decision to attend worship in-person.

While measures are being put in place designed to lower the risk of virus transmission in our facility, Asbury cannot make attending worship a completely safe activity.

Please do not attend in-person worship if you are sick in any way.

If you are in a high-risk group with chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system, we invite you to continue to worship with us safely at home using Facebook Live or call in to Zoom.

If you are uncomfortable with any of the changes to in-person worship below, please continue to worship with us

safely at home using Facebook Live or Zoom.

Facility Readiness

High-touch areas such as doors, doorways and pews will be cleaned and disinfected prior to worship.

A hand sanitizer dispenser will be available upon entry to the building.

Bibles, Hymnals, Prayer Request Cards and Offering Envelopes have been removed from the pews for effective cleaning and to prevent cross-contamination.

Beverages and food will not be served.

Restrooms will be open, but we encourage limiting their use and maintaining recommended physical distancing while using them.

Love God

Love Others

Serve the World July 2020

The Messenger

2

Plan for Returning to In-Person Worship at Asbury

Sunday Mornings

We will try to be welcoming as possible while trying to minimize contact and risk as much as possible.

Face coverings/masks are required. To lower the risk of virus transmission, face coverings/masks will be required upon entering the Asbury building and at all times while in the building. We appreciate this demonstration of your love to others by wearing a face covering. Disposable masks will be available if you do not have one. If you are unable to wear a face covering or mask due to a health or other issue we invite you to continue to worship with us safely at home using Facebook live or Zoom.

Asbury will be open only for worship on Sunday morning at 10:15am.

Adult and Children Sunday School and other groups will not meet face-to-face before or after worship to reduce length of exposure.

The nursery will be closed.

Worship will be approximately 45 minutes to limit the amount of time gathered in the enclosed space of the sanctuary.

Please enter and leave through the East entrance doors. They will be open before, during and after worship. The South Entrance doors are not to be used.

We ask that you arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before worship and leave immediately after worship.

Please do not gather in the fellowship hall before or after worship. Feel free to visit with others outside before or after worship and follow recommended physical distancing guidelines.

Please maintain recommended physical distancing guidelines at all times while in the building.

Pews will be sectioned off to maintain recommended physical distancing.

Ushers will guide you to your seat and dismiss you when worship is over to maintain recommended physical distancing.

Family groups may sit together.

During Worship

Bulletins will be paperless and information will be on screens.

There will be a box for you to place your offering when entering or leaving the sanctuary.

On Sundays when we have communion, individually portioned communion elements will be set out for you to pick up when entering the sanctuary. You are invited to participate in communion at your seats.

Please remain in your pews during the entire service (except for leaving early or using the restroom).

The prayer rail will not be open for use.

Plan for Returning to In-Person Worship at Asbury

Music and Singing

We ask that you avoid singing while attending worship. Research has shown that any voice projection such as singing or loud congregational speaking is a super-spreader of the virus. The United Methodist Church recommendations are that there should be no in-person singing during worship until such a time that scientific community knows more or until a vaccine is available.

Since music has always been an important part of the Asbury Church worship experience, we are making the following changes to our music ministry.

The Chancel Choir, Alabaster praise band and hymn leaders will not be leading music live.

Music that involves singing and other special music offerings will be pre-recorded and played during worship (e.g. Asbury Virtual Choir). Again, please refrain from singing along with any music.

Feel free to hum along to hymns or songs, clap your hands, meditate on the lyrics, or use other non-verbal ways to experience the worship music.

The Asbury Virtual Choir is planning on preparing a musical offering twice a month. Anyone interested is invited to participate in the Asbury’s Virtual Choir. Please contact Kathy Love to find out how you can participate.

In Conclusion

We appreciate your grace and understanding as we develop these guidelines with many different lifestyles, needs and perspectives involved. Providing these guidelines makes it clear what is to be expected of everyone. Please also be respectful of those who wish to stay home out of concern for their health. A lack of physical attendance does not equate to a lack of faith.

Please understand that things may change between when you read this and the dates that are listed. Our congregation is blessed with many professionals who have access to several resources on research, regulations and recommendations which contribute to these guidelines. We are doing our best to stay on top of new information and guidelines in order to provide the best worship experience that we can while making efforts to lower the risk of attending worship in-person.

Friends, I am not sure how long these guidelines will be in place. I do know that this is just a season and I do have faith that we can continue love God and others and grow in relationships through this season. If we all do our part in preventing the spread, the hope is that we will eventually be able worship together like we are used to and what a glorious moment it will be.

God be with you till we meet again,

Resources used in the development of this plan: CDC – Guidance for Community and Faith-Based Organizations https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html CDC - GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PUBLIC SPACES, WORKPLACES, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND HOMES https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html Resuming Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DhfgclYRUomeWApWtRGPr_tZJ4pe5ew6/view United Methodist Church: Music and Singing in Church: Recommendations According to Phased Reopenings

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AYlnijQhqD32fyRss3QQfJFlScEnPSmc/view?usp=sharing

3

4

Asbury Activities

July 1 White Fragility Book Study begins

July 2 Mission Springfield @ 6:30 pm

July 4 Independence Day

July 7 VBS begins

July 8 VBS

July 9 VBS Mission/Vision @ 6:30

July 11 UMW Planning Meeting @ 6:00

July 12 One Heart In Christ

July 13 Staff Meeting @ 6:30 pm

July 14 Worship Committee @ 6:30 pm

July 15 Crosslines Day

July 26 Education Committee

Walter Boyts, Larry Ballenger, Shannon Leger, John Fuge, Marjorie Pettit, John Bingham, Dorothy Roll, Chuck Ewy, Ron Garling, Teresa Kays & family, Lisa Boyts & Dustin Gardner, Jackie Fadler, Marcia Long, Jim Shane, Nicole Johnson, Neal Stehle

All prayer concerns will be listed for one month unless otherwise notified.

Those we hold in loving care who are homebound or limited in their transportation:

Patsy Bingham, Gary Metcalf, Nicole Johnson, Neal Stehle, Bob Cruse, Barbara Davidson, Bob Drake, Marjorie Pettit, Dorothy Roll, Bob & Louise Sloan, Shawna Allen, Cleo Huffman, Brenda Morris

1500 S Campbell Avenue Springfield, MO 65807

www.asburyunitedmethodist.org Church E-mail: asburyumc@sbcglobal.net

Pastor’s email: egravely@asburyunitedmethodist.org

The office is open: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Lead Pastor Music Director Administrative Assistant Connections Coordinator

Alabaster Coordinator Children’s Ministries Student Ministries

Community Outreach Nursery Coordinator Pianist & Organist

Erika Gravely Kathy Love

Julia Machin Katrin Herd

Bob Johnson Donna Brown Leon Johnson

Linda Adams Susan Lamy Teresa Kays

Asbury Staff

Video Sermons

Miss a Sunday? Watch the sermon video at

www.asburyunitedmethodist.org/

Sign up your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, friends, and neighbors for our virtual VBS Bolt happening July 7-9 (or as it is virtual, happening whenever you want)! Sign up quickly to be eligible for a Bolt Supply Bucket!

Sign up at: https://asburyunitedmethodist.org/

vbs/

July Birthdays

02

05

08

10

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

25

30

31

Vanessa Appleby Lisa Boyts Alec Scott

Doug Carroll

Ron Garling Holly Hostetler

Karen Nordstrom Neal Stehle

Carol McCain

Paden Hammond

Marlene Jones Robyn Michael

Larry Oliver

Jackson Blair

Toby Boyts Richard Curtis Neil Folkerts Addison McCann

Bill Grover

Jesse Paxton

Kay Appleby Joan Wilson

Glenda Hefty Jim Kellett

Zachary Blanton Marilyn Nothnagel

Jim Gilmore

Katherine Heslin

5

Connection information

Worship: Through Facebook: (no account needed) https://www.facebook.com/AsburyUMCSpringfieldMO/ By landline or smart phone: (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 881 355 241, Pass-word: 01 76 46

Sunday School 9:15am: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/362387558?pwd=dWxzZ1NWVnM0QjZyWmRlWVExUERnQT09 By landline or smart phone: (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 362 387 558, Pass-word: 06 82 81

Group Meetings via Zoom Sunday Evening LYF Group, 5pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/235372796?pwd=eDR6cFFRUUFXSDdwWlB4TGROTlczdz09 or call (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 325 372 796, Password: 31 12 88

Sunday Evening Youth LYF Group, 7:00pm (twice per month): https://zoom.us/j/736191824?pwd=cDFKbXQ1K0x3N1VNYnVRb0dsQVd3Zz09 or call (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 736 191 824, Password: 09 12 59

Monday Evening LYF Group, 6:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/613309770?pwd=Rm9UTGtTNXFHaFRWWW9qcVBDSUJkUT09 or call (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 613 309 770, Password: 07 35 82

Friday Night Youth Group at 6:30 pm: Outside at the church - no meeting on July 3

YAX Group, Saturdays, 7:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/682881051?pwd=aWwxb01BUTFIY0JYTWlvWVZrdmM5Zz09 or call (312) 626-6799, Meeting ID: 682 881 051, Password: 05 00 06

Wedding Shower

You are invited to a wedding shower honoring Joe Gregg & Megan Leach - COVID-19 style!

Where: Asbury UMC's Fellowship Hall When: Sunday July 19th 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. (Or if you prefer, you may “drive thru” at the east entrance from 1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.)

In order to maintain safe group sizes, your RSVP is necessary and appreciated. Email kgregg82@aol.com or text 417-818-6880 by July 10.

The couple is registered at https://zola.com/wedding/leachgreggwedding

We want to safeguard everyone’s health, so we’ll be practicing physical distancing and asking all attendees to wear masks. Thanks for your understanding!

6

Asbury’s 2020 Mission/Vision Leadership Team

Mission Vision Chair Teresa Kays Staff Parish Relations Co-Chairs Jim Enyart

Judy Clements Finance Chair Bill Love Trustees Chair Chuck Ewy Education Glenda Hefty Mission Springfield Sheryl Hill Hospitality Ruth Spargo Gifts That Count Becki Gladson UMW Ruth Spargo UMM Jim Enyart Lay Leader Jared Winter Worship Erika Gravely

Kathy Love Members-at-large Dana Collum

Ginger Phillips Linda Buffington

Sue Ann Holloway Susan Conover

Bob Johnson: Production manager, FB Live Host, Zoom operator, sound & video editor

Bill Love: Camera operator, singer, reader

Teresa Kays: Accompanist, singer, reader

Steve Collum: A/V

Katrin Herd: Facebook host

UMW News

The United Methodist Women met in the Gladson’s back yard Saturday morning, June 13. Those attending enjoyed getting to be together, Sheryl Hill’s devotion and discussing plans (tentative) for a women’s tea, UMW Sunday and a soup/jar sale.

This was also a good-bye meeting for Annette Hosmann, who has served as the chairman of Naomi-Ruth Circle.

UMW Planning Meeting: July 6, 6:00 p.m. - All are welcome

Check It Out!

Did you “attend” Sunday School for the study of Hebrews or did you just hear good things about the study, led by Janice Greene?

Here’s your chance to read the book Hebrew; Grace and Gratitude—go to the church library—as soon as it gets open again!!

Hebrews is a “deep” book, not an easy one to study, but David A. deSilva, an elder in the United Methodist Church Florida Conference and author of more than 25 books, makes clear the themes of grace, faith, and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation.

The author of the “letter to the Hebrews” is identified as an early teacher who is trying to help first century Christians serve Christ and witness to their faith, and diSilva challenged twenty-first century Christians in the same way.

Thank You!

The Church is still happening in spite of COVID-19! We appreciate your help during our time apart:

United Methodist Men who removed tree debris

Those that brought food for the Harmony House meal Those that volunteered at Crosslines

Parking lot weeds sprayed by Clark Reed The offering counting team

The green thumbs that continue to help the flowering sections look beautiful and welcoming The worship team and volunteer liturgists

7

Financial News

As of 05/31/2020* :

*Note, because offerings are currently counted on Thursdays, updated numbers for the monthly newsletter are not always available until after it is published.

News reports and general assumptions indicate that giving to charitable causes, including churches, are down be-cause of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our experience here at Asbury has been otherwise, to date. During March and April, you were persistent and consistent in your giving, finding ways to give by mail, electronically or by personally delivering your giving envelopes to the church. Additionally, many shared additional gifts. Thank You For Your Generosity! Because of your gifts we have been able to continue with our ministry, including mission, worship and outreach, while maintaining the building and our staff. As the Pandemic continues, however, we need to re-main persistent. Offerings in May and June decreased when compared to March and April, even with seasonal ad-justments. While all of our obligations are current and all bills have been paid, the ministry of the church continues and we need to remain persistent in find ways to give until we can meet and return to normal or new nor-mal. Should you have any questions regarding the financial status of Asbury, please contact me. Again Thank You for your Generosity!

Bill Love, Finance Team Leader (williamlove@cs.com)

A reminder on ways to give:

If you give online you can also set up a scheduled withdrawal through our website or through your bank. You can set your regular tithe and let the technology do the rest!

Contributions for May: $22, 942 Contributions Budget: $25,833

Contributions YTD: $147,708 Budget YTD: $129,166

The Power Of Love project for July will be collecting school supplies for Jarrett Middle School. We selected 5 items off their list to focus on:

60 1-inch binders with the clear pocket cover

30 packs of wide-ruled notebook paper

400 2-pocket folders

Dry erase markers

Colored pencils

Congratulations!

Congratulations and blessings to Renee and Clark Mikkelson who were married at Asbury on June 24. A joy to celebrate this covenant of marriage!