Podcasts about Asbury United Methodist Church

In honor of Women's Equality Day (Aug. 26), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" Show focuses on Sarah B  Cochran, The Justice Bell, and Pennsylvania's Women's Suffrage Movement.  FEATURED GUESTS: - KIMBERLY HESS - Author of "A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran." From expanding her company, to becoming a respected benefactor of her community, often rivaling the efforts of more well-known philanthropists such as Andrew Carnegie, this biography covering the life and legacy of "The Coal Queen," reveals the little-known story of a woman from American history who was constantly doing the unthinkable. More: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-kimberly-hess-a-lesser-mortal/  - AMANDA OWEN - Founder of the Justice Bell Foundation, a non-profit  organization whose mission is to educate, inspire and mobilize current and future voters. With programs for schools, a film about the women's suffrage movement, and a public art Justice Bell replica, the Justice Bell Foundation is committed to highlighting women's contributions in the struggle for voting rights and inspiring people to register to vote and become engaged citizens. More: https://www.justicebell.org/  - DAVID L. WOODRUM, alumni historian who provides another perspective of Sarah B. Cochran's philanthropy work. - BERT SESLER is the organist at Asbury United Methodist Church in Uniontown. He plays the pipe organ that Sarah B. Cochran donated to the church in 1919 (as heard at the start of this episode). This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Women Making History" and "Big Daily Blend" Channels. Follow our Big Blend Radio Network of Shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This week host Evan Semanco was joined by fill in host Robyn Horton, Do Good Pastor at The Simple Church to talk with Angela Pfanner about the Katy Build Tennis Tournament and building houses in our community. Angela is the Director of Growth and Outreach at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier as well as the owner of Birdwell's. Angela shares the story of how she got started honoring the legacy of one of her students in her student ministry, Katy Watkins, by building affordable homes with the Fuller Center, raising money with a tennis tournament, and how you can get involved and Do Good this year. Find out more with the links below!  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Katy Build Volunteer Link Katy Build Website  Katy Build on Facebook The Fuller Center Birdwells   If you have feedback for the podcast, have a guest suggestion, or just want to talk to Scott, e-mail Scott@thesimplechurch.tv. You can also find out more about the Simple Church at www.theSimpleChurch.tv.  

In this final message in the Dinner with Jesus sermon series, Rev. Julie Lewis shows us the ways that the world tries to tell us that God is dead.  For three days after the cross, Jesus was dead, but then he rose to new life.  He proves he is alive by the eating of meals - with the Emmaus pilgrims and breakfast with his disciples.  We continue to eat together in Communion and in fellowship as living proof that Christ is alive in us.  When we put away our notions of who to share our meals with or finding ways to avoid being with people not like us, we find the true community that we are called to in Christ.For more information about services, events, and other ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Returned from her mission trip to Liberia, Africa, Rev. Julie Lewis begins a new sermon series to take us through the season of Lent.  Miracles of Calvary will be a series focusing on the miracles that happened during Christ's crucifixion; these are stories that scripture mentions but that we don't frequently take a good look at and reveal what God was doing in those moments.  We begin today with the Miracle of Darkness as we look at the three long hours Christ hung on the cross and the total blackness that swept over everything during this time.  The darkness represented the total depravity and sin of humankind which was being redeemed on the cross by the light of the world.  When our lives are filled with darkness, we can rest assured that the light will overcome the darkness because Jesus has already done it through his death.  For more information about services, events, and other ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

This week, Rev. Julie Lewis shows us how Jesus was invited to meals and how he graciously accepted those invitations.  Today we look at the story of a banquet where people were invited but found a variety of excuses to not attend.  In their stead, the least, the last, and the lost are welcomed so that the food and drink would not go to waste and they come willingly and joyfully.  Mission and ministry are acts of hospitality in the name of Christ.  If we open our homes and hearts to others we can find the relationships we build lead to grace abounding and hearts turned to Jesus.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook group or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

In this second installment of her Dinner with Jesus sermon series, Rev. Julie Lewis looks at the meals that Jesus shared with people during his ministry on earth.  In the scripture from Luke 7, Jesus is invited to dinner by someone of high status when they are interrupted by the lowest of the low: a prostitute.  This woman treats Jesus with the respect he deserves and we see that everyone is deserving of hospitality and respect, from the highest of the high to the lowest of the low.  When we look at everyone in this light the kingdom of God will grow!For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware please find either our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

In the third installment of her Dinner with Jesus sermon series, Rev. Julie Lewis looks at the story of the Feeding of the 5,000 as we reveal everything going on under the surface.  This story really shows us who Jesus is an what he came to do.  Jesus is able to provide the people with enough food and more to spare.  We find that, when we trust God to provide, we have enough to share and that in sharing we are able to make a true declaration of who Jesus really is. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Jump into 2024 with a special Bonus Episode of Igniting Imagination! We have invited two of our most frequent (and beloved) guests, Rev. Rachel Billups and Rev. Matt Rawle, to engage with Carey Nieuwhof's list of 7 Church Trends That Will Disrupt 2024. Matt and Rachel reflect that this year's list seems particularly spot on. From the endangered stable church to the normative adoption of AI, these trends are real and happening now. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical nuggets – things they are trying in the midst of so much change and challenge and possibility. Thanks for listening and sharing our podcast with colleagues and friends! We hope this conversation inspires and even provokes you to new conversations and imagination in this New Year! In this conversation, you'll hear: How Rachel and Matt have experienced the trend that the “stable church” is an “endangered species” (5:30)What it means for congregations where Millennials are becoming the core (10:45)The different generational needs and expectations of pastoral leadership (14:00)How Gen Z is reshaping the church and how leaders can cultivate Gen Z community (25:00)Growing opportunities for digital discipleship (30:00)Leaning into AI in 2024 and beyond (38:10)GuestsRev. Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker, and author. Currently, she serves as pastor at New Albany United Methodist Church. She previously served as senior pastor at Ginghamsburg Churchmulti-campus ministry in Tipp City, Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds bachelor's degrees in Bible/religion and history from Anderson University and a master of divinity from Duke Divinity School. Rachel is the author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce and other books published by Abingdon Press.Rev. Matt Rawle is the lead pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana and a graduate from the LSU School of Music and Duke Divinity School. He's an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church. He's authored The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, The Grace of Les Misérables, What Makes a Hero?, The Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus, The Salvation of Doctor Who, and

Rev. Julie Lewis is back in 2024 and kicking off with a sermon series entitled Dinner with Jesus.  This series is a look at the meals that Jesus shared with people during his earthly ministry; he ate with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other people unlike who you would think that the King of Kings would be spending his time with.  In this study we see the way sharing food becomes a bridge that overcomes all and helps to build connections - we will model that as we journey together and prepare for a church wide fellowship event unlike any other on January 26th.  For more information on Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Give us about fifteen minutes a day and we will give you all the local news, local sports, local weather, and local events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County,  Solar Energy Services, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and Scout & Molly's.  Today... Big Bean is expanding once again. The Army-Navy game uniforms for Navy have been released and they are amazing. Rams Head Tavern donates turkeys to Asbury United Methodist Church. ANd also, Rams Head is taking reservations for a traditional 3-course Thanksgiving Dinner for eating in and to go! It is ticket Tuesday And, of course, more of my begging to sign up for our daily newsletter ;)! Link to daily news recap newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Back with her weekly Annapolis After Dark is BeeprBuzz. She'll keep you up to speed on all of the fantastic live music we have in the area! And as usual, George from DCMDVA Weather is here with your local weather forecast! Please download their app to keep on top of the local weather scene! DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis

This episode features two “besties” talking honestly and openly about their friendship of many years and how it has deeply nourished them, even though they've never even lived in the same state. They discuss being fully present in real friendship, giving each other accountability, compassion, love, and care. They engage with the challenges that all leaders face, especially clergy and lay leaders in the church, and how none of us are immune to the loneliness epidemic in our culture. Heartfelt and real, this episode is a call to all of us to take care of our friendships because they are core to who we are and our well-being. We hope you'll listen and then share it with all your friends!Quotations "The people around us are better because of the way that we've challenged each other."-Matt Rawle"I don't know how often I find myself in a group of people who, at one moment or another, there's a confession time that says, 'I ain't got anybody... I don't have friends.'"-Rachel Billups We discuss: The need for affirmation and cheerleading in friendships, as well as the importance of being able to challenge and give honest feedback. (14:42) The challenges clergy face in forming friendships, particularly due to the isolation and boundaries that come with their work. (20:06) How the church can be a space where people can find and nurture holy friendships, emphasizing the transformative power of community. (32:05) Understanding the need for pastors to strike a balance between vulnerability while maintaining appropriate boundaries with their congregations. (34:09) The different spaces where people can connect, such as online platforms and retreat centers, help remove barriers for gathering and help foster relationships. (40:06) About:Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker, and author. Currently, she serves as pastor at New Albany United Methodist Church. She previously served as senior pastor at Ginghamsburg Church multi-campus ministry in Tipp City, Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds bachelor degrees in Bible/religion and history from Anderson University and a master of divinity from Duke Divinity School. Rachel is the author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce and other books published by Abingdon Press.Matt Rawle is the lead pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana and a graduate from the LSU School of Music and Duke Divinity School. He's an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church. He's authored The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, The Grace of Les Misérables, What Makes a Hero?,

Reverend John Cannon, Senior Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church,  is our guest on Discover Lafayette. This is a special rebroadcast of an interview we did in March 2020, right before COVID shut down life as we knew it. We'll always treasure this inspirational message! A native of Shreveport, John Cannon graduated from the University of Arkansas and LSU Law School. While working as an Assistant District Attorney in East Baton Rouge, he began to discern a call to pastoral ministry that he had first experienced as a youth in the Episcopal Church. Following that call, John attended the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Before joining Asbury as Senior Pastor, John served as the District Superintendent for the 74 churches of the Acadiana District of The United Methodist Church. Cannon's first appointment as a pastor was at Church of Our Savior in Junction City, Kansas. Located near U. S. Army Fort Riley, the congregation was multi-ethnic with about fifty members, most of whom were retired military. It was a simple time for Cannon and his wife, Erin, and the church provided a home for them to live in as he commuted twice a week for two hours to attend his theological classes in Kansas City. Asbury UMC is one of the largest churches in Louisiana, with about 1000 active members attending services in any month. Cannon explained that even in large churches, it is important to maintain a “small church feel” so that people feel connected to one another. Large congregations have to work to create that feel; small groups such as Sunday School classes or adult and children ministries are important so that each individual member can connect with others and share their God-given gifts. Cannon's training in his first career as an appellate attorney has many similarities with his work as a pastor. He believes the best lawyers are storytellers and the best stories are the ones that make you think and bring you to a new place of understanding. Today as a pastor, Cannon is a collector of stories….odd, humorous, and interesting stories of real people he finds in the news and saves in a manilla folder for use in his sermons. The congregation enjoys his humorous openings to sermons where the true, offbeat human story is woven into a relevant passage of scripture to more impactfully deliver the message. Cannon believes that is why Jesus used parables as he taught His messages so that the crowds could understand the teaching and relate them to everyday life. You could say that John Cannon makes his closing argument for God each and every week! Asbury draws a diverse crowd of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and is a place of acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Cannon is proud that the congregation models what it means to be a family, even when all members don't agree on every societal issue, and stated, “At the end of the day, we love each other, support each other, and have each other's back.” Ultimately, it's all about love, the love that Jesus exemplified in His two great commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:35-40. We thank Reverend John Cannon for his contributions to our faith community. For more information on Asbury United Methodist Church, its worship services and ministries, please visit https://www.asburylafayette.org/

In this message, Rev. Julie Lewis concludes her Welcoming sermon series as we focus on coexisting with people of different faiths.  As Christians, we know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the light.  People of different religions often find Christians to be judgemental and "holier than thou."  Jesus calls us to welcome and not to judge people of other beliefs (or no belief at all).  Jesus is all about loving those around us and not judging anyone.  This is truly the best way to spread the gospel message.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Much of the world sees people who are "other" abled as somehow incomplete or not as valuable as fully functional people.  We stare and whisper, we keep our distance and yet, in that distance, fail to see the additional abilities that they have been given.  When we look at the obstacles that people with different physical challenges have to overcome and welcome them by making adjustments or accommodations to be able to more fully include them in worship we find a new joy in receiving these children of God and the blessings they bring to the Body of Christ.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Today, the Rev. Julie Lewis begins a three-part sermon series called Welcoming.  Asbury United Methodist Church's mission statement says that we are a place that "welcomes all."  This series will look at what who that "all" encompasses and what it really means to be welcoming to people of different cultures, abilities, and beliefs than our own.  In this first message, which focuses on Welcoming Other Cultures, we focus on the ways that we find it challenging to find common ground with those we find to be so different from us.  Jesus died for the sins of all and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  Sharing common ground is only the beginning of welcoming all in the name of Jesus Christ. For more information about worship and ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org.

The Rev. Jacqueline Ford, the Director of Connectional Ministries for the Delaware District, brings a message focusing on the 23rd Psalm.  This Psalm is well known to many of us and in it we see how Jesus is the Good Shepherd who restores our soul and leads us in the right paths.  We know that when we follow Jesus we will not be left alone or led astray.For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Our faith is often being born even before we realize who Jesus is and what he has done for us.  Many people say they don't believe in God but many also say that they want to believe in something.  Jesus is here whether we see him or not.  We can see if we choose to take a look. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

What do we do when we doubt our faith?  Doubt is a human emotion that can come creeping in even when we have the evidence staring us in the face.  There is always room for doubt.  We often think that doubt is bad but we should consider that perhaps doubt is necessary.  Doubt means that we are moving in faith and trusting Jesus even when we cannot see for ourselves.  Seeing Jesus for who he is and believing in what we cannot see takes courage! For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

As we have explored the 7 deadly sins during Lent, we have been reminded that the wages of sin are death. Christ died and then rose to new life so sin and death wouldhave no power over us. This is how we overcome sin and step into new life…forever.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Greed is a sign of anxiety and fear of not having enough. Greed makes us believe that our value comes from what we have, both in materials and in status. When we stop worrying about what we have and begin to have concern for what others may or may not have, we find that there is enough and that we are enough.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org

Pride is considered the first sin. It is defined as being deadly because it is grounded in self: self-concern, self-worship, self-interests. All other sins grow from this sin. We can eliminate this sin by remembering how God's love and grace have saved us from all sin and remembering that we could not do it on our own. This brings humility, the ability to see our true place in the world. This is the opposite of pride and humility gives life.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Laziness can often come from depression and feeling overwhelmed. Our apathy towards others again can stem from the prideful view of putting ourselves and our own welfare first. By standing up and making the choice to do something loving, whether getting to work, lending a hand or just getting up and moving, we can change how we feel about ourselves and about life in general.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Envy is a sin of which most of us are guilty. We compare ourselves to others, see how we measure up and it can leave us dead inside. Moving beyond envy to being content is not an easy path but necessary as we take the gaze of our eyes off of ourselves and look to Jesus to find contentment.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Lust is another way we can be tempted to be only concerned for ourselves, for our own gratification and pleasure. Love is concerned with others well being. Lust can cause harm to all involved and only love can heal it all. Moving from allowing lust to rule over our bodies to make sure we only act when we feel true, giving love will give us deeper joy and contentment in life.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org

Gluttony is wanting or hungering for more than we need. To satisfy bodily desires, we give way to taking more than is necessary or even healthy. It is overindulgence.Taming this sin will lead to a better life as we find ourselves satisfied and content instead of always wanting more.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church please find the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Although anger can be beneficial in regards to injustice in the world, the anger we are looking at causes definite harm to ourselves and to others. Again, we put our owninterests ahead of others and the sin comes when we act in an unhealthy way in response to that anger. We can stand on our faith that God will avenge any wrongs and we can use forgiveness and meekness as a response.For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Sassy's first and only double issue kicks off with a classic bummer: the story of teenager Billy Rosebud, whose murder cops only bothered to look into after his own family spent years doing most of the investigating for them. From there, things lighten up, as Karen tells us what to expect from a gynecologist appointment, Christina walks us through a truly cathartic crying fit, and Mary Kaye attempts to help us save the planet. (Whoops.) Plus: a fiction story about a dad's hypocrisy (yes, we know, that's all fiction for teen girls); a stark warning about extended-wear contacts; the truth about hickeys, and much much more! QUICK LINKS

Pastor Julie Lewis brings another message commemorating Black History Month by sharing the stories of the lives and legacies of a few of the most influential Black Methodists.  Today, Pastor Julie tells the life story of Sojourner Truth.  Sojourner was a fighter - she fought for her freedom, for her own name, for her children, and ultimately fought for the right for women to vote.  Fighting injustice is part of Christ's call to each of us. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit our Facebook page or website. 

Pastor Julie Lewis commemorates Black History Month by sharing the stories of prominent Blak history makers (and Methodists).  This week, we look at the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.  His life and legacy encourage us to live by the spirit and to be peacemakers even under persecution.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Pastor Julie Lewis concludes her Three Simple Rules sermon series with this message focused on how we Stay in Love With God.  We find that when we remain focused on the source of our faith it can help fuel us as we continue to Do No Harm and to intentionally Do Good.  For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please go to www.asburysmyrnaumc.org or the Facebook page. 

Last week, Pastor Julie covered John Wesley's first simple rule which is "Do No Harm."  This week we pivot to focusing on how we intentionally seek to "Do Good."  We find that, when we focus our attention and choices on intentionally doing good to others that we are able to look past "random acts of kindness" and "paying it forward" to attune our hearts and lives God would have us do to increase the greater good of all.  Join us next week as we cover the third of the Three Simple Rules which is Stay in Love With God.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Asbury United Methodist Church is kicking off 2023 with a dive into the Three Simple Rules followed and passed down by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley.  These three simple rules are practices for living in this world as followers of Christ and we will be exploring how those rules are relevant in our practice today.  The first simple rule - Do No Harm - is something that centers on what we refrain from doing as faithful people rather than on what we do.  This is the ground rule because when we focus on avoiding doing harm to others we come to see and fully understand how interconnected we are with everyone around us and the dramatic impact that our actions (and inactions!) can have on those around us.  Join us each week as we continue this journey and start off the new year right.  For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware please find our Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Formed in 2007 as a mainstream pop band, today Stars Go Dim is the moniker for Christian pop artist and songwriter Chris Cleveland. After years at the helm of an acclaimed independent secular band and more than a decade leading worship at Tulsa's Asbury United Methodist Church—one of America's largest congregations—Cleveland found success in the Christian format with his self-titled debut album. The singer has garnered multiple International #1's and Top 5 hits at pop and Christian radio, including the massive No. 1 radio smash in the U.S. with “You Are Loved.” Chris and his songs have been nominated and won multiple awards, including CMT, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) listener's choice award, ASCAP, & Billboard songwriting award winners, and Dove Award nominated. His songs have hundreds of millions of streams and have been placed in commercials and ads hundreds of times. In addition, Chris has toured the world, written, and played with many of the biggest artists in pop and Christian music in the last 15 years, including: Justin Bieber, John Mayer, The GooGoo Dolls, Elton John, Billy Joel, , Lauren Daigle, For King & Country, and countless more.  His newest project, Grace In The Wilderness, released in the spring of 2022, with the first single, Yes He Does, quickly becoming another international #1 radio single. Chris also continues to write songs recorded by many of today's biggest artists and worship groups. 

As we listen to the story of God's love, we are invited to make room for Christ in our hearts.  Once Jesus lives in us we are truly at home because Christ is at home in us.  This is the true meaning of Christmas and what we celebrate this week. For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Pastor Julie Lewis continues her Follow the Star sermon series with a message from Luke 2:6-7.  During the Christmas season we often find that we are distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season and we don't pay attention to the story of Christ's birth.  We get caught up in everything else going on and we fail to slow down and stop to listen.  We find that when we take the time to understand what is happening and why that we find it easier to find our way home and it is there that we find the peace that we have been searching for - the true meaning of the season.For the video that Pastor Julie references in the sermon please go to https://youtu.be/kWq60oyrHVQ.  Thank you to St. Pauls of Auckland, New Zealand for their gracious allowance of usage of this video. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware please visit the Facebook page or website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

As we continue following the story of the Wise Men through the Christmas story as we approach the glorious celebration of Christmas and the birth of the Christchild.  In this message, Pastor Julie Lewis shows us how the Christmas story highlights that we are all homeless - just as Jesus and his family and the Wise Men were on that holy night - and looking for a place where we belong, a place where we are at peace.  We find that when we make the decision to look to him that we find home and that peace that we are looking for. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Pastor Julie Lewis kicks off her Follow the Star sermon series following the story of the Wise Men through the Advent season.  In this first message we look at the signs and how the Wise Men knew what signs to look for and what those signs meant.  In our modern world we find that when we know where and what to look for that we are able to find that peace that passes all understanding.  We find peace when we look for Jesus. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Pastor Julie Lewis preaches on Christ the King Sunday, the final worship before the beginning of the Advent season.  Today we look at the Gospel of Matthew as we learn about sharing God's love and bringing peace and calm to a world that is so often full of chaos.  We know that it is when we claim Christ as King that we find strength and focus. For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org.

Sometimes, it is in our darkest moments that we hear the call of Christ telling us to "Go!"  Our commission is to "go and make disciples."  Through the story of Ananias and Paul, we can see how God blesses those who answer the call.  It can be uncomfortable and hard to go into new places and share the love of God but we all have a call to "Go!"For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Rev. Julie Lewis preaches the story of Lazarus as we see how, even in the best of times, we can find that we feel empty or dead inside.  Christ calls us to new life and to come out of the tombs of our lives to be truly set free.  We will never be truly set free until we answer Jesus' call to new life. Asbury United Methodist Church meets Sunday mornings at 9:00 and 11:00 AM.  Services are livestreamed at www.facebook.com/asburyumcsmyrna.  For more information about AUMC please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

The first call we hear as individuals and as a church is "Follow Me!"  Our first step is to make the decision to become disciples of Christ.  Once we answer this call we gain all that is needed to do anything and everything Christ calls us to do.The Follow Me sermon series will be a five part study in the call that Jesus makes for each of us to "Follow Me" - both individually and as a Church - and we we understand that, although these calls serve the same purpose, we will each be called in different ways.  We will explore how to become disciples as well as learn how to make disciples as we grow, serve, and share God's love in Christ Jesus.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Think the story of the Bible is too long to take in all in one sitting?  It's not!  Join us as Rev. Julie Lewis undertakes the feat of telling the Greatest Story Ever Told all in one sermon.  Next week, we embark on a 5 week series entitled "Follow Me" focusing on the call that Jesus has placed on each of us - both individually and as the Body of the Church.  When we answer Christ's call we find that we not only become disciples but we are able to reach others with the message of the Gospel as we grow, serve, and share God's love through the miracle of Jesus Christ.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware, please visit the webpage at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

District Superintendent of the Delaware District of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Rev. Joseph Archie visits Asbury UMC with a message entitled Perfect Peace and True Hope.  For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

We don't always get a second chance to do the right thing.  As we grow in our faith, we come to find that we respond differently to circumstances than we might have at earlier times in our lives.  When we stick to our convictions and follow the Spirit we find that we are able to act out of love and compassion.  We find that God's promises and love are unbreakable.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please visit the website www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

As Rev. Julie Lewis continues her sermon series following the life of Joseph we look at the story of Joseph's reunification with his brothers - the very same who wished him dead and caused him irreparable harm.  We see that when we allow God to work in us God can help us to grow and stand firm in doing the right thing and to have unbreakable love in even the toughest of situations. For more information about worship at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware please visit our website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org.  

In this message, Pastor Julie covers Genesis 41 and shows how we can find that dreams come true when we hold on and trust God to work all things for our good.  All things are possible with our unbreakable God. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church please visit www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Pastor Julie Lewis brings a Father's Day message about the lengths that fathers can go to for their children and how God is our heavenly Father who gave us Jesus.  This is a wonderful gift to celebrate on this day, regardless of the state of our relationships with our earthly fathers or if we celebrate them today.For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church please visit www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Rev. Julie Lewis brings a message for Pentecost Sunday focusing on the scripture from Romans 8:14-17 as Asbury United Methodist Church celebrates the official birth of the Christian church.  The fire of the Holy Spirit that came down on that day is the same fire that continues to burn inside of all who believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and are led by that Spirit. For more information about Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Smyrna, Delaware, please visit the website at www.asburysmyrnaumc.org. 

Vice President of Leadership Ministry and host Rev. Lisa Greenwood welcomes guests Rev. Rachel Billups and Rev. Matt Rawle to discuss disruptive trends impacting churches. Drawing from recent articles about 2022 trends by Carey Nieuwhof, Joe Park, and Thom Rainer, the three discuss how multi-access is here to stay, the shift to more decentralized power, the role of authority, giving permission to play, less givers giving more…and so much more! This engaging conversation will surely ignite your imagination for what God may be inviting you to consider in your context this year and beyond.    See our show notes for an invitation to email us your reflections from today's topic for a chance to win a copy of Gil Rendle's book “Quietly Courageous.”   QUOTES “As we're moving forward, even myself, I have to let go of the fear of what I know and step into something I don't know.” -Rev. Rachel Billups [07:14] “That's the beauty of a church in a community is that we're not going anywhere. Even if you disappoint us, even if you walk away, even if you don't join my church and leave, you're still in the neighborhood, and it's still my job to love you and serve you.” -Rev. Matt Rawle [31:26]   TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Intro [02:55] Permission to play [08:24] Transformation is in the hands of God [10:02] Influence over authority [13:20] Three marathons…  [18:59] Less will give more [24:11] Lessening the generation gap [29:03] Community focus is more important than ever [37:05] Outro   RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS Three Articles on Trends Today's episode references 1) Carey Nieuwhof's 12 Disruptive Church Trends that Will Rule 2022, 2) Joe Park's Seven Trends to Watch in 2022, and 3) Thom Rainer's Ten (Very Different) Church Trends for 2022.   Email and Enter a Drawing for a Free Book What trends are you noticing? We'd love to hear from you! Email Lisa (lgreenwood@tmf-fdn.org) your reflections on trends and we'll enter your name into a drawing for a free copy of Gil Rendle's book “Quietly Courageous.” We'll pick three names next Wednesday (2/16)   Posts Related to Today's Episode  Matt Rawle's recent blogpost “The Center of Nine” expands on what he shares in our conversation, including the “Three Covid Marathons” he sees and his thoughts on what it means to “Abide.” Dan Bracken is a member of Rachel Billups's team at Ginghamsburg Church and wrote this piece about their first steps into ministry in the metaverse.    New Feature: Transcripts for this Season's Episodes We will have transcripts for each of our episodes this season. Visit our website to download this week's transcript. We hope these additional resources will help you share these conversations with your friends, colleagues, and leadership teams to spark the spirit within you, your organization, and “ignite imagination!”   This podcast is brought to you by the Leadership Ministry team at TMF and Wesleyan Investive. Leadership Ministry connects diverse, high-capacity leaders in conversations and environments that create a network of courage, learning, and innovation in order to help the church lean into its God-appointed mission. Subscribe to our Leadership Ministry emails here. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts / iTunes?   Matt Rawle's Bio: Matt is the Lead Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana and a graduate from the LSU School of Music and Duke Divinity School. He is an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church. Matt is also the author of The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, The Grace of Les Misérables, What Makes a Hero?, The Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus, The Salvation of Doctor Who, and The Redemption of Scrooge. He and wife Christie have four awesome kids: Isabelle, Annaleigh, Cecilia, and Robert.   Rachel Billups' Bio: Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker and author. Currently she serves as Senior Pastor at Ginghamsburg Church multi-campus ministry in Tipp City/Dayton Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.  Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Bible/Religion and History from Anderson University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School. Most days you can find Rachel reaching out – praying online, hosting Open Table gatherings in her home or enjoying moments with husband Jon and their four loves: Adeline, Christopher, David and Sarah. She also might be cheering for those Duke Blue Devils and The OSU Buckeyes.  Rachel is a popular speaker for national gatherings and has recently authored BE BOLD: Finding your Fierce as well as co-authoring Down to Earth: Hopes and Fears of all the Year Are Met in Thee Tonight and Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas – all published by Abingdon Press. You can find her on social media at: @rlbillups.

Chris Jones is the pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland Florida. Chris talks about his sermon series he is preaching on titled “Mythbusters”, explains how he calendars sermons for the whole year, and how he has learned to preach like himself and no one else.