August is our eighth month, but did you know it was originally named Sextilis as the 6th month in the 10-month Roman calendar? Julius Caesar added two days when he created the Julian calendar in 46 BC giving it its modern length of 31 days. And, in 8 BC, it was renamed in honor of Emperor Augustus. So what does this have to do with Asbury UMC and our ministry within Duluth? These 31 days are the reason this month of ministry is framed by not one but TWO full moons we can enjoy together.
August 1st will be our first full moon. I only recently learned it is known as the Sturgeon Moon because the great giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes were caught most readily during this part of the summer. While long dead emperors might have months dedicated to them, we have a MOON dedicated to our fish!
The other significant thing happening August 1st is Asbury’s sponsorship of a neighborhood National Night Out picnic. This is a wonderful time to gather, eat amazing food, meet our neighbors, play some games, and contribute to our community through service. We are putting shower kits together for CHUM, another critical community partner. I am excited to fellowship together and enjoy great food, as well as to be part of a congregation actively seeking to make a difference in the lives of people around us.
Next is our 80+ luncheon on August 10. It has been a few years since we have celebrated with these wonderful individuals. It is a special time to gather and swap stories, renew friendships, sing songs and celebrate communion.
Later, we have the conclusion of our Summer Worship Series “For the Birds” Wednesday, August 16 at 6:30 pm. This is a short outdoor worship with communion and ice cream treats following. Invite a friend and enjoy God’s natural beauty while we worship and sing.
Of course, we have our weekly Sunday worship opportunities (see below). With the amazing music brought to you by our talented musicians, the warm atmosphere with friendly smiles, a message of Good News (both the hope, love and the challenge), and the treats in the Fellowship Hall, worshipping God together is a great way to begin and end each week.
Finally, on August 30th, God blesses us with a second full moon, and this one is a Blue Moon. A great month bracketed by God’s celestial marvels and filled with ministry to our community and beyond. What isn’t to like? Join us and be blessed in the month of heavenly (and earthly) delights!
Blessings and Peace,
Katherine
WORSHIP IN AUGUST
There are three ways to participate in worship:
10:00 am at Asbury UMC on Sundays. Join us live at 10:00 am and join us
for fellowship, coffee and treats in the Fellowship Hall after worship.
10:00 am livestream service on Sundays via YouTube as the live service is taking place.
An email with the YouTube link and an online worship bulletin is sent out prior to each Sunday.
Or, you can watch the YouTube service at anytime
by logging in using the link provided for each Sunday.
Our theme for August is “Family Dynamics”. We will explore some aspects of family that we experience including loss, forgiveness, adoption, and reconciliation.
August 6
Scripture Passages:
Genesis 32:22-31
Matthew 14:13-21
Message Title: “When the Heart Is Empty.”
August 13
Scripture Passages:
Romans 10:5-15
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Message Title: “Which Family Will We Choose?:
August 20
Scripture Passages:
Psalm 133
Genesis 45:1-15
Message Title: “Redemption Ain’t For Wimps!”
August 27
Scripture Passages:
Matthew 16:13-20
Exodus 1:8-2:10
Message Title: “Who Will Choose Us?”