Asbury News and Events
May 15, 2013
Commissioning of New Stephen Ministers
Stpehen Ministry at Asbury: We are delighted and thankful to commission 12 Stephen Ministers today in worship. Our Stephen Ministers have completed the 50 hours of training and will continue to learn and grow through continuing education and supervision. We celebrate their commitment and their gracious offering to serve others with love through Jesus Christ.
Stephen Ministers are the Christian caregivers who are there for you when life-changing situations occur. In times of grief, loss, pain, or transition, Stephen Ministers are here to walk alongside you, listen and pray while keeping all information confidential. If you would like to learn more, please contact Pastor Kim (925-447-1950, ext. 102).
February 7, 2013
Men's Leader Affirms Scout Decision Delay
A United Methodist Men leader welcomed news that Boy Scouts of America will delay making a decision on whether to have gay members and leaders until after "a more deliberate review."
"This is what we were hoping for, an opportunity to have further dialogue and meaningful discussions," said Larry Coppock, United Methodist Men's national director of Scouting ministries. "This is the correct decision, and we applaud BSA's leadership for taking this step in dealing with such a complex and passionate issue."
The Commission on United Methodist Men is responsible for promoting the use of Scouting ministries and civic youth-serving agencies across the denomination.
Read the entire article on the UMC Cal Nevada Conference website ».
January 31, 2013
Draft Welcome Statement
In 2012, a team exploring the relationship between faith, sexual orientation and gender identity, concluded their work by writing a welcome statement. In October, the Church Council approved this statement.
In the year ahead, we will have public forums to invite your input. The current draft of our welcome statement is:
Asbury UMC welcomes everyone to our campus and community of faith. We are committed to treating everyone with respect and consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural background, disability or age.
Two Agencies Agree with Change in Boy Scout Ban
By Heather Hahn
Leaders of two United Methodist agencies - United Methodist Men and United Methodist Board of Church and Society - welcomed news that the Boy Scouts of America is considering ending its decades-long ban on gay scouts and scout leaders.
The proposed change would remove a national membership requirement dealing with sexual orientation and allow local charter organizations to decide. NBC News reports that the Boy Scouts of America could announce the change next week at the national board's regularly scheduled meeting.
Read the entire article on the UMC Cal Nevada Conference website ».