Care Ministry Newsletter “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for Me.” –MATTHEW 25:40 Summer 2015
Vulnerably Authentic—Warts and All
I remember a teacher I had in college. She had it all together. Not a hair was out of place. She was in control. She weighed the perfect number of pounds and seemed to wear new beautiful clothes every day. She never raised her voice or got angry. It annoyed me greatly. I found myself searching for a misspelled word on the board or a scuffed shoe, anything to prove that she was vulnerable and imperfect like the rest of us. Maybe you, like me, spent years attempting to project an impenetrably independent demeanor guaranteed to impress. It took me far too long to acknowledge that my quest for perfection, designed to please others and build relationships, was both impossible and ill advised. What a freeing day that was! Ironically, whenever we project a self-sufficient attitude, relationships suffer. There is no room for love in self-sufficiency. It is painful to be honest and brave enough to confess our inadequacies and character faults to God. It is even more difficult to admit our faults to ourselves and those we love. It helps to remember that we are dressed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness that does not require perfection. As we read in Isaiah 61:10, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Now that’s a reliable source of true worth. As Brene Brown, social researcher, shares in her Ted Talk on Vulnerability, “People who feel worthy are wholehearted, courageous, and compassionate. They are able to let go of who they think they should be to be who they are. They are able to embrace their vulnerability. When we work from a place that says, ‘I’m enough,’ then we stop screaming and start listening, we’re kinder and gentler to the people around us, and we’re kinder and gentler to ourselves.” Consider this advice from Dr. Henry Cloud: “Be wary of trusting someone who has never failed, or seems to have no faults…Too good to be true usually is. Perfection hides something.” – The Daily Dr. Cloud Email Stay Linked to the Lord, Charlene Giles Director of Care and Marriage Ministries
Wit & Wisdom
• Sign outside Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Manhattan, NY: “There are people who would love to have your bad days.” • Sign outside Church of Christ, Madrid, IA: “iPhone iPod iPad…iPray No upgrades needed.” • “There is no sound as precious as a baby’s laugh.” Author unknown, The Joyful Noiseletter, July-August 2015
Asbury Referrals:
To be given the names of competent Christian mental health professionals, call our Care and Professional Referrals line at 918.392.1199, ext. 270. Leave a message and receive a call next business day. Encourage hurting people to seek support from a Stephen Minister by calling Adrena at 918.392.1144. Connect with health care resources through our Parish Nurse at
[email protected] or 918.392.1144. Emergency numbers to keep handy • COPES: 918.744.4800 (phone consult re: helping those with mental illness, or onsite visit if necessary) • DVIS crisis line for abuse victims: 918.743.5763 • Suicide lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK or 1.800.SUICIDE 911
Asbury Care Ministries:
• Care Card Ministry • GriefShare & Bereavement Resources • Healing Hats
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Military Connection Quilting Ministry RoadMap Classes SMILE (Single Moms)
• Stephen Ministry • Support Groups
Check these out...
• Emotional/Relational Fitness Workshop - Explore how we love, the influence of family heritage, and developing biblical relationships. No cost. Wednesdays, July 22-August 12, 6:30-8:00 pm. • The New Rules for Love, Sex & Dating –Andy Stanley DVD and discussion exploring challenges, assumptions, and land mines associated with dating in the 21st century. For singles or couples 16 and above. Cost: $15. Wednesdays, June 17-July 8, 6:30-8:00 pm.
Stephen Ministry Links
No Supervision Meetings in June or July. Contact the SM leader of your choice to share joys and concerns this summer. Supervision Meetings: All held in Room 1502 unless otherwise noted Remember: Whether you have a care receiver or not, others are counting on you! 1st Thursdays: 6:15 pm (Come at 6:00 pm for fellowship) August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 JOINT Fall Pizza Night and Continuing Education: September 17: Panel representing important Asbury ministries (6:00-8:00 pm in 2820—bring a friend!) 2nd Mondays: 9:30 am (Come at 9:15 am for fellowship) August 10 September 14 October 12 November 9 Next SM Leaders Meeting: Monday, August 10, 11:30 am-1:00pm, Room 1506
