FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY – Asbury United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the second phase of its three-tiered construction plan is complete and invites the Birmingham community to experience the many worship, fellowship, and mission opportunities this larger facility has created.

The first phase of construction was completed in mid-March with Asbury’s new 50,000-square-foot, 1,200-seat sanctuary where Traditions services are held at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. each Sunday under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson.

A brand-new music suite and renovated adult education suite were also completed and Asbury celebrated with nearly 3,000 guests during Open House Weekend, March 17-18.

In May, Asbury RESET Student Ministry welcomed around 150 middle- and high-school students into its completely renovated youth suite for the first time. The students gathered and ate in a comfortable hangout area with couches, TVs, and café tables. They worshipped in a praise room equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, garage-door overflow space, and a large stage for the praise band. Now, each week, students gather in fellowship to glorify God.

The modern space was specifically built to accommodate Asbury’s growing youth program. “Asbury came to us and said we want to build you the very best youth space—what would your students like?” Director of Student Ministries Michael Mosteller said. “We couldn’t ask for a more supportive church and our youth feel loved. They’re excited to be here.”

There are lots of opportunities for middle- and high-school students to get involved in RESET Student Ministry. Summer Life Groups are scheduled on Wednesdays throughout the summer, Vacation Bible School happens June 25-28, and Asbury Serves mission day will be held on July 21. Static weekly programming begins Aug. 12.

For more information, visit Asburyreset.org.

Asbury’s Food Pantry also has a roomy place to call its own on the first floor of the main building. For the last several years, the pantry was located outside the church in a temporary campus trailer.

Whether it’s food, clothing, medical assistance, employment, transportation, housing assistance, or counseling information, the volunteers at Asbury’s Food Pantry help in every way they can. “It’s not just about giving…it’s easy to give someone a can of peas,” Food Pantry Director Irene O’Neill said. “It’s the relationships you build that are most important.”

Asbury’s Food Pantry is entirely self-sufficient, relying on donations from church members and funding from Asbury’s Missions in Action program. The pantry is open to patrons every Wednesday from 2-3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit Asburyonline.org/foodpantry.

Laxson said there’s never been a more exciting time in the life of Asbury UMC, which was founded in June 1986.

“Asbury has a worship experience for every age,” Laxson said. “We involve our children, youth and adults in our worship—and those services aren’t concerts where people just listen or watch a screen. All are welcome, no matter who they are, where they’re from, what their faith background is, or where they are on their spiritual journey.”

 

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