TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter October 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 8 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue On Holy Ground, 5 New Sound System, 6 ArtSparks, 7 Stewardship Report, 8-12 VBS Review, 13
Stewarding God’s Gifts to Us and our Gifts to Each Other
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVII No. 8
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for January/February and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave
Kathy Thiel David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Mike Mullin Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Duane A. Prill Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Rev. Linda Clemow
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries Visitation Minister Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Director of Music Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Youth Director Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir; CoDirector, Youth Music Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater; CoDirector, Youth Music Artist in Residence
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109. Deadline for next issue: Friday, October 4
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
A word about why I pledge A Pastoral Reflection
I love being a minister. I can think of no greater honor or privilege than to serve God’s people in the highs and lows of life through preaching, teaching, and care. Yet, whenever I am out and someone asks me what I do, I am always a little hesitant to tell them. Again, it’s not that I’m ashamed of who I am—I’m not—it’s that I don’t always know how the other person will react. I don’t know if they will run away out of fear or if they will embrace me. And, given what the Christian Church has done to people over the centuries, it could be either. I have always experienced the Church as a place of hope. I grew up in the Church. The Church was the place that taught me to ask hard questions and nurtured my sense of justice. The Church was the place to which I turned for higher learning (Ohio Wesleyan University – Go Bishops!) and the place where Emily and I were married. The Church is the place where my children find joy and my life finds fullness. In short, the Church has always been a place of lasting goodness for me. But I recognize that there are those who have had very different experiences than my own. There are those for whom the Church is a place of exclusion and pain. There are those for whom the Church is a place of divisiveness and shame. In other words, there are those whom the Church has failed. Fortunately, if one of those people asks me what I do, I have a response— I tell them about Asbury First. Are we a perfect community of faith? No. But we are certainly a place of hope. We can feel it in the embrace of friends and strangers. We experience it in the open table of our sanctuary. We witness it in our Dining and Caring Center; our Storehouse; our medical clinic. We sing it in our choirs. We pray it in our circles. We stream it from our servers. Asbury First United Methodist Church is a place of hope for the community of Rochester and beyond. In my mind, it is at least the start of an answer for those whom the Church has failed. I pledge because I believe that when we find places of hope in our world, we ought to do everything we can to ensure their vitality. I pledge because I am thankful to have an answer for those who think the Church is irrational, irrelevant, or just irritating. I pledge because I believe that the best is yet to come and that the best takes some planning. I hope you will join me. Grace and Peace,
Rev. Stephen Cady 2
AFUMC news Park Avenue Park Fest! Many thanks to all of our young volunteers who helped make our Park Avenue Parking Fundraiser a huge success! Thanks to
Spaghetti Luncheon
all of your hard work and commitment we were able to cram a
The Youth of Asbury First Present Their Annual
record number of cars onto our lot and in the process raised just over $5,500 to go towards our youth mission trip for 2014. Roudebush Circle News
Sunday, October 20 12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women will be meeting on Tuesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. in 1010 East Avenue. A catered dinner is available for $8.50/person (please bring your
Enjoy a sit-down dinner of spaghetti with all the fixings (including some delicious desserts!) You’ll be entertained by the youth, who will present a program featuring tales from last year’s mission trip to Red Bird, Kentucky.
own table service). Our program will feature Nancy and Len Davidow talking about their recent travels. All are welcome: men and women alike! We’ll be collecting items and monetary gifts for Alternatives for Battered Women. Please make your reserva-
All proceeds benefit the youth mission trip.
tions for dinner by calling Joan Closson at 671-5534 by Friday, October 18. For more information on the Circle, call Circle chair, Ginn Fitch, at 381-6464.
Unsung Heroes Get the Job Done One of the groups that quietly does a great service for the members and friends of Asbury First is the group of stalwart individuals who spend one Tuesday each month processing The Visitor for mailing. Each of the 1,800 copies must be sealed, labeled, and organized by zip code. Often, there are letters or other items to be inserted in each copy. Without their work, the church would have to hire a mailing company at the cost of hundreds of dollars each month. We thank them for helping us get out the word about the happenings at our church. Pictured here (l to r) are Suzanne Smalt, Marian Gottler, Dan Gottler, Jane Jeszenka, Arvid Lakeberg, Dot Horning, Ken Lakeberg (Arvid’s brother, who was visiting), Bob Moore, and Ann Morris. Barb Lakeberg took the photo. The group also includes Ferne Merrill, Diane Dudley, Miriam Derivan, Ann Fulreader, Peggy Elliott, Al and Betty Froelicher, and Mary Anna Geib. If you are interested in joining this group of intrepid workers, they are looking for new members! For a minimum commitment of time (a few hours once a month) you can help to get out the good word about all the happenings at Asbury First. To find out more, contact Melody Guadagnino at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
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AFUMC news
worship schedule WORSHIP
October 12-19 Sign up now! a full week of volunteer activities. Working with community Youth Café, Saint Mary’s Adult Day Care Center, Ronald McDonald many. Volunteer activities include meal preparations, health kit assembly and distribution, and painting/repair projects. Register to participate in the Welcoming Hall after church or online at www.asburyfirst.org. For more information contact committee members: Carolyn Hamil, John Smalt, Barbara Eltinge or
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Stephen M. Cady, preacher
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Bob Castle; you may email Bob at rcastle166@frontiernet.net.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Cindy and Jim Connell, Debbie and Len Poch and Don and Jan Anderson and the family and friends of Shirley A. Baker who died on August 11, 2013.
Luke 18:1-8
Sunday October 6 World Communion Sunday 2 Timothy 1:5-10 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
House, and many others, AFUMC is helping to enrich the lives of
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
organizations such as the Salvation Army, West Avenue UMC
Deaths
Sunday October 20 Bible Sunday
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
AFUMC is again partnering with Baber AME Church to organize
Our Living
Sunday September 29 Jeremiah 1:1-3, 6-15
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
in Community
Sunday October 13 Luke 17:11-19
Ed O’Connor who died August 6, 2013 in Arizona.
Rev. Stephen M. Cady, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Births & Baptisms
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Reagan Patricia Starkweather daughter of Bridget and Ken Starkweather, baptized on August 18, 2013.
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
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8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday October 27 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday November 3 Ephesians 1:11-23 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
on holy ground On Holy Ground, created by the Center for Spiritual Life, highlights opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.
L
ast year our focus was on the Labyrinth and many resources were presented. As the Labyrinth continues to be offered as a ministry, the Spiritual Life Committee this year will focus on “listening” to God and to each other. The committee members held a retreat day in Sep-
tember to focus on this theme, and there will be opportunities for church and community members to participate in exploring it as well. We begin by reflecting on “Listening to God.”
FOR REFLECTION “Sit quietly in my presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in my sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. … Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry.” – From Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, p. 228, daily devotional for August 5 “Be still and know that I am God…” – Psalm 45, v. 10
Labyrinth & Taize
• Wednesday, October 9
My Summer Vacation by Marty Garland
About ten years ago I became reconnected with my cousin who lives in Athens, Ohio. She had retired from college librarianship, gone to seminary and became an ordained Episcopal priest. We were not close growing up, so this has been a wonderful gift from God. For many summers we have met for a few days at Lakeside Chautauqua, on the Marblehead Peninsula, on Lake Erie in Ohio. This was established as a Methodist Chautauqua and continues as a Christian community. For both of us this sacred space sparks many family memories. For me I think of my dad telling me that it was in Lakeside, when he attended his high school youth conference, that he decided to enter the teaching profession because of a teacher that he admired. I also attended the youth conference when I was in high school. Besides “eatin’, sleepin’, walkin’, talkin’, and readin’,” my delight was to sit on a bench right at the lakeshore and just gaze out at the water. I did this for a couple of days for a period of time. My mind emptied (yes, I know some of you will not be surprised about that), my senses tuned to the sound of the waves splashing against the rocks, the boat motors surging, the gulls crying and the feel of the breeze. While watching the little sunfish sailboats delighting in scooting and bobbing in the waves and wishing I could fly like the seagulls, I felt so grateful to have the time and resources to indulge in this gift. At times I talked to God and prayed for concerns I had, but mostly I just WAS. I was not aware of receiving any “messages” or promptings or any “ah-ha’s.” Since I have returned to “real life,” I am acutely aware that I was blessed by God during this time and experienced continued healing at a deeper level.
Labyrinth: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Taize: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Join us for these relaxing and spiritual worship experiences.
May we all continue to delight in time spent quietly in God’s presence and allow ourselves to be blessed! 5
• the Sounds of worship • A New Sound System Brings Greater Audible Clarity to Asbury First
A
fter years of planning and numerous days of complex installation, Asbury First’s new sound system debuted on Together in Ministry Sunday, September 8. It replaces a system that was installed forty years ago, in 1973. At that time, the system was state of the art, and it served the church well for many years. But concerns over the aging components of the system have been at the forefront of discussions among church leaders now for several years. Some of the issues facing the system included the following: • While volume was not always the issue, clarity of the spoken and sung word was. With more modern technology, a new system would deliver crisper, more intelligible speech with no “dead spots.” • The new sound system needed to be completely automated to avoid glitches during weddings and memorial services as well as on Sunday mornings. • The 10:00 a.m. service, held in the chancel, needed to have sound that was enhanced with dedicated chancel speakers. • Improved accessibility for those with hearing difficulties was a priority. It has been addressed in the new system with FM hearing assistance that will provide clear sound available all over the campus. In addition, with a tabletop receiver, our teachers in the crèche and toddler
rooms can finally hear the services simulcast. • Our web ministry would be enhanced by broadcast-quality stereo microphones to transmit music from the chancel or the balcony. The reproduction quality of our music on web, radio, and CD would finally match the quality of the music itself. • The Gathering Center and Fellowship Hall sound systems would be updated to provide clear, reliable speech controlled by a simple touch panel. Does the new system deliver? Asbury First’s senior minister, Rev. Susan Shafer, offers a resounding “yes.” “The sound quality is vibrant and clear,” she said. The worship experience for everyone – those attending in person and those joining us via radio or the Internet – is greatly enhanced. Music and word can be more easily understood and appreciated.” Director of music Dr. William Weinert is pleased about the improved reach of the new system.“It’s great that the new system is designed to boost the frequencies that will carry the text of solo anthems more clearly to the back seats of the sanctuary,” he said. “The new set of speakers aimed toward the chancel are a huge improvement in our ability to hear every word of the sermon.” Music administrator David Strong noted that “this
new system greatly improves clarity of the spoken word to all areas of the nave, chancel and narthex. Those of us who spend time in the chancel are particularly excited about this improvement.” The dedicated members of the church’s Tech Committee were involved throughout the process of planning and installation for the new system, and are equally enthusiastic about the system’s abilities. Rick Church said,“The neat thing about the system is that it is a distributed digital system. Instead of mics and speakers being wired to a central box with individual wires, this system uses break-in and break-out boxes, and signals and speakers are connected by a digital backbone. This means greatly reduced wiring, and less chance for failures.” Rick is also pleased with the digitally-steerable line array speakers, which allows the system to focus the sound to cover the sanctuary spaces more evenly and reduce confusing reverb from the balcony face. The new system came at a cost of $213,000, and Rev. Shafer encourages members and friends to prayerfully consider a donation to Asbury First’s Sanctuary Sound Campaign to help defer the costs. She said that church leaders are considering an appropriate way in which to highlight and thank those who donate.
To make a pledge to our Sanctuary Sound Campaign, clip this coupon and drop it in the offering basket on Sunday, or mail to Asbury First UMC, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607, attn: Dick Moncrief. Thank you for helping us bring greater audio clarity to our worship services! I/We [please print name] _______________________________________________________
Sanctuary Sound Capital Campaign
pledge $_______________ to the Sanctuary Sound Capital Campaign. This pledge will be paid: $_ ________________ In a one-time lump sum $_ ________ per month for 6 months $_ ________ per month for 12 months $_ ________ per month for 18 months Your signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
multi-cultural appreciation
by Rev. Linda Clemow
From time to time I’d like to use this space to introduce you to some of the beautiful Christian art from around the world, ancient and modern. In October we celebrate World Communion Sunday so I think that this is a good month to begin this series. The work of art referenced is by Jesus MAFA, and is Jesus and the children. The red cloak is the giveaway that this is Jesus. This is the traditional garb of Jesus in most art work. The line of children, the tree pointing upwards and the huts in the background form a circle of comfort and ease surrounding Jesus and these children. They are running to him as to an old friend. The children are all smiling and Jesus’ arms surround those who are crowding close. The story of Jesus MAFA is an interesting one. It is a collaboration on the part of French and Northern Cameroon teams. According to their website, in 1973 the Mafa (an ethnic group in Cameroon) Christian communities decided that they wanted to have an African representation of the gospel. A committee was formed to make this happen. The most important New Testament scenes for liturgical and teaching use are selected and adapted to be used by the village people. Sketches are drawn by the people in the villages and photographed. After a careful and detailed study, the Jesus MAFA paintings are executed by a French artist chosen for her perception of religious and African spirits, and reproductions of the paintings are made. The Association Life of Jesus MAFA, through its unpaid members, looks after the objects of the project and carries out all the tasks: contact with the artist, the printers
Jesus and the Children, by Vie de Jesus Mafa
and the publishers. All the members of the Association are convinced of the need for solidarity between churches. They attach as much importance to sending a few pictures to a little mission in the bush as in sending large quantities to a bookseller in the city who resells on the spot. Their goal is not commercial but strictly missionary. Today, Vie de Jesus Mafa is in touch with more than 3,000 correspondents in 83 countries (44 in Africa, 13 in North America, mostly in United States, 5 in the Pacific region and 21 in Europe).
United Methodism 101 •
Do we believe in free will or predestination?
•
Why do we use grape juice and not wine during communion?
•
Why do our ministers move around so much?
•
What is the United Methodist stance on immigration, or the death penalty, or homosexuality?
•
What’s up with the name “Methodist?”
•
What does it mean to be “strangely warmed?”
Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life or have just stumbled upon us recently, this class is for you! Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, October 2, join us for a four-week discussion in the Gathering Center about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of the United Methodist Church. If you are interested in joining the class or have any questions please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. Please let us know if you plan to attend by September 23 as we will have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12 and assistance is available.
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Financial Stewardship at Asbury First We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are – Désiré Joseph Mercier (1851-1926)
T
his month, you will receive a packet of materials from us, as you do every year at this time. This packet will include a letter, a brochure featuring the faith stories of some of your
fellow members, and a pledge card. Finding this material in your mail box will undoubtedly not come as a surprise to you, especially if you have been a member here (or at any other church) for a while. But I would ask of you that you look at this information with fresh eyes this
Asbury First United Methodist Church Stewardship Sunday / September 22, 2013 To continue Christ’s work, I/we offer this gift of financial support to the annual operating budget for 2014:
year. Pause, if you wish, and consider the significance of what we are asking of you. Your commitment to Asbury First helps feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide comfort and support to the elderly and the ill. Your commitment allows voices to soar in song and worship on Sundays and holy days, and gives testament to the glory of God in our lives. Your commitment helps guide and shape the faith journeys of all our members, from toddlers to seniors, who wish to learn more about their faith.
My/our estimate of giving for 2014 is $
per month for 12 months = $
or $
per
= $
or increase last year's gift by _________percent In addition, I/we offer a designated gift of $ to be used for
We have been blessed. God equips us to answer this call, to respond to God’s grace in our lives by reaching out generously with our time, talent and treasures and repaying, in whatever way we can, all that we’ve been given. It is in that spirit that we ask you to fill out the pledge card and return it to us, or, if you prefer, to fill out the online pledge card that can be found on our website, at www.asburyfirst.org. Every gift you give to God and your church is greatly appreciated. But pledged gifts allow us to plan ahead for the coming year, knowing that we
If you would like envelopes, please indicate your preference. ❑ monthly ❑ weekly Are you interested in electronic funds transfer? ❑ yes (If yes, we will contact you) Total estimated gift for 2014 $
will have the resources we need to fund church programs and events. We have high hopes for this year, but we know we can achieve our goal: we’d like to be able to say that 100 percent of our members support Asbury First through pledged gifts. But to do that, we need your help. The size of your gift is not as important as your willingness to participate. All gifts, given freely for love of God and neighbor, and no matter what
Name(s):
their size, are welcome.
Address:
Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of Asbury First. Blessings,
email:
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Senior Minister
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Asbury First Annual Operating Plan
Financial Overview of 2014 What do the numbers in the annual operating plan really mean? How do they related to your own experiences as you worship at Asbury First, participate in outreach and educational efforts, or take advantage of the many experiences of membership care that are offered? To help explain how the budget actually impacts you and your family, the projected expenses for 2014 are shown by key ministry areas.
O
ur standard financial reporting shows where our dollars go, but does not provide much insight as to how our dollars support the key ministries of our church in the areas of worship, education, membership care, and outreach – the four areas of our mission statement. This is especially the case in the categories of staffing and facilities management. But our wonderful ministers and staff, as well as our well-used and functional campus buildings, do indeed enable and contribute to these ministries throughout the year. To obtain a better financial picture of our ministries, we asked our ministers to estimate the percentage of time each spends with the four areas of ministry. Next we determined the square footage of each building used by the four ministries, and also partitioned maintenance, custodial time spent in cleaning, and RG&E costs accordingly. Finally, the remaining staff were identified with the ministries they supported or enabled.
On seeing the final numbers (shown below) we were immediately impressed by the balance they portray, and pleased to see the significant percentage of funding in support of outreach. When we include the money spent to maintain, heat and clean the spaces occupied by the Dining and Caring Center, the Storehouse, and other campus outreach ministries, and the time our ministers spend in outreach, as well as housing the Asbury Day Care in our education building, the total becomes significant. It’s worth noting that without the generous and caring volunteers who spend a large number of hours in these four areas of ministry, our budgetary expenditures would be much larger to achieve all that is accomplished. We hope this different way of looking at finances is helpful to you. You can see clearly that your financial support to the church is providing significant support to the four ministries of worship, education, member care and outreach. Thank you for your generous support of these important ministries.
Asbury First’s 2014 Proposed Ministry Plan Conference Connectional worship Worship
$491,200
27%
Education
$404,900
23%
Membership Care
$261,100
15%
Outreach
$428,700
24%
Conference Connectional
$198,700
11%
TOTAL
$1,784,600
100%
outreach
education membership care
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2014 Annual Operating Plan
A Narrative View
A
t this point of the year, we have put together a first look at the expenses proposed to run the Church during 2014. As we progress through the fall, these expense
requests will be massaged as the anticipated income for next year is better understood. Every effort is being made to judiciously hold expenses down while continuing all the programmatic and outsourcing ministries for which Asbury First is known. Anticipated programmatic and Infrastructure Expense Generators Personnel – This is the largest and most crucial part of the budget. Without the staff, none of the Program or Outreach activities would occur. The staffing for the Church is proposed to be the same as this year. A 3% wage increase is included. Also included is a forecasted 12% increase in cost of health insurance. Facilities – The majority of this item is the utilities for the Church. Also included are the maintenance and cleaning supplies needed to maintain the Church, annual maintenance contracts for upkeep, as well as the expenses for all the maintenance contracted services required. In addition ,there is $30,000 that flows through the AOP and is sent to Trustees for capital improvements during the year. Administrative – This category has all the items needed to run the office of the Church. Included are the computer network expenses, copiers, office supplies, postage for mailings, phones, and payroll services. Conference Apportionment – Our apportionment to the New York State Conference each year is in support of the conference, jurisdictional, national, and global United Methodist Church. Apportionments are divided into two areas: Conference Benevolences and World Service Initiatives. Conference Benevolences support conference camps, conference youth ministry programs, and ethnic minority local congregations. World Service Initiatives support United Methodist missionaries in 95 countries, a network of United Methodist relief work throughout the world, and out United Methodist colleges and universities. Worship and the Arts – Primarily focus is on the logistics and quality of worship as it involves music, altar guild, acolytes, amplification of sound, and communion stewards. Plans and executes Music and the Arts concert series for the church each year. Expenses include Sunday bulletins, supplies for worship, weddings, baptisms, communion, ushers, and children’s gifts. The music expense includes new music, instrument maintenance (organ, piano, bells), and choir robes.
Asbury First United Methodist Church ~ 1050 East Avenue ~ Rochester, N.Y. 14607 10
2013 Annual Operating Plan
A Narrative View Education – Includes expenses for all discipleship programs from the crèche to the Adult Sunday School classes and the programming for confirmation, youth groups, young adults, and educational classes. Highlights include increasing circulation in the Library; expanding large print and audio, as well as parenting books; and increasing shelf space. Children’s education includes a new curriculum for 2014. Plans are in place for monthly intergenerational events and to expand the technology in the classrooms. Youth will continue with fellowship opportunities for grades six through twelve including Sunday mornings with a coffee-bar atmosphere, Sunday evening programs and activities, and plans to execute a 2104 Mission Trip. Adult Education continues with outstanding Sunday School programs, Sunday mini-classes; and Discipleship evening and weekend classes. Communications – Inside of this area are the expenses for internal communications within the congregation (The Visitor newsletter, etc), the radio ministry and any advertising expenses made regarding our worship services. Membership Care – Greeters, new member classes, Embrace, Igniting Ministries, Stephen Ministry, Older Adult Council, Together in Ministry, visitation of members, special Sunday celebrations such as Together in Ministry and Summerfest, and the Center for Spiritual Life’s Church Family Faith Renewal Weekend. Outreach – This budget area contains all the external outreach activities of the Church. This also includes the entire expense budget to run the Storehouse, Wellness Center and the Dining & Caring Center. Virtually all of this area of expense is funded through targeted fundraising or designated gifts.
2014 Income Challenge Although the total budget for next year is reducing slightly, it is only because some designated funds for growth initiatives are expiring in 2014. Our forecasted spending for next year is increasing slightly. Our staff is remaining the same and program spending is held constant. To balance this year’s spending, we are using $90,000 of funds leftover from 2012. These funds will not be available for 2014. So the challenge of supporting our existing staff and programs (internal and external) is left to the thoughtful prayers of all members of the congregation to make up that $90,000 and the slight budget increase through our pledges. This increase is roughly a 15 percent challenge to all of us to consider. 11
How Asbury First Gives … 2013 AOP Pledge Totals*
Without the generosity of the Asbury First community, our ministries of Worship, Education, Membership Care, and Outreach could not be sustained each year. We are blessed with an active and visionary congregation that sees the value inherent in each of these ministries, and supports them, prayerfully, to the best of their abilities. As we prepare for the coming year, here’s a look at were we stood following last year’s stewardship campaign. Each of the gifts – no matter what its size – was received with gratitude for your generosity.
Number of households
Pledge Amount
For a total of
10
$10,000 and above
$125,320
32
$5,000-9,999
$214,977
75
$2,500-4,999
$259,780
182
$1,000-2,499
$287,061
84
$500-999
$56,132
46
$250-499
$16,254
32
$100-249
$5,469
5
under $100
$260
Total pledges through an Estimate of Giving: $965,253 Total number of households making gifts: Average (mean) pledge amount:
25 percent of the households account for 63 percent of the dollar total.
466
$2,071
How much should you give? The amount of your gift to Asbury First and its ministries is a private matter, to be decided prayerfully by you and your family. For your convenience, here are some examples of what your monthly gift to the church will be at various percentages of your annual income. Annual Income
Suggested Weekly Giving 2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
$20,000
$8
15
23
31
38
46
$40,000
15
31
46
62
77
92
$60,000
23
46
69
92
115
138
$80,000
31
62
92
123
154
185
$100,000
38
77
115
154
192
231
$150,000
58
115
173
231
288
346
$200,000
77
154
231
308
385
462
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CHILDREN’S ministry Happy Memories of Vacation Bible School What a great week we had at All Creatures Big and Small VBS this summer! More than 120 children came to our campus to have fun and learn about the animals of the Bible. They went on a safari with Rev. Stephen, played games under the tent, learned some new animal songs, and much more. For our outreach they collected items for Lollypop Farm. The start of every morning was the highlight of the day, with the visit of an animal for the zoo, thanks to Zoo Mobile. The week ended with a private dinner party with the animals at the Seneca Park Zoo. We had the Zoo all to ourselves! The children ran and played as the parents enjoyed a great evening of fellowship. We want to thank all the volunteers that helped to make this week happen! photos courtesy of Miriam W. Derivan
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Library news “The best things in life are free” and that includes the books free for the reading through our Church Resource Library. Books for all ages and on all topics can be found for loan in the church library. Take a look at the following books featured for the month of October. They are available in the library’s collection of books for children, youth, and adults. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. When the church is open, the library is open, and everyone is welcome! Children: How Noah Knew What to Do, by Karen Ann Moore. Highly recommended reading for children ages 4 to 7, How Noah Knew What To Do features lively rhymes for reading aloud, and is wonderfully illustrated by Rick and Pete Kersten.
by which United Methodists govern themselves. It reflects Methodist understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy. It includes the church constitution and history, The Gift of Change: Spirited Guidance for Living Your Best Life, by Marianne Williamson. In her book, Williamson emphasizes that now is the time to begin to look within for change. The reader is challenged to examine personal beliefs and the attitudes they engender.
All the Children of the World, written and illustrated by Karen M. Leimert. All the Children of the World is a story about the lives of children from Samoa to Iowa and Portugal to Germany. Especially for children ages 6-12, the book celebrates different cultures around the world.
Walking A Sacred Path, by Lauren Artress. This book explores the historical origins of the labyrinth and shares the potential of the Labyrinth to inspire change and renewal. It serves as a guide to help the experience of the labyrinth.
Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool. Ages 8-12 will enjoy this 2011 Caldecott Award winner. Moon Over Manifest is considered by readers as “the most clever, chilling and enveloping historical fiction book.” It is about Abilene Tucker whose father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job.
On a Wild and Windy Mountain: And 25 Other Meditations for the Christian Year, by William H. Willimon. From advent to All Saints and beyond, William Willimon inspires, informs and entertains with this treasury of seasonal meditations. Each selection opens with an appropriate scripture.
Teens: Spirituality 101: The Indispensible Guide To Keeping or Finding Your Spiritual Life on Campus, by Harriet L Schwartz. Spirituality 101 is the perfect companion for college students seeking spiritual fulfillment on campus. It includes practical, hands-on advice and information from experienced faculty and student affairs professionals. This is an indispensable guide to the choices and possibilities available throughout the college experience.
Parenting Section: Buddha Never Raised Kids and Jesus Didn’t Drive Car Pool: Ten Principles for Parenting With Soul, by Vicki Falcone. This is a book for parents who want to really connect with their kids. The author’s style is funny, inspirational and practical. She offers advice and anecdotes with insight and information from spiritual masters and quotes from the Bible and the Koran, Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama and Henry David Thoreau.
Adult: Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2012, by Marvin W. Cropsey. A timely choice for those taking United Methodism 101 and 202 offered this year at Asbury First. The Book of Discipline sets forth the plan September 22 Luke 16:1-18 23 Luke 16:19-31 24 Amos 6:1-14 25 Jeremiah 32:1-15 26 1 Timothy 6:3-21 27 Daniel 10:1-11:2a 28 Jude 1-25 29 Revelation 12:1-18 30 Habakkuk 1:1-2:4 October 1 Habakkuk 2:5-20 2 Habakkuk 3:1-19
If you don’t find the book you want or need in the Church Resource Library, try next door at 1010 in the meditation room that houses the Spiritual Life Library.
3 Lamentations 2:1-22 4 Lamentations 3:1-18 5 Lamentation 3:19-39 6 Luke 17:1-10 7 Jeremiah 29:1-14 8 Lamentations 3:40-66 9 Lamentations 4:1-22 10 Lamentations 5:1-22
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14
Psalm 66:1-20 Psalm 111:1-10 Luke 17:11-19 Deuteronomy 8:1-20 Exodus 17:1-16 Jeremiah 31:1-22 Jeremiah 31:23-40 2 Timothy 4:9-22
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Luke 18:1-8 Joel 1:1-20 Joel 2:1-17 Joel 2:18-32 Joel 3:1-21 Psalm 65:1-13 Psalm 84:1-12 Luke 18:9-27 John 15:11-27 Matthew 11:20-30 John 8:12-30 John 8:31-47
the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2
Breakfast Among Friends How many homeless people
daughter were too much to
do you know? Perhaps more
bear. She felt trapped and
than you think. Some of us
desperate. Bills were accumu-
would be surprised to learn
lating and there was no family
that in Rochester there are at
to help. Grace was homeless,
least 7,000 people who have no
alone, sick and helpless. Com-
place to call home. This means
ing to the ADCC has given
that it could be the man next
Grace a new family and many
to you at the library, the family
friends. Volunteers have lis-
bringing in cans and bottles to
tened to her story. She has
Wegmans, the little boy riding
responded and is smiling now.
his bicycle. The young woman
Working with other agencies,
sleeping in her car, and liv-
she has found an apartment,
ing in her car. The face of the
is receiving a small disability
homeless has changed. Our
check and has regained her dig-
economy, lack of affordable
nity. Her daughter is with her
housing, and delays in access-
and is considering volunteering
ing services have created a ma-
perhaps a few hours per week.
jor problem for many. This has
Grace is not alone any more.
impacted our ministry here at
Grace constantly credits the
the Asbury Dining and Caring
small Dining Center have chal-
nurture and feed the homeless
Dining Center for accepting
Center.
lenged us to be creative while
and hungry in our community.
her as a valued, welcome per-
The Dining and Caring Center
working with an ever strained
I spoke to a mother and daugh-
son and friend. We all need to
has seen a dramatic explosion
budget.
ter just this morning who had
feel a connection, and a place
of homelessness and people
The members of Asbury First
recently been sleeping in a car.
where we can cultivate friend-
in need this summer. As an
United Methodist Church have
Mom was a City of Rochester
ships. A sincere thank you
example, we served 2074 meals
been a beacon of hope in en-
employee for 19 years when an
to all who understand and
in February and 2900 meals
abling us to continue our won-
accident changed her life. Not
embrace the important work
in August. This is an increase
derful mission. Without your
only was she physically unable
we do at the Dining and Car-
of almost 1,000 people. The
volunteerism and donations
to work but the pressures of
ing Center. You are kind, you
many days that we have served
of in-kind and monetary sup-
losing her job coupled with
are generous and you are truly
140 guests in our relatively
port we would not be able to
caring for her schizophrenic
friends.
15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
music & the arts please join us for these upcoming concerts! VOICES in Concert
Diane Meredith Belcher in Concert
Friday, October 11 8:00 p.m.
Part of the Rochester Organ Celebrity Series Friday, October 25 8:00 p.m
Director William Weinert leads Voices, Rochester’s only profession-
Organist Diane Meredith
al chamber cho-
Belcher brings to the music
rus. This stellar
world performances of rare art-
ensemble has
istry; her stirringly expressive,
been presenting
dazzlingly clear, and astound-
repertoire from
ingly virtuosic playing has
the Baroque to
thrilled audiences throughout
contemporary times since 2007, including Bach’s St.
North America and Europe
John Passion and a complete cycle of all the Bach
since her solo debut at age fif-
motets.
teen.