Asbury First
United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 271-1050 www.asburyfirst.org
Childrens Ministry: pages 4 & 5 Youth Ministry: pages 6 & 7 Reconciling Ministry: page 9 Worship Opportunities: pages 10 & 11 Adult Fellowship Groups: pages 12 & 13 Classes & Study Groups: pages 8 & 14 Art Classes: page 15 Lecture Series: page 16 Music & the Arts: page 17 Calendar: page 18
Fall 2014 | EDUCATION & EVENTS
New Opportunities for Growth and Fellowship! Check out the classes, lectures, and other events inside!
“Bless thou the gifts our hands have brought; bless thou the work our hearts have planned. Ours is the faith, the will, the thought; the rest, O God, is in thy hand.” -Samuel Longfellow, “Bless Thou the Gifts,” 1886.
Sunday Morning Worship • • •
8:30 a.m. Traditional Service with Asbury Singers 10:00 a.m. Informal Service in the chancel with Holy Communion 11:00a.m. Traditional Service with Sanctuary Choir
Become a Member of our Faith Family Are you interested in knowing more about Asbury First? Want to find out how you can become more involved? Join us for a five-week New Member Orientation series. All are welcome ! This fall’s class series begins on Sunday, October 5, with classes on October 12, 19, 26, and November 2.
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Volunteer Opportunities October 10-20 We will be bringing our time and talents together with the time and talents of the members of Baber AME Church to be in service to the city of Rochester. This year’s primary project is painting the Asbury First Storehouse, in preparation for the celebration of their upcoming 50th anniversary. Other places where we will serve include the Ronald McDonald House, Hope House, Genesis
House, and St. Mary’s Adult Day Care. In addition, we will put together hygiene kits, healthy snack packs and grocery bags, and will make lunches in support of the above activities. You may sign up for one or more shifts on the last three Sundays of September in the Welcoming Hall after services.
New Volunteer Opportunity!
Visitation Ministry at Asbury First • With prayerful thought, we are introducing a Visitation Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Susan Shafer and AFUMC member Meredith Pixley. This ministry will involve visiting those in need in our parish both in the hospital and in homes. There will be a training session early in the fall as this vital ministry begins. If you are interested in becoming a visitation volunteer, please contact Rev. Susan S. Shafer at sshafer@asburyfirst.org or (585) 2711050 x110.
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children’s ministry
We offer a wide varity of activities for you and your child to grow together in faith each week and throughout the year. Have questions? Connect Paula Dugan (pdugan@asburyfirst.org), or (585) 271-1050 x111 to find out more.
Sundays at Asbury First
Sunday School (9:45-10:45 a.m., ages four to fifth grade) Children are divided into classes according to age. Each group has an age-appropriate curriculum that teach them about God’s love. Worship (8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.) Children are welcome to stay with their parents during the entire service. During the 11:00 a.m. service we also offer these opportunities following the children’s sermon: ◆ Enrichment (11:00 a.m. service) Children ages four through second grade may attend lessons focused on Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. Second floor, education wing. ◆ Bible Beat (11:00 a.m. service) Children in third through fifth grades may participate in lessons that explore Scripture and the sermon topic. Second floor, education wing. Children may be picked up after the service in the second floor, education wing.
Child Care (8:30 a.m.-noon) Available in Creche and Rainbow Room, first floor, education wing. ◆ The Creche (newborn to 18 months) Loving and nurturing nursery care provided by child-care professionals from 8:30 a.m. until noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor, education wing. ◆ The Rainbow Room (18 months to three years old) Loving and enriching care provided by child care professionals, from 8:30 a.m. until noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor, education wing.
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Wednesday Evenings
Children’s Musical Groups Our musical groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings: • • •
Hallelujah Kids (vocal choir, grades K-2, practice 5:00-5:30 p.m.) Children’s Choir (vocal choir, grades 3-5, practice 6:00-6:45 p.m.) Wesley Ringers (bell choir, grades 3-5, practice 6:45-7:15 p.m.)
All are welcome, regardless of musical ability. For more information contact Bozena Granat at Bozena_Granat@bcsd.org. Other Programs Throughout the year, we offer non-musical activities on Wednesday evenings for those who are interested. Family Dinner We offer a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. with a donation of two dollars per person for all those attending Wednesday evening programs.
Fun, Faithful Family Events
September 7 Together in Ministry Sunday Sunday School open house and bounce house fun. Meet our teachers, view the classrooms, and register your children for Sunday School. October 19 Bible Sunday Our third graders receive their Bibles. November 1 Family Harvest Potluck Dinner December 14 Advent’s Winter Wonder Night A night of pajamas, pancakes and a Christmas message. December 24 Children’s Christmas Pageant Come witness the Christmas story told through the eyes of children. For those children who wish to be a part of the pageant, rehearsals are Sunday mornings in December.
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Youth Ministry United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) Summer is winding down, but that hasn’t stopped many of our youth from continuing their involvement in the life of Asbury First through summer mission trips, the Park Avenue parking fundraiser, and weekly opportunities to hang out and play games on the church lawn and/or gather in the youth room to watch a movie together. We have already outlined much of our fall youth schedule, and we invite all youth in sixth through twelfth grades to check it out and come join us for some of our activities — especially the fall kick-off retreat on September 1214! For more information about any of our youth programs, please contact Mike Mullin, director of youth ministries at mmullin@asburyfirst.org. If you are not a youth, but have an interest in volunteering with our youth ministries, please contact Mike as well!
Upcoming BIG Events When?
What?
Where?
September 7
AFUMC
September 12-14
Regular youth Sunday programming resumes for fall. Youth fall kick-off retreat
October 19
Spaghetti fundraiser, 12-1 pm
Fellowship Hall
October 25
Youth outing: Amazing Maize Maze
Long Acre Farms
November 14-16
Youth musical performance weekend
Fellowship Hall
November 22-24
Youth District fall gathering retreat
Aldersgate UMC
Friday, December 12
Church-wide Winter Gala
Fellowship Hall
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Camp Casowasco
Basic Sunday Schedule When?
Who?
What?
Where?
9:45-10:45 a.m.
6th and 7th grades 8th grade
Sunday School Confirmation
Campfire Room (Room 18) Room 16
9th-12th grades
UMYF-AM
Youth Room
1:00-5:00 p.m.
6th-12th grades
Musical Rehearsal
4:00-6:00 p.m.
6th-12th grades
Bell Choir
Fellowship Hall & Wesley Hall Bell Room
5:00-6:00 p.m.
6th-8th grades
Youth Group
9th-12th grades
Youth Choir
Campfire Room (Room 18) Wesley Hall
6:00-6:30 p.m.
6th-12th grades
Dinner
Fellowship Hall
6:30-7:30 p.m.
6th-8th grades
Choir
Wesley Hall
6:30-8:00 p.m.
9th-12th grades
Youth Group
Youth Room
Photo by Dave Rice
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• Adult Study Wednesday Morning Study Group Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Group Facilitator: Rev. David P. Lubba We are in the midst of a 12 video series entitled ‘ First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God’. We have finished the first three videos in the series. This series looks at the life and ministry of Jesus and the various cultural, social, political, economic and religious settings within which is occurred. We have a lively discussion and learn from each other’s insights and opinions. The videos are tremendously helpful. Feel free to join us and we will ‘bring you up to speed’. We also spend time each week sharing joys and concerns and participating in Intercessory Prayer. For additional information, contact David at 359-9927 or dlubba@rochester.rr.com
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Reconciliation:
The Dialogue Continues
T
he idea of “reconciliation” has evoked a great deal of discussion
within Asbury First. Given this culture of dialogue at Asbury First the
Reconciliation Committee looks forward to the divergent perspectives and questions our congregants have to offer as we together find the pathway towards inclusion for all people, including our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. Three forums are being offered this fall for congregants to talk with members of the committee, the pastors and each other regarding inclusion. Sunday, September 14 noon ~ Wesley Hall Wednesday, October 1 6:30 p.m. ~ Fellowship Hall Tuesday, October 14 7:00 p.m. ~ Wesley Hall
Reconciling Statement of Asbury First United Methodist Church
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Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its urban community with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic background and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.
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Worship Opportunities
Sunday Services Our regular Sunday morning schedule is as follows: • 8:30: traditional service with the Asbury Singers • 10:00: informal service in the chancel with Communion • 11:00: traditional service with the Sanctuary Choir Childcare is available at all services. If you are unable to attend our Sunday services in person, check out this options: • •
Tune your radio to WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM on Sunday morning from 11:0012:00 to hear the service, or Go to www.asburyfirst.org to watch a live stream of the service at 11:00 a.m. You’ll also find archived videos of past services on the site.
Labyrinth Second Wednesday of every month; plus Wednesdays in Advent: December 3, 10, & 17 5:00-7:00 p.m. Our beautiful labyrinth is located under the Sanctuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that provides a place for reflection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions.
World Communion Sunday Sunday, October 5 Begun in 1936 by The Presbyterian Church, World Communion Sunday promotes Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. It is now one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church.
Bible Sunday Sunday, October 19 Founded in 1915 by the American Bible Society, Bible Sunday is a chance to celebrate the place of the Scriptures in our daily lives. On this day, we present new Bibles to our third graders at the 11:00 a.m. service.
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Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 23 This annual celebration features special instrumental music and a procession of our Thanksgiving gifts,and the dedication of our gifts pledged to the church through our annual stewardship campaign.
First Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 30 8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. We begin the holy season of Advent with a communion service to help us focus on the reason for our preparations.
Remembrance Service Sunday, December 7 3:00 p.m. We remember the loved ones we have lost in this year with a candlelight service of word, music, and communion, and the lighting of the remembrance candles.
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 • 12:00 noon – Service of Carols and Holy Communion • 4:00 p.m. – Service for Families and Children, with pageant • 7:00 p.m. – Service of Word, Candlelight, Lessons & Carols • 9:00 p.m. – Service of Word, Candlelight, and Holy Communion • 11:00 p.m. – Service of Word, Candlelight, Lessons, & Carols
Christmas Day 10:00 – traditional service
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Adult Sunday School & Social Groups
Our adult classes meet at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning. These classes share in study time, as well as prayer and fellowship, and they are always happy to welcome new members. Frequent guest speakers provide a chance to learn about social issues, faith formation, and the world around us. Interested? Come visit us soon! For more information about any adult Sunday school class, contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
Group Doublers
Who Are We?
Bible Study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns. 50 Plus Couples and singles We examine our faith Fellowship over the age of 50 and life issues. We support members in need with visits and phone calls. Growing Spirits/ Couples and singles Bible study, church and Living Edge social issues, books reviews, and social events. Partnership Older adults, singles Christian theology, and couples personal witness, social concerns, and political issues. Parables of Parents of children Discussion, sharing of Parenting of any age stories, and reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective. In the News: A open to all We examine the Current Events spiritual implications Roundtable of current events, and provide a friendly forum for expressing viewpoints on diverse topics. Adult Bible Study All those interested Led by Rev. David in taking a closer Lubba, we focus look at the Bible. on broadening our knowledge of the Bible.
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Open to all, singles and couples
What’s Our Focus?
Where do We Meet? 1010 East Ave., Red Room 1010 East Ave., Dining Room
1010 East Ave., Room 21 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Room 205 (second floor of the Education Wing) 1050 East Ave. Dining Room
1050 East. Ave., Teak Room
Women on Wednesdays (WOW)
Wednesdays at noon 1010 East Ave. Dining Room
The WOW group reads authors on religions and spirituality, including John Shelby Spong, Joan Chittister, Marcus Borg, Desmond Tutu, Dr. Frances Collins, Brian McLaren and Esther de Waal. The invitation is open for women who enjoy reading and learning to join WOW. The one-hour meeting time enables people to attend during their lunch time and bring a bag lunch. Questions? Contact Mary Lynn Vickers at mvicker1@rochester.rr.com. Wednesdays, 6:00 a.m. 1010 East Ave., Red Room This lively group meets Wednesdays at 6:00 a.m. to share devotions, joys, concerns, hymns, prayers, and conversation. There’s coffee and breakfast afterwards at a nearby restaurant. New members are always welcome to this group, which has been meeting at Asbury First for several decades. Contact Glenn Peck at gdpeck@rochester. rr.com if you have questions.
Women’s Fellowship Group
Men’s Devotional Group
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Church Resource Library
Whether you are young or young-at-heart, single, married, divorced or widowed, with children or without, join us for some women’s fellowship. This is a chance for women to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is provided. Elizabeth Church can answer your questions at elizchurch@juno.com. The Appetizer Group meets approximately once each month to share appetizers, fellowship and participation in a wide variety of programs and outings of interest to the group. It is open to all adult church members and their friends. Please contact Hal Carter (hcarter6@gmail.com/585953-0644) if you are interested in participating or in being on the mailing list so that you are notified of the get-togethers.
Appetizer Group
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Fall Learning & Fellowship
United Methodism 101 Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12 6:30-7:30 p.m. Gathering Center • 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’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! Join us for a four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. If you are interested or have questions please contact Stephen Cady at scady@ asburyfirst.org. Please let us know if you plan to attend by October 15 as we will have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12 and assistance is available.
Bowling League Beginning Sunday, October 5 through December 14 (off on November 30) 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location TBD
Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, sign up for some fellowship and fun on Sunday evenings this spring. For more info, contact RJ Pollard at rjpollard14@gmail.com or 315-246-8132.
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T
he ArtSparks art ministry has a studio/classroom. We are now located on the top floor of the education wing! This will enable more classes to be offered to more people. I am excited for the possibilities provided by this new space. Check out the classes that will be offered this fall. Don’t be afraid to explore your creative side – whether you think you have one or not – through the spiritual act of creating. Creativity can be taught and encouraged, and while you are having fun exploring, you are also engaging in a deeply personal and spiritual experience. If the cost of the class is out of range for you please speak to Linda Clemow and we can make arrangements. Register for any classes by calling Linda at 585-236-1184. Acrylic Painting 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Mondays, September 15- December 8 cost: $85 This class will explore the basics of acrylic painting. We will look at basic concepts such as values, contours and colors. Then we will move into painting still-lives, landscapes, and free form florals. No experience is required. All materials are provided. Drawing 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (please bring a lunch); Tuesdays, September 16-December 9 cost: $85 If you would like to go on to painting sometime in the future this is a great basic course. For those interested in drawing, from sketching to hyper-realism, this course will give a starting point. If you took this class last spring this is still an option for you as we will build on the skills you have previously learned. All materials are provided. Stitching Beyond the Ordinary 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ; Wednesdays, Sept. 17-Dec. 10 cost: $85 We will be learning the basics of sewing for art! The class will include: couching, texture, color, embroidery and free motion stitching. You must have a sewing machine that can be brought to class. When you register we will talk about the hardware you will need. I have many materials, yarns and threads in my stash, but please feel free to bring what you would like to work stitchery by Carol Anne Waugh with. Most materials will be provided.
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Lecture Series
End of Life Decision-Making October 26, November 2, 9 12:15 P.M.
N
one of us likes to think about the prospect of serious illness
or death. Most of us, however, feel strongly about maintaining a quality of life throughout our entire lives. This series is an opportunity to learn from compassionate experts about what each of us needs to do now to insure that our wishes are respected if we are in a situation where we cannot speak for ourselves. Anyone who has suffered the emotional and ethical dilemmas of decision-making for a family member without knowledge of their wishes can attest to the importance of having these discussions before there is a health crisis. Our speakers include Dr. Richard Demme, chair of the Ethics Committee at Strong Memorial Hospital; Dr. Rob Horowitz; a palliative care physician at Strong; and Rob Kochik the Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. On three consecutive Sundays following the 11am service they will address topics that will inform you about the importance of Advance Directives, maintaining control of your health care during serious illness, and decision-making around organ, eye, and tissue donation. Each session will be introduced by Rev. Bill Reynolds, Associate Director, Chaplaincy Services, University of Rochester Medical Center. Bill has offered spiritual guidance to children and adults of all ages as they have faced life and death decisions and will lend the spiritual perspective to the discussion. October 26, 2014: Richard Demme, MD November 2, 2014: Rob Horowitz, MD November 9, 2014: Rob Kochik
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Music & the Arts
Fall Musical Performances at Asbury First S u n d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 | 2 : 0 0 p . m .
Salon Concert featuring Rebecca Pennys, piano; Mikhail Kopelman, violin; and Stefan Reuss, cello; to reserve your tickets call the church office at (585) 2711050x103. Tickets are $35/free for students.
f r i d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 4 | 7 : 3 0 p . m . S a t u r d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 5 | 7 : 3 0 p . m . S u n d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 6 | 1 : 0 0 p . m .
Godspell by John Michael Tebelak; music by Stephen Schwartz Presented by the Youth of Asbury First Tickets are $5 general admission, available at the door.
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Fall Calendar
September 7................ Together in Ministry Sunday 7................ Children’s Ministry Open House 10.............. Labyrinth 12-14....... Youth Fall Kick-Off Retreat 14.............. Reconciling Ministries Dialogue 15.............. ArtSparks Acrylic Painting class begins 16.............. ArtSparks Drawing class begins 17.............. ArtSparks Stitching Beyond the Ordinary class begins
October 1................ Reconciling Ministries Dialogue 5................ World Communion Sunday 5................ Bowling League begins 8................ Labyrinth 10-20....... Together in Service Week 14.............. Reconciling Ministries Dialogue 19.............. Bible Sunday 19.............. Youth Spaghetti Fundraiser 22.............. United Methodism 101 25.............. Youth Outing: Amazing Maize Maze 26.............. End of Life Decision-Making Lecture 29.............. United Methodism 101
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November 1................ Family Harvest Potluck Dinner 2................ End of Life Decision-Making Lecture 2................ Salon Concert 5................ United Methodism 101 9................ End of Life Decision-Making Lecture 12.............. Labyrinth 12.............. United Methodism 101 14-16....... Youth Present “Godspell” 22-24....... Youth District Fall Gathering Retreat 23.............. Thanksgiving In-Gathering 30.............. First Sunday of Advent/Communion Sunday
December 3................ Labyrinth 7................ Remembrance Service 10.............. Labyrinth 14.............. Advent’s Winter Wonder Night 17.............. Labyrinth 24.............. Christmas Pageant 24.............. Christmas Eve Services (see page 11) 25.............. Christmas Day
ei gh t h a n n ual
dinner among friends sat u r day, s ept emb er 2 7
Join us for appetizers at Asbury First, then head to the home of our of our generous hosts for a delicious meal. Your generous gift for the evening (suggested donation: $50) helps support the Asbury First Dining and Caring Center, feeding those who are hungry. Find out more in your weekly bulletin!
DINNER AMONG
FRIENDS