United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 271-1050 www.asburyfirst.org
Opportunities for Children and Families see pages 4 & 5 Young Adult Events see page 6 Youth Events and Fundraisers See page 7 United Methodist 101 & 202 see pages 8-9 Worship Opportunities see pages 10-11 Adult Sunday School see page 12 Adult Fellowship see page 13 Fall Classes/Roundtables/Bible Studies see pages 14-16 Music & the Arts see page 17 Calendar See page 18
Fall 2013 | EDUCATION & EVENTS
New Opportunities for Growth and Fellowship! Check out the classes, seminars, and other events inside!
“The miracles of the church seem to me to rest not so much upon faces or voices or healing power coming suddenly near to us from afar off, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear what is there about us always.” -Willa Cather
Sunday Morning Worship • • •
8:30 a.m. Traditional Service with Asbury Singers 10:00 a.m. Informal Service 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 our newly-restructured five-week new members class series. All are welcome ! Class series begin:
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September 29 (joining October 27)
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November 3 (joining December 8)
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January 5 (joining February 2)
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February 9 (joining March 9)
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March 16 (joining April 13)
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May 4 (joining June 1)
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What’s Inside?
AFUMC Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Worship TImes ~ Becoming a Member Children’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Open House ~ Together in Service ~ Bible Sunday ~ Potluck Supper ~ Advent’s Winter Wonder Night Young Adults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 English Country Dancing ~ Amazing Maize Maze ~ Karaoke ~ Miniature Golf ~ Caroling and Christmas Party Craft Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Youth Ministry Events Calendar ~ Youth Sunday Schedule United Methodism 101 & 202 (Social Principles). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Worship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Together in Ministry ~ World Communion ~ Bible Sunday ~ Thanksgiving In-Gathering ~ Communion Sunday ~ Remembrance Service Adult Fellowship and Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-16 Adult Sunday School ~ Women on Wednesday ~ Men’s Devotional Group ~ Women’s Fellowship Hour ~ Benedictine Spirituality ~ In the News ~ Dinner Among Friends ~ Living Healthy ~Bible Studies Music & the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Voices in Concert ~ Diane Meredith Belcher ~ Fiddler on the Roof Spring Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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children’s ministry
his fall, we will continue last year’s organization of Sunday
School, to foster stronger faithfilled communities within each grade. Our children will gather based on grade level with each group having their own classroom! Each group will have teaching teams of three to guide the journey of learning and exploration.
SEPTEMBER
This fall we will also continue to
Sunday School Open House
offer child care throughout the
Sunday, September 8
morning for infants and toddlers
9:45-10:45 a.m.
in the Rainbow Room located on
Sunday School Classrooms (Educa-
the first floor of our Education
tion Wing next to Welcoming Hall)
Wing.
Parents, join your children in their new classrooms this Sunday to meet the teachers and other parents, and also find out about our exciting new adventure in Children’s Ministry for the fall and spring! And then...Sunday School begins September 15.
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OCTOBER Saturday, October 12 Together in Service Family Event Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 20 Bible Sunday 11:00 Service On this day, the third graders receive their Bibles at the 11:00 a.m. service.
DECEMBER Sunday, December 8 Advent’s Winter Wonder Night Gathering Space and Sanctuary
NOVEMBER Sunday, November 3 Potluck Harvest Dinner Gathering Space & Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:00 p.m. Let’s share a meal together as we cel-
5:00-7:00 p.m. Come for a “breakfast” supper and stay for a family worship service. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas! Please RSVP to Melissa Bohrer at mbohrer@ asburyfirst.org.
ebrate the changing seasons and the joy of fellowship! This event is open to all members and friends of Asbury First, no matter what their age!
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Young Adult Events Our Young Adult Fellowship Group was a rousing success last year! From bowling to barbecue to baseball, there were plenty of opportunities to share good food and fun times and make new friends. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@ asburyfirst.org. Locations for some events are still being determined –please look for them to be announced in the bulletin as the dates approach.
Event
Date
Time
English Country Dancing Amazing Maize Maze (Long Acres
Sunday, August 18 Friday, September 20
6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Farm) Karaoke Night (location TBD) Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf
Saturday, October 19 Saturday, Nov. 16
7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21
6:00 p.m.
(Glow Golf at the Mall at East Ridge, near Regal Cinemas) Caroling and Christmas Party (location TBD)
Holiday Craft Show Sunday, December 8 Fellowship Hall 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Our annual craft show features a wealth of potential gifts to buy: jewelry ~ Handmade cards ~ Knit hats and scarves ~ doll clothes ~ copper crafting ~ wood carving ~ and much more! A portion of all sales go to the Storehouse, providing clothes, linens and household goods to our neighbors in need.
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Youth Ministry 2013-14 Youth Events Calendar September 22
Spaghetti Lunch (tentative)
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
October 27
Halloween Party
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
November 15-16 (District) Fall Gathering
Fellowship Hall & Kitchen 1010 First Floor Off Campus
11/22-24
Youth Musical
All day
Fellowship Hall
December 22
Christmas Party
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
1010 First Floor
January 5
Twelfth Night Party
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
1010 First Floor
January 24-26
Youth Winter Retreat
February 2
Souper Bowl Soup Fundraiser
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Welcoming Hall
February 14
Gala Dance
3 p.m.-overnight
Fellowship Hall
March 1
Talent Show
2 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
March 9
Pie for Pi Sale
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Welcoming Hall
April 26-28
Up!Word (Conference Youth Gathering)
Off Campus
June 29-July 6
Mission Trip
Off Campus
Camp Casowasco
2013-2014 YOUTH SUNDAY SCHEDULE Middle School
High School
9:45-10:45 a.m. Sunday School (6th & 7th grades); Confirmation (8th grade) 4:00-4:50 p.m. Youth Bells (6th-12th grades)** 5:00-6:00 p.m. Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grades) 6:00-6:45 p.m. Youth Meal (6th-12th grades) 6:45-7:00 p.m. Break/Clean up 7:00-8:00 p.m. Middle School Youth Choir (6th-8th grades)**
9:45-10:45 a.m. UMYF A.M. Sunday School (9th-12th grades) 4:00-4:50 p.m. Youth Bells (6th-12th grades)** 5:00-6:00 p.m. High School Youth Choir (9th- 12th grades)** 6:00-6:30 p.m. Youth Meal (6th-12th grades) 6:30-8:00 p.m. UMYF – High School Youth Group (9th-12th grades)
** Youth bells and the youth choirs will not begin rehearsing until after the fall musical.
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United Methodism 101 •
Do we believe in free will or predestination?
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Why do we use grape juice and not wine during communion?
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Why do our ministers move around so much?
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What is the United Methodist stance on immigration, or the death penalty, or homosexuality?
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What’s up with the name “Methodist?”
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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 fourweek discussion 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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United Methodism 202:
The Social Principles
Sundays, November 3, 10, 17, and 24 12:15 p.m. 1050 East Ave. Dining Room •
Does The United Methodist Church have a stance on food justice?
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What do we believe about human sexuality or access to health care?
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Do we care how space is explored or how genetic technology is used?
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Is it ok to drink alcohol in front of other United Methodists?
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What about gambling?
If you have ever wondered about what the church believes in regard to these or any other social issues, please join us for Methodism 202: The Social Principles beginning at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 3 and running for four weeks. The cost of the class will be $4 to offset the cost of the book. NO PREREQUISITES required, but Methodism 101 is encouraged for context!
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Worship Opportunities
Together in Ministry Sunday Sunday, September 8 We return to our regular schedule of services: 8:30 a.m.: traditional worship with Asbury Singers 10:00 a.m.: informal worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m.: traditional worship with Sanctuary Choir On this day, we also celebrate the volunteer opportunities that are available at Asbury First with a volunteer sign-up fair after services.
World Communion Sunday Sunday, October 6 8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. 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 20 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.
Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 24 This annual celebration features special instrumental music and a procession of
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our Thanksgiving gifts, including canned goods for the Dining and Caring Center and Grocery Bag Ministry, and the dedication of our gifts pledged to the church through our annual stewardship campaign.
First Sunday of Advent/Communion Sunday Sunday, December 1 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 reason for our preparations. As we look forward to Christmas, we share with each other the ancient liturgical prayers to commemorate Christ’s last supper with his apostles.
Remembrance Service Sunday, December 8 3:00 p.m. We remember the loved ones we have lost in this past year with a candlelight service of word, music, and communion, and the lighting of the remembrance candles.
Asbury First Labyrinth Second Wednesday of each month 5:00-7:00 p.m Fellowship Hall Labyrinths are a form of meditation. They can symbolize life’s journey or any experience that challenges and transforms us. Walking the labyrinth quiets the mind, focuses our thoughts on the divine, and leads us to a better understanding of our inner self.Labyrinth stewards are on hand to answer your questions.
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Adult Sunday School
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 Discussions and Fellowship singles over the speakers on faith age of 50 and spirituality and frequently parties and fellowship. Growing Spirits/ Couples and Bible study, church Living Edge singles and social issues, books reviews, and social events. Partnership Older adults, Christian theology, singles and personal witness, couples social concerns, and political issues. Parables of Parents of Discussion, sharing Parenting children, from of stories, and infants up to teens reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective. In the News: A open to all Diverse topics in Current Events social change, Roundtable politics, etc.
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Retired 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 200 (second floor of the Education Wing) 1050 East Ave. Dining Room
Women on Wednesdays (WOW) Wednesdays at noon, Sept.-May 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.
Men’s Devotional Group 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.
Women’s Fellowship Hour Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Church Resource Library Whether you are young or youngat-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.
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NEW Fall Learning & Fellowship Benedictine Spirituality Thursday evenings, Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3 7:00-8:30 p.m. 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Led by Kathy Thiel Book is available on Amazon for $12.33 (Scholarships available)
“This new edition of a classic religious text combines the timeless wisdom of Benedict’s Rule with the commentary of a renowned Benedictine mystic and scholar. In her introduction, the author claims that Benedict’s sixth-century text is the only one of great traditions that touches contemporary issues facing the human community—stewardship, conversion, communication, reflection, contemplation, humility, and equality. – amazon.com Contact Melody Guadagnino (585) 271-1050 x.103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org to sign up.
In the News
A Current Events Roundtable
Starting Sunday, September 15 9:45-10:45 a.m. Dining Room, 1050 East Ave. Why watch the Sunday morning talking heads on CNN or MSNBC when you yourself can be one? Join the panel at In the News, a new Sunday school roundtable that examines the spiritual implications of current events. Those who “appear” on In the News will find it a friendly forum for expressing personal viewpoints on diverse topics within modern social change, world history and conflicts, national politics, and local community issues. Broaden your own perspectives – and those of others – by bringing your opinions Sunday mornings to our panel. It’s safe and fun discussion with room for any and all ideas. With no commercial interruption! If you have questions about this class, please contact Kurt Mueller at kmueller@momentdriven.com.
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Seventh Annual DINNER AMONG
FRIENDS
Celebrating 20 years of service to Rochester, 1993-2013 Saturday, September 28 Beginning at 5:00 p.m. with appetizers in the Gathering Center at Asbury First, followed by a meal at the home of one of our gracious hosts. All funds raised by dinner attendees will support the Dining and Caring Center, which serves 24,000+ meals each year to those in need.
Living Healthy Tuesdays, September 24-October 29 1:00-3:30 p.m. Gathering Center Cost: $20 to cover cost of materials Register by calling Lifespan at (585) 244-8400 x139 Do you have an ongoing health condition and want to take charge of your life? Then join us for Living Healthy, a six-week workshop series for adults with a chronic or limiting health condition and/or caregivers. You’ll look at topics such as using your mind to manage symptons, fitness and exercise, better breathing, nutrition, making treatment decisions, depression, and working with health care professionals and health care systems. Taught by AFUMC member Mary Berk, and offered in conjunction with Lifespan, which provides information, guidance, and more to older adults and their caregivers.
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• Bible Study Sunday Morning Bible Study Starting Sunday, September 15 9:45-10:45 a.m. 1050 East Ave., Teak Room Group Facilitator: Rev. David P. Lubba In this adult Sunday school class, we will work together to broaden and deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Bible. We may look at selected verses, or a single passage or an entire book. Come join us. Bring your Bible and your ideas for future studies.
Wednesday Morning Study Group Starting Wednesday, September 11 10:00-11:00 a.m. 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Group Facilitator: Rev. David P. Lubba We invite you to be a part of this on-going Wednesday Morning Study Group. We’ve studied Bible passages, entire books of the Bible, denominational study curriculum and current best-selling books. Come join us. Bring your ideas for a future study focus.
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Music & the Arts VOICES in Concert Sunday, September 29 3:00 p.m. Director William Weinert leads Voices, Rochester’s only professional chamber chorus. This stellar ensemble has been presenting repertoire from the Baroque to contemporary times since 2007.
Diane Meredith Belcher in Concert Part of the Rochester Organ Celebrity Series Friday, October 25 8:00 p.m. Organist Diane Meredith Belcher brings to the music world performances of rare artistry; her stirringly expressive, dazzlingly clear, and astoundingly virtuosic playing has thrilled audiences throughout North America and Europe since her solo debut at age fifteen.
Fiddler on the Roof Presented by the Youth of Asbury First November 22 (7:30 p.m.), 23 (7:30 p.m.), and 24 (1:00 p.m.) Asbury First’s youth are presenting the muchloved musical this year for the first time! Enjoy the award-winning story of the long-suffering Tevye, who struggles to maintain the religious and cultural traditions while his equally strong-willed daughters – and the Russian government – plot ways around him. Based on the classic tale by Sholem Aleichem, the play won nine Tony awards when first presented on Broadway.
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Fall Calendar
August 18.............. Young Adult English Country Dancing
September 8................ Children’s Sunday School Open House 8................ Together in Ministry Sunday 11.............. Wednesday Bible Study Group begins 11.............. Labyrinth 12.............. Benedictine Spirituality class begins 15.............. Sunday School classes begin 15.............. In the News Roundtable begins 20.............. Young Adult: Amazing Maize Maze 22.............. Youth Spaghetti Luncheon 24.............. Healthy Living class begins 28.............. Dinner Among Friends Fundraiser 29.............. New Member Class 29.............. Voices in Concert
October 6................ World Communion Sunday 9................ Labyrinth 12.............. Together in Service Family Event 19.............. Young Adult: Karaoke Night 20.............. Bible Sunday 25.............. Diane Meredith Belcher in Concert 27.............. Youth Halloween Party
November 3................ New Member Class 3................ United Methodism 202: Social Principles begins
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3................ Potluck Harvest Dinner 13.............. Labyrinth 16.............. Young Adult: Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf 22-24....... Fiddler on the Roof 24.............. Thanksgiving In-Gathering
December 1................ First Sunday of Advent/Communion Sunday 8................ Craft Sale 8................ Remembrance Sunday 8................ Advent’s Winter Wonder Night 11.............. Labyrinth 21.............. Young Adult: Caroling and Christmas Party 22.............. Youth Christmas Party
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROCHESTER, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 1932