United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue
(585) 271-1050
Rochester, NY 14607
www.asburyfirst.org
Opportunities for Children and Families see pages 4 & 5
Confirmation Schedule see pages 6
Youth Events and Fundraisers See pages 7
United Methodist 101 see pages 8
Asbury First Nights see page 9
Adult Fellowship & Learning see pages 10-14
Black History Month see page 15
Music and the Arts Series see page 16-17
Spring 2013 | EDUCATION & EVENTS
New Opportunities for Growth and Fellowship! Check out the classes, seminars, and other events inside!
“The church exists primarily for two purposes: to worship God and to work for his kingdom in the world ... The church also exists for a third purpose: to encourage one another, to build one another up in faith, to pray with and for one another, to learn from one another and teach one another, and to set one another examples to follow, challenges to take up, and urgent tasks to perform.” – N.T. Wright
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 a new members class. All are welcome ! Class series begin:
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January 13
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March 3
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April 14
Winter/Spring Offerings for the Journey with Christ Children’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Game Night ~ Pretzel Sunday ~ Family Prayer Night ~ Easter ~ Family Carnival ~ VBS Confirmation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Youth Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Souperbowl Sunday ~ Pie for Pi Bake Sale ~ Youth Mission Trip New Fellowship and Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 United Methodism 101 ~ Asbury First Nights Adult Fellowship and Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14 Parables of Parenting ~ Harry Potter ~ Young Adult Events ~ Women’s Fellowship ~ Adult Sunday School ~ Birds and the Bees ~ WOW ~ Men’s Prayer Group ~ Labyrinth ~ Prophets and Paul ~ Jesus in the Gospels ~ Benedictine Spirituality Black History Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade ~ Reflecting on Dr. King Music & the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Luther College Nordic Choir ~ Organ Festival ~ St. Matthew Passion ~ Envisioning the Passion Spring Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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children’s ministry
Family Game Night Saturday, January 12 6:00-8:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Includes a pizza dinner
Join in an evening of fellowship and fun as our families gather together to share a pizza dinner and then pull out the board games for some old-fashioned games. Join us – we promise you won’t be “board.”
Pretzel Sunday
Sunday, March 3 Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m.- noon We’ll explore Biblical themes while making some tasty pretzels.
Family Prayer Night Friday, March 29 (Good Friday) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Gathering Center
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On this sacred evening, we’ll travel between prayer stations and learn many different ways to experience and praise God. We’ll also participate in a family Communion. Afterwards, you’re invited to attend “Envisioning the Passion” at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We’ll provide child care for this event for the young ones.
Easter Sunday Sunday, March 31
We’ll have two enrichment opportunities this day instead of Sunday School.
Family Carnival Sunday, June 9 10:00 a.m.-noon Granger Street Lawn
Summer is here, and it’s time for our annual family celebration! Share fellowship and lunch, plus a whole host of activities for children and adults!
Save the Date ... for VBS 2013! Monday-Thursday August 5-8 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Your children will thrill to this week of exciting events as they play games, watch plays, do crafts, listen to stories and, of course, learn about God!
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confirmation
KNOW YOUR STORY... Encounter the faith narrative from creation to Christianity. CONFIRM YOUR FAITH... Embrace the essential beliefs and practices of The United Methodist Church. LIVE YOUR COMMITMENT. Embody the Confirmation vows and embark on the Christian discipleship journey.
Confirmation 2013 Schedule Sunday, January 6 Sunday, January 13 Sunday, January 20 Sunday, January 27 Sunday, February 10 Sunday, February 17 Sunday, February 24 Sunday, March 3 Sunday, March 17 Sunday, March 24 Sunday, April 14 Sunday, April 21 Sunday, May 5 Sunday, May 19
Wesleyan Quadrilateral Worship Retreat #1 Sacraments Holy Life Reject Accept Confess I Believe ppgsw Going Forth What I think about Confirmation now Affirmations of faith and disciple statements Confirmation at 11:00 a.m. service
Keep in mind... Our Confirmation Retreat will be during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. We will spend the weekend at Camp Casowasco with the UMYFers and have breakout times for sessions specific to Confirmation. Save this date and plan ahead for the Confirmation banquet and Confirmation Sunday. Mark them on your calendars.
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Youth Ministry Score Some Great Homemade Soup! Sunday, February 3 $10/quart, After all services There’s nothing better than hot, homemade soup on a cold winter’s day – especially if the Superbowl happens to be on TV that afternoon! We’ll be selling soup after all services that Sunday. Be sure to mark your calendars, so we can count on your help. And maybe you can take home a quart yourself for the afternoon!
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Pie for Pi Bake Sale
Sunday, March 10 All pies $10, on sale after all services
Each year, on the Sunday closest to Pi day (March 14 ... 3.14 .... get it?), we sell delicious home-made pies to help raise funds for our mission trip. It’s a win-win: our members and friends take home a tasty treat for Sunday dinner, and we’re one step closer to reacing our mission trip goals!
Youth Mission Trip March 29-April 6 Beverly, Kentucky
We’ll be traveling to Appalachia this year, to engage in light construction, roofing, decking, etc., while we grow in our understanding of what it means to be engaged in Christian service to those in need. And we’ll be having lots of fun while we do it! Watch your email and join us for Sunday UMYF meetings to find out more as we plan for this exciting adventure this spring!
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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 7:00-8:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, February 27, join us for a four-week 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 February 19 as we will have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12 and assistance is available.
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Asbury First Nights January 6, February 10, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 5:30-7:00 p.m. Gathering Center If you have ever longed to feel more connected to the people of Asbury First or wanted a time for meaningful conversation with members of your church, then Asbury First Nights are for you! This winter and spring, we are beginning a monthly fellowship event on Sunday evenings. From 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month (with the exception of February as it is the Super Bowl) we invite all ages to join us for an evening of conversation and refreshment. There will be enrichment activities for children led by our children’s ministry team as well as nursery care for the very young children. Please bring an appetizer to share as we gather for fellowship in the gathering space. There is no program and no pressure, we simply ask that you come and get to know the people of Asbury First a little better. If you have questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.
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Adult Fellowship & Learning
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS:
Parables of Parenting Beginning September 16 Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. meeting place: Sub-Narthex (next to Fellowship Hall) While your kids are in Sunday School this spring, you are invited to join us for a weekly fellowship class for parents. This will be a chance for parents within the congregation to support and strengthen one another for the wonderful, but often challenging, journey of raising children. There will be time for discussion, sharing of stories, and reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.
and the Holy Spirit Whether you grew up alongside the characters, are just getting to know them, or read them to your children, you are invited to join us for a discussion of the themes of the Holy that run throughout these wonderfully creative books. All ages are welcome and encouraged for our discussions. It would be helpful if you read the books, but if you don’t mind spoilers, come along for the ride! If you are interested in being a part of the course, send an owl (or an email) to Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. We will be meeting six Thursday evenings this spring, beginning April 18 in the youth room from 6-7:30. We hope to see you there!
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Young Adult Events This year we will be hosting fellowship events for young adults (18-35) in our community. If you are interested in joining any of these events 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
Game Night Bowling (Clover Lanes,
Saturday, January 19 Saturday, February 16
7:00 p.m. 7:00-9:00 p.m.
2750 Monroe Avenue) Movie and Discussion Dessert after AFUMC
Saturday, March 16 Saturday, April 20
7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. (ish)
Talent Show Spring BBQ
Saturday, May 18
6:00 p.m.
Beyond the Birds and the Bees: “The Sex Talk” for Parents! Wednesday, February 6 7:00 p.m. Youth Room Have you talked with your kids about sex? If so, did you talk about more than biology and anatomy? If not, what do you plan on saying? If you have ever wondered how to talk about the gift of God we call “sex” in a way that is both realistic and faithful, then this class is for you! Join us for a conversation about the best ways to approach this often anxiety-producing parenting task. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.
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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
Who are we?
Doublers
Retired singles and couples
What do we do?
Where?
Programs on bible study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns 50+ Couples and Discussions and a speaker Fellowship singles over the with frequent parties and age of 50. fellowship. Growing Couples and Bible study, church and Spirits/Liv- singles. social issues, book reviews, ing Edge and social events. Christian theology, personPartnership older adults, singles and al witness, social concerns, and political issues. couples
1010 East Ave., Red Room 1010 East Ave. dining room 1010 East Ave. Rm. 21 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room
Women’s Fellowship Hour Every Tuesday 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, you are invited to join us for some women’s fellowship on Tuesday mornings this spring.This will be a chance for women from every generation to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is provided. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Emily Cady at emilycady@gmail.com.
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Women on Wednesdays (WOW) Wednesdays at noon, Jan.-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 Prayer Group Wednesday, 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.
Asbury First Labyrinth Second Wednesday of each month 5:00-7:00 p.m Fellowship Hall Labyrinths are used in contemporary churches as a form of meditation. They can symbolize our 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. If you’ve never walked before, labyrinth stewards are on hand to answer your questions.
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Spring learning The Prophets & Paul
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays through June, 10:00-11:30 a.m. 1040 East Ave., Youth Room Led by Rev. Phil Phaneuf Cost: $35 for the manual (Scholarships available) We’ll be studying the prophets and the letters of Paul. No prerequisites, and all are welcome! Contact Melody Guadagnino (585) 271-1050 x.103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org to sign up.
Jesus in the Gospels Sundays through June, 2:00-3:30 p.m. 1040 East Ave., Youth Room Led by Rev. Phillip Phaneuf An exploration into Jesus and the Gospels. No prerequisites are required, and all are welcome! Contact Melody Guadagnino (585) 271-1050 x.103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org to sign up.
Spiritual Retreat
Listening with the Ear of the Heart: reflections from Benedictine Spirituality
Friday, March 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Led by Rev. Margaret Scott, pastor of Fairport United Methodist Church Benedictine spirituality focuses on praying with the Word of God to promote communion with God. This way of looking at the Bible invites us into a deeper personal relationship with the words of Jesus. In John 4:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” With Benedictine spirituality we are privileged to connect our own lives with these words, entering peace ourselves and sharing the peace offered to us by Jesus. This form of meditative prayer gives us the opportunity to connect more fully with God, and opens us each to a rich and rewarding spiritual life. Limited seating. Please contact Melody Guadagnino (585) 271-1050 x.103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org to reserve your space.
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Black History Month The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Sunday, February 10 9:45-10:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall Dr. Neil Frankel
More than 11 million human lives were violently separated from their homes and sent to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Dr. Neil Frankel, creator of www. slaverysite.com and a long-time scholar on the history of slavery in North America, will share his insights on this tragic and inhumane practice which played such a profound role in our country’s history.
Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Saturday, February 23 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall Dean Brenda D. Lee, Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
We are invited to reflect on factors that compelled Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King to challenge unjust systems of oppression. In particular, the focus will be on how and why Martin Luther King and other people of faith were compelled and inspired to act assertively, while many other Christians and people of faith remained silent and complicit in sustaining discriminatory, oppressive and unjust societal structures.
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• Music & the Arts Luther College Nordic Choir Sunday, January 20 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 (available at church office) One of the finest a cappella college choirs in the nation will be coming to Asbury First this year. THe Luther College Nordic choir, 75 strong, is under the direction of Dr. Allen Hightower, and has performed in major concert halls in the U.S. and in central and eastern Europe. The college has a long tradition of outstanding instrumental and vocal music programs, and we are delighted to welcome them to Rochester.
Hommage à Messiaen A Festival of Contemporary Organ Music Friday, February 8 7:30 p.m. suggested donation: $10 (no tickets needed) Olivier Messiaen’s organ music encompasses a wide range of influences: the sound of birdsong, the colors of stained glass, and the concepts of Christian theology. This concert will feature some of Messiaen’s influential compositions, along with works by his students and successors including Alexander Goehr, Jean-Louis Florentz, and Betsy Jolas. Join the talented organ students of Eastman School of Music as they explore the works and influence of this 20th century master.
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J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion Sunday, March 3 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 (available in church office. Sung in English by Eastman Chorale, Cordancia Chamber Ensemble, and Asbury First Choirs Considered one of the masterpieces of classical sacred music, the St. Matthew Passion is presented by the brilliantly talented young musicians of the Eastman Chorale, along with student soloists from Eastman School of Music, Cordancia Chamber Ensemble, and Asbury First’s resident choirs. They are performing under the baton of Dr. William Weinert, Eastman’s director of choral activities and Asbury First’s musical director of art and music.
Envisioning the Passion Friday, March 29 noon and 7:30 p.m. free-will offering Voices Chamber Chorus Each year, on Good Friday, Asbury First offers a unique, deeply meaningful way to commemorate this most somber day of the Christian calendar. Sacred music appropriate to the season is performed by Voices, Rochester’s professional chamber chorus, as images of great works of art related to Christ’s death and resurrection are projected on a screen. It is a profoundly moving experience, and we invite you to share in it.
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Spring calendar
January 6................ Epiphany 6................ Asbury First Night 9................ United Methodism 101 begins 9................ Labyrinth 12.............. Family Game Night 13.............. New member class series begins 19.............. Young Adult Game Night 20.............. Luther College Nordic Choir 20.............. Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle to preach 21.............. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 3................ Souperbowl Sunday Soup Fundraiser 6.................. Birds and the Bees 8................ Hommage à Messiaen: Festival of Contemporary Organ Music 10............... Lecture: Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade 10............... Asbury First Night 13............... Labyrinth 13............... Ash Wednesday 16............... Young Adult Bowling Night 17............... First Sunday in Lent; Communion Sunday 23............... Seminar: Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of MLK Jr. 27............... United Methodism 101
March 3................ New member class series begins 3................ Asbury First Night 3................ Pretzel Sunday 3................ Asbury First Night 3................ J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion 6................ United Methodism 101 10.............. Pie for Pi Youth Fundraiser 13.............. Labyrinth
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13.............. United Methodism 101 16.............. Young Adult movie and discussion 20.............. United Methodism 101 24.............. Palm Sunday 29.............. Family Prayer Night 29.............. Envisioning the Passion 29 ............. Youth Mission Trip (through April 6) 31.............. Easter Sunday
April 7................ Asbury First Night 10.............. Labyrinth 14.............. New member class series begins 18.............. Harry Potter and the Holy Spirit begins 20.............. Talent Show 20.............. Young Adult Event
May
5................ Asbury First Night 8................ Labyrinth 18.............. Young Adult Spring Barbeque
June 2................ Asbury First Night 9................ Family Carnival 12.............. Labyrinth
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 www.asburyfirst.org