A S B U RY F I R S T
United Methodist Church
FALL
2016
E D U C AT I O N A N D E V E N T S
1050 East Avenue // Rochester, NY 14607 | (585) 271-1050 | www.asburyfirst.org
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” —Howard Thurman on dreaming
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 8:30 am Traditional Service with Asbury Singers 10 am Chancel Service with Holy Communion 11 am 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 new members orientation series. All are welcome ! Fall class series: Beginning Sunday, September 25 (joining October 23) Beginning Wednesday, November 9 (joining November 20) To find out more information or to register, please contact Melody Guadagnino at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
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W H A T’S INSIDE
Children’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Opportunities for Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fellowship Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Educational Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Adult Classes & Sunday School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Choirs & Instrumental Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Churchwide Retreat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dinner Among Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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C H I L D R E N ’S M I N I S T R Y
Your child’s faith journey is important to us and we want to be here to guide him or her along the way. We offer a wide variety of activites for you and your child to grow together in faith each week and throughout the year. Please join us for the following ministry offerings.
SUNDAYS AT ASBURY FIRST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Sunday School (9:45-10:45 am, ages four through fifth grade; beginning Sept. 11) We start the Sunday school hour with a lively gathering time where we sing, share ,and invite the children to explore their interests and talents. All the volunteers leading the classes model the accepting love of Christ as children learn and play together Worship (8:30, 10, and 11 am) Children are welcome to stay with their parents during the entire service. During the 11am service we offer the following opportunities for children ages four through fifth grade after the children’s sermon: • Enrichment (11 am service) Children ages four through second grade may attend lessons focused on Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. This takes place on the second floor of the education wing. •
Bible Beat (11 am service)
Children in third through fifth grades may participate in lessons that explore Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. Second floor, education wing. Children may be picked up after the service in the second floor, education wing. CHILD CARE • The Creche (newborn to 18 months) Loving and nurturing nursery care provided by childcare professionals from 8:30-noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor of the education wing. • The Rainbow Room (18 months to 3 years old) Loving and nurturing nursery care provided by childcare professionals from 8:30-noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor of the education wing.
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WEDNESDAY EVENINGS CHILDREN’S MUSICAL GROUPS Our musical groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings: 5-5:30 pm Hallelujah Kids (music fundamentals grades K-2, practice 5-5:30 pm) 6-7 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers (vocal & bell choir, grades 2-5, practice 6-7 pm) All are welcome, regardless of musical ability. For more information contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org. COMMUNITY DINNER We offer a community dinner at 5:30 pm with a donation of two dollars per person for all those attending Wednesday evening programs. 2016 EVENTS Date
Event
What It’s About
September 9
Sunday School Open House
Parents and children of all ages are invited to tour the Sunday School classrooms
September 14
Music Rehearsal & Community Dinners Begin
Hallelujah Kids and Children’s Choir & Wesley Ringers begin rehearsals, with a weekly community dinner open to all at 5:30 pm
October 16
Bible Sunday
Third graders receive their Bible
October 21-23
Churchwide Retreat
The whole family is welcome!
December 4
Advent 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!
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Y O UTH M INI ST RY
SUNDAYS Guitar Club (9:45-10:45 am for youth grades 6-8) Breakfast (Making) Club (9:45-10:45 am for youth grades 9-12) Volunteering with Children’s Sunday School (9:4510:45 am for youth grades 6-12) Disciple Bible Study (9:45-10:45 am for youth grades 6-12, young adults, and parents) Musical Rehearsal (3-6 pm for youth grades 6-12) Bell Choir (4-5 pm for youth grades 6-12, beginning Nov. 20) Vocal Choir (5-6 pm for youth grades 6-12, beginning Nov. 20) High School Youth Group (6-8 pm for youth grades 9-12)
WEDNESDAYS
2016 YOUTH MUSICAL NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 7 PM NOVEMBER 13, 1 PM TICKETS: $10 (A BOXED LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR $8 FOR THE NOV. 13 SHOW), AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE.
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8th Grade Confirmation (5-5:30 pm) Middle School Youth Group (5:30-7 pm for youth grades 6-8) Community Dinner (5:30-6 pm for all ages with a suggested $2 donation for each attendee)
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS Musical Rehearsal (6-8 pm for youth grades 6-12)
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his year, the AFUMC youth will present the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the must-see musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music from Andrew Lloyd Webber. This musical recounts the story of Joseph as he went from prison to the Pharoah’s palace. The wholesome storyline, acclaimed music, and biblical themes make this a fantastic Family Night Out event for everyone!
2016 EVENTS Date September 11
Event
What It’s About
Musical Rehearsal Begins
Join us as we prepare to perform Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 3 pm
Musical Parent Meeting
Information meeting for this year’s musical, 5:30 pm
Potluck
All are welcome! Bring a dish to share, 6 pm
High School Youth Group Kickoff & Parent Meeting
Information meeting for High School Youth Group, 6:30 pm
Confirmation Kickoff & Parent Meeting
Information meeting for Middle School Confirmation, 5 pm
Middle School Youth Group Kickoff & Parent Meeting
Information meeting for Middle School Youth Group, 6 pm
October 2
Amazing Maize Maze
Grades 6-12 invited to Long Acre Farms to solve this year’s maze, 12-4 pm
October 21-23
Churchwide Retreat
The whole family is welcome! Join us at Dunkirk Camp and Conference center (details forthcoming)
October 29
Musical Stage Building Day
All are invited to help us put together the set for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 9 am-noon
November 6-9
Musical Tech Week
Tech week begins with rehearsal all day on Sunday and continues with rehearsals each evening, 6-9 pm
November 11-13
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Performed by Asbury First youth, Friday and Saturday 7pm, Sunday 1 pm
November 18-19
District Fall Gathering Retreat
Youth grades 6-12 are invited to an overnight at Aldersgate UMC in Greece that will be attended by hundreds of UMC youth from all across the Genesee Valley District
November 20
Youth Bell & Vocal Choirs Begin
Grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us to share your gift of music. Bells run from 4-5 pm and choir runs from 5-6 pm
December 17
Ski/Snowboard Day at Bristol
A day of winter fun! 8 am-6 pm
September 14
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
Sunday Services Worship is central to our experience as Christians and United Methodists. Our regular Sunday morning schedule is as follows: • 8:30 am: traditional service with the Asbury Singers • 10 am: chancel service with holy communion • 11 am: traditional service with the Sanctuary Choir Childcare is available at all services. We also offer two ways to experience the service if you are unable to join us in the Sanctuary: • Tune your radio to WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM on Sundays from 11 am-noon to listen to the service, or • Go to www.asburyfirst.org at 11 am on Sundays to watch a livestream of the service. You’ll also find videos and audios of past services on the site.
Labyrinth Second Wednesday of each month; plus all Wednesdays of Advent and Lent 5-7 pm. Our beautiful labyrinth is located under the Sanctuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that offers you a space for reflection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions. Together in Ministry Sunday Sunday, September 11 On Together in Ministry Sunday, we return to our regular schedule of services at 8:30, 10, and 11 am. You’ll have the chance to find out about volunteer opportunities at Asbury First, greet friends who’ve been on vacation, and share some light refreshments. Bible Sunday Sunday, October 16 Bible Sunday is when we celebrate the place of the Scriptures in our daily lives. On this day, we present new Bibles to our third graders at the 11 am service.
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Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 20 This annual celebration features special instrumental music and a procession of our Thanksgiving gifts, as well as the dedication of our gifts pledged to the church through our annual stewardship pledge drive.
Remembrance Service December 11 2-3 pm We remember the loved ones we have lost in this year with a candlelight service of word, music, and communion, along with the lighting of the remembrance candles.
Advent Sunday, November 27-Saturday, December 24 During Advent we prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas. We begin the season the week after Thanksgiving with a communion service to help us focus on the reason for our preparations.
Christmas Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve • 12 pm – Service of Carols and Holy Communion. • 4 pm – Service for Families and Children, with pageant. • 7 pm – Service of Word, Candlelight, Lessons, & Carols. • 9 pm – Service of Word, Candlelight, and Holy Communion. • 11 pm – Service of Word, Candlelight, Lessons, & Carols.
Taizé Wednesdays during Advent, November 30, December 7 and 14 6:15-7 pm. A Taizé service is a reflective, quiet opportunity for you to re-connect with the divine in your life. The services feature repetitive songs, short scripture readings, and silence, and often end with communion.
Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day 10:00 am– Service of poetry and carols.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE Together in Service Week October 14-21 This week offers the Asbury First congregation an opportunity to reach out to the Rochester community with God’s love. Each year since 2009, Asbury First UMC has partnered with Baber AME Church to organize one-time activities for hundreds of volunteers, both young and old. More details to come.
RAIHN Week October 16-23 RAIHN is a non-profit, non-denominational group of faith communities in Rochester who help homeless families achieve sustainable independence. Several times a year, Asbury First opens its doors to RAIHN clients who spend a week living at the church, sheltered and fed with the help of church volunteers.
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F E L LO W S H I P G R O U P S
Women On Wednesdays (WOW)
members and their friends.
Wednesdays, noon-1 pm, 1010 East Ave., Dining Room The WOW group reads authors on religions and spirituality. Bring a bag lunch.
Small Groups For information on these or other small groups, please contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
Men’s Devotional Group Wednesdays, 6 am, 1010 East Ave., Red Room This group shares joys, concerns, prayers, and conversation. There’s coffee and breakfast afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
Older Adult Ministries Various times and locations On Thursday, October 6, there will be a service of Word and Sacrament, followed by a luncheon for those who have reached the age of 80. We will be hosting four Advent services at nearby care facilities. Please contact Kathy Thiel (271-1050 x. 106) if you have any questions.
Women’s Fellowship Group Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 am, Church Resource Library This is a chance for women to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is available upon request.
Young Adult Group Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, 1010 East Ave., Dining Room A group for people in their 20s and 30s that meets weekly for fellowship, conversation, and service. Begins September 14.
Appetizer Group Various times and locations The Appetizer Group meets monthly to share appetizers, fellowship, and participation in a variety of programs and outings. It is open to all adult church
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E D U C AT I O N A L O P P O R T U N I T I E S
DISCIPLE CLASS
INTRO TO ANCIENT GREEK
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 am Starting September 18 1040, Room LL12
Wednesdays, 7:15-8 pm Starting September 14 1040, Room LL12
The Disciple series of classes is a United Methodist curriculum that is designed for those that truly want to commit to a study and delve deeper into their faith. This class will be offered in room LL12 and is geared toward young adults and parents, but anyone is welcome.
Have you ever wondered what the Bible says in one of its original languages? Join us on Wednesday evenings this fall as we work our way through New Testament Greek. Our goal will be to learn the alphabet and to pronounce words so that by December we might be able to read and roughly translate John 1:1-5. No prior knowledge is necessary for this course.
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E D U C AT I O N A L O P P O R T U N I T I E S
UNITED METHODISM 101 Four Wednesdays, Starting September 14 6:30-7:30 pm 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 Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. There will be an optional book ($12) for the class. If you would like the book in time for the start of the class, please let us know by September 7.
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E D U C AT I O N A L O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Four Wednesdays, Starting October 19 6:30-8 pm Gathering Center 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. In preparation for the new movie and in the wake of the eighth book, we thought we would bring back one of our most popular and requested classes. All ages are welcome and encouraged for our discussions. It would be helpful if you have 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 Melody Guadagnino at mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. We will be meeting four Wednesday evenings this Fall, beginning October 19 in the gathering center from 6:30-8 pm. Feel free to come dressed up and with muggle or wizard treats. We hope to see you there!
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AD UL T CL ASSES & SU NDAY SC H OOL What?
When?
TABLE HEADING Where?
What’s It About
Adult Bible Study
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1050 Teak Room For anyone interested in taking a closer look at the Bible.
In the News
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1050 Dining Room
Faithful conversation around current affairs.
Parables of Parenting
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1040 Room 200
Support and strength for the journey of raising children.
Doublers
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1010 Red Room
Bible study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns.
50+ Fellowship
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1010 Dining Room
Christians examining their faith and life issues.
Growing Spirits/Living Edge
Sundays, 9:4510:45 am
1010 Meditation Growing as Christians through Room topic discussions, outreach, fellowship, and social events.
Disciple Class
Sundays beginning September 18
1040 Room LL12 Designed for those who truly wish to commit to a study and dive deeper into their faith.
Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10 am
1010 Meditation Broadening understanding of Room the Bible.
Intro to Wednesdays, Ancient Greek 7:15-8 pm
1040, Room LL12
Starting September 14. Join us as we work our way through New Testament Greek.
BECOME A MEMBER OF ASBURY FIRST You are invited to join in full membership in the church. At orientation sessions, you’ll learn a little history of the United Methodist Church and Asbury First, and about the rights and responsibilities of membership. All classes meet in the senior minister’s office in 1050 East Ave., (the grey stone building east of the church). Sundays, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 (joining Oct. 23) 9:45-10:45 am
Wednesdays, Nov. 9, 16 (joining Nov. 20) 6:30-8 pm
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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S Asbury First offers choral and instrumental group options for everyone, from children to adults, beginners to experienced musicians. Musical groups participate regularly in our worship services, and generally practice on a weekly basis. To join any of our musical groups, contact our music administrator, David Strong, at dstrong@asburyfirst.org. Below is a list of our current musical groups and their typical rehearsal times (during the school year – groups generally go on hiatus during the summer). For Choir
questions about specific days and for the most accurate schedules, please check the events calendar at asburyfirst.org.
ASBURY FIRST MUSICAL GROUPS Who Can Join? Practices?
Director
Hallelujah Kids
Grades K-2
Wed., 5-5:30 pm
Holly Temming
Wesley Singers & Ringers
Grades 3-6
Wed., 6-7 pm
Holly Temming
Youth Bell Choir
Grades 6-12
Sun., 4-5 pm
Carol Lamica
Youth Choir
Grades 6-12
Sun., 5-6 pm (Begins November 20)
Carol Lamica
Asbury Ringers
Adults
Wed., 7 pm
Elizabeth Church
Flute Ensemble
All ages
TBD
Annette Farrington
Asbury Orchestra
Grades 5-adult
5 weeks each spring and fall, Sun., 8:459:45 am
Laurie Kennedy
Sanctuary Choir (resident choir, 11 am service)
Youth and adults
Wed., 7:30-9 pm
William Weinert
Asbury Singers Youth and (resident choir, 8:30 adults am service)
Sun., 7:45 am
Brian Bohrer
Men’s Chorus
Adult men
several weeks, spring and fall
Brian Bohrer
Guitar Club
Grades 6-12
Sun., 9:45-10:45 am
TBD
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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S
The Sanctuary Choir The Sanctuary Choir participates in leading worship at our 11 am service each week. This warm and welcoming fellowship of singers offers music from a wide variety of styles, from contemporary and newly commissioned works, to spirituals, to music of the past 400 years. We also present special musical events for the major church holidays and celebrations. The Sanctuary Choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from September through May in Wesley Hall from 7:30-9 pm. The Sanctuary Choir welcomes new singers at any time! For more information on how to join with the singing at Asbury First, please contact the church office at 271-1050 or Dr. Weinert at 274-1444 or wweinert@esm.rochester. edu. Asbury Singers The Asbury Singers rehearse each Sunday at 7:45 am, and sing at the 8:30
am worship service. Asbury Singers members must have strong music reading abilities as rehearsal time is limited. Those interested in learning more or joining should attend the Fall Retreat (breakfast will be served!) on Saturday, September 10 from 9-11 am. Music for September through January will be handed out at this time. For more information, email director Brian Bohrer at tenorbri@gmail.com. Men’s Chorus The Men’s Chorus will sing on Sunday, November 13 at the 8:30 and 11 am worship services. The chorus is open to any men in the congregation who’d like to participate. The first four rehearsals for this fall will be on Wednesdays, October 19, 26, and November 2, from 6:307:15 pm. The final Rehearsal will be on Wednesday, November 9 from 6:307:30 pm. If you can commit to at least two rehearsals and the final rehearsal,
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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S then this chorus is for you! For more information, email director Brian Bohrer at tenorbri@gmail.com. Asbury Ringers The Asbury Ringers is an adult handbell choir comprising people excited about ringing! The choir meets weekly on Wednesday nights during the school year at 7 pm on the second floor of the Education Wing. The choir rehearses primarily to contribute to the musical offerings in the Sunday worship services, up to six times a year. The Asbury Ringers perform frequently in the greater Rochester community, including playing at the Pittsford Barnes and Noble Bookstore the first Monday after Thanksgiving. The choir focuses on primarily sacred music, but also includes some secular pieces as time allows.
Choir members benefit from having some background in music, although reading music is not required. New members are welcome when openings become available. To inquire about being a part of the Asbury Ringers, please contact Elizabeth Church, Director, at emchurch418@gmail.com. Youth Music The Youth Handbell Choir for those in grades 6-12 rehearses on Sundays from 4-5 pm. The vocal Youth Choir for those in grades 6-12 rehearses on Sundays from 5-6 pm beginning November 20, after the musical rehearsals and performances have ended. For more information, contact director Carol Lamica at czlamicarochester.rr.com.
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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The fall musical is a staged production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with lyrics by Time Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performances will be on November 11, 12, and 13. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons, starting in September. Extra technical and dress rehearsals are scheduled for production week. The storyline about Joseph’s coat of many colors transports the audience back to ancient Egypt in this 1970s version of what has become an Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Join us this fall while the youth tell the story of Joseph and his brothers with memorable music. For more information, contact Larry Dugan at duganis@mac.com.
Asbury Orchestra The Asbury Orchestra is a welcoming musical ensemble for all those who play or who have played an orchestral instrument. It rehearses on four or five Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:30 am in Wesley Hall to prepare the music to play in both the 8:30 and 11 am worship services. The selection of music is based on a mix of players with two-three years of experience up to professional players. All ages are encouraged to participate. Call or e-mail Laurie Kennedy with questions at 787-0422 or cellokennedy@ frontiernet.net Asbury Flute Ensemble For information, contact Annette Farrington at abfflute@rochester.rr.com.
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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S Changes in Children’s Music There are changes in grade levels and the start times for the Children’s Music programs this fall, as follows: Hallelujah Kids, Music Fundamentals for PreK-1st grade, Wednesdays 5-5:30 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers, Vocal & Handbell Choirs for grades 2-5, Wednesdays 6-7 pm
All Children’s Music programs will be located in the new music room on the second floor of the Education Wing. A family dinner is offered between these Wednesday rehearsals from 5:30-6 pm in the Gathering Center. For questions, contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org.
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Churchwide Fall Retreat October 21-23 Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center
PRICING Adults 18 & up Youth 11-17 Children 3-10 Children under 3
A three-day retreat is a wonderful way to form new connections with your Asbury First family! All are welcome on this quick getaway where we will rejuvinate our spirits, find encouragement and fellowship, and enjoy just-plainfun together! More details—and your registration form—are included in this edition of The Visitor. Registration will also be available at asburyfirst.org.
$100 $75 $50 FREE
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
10th Anniversary Dinner Among Friends SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 The year’s most eagerly anticipated fundraiser! Enjoy appetizers at Asbury First, then adjourn to a delicious meal in the home of one of our gracious hosts. Your donation (suggested $50) supports the work of the Dining and Caring Center. Reserve your place at the table by contacting Bonnie Kay (b.kay@frontiernet.net, 585-478-5611).
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