TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter February 2014 • Vol. XLVIII No. 2 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Reconciling Ministry, 3 On Holy Ground, 5 Scott Ross Joins Staff, 7 Financials, 8 Youth News, 10 New Members, 12
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVIII No. 2
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop dis-
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for January/February and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church.
ciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
a season of imagination
Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
A Pastoral Reflection
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave
Kathy Thiel David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Mike Mullin Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Scott Ross Michele Cooley Mary Van Keuren Duane A. Prill Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Rev. Linda Clemow Greg Francis
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries Visitation Minister Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Director of Music Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Director of Youth Ministries Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Property Care Manager Dining & Caring Center Director Communications Director & Editor Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir; CoDirector, Youth Music Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater; CoDirector, Youth Music Artist in Residence Church Photographer
Cover: The beauty of a quiet Sanctuary, captured with great skill by sexton Dale Raes. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109. Deadline for next issue: Friday, February 28
Is it spring yet? There comes a point each winter when we prepare to admit defeat, when we look at the forecast and feel the bone chilling wind on our face and decide that we’ve had enough. During winters like the one we’re having, this moment comes quickly. It doesn’t take too many sub-zero days for us to begin to question the life choices that brought us to upstate New York. While a lucky few of us follow this impulse to warmer climates for a couple months, the rest of us are forced to find escape the only way we know how—through our imaginations. Winter is a time of imagination. It is a time of year when we picture ourselves someplace warm, someplace where we don’t have to shovel or salt or slip on the ice. We picture our future selves complaining about the heat six months from now. We picture green lawns and barbecues and a world a little less cold. This is good practice. Christians need a sense of imagination. As Howard Thurman pointed out, to follow the example of Jesus takes a profound act of imagination. In order to meet other people where they are and treat them as if they have already achieved the fullness of their potential takes imagination. It takes picturing ourselves in other’s situations long enough to appreciate their particularity and love them because of it. It assumes that every person with whom we come in contact is a brother or sister in Christ. What would it mean to use our imagination more frequently? How might our interactions with family members or co-workers or fellow congregants change? What would we say to the woman who takes our parking spot or the man who expresses his frustration over our crying child? How might it affect the way we think about ourselves? What would it mean for our world? This is a season of grace. While winter can be cold and long, it is also a time when we appreciate the warmth of fellowship. Perhaps in those moments over the next couple of months when we find ourselves frustrated by the constant cold, we can remember the gift of imagination and together picture a world changed by God’s grace. Fortunately, God’s grace is a gift for all seasons. Imagine. Grace and Peace,
Stephen 2
AFUMC news Ministry and Space Task Force Update The Ministry & Space Task Force has continued its work of looking at how we utilize our campus. We have just learned that certain space on our campus that was previously thought to be unusable may be available to us due to recent changes in the city code which are now friendlier to historic buildings. This space is Stairway to the third floor of 1050 the third floor of 1050 East Avenue East Ave. The old, damaged wall(the grey stone building to the paper is clearly visible in this shot. east of the church, also known as the Wilson Soule House), which has been reviewed several times over the past few decades, but was not usable due to city code. We have engaged Bero Architecture to study this further and we have had a preliminary meeting with the City of Rochester to begin exploration. Since the third floor has not been used in many decades, major renovations would be needed, including heat. We are also looking at accessibility. The potential of having this space available to us has
opened up many new possibilities and will greatly affect the six scenarios that we have previously generated. Since some of the immediate campus concerns have been addressed, we feel that it is prudent to completely understand the potential of this space before we come to the congregation with any recommendations. We hope to better understand the time line over the next four weeks as we work with our architect. We expect to be back in communication with you at that time. No decisions have yet been made as to space usage or potential changes to the campus. We continue to evolve our planning and assessment and, as always, welcome your ideas, sudden inspirations, and dreams for how we can best utilize the space that we have. Please continue to share your ideas at AFMinistryandSpace@gmail.com or by contacting Chuck Hanrahan, chair of the Task Force at chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com, or 383-8794. Craft Show 2013 Thank you to all who contributed and attended our Craft Show this past December! The Storehouse successfully raised $2,400 during the sale. This is the best yet! Baked goods, Continued on page 12
January 31, 2014 Asbury First has always been a welcoming church for all God’s people. Yet nowhere do we make a statement that explicitly states this welcome. Recent actions of the United Methodist Church regarding the welcome for all God’s children into the full fellowship and ministry of the church as well as actions taken against pastors who have sought to be inclusive in their ministry has caused us to search our hearts and actions in this context. In concert with each other, a group of Asbury First members has been prayerfully giving thought to our own church’s advocacy for the wide spectrum of persons who seek the benefits of becoming part of this community of faith. We desire to be in conversation with the congregation about becoming a Reconciling Congregation…one which openly and specifically invites ALL … including lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender persons ... into the fellowship of the church. Very soon we will be inviting members of the congregation to join our conversations for a full and open dialogue on this and other related topics. We believe and anticipate that this will be accomplished in both small and large groups over the course of the next several months. Please look for further communications and, if you currently have a desire to be in contact with us, email me at ncspeck@gmail.com. Peace, Nancy Specht, chair, Reconciling Ministries Committee
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worship schedule WORSHIP Sunday Service Times 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 Sunday february 23 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Matthew 5:38-48 Rev. Stephen M. Cady, preacher Sunday March 2 Transfiguration Sunday Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher
Our Living
in Community Births & Baptisms
Wednesday, March 5 Ash Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. Alana Badrinauth daughter of Kevin Badrinauth and Bibi Ali, baptized on February 9, 2014.
Sunday March 9 First Sunday in Lent Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher
William Michael Dennis son of Brett and Jennifer Dennis, baptized on February 9, 2014.
Sunday March 16 Second Sunday in Lent John 3:1-17 Rev. Stephen M. Cady, preacher
Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love.
Sunday March 23 Third Sunday in Lent Exodus 17:1-7 Rev. Stephen M. Cady, preacher
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Swett who died on January 17, 2014.
Serving Those Who Serve—a Thank You to RAIHN Volunteers 2014 marks the tenth year that Asbury First has served as a host church in the RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) program. As a host church, Asbury First is home for homeless families for a week four times a year. During that time, hundreds of volunteers participate in this important effort. In recognition of this ten years of service and the many volunteers who have helped create a home and meals for those in need, an Asbury First RAIHN volunteer appreciation dinner is being held on April 8. This special dinner is a thank you for the gifts of time and talent given to the RAIHN program by volunteers. All past and present RAIHN volunteers are welcome to attend. For those who do not receive an e-mail invitation, call or e-mail the below-listed contact persons for additional information and to make reservations. At the last Asbury First RAIHN week, 67 people volunteered to help create a home and meals on the Asbury First campus. They provided hospitality to five homeless families– eight adults and seven children (ranging from ten months to age 11.) The volunteers worked 400.5 hours, making beds, preparing and serving meals, visiting with the families, cleaning and helping out where needed. The Asbury First RAIHN program has a continuing need for volunteers, especially for evening hospitality, Saturday shifts, and overnights. The upcoming RAIHN week at Asbury First is March 2 through 9. If you, or a group to which you belong, want to be a part of this important volunteer effort, please contact Chris and Doug Lee at (585) 451-7692 or c_s_lee29@msn.com or contact Melody Guadagnino, ext. 103, at the church office (271-1050). 4
on holy ground The Solace of Silence by Katherine Thiel
I
am struck by the ways in which we touch people’s lives by our presence, and in our silence. I am reminded of the women who stood at the foot of the cross while Jesus was crucified. The gospels don’t report that they said anything. All of the words came from Jesus. The women were there, giving their presence, in their silent support of the man they loved, the son she cherished, the friend who had changed their lives. Part of me wonders at this – how could they be so silent? Another part of me realizes that their silence may have been a gift to Jesus – what more could have been done at that point? Words were fruitless. Their role was to be present for their loved one.
to provide comfort. Years ago as I told a painful story to a friend, his response was, “I wish I’d been there.” His words comforted me to tears, and I imagined Meyer there with me, sitting. No words attached themselves to my image, or his wish, it was presence that he knew had been needed. It was his desire to be present that moved me.
silence include the woman who anoints Jesus with nard. She never says a word. Some of those who are healed by Jesus thank him; others are silent.
In the story of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu are described sitting together, “continuing.” This word elicits an image to me of companionship that does not require words; of feelings that do not require verbalization.
In the gospels, Joseph is silent, he never says a word. His betrothed is found to be pregnant. The gospel writer reports nothing on how Joseph reacts to this. In this silence I read support: Joseph’s support of Mary.
Silence can hold God. In the story of Elijah, God is actually in the silence. This story calls us to search for God in quiet moments. These quiet moments can stretch into reflection and meditation and offer us glimpses of our God-given selves. God is in the silence.
Sometimes it is more difficult to be silent than to fill the air with words. Yet it can be in this silence that God has the opportunity to speak to us. As we journey through Lent together, may we watch for and enjoy the precious moments in which God is at work in silence.
Other places in the gospels where there is
Presence and silence often work together
Lent begins on March 5, and with it comes the tradition of “giving something up” for the season. An internet survey reports that among the top 100 things people give up for Lent are: • chocolate • Facebook • coffee • meat • procrastination This Lenten season, however, I invite us to think of what we can add to our lives to enhance our daily existence and the lives of those around us. Here are only five suggestions. If you already do these, I encourage you to do them more often! • pause • meditate • rejuvenate • listen • dance
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Labyrinth Wednesdays in Lent 5:00-7:00 p.m
•
Taizé Service Wednesdays in Lent 6:00-6:45 p.m
n Women’s Retreat n Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6
Camp Asbury, Silver Lake, NY Led by spiritual director Bonnie Matthaidess, and based on the book Praying In Color: Drawing a New Path to God, by Sybil MacBeth. Cost: (including one night’s stay at Camp Asbury, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday) is $90. Scholarships are available. Learn a new way to pray with the help of a book that critics call “The most invigorating and enabling book about prayer ... in years!” MacBeth’s witty and wise words will help you to talk to God in a bold, unexpected, and whimsical way. Bonnie Matthaidess, a member of Asbury First, is a seasoned spiritual director and lay minister who currently serves as a Prayer Guide at Mercy Prayer Center in Rochester. Being with people, listening to their personal stories, and hearing how this connects with God’s story brings her great joy. We hope you will join us for a meaningful gathering as we learn from Bonnie and each other, share fellowship and worship, and enjoy Camp Asbury. Questions? contact Rev. Susan Shafer, 271-1050 x110 or sshafer@asburyfirst.org or Kathy Thiel at 271-1050 x112, or kthiel@asburyfirst.org). Please register by contacting Melody Guagagnino at 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org by Friday, March 21.
Fo r m Ve r s u s Fu n c t i o n
by Rev. Linda Clemow Recently someone in one of my classes wanted to know why we were doing what we were doing. She wanted to know what the end result of her work would be: would there be an final product that had a function? Obviously this was not a painting class – The end result of a painting class is a painting. This was a fabric collage class. Yes, one can make a functional product with fabric collage. But my student’s question echoed an age-old discussion in the arts. Is it useful if it serves no practical purpose? What is the purpose of art?
Well, I had a lot to say! I rambled on about the spiritual benefits of being in an act of creation. About how the Holy Spirit guides the inner artist. About how we become a whole-brained person when we use our under-used right side of the brain. I talked about how we could use this time as meditation, or for fun or inner renewal. And I told her that in this class – in all my classes – we were to concentrate on the process, not the product. All these things are true and I’ve written about all them in previous articles. But all of these reasons really missed the point.
The actual question is: Does art have to have a purpose to be a valid pursuit? Why must art have a functional, practical use to be considered worthy – worthy of what? Articles, dissertations, pages and pages have been written on this topic. Often it feels as if art is the first thing voted out of the school curriculum. Then comes music and then sports. These are all things that make us whole and interesting people. If you have seen the movies The Monuments Men or The Rape of Europa on PBS then you are aware that the 6
art of a civilization is what lasts. It is through art that we get to know ancient or unfamiliar cultures. That is a really great reason to make art! However, I think and I feel that those who are called to create art do not need to have a reason or a purpose. The end product does not have to “be anything.” If you feel the need, the call to participate in the creation of art, then you should do so … and only because you want to. Remember to call me at 2361184 to find out about our upcoming classes and to suggest a class I should offer.
T
Scott Ross Joins the Asbury First Staff
he middle of a Rochester winter, when shoveling snow and other weather-related tasks are a daily occurrence, is no time for an organization to be without a property care manager. So when Jason Franklin bid Asbury First a fond farewell just before Christmas to take up a new job as director of facilities management for Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, AFUMC church leaders acted promptly to fill this vital church position. Soon after the new year began, member Scott Ross was hired as Asbury First’s new property care manager. Scott, his wife Kim, and their twin 9-year-old daughters Ella and Georgia, found Asbury First when they were looking for a preschool for the girls. Soon the family began attending services at the church. “We were struck by Asbury First’s environment of acceptance, positivity and love,” says Scott, “which is why we wanted to be a part of the church.” The new job is something of a change for Scott. With a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Scott originally had a very different career path planned. A student co-op experience while an undergraduate at RIT, however, changed his mind. “My co-op was less than compelling. It’s not big industry’s fault – but that experience made me realize that being a cog in the wheel in a big corporation wasn’t for me.” Soon after he graduated, in 1991, Scott founded Scott Ross
the property care manager must have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated aptitude for management. It’s a tall order, indeed, but Scott is eager to accept all the challenges facing him. “Asbury First is a special place for me,” he said. I have never been around a group of more positive, faithful and loving people. When Kim and I saw the announcement in the church bulletin about Jason leaving, it made us think: if I was ever to leave my business, what would compel me to do so? The answer was that it would take a rare opportunity to work in a beautiful environment, in a somewhat autonomous way, with people I love, and never have to worry about slow periods (in the painting business) again.” Painting and Restoration, a full service company that handles multifaceted indoor residential and commercial painting and wallpapering projects. With two to four employees, Scott worked to provide a high-quality product, developing longterm relationships with many clients. In addition, he has been the “go to” painter for local interior designers, builders, and other contractors, with whom he would sub-contract to provide services on their jobs.
at the George Eastman house, where he painted and wallpapered the bedroom of George Eastman’s mother Maria. Scott’s many talents are certainly needed at Asbury First. The property care manager position is responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, event preparation, and resources of Asbury First’s three-building campus. Scott supervises and works with a staff of five to see to the day-to-day needs of the church. The property care manager is responsible for submitting and managing a budget and working with the Trustees to determine strategic maintenance goals for the church. In addition to indoor and outdoor maintenance, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC skills,
Scott and his team often handled challenging situations: matching new construction to vintage or existing homes, for example, or applying gold leaf to the crown moulding in the Memorial Art Gallery’s auditorium. Scott even found himself 7
After two weeks on the job, what does Scott like best about being on the Asbury First staff? “There are a number of incredibly dedicated volunteers that I get to work with who keep this church going,” he says. “We should all be very grateful to them. This church is amazingly vital and alive every minute of every day. I was afraid the job would not be active enough, but I’ve found that I never sit down and sometimes forget to eat lunch!” We hope all our members and friends will take the opportunity to welcome Scott to his new job when they see him – if they can catch him in a rare quiet moment!
A sbury Fir st UMC 2014 Annual Operating Plan (AOP) Rather than describing what each account in the budget means, I thought this year I would share key points of the budget and hope to make it a simple discussion. The way we categorize expenses in the budget is not a good way to describe how and why we spend the money received. The Staffing, Utilities & Maintenance (of the Church facilities) and Administrative categories dominate the spending. But that is natural of a Church. The staff and facilities make all the Ministerial Programs happen. So we really only spend the Church income in five ways: for Worship & Arts, Education, Communications, Membership Care & Evangelism and Outreach. (Even much of the money transferred to the Conference goes for Outreach initiatives.) We enter 2014 financially strong as we carefully manage the gifts received from the congregation. Our budget for 2014 is our best estimate of how we will spend the gifts received from hundreds upon hundreds of families and visitors of the Church. Asbury First remains blessed by the strong
2014 A nnu al O p erat ing P l an
support of the congregation as we move forward!
Expenses
Income Income
2014 Budget
Pledge Donations
$ 1,026,188
$ 984,497
Staffing
$ 906,740
$ 908,438
Unpledged Donations
$ 66,500
$ 83,025
Utilities and maintenance
$ 236,700
$ 216,924
Designated Gifts
$ 158,750
$ 181,922
Administrative
$ 69,500
$ 81,089
Subtotal Contributions
$ 1,251,438
$ 1,249,444
Conference Apportionment $ 174,515
$ 171,118
Designated Fundraising
$ 140,000
$ 151,490
$ 47,000
$ 46,223
Plate Contributions
$
$
Worship & Devotional
Property Usage
$ 80,000
$ 78,958
Education
$ 69,223
$ 77,104
Endowment Income
$ 242,000
$ 183,680
Communications
$ 36,600
$ 32,420
Endowment for Growth
$ 0
$ 50,000
Membership Care
$ 14,550
$ 19,774
Other
$ 3,000
$ 8,806
Outreach/Discretionary Funds
$ 250,000
$ 249,892
$ 215,788
TOTAL
$ 1,804,828
$ 1,802,982
Net Operating Surplus
$ 105,994
$ 169,394
$25,000
Carryover from previous $ 169,394 year* TOTAL
2013 Actual
Income
34,212
$ 1,910,832 $ 1,972,378
2014 Budget
2013 Actual
*includes designated and undesignated funds.
How 2013 Finished: The budget for 2013 had planned spending exceeding the planned income by $85,000. We were fortunate to have that amount available from previous years so the budget was balanced. In actuality, we received $15,000 more income than budgeted and spent $15,000 less than budgeted. The result was we only used $55,000 of carryover from 2012. That means we received $55,000 less than we spent last year. Key points were: 8
Financial Summary / 2014 Annual Operating Plan 1
Pledge income received was down $32,000 from 2012.
2
Income from members who did not make pledges and non-members was up $11,000 from 2012.
3
Plate collections (cash) was up $13,000 over 2012.
4
Designated gifts and designated fundraising received (those donations that are specified to be spent in specific ways) was very strong at $234,000, about the same as 2012.
5
Spending on Outreach activities was $25,000 higher than we had forecasted as a result of added fundraising efforts and generous designated gifts.
6
Spending on all the operations of the Church was $15,000 less than forecasted.
2014 Budget: For a second year in a row, we have put together a budget that spends more than we receive (by $50,000). Fortunately, this money still exists from previous years. In total, the spending requested in 2014 is $1,804,838. The key points of 1
Pledges received from the congregation are up $44,000 from 2013 or 6 percent. (This includes a forecast of pledges from new members, amounts exceeding pledges and individuals who complete their previous year’s pledges.)
2
The transfer from the Endowment is up $34,000 from 2013. In 2013, this money went to specific Growth activities but this year is made available to support all the Operations of the Church. (Another $22,000 increase in the Endowment transfer is just an accounting change in the money that is used to support minor maintenance of the Church campus.)
3
The staff is budgeted at the same level as the end of 2013. Staff includes the ministers, the administrative staff, the staff to support the music program and the custodial staff.
4
The amount of the Conference apportionment is the same as last year.
5
The direct spending on all the activities of the Church is the same as last year.
6
Spending on Outreach is outlooked to be the same as last year..
Additional pledge support letter? Budgeting to continue to spend more than is received is not possible in the long run. It is believed that the cost to fund the Church’s operations is not going to reduce. No one wants fewer programs. Therefore, it was necessary to request the added financial support from the congregation to fund the current staff, facilities and programs. At the time of the writing of the original letter everyone received, there was a $75,000 shortfall in income. In the first week of January, items changed allowing the budget to be proposed with a $50,000 shortfall in funding (which would come from previous year’s carryover). As of Feb 3, $32,000 has been received in added pledges against the need of $50,000. Thanks to everyone for such prayerful added support. – Doug Major, Chair, Finance Committee 9
2014 A nnu al O p erat ing P l an
this year’s budget are:
youth ministry news Youth Retreat to Camp Casowasco
O
n a blistery weekend in January, 11 of our sixth-eighth grade youth traveled to United Methodist Camp Casowasco to join 40 other youth from five youth groups from around New York for the "Solid" Youth Retreat. During our retreat we excelled in a stre-ball tournament, participated in the NOlympics, had worship led by a rock band, and had discussions about what it meant to hunger for God. "Stre-Ball" (pronounced streeball) is a combination of street hockey and broom ball. If that still doesn’t quite put a picture in your mind, imagine street hockey played with a foam dodgeball instead of a puck and the hockey sticks that are never allowed to be raised above waist level. Several youth teams participated in this event, and our youth made it to the championship game. This game was one of the most exciting in stre-ball history (according to the Casowasco staff) but our youth lost 2-1 in overtime. However, in the counselor game later that day,
meter walk, archery, pentathlon, two-handed discus, etc.)
our adult leaders (Josh and Maggie Pinke and Mike Mullin) helped lead their team to victory 3-0. On Saturday evening our youth banded together for the NOlympics. For this event each youth group was given a color (ours was blue) and were told to come up with a team name and flag. Our group decided to be the Bravehearts, and thanks to Maggie Pinke, who brought face paint and artistic talent, we had the look to go along with the team name. Our youth then competed in events that are no longer part of our Olympic games (e.g. 10,000
Even though the weekend was chock full of fun, we also had some amazing group worship experiences, and a highlight for some of our youth were the group discussions following each of the worship sessions. During this time, we would get to gather as our youth group and reflect on the stories that were shared during worship. These included Jesus’ resurrection and appearance on the road to Emmaus and the miracle of the loaves and the fishes as recorded by John, among others. Our youth were surprised by how much they could actually relate to these stories and were excited to be able to discuss them in what was perceived as a very "non-classroom-style" setting. This was the first year we have participated in this event, but based on our experience, and the unanimous vote of all who attended, we will be looking forward to returning next year--and possibly even securing the stre-ball victory :)!
Pie for Pi Sale March 14 is fast approaching and you know what that means? An excellent excuse to eat pie! The Greek letter π (pi) was popularized by Leonhard Euler in his 1748 work Introductio in analysis infinitorum where he wrote "for the sake of brevity we will write this number as π; thus π is equal to half the circumference of a circle with radius 1." Thanks to this appellation, and the English mispronunciation of the Greek letter π (it’s actually pronounced just like our english letter "p"), we now have a mouthwatering homonym of π and pie. With that bit of education under our belts now we can get to the tasty portions. Each year our youth group bakes and sells pies in honor of this national holiday. Pi is often abbreviated as 3.14, and so March 14 is celebrated around the country as a day to improve our own circumference and enjoy a slice or two of pie. In honor of this tradition, our youth will be selling pies for $10 on Sunday, March 9 in the Welcoming Hall following each of the services. All proceeds from our sale will go to help diminish the costs of our summer mission trip to Chicago, Illinois. And if you are feeling especially mathematical, be sure to save a slice of pie for March 14 at 1:59:26! – Mike Mullin 10
Pretzel Sunday Sunday, March 16 ~ 9:45 a.m.-noon
C
ome along and “Walk with Jesus” for our Annual Pretzel Sunday Celebration on Sunday, March 16 from 9:45 a.m.-noon in Fellowship Hall. Children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to join
us as we travel with some of Jesus’ disciples and meet some of the people Jesus met during his life. Along this journey the children will hear stories, sing songs, play games and – of course – make pretzels as they learn about how Jesus interacted with these people in the Bible. We look forward to having your family join us for this special Asbury First Lenten tradition.
A Problem of Magnitude:
Worship with Young People in The United Methodist Church
Sunday, March 9 9:45-10:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall Come and hear as Stephen Cady shares some of his doctoral analysis of the significance (or insignificance in this case) of corporate worship practices with young people in United Methodist congregations. He will share part of his qualitative research and hint at both the root of the problem and the way congregations might address this challenge.
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New Members New Members
We l c o m e o u r
Fifteen new members of Asbury First were treated to a luncheon following the 11:00 a.m. service on February 2nd. They were joined in the 1010 East Avenue dining room by their families, the pastors, and those who were in previous new member classes from May through December, 2013. This bi-annual luncheon was hosted by Embrace, a ministry group dedicated to welcoming those new to our congregation by providing hospitality and friendship.
Seated in front, l to r: Emily Wold, Thea Ziegler, Bonnie Matthaidess, Colleen Mattioli, Stephanie Snyder, Cassandra Jordan, Jeffrey Lamica. Standing, l to r: Cheryl Kodjo, Cory Tylenda, Dan Matthaidess, Marti Sweitzer, Gail Wold, Roger Haas, Dawn Haas, Patrick Mattioli (with his son Lucas), Jason Snyder, Tim Lamica, Carol Lamica, Joe Lamica, Allison Lamica, Johanna Mahan, Martha Richardson, and Kathleen Leahy. Missing from this photo are Rachel Stuart, Ty Pierce, Lindsey and David Moore, Carol Harrington, Alexander Long, Helen Cover, and Ruth McConnell.
Lenten Reflections at the P iano
featuring pianist Russell Miller
Saturday, March 22 3:00 p.m. a program of solo piano works from German, French and American composers spanning two centuries, exploring devotional and meditative traditions including Jewish, Roman Catholic and Lutheran. Though every piece is appropriate for the Lenten season, they will not all be sad and slow! A benefit concert in support of Genesee Area Campus Ministries, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. 12
The
Salon Concert Series at A s b u r y F i r s t
S u n d a y, M a r c h 2 3 | 2 : 0 0 p . m . Mozart Trio in G Major, K. 564 Saint-Saens Trio no 1 in F Major, Op. 18 Featuring Rebecca Penneys, piano; Mikhail Kopelman, violin; and Stefan Reuss, cello. To reserve your tickets call the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103. Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 at the door/free for full-time students. AFUMC News, Continued from page 3
Correction Last month in our “Living in Community” section we incorrectly listed the parents of Austin Frederick Anderson as Lindsey and David Moore. Austin, born on December 25 in Santa Cruz, CA, is actually the son of Eric and Sara Anderson, and he is the grandson of Don and Jan Anderson. We apologize for the confusion!
crafts and gently used items were plentiful. Many volunteers were involved as well as some new Rochester artisans thanks to the efforts of Henrietta Foster. We look forward to planning for next year very soon. We appreciate your support and donations. Keep us in mind during the next holiday rush!
Honors for AFUMC Friends Two members of the Asbury First community were honored in late January at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, at events centered on the work and teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Asbury First’s minister for outreach, Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, received the first Rev. Raymond Graves Award for Community Service and Social Justice in honor of his tireless advocacy for issues of social justice. Rev. Stuart Mitchell III, meanwhile, chair of the CRCDS board of trustees and president/CEO of Pathstone, was honored as an Everyday Hero for his life’s work in the areas of affordable housing, social justice and civil right. Congratulations for both of these gentlemen on honors that are well-deserved. We are proud of you!
A Word of Thanks From Member Ginn Fitch Thank you to the Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women! Words cannot express the treasured warmth and heart-caring you gave me on Tuesday, November 19 in my final leadership role. God bless you all! Love, Ginn Fitch. Church Women United News CWU will observe the 2014 World Day of Prayer, on March 7, with a meeting at Asbury First at 1:30 p.m. The speaker will be AFUMC senior minister, Rev. Susan Shafer, who will reflect on the day’s theme, “streams in the desert.” There is no registration required, and attendance is free and open to all.
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Library news
ome explore the church library resources for all ages. The following are the March selections recommended for your reading. Stop by and take a look at the many diverse books available in the library’s collection. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE! Children: Charley’s First Night, by Amy Hest. This charming story is about a new puppy and his first night with his new owner in his new home—a challenge for both the puppy and the little boy owner. It is recommended for ages 3-6.
The Lost Songs, by Caroline Cooney. Readers in grades 7–10 will enjoy this book about Lutie, an intelligent South Carolinian teenager with a drug-addicted mother and a decision about making Lutie’s family folk songs public. Lutie is one of four teen central characters of different races featured in this book.
God is Bigger than the Boogie Man, by Cindy Kenny. God is Bigger than the Boogie Man teaches kids about trust, thankfulness, truth, courage, selflessness, and more. It’s a great way for a child to end the day with this Veggie Tales’ bedtime story. Ages 4-7 will enjoy it.
Adults: I am Malala : The Girl who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousatzai. I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls’ education, and of Malala’s parents’ fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.
In God’s Name, by Sandy Eisenberg Stasso. The author tells how people use different names for God—names like Warrior, Healer, Comforter, Savior, Source of Life, and Creator of Light. The lesson being that, although people are of different faiths, they all call upon the same God.
An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny, by Laura Stoff. An Invisible Thread is the true story of a friendship that has spanned three decades and brought meaning to an over-scheduled professional and hope to a hungry and desperate boy living on the streets.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, by William Joyce. A magnificently illustrated book-about-books inspired by his 2011 animated short film of the same name, which won an Oscar. The unusual sequence of film-to-book suggests that while books are indeed glorious things, what really matters is the story. For ages 4-8.
Parenting The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More, by Bruce Feiler. This is an exploration of new ideas on family dynamics by bestselling author and New York Times family columnist Bruce Feiler. Secrets is a bold first-of-its-kind playbook for today’s families.
Teens: Growing Up Muslim, by Simbal Ali Karamali. This book, especially for ages 10-13, is about the author, who grew up Muslim in California. She explains the Muslim religion, how it is celebrated, and the differences between non-Islamic and Islamic families— including what Muslims eat, dress, their holidays, Muhammad, and the different types of Muslims. February 23 1 John 2:7-29 24 1 John 3:1-24 25 1 John 4:1-21 26 1 John 5:1-21 27 2 John 28 3 John March 1 Colossians 1:1-23 2 Colossians 1:24-2:19 3 Colossians 2:20-3:17 4 Colossians 4:2-18
Quiet Mind, by David Kundtz. Quiet Mind is an invitation to rest, find peace, awaken, and remember. It offers deceptively simple wisdom to help readers sharpen their senses and make room for life.
5 Psalm 51 6 Psalm 56 7 Psalm 57 8 Matthew 6:1-18 9 Matthew 4:1-11 10 Matthew 4:12-25 11 1 Samuel 1:1-28
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Scripture reading suggestions courtesy of the American Bible Society, www.americanbible.org.
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1 Samuel 2:1-11 2 Samuel 7:18-29 2 Samuel 22:1-28 2 Samuel 22:29-51 1 Kings 8:1-21 1 Kings 8:22-53 1 Kings 8:54-66
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 Kings 3:1-15 Psalm 11 Psalm 12 Psalm 16 Psalm 17 Psalm 21 Psalm 23 Psalm 25 Psalm 26 Psalm 27 Psalm 28 Psalm 30 Psalm 31
the last word A Slice of Life
1 by Michele Cooley 2
raised on Cleveland Ohio but
There is always something new
lived for the longest time in
and exciting happening at the
Texas (Dallas and Austin).
Dining Center. Over the past
Most recently I worked in
few years we have welcomed
business management for
interns from local colleges who
the last five years in down-
have an interest in homeless-
town Chicago, Ill. I moved to
ness. Students bring a hopeful
Rochester in September 2013.
enthusiasm and an open-
I’m eager to get involved here
minded sense of compassion
because I have a firm belief
for others. This semester we
that communities are most
are fortunate to have RIT
effective when looking out for
journalism and photo-journal-
all members of society. People
ism majors.
have a natural tendency to trip
Their class is called Reporting
and fall, and we should all be
and Writing, a core class for
there to help them back up.
RIT’s journalism major taught
Simply put, helping those less
by Professor Hinda Mandell. I
fortunate feels good! It’s fulfill-
spoke to Brandon Artz about
ing and purposeful. I’m of the
his participation in the class
firm belief that journalism is
and his expectations regard-
a key component to a healthy
ing the Asbury Dining and
find sources, give back, and
“As for our actual assign-
experience firsthand the issue
ment, we are in the early
of hunger (and its intersection
stages of planning a single,
with poverty) in Rochester.
hunger-based article that the
Essentially, we are looking for
entire semester will revolve
inspiration in our semester-
around. We won’t necessarily
long focus on writing about
be blogging or journaling our
and reporting on the theme of
weekly experiences at Asbury
hunger in Rochester. Get-
First (although I probably will
“We typically meet three
ting to work with something
personally) but simply getting
times a week but the professor
and experience the humanity
ideas and helping out.
encourages much field report-
involved is the truest way to
ing and community work to
“A little bit about myself: my
know something. What better
supplement our classroom
name is Brandon Artz, I am a
way to experience the integral
time. Being active in the com-
third year journalism student.
role of community in journal-
munity helps us to network,
I’m from all over the eastern
ism than to help others?
half of the U.S.: was born and
Caring Center. While taking this class, Brandon has faithfully arrived at the DCC every Friday morning at 6:45 a.m. to serve our guests, and observe first-hand the impact of hunger and homelessness on our guests.
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democracy, and writing about the human condition interests me. Human interest stories are what I specialize in.” Thanks to all of our students who come faithfully to the Dining and Caring Center to enhance their perspective on life and generosity. This is a slice of life and a population that many would avoid. The Dining Center brings all kinds of people together for many reasons. We are all learning from each other and are happy to be here.
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Wednesday March 5 6:30 p.m. We begin the holy season of Lent with a service that reminds us of our humanity and our reliance on the gift of God’s love. Holy Communion will be available, and participants may, if they wish, receive ashes in the form of a cross on their forehead.
We also invite you to join us for our other Lenten worship services:
TaizĂŠ
Every Wednesday in Lent 6:00 p.m. A contemplative service featuring music, Holy word, and silence.
Labyrinth
Every Wednesday in Lent 5:00-7:00 p.m. An ancient practice, walking the labyrinth helps you to center yourself and re-connect with the divine in your life. Labyrinth stewards are on hand to answer your questions.