TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter January 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 1 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Lenten Opportunities, 3 New Deacon, 5 Welcome New Members, 6 Youth Ministry, 8 Black History Month, 11 Spring Concerts, 12
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVII No. 1
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for December/January and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
African-american history month
Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson started what was then known as Negro History Week. It was designated as the week that the birthdays
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave
Kathy Thiel David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Youth & Education Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries Ministry Intern Administrative Director of Music and the Arts Artistic Director of Music and the Arts Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater
Cover: Lent, and with it a period of reflection and renewal, begins on February 13. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109.
of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were celebrated. Along with his organization, the vision was to highlight the significant accomplishments of African Americans, including ones who had been left out of United States history classes and the prevailing American narrative. In 1976, under U.S. President Gerald Ford, February was established as African American History Month. Asbury First United Methodist Church will have several events during African American month (see page 11). On Sunday February 10 during the Sunday School hour, Neil Frankel, Ph.D. will give a talk on the transAtlantic slave trade. Neil, a retired Xerox engineer and researcher, has used an interest in the subject to develop a website and has made presentations to a variety of lay and academic groups. His talk will be both informative and challenging. On Saturday, February 23, Dean Brenda D. Lee of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry will present “The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” This multi-media offering has been presented in academic settings and churches. Some of the churches include Third Presbyterian of Rochester, First Presbyterian of Honeoye Falls and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Rochester. This presentation will not only be engaging, but will offer new insights into the life of an American prophet. On Sunday February 17 and 24 after the 11:00 service (in 1010 East Ave.), I will lead discussions on the book The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, JD. Ms. Alexander is a highly acclaimed civil rights lawyer and legal scholar. She has taught at a number of law schools including Stamford and Ohio State University. The book has been nationally acclaimed and featured on numerous radio and television shows as well as high profile newspapers such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. I look forward to
Deadline for next issue: Friday, February 8 Read The Visitor online: www.asburyfirst.org
our time together. Rev. Lawrence Hargrave 2
AFUMC news Update From Ministry & Space Task Force
surveys and informationgathering.
handicapped accessibility on campus. “Increased accessibility is a priority,” he said. “Neither 1050 nor 1010 East Ave. are completely accessible to those with mobility issues, and that is something we’ll need to take into consideration as we move forward.”
“There’s a real interest in outreach here,” he said. “More than I’ve seen in my 15 years at Asbury First.” The other comment he and the committee members have heard frequently pertains to
mittee? “Over the next few months we will collect the remaining data, analyze all of the inputs, draw several hypotheses and test our theories by going back to the groups affected,” said Hanrahan. In the late spring, the Task Force will present Continued on page 7
What’s next for the comIn the October issue of The Visitor, we shared a story about the newly-created Ministry and Space Task Force, charged with taking a long, hard look at how we use space on our six-acre campus and determining if we are truly using all the resources God has given us to their full capability. Since then, the committee has interviewed dozens of individuals, as well as more than 50 groups and committees that are part of our church. That initial phase of the project is nearly completed, but Task Force Chair Chuck Hanrahan wants AFUMC members to know that there is still time to pass on their thoughts and feedback to the committee, either via the online survey form (which can be found by scrolling down on the Asbury First home page at www.asburyfirst.org), or by contacting Chuck at chuck. hanrahan@gmail.com or (585) 383-8794. The committee is now working on a written summary and formal recommendations. Hanrahan noted several themes that run through the
on holy ground Welcome to the new section from the Center for Spiritual Life Committee. In this section we will highlight opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal. Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use. That is what these quiet moments in My Presence are accomplishing within you. As you focus your mind and heart on Me, you are being transformed, re-created into the one I designed you to be. This process requires blocks of time set aside for communion with Me… – The words of Jesus, as interpreted by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling, p. 364, December 13
We invite you to participate in these Lenten opportunities: Ash Wednesday
23, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
tine tradition; discussion/ sharing; midday prayer; A light lunch is provided on light lunch Saturday. • Saturday afternoon: hosNo registration charge, but regpitality – theory, practice, istration is required and limited possibilities; activities and in number. Register by Monday, small group work; whole March 18 by contacting Melody group discussion; evening Guadagnino at 271.1050 x103 or prayer. register at the Welcoming Center desk on Sunday mornings. Recommended Reading:
Join us for service at 7:30 p.m.
Labyrinth Schedule for Lent: Feb. 13 (Ash Wednesday), 20, 27, March 6, 13, and 20; 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Taize Schedule for Lent: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, and 20; 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Program Outline: • Friday evening: introduction to St. Benedict and overview of retreat; night Prayer and invitation to silence • Saturday morning: silence until morning prayer; practices: the place of communal prayer, lectio and work; community in the Benedic-
Benedictine Retreat “Listening with the Ear of the Heart: reflections from Benedictine spirituality” Led by Rev. Margaret Scott. Friday, March 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m. through Saturday, March
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Upper Room Disciplines 2013 will enrich your faith journey through scripture, daily meditations, and prayer. #1086 978-0-8358-1086-9; $14.00 1.800.972.0433 or UpperRoom.org/bookstore.
AFUMC news
worship schedule WORSHIP
Sunday January 27 Third Sunday after Epiphany
Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday February 10 Transfiguration Sunday
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher
Sunday February 3 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Luke 9:28-36
Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Luke 4:21-30
Sunday February 24 Second Sunday in Lent
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Luke 13:31-35
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday February 17 First Sunday in Lent
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Luke 4:1-13
Sunday March 3 Third Sunday in Lent
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Wednesday February 13 Ash Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
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 from 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 anxietyproducing parenting task. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.
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AFUMC news Bishop Webb Appoints Rev. Clemow as Deacon at AFUMC Bishop Mark Webb has appointed Rev. Linda McMillion Clemow as Deacon to Asbury First. This is a missional appointment and as such there is no remuneration required. Rev. Clemow will serve as artist-in-residence for the church community. Rev. Clemow, a life-long Methodist, has been an artist all her life, but didn’t realize that the two were not mutually exclusive until 20 years ago. At that time she began to see that art, spirituality and worship all fed each other. Rev. Clemow will be offering art classes for all levels of talent and interest at Asbury First. She believes that talent and creativity can be taught. “There are some people who are born with innate talent but that does not mean that everyone else is excluded from the joyful rewards of artistic expres-
sion,” she says. “Creativity is a sacred universal energy and a manifestation of the divine. Some people hide behind the concept of talent saying that they have none and therefore shouldn’t try. It’s time to put that away, have some fun and stand up with dignity for your own creative potential. Honor your desire and your right to devote whatever time you need to self-expression.” The classes at Asbury First will be held under the general name “ArtSparks.” Rev. Clemow says, “I call my art program ArtSparks because I believe that we are all born with the spark of God deep inside – an integral part of our being. Life tends to gunk over this light. Art helps us to uncover the light that should shine forth from our very core.” In addition to the ArtSparks classes Rev. Clemow will offer classes in the Dining and Caring Center once a week. She will also be working with the Asbury First staff on special events and projects. Rev. Clemow is the daughter of long-time AFUMC members Jim and Joanne McMillion. Joanne is still active in the Partnership class. The McMillion family moved to Rochester in 1964 and quickly joined Asbury First. She is the wife of the Rev. Thomas Clemow. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.
M
any have wondered about the role of the deacon in the United Methodist church. Here is a list of the most important facts about this role in the church:
1. The 1996 general Conference initiated the Order of Deacon: “From among the baptized, deacons are called by God to a lifetime of servant leadership, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop. Deacons fulfill servant ministry in the world and lead the Church in relating the general life of Christians to their ministries in the world, interrelating worship in the gathered community with service to God in the world.” 2. Deacons are not the pastor in charge of a congregation. 3. Deacons are called to Word and Service – Elders to Word, Service, Sacrament and Order. They are each an ordained order of the UMC. Deacons and elders are clergy of the church. Each order is equal to the other. 4. Deacons and elders are first commissioned, then, after a probationary period of no less than two full years of ministry, they are ordained – if passed by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry 5. Deacons must find their own employment and are not subject to the itinerancy. However the bishop makes the appointment. It may be a paid position in a church, an unpaid missional appointment to a church, or an appointment beyond the local church. 6. I connect the duties of the deacon with the church through the arts in spiritual formation, worship, healing and outreach. – Rev. Linda Clemow 5
We Welcome the following new members, who joined our Asbury First family on November 18. We’re glad you’re with us!
Adam and Catherine Towsley Adam is a professor at the CUNY Graduate Center and Catherine is a counselor at the University of Rochester. They have been visitors at Asbury First for several years. Their son Xander is a year and a half.
R.J. Pollard and Cailin Monaghan R.J. is an environmental, health and safety specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Penfield. Cailin is a special education teacher at the Rush Henrietta School District, where she inspires students to learn and grow. They are thrilled to be joining Asbury First and can’t wait to get involved.
Deborah Merritt
Kenneth Grant and Katherine Cronin Kenneth is principal clarinetist for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a professor at Eastman School of Music. Katherine is a senior manager at Pharos Systems.
Linda Specht Linda is a retired probation officer, and is the 63-year-old mother of two grown sons and the grateful grandmother of four. She says “I enjoy people and consider myself most fond of children and young adults. In looking over the opportunities available to volunteers, I am excited about all the possibilities for service [at Asbury First].
Deborah is retired after thirty years as a kindergarten teacher in East Irondequoit. She’s excited about joining Asbury First and worshipping with her family. Her daughter, Melissa Bohrer is co-director of Children’s Ministry at Asbury First, and her son-in-law Brian Bohrer is director of Youth Music and of the Asbury Singers. 6
AFUMC News, continued from page 3
their findings to the trustees and church council, and discussions will begin on the steps to take to rectify Asbury First’s space challenges. If you have not already done so, please consider filling out the online survey, and let your voice can be heard as we embark on a new phase in the life of our church.
2013 All-Church Read
Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow Book Discussions led by Rev. Lawrence Hargrave Sundays, February 17 & 24 12:15 p.m 1010 East Ave. Red Room
Thanks for Christmas Support Thank you to all the vendors and the supporters of the 2012 Christmas Craft Show. The Storehouse received a contribution of $1,850 from the proceeds this year. This will help support our current mission. We appreciate the JOY of giving. We hope to see you next season. May 2013 bring you PEACE and good tidings. Tax-Free Contributions to Asbury First As part of recent tax legislation, Congress has extended the tax-free treatment of distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA) to public charities until December 31, 2013. In 2013, IRA transfers up to an annual total of $100,000 made an individual over age 70 ½ to a public charity directly from an IRA will incur no income tax liability. For 2012, if you were over age 70 ½, received a distribution from your IRA after November 30, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, you can treat that distribution as tax-free if you transferred the amount received to a public charity (such as Asbury First) prior to February 1, 2013. Thanks from a Member We received the following note from AFUMC member Pepper Wolf:
“Once in a great while a book comes along that changes the way we see the world and helps to fuel a nationwide social movement. The New Jim Crow is such a book. Praised by Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier as ‘brave and bold,’ this book directly challenges the notion that the election of Barack Obama signals a new era of colorblindness.” – amazon.com Join your fellow AFUMC friends and members in a reading and discussions of this provocative book. Books are available from Amazon, or in the Welcoming Hall on Sunday mornings for $12.
Score Some Great Homemade Soup! Sunday, February 3 $10/quart, After all services There’s nothing better than hot, homemade
Dear Fellow Members,
soup on a cold winter’s day – especially if the
A special thank you for the thoughts and prayer cards. You have been so thoughtful during my recovery. I do feel so much better.
Superbowl happens to be on TV that after-
Thanks again, Pepper Wolf
mission trip. Be sure to mark your calendars,
noon! The youth will be selling soup after all services that Sunday, in support of their youth and take home a quart or two to share with your buddies in front of the TV!
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• youth ministry looks ahead •
G
iven the size of our church, how many youth should we expect to be active in the course of a week?
great things already happening within our youth ministry which will provide us with a strong foundation on which to build. For the rest, Youth Ministry Architects has agreed to partner with a “renovation team” from our church to help us implement the changes they have suggested and to make sure that we handle the upcoming transition as smoothly as possible.
What would a healthy staffing structure look like for a sustainable youth ministry? How many volunteers does it take to sustain a healthy youth ministry? These questions and others Asbury First’s youth: both the present and the future of our church are being asked this winter as we work as a church to build a sustainable youth ministry and our hopes for the future. At the ministry. Fortunately, we have had some help end of the weekend, they presented us with answering them. a thorough picture of both our assets and In December, we invited Youth Ministry Architects, nationally known consultants in youth ministry, to do an assessment of our current youth ministry and to help us think about how we might build a sustainable structure for the future. Over the course of a weekend, they interviewed close to fifty of our youth, parents, leaders, and staff regarding both our current structures of youth
challenges. The “Youth Ministry Assessment Report” they presented is a 30 page document which is currently available on our website (www. asburyfirst.org). It recommends several specific action steps to be taken over the next 18 months so that we might be able to have a sustainable structure in place by the fall of 2014. The good news is that we have many
Some of their suggestions include expanding our ministry with middle school youth, creating better organizational structures, and creating clear pathways for full participation and discipleship. We would encourage you to take a look at the report for yourself so that you might be better equipped to support a sustainable and growing youth ministry at our church. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.
Youth Ministry Assessment Report: Highlights Asbury First’s Challenges:
Asbury First’s Assets: • exceptional youth who love their church
• a need to create common language around our vision for youth ministry
• highly-visible music and theater programming
• some anxiety over the transition to come
• a welcoming attitude
• a need for increased programming for middle school students
• a strong Confirmation program
• a sense that the church is “...on the verge of something new and exciting in ministry”
• a need for increased intentionality and focus in the design of a comprehensive plan and curriculum for Christian education of our youth.
• the strong commitment of adults in wanting what is best for our youth
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United Methodism 101 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
Want to connect with others?
Methodist Church. If you are interested in joining the class or have any questions please contact
Join us for the next Asbury First Night!
Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. Please let us
February 10
know if you plan to attend by February 19 as we will
5:30-7:00 p.m.
have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12 and assistance is available.
If you’ve ever longed to feel more connected to the Asbury First community, then ASBURY FIRST NIGHTS are for you! These monthly fellowship events are on Sunday evenings from 5:307:00 p.m. in the Gathering Center, 1050 East Ave. All ages are invited; we’ll have enrichment activities and nursery care for the children. Please bring an appetizer to share. There’s no pressure and no program – just a fun opportunity to get to know others who share your Asbury First connection. Questions? Contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. Join us on: February 10 • March 3 • April 7 • May 5 • June 2.
Give Yourselves a Hand! This coming year, your generous pledges will allow us to continue our work of worship, education, ministry and outreach. Our current total for the 2013 pledge drive is $952,000. We’ll have more information on final totals in the next issue of The Visitor. If you haven’t pledged yet, you can still have an impact on the work of Asbury First by going to www.asburyfirst.org and clicking on the GIVE ONLINE button on the right hand side of the page. You’ll find instructions there for making an online gift or pledge safely and securely. THANK YOU for your continued support of your church. Your generosity and vision keep the church’s programming alive.
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January 25 Acts 9:1-19a 26 2 Samuel 7:18-29 27 Luke 4:16-30 28 1 Kings 3:1-15 29 Psalm 71:1-12 30 Psalm 71:13-24 31 Jeremiah 1:1-19 February 1 Malachi 3:1-12 2 Luke 2:22-40 3 Haggai 2:1-9 4 Isaiah 40:1-11 5 Psalm 99:1-9 6 Exodus 34:29-35 7 2 Kings 2:1-18
8 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 9 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 10 Luke 9:28-43a 11 Nehemiah 1:1-11 12 Ezra 9:1-15 13 Psalm 51:1-19 14 1 Corinth. 12.31b-13.13 15 Deuteronomy 26:1-11
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Our Living Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love We offer our prayers and sympathy to Robyn and Larry Gage and family on the death of Robyn’s mother Connie Kachelmeyer in Batavia on November 14, 2012. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Doug Hunt who died on November 16, 2012. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Ray & Laura Chan & family on the death of Laura’s father George Booth on December 4, 2012 in Syracuse, NY. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Janda Hemming on the death of her father Daniel Hemming on November 30, 2012.
Psalm 91:1-16 Luke 4:1-15 Jeremiah 32:16-25 2 Kings 19:8-19 Lamentations 1:1-22 Genesis 15:1-21 Psalm 27:1-14 Philippians 3:12-4:1
24 Luke 13:22-35 25 Exodus 3:1-15 26 Isaiah 55:1-13 27 Psalm 68:1-20 28 Psalm 68:21-35 March 1 Jonah 1:1-17 2 Jonah 2:1-10 3 Luke 13:1-9 4 Jonah 3:1-10 5 Jonah 4:1-11 6 Joshua 5:9-15 7 Psalm 69:1-18 8 Psalm 69:19-36 9 2 Corinthians 5:1-21
in Community
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Kay Cotton on the death of her mother Esther Cotton on November 30, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Margaret Heit who died on December 19, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Gary and Delores Jesske on the death of Gary’s sister Irene Ulrich on January 2, 2013 in Germany.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Ratcliffe who died on December 3, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to David Crawford and family on the death of David’s wife Linda Crawford on December 22, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Latshaw who died on January 8, 2013.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Linda and Bob Payne on the death of Linda’s mother Kathryn Morgan who died on November 9, 2012 in Westminster, MD.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Larry & Paula Dugan on the death of Larry’s mother Helen Dugan on December 20, 2012.
Births & Baptisms
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Dan and Marian Gottler on the death of their brother-in-law Kevin Miller on December 27, 2012.
We offer our prayers & sympathy to the family and friends of Jane Oertel who died on December 3, 2012. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Greg & Kim Smith & family on the death of Greg’s mother June Lord Smith on December 10, 2012.
We offer our prayers & sympathy to the family and friends of Ken DeLorm who died on December 26, 2012. 10
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Samuel Michael DiPaola son of Katherine and Mark DiPaola, baptized on December 16, 2012. Elliott Jay Beach son of Devin Palmesano-Beach and Jeffrey Beach, baptized on January 6, 2013.
Black History Month February is Black History Month, and Asbury First will hold several events focusing on the role of African-Americans in American history. We also invite you to check out the exhibit Race: Are We So Different at Rochester Museum and Science Center. Asbury First hosted the opening events in the community-wide initiative surrounding this exhibit, titled Facing Race = Embracing Equity, designed to promote awareness about racial issues in Rochester and foster conversation about how we can improve our understanding of each other, identify pathways to alleviate inequity, and reduce disparities that exist in our community. The exhibit at RMSC runs through April 28.
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Sunday, February 10 9:45-10:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall Dr. Neil Frankel More than 11 million human beings were violently separated from their homes and sent to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th centuries. 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, we will focus 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. 11
music & the arts join us for our spring concerts! Hommage à Messiaen Friday, February 15 7:30 p.m. free will offering at the door A festival of contemporary organ music. 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 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.
J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion Sunday, March 3 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $10/$5 students and seniors 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 musicians of the Eastman Chorale, along with student soloists from Eastman School of Music, Cordancia Chamber Ensemble, and Asbury First’s resident choirs. They perform under the baton of Dr. William Weinert, Eastman’s director of choral activities and Asbury First’s musical director of art and music.
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Nursery School at Asbury First “Little Hands, Big Changes”
T
he Nursery School at Asbury First provides a nurturing, hands-on, differentiated learning environment where three and four year olds can learn, grow and make a difference. We combine cooperative creative play, imagination and problem solving with fun hands-on activities that allow the children to practice and learn preacademic skills. All the activities are tied together in a themebased approach to learning and imbedded in these themes are cooking lessons, field trips, science experiments, literature, music, large muscle play and service projects. Throughout the year, the children participate in three service projects as a way of teaching and experiencing outreach. These little hands are empowered to make big changes at the Nursery School at
Asbury First United Methodist Church. Are you interested in enrolling your child in next year’s program (September 2013-June 2014)? Please note that the Nursery School, a ministry of Asbury First, is different from the Asbury Day Care Center, which is also housed on our church campus. Attend one of our open houses to find out more. Or contact Melissa Bohrer at (585) 271-1050 x111 or mbohrer@ asburyfirst.org for more information.
NURSERY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES Saturday, February 2
10:00 a.m.-noon
Sunday, February 3
noon-2:00 p.m.
Calling all SUPER HEROES… February 2 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall Please join us for our Family Movie Night on February 2 in Fellowship Hall for “Veggie Tales: The League of Incredible Vegetables.” Come dressed as your favorite super hero and join of us for a pizza dinner followed by the movie. Looking forward to a SUPER night! Please RSVP to Melissa Bohrer at mbohrer@asburyfirst.org by February 1. 13
Library news
I
t’s a new year—the time of new beginnings. The book selections for January/February below are books new to the church resource library and may provide you with some new ideas for the New Year. Look for them in the church library—open and free to all— just off the gathering space. Children: The Stars Will Still Shine, written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke. This picture book for preschool and kindergarten is perfect for the New Year. It serves as a reassuring reminder that good things are always around the corner. The book greets a new year and celebrates new beginnings, togetherness, and the wonders of the natural world. The illustrations are soft and soothing, simple and joyful watercolor scenes. It is a wonderful bedtime selection for toddlers and preschoolers, especially when read after a tough day.
Adult: Seven Thousand Ways to Listen: Staying Close to What Is Sacred, by Mark Nepo. In Seven Thousand Ways to Listen, Nepo offers ancient and contemporary practices to help the reader stay close to what is sacred. Considered a beautifully written spiritual memoir, Nepo explores the many gifts and challenges of deep listening. Seven Thousand Ways to Listen is filled with questions for reflection and discussion with and meditations. The book focuses on deep reflection and meditation to create a guide on how to listen to life and live more fully.
Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen , illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. No roaring allowed. That’s the only rule Miss Merriweather, the librarian, places on her unusual new visitor — a lion. He turns out to behave perfectly, but when Miss Merriweather falls and injures her arm the lion wondered if he should break the rules and roar for help? The humor of the text may encourage discussions about when it’s okay to break the rules. For kids who love trips to the library, this is a must-read. (Ages four to six). It is a winner of Child magazine’s Best Children’s Book Awards 2006.
Finding God: A Treasury of Conversion Stories, by John Mulder. Ranging from the first century to the present, Finding God is a fascinating digest of conversion stories from a wide variety of people— from the apostle Paul to the rock musician Bono. These 60 firstperson narratives of Christians recount the stories of finding God in different ways and the impact this discovery made on their lives and on the world. Cited as both instructive and inspirational, the stories demonstrate the diversity of spiritual journeys and the dramatic changes that can result from encounters with God.
Winter, illustrated by Mary Engelbreit , written by Charlotte Lyons with photographs by Barbara Elliott Martin. Brightening up the dark winter months is the goal of this book of fun craft projects, decorations, recipes. It covers Hanukkah, New Year’s, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day. There are 80 pages of new resources for crafts, recipes, and decorating that capture the spirit of the changing seasons.
Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor, by Jana Riess. “Punchy humor and unpretentious inquisitiveness” combine in this absorbing memoir in which author Riess commits to both adopting and studying a new religious practice each month for a year, while simultaneously reflecting on her spiritual progress. Parenting Section: Gum, Geckos and God: A Family’s Adventure in Space, Time and Faith, by James S. Spiegel. Gum, Geckos, and God is cited as “fascinating and fun.” The 256 page paperback explores the most complex issues of faith in a way that’s considered absorbing and engaging for the entire family. Children’s questions—”Where does God live?” “Does God speak English?” and “What does God know?”—open the door to discussions about God. Spiegel’s responses and comments will satisfy adults as well, especially those looking for beginning and intermediate study on topics such as God’s omniscience, the Golden Rule, God’s presence, and human origin and destiny.
Youth: The Action Bible, by Sergio Cariello. Written for ages 9-15, the illustrations are gripping enough to hold even adult attention. This 752 page graphic novel features a captivating, up-to-date artwork style—making it the perfect Bible for today’s visually focused culture. The author has worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art as well as the Word of Life Bible Institute in upstate New York. Farm Boy, by Michael Morpugo. Farm Boy is the heartwarming sequel to War Horse, the beloved novel that has now been made into a play and a major motion picture. Albert’s son is all grown up, an old man now. But he has a shameful secret he’s kept to himself his whole life. As he comes to terms with the truth, he tells stories of the farm of his childhood—his war hero dad, skipping school to help with the harvest, and of course the horses, Joey and Zoey. The book speaks to the bond between generations, and captures the spirit of rural life and the love of horses.
Spiritual Parenting: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing the Heart of Your Child, by Hugh and Gayle Prather. This is a book of principles and practices that parents can use to understand and nurture their children at home, at school, and in the world. It encourages parents to learn how to focus on the spiritual aspects of child care. 14
the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2
Back On the Road Again ...
S
cott had a great job as an
When I first met Scott he had
over-the-road truck driv-
very thick glasses. Cataract
er. He was driving in 48 states
surgery has corrected his vi-
and grossing about $6,000/
sion problem and he now has
week. He netted around
20/20 vision. He can drive
$3,000 per week. Life was
again.
good until he saw a friend who
Scott is proud of his participa-
needed a ride and picked her
tion here at the ADCC. “I feel
up. He was routinely stopped
I am a good worker. I made
by the police and when a
some decisions that were
hypodermic needle was found
wrong and am doing every-
in the truck, Scott lost his job.
thing to the best of my ability
Thus began a spiraling down-
to change. I have done a lot of
ward which lasted about three
wrongs and am trying to make
years, and cost him $150,00
amends. Every day I wake up
dollars, his dignity, his home
I am trying to relearn respon-
and almost his life. He found himself homeless and living at the House of Mercy, a loosely-based shelter open to anyone and everyone. The concept is good but the reality is very raw. Its different. People are lined up on couches day in and day out. Many are chronically homeless. The volunteers do their best to help. It can be a depressing sight to see so many people passed out on couches with nowhere to go, but it is a refuge and meals are served. Scott was there. He was using drugs and had to find a way out. “I had to get out of there and decided to go to the Norris
Clinic for 45 days. After I
the rules but not unnecessar-
completed the program I was
ily harsh. Guests may not like
homeless again and went back
having to give back the salt
to Norris for another 38 days.
shakers from their pockets but
I was sent to a halfway house
they understand. Scott also
and was kicked out after three
keeps track of the phone and
weeks due to an altercation. I
computer usage so that one
got right into Catholic Fam-
guest may not monopolize
ily supportive living Program
these privileges. He is a great
where there was a requirement
help.
to volunteer. I remembered
Scott has reconnected with his
Asbury First and have been
mom. “I lost my dad a couple
volunteering here for almost
of years ago and now my
one year. I am the greeter/se-
relationship with my mother
curity in the morning. I try to
is outstanding. I visit mom
enforce the rules.”
on the weekends and return
Scott is here each morning
on Sunday. This relationship
bright and early and is a fixture
means a lot to me.”
at the sign-in sheet. He is firm with guests who break 15
sibility. I have grown and can face disappointments in a mature and responsible way.” Scott has been contacted by his trucking firm based in Utah. He will find out this week if he has been re-accepted back to employment. He is ready. “If I get the call I will be gone next week. I will take a bus to Utah and start my job.” I will be sad to see Scott leave us. But this is why we are here. We see people grow in amazing ways. Bon voyage and Godspeed, Scott. We will miss you but perhaps we will wave as we pass along the highway of life.
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Easter Altar Flower Donation Form Given by (Please Print Clearly):
Phone – Day: Evening: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly. I would like the gift to be: 1.___ In loving memory of ___________________________________________________________ 2.___ In honor or celebration of ________________________________________________________ 3.___ A donation Please return this form to the church office, attention: Beverly Schuman, no later than March 1. Please include your donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you.