The Visitor | January 2016 by Asbury First United Methodist Church

TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter January 2016 • Vol. L No. 1 • www.asburyfirst.org

City Sing Raising Our Voices in Song for Peace & Unity

In This Issue Ash Wednesday, 5 Thank You! 6 New Staff, 7 Handbell Ringers, 8 Storehouse, 9 City Sing, 10 Vacation Bible School, 11 Yoga for Two, 16

Mission Statement

The Visitor

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.

Vol. L No. 1

(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050

Five Ways to Worship at Asbury First Our church goal this year: we commit to attending worship on Sundays as often as possible and inviting a friend to worship with us. Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings

Staff The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II Senior Minister Kathy Thiel Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach Katie O’Hern Minister for Discipleship and Mission David Strong Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Dr. William Weinert Director of Music Paula Dugan Children’s Ministry Director Holly Temming Children’s Ministry Assistant; Interim Director, Children’s Music Mike Mullin Youth Minister Summer Sattora Ministry Intern Richard Moncrief Financial Administrator Morgan Dornsife Development Director Melody Guadagnino Administrative Assistant Ken Carr Property Care Manager Michele Cooley Dining & Caring Center Director Mary Van Keuren Communications Director Duane Prill Organist Carol Lamica Director, Youth Music Elizabeth Church Director, Bell Choir Brian Bohrer Director, Asbury Singers Larry Dugan Director, Youth Theater Linda Clemow Artist-in-Residence

Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11:00 a.m.-noon Sunday mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Watch past services in our video archive at www.asburyfirst.org any time!

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic background, and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.

Emeriti Staff

Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus *deceased

Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.

To receive our email newsletters, with news of upcoming services, classes, and other events at Asbury First, go to www.asburyfirst.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a sign-up window. Or, if you have a smartphone, scan this QR code to take you directly to a sign-up page.

Cover: Jim Carter, Kimberlyn Brocht, and Arianna Ernsthausen raise their voices in song during City Sing. See page 10. 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: Monday, February 1

Keeping Alive the Dreams A Pastoral Reflection Keep alive the dream, for as long as we have a dream in our hearts, we cannot lose the significance of living. – Howard Thurman Thank you for your dreams. Over the last few months I have been watching as the dream board, my inbox, and several flipcharts have filled up with your dreams. Some are poetic, some are prophetic, some are profound — all are helpful. They show just how deeply this congregation cares about where Asbury First is heading and who God is calling us to

be. Now that so many dreams have been shared, our dreaming process is getting ready to shift.

one of the classes offered during this season on wilderness or spirituality. However it works best for you, please find a moment to seek God’s wisdom for our community.

At the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday is February 10), the dream board will come down. Everyone is still welcome and encouraged to dream, but during this season of preparation we ask that you spend a moment in prayer for Asbury First, considering where God is calling this congregation. Some will no doubt add this to their daily prayers at home. For others, this might be an opportunity to try out the labyrinth or the contemplative service called Taizé on one of the Wednesday evenings of Lent. This might be a chance to take advantage of

With Easter comes the promise of new life and the hope for resurrection. In that season, our dreams will reappear in a new way with an opportunity for our community to sort them together. From there, the dreams will be used by a strategic planning team (aka the dream team) to provide a foundation for a fiveyear vision for Asbury First. As some have heard me share, one of my dreams for Asbury First is to hire a fourth minister (dedicated to outreach) and to

expand our support staff. While we were not able to fund those new positions this year, many people gave generously toward that goal and those dreams remain. My hope is that the special gift which made the hiring of our new part-time director of development (see page 7) possible will be one step toward ensuring the resources necessary to bring these and many other dreams to life. This is a unique place at a unique time and I am excited to see where God is calling us. I will continue to hold your dreams in my prayers. Grace and Peace,

Stephen Cady

AFUMC news Youth Minister Mike Mullin Licensed

Blood Drive Wrap-Up

The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is pleased to announce that our director of youth ministries, Mike Mullin, is now a licensed local pastor in the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Mike was approved as a licensed local pastor effective January 1, 2016. With this approval comes the ability for Mike to participate in the sacraments of communion and baptism as well as to solemnize marriages at Asbury First. Mike joined us in July, 2013, when he began in his position as director of youth ministries. You will recall that Mike and his family moved here from Omaha, Nebraska. Previously, Mike received his bachelor of arts degree in Christian Education and Music from Westminster College in 2008. In addition to his work with the youth, Mike has become a regular participant in our Sunday worship services. Mike is attending Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and is now half-way toward receiving his master of divinity (M.Div.) degree. We are very excited for Mike and for Asbury First.

On Tuesday, December 29, more than 30 people answered the call to donate blood in the Gathering Center, at a time when the local blood supply was stressed to meet the demand from area hospitals. We collected 28 donations, which will provide blood to as many as 84 people. How? Each donation can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma, and a single donation can impact the needs of three people. The majority of donors are associated with Asbury First as members or friends. While all donations are equally appreciated by the Red Cross, one long-time member, Jim Reed, gave his 140th donation at this drive. Over many years, Jim has given generously to the benefit of patients in need. As well, we were pleased that several of our ministerial staff participated. Thanks to everyone who participated. – Ed Ristau. Hosts Wanted for Singers On Thursday, February 25, Asbury First is sponsoring a concert with the Concordia College Choir, and we are looking for hosts for the singers for that night. Your commitment would mean providing a bed for one or more of the student singers, Continued on next page.

AFUMC News, continued from previous page.

breakfast in the morning, and transportation back to church. If you can help out, please contact Jane Jeszenka at 585381-8127 or jjeszenka@rochester.rr.com, or Ed and Jeanne Ristau at 585-223-4356 or eristau@frontiernet.net. Thank you for extending your hospitality to these students!

Our Living Births & Baptisms God has sealed you unto love and grace divine

Habitat House at 57 Ries Street is Being Built!

Caleb Henry Lazzkowski son of Nina Collier Wickham and Kyle Lazzkowski, born on September 29, 2015. Caleb is the grandson of Vern and Edie Collier and the great-grandson of Vernon Collier.

The Roger Cross Memorial House (Roger Cross was the founder of the Flower City Chapter of Habitat for Humanity) sponsored by the Harvest Home Coalition (which includes AFUMC) is being built through the winter. Our participation continues Asbury First’s 25+ year involvement with Habitat. We have had 16 people volunteer from Asbury First at the site – more are needed. To sign up, go to www.rochesterhabitat.org – “Volunteer” – “Online Volunteer” and follow the instructions. Register as a new volunteer. Then go to the calendar and sign up under “Harvest Home” or “House Building”. For more information contact John Smalt at 585-924-8624 or jhsmalt@gmail.com.

Phoebe Elizabeth Redmond daughter of Heather and Brennan Redmond, baptized on November 8, 2015. William Romeo Parent son of Ali and Jonathan Parent, baptized on December 13, 2015. Kathryn Grace Palcich daughter of Jennifer and Michael Palcich, baptized on December 27, 2015.

WORSHIP worship schedule

Sunday Service Times 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship with Sanctuary Choir Sunday, February 7 Tranfiguration Sunday Luke 9:28-36 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

Wednesday, February 10 Ash Wednesday Services at 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Kathy Thiel, preacher (7:00 p.m.)

Lee Iva Camardello daughter of Emily and Jeffrey Camardello, baptized on January 10, 2016.

Sunday, February 14 First Sunday in Lent Luke 4:1-13 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

Charlotte Grace Grow daughter of Jennifer and Nicholas Grow, baptized on January 10, 2016.

Sunday, February 21 Second Sunday in Lent Katie O’Hern, preacher

Samuel Walter Parkes son of Michael and Kristin Parkes, baptized on January 17, 2016.

Sunday, February 28 Third Sunday in Lent Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

Marriages May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant. Christy Acker and Dan Beerse were married on December 19, 2015.

Sunday, March 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to Your never-failing care and love. 4

in Community We offer our prayers and sympathy to Maxine and Bill Lisi on the death of Maxine's brother George Torrey on October 18 in Stafford, NY. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Ray Zahm who died on November 14, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Dave Davis on the death of his son Mark Davis on November 24, 2015 in Riverhead, NY. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Marie Andres who died on December 1, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Joyce Hogarth who died on December 14, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Bob Reiners who died on December 17, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Pat Hoff who died on December 19, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas Gompf who died on January 6, 2016.

on holy ground Created by the Center for Spiritual Life, On Holy Ground highlights opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.

Lenten Spiritual Practices Member Marty Garland shares some of the ways we might renew our faith during Lent, which begins on Wednesday, February 10: 4 If you do not already regularly attend a Sunday morning worship service, choose to attend one or two during February. 4 Attend an Ash Wednesday service on February 10. 4 Walk the labyrinth, which will be open from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 2, 9, and 16. It’s in Fellowship Hall, on the lower floor of the church building. 4 Attend one of the contemplativeTaizé services, held on Wednesdays during Lent from 6:00-6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

4 Read “The Upper Room” monthly magazine, available in the Welcoming Hall and Narthex. It features daily meditations and prayers.

a.m. The more often, the better.” One example: Guiding Spirit (inhale), show me the way. (exhale). – from Rhythms of Growth by Linda Douty, Upper Room Books.

4 Read the Bible daily – the Psalms are a good place to begin.

4 Discover a special Lenten book of readings to read each day. The Asbury First Resource Library has many options from which to choose. The following is my discovery of such a book: I attend the Wednesday morning Adult Study held in the Meditation Room in 1010 East Ave. This is also the location of the Center for Spiritual Life Library. Arriving early for our class one day I began scanning the books for something to catch my attention. One book did just that. The Promise of Winter – Quickening

4 Consider trying a breath prayer: “… a kind of prayer that engages the body. The breath prayer method — repeating a short phase on the inhale and a petition on the exhale — will bring the concepts into the body and enhance their understanding. The beauty of a breath prayer comes in its brevity and portability. We may think or utter it anywhere, anytime — standing in a grocery store line or during a brief bout of insomnia at 3:00

Ash Wednesday Services The first day of Lent is Wednesday, February 10. It marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. –www.umc.org Please join us for one of the following:  6:00 a.m. New! A brief service of word and prayer with the imposition of ashes.  7:00 p.m. A service of word, prayer, and communion with a sermon and the imposition of ashes.

the Spirit on Ordinary Days and in Fallow Seasons, a book featuring reflections and photographs by Martin Marty and his son Micah Marty. Besides the author’s last name being the same as my first name, I recognized that Martin Marty was a well-known theologian. Much to my delight, this book contains 47 pairings of photographs and text, each one page. If I begin on Ash Wednesday and end on Easter these promises, psalms, and photographs are ideal for use during Lent. Choose one or several of the above opportunities to discover and reflect on your relationship with our God and Creator who showers us with love.

Labyrinth Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Come, walk, and listen to beautiful music as you experience some quiet, meditative time during Advent.

Thank You! Because of your commitment and generosity, Asbury First’s campaign to fund the 2016 Annual Operating Plan (AOP) was a success. What is the AOP exactly? Good question. The AOP represents all money received and spent by the church in a given year. It’s much like your own budget: just as you determine how much you can spend on groceries, gas, and other expenses based on your income, so Asbury First must plan for all the expenses that result from the many ministries of a large, vibrant church community.

Here’s another way to look at the impact of your giving: 1

Pledges were received from:

2015

$1,006,379

473

2016

$1,052,903

households

Designated (i.e., meant for a particular ministry, such as the Storehouse or the music program) and undesignated gifts to the AOP.

750

82 new adult pledgers

people

How did pledges change this year?

289 Average gift

$2,226

Number of pledgers who increased their pledge for 2016. 6

4.6%

increase in giving

• Fueling our Dreams •

New Development Director Morgan Dornsife Helps AFUMC Reach for New Heights

professional on staff. The time, says Stephen Cady, is right.

casual visitor to Asbury First in the past year would quickly realize that we have been dreaming a great deal lately. Dreaming of new ways to use our space, new ministries to enhance learning and worship, and new ways to touch the lives both of our members and of those far outside our campus. With a new year, we move to the next stage of our dreaming process: spinning a reality out of all the dreams that have been bubbling up in our hearts and minds this past year. “We’re poised at a moment where there are many great possibilities that lie ahead of us,” said senior minister, the Rev. Stephen M. Cady II. “We have a generous, caring faith community, a skilled staff, and many of the resources we need to move ahead. But we’re going to need the support of all our members and friends to make our dreams come true.” Some of that support will revolve around funding new programs and ministries. Charitable giving is something that touches all of our lives. We know the satisfaction that comes from making a gift that helps fuel the programs of our church or our favorite charitable organizations. For Morgan Dornsife, Asbury First’s newly hired director of development, giving matters to her both personally and professionally. “In my opinion,” she says, “giving is a necessary response to what we have received from Christ. We give because it reminds us of God’s gifts to us, and we give because it gives our world an example of Christ’s generosity to us. Professionally, I am honored to use my time and talents both helping people to give and stewarding those gifts well.” Morgan’s development career began when she stepped into a position in 2012 at Roberts Wesleyan College as the director of the annual fund. An alumna of Roberts, with a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in strategic leadership, she had previously worked in the college’s recruitment office. As the annual fund director, she had her work cut out for her. “At that time, the annual fund lacked a focused strategic plan. I was able to create and imple-

“We have accomplished so much in annual and planned giving over the last few years with volunteer help,” he says. “We have reached a point, however, where we need additional staff support in order to ensure that we have the resources to make our dreams a reality.”

ment a plan over the course of two years. I led the annual fund through a rebranding effort, helped launch a capital campaign, and brought new strategies to acknowledgement processes, data collection, web and social media presence, and the phonathon program. These experiences prepared me well to step into this new position at Asbury First. I could not be more excited!” Morgan’s position represents a thoughtful, strategic view of giving that the church is adopting to help support the volunteer groups, such as the stewardship committee, that work on giving initiatives. Her position is part time, funded by a special gift to the church, and features a broad range of responsibilities. “I’m bringing leadership to all areas of development,” she says. “This does include raising funds for many areas of the church, including the AOP [annual operating plan – basically, the church’s annual budget], special projects, and planned/estate giving. It also includes participating in the stewardship and planned giving committees, leading our acknowledgement process, overseeing our data and reporting measures for stewardship, and helping strategize for the ever-changing future.” Morgan’s position marks the first time that Asbury First has worked with a development 7

It’s true: with a strong new leadership team including Cady, Kathy Thiel, and Katie O’Hern, along with a stable, dedicated staff and large cadre of committed volunteers, Asbury First is in the perfect position to dream. Church leadership and members have been looking at new ways in which the church might become an even more vibrant and responsive partner in the community, as well as a leader in worship and ministry in Rochester, in the United Methodist Church, and beyond. To achieve this, Morgan has hit the ground running. She has already connected with many members through informal meetings, so that she can learn from them what it means to be a member of Asbury First and find out what matters most to them. These meetings have been invigorating and helpful to her. “I have had such an incredible experience becoming a part of Asbury First,” she says. “What an amazing group of people, committed to living out the Good News in our community! One of Asbury First’s glowing strengths is the commitment of its members, not only to attend, but to volunteer, serve, and invest their time, energy, and money into the church.” As Morgan begins to create and implement strategies and action plans to raise vital resources for the church, she is greatly heartened by what she sees here. “The church is in a healthy place,” she says. “There is a real commitment here to giving, which, as a new staff member, is amazing to see. There aren’t any glaring issues or weaknesses, just opportunities to do and be better.”

Forty-Four Years of Asbury First Handbell Ringers

n 1972, Asbury First formed its first handbell choir for high school students after a gift designated for this purpose was given in memory of Marilyn Lowry’s family. The bells were purchased from the Schulmerich Handbell Company in Pennsylvania. About 30 years later, the church purchased four octaves of hand chimes (or melody chimes) from Schulmerich. Last summer, the remaining fifth octave of hand chimes was purchased with a gift from the Helen Schmidt family in memory of her parents. The first youth bell choir director was Betty Fedje, the wife of the senior pastor at that time, Dr. Raymond Fedje. In the summer of 1975, the youth handbell choir and its girls choir went on a three-week “friendship tour” of Poland, partially funded by the Polish government. The choir had fundraisers to cover the cost of plane fare and shipping the bells and other equipment. After the Poland tour, the youth bell choir recorded an album. The following summer, the bell and vocal choirs went on a tour in the northeast U.S., including Boston. Since 1977, when the Fedjes left Asbury First, there have been eight successive handbell choir directors. In the late 1970s, the youth handbell choir participated in a large festival spon-

• a high school tennis coach who has played in and directed bell choirs in other Rochester churches; • a physician with six children, who is also a flutist and dog breeder; • a retiree who sings in the Rochester Oratorio Society; • an employee of the Sheriff ’s Department; sored by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. In the 1980s, they participated in a local handbell festival and hosted a handbell festival at Asbury First. They have also performed at Rotary Christmas parties, nursing homes, and other churches. In later years, they participated in a handbell festival at Bucknell University and in other events.

• the owner of a highly successful catering business, Tasteful Connections, who also coordinates purchasing discounted items for the Storehouse;

With the long-standing success of the youth handbell choir, interest eventually developed in forming an adult handbell choir. Over time, this group performed in the “Welcome Yule” concerts at Asbury First and played with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in Christmas concerts. Now known as the Asbury Ringers, the adult handbell choir is currently directed by Elizabeth Church, who was also the youth handbell choir director for more than seven years in the 1980s, and a member of the first youth handbell choir in the 1970s.

• a retired father with five grown daughters who is also a grandfather and a greatgrandfather, a docent at the George Eastman House, a volunteer in many areas around Asbury First, and a knowledgeable resource for bell repairs and maintenance.

• a mother who home-schools her four children, leads several small church groups, was in Asbury First’s youth handbell choir in the 1980s, and rings with the ROC City ringers community bell choir; The current members of the Asbury Ringers comprise a variety of individuals. Several of the ringers play in the Rochesterarea handbell choir, ROC Ringers. Some ringers participate regularly in area workshops and festivals. Members of the Asbury Ringers include: •

a retired teacher who was in the original Asbury First 1970s youth handbell choir;

• a quilter and flutist; 8

In this current time of formulating new dreams for Asbury First, it is noteworthy that a dream in 1972 to form a handbell choir became a reality that has grown and continues to thrive almost 44 years later.

Outreach news Asbury Storehouse Celebrates 50 Years; Receives Grants Current and former Volunteers celebrated 50 years of service at the Storehouse on November 7, 2015. A dream 50 years ago of providing coats to a few persons in need in Rochester has evolved into service to 6,000 + individuals each year, with clothing, linens, pots and pans, blankets, socks and, of course, coats. The speaker for the celebration was Mary Jo Colligan, director of the Angels of Mercy. Angels provides clothing for women coming out of difficult circumstances, including prison and addiction. The Storehouse partners with Angels of Mercy by providing them with our overflow of suits and other business attire. Honored at our celebration were Ed and Kate Crosby, who have served the Storehouse for 14 years. Ed and Kate shop at yard sales and local hotels and motels, and bring us much-needed linens and children’s clothing and coats.

in a prominent place in the church in the near future. The project earned $10,300, most of which will be used to continue our program of blanket purchases for the winter. We offer a heartfelt thank you to all who participated.

Storehouse Receives Grants The Storehouse was privileged to receive three grants in 2015. In February, the Community Foundation/R&C Yates Charitable Foundation awarded the Storehouse $2,000. In March, the Rochester Female Charitable Society presented a grant of $2,000. And as 2015 came to a close, the Families of FANA awarded us with an additional $2,000. Families of FANA, Western New York, is a “non-profit organization established to assist families who wish to adopt from FANA [the Spanish acronym for the Foundation for the Assistance of Abandoned Children] located in Bogota, Colombia.” As part of their support for the adoptive families, the organization promotes giving back to the community; in particular, giving to organizations that promote child welfare.

Their belief in teaching the adoptive children kindness and a strong sense of civic pride in their new country as well as the country from which they came resulted this year in the award to the Storehouse for our mission to children and their families. Taylor Phillips, niece of Asbury First member Sandra Holloway, is adopted from Columbia. It is through Sandra that they know of the Storehouse. We are grateful to each of these foundations for their gifts.

Taylor Phillips presents a check for $2,000 from Families of FANA to Nancy Davidow, co-director of the Storehouse.

Angels Among Us As I write this article, it is almost Christmas 2015. In my hurrying and scurrying, I have encountered several angels. Although you will be reading this after the Christmas season has passed, I think it important that we continue to watch for angels, for they are among us throughout our daily living.

Kate and Ed Crosby

The highlight of the morning was the unveiling of the quilt to which many church members donated. The embroidered quilt squares were in the shape of a cross with names on both horizontal and vertical sides of each cross. The entire quilt was finished with a printed fabric depicting clothes hanging on a clothesline. The quilt will be displayed

• Two weeks before School 41 (where Asbury First has a tutoring program) was dismissed for the holidays, it was reported to me that a fifth grader was found crying because his parents had told him that there would be no Christmas this year. Soon after this, an “angel” appeared on a Sunday morning at Asbury First inquiring if there might be a family at School 41 who needed “a little Christmas cheer.” Help was on its way! • At the beginning of December, several afghans were presented to the Storehouse. They were made by members of Church Women United. This is a group of women who knit 7" x 7" squares throughout the year. Once enough have been knitted they are bound together to make warm blankets. Their kindness extended to the Asbury First Storehouse this year, timed perfectly to help supplement our blanket supply. My challenge to all is to be watchful throughout the year, for there are busy angels all around us! – Nancy Davidow 9

City Sing: For Peace and Unity

t was an evening that was as moving as it was joyful. When a crowd of more than 350 people gathered at the Rochester Public Market in the late afternoon of December 20, no one could have predicted how uplifting it would be to sing songs of peace gleaned from various ethnic and religious backgrounds for residents of the urban Marketview Heights neighborhood. The idea for City Sing arose from Asbury First's Vision Team, and was planned by a group led by AFUMC member Maggie Tobin. It began as simple caroling event for Asbury First members who wished to do something positive to counter the plethora of violence that has plagues our city and country this year. But as word spread throughout the city, other groups asked to join in, until soon more than 30 religious and non-profit groups signed up as co-sponsors, including temples, mosques, Christian churches from many denominations, and organizations including the South Wedge Mission, Pathstone, and the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence.

at Nazareth College, and the Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. Then the crowd split into groups that ventured out into the surrounding neighborhood to sing. When they returned to the Public Market, a local imam led the attending Muslims in prayer while others, holding lit candles against the cool darkness, formed a protective circle around them. Participants were deeply moved by the evening. "Truly an event that was meant for the holiday season," wrote one woman on the City Sing Facebook page. "No one was different, all were one with one goal in mind, peace on earth, spreading love and joy." "It warms my heart to be a part of a community that values diversity and leads with love, defying the prevalence of fear, hatred, and violence," wrote another. Stephen Cady commented, “After a hard year, we wanted to do something positive to respond to the violence we’ve seen both locally and nationally this year. When we turn on the TV or read the newspaper, it’s easy to lose sight of all the good that happens in our community and beyond. This was one way of reminding us that there is much to celebrate in this community.”

The evening began with prayer offered by Asbury First Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Dr. Muhammad Shafiq, executive director of the Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue

Children’s Ministry Holds a Mid-Winter Mini Vacation Bible School! Please join us at "Moose Mountain" Mini Vacation Bible School, where kids build friendships that last forever, on February 16, 17, and 18 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Asbury First United Methodist Church. There is no cost. VBS is for children from ages four through fifth grade. For more information contact Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org. Please return this form to the Welcome Desk in the Welcoming Hall on Sunday mornings or to the church office during regular business hours. Child’s Name

Child’s Age

Allergies

Parent/Guardian Information Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Best phone # during VBS hours:________________________________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Medical information Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of:_____________________________ _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Emergency contact ______________________ Phone #____________________________________________________ Relationship_______________________________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First UMC to administer the necessary medical treatment. Signature of parent/guardian:_________________________________________________________________________ Date______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please list the people who have the permission to pick up your child(ren):_____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? YES NO What is your area of interest?_________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________

1050 East Ave.

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Rochester, NY 14607

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(585) 271-1050

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www.asburyfirst.org

Expand Your Mind With Lenten Studies & Concerts

The Word in the Wilderness

Spiritual and Religious

Sundays, Feb. 14-March 20, 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 21, 1010

Tuesdays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, and 22

East Ave., OR Mondays, Feb. 15-March 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m. in

7:00-8:00 p.m. | Meditation Room, 1010 East Ave

the Dining Room, 1010 East Ave.

Each year we set aside six weeks between the time of Jesus’ trium-

Lent is the time when we think of Jesus in the wilderness. During

phant entrance into Jerusalem, through the anguish of Holy Week,

these forty days of Lent we remember the forty years Moses led

and culminating in the excitement of Easter. But what do those weeks

God’s people through the wilderness. Yet the biblical theme of wil-

mean to us, and how can we use them to reflect on what it is to be a

derness goes back to the very beginning of our Bible and continues

person of faith? Join us for this six-week discussion group as we take a

through to the very end. Often God is discovered amidst the over-

look at what it means to be spiritual ... and religious. We’ll talk about

whelming beauty and unexpected terror of the wilderness – for our

the spiritual aspects of world religions, including Christianity, and how

biblical predecessors and for us today. This six-week Bible study

that impacts us as members of Asbury First. Please join us for one, two,

will examine stories of the wilderness from Genesis to Revelation

three or all six of these sessions. Your presence and input will greatly

and will consider how our own faith journeys might be enriched by

enhance our gathering, whether you prefer to sit quietly and absorb

encountering the Word in the wilderness. Have questions? Contact

what you’re hearing or like to participate. For more information contact

Katie O’Hern at kohern@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x104.

Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org.

Salon Concert Series

The Concordia College Choir

at A s b u r y F i r s t

S u n d a y, f e b r u a r y 1 4 / 2 : 0 0 P . M . Beethoven Piano Trios

Featuring Rebecca Penneys, piano Mikhail Kopelman, violin

Thursday, February 25 / 7:30 p.m. Under director René Clausen, the Concordia College Choir has

Stefan Reuss, cello

become one of the finest a capella groups in the country. Since 1920, the singers of this Moorhead, Minnesota college have

Tickets are $30 in advance, available by calling

been winning awards and performing globally. They have won

the church office at 585-271-1050 x103. Tickets

an Emmy for their Concordia Christmas Concerts, nationally

are also available at the door for $35, free for

broadcast on public television. Their recordings are distributed

full-time students with ID.

internationally and they are one of the top-selling choirs in the country on iTunes. 12

youth ministry news

SouperBowl Sale

Let's Go Snow Tubing

Sunday, February 7

Monday, February 15

Our youth will once again be making and selling soup before and after services on February 7 in honor of Superbowl Sunday. The soup will be pre-packaged in microwaveable quart-sized containers and may be purchased for $10. 100 percent of the sales will go to support our Asbury First youth mission trips. This year, the senior youth will spend a week working in Cuba.

Glacier Ridge Snow Tubing in Spencerport is the location for a February youth gathering. We will meet there at 2:00 p.m. for a couple of hours of great snow tubing fun! Cost is $16, payable in advance to Mike Mullin (make checks payable to Asbury First). Questions? Want to reserve your space? Contact Mike at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

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: Melody Guadagnino, no later than March 14. Please include your donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you.

library news February provides perfect reading weather. Picture yourself in a comfy chair in a warm place with one of the following books, available in the library’s collection of books for children, teens and adults. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. When the church is open, the library is open. It’s FREE and everyone is welcome! Children: Five-Minute Bible Stories, by Lois Rock, illustrations by Richard Johnson. This book of short stories for ages four through eight includes 20 of the Bible’s most popular stories. They include the beginning of the world and the story of the cross.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century, by Thomas Piketty. “The rich get richer, through no fault — or virtue — of their own,” according to this sweeping study of wealth in the modern world. Economist Piketty’s thought-provoking book re-orients our understanding of economic history and confronts us with sobering lessons for today.

Goodnight Warrior: God’s Mighty Warrior Bedtime Bible Stories, Devotions and Prayers, by Sheila Walsh. The 81 stories in this book are for ages four through seven and are favorites from the International Children’s Bible. They are paired with devotions that are inspirational, positive, and express God’s love.

Mourning and Milestones: Honoring Anniversaries, Birthdays and Special Occasions After a Loved One Dies, by Kathleen Fraser. Those difficult days that most challenge abilities to deal with grief and find ways to make it through the day are the subject of this 122-page book. The goal is to help ease the burden for grievers who are searching for ways to both honor their loss and live in the present. This book is located in the Center for Spiritual Life library in the 1010 East Avenue Meditation Room.

Dear God, Exactly Who is My Neighbor? by Anne Fitzgerald. The picture book is of the Good Samaritan story from Luke 10. Teens: My Life as a Smashed Burrito, by Bill Myers. This Wally McDoogle story tells the tale of how it is important to love even your worst enemy. The eight to twelve age group will learn about life and love from this hilarious, action-packed book.

Parenting: 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life, by John Kralik. In this post-holiday season, a memoir about gratitude seems appropriate. The author decided to be grateful for what he had. He wrote 365 thank you notes and through that practice changed his negative perspective.

March: Book Two, by John Lewis, illustrated by Nate Powers. This graphic novel by Congressman John Lewis takes us behind the scenes of the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis tells of the 1963 march on Washington and the dangerous period when Freedom Riders were beaten and arrested.

My Religion, Your Religion, by Lisa Bullard. Teenager David learns how different religions worship their God, the way they pray, the practices they have, and the special times they celebrate. This 24-page book could be used in children’s religious classes or at home for learning about different religions.

Adults: H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald. Cited as a “small, instant classic of nature writing,” H is for Hawk is about how training a young goshawk helped the author through the grief over the death of her father. This book received awards from Time Magazine, NPR, and many newspapers and magazines. February 1  1 John 1:1-10 2  1 John 2:1-17 3  1 John 2:18-29 4  1 John 3:1-24 5  1 John 4:1-21 6  1 John 5:1-21 7  John 1:19-34 8  John 1:35-51 9  John 2:1-12 10  Luke 4:1-15

11 12 13 14 15

Luke 4:16-30  Luke 4:31-44  John 13:1-35  1 Corinthians 13:1-13  Colossians 3:1-17

16 17 18 19 20

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John 3:1-21 John 3:22-36 John 14:15-31 John 15:1-17 Luke 15:1-10

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

        

Luke 15:11-32 Luke 18:15-30 Luke 18:31-43 Luke 19:1-10 Leviticus 19:1-18 Deuteronomy 6:1-25 Luke 10:25-37 Psalm 36 Psalm 136

Scripture reading suggestions courtesy of the American Bible Society, www.americanbible.org.

the last word

1 by Bob Castle, Chair, Outreach Committee 2

2015 Support Leads to Lives Enriched

he Outreach Committee would like to thank the congregation for its generous support of our many important outreach ministries. In 2015, the members of Asbury First United Methodist Church responded to Jesus’s call to “Love your neighbor as yourself” by giving their time, talent and treasures.

nail was an exciting adventure for the future home owners. By afternoon, it was time to joyfully raise the first wall and celebrate together. • At Project Chacocente in Nicaragua, 13 sixth graders and eight high school students celebrated their graduations in caps and gowns provided by Asbury First. This is a significant accomplishment in a region where less than sixty percent of the children reach the sixth grade. The Chacocente Christian School offers children hope and opportunity.

What is the best way to capture the generosity of our congregation? A financial ledger listing contributions from outreach fundraising, an inventory of donated items for the Storehouse and Grocery Bag Ministries, or a computation of the volunteer hours contributed by the congregation could capture some of the generosity to outreach ministries. But perhaps a more meaningful way to appreciate the value of the congregation’s assistance is through stories of the lives which were touched by your kindness. • On Christmas, 130 guests gathered at the Dining and Caring Center (DCC) for hospitality, a roast beef dinner, and Christmas gifts. As Michele Cooley, director of the DCC, noted, “Christmas is about family. For our guests, this is their family.” Christmas at the Dining and Caring Center was a community effort. Members of Temple Beth El served the meal, the Convention Center provided the roasts, and Asbury First donated gift bags and

Top, the graduates of Chacocente Christian School have a brighter future because of the support of Asbury First, bottom, Asbury First members are working on the Harvest House project for Habitat for Humanity. family presents. It was a joyous “family” occasion.

• On a chilly November day, a future Habitat for Humanity homeowner, her seventyfive year old mother, and her teenage daughter worked alongside Asbury First volunteers at the site of Harvest House, the Habitat House sponsored by Asbury First and other churches in the community. They were building “sweat equity” towards owning a Habitat home. The day’s project was building the framing for the walls. Driving each 16 penny

• In a small resource room at School 41, a very bright but severely autistic child sat quietly by himself. Other children came up to read to the Asbury First volunteer and her therapy dog. In the past this child never participated. This morning, though, with patient encouragement from the volunteer, he began reading knock-knock jokes to the therapy dog. 15

• At the West Avenue Teen Café, an excited young man celebrated his high school graduation and admission to Alfred University. He has come to the teen café every Friday evening for years to enjoy a meal and fellowship. He is a city school district student who has beaten the odds. Quietly, he walked over to a long time Asbury First volunteer and whispers, “you have made a difference.” These are just a few of the stories that were made possible through your generosity. Every day, Asbury First is called to “Share with God’s people who are in need and to practice hospitality” (Roman’s 12:13). Our congregation is fulfilling that call with humility and grace. Thank you for your kind generosity, – The Outreach Committee

PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested

Yoga for Two and Chocolate Tasting F r i d a y, F e b r uar y 12 • 6: 00-8: 00 p. m. $ 1 0 /p e r s o n • Fr ee chi l dcar e avai l abl e As bu r y F i r s t U n i t e d Met hodi st C hurch • Ga t heri ng C ent er

k k k Join us for a fun pre-Valentine’s-Day evening of partnering yoga and chocolate tasting at Asbury

First. We’ll feature easy moves that anyone can do, regardless of ability. All types of partners are welcome – just grab someone and join us! Or, if you prefer, we can match you up with another chocolate- and yoga-loving

person for the evening. Following this gentle workout, you and your partner can sample some sweet treats

at a chocolate tasting. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and prepare to connect with your partner in a novel and engaging way. New this year: bring your kids! We’ll also have free child-friendly yoga with Lindsey Mease from LooLoo’s Little Yogis. Childcare will also be available at no cost. Spaces are limited, so RSVP to mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. k