TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter July 2015 • Vol. XLIX No. 6 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Sensible Shoes, 4 34 Years, 6 Tent Week, 8 Graduating Seniors, 10
34 Years of Compassionate Ministry: Senior Minister, The Rev. Susan S. Shafer, Retires
Spiritual Journey, 11 Space Task Force, 12 Vacation Bible School, 13
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. XLIX No. 6 (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.
Five Ways to Worship at Asbury First
Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
(Our Summer Schedule is now in effect)
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to
Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary
Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Chancel Worship with Holy Communion
Staff
The Rev. Susan Shafer The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II
David Strong Dr. William Weinert Paula Dugan Jessica Burdick-Giordano Mike Mullin Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Ken Carr Michele Cooley Mary Van Keuren Duane Prill Bozena Granat Carol Lamica Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Director of Music Children’s Ministry Director Children’s Ministry Assistant Director of Youth Ministries Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Property Care Manager Dining & Caring Center Director Communications Director Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Youth Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater
Emeriti Staff Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus *deceased
8:30 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 10:00 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.
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Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.
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Cover: The Rev. Susan Shafer, in a moment very characteristic of her years of ministry at Asbury First, reaching out to a member during a service. Photo by Greg Francis.
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050. Deadline for next issue: Friday, August 14
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A Moment of Gratitude A Pastoral Reflection
As I sit down to write what will be my last pastoral reflection as the senior minister at Asbury First, I can count on one hand the days that are left; I will never be able to count the memories of sacred interactions and privileges I take with me, as there are far too many to even try to count. I said recently that saying good bye is not an easy task for me … good byes are always very difficult … however, I easily and readily (and forever) will say “thank you” with deep appreciation and a true sense of God’s hand and presence in the life of Asbury First as I have known it as pastor and leader, and been a part of its unfolding and faithfulness. What an amazing and inspiring spiritual journey you
have given me and shared with me. That simple refrain of God’s goodness rings in my heart as I write to you: “God is good all the time” … “All the time God is good.” We have sung in praise together … we have prayed together … we have listened for God’s leading of us, together … we have cried together … and oh, how we have celebrated together. I thank you for all your faithfulness, your trust, your care, and the gift of your-selves so beautifully given.
to think about the future of Asbury First. My face lights up with a smile as I say this. Your hearts, your lives, and your faith will be guided by a God-inspired, God-guided new leader and senior minister in the gift of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II. Stephen is a born leader whose life and ministry are truly tethered to the Spirit of God and to enacting faithfully the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He has shown his gifts to us already in preaching, in leading, and in pastoral ministry. We are blessed by his shared gifts, and the future of this amazing people of God is now placed into the heart and mind and soul of one who can be entrusted with your hearts and souls. We are blessed by his loving partnership with his talented, compassionate and beautiful gift, his dear Emily, and those precious children of
Some of you know that one of Dag Hammarskjöld’s quotes is a favorite of mine and it comes to my mind in this writing and in these days: “For all that has been – Thanks! To all that shall be – Yes!” There is so much for which my heart is thank-full … and there is so much to which I now say: “Yes!” It is truly exciting
God with the names of Ellie, Charlie, and Hannah. They will bring their unrepeatable God-given spirits to enhance this church and its faithfulness. Stephen inherits a church staff of “ministers” in their own right who support and enhance us all. I think now of the new staff to join the church staff on July 1 and I say with such excitement and thanksgiving … you are truly blessed to have Katie O’Hern and Kathy Thiel joining the staff as ministers among you all. So, it is not “good bye,” just thank you with love and care for you all. May the Light of Christ surround you … the power of Christ uphold you … the love of Christ enfold you. Remember … wherever we are … God is. Thanks be to God!
Susan
AFUMC news Reception Desk Volunteer Luncheon
coming presence for all those who visit our campus. Those
On Friday, May 15, a luncheon was held in the Gathering
who currently serve at the desk were thrilled that some of
Space to honor reception desk volunteers past and present.
those who served before were in attendance and honored
The reception desk 1050 East Avenue, where the church
for their many years of service. There has been a volunteer
offices are located, is often the first stop for those visiting
receptionist at the desk for at least 40 years! Several of those
Asbury First, and the volunteers provide a warm and wel-
who served held their position for 20 or 30 of those years. Those currently working enjoyed meeting other volunteers whom they may not have met due to varying schedules. – Jeanne Ristau, Volunteer Coordinator. Task Force to Review Outreach at AFUMC Asbury First has launched an Outreach Task Force to look at our efforts to deal with poverty here and abroad. The hope is that this task force will draft a mission statement and plan
A few of the honorees at the receptionist’s luncheon (l to r): Joyce Clements, Joanne McMillion, Sandy White, Bernie Meyer, Joyce Rotach, and Ann Englehardt. Photo by Donna Schwendy.
for going forward with this important work in whatever Continued on page 11.
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on holy ground Created by the Center for Spiritual Life, On Holy Ground highlights opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.
“Where’s the Beef?”
Sensible Shoes, as a “beefy” story with plenty of heft, is about unloading baggage via a spiritual journey. To be human is to have baggage, and to have lived over the years is to have accumulated excess baggage. (No exceptions!) This book is a must-read for all who desire to travel light and divest themselves of the things that weigh down and prevent freedom to enjoy God’s gift of life, and freedom to live with others in the playground of the Divine. It is a must read for those who wish to discover the gift of their own selves and learn how one makes peace with the flaws within and life’s regrettable detours without. Garlough Brown helps the readers accomplish “Spiritual Reformation” through a seven-phase, accessible spiritual discipline:
By Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson Many years ago an elderly woman with a gravelly voice achieved her few moments of fame in the media sun by asking the question “where’s the beef?” Thus went the script for a well-known fast food restaurant chain, the implication being that hamburgers from competitor fast food chains used filler instead of 100 percent beef. One might well ask the same question regarding Sensible Shoes, a novel by Sharon Garlough Brown. In this context the question “where’s the beef ” refers to the male presence within this novel. In a recent discussion with a beloved female relative, I shared that the title Sensible Shoes seems to locate the focus of the book within the feminine domain. Her response was “men always wear sensible shoes.” For me, the juxtaposition of the shoe thing, along with the book cover, a picture of four women with hands joined, and the all-toofrequent portrayal of this work as a woman’s story, evokes the beef question regarding its relevance for a male audience. But I did read the book and a wonderful journey it was! And yes! I discovered that the beef is there and not submerged. The readers of Sensible Shoes are privileged to journey with Hannah, a pastor; Meg, a widow and empty nester; Mara, who has yet to discover her own inner richness and resources; and Charissa, a graduate student. Each of these women are agonists in the story, meaning that they’re located in a force field of swirling tensions. But a major literary device used by Garlough Brown is to locate male characters as protagonist within each of the women’s stories. Thus the reader meets Rev. Steve Hernandez, Jim Crane, Dr. Nathan Allen, John Sinclair, Pastor Dave, Jeremy, and other males. Each of these men has a valiant and significant presence in the unfolding development of the female characters. But in the complexity of the narrative, the male characters sometimes shift from protagonist to antagonist, as do some of the main and incidental female characters within the story. This makes for good reading.
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A journey of prayer, to recognize and release burdens and cares.
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Becoming malleable by reading and praying scripture.
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Turning around and facing self so that the self might speak regarding personal strengths and weaknesses, thus establishing a path leading to identification of one’s own baggage, its location and its contents.
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Praying within the context of one’s personal life’s journey, seeking to answer queries regarding where have we come from and where are we going?
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Achieving intimacy with God via learning to pray with imagination, by inserting oneself into biblical narratives as a threshold for encountering God, and allowing the Spirit of God to draw one closer to Jesus.
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Self-examination and confession as sacred actions leading to divesture of excess baggage.
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Creating circadian structures with rhythms and rituals that keeps one spiritually healthy and connected to God’s guidance.
Labyrinth Wednesdays, July 8 & August 12 5:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for this reflective peaceful practice designed to help you reconnect with God and your spiritual self.
The reader’s entrance into the drama of the story is an easy one, because one can identify with its characters. As I read the book, it was as if I were watching myself and reading about my own coping behaviors. Another hallmark of a good book! Perhaps the connotation of the “beef ” issue needs to be retranslated here from that of the male presence in the story, to whether or not one is able to see one’s self in the story. 4
WORSHIP worship schedule
Sunday Service Times 8:30 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship. Sunday june 28 Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Rev. Susan Shafer, Preacher (note: there will only be one service, at 10:00 a.m.; it is Rev. Shafer’s last service before her retirement) Sunday July 5 Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Genesis 28:10-22 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher Sunday July 12 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Rachel Stuart (8:30), Kathy Thiel (10:00), preachers Sunday July 19 Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Mark 6:30-44 Rachel Stuart (8:30), Katie O’Hern (10:00), preachers
Our Living Births & Baptisms
Sunday July 26 Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Rev. David Lubba, preacher
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Addison Jane Vernan daughter of Josh and Jessica Vernan, born on January 23, 2015. Addison is the granddaughter of Fred and Sharon Parker and the great-granddaughter of Jane Pauly.
Sunday August 2 Tenth Sunday After Pentecost Matthew 28:16-20 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher
Hannah Nutter, and her children Benjamin Conrad Nutter, Anne Fonda Winifred Nutter, James John Nutter baptized on May 17.
Sunday August 9 Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost Katie O’Hern, preacher Sunday August 16 Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost John 6:51-58 Kathy Thiel, preacher
Caitlyn Blair Kirivong daughter of Rotthachack and Christina Kirivong, baptized on May 23, 2015. Caitlyn is the granddaughter of Dave and Bonnie Kay.
Sunday August 23 Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost Dr. Mark Brummitt, preacher
Charles Ralph Castle son of Jeffrey and Stephanie Castle, baptized on May 24, 2015. Charles is the grandson of Bob and Barb Castle.
Sunday August 30 Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost James 1:17-27 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher
Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to Your never-failing care and love.
in Community We offer our prayers and sympathy to Betsy Christiansen on the death of her father Paul Guerrein on May 20, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Dave Kennedy and family on the death of Dave’s mother Hilary Kennedy on May 18 in Coatsville, PA. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Donald Bowman who died on March 7, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of John Dexter Gillespie who died on May 20, 2015 in Overland Park, Kansas. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Donald Kennedy who died on May 20, 2015. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Garnet Barkus who died on June 3, 2015 in Alpharetta, Georgia.
It’s Time for the Asbury First Annual
Basement Sale Thursday, July 30, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. We are looking for donations of jewelry, antiques and collectables, linens, toys/small electronics/games, furniture, furs and vintage clothing, etc. Donations can be delivered to the 7th and 8th grade room (Campfire Room) across from Wesley Hall in the basement of the church building. Thank you for your help! For more information, contact Elizabeth Church at (585) 461-9802 or emchurch418@gmail.com. 5
Thirty Four Years of Compassionate Ministry As the Rev. Susan Shafer Retires, We Remember her Blessings Over the Years
Two generations of leadership at Asbury First: incoming senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, enters the Sanctuary at the beginning of service with the Rev. Susan S. Shafer, who steps down as senior minister on July 1 to begin retirement.
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then marry those children and watch as they, in turn, bring their own children to church. I get the sacred experience of the expansion of life.”
n a faith tradition that values itinerancy, it is rare to find a minister who can lay claim to 34 years of soul-deep knowledge of one single church. But Asbury First, which has been blessed in many ways over its nearly two-hundred-year history, has also been blessed by the presence of the Rev. Susan S. Shafer for well more than three decades.
Susan has always brought an abundance of life to her ministry, and now, as she begins her retirement on July 1, we celebrate and honor all that she has meant to Asbury First and to the greater Rochester community.
It would be impossible to count the number of times that Susan has risen in the middle of the night to be with an Asbury First member to pray with them before an early-morning surgery, or to sit by the bedside of a dying family member. Hundreds – maybe thousands – of couples can attest to the fact that Susan’s heartfelt sermon at their wedding gave them food for thought and an increased understanding of their commitment to each other. A similar number of parents will tell you how gently Susan held their child during the little one’s baptism.
Undoubtedly, the members and staff of Asbury First will miss Susan deeply, but in keeping with Susan’s own joy at the journey of faith we all take, we welcome new senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady, II who will ably and compassionately lead Asbury First into a bright and vibrant future. “What Susan has done for us is exactly what she has done for everyone who has ever met her. Her warmth, charm, and enthusiasm are contagious. She is your long-time friend moments after you meet her. And she is your life-long friend thereafter.”
In short, Susan’s model of membership care brought a continuity of compassion to Asbury First since her arrival a generation ago, and her years here have allowed her to grow in understanding of the needs of her beloved congregation. “That’s what’s so amazing to me,” she said recently. “To welcome a new family to our faith community; to baptize their children, and
–CATHY RYAN AND FRED ATEN
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THE NEXT SIX MONTHS
“I was so appreciative of Susan’s going the extra mile to be there at that “ungodly” hour [before surgery] and thankful for her kind and reassuring words and prayer. It occurred to me that she probably did this all the time, getting up early and staying up late to minister to our congregation (unbeknownst to many of us and totally behind the scenes). Susan is a very special person.”
A message from the Staff Parish Relations Committee We are in the midst of some transition. On June 28, we celebrated the prolific and grace-filled ministry of the Rev. Susan Shafer and on July 1, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II is set to become our next senior minister. Katie O’Hern and Kathy Thiel will be joining the pastoral staff at that time as well, and we are very excited about our new team! In order to ensure a smooth transition for all involved, the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) has been asked to inform you of a conference policy by which we are all expected and plan to abide.
–HAL CARTER
“ ... when you asked me to assist with a communion service, I was absolutely stunned. I did agree, and I participated on several different occasions. It was a tremendous experience and a turning point in my life. It reconnected me with my own faith and gave me a solid sense that I really had the competence to carry forward in a pastoral and ministerial capacity if I felt called to do so. I want you to know how much this meant to me ...”
When the SPRC met with Bishop Mark Webb last fall to discuss the upcoming retirement of the Rev. Susan Shafer and the naming of her successor, Bishop Webb advised us that Susan would not be permitted to have any pastoral contact with Asbury First for at least six months after her retirement. This is the conference policy. Furthermore, beginning July 1, the retiring minister can only provide pastoral services at the invitation of the current senior minister. The purpose of the policy is to support the ministry of the current pastoral staff and to honor the retiring minister by allowing her time for vocational reinvestment.
–LEE AND PAM KOON
“She is our minister, counsel, and most importantly, our friend. We wish the very best to her and her family, in this next important stage of her life. She always gave her best and it’s appreciated, so much.”
What does this mean for Asbury First? It means that things will be a little different from now on. In the short term, it means that Susan will not be attending our worship services or public events for at least the next six months. In the long term, it means that it will be up to Stephen to invite Susan to participate in any pastoral capacity within the life of Asbury First. Susan and Stephen have both been made aware of this policy and have agreed to abide by it faithfully. Fortunately, their great working relationship has left the SPRC with no fear that they will be able to accomplish this with characteristic grace. We would ask that the congregation assist in this transition by honoring this policy as well.
– JIM AND CHRIS SPRAGUE
“Susan was my angel when my husband had a long illness. Because of the emotional and spiritual strength she gave me every step of the way.” –Ann Morris
It ’ s No t Too Late to H o n o r Sus an Wi th a Gift
Please don’t hesitate to contact Peter Abdella (pabdella@hselaw. com) or any member of the SPRC with questions. Thank you in advance for your help.
The Rev. Susan S. Shafer has impacted thousands of lives in her 34 years of ministry at Asbury First United Methodist Church. Her extraordinary gifts for pastoral care have brought comfort, strength, and a powerful sense of Christ’s presence to both members of Asbury First and countless individuals in the greater Rochester community. Now, as she begins her retirement, we honor her ministry by ensuring that her legacy of care will live on at Asbury First through an endowed pastoral care position in her name – and it’s not too late for you to participate.To donate or make a pledge to this fund, go to our website at www.asburyfirst.org and click on the link on top of the home page. Thank you for your support of this vital ministry.
“You certainly have been a lighthouse for the Eckman family through life’s storms. What I will always remember most about your ministry is how you taught me to look for the ‘Holy’ in each moment. Knowing God is with me in my joy and my sorrow brings me peace. “ –ASHLEY ECKMAN
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Tent Week Presented by Asbury First umc
Friday: Lawn Games, Pickleball & Feats of Strength Saturday: Park Ave. Festival & Basement Sale Sunday: Tent Week Service Monday: The Brainery Spectacular Tuesday: Beatles Community Jam Wednesday: Interfaith Festival s k c u Thursday: Family Circus od tr
Fo ht ! g i n y ever k2015 e e #tentw
Friday: TEDx Flour City Salon
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w. a s b u r y f i r s t . o r g
A Season of Art
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rtSparks had a great time this year! Starting in September, we created beautiful works of fabric art in two styles of creative sewing, stupendous stitching and stitch and slash. There was also an acrylic painting class that produced wonderful still-life paintings. It was great to see styles developing as the class progressed! In January, we began new classes, including Fiber Fusion, that produced whimsical fabric creations. The students were amazed at what they could create with some unusual fiber techniques. Many created book covers that became gifts for friends and loved ones. Others framed their work. In the second January class, students learned felting techniques. We created needle-felted pictures and wetfelted vessels. It was challenging but rewarding.
own paint from my own project! Not a student’s paint! Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity!”
In April, we began two new classes. In one class we used the stitch and slash sewing method to make arty pillows. In the other we continued with wet felting techniques. We made soft felted scarves in the nuno and cobweb techniques. You will see many of these at the church craft sale in the fall.
We’ve ended our official classes for the summer but many did not want to stop, so I am having open studio time on Mondays throughout the summer. Several have expressed a desire to come to the studio and work on projects. I will also be offering a morning workshop on cobweb felting this summer. New classes will begin again in September. Watch The Visitor newsletter and the bulletin for more information about summer and fall opportunities. And remember – I welcome anyone regardless of experience into the classes. It is the process not the product, that is important. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to uncover your creative self!
The ArtSparks program is growing! There were returning and new students in each class. It is amazing and satisfying to observe the wildly creative energy that zings around the studio in each class. No matter how insecure a student may be at first, by the second or third class, the creativity has taken over. A recently retired grade school teacher came to me after one class, her damp hands held up in front of her, and told me, “I just washed paint off my hands! My
Top, Sandra Holloway working on a piece during the Fabric Fusion class; bottom, Deb Bullock-Smith prepares a felted scarf.
Storehouse Celebrates 50 years With the Making of a Quilt In celebration of 50 years of service, the Storehouse board has commissioned the making of a quilt. The quilt will have squares forming the shape of a cross with a fabric border depicting clothes on a clothesline. There is an opportunity for you to purchase a square on which you can have your name or the name of a loved one embroidered on the quilt. The minimum donation for an embroidered name is $50. All donations are welcomed, and may be made through October 1, 2015. The unveiling of the quilt will be during the Storehouse annual volunteer recognition in November. Having your name, or that of a loved one, embroidered on the quilt will honor the Storehouse and its mission. Thank you. Name of donor:________________________________________________________________________________________ Name for embroidery: (Please print)_______________________________________________________________________ (Names can be up to 24 letters) Contact information of donor: Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ (day time) (evening) Please return this form (on or before October 1, 2015) with your donation to: Asbury First United Methodist Church / 1050 East Avenue / Rochester, New York 14617 / Attn: Storehouse Quilt 9
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youth ministry news
he sounds of Pomp and Circumstance have been ringing out at high schools across the land this month as another class of bright, enthusiastic young people graduate and head off for fresh challenges. Here, we salute our Asbury First seniors, and wish them well with all their future endeavors. We’re proud of you all! Mitch Chan San Pedro Valley Academy in Tucson, Arizona. Will attend Pima Community College in Tucson. Eagle candidate with the Boy Scouts of America.
Emily Hanrahan Penfield High School. Will attend SUNY Geneseo. Outstanding English student commendation; Regents diploma with advanced designation.
Connor Robert Czora Webster Thomas High School. Will attend Maryland Institute College of Art. Graduating summa cum laude, and has received honors for academic excellence, art and music. AP Scholar with Honor; National Honor Society.
Molly Anne Dugan Fairport High School. Will attend MCC to pursue a career in the medical field.
Andrew Mack Webster Thomas High School. Will attend MCC and is in the 2 by 2 program with SUNY Geneseo for Economics.
Alexander M. Mizzoni Pittsford Sutherland High School. Will attend RIT in the fall majoring in management information systems.
Allie Lamica Rush Henrietta Sperry Senior High School. Will attend MCC, then transfer to SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry with a dual major in aquatic and fishery sciences. Member of Bel Canto; Member of Tri-M and German Honor society. Ian Faughnan Hutter Brighton High School. Will attend Pace University in Manhattan, studying acting for film, television, commercial and voiceover. Awarded Excellence in Theater Award.
Amber Conrow Webster Schroeder High School. Will attend Alfred University, majoring in art and design.
Grant Joseph Pearce Eastridge High School. Will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering. Isaac Paul Berg Brighton High School. Will attend Mercyhurst University.
Josie Abdella The Aquinas Institute. Will attend the University of Connecticut.
Steven Tracy Penfield High School Will attend LeMoyne College as a psychology major pre med, with plans to be a forensic psychiatrist. Winner of 2015 Young Citizen of the Year of Monroe County Award. Michael Lovejoy Allendale Columbia High School. Will attend Ithaca College to study anthropology. Eagle Scout. 10
Philip Bruce Slattery School of the Arts. Will attend SUNY Fredonia for liberal arts and sound recording technology, with a two-year diploma from Eastman Community Music School. Student Leadership Congress at the Rochester City School District; a part of the Close Up Foundation.
• A spiritual journey to Greece, Turkey & Venice • by Janda Hemming Ed. Note: Recently, a group of intrepid Asbury First travelers, led by senior minister, the Rev. Susan S. Shafer, traced the journeys of the apostle Paul on a 12-day trip through many of the areas where Paul traveled. Janda Hemming was part of the trip, and wrote up this report for The Visitor. Our group of 18 people from Asbury First, led by Susan Shafer, set out on a spiritual adventure to follow the apostle Paul’s journey, done so many years ago, via Holland American Cruise Line. We began with prayer and received a devotional packet filled with prayers and meditations to read and reflect on along the way. Once on the trip, we journeyed to some ports of call as a group; other ports we explored individually or in small groups. Our journey on land and sea was amazing. Here are just a few of the highlights: At Olympia, we experienced the ruins of the very first Olympics. In Athens, we climbed the ruins of the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus, learning as we did of the Greek Gods. In Istanbul, we cruised the Bosphorus Strait dividing Europe
listening to a pianist playing our requests during the evening. We experienced fellowship with our tour group, and enjoyed invitations to dine together or take a side tour together. We watched out for each other along the way and made sure no one was left behind on our “Olympics” day. We met other people from other countries taking their own journeys: The World War The Asbury First group in the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, II veterans on a tour, the room now part of modern-day Turkey. The city was an important center for early attendant working to support his Christianity; Paul lived there for some time and later wrote the Epistle to the siblings and parents in Bali, the Ephesians from prison in Rome. 89 year old woman going to Andorra one last time to honor her and Asia, experienced beautiful for women. In Santorini, we saw deceased partner, the gentleman mosques and churches, and the the beauty of the white buildfrom Oregon who was encourGrand Bazaar. That day, due to ings with blue roofs in the town aged by his daughter to take this an important official visiting the of Oia. At Argostoli, there was journey despite having lost his region, which delayed our tour beautiful terrain, mountains, and wife. Everyone has a journey to bus, our group was forced to recrystal blue water. And, finally, take: our group, the people who enact the Olympics as we ran to in Venice, we were overwhelmed work the ship, our tour guides, catch the ship. We really moved by the beauty of St. Mark’s each person we met along the and made it as they were rolling Square and the synagogues of way. I believe that God was with up the carpet paths and closing San Girolamo. Towards the end us through our journey; through the doors … whew! In Ephesus, of our trip, as a group we prayed, the people, worship places, and we saw the amazing ruins where took communion, and reflected in nature. My father once stated the apostle Paul stood, and individually on our trip. that God shows God’s presence prayed at the house of the Mary, On the ship we experienced fabuthrough the beauty of nature. We where people of many faiths lous Greek, Turkish, and Italian saw God in each other, and in come on pilgrimages. We also food, excellent customer service, the mountains, seas, and landlearned about the art of carpet and a variety of entertainment scapes of these fine lands. weaving, which creates vital jobs options. Many of us spent time
AFUMC News, continued from page 3.
venue it happens. Further, we hope to broaden our efforts
will help us. The task force is led by Asbury members Diana
beyond serving immediate needs by trying to make an
Carter and Larry Gage, with guidance from Rev. Stephen M.
impact on the systemic problems causing hunger, lack of
Cady. Several members of the Outreach Committee are, of
capital, and isolation from basic human services.
course, also on the task force, which is expected to exist for about six months. If you have ideas to share or would like to
How we will reach those goals is to be determined, but
join us, please contact Larry (lgage2@icloud.com) or Diana
starting at the end of June, Rev. Beth Quick, an expert in sys-
(DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com) or Stephen (scady@asbury-
temic change of churches’ charitable and social justice work,
first.org). 11
Report from the Ministry & Space Task Force
I
n the fall, Asbury First will hold a church conference to review what we have learned during the three years that the Ministry & Space Task Force has been studying how we use our campus. At this meeting you will have an opportunity to vote on whether or not to proceed to the next step of hiring an architect to develop detailed plans and costs. The vote will NOT authorize actual building or a capital campaign. The congregation will have another opportunity at a later date to review the final plans and costs in detail, and there will be another vote at that time to authorize any building and capital campaign.
2. Renovation of the third floor of 1050. 3. Addressing ministry needs through building a multipurpose Outreach Center on campus. a. This will address the growth of our ministries as well as the inadequacy of their current spaces, as well as fire and safety codes. b. The Center would house all outreach ministries including Storehouse, Dining & Caring Center, UR Well clinic, and others. 4. Long term lease or sale of 1010 East Ave. (the red brick building west of the church).
During the fall of 2014, we held three town-hall meetings. The Ministry & Space Task Force put the following recommendations before us:
5. Additional maintenance and space needs as we are financially able. Highlights include:
1. Completion of required major maintenance on 1050 (the gray stone building east of the church) and 1040 East Ave (the church building). Highlights include:
a. Partial A/C in sanctuary b. Columbarium c. Consolidated music space
a. Adding an elevator in 1050 East Ave.
d. Many others
b. Building an accessible bathroom in 1050.
These recommendations will be presented in greater detail during the church conference in September. The Task Force continues to listen. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact Chuck Hanrahan, chair of the Ministry & Space Task Force, at chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com or (585) 383-8794.
c. HVAC replacement and electrical upgrades in 1040. d. Exterior and interior maintenance on both buildings. e. Updating Fellowship Hall kitchen. f. Many additional maintenance and facilities upgrade needs. June 28 Isaiah 65:17-25 29 Jeremiah 30:1-24 30 Lamentations 3:1-58 July 1 Genesis 6:1-22 2 Genesis 7:1-24 3 Genesis 8:1-22 4 Genesis 9:1-29 5 Genesis 10:1-32 6 Genesis 11:1-32 7 Genesis 12:1-20 8 Genesis 13:1-18 9 Genesis 14:1-24 10 Genesis 15:1-21 11 Genesis 16:1-16 12 Genesis 17:1-27 13 Genesis 18:1-33 14 Genesis 21:1-21 15 Genesis 22:1-19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Genesis 37:1-36 Genesis 39:1-23 Genesis 40:1-23 Genesis 41:1-57 Genesis 42:1-38 Genesis 43:1-34 Genesis 44:1-34 Genesis 45:1-28 Genesis 46:1-34 Genesis 47:1-31 Genesis 48:1-22 Genesis 49:29-50:26 Ruth 1:1-22 Ruth 2:1-23
30 Ruth 3:1-18 31 Ruth 4:1-22 August 1 Exodus 1:1-22 2 Exodus 2:1-25 3 Exodus 3:1-22 4 Exodus 4:1-31 5 Exodus 5:1-6:1 6 Exodus 6:2-27 7 Exodus 6:28-7:13 8 Exodus 11:1-10 9 Exodus 12:1-28 10 Exodus 12:29-51 11 Exodus 13:1-22 12
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Exodus 14:1-31 Exodus 15:1-27 Exodus 16:1-36 Exodus 19:1-25 Exodus 20:1-21 Exodus 33:1-23 Exodus 34:1-35 Leviticus 19:1-18 Numbers 9:1-23 Deuteronomy 31:1-29 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Joshua 1:1-18 Joshua 2:1-24 Joshua 3:1-17 Joshua 4:1-24 Judges 4:1-24 Judges 5:1-31 Deuteronomy 7:1-26 Deuteronomy 8:1-20 Deuteronomy 11:1-32
Vacation Bible School Come One, Come All to our “Under the Big Top” VBS on August 3-6 from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $15.00 per child, with a maximum of $40.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church. Child’s Name
Age
Allergies
T-Shirt Size
Parent/Guardian information Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________ Cell_________________________Email____________________________ Best number to be reached during VBS hours________________________________________________________
Medical information Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of:____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact ___________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to child(ren) ______________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Cell____________________________________________ Medical Insurance Company ____________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church 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):____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer information Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)? Registration Music Student guide Games Bible Stories Crafts Snack Nursery Caregiver Do you have any children under four that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
On Thursday evening, August 6, we’ll celebrate the end of a great week with dinner at Asbury First’s Big Top tent. Questions? Contact Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org. 13
library news What are Asbury First folks reading? Look below and check out the selections read by various groups over the past year. If you’ve read all the books suggested in our library news since last summer, you will have read 115 selections (plus the below 12 books). If you have missed reading any of these books, come take a look at them in the library. The library remains open all summer for your use. Check it out! Books read by the Diversity Book Club The Devil’s Highway, by Luis Alberto Urrea. In this gripping book, American Book Award winner Luis Alberto Urrea tells the story of the deadly trek, the hapless immigrants, and the Border Patrol units who hunt them. A 272-page national bestseller, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, a “book of the year” in multiple newspapers, and a work proclaimed as a modern American classic.
Bell’s book enables readers to think about that most essential relationship with God in new, uplifting ways. How Did I get to be 70 when I’m 35 Inside? Spiritual Surprises of Later Life, by Linda Douty. Spiritual director Douty interviewed more than 50 elders, ages 70 through 99, to come up with this book about ways old people have plowed through pain—the physical inseparable from the spiritual—toward “winnowed wisdom,” paying homage to the holy in everything, to leave a legacy of true love in something.
Interpreter of Maladies, by Jumpha Lahiri. This Pulitzer prizewinner contains Lahiri’s elegant, touching stories of love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. This 208-page book was also the winner of the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award.
Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor. This book is 208 pages, with Taylor as our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find God even in darkness, and giving us a way to let darkness teach us what we need to know.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, by Anne Fadiman. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Current Interest, and the Salon Book Award, this 368-page moving chronicle of a very sick girl, her refugee parents, and the doctors who struggled desperately to treat her is a cautionary study of the limits of Western medicine and a parable for the modern immigrant experience.
Hidden Women of the Gospels, by Kathy Coffey. In these 180 pages, we take a look at some behind-the-scenes characters from the Gospels. Men’s 2015 Retreat Book 52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life, by Bob Welch. In this book, you’ll be reminded that life’s most important work is often the work we never planned to do, and that God can use the most unlikely among us to get the job done. Frank Capra’s 1939 film It’s a Wonderful Life inspires millions of us every holiday season, but the deepest lessons of this Jimmy Stewart film deserve our contemplation at any time of year. This 224-page book does that in 52 memorable lessons about all of its hidden wisdom.
Rez Life, by David Treuer. This 352-page book blends journalism, history, and memoir to provide both anecdotes of present-day reservation life and history. Book recommended in various Asbury sermons Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman. In this classic theological treatise, the acclaimed theologian and religious leader Howard Thurman (1900-1981) demonstrates how the gospel may be read as a manual of resistance for the poor and disenfranchised. It is considered a masterful interpretation of how God works in our lives.
Author speaking at Asbury and WOW book selection for September 2015 Sensible Shoes: A Story about the Spiritual Journey, by Susan Garlough Brown. In this 349-page book, Sharon Garlough Brown tells the moving story of four strangers as they embark together on a journey of spiritual formation. Author Brown will speak at Asbury First on Saturday, September 19. She is a pastor, spiritual director, retreat leader and author. Readers will be taken into a new understanding of key spiritual practices and find tangible support for a deeper life with God.
Books read by Women on Wednesday (WOW) group Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers, by Michael G. Long. Long demonstrates in these 176 inspirational pages that Fred Rogers is a hero because he was a seemingly ordinary man with convictions of peace who sought to use his television program to help children (and adults) experience the love of God. (“I love you just the way you are.”) What We Talk About When We Talk About God, by Rob Bell. 226 pages of a refreshing retake on obsolete notions about our Creator. 14
the last word 1 by Ida Hickman 2
Asbury UR Well Clinic: An Update
her to the door when she was leaving. She said, “I am not crying because I’m sad. I’m
Asbury UR Well Clinic provided health-
just so happy.”
care to 105 uninsured patients in and around the Rochester area during the
The Asbury First UR Well Clinic staff
first quarter of this year. On February 28,
and committee want to thank Helen
2015, we celebrated our Fourth Annual
Schmidt for giving a memorial gift in
Staff Luncheon where we congratulate
memory of her parents, Carolyn and
the people who cared for those patients,
Howard Schmidt, of an ophthalmoscope/
the graduating fourth year students who
otoscope, instruments that allow us to
have served in the clinic. There were four
examine eyes and ears. We would also like
graduating students this year and each was
to thank Dale Morton for his memorial
awarded their first pick for residency, the
gift in memory of his wife, Pat Morton, of
next step in their academic journeys.
a portable blood pressure machine, a scale, an oximeter (which measures hemoglo-
There are others, as well, for whom we are
bin in the blood), and two blood pressure
grateful. Laurie Adjivon, for example, an
cuffs. With this additional equipment and
insurance navigator who volunteers at the
our recent purchase of a microscope, we
clinic, has assisted many of our patients
will be able to improve the services we pro-
with obtaining insurance coverage through
vide to give the best health care possible to
the New York State Health Exchange. One patient told me: “It is great to be able to come to get health care and also get health insurance at the same time. Everyone is so kind to us, and we even get something to eat and drink. You all are good people. God bless you all.” I will share this message a patient wrote on Asbury First’s Facebook page:
patients at the clinic. Top, a patient has their blood pressure checked by a medical student at the UR Well Clinic; bottom, Dale Morton and his daughter along with some of the equipment purchased through Dale’s gift in memory of his wife, Pat. sure, being wonderful young human beings, you will make fine doctors in whatever field of medicine you have set your
“I’d like to thank each and every person
minds to. Also, thanks to Dr. Dave Holub,
whom I met yesterday at Asbury First,
their advisor. Last but not least, I’d like to
who attended to me from the time I en-
thank Laurie Adjivon for her assistance in
tered the front door until I received health
obtaining health insurance in less than two
care. Unfortunately, I did not get all the
minutes. She’s definitely an angel. Asbury
names but everyone knows who they are
First and the people associated with it are
and you all will remain a beautiful memory
just wonderful to me. I have a special place
in my mind. Specifically, I would like to
in my heart for the church members I have
thank the pre-med students, Howard Lan-
met.” –Louise
ney, Hannah Smith, and Kelly Makino, for
This patient was so happy she could not
the attention and care they provided. I’m
stop crying and hugged all of us. I walked 15
On Sunday, May 24, we held an open house at the clinic. 48 guests stopped by and visited the clinic to look at our new equipment, get their blood pressure checked, and ask questions. We can’t thank you enough for taking the time to stop in and say hello. I would like to thank the Asbury UR Well Clinic staff and committee, the Rev. Susan S. Shafer, and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II for helping to make the open house a success. We are grateful and appreciative of the Asbury First congregation’s continued support and their well wishes for the success of the Asbury First UR Well Clinic. Thank you, Ida Hickman
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Asbury First United Methodist Church Presents the
2015 Golf Tournament
Monday, July 13 Eagle Vale Golf Course 4344 Nine Mile Point Rd. Fairport
To register or for information about sponsorships contact charitygolf@ asburyfirst.org. All proceeds support Asbury First outreach ministries. A portion of the cost is tax deductible as a contribution to Asbury First. 12 noon
Registration & Lunch
1:00 p.m. Shotgun start 5:00 p.m. Silent auction 6:00 p.m. Chicken Pasta Buffet $100/person or $400/team (includes 18 holes with cart, lunch and dinner.) Tickets for dinner only: $40.