TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter June 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 6 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue AFUMC News, 3 On Holy Ground, 4 Men’s Retreat, 6 Our Confirmands, 7 Financial Report, 8 Family Carnival, 11
Asbury First Family Carnival 1
ArtSparks, 12
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVII No. 6
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for December/January and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church.
disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
Gone Soul(ing)
Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to
As you receive this issue of The Visitor, summer will have arrived, a season waited for with great anticipation! With its arrival, I listen for us all to God’s Word spoken through the Prophet Jeremiah:
Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand at the cross roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your soul.’”
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave
Kathy Thiel David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Rev. Linda Clemow
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries Visitation Minister Music Administrator Director of Music Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater Artist in Residence
Find rest for your soul! What a beautiful invitation for us. The pace seems to slow in these months enough that we anticipate porch sitting, beach walking, suitcases being packed for a bit of vacation, summer evenings watching the sunset, the sound of the crickets on a hot evening, perhaps the slowed rhythm allowing time to think, pray and be refreshed? I have always loved the sign: “Gone Fishing.” It makes me smile. Someone finds solitude on a river or lake or bay hanging out a rod in the quiet of the morning or the last vestiges of evening light. Isn’t that when your catch is often the best? I have a sign I would very much like to design. It would not say “gone fishing” but I suspect it would have the same effect for those of us not oriented to fishing but desiring the quiet solitude of the stillness and rest for our souls. My sign would say: “Gone Soul(ing) ” … finding the soul-time to move from knowing about God to knowing God. “Soul(ing)” would be a time to refresh one’s self with the Psalmist who said: “Be still and know that I am God.” It would mean taking time each day to be silent and to quiet the heart and mind. It would mean a time to listen to the world around us and see the beauty in it … taking deep breaths of fresh air and breathing in God’s creative presence … taking time to find ourself, amid all of life’s demands, and to know one’s self as a child of God, loved despite any imperfections one might know of one’s self. It would mean intentionally taking time to find an everdeepening relationship with God in Christ …. One person invited us to: “let us rise and watch with God, lifting our hearts to God, laying our souls at God’s feet, falling at God’s feet and enjoy conversation with our Creator.” It is my prayer as Hugh Prather once wrote: … “You may let the mind of God descend over you and disappear within it.: That would be a time of “soul(ing). I believe we were made for a loving union with God and I know no better way to find that union than to take time to be in God’s presence. Connecting with God transforms us, giving our lives renewed meaning, purpose and a remarkable peace. Won’t you join me this summer and hang out your own sign:
Cover: A simple pleasure: making bubbles on a warm spring day, during Asbury First’s Family Carnival. See more on page 11. Photo by Greg Francis. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 2711050 x109.
“ Gone Soul(ing)”
Deadline for next issue: Friday, August 2
Blessings,
Susan
Read The Visitor online: www.asburyfirst.org
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AFUMC news Update on Ministry and Space Task Force
tion. Several members provided Bob with valuable input, and he met a number of times with the Lowenguths and their architects.
The Ministry & Space Task Force is still in the process of understanding all of the data gathered and processed over the past nine months. Together with the Trustees, Church Council and Pastors, we have decided that getting the plan right is more important that finishing quickly. With that in mind, we have convened a small sub-group who will work over the summer to review the themes that emerged in our information gathering and listening, and to propose four or five possible scenarios incorporating these themes. We will take these scenarios to a larger group, including ministries and groups who could be affected by them. We will then work through the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario and determine the best one to recommend to the church body. If you have questions, please contact Chuck Hanrahan, chair of the Task Force at chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com, or 383-8794.
The Trustees voted at their June 13th meeting not to oppose the application, currently scheduled to be heard by the Preservation Board on August 7th. Further, the trustees voted to pursue an agreement with the Lowenguths that will provide significant landscaping to the affected area. An Update on the Search for Our New Youth Director As you may know from previous updates in The Visitor, the search committee and Staff-Parish Relations Committee have been hard at work in the process of finding a new youth director. We have some great candidates with whom we are in conversation, but we haven’t yet hired someone. Everyone involved wants to get this right and is willing to take the time necessary to do so. While we are hoping to have someone in place by fall, if for some reason one of the candidates doesn’t work out by then, we have a plan!
Changes on Granger Street Local developer Gar Lowenguth and his wife Cindy have purchased the six-unit house at 1 Granger Place, which is adjacent to our staff parking lot. The Lowenguths plan to convert the building to a three or four-unit, owner-occupied residence and add a fence and large six-car garage. City of Rochester ordinances do not prohibit fences and garages from being erected along property lot lines. However, as mentioned in several past Sunday bulletins, the Lowenguths must submit their plans to the Rochester Preservation Board for approval.
Beginning last December, Asbury First partnered with Youth Ministry Architects (youth ministry consultants) to build more sustainable structures for our youth ministry. One of the benefits of that process has been that over the last few months we have added to our core group of “stake-holders” in the youth ministry at Asbury First. These invested adults have already demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile to make sure that we are faithfully living out our mission to and with young people. Fortunately, some of these volunteers and staff have stepped up to make sure that the youth program, including confirmation, continues to run smoothly until the time when the new person comes on board. Will there
The Trustees asked Bob Schuman, Co-Chair of the Garden Committee and former Trustee President, to discuss the proposal with the Lowenguths and with concerned members of the congrega-
Continued on page 6
It’s Time for the Asbury First Annual
Basement Sale Friday, August 2-Saturday, August 3 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 directly opposite Wesley Hall. Thank you for your help! For more information, contact Elizabeth Church at 978-0007 or elizchurch@juno.com. 3
on holy ground On Holy Ground, created by the Center for Spiritual Life committee, is a regular feature in The Visitor that highlights opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal.
Summer Taize 5:45-6:30 p.m.
June 26 July 10 July 31 August 7 ●
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Join Us For a Spiritual Encounter As evening approaches on four Wednesdays this summer, you are invited to join for prayer for a Taize worship service. We will gather from 5:45-6:30 p.m. for singing, scripture reading, prayer, silence and com-
●
munion. If the weather permits we may move outdoors. Please feel welcome to be with us and experience an opportunity to connect with yourself in the presence of God and your neighbors on June 26, July 10, July 31 and August 7.
New Class, Coming This Fall: Benedictine Spirituality For four Thursday evenings we will gather together to discuss the loving visionary, St. Benedict of Nursia, and what is known as Benedictine Rule. Benedictine spirituality offers common-sense insights for us as we live our lives in relationship with others, with material objects, and with God. Sister Joan Chittister offers a commentary in the book we will be reading. Her discernment of Benedict will help us delve deeper in to ourselves and the ways in We invite you
Walk the Labyrinth this summer June 12 July 10 August 14
which his ideas can enrich our lives and our relationships. Classes will begin on September 12 and continue for four weeks, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Please call Melody Guadagnino in the church office (271-1050 x103) to sign up. Please purchase The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century. Copies are available for those who are unable to purchase their own.
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Recommended Reading
An ancient spiritual practice, labyrinth walking restores the soul and reconnects you to the divine in your life.
Living the Labyrinth, by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1040 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607
important advice, for the labyrinth and for life.
Geoffrion’s four-step formula is straight-
forward: ask, listen, receive, be grateful. This is Writing in a poetic prose, she offers her suggestions gently, respectfully, joyfully.
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AFUMC news
WORSHIP worship schedule
Sunday july 7 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday july 28 Rev. David Lubba, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
Sunday july 14 Rev. Stephen Cady II, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday august 4 Rev. Dr. Timothy Johnson, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir Sunday july 21 Rev. David Lubba, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
Our Living
in Community
Deaths
Marriages
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Pat Jones on the death of her sister Connie Robinson on May 11, 2013 in St. Maarten.
Kim Hines and Willis Ferrel on their marriage June 15, 2013.
Births & Baptisms We offer our prayers and sympathy to Todd and Joyce God has sealed you unto Benham and family on the death love and grace divine of Todd’s father Madeleine Elise Mergler Daryl Benham daughter of Tracy and on May 15, 2013 in Georgia. Christopher Mergler, baptized on June 9, 2013. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and Ainsley McFeeley Jacus friends of daughter of Katherine and Keith Johns James Jacus, baptized on June 9, who died on May 28, 2013. 2013.
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir Sunday august 11 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Christmas in July for Storehouse Kids
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
Sundays, July 14 & 21 Children who come to the Storehouse before
Sunday august 18 Katherine Thiel, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Christmas have the joy of a brand new toy, thanks to the
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
Asbury Community.
Sunday august 25 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
fall, we have very few new toys. The Storehouse will be
10:00 a.m. Traditional worship with Summer Choir
be on hand in the Welcoming Hall after services on these
Many of our new toys last into the spring season, but sadly, from late spring through holding a “Christmas in July” toy drive on Sunday, July 14 and Sunday July 21. Please consider a contribution for this midyear collection of new toys. A Storehouse representative will Sundays to receive your gift and thank you for your help. 5
If you want to be part of this volunteer effort, please contact Chris and Doug Lee at (585) 451-7692 or c_s_lee29@msn.com or contact Melody Guadagnino, ext. 103, at the church office (271-1050).
AFUMC News, continued from page 3
be bumps in the road? Probably, but we are working hard to make sure that there are as few as possible.
Asbury First Becoming Smoke-Free
The search team will continue to keep you updated as the search process moves forward and will let you know as more information becomes available regarding specific plans for the fall. In the meantime, we welcome your prayers.
With input from the Trustees and the Dining/Caring Center and discussion among the members of the Church Council, the Church Council announces that the AFUMC campus will officially become a smoke-free zone as of July 1, 2013.
Women on Wednesday — A Poetic Description
After prayerful consideration and in recognition of the effect smoking and second-hand smoke can have on health, Church Council has made the decision to declare the AFUMC campus a smoke-free zone. This will apply to all who are on campus and all areas of the campus except for one designated smoking area: this will be located in the area just behind the 1010 building. The 1050 office building, the Storehouse, the Dining and Caring Center, the Daycare area, the Nursery School, and the 1010 building, as well as the parking lot and the Granger Street lawn, are all included as smoke-free areas. Signs will be put up in all areas of the campus; announcements will appear in Sunday bulletins and will be made in the Dining and Caring Center, the Storehouse, and Sunday School classes (in the fall.) Flyers will be provided to the Daycare Center and the Nursery School for distribution to parents. The information will also be conveyed to all the groups using our facilities and will become a part of the information handed out in the future. The official statement will appear on a map on the AFUMC website and on flyers.
Asbury First’s reading and discussion group, Women on Wednesdays (WOW) is portrayed here in poem form by long-time member MA Geib. Join WOW in September in the 1010 East Ave. dining room for the 2013-2014 season of reading and discussion. WOW meetings are at noon every Wednesday. What books do we choose? “religious” topics – never a novel Sometimes a deep one—on morals or the church Others a light-hearted treatment of a serious topic. Sometimes an author leads us to others Sometimes it’s Jane at the Good Book Store We linger on some books more than others Rarely do we give up! Though reading may need discipline The discussions are golden — the heart of the matter, And though regular attendance is not required, Many find they hate to miss.
We hope that this decision will continue our work to make Asbury First’s campus accessible to all. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paula Kuempel, chair of Church Council at 2622511 or kuempel84@gmail.com.
In our busy lives We don’t often find Others who enjoy sharing Their books, ideas and their faith.
George Washington had overdue books. Do you?
Helping the homeless through RAIHN
Are you like George Washington? He, too, had overdue library books. His fine, adjusted for inflation, amounts to about $300,000. The overdue books signed out to President Washington were Law of Nations and a volume of debates from Britain’s House of Commons. Both books, according to the records, were due November 2, 1789. “We’re not actively pursuing the overdue fines,” says New York Society Library head librarian Mark Bartlett. “But we would be very happy if we were able to get the books back.”
September 1-8 is RAIHN week at Asbury First. The church is home for homeless families who stay at 1010 East Avenue for one week every thirteen weeks. Some 60 volunteers provide a comfortable home for these homeless families with children during this week. They arrange bedrooms, make beds, welcome families, provide meals, clean up, assist with recreation and activities, and provide supervision on a 24/7 basis. Rochester is part of the national non-profit Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) for the purpose of assisting homeless families. Area churches provide temporary housing facilities—and Asbury First, is an important part of this effort. During our week, volunteers are needed: • to welcome families when they arrive each evening; • to provide dinner for the families each night; • to provide hospitality (visiting, playing games, doing crafts, helping with homework) ; • to spend the night at 1010 serving as supervisors for the families during their weekly stay;
The Church Resource Library agrees with this thinking. The church library does not charge fines for overdue books, but they are grateful for their return. And we need your help! One of the largest problems facing the Asbury First Resource Library, and probably most honor system libraries, is the return of borrowed books. So, support your church library by using its resources regularly and promptly returning the books borrowed. New items are added regularly, so check out the many resources available and remember to check those shelves at home to see if any books need to come back to the library.
• to help out with supervision, meals and recreation. 6
• reaching a spiritual milestone • We celebrate and welcome the newest members of our faith family: our confirmands, who were received into full membership in the church on Sunday, May 19. Congratulations!
Clark Nathan Pierce
Brian Orazio Carter
Peter James Carter
Evan Christopher Alaimo
Parker Zane Anderson
Andrew Donald Kennedy
Abigail Grace Hoare
Katherine Lindsay Jefferis
Katherine Elizabeth Cadregari
Brittany Rose Martz
Arianna Dara Ernsthausen
Eileah Miriam Pye
Our thanks to Megan Phaneuf for the photographs.
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Asbury First UMC Income
2012 Actual
Pledge Donations
$ 383,055
$ 388,100
$ 391,076
Unpledged Donations
$ 21,973
$ 26,667
$ 31,094
Designated Gifts
$ 61,062
$ 53,451
$ 63,499
Other Contributions
$ 6,763
$ 5,500
$ 6,052
Subtotal Contributions
$ 472,853
$ 473,718
$ 491,721
Designated Fundraising
$ 40,042
$ 36,064
$ 46,205
Property Usage
$ 25,551
$ 25,545
$ 24,516
Endowment Income
$ 78,452
$ 78,432
$ 75,718
Endowment for Growth
$ 50,000
$ 50,000
$ 50,000
Other
$ 5,861
$ 1,000
$ 1,045
TOTAL
$ 672,759
$ 664,759
$ 689,205
Carryover from previous year
$ 190,310
$ 190,310
$ 132,111
700
600
500
400
300
200
2012 Actual / $689,205
2013 Plan
2013 Pl an / $664,759
2013 Actual
2013 Actual / $672,759
Janu ar y - A pr il 2013 Fin anc i al R e p or t / 2
Income
800
100
0
In total, the income during the first four months of the year was $672,759 which is only slightly lower than our plan and last year. Excluding the designated gifts, income to run the church is only $5,000 lower than where we thought we would be by now, which is only 1% off our budget.
1 2
Pledged donations: We have received $383,055 from those members of the congregation who made pledges (including new member pledges). This is slightly behind last year. Forecasting how all members fulfill their pledges is not an exact science so this small difference is not a concern.
Unpledged donations: These are gifts that can be tracked from both non-members and members of the congregation who did not make estimates of giving. We have received $21,973, which is $5,000 less than what we thought we would have received and $10,000 less than last year. While we are only one third of the way into the year, this is a little surprising, especially since there were a number of members who chose not to pledge last year and it was anticipated they would have contributed anyway and that income would have shown up in this category.
3
Designated Gifts: Generosity continues from all, as the total designated gifts are roughly at the same level as last year.
8
4 5 6
Other Contributions: It is worth noting that our plate collections (amount received during services that cannot be tracked to an individual) are up 10 percent from this time last year. Designated Fundraising: Fundraising (including gifts from outside foundations) for the Dining and Caring Center, Storehouse and youth mission trip is in this category. Carryover from last year: To remind everyone, the funds listed here are only those that are designated. We will make an adjustment in next quarter’s report to show those funds that we carried over from last year that are undesignated also.
Financial Summary / January 1-April 31, 2013
Expenses 2012 Actual
700
$ 313,746
$ 296,570
$ 255,292
Utilities and maintenance
$ 82,655
$ 95,027
$ 87,750
600
Administrative
$ 26,534
$ 27,363
$ 17,535
500
Conference Apportionment
$ 56,520
$ 58,298
$ 57,340
Worship & Devotional
$ 21,272
Education
$ 36,265
$ 20,600
$ 21,407
Communications
$ 12,357
$ 14,171
$ 9,369
Membership Care
$ 3,768
$ 3,959
$ 1,745
Outreach
$ 90,708
$ 94,579
$ 83,576
TOTAL
$ 643,825
$ 624,069
$ 553,878
400
$ 13,502
$ 19,864 300
200
100
0
Through the first four months of the year, we have spent $643,825. This is more than we had planned due to spending on designated items. If the designated spending is removed from the total, we have spent $5,000 less than our budget so far this year.
1 2 3 4
Staffing: Spending is higher than we had planned by $15,000 due to some non-salary related items that we did not plan for.
Utilities and maintenance: Our spending on utilities continues well under budget, saving us $13,000 in our budget so far. Utility bills and maintenance are even $5,000 less than last year, which is surprising since the 2012 winter was so warm. Worship and Devotional: Spending in this is over by $10,000 but all that spending is covered by designated gifts.
Education: Spending in this category is higher than both plan and last year but is because of the timing of the youth mission trip which has happened already this year. The spending for this trip is completely covered by fundraising and donations.
5 6 7
Communications: Spending here is slightly over plan as designated funds are being used for a variety of communication-related projects.
Outreach Spending: In total, we have dispensed $90,708 in the first four months for specific outreach efforts. Inside of this is the spending for the Dining and Caring Center, Storehouse, and generous gifts to Egel Funds, UMCOR, African Mission and the Grocery Bag Ministry. Carryover: Due to unexpected giving and mindful spending, we had a carryover of funds from last year of $190,000. Some of this money will be used in the second half of the year and some of the funds are designated that came in during the last part of 2012 and were not spent.
In summary In total, the income to run the church is exactly on plan to our budget. On top of that, designated giving continues to be very strong. We are in a good financial position through the first third of the year and it is a blessing that we can keep the financials in the background while we all pursuu the ministries of Asbury First. Doug Major, Chair, Finance Committee 9
Janu ar y - A pr il 2013 Fin anc i al R e p or t / 3
Staffing
2012 Actual / $553,878
2013 Plan
2013 Pl an / $624,069
2013 Actual
2013 Actual / $643,825
Income
800
Asbury First United Methodist Church Presents
2 013 Golf Tournament Monday, August 19 Mill Creek Golf Club 128 Cedars Avenue ~ Churchville, NY 14428 All proceeds support Asbury First community services.
12 noon 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
• Four person scramble.
Registration & Lunch Shotgun start Silent auction Steak and chicken dinner
• Free bucket of balls on driving range. • $100/person or $400/team (includes 18 holes with cart, lunch and dinner.) Tickets for dinner only: $40. • First, second, and third place prizes.
To register or for information about sponsorships contact Jason Franklin, (585) 271-1050, x120 or jfranklin@asburyfirst.org.
• Skin games and mulligans. • Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests. • Results and prizes announced during dinner.
Please make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church. A portion of the cost is tax deductible as a contribution to Asbury First.
• Corporate, individual, and hole sponsorships available.
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Family Carnival: An "Uplifting” Experience The sun was shining brightly at Asbury First this year on June 9, the day of the Family Carnival. From 10:00 a.m.-noon, children and adults of all ages enjoyed fun activities across campus. The theme this year was “uplifting,” and from the bounce house to the popular juggling act with Jim Carter and Tyler Poquette, there was a focus on things that go “up!” Signs reminded participants to “lift up your spirits” and “lift up your prayers,” encouraging everyone to think about all the ways in which God’s spirit is uplifting our lives. Sponsored by Children’s Ministry, the carnival provided food for thought along with great fellowship and a tasty hot dog lunch. What a great way to start the summer!
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B R AV E & V U L N E R A B L E
by Rev. Linda Clemow
Brave and vulnerable. These two words crept up periodically in my life this spring. What do these two words have to do with art? People who involve themselves in the artistic process know these two words very well. These are the touchstones of creativity.
to describe TED, just look it up! The videos I looked at were on creativity. Every single one of them talked about the need be brave and the need to be vulnerable. And to move ... one step at a time ... beyond your comfort zone. Brave, vulnerable, and exhilarating!
It was interesting to me that a number of people who participated in the Soul Fire: Accessing Your Creativity class this spring identified themselves as either brave or vulnerable. They felt brave for taking the class and vulnerable to expose their own creativity. By the end of the six weeks they were still brave and still vulnerable. They will always be so. It is the same with all artists. We are brave in that we dare to allow an expression of ourselves out into an act of creativity. We are vulnerable in that others will look at our work of creativity and judge it. Pretty scary stuff and very rewarding. It is a special moment when you look at what you have created –“Did I do that?” “WOW.” There is a feeling of accomplishment ... and something more ... a rising of soul laughter. Feelings that yes, you can! Yes, you did!
Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find descriptions of the courses I am offering in the fall. If you have suggestions for more, I always like to hear them! I encourage you to step one step outside your comfort zone and participate in one of these classes. Also please consider joining me in the study of Art and Hate. I originally developed this as a seminary project and have expanded since then. It is a fascinating study (If I do say so myself ) of modern art, the theft of Europe’s art and the use of art in World War II. It includes a look at the Monuments Men of the Army in Europe.
In preparation for this class I watched several
Cheryl Thompson working on a water at an ArtSparks Class at Asbury First.
TED videos on youtube. If you’ve never heard of TED I heartily recommend them. Hosted by PBS, TED stands for Technology, Education and Design. It has expanded beyond those three areas. I don’t want to take up space here
Please! Join me for one or all of the fall classes. Be Brave, Be Vulnerable, Be Inspired by the Spirit! Call Linda Clemow at 236-1184 for more information and to register for the class.
Fall 2013 ArtSparks Offerings Watercolor
Looking at Art
Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. September 9 through October 28 Cost: $50 This is a continuation of the class that started this spring but you may start new with us. No prior experience required. Taught by Linda Clemow.
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon September 12 through October 3 Cost: $10. You need not have any experience in looking at art. We will begin with a study titled Art and Hate. This is a look at how art was used to influence Nazi Germany, Hitler’s influence on art, how the Germans stole the art of Europe and how the Monument Men saved much of this art. This will include a viewing of the movie The Rape of Europa, about the theft of the art, the attempts to hide the art and its eventual return. This class will also include a look at modern art at its earliest beginnings, and a review of the major and some not-so-major movements of the time. Taught by Linda Clemow.
Sculpey Clay Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon September 10 through October 29 Cost: $50 Come and experiment with the colors, styles and techniques of working with this fun clay – make beads, boxes, embellishments. No prior experience required. Taught by Linda Clemow and Cheryl Thompson. 12
P
lease join us for Vacation Bible School August 5-8 from 9:00 a.m.-
ALL CREATURES GREAT and SMALL!
12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages
four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $10.00 per child with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church.
Child’s Name
Age
Allergies
T-Shirt Size
Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No
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 8, we’ll celebrate the end of a great week by visiting Seneca Park Zoo together! Questions? Contact Melissa Bohrer or Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or mbohrer@asburyfirst.org and pdugan@asburyfirst.org. 13
Library news
I
f you’ve read all the books suggested in our library news this year, you will have read 72 selections. Check out all the titles in the library news notebook in the library. Don’t stop reading because we have some summer possibilities for you. As the summer provides more free time for most, it is an excellent opportunity to make use of the Church Resource library. Books for all ages and on all topics are available. Below are some summer selections to aid you. The library remains open all summer for your use. Check it out! Children: The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate. With this book, the reader will discover an animal hero who will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. Adults reading this aloud with children will find it just as rewarding.
Adult: The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2012, by Marvin W. Cropsey. The Discipline includes our church constitution, our history, our doctrinal standards, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as practical processes through which our congregations connect and support each other.
Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen. This book for ages 4-8 is a Caldecott award-winning story of a child and parent finding magic and adventure in nature. It is about a child and her father going owling—looking for owls in the night. There are all kinds of animals, like wolves and birds, in the illustrations by John Schoenherrr.
The Edge of the Divine Where Possibility Meets God’s Faithfulness, by Sandi Patty. In The Edge of the Divine, the acclaimed soprano Sandi Patty shares the poignant and sometimes humorous story of her journey from the brink of physical disaster toward the abundant life of good health and keen spiritual fulfillment.
Youth: The Whole Stupid Way We Are, by N. Griffin. Set in Maine, this book helps readers realize that not everything in life is fixable, and that we must make room for sadness and loss. The book is especially for youth aged 14-17.
Parenting: 365 Ways to Love Your Child, by Caryl Walker Krueger. Author Caryl Waller Krueger presents 365 ideas in capsule form, to help you make the most of special moments with your child.
A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy, by Madeleine L’Engle. Fifty years ago, Madeleine L’Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the wonderful and unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe. Now their first three adventures are together in one this volume—A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet. These stories are especially recommended for ages 11-15, but this classic is special for all ages. July 1 Isaiah 32:1-20 2 Psalm 85:1-13 3 Galatians 5:7-26 4 Galatians 6:1-18 5 Luke 10:1-12 6 Luke 10: 13-24 7 2 Kings 5:1-14 8 2 Kings 5:15-27 9 Amos 7:1-17 10 Psalm 25:1-22 11 Psalm 82:1-8 12 Deuteronomy 20:1-20 13 Luke 10:25-37 14 Colossians 1:1-14 15 Colossians 1:15-29 16 Genesis 18:1-15 17 Amos 8:1-14
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Grandloving: Making Memories With Your Grandchildren, by Sue Johnson, Ronnie W. Shipman, Julie Carlson. This informative book gives grandparents hundreds of activities to enliven their relationships with grandchildren.
Psalm 15:1-5 Psalm 52:1-9 Luke 10:38-42 Ruth 1:1-22 John 20:1-18 1 Kings 19:1-18 Psalm 7:1-17 Mark 10:35-45 Hosea 1:1-2:1 Colossians 2:1-23 Luke 11:1-23
29 Luke 11:24-36 30 Luke 11:37-54 31 Luke 12:1-21 August 1 Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 2 Ecclesiastes 2:1-12a 3 Ecclesiastes 2:12b-26 4 Colossians 3:1-17 5 2 Peter 1:1-21 6 Daniel 7:1-14 7 Daniel 7:15-28 14
8 Isaiah 1:1-20 9 Hebrews 11:1-16 10 Luke 12:22-40 11 Psalm 33:1-22 12 Hebrews 11:17-31 13 Hebrews 11:32-12:2 14 Isaiah 7:1-16 15 Isaiah 7:17-8:4 16 Psalm 80:1-19 17 Luke 12:41-59 18 Jeremiah 23:1-20 19 Jeremiah 23:21-40 20 Hebrews 12:3-17 21 Hebrews 12:18-29 22 Psalm 103:1-22 23 Isaiah 58:1-14 24 John 1:29-51 25 Luke 13:10-21
the last word Dinner Among Friends: Celebrating 20 years of service in the Dining Center
T
he Asbury First
Our financial support
Dining and Caring
throughout the past six from
Center (DCC) opened its doors
the “Dinner Among Friends”
in 1993, serving peanut butter
event has helped make the
and jelly sandwiches to the
program continue at its
very first guests. In the first
highest level. The Embrace
year, those sandwiches turned
Ministry, which welcomes
into 1,535 meals. The ADCC
new members into the Asbury
grew to include breakfast
community, is sponsoring the
four days a week, lunch on
7th Annual “Dinner Among
Wednesdays and a dinner on
Friends” on September 28,
each Sunday. As a result, over
2013. There will be a different
24,000 meals were served in
look to the event this year!
2012. For the past four years,
We will begin the evening in
a Thanksgiving Day dinner has
the Gathering Space at Asbury
been provided as well.
with fellowship and appetizers at 5:00 pm. Following an hour of fun, participants will adjourn
While feeding the hungry of the greater Rochester area,
to the host homes where dinner and dessert will be served.
the ADCC also feeds the soul and material needs of its guests. Services such as hair care, referral to community agencies,
Please plan on joining your church friends, your neighbors,
bicycle repair, a listening ministry, assistance with employment
and other community members for this gala evening. If you
and housing, giving out sleeping bags and supplying personal
know now that you would like to host a dinner in your home,
hygiene products are all a part of the ADCC’s weekly program.
please let one of the following persons know of your intent: Sandra Holloway, Nancy Davidow, Mary Walker or Martha Tuke.
How are we able to provide all these needs? The ADCC has been privileged to have an endowment as its primary source
Our goal this year is to raise $25,000 in support of the ADCC
of financial assistance. Other means are grants and monetary
ministry to the homeless, hungry and lonely. With your help, we
gifts from the Asbury Community and friends in the greater
will be able to continue the ADCC ministry in its fullest.
Rochester area. The Center is able to access our local Foodlink.
Joyously and in God’s service,
However, the ADCC has depleted some of their endowment
The Embrace Group
funds and has been affected, this year, with less available food from Foodlink. 15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Attention all Students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades! There’s a new group at Asbury First JUST FOR YOU! The Middle School Fellowship group is ready to kick it off in style with two fun events this summer.
Pool Party
Free Lemonade Stand
Sunday, July 21 2:00 p.m. Bent Oak Trail, Fairport (we’ll have directions for you)
(for our East Ave. Neighbors) Sunday, August 18 Details TBD
Please join us for great fun and fellowship in the coming months. We’re planning an exciting series of get-togethers for fall – watch the bulletin and The Visitor for more info as plans firm up. Want to sign up or find out more? Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@aburyfirst.org or 271-1050 x111 for more information.