TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter June 2017 • Vol. M No. 5 • www.asburyfirst.org
The Future of Asbury First: VOTE ON 6/25
DREAMSCAPE:
Laying the Foundation for the Next 200 Years See page 8
IN THIS ISSUE A Pastoral Reflection 3 Community News 4 DREAMSCAPE 8 AFUMC News 12
Library & Reading News 14 On Holy Ground 15 Community Outreach & Needs 16 The Last Word 19
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. M No. 5
(USPS 558-470) is published 9 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December, January/February, 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
FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP AT ASBURY FIRST Outside Worship with Holy Communion (weather permitting) 8:30 am Sunday mornings Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 10 am 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 Church Administrator; Assistant Organist Dr. William Weinert Director of Music Paula Dugan Children’s Ministry Director Holly Temming Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music Mike Mullin Youth Minister Richard Moncrief Financial Administrator Morgan Dornsife Development Director Melody Guadagnino Administrative Assistant Ken Carr Property Care Manager Michele Cooley Dining & Caring Center Director Jamie Least Communications Coordinator Duane Prill Organist Carol Lamica Director, Youth Music Elizabeth Church Director, Bell Choir Brian Bohrer Director, Asbury Singers Larry Dugan Director, Youth Theater
Emeriti Staff
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emerita *deceased Cover Photo Credit: Paula Dugan, Children's Musical Group on Children's Sunday (May 7, 2017)
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for submitting content to the next issue: June 12, 2017*
Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 10 am Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11 am-noon Sunday mornings
Watch past services in our video archive at 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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* Content submitted past this date may be considered
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A Pastoral Reflection Get Your Spirit to Take A Chance | Kathy Thiel Music is a gift in our lives! We all have different forms in which we enjoy it—symphonies, Country & Western, hip-hop, classic rock, and more. Music provides a way for us to connect and reconnect with God: the hymns we sing together on Sunday mornings draw us together as we worship God. Other music also provides ways for us to deepen our relationships with God. Bruce Johnston wrote the popular song, “I Write the Songs” in 1975, and it was made popular by the singer Barry Manilow. Johnston has stated that, for him, the "I" in the song refers to God and that songs come from the spirit of creativity in all of us. For Johnston, music comes only from God. His song is a contemporary creation story, and like the one in our Bible, God has been alive forever. The Word in the Gospel of John has been around before the creation of time, before animals and oceans, before human life and sunlight: in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In the beginning was also music: “I wrote the very first song ... ” Songs appear throughout the Bible. Psalms are songs about the tragedies, joys, and challenges of life—they are expressions of emotions. Johnston wrote, “I’ve got my own place in your soul. Now when I look out through your eyes, I am young again, even though I’m very old.” God is within us, God moves in us like a tune playing in our heads, often familiar and sometimes in ways we are hearing for the very first time. The Apostle Paul wrote that there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit gives them. We are all members of the body of Christ in the world, God’s greatest symphony. We do our best to play the music of God, the music of love, for all to hear. I invite you to follow Bruce Johnston’s joyful phrase, “Get your Spirit to take a chance.” Trust your spirit, trust your gut, trust that God is walking with you. Let God’s music in. Let God in through ways that can be as surreptitious as the way a tune gets into our heads, when it feels as if we cannot get it out. Let God be that tune! Let God into your head, your heart, your life in such a way that God’s breath becomes your breath; God’s heart becomes your heart; God’s words become your words. Become involved like a musical instrument in the symphony that is your family, network of friends, school, church, neighborhood, city. Find where you are best suited to be a part of the body of Christ in this world. A foot, running errands for a neighbor who is laid up. An ear, listening to a friend who needs to talk. Be assured that all that we do in love, all that we do in the name of God will be reflected in the music of the world, played to make God smile. Know that as you form the body of Christ with others, joining knee bones to leg bones to stand together in Christian witness, your faith grows, your Spirit dances, and the world becomes a better place for all of God’s children.
Worship
worship schedule SUMMER SERVICE TIMES Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend (Inclusive) 8:30 am – Outside Worship with Holy Communion (weather permitting) 10 am – Traditional Worship in the sanctuary
SUNDAY JUNE 4 Youth Sunday SUNDAY JUNE 11 Matthew 28:16-20 Katie O'Hern, Preacher
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SUNDAY JUNE 18 Genesis 18:1-15 Katie O'Hern, Preacher SUNDAY JUNE 25 Matthew 10:24-39 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Preacher
Community News Our Living
in Community
Deaths – We offer our prayers and sympathy to … Judy Cohen on the death of her mother, Mary Louise Henry on April 22, 2017. The family and friends of June Morin who died on April 16, 2017 in Frederick, Colorado. The family and friends of Kay Arnold who died on May 2, 2017.
Baptisms – We celebrate the baptism of … Ann and John Francis on the death of Ann’s aunt Hilda McMillin on April 25, 2017 in Chester, West Virginia Barbara and Patrick Fulford on the death of Barbara’s sister Carol Armstrong on May 14, 2017 in Seattle, Washington.
Conner Jeffrey Zimmer, son of Jeffrey and Michele Zimmer, baptized on May 7, 2017. Emily Short, baptized on May 21, 2017. Tippett Reinson and Tiffany Reinson, baptized on May 21, 2017.
SAVE THE DATE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017 MONDAY-THURSDAY, AUGUST 7-10
Find out more by contacting Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
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Community News Celebrate the Accomplishments of The Members of Asbury First! Spring 2017 Confirmands
Owen Tindall The Harley School
Mary Benjamin Barker Road Middle School
Riley Flynn, Dake Jr. High School
Trevor W. Nelson Homeschooled
"As a new member of Asbury First, I've enjoyed meeting new friends through Confirmation and I'm looking forward to the mission trip to Tennessee this summer."
Mary's favorite memory of Asbury First is candlelight Christmas Eve service and her many plays!
Riley's favorite memory of AFUMC: "I have loved going to youth group and vacation bible school and helping out with Sunday School. I have made so many friends at Asbury and I am excited to go on both mission trips this summer!"
"My favorite memory about Asbury First is Pretzel Sunday."
Alexandra Jane Beamish Willink Middle School
Joseph M. Price Brighton High School
Joe Seiffert Bay Trail Middle School
Allie's favorite memories of Asbury First include: "When Phil Phaneuf left, there was a ribbon strung down the entire center aisle. People on the ends of the pews held onto the ribbon, and everyone along the pews held hands, so everyone was connected one way or another. We were in the balcony and looking down. I remember thinking, for the first time, that our church was like a family. Another special memory is the first time I sang 'Seasons of Love' with the cast before my first Asbury Youth musical. I love this tradition, and being able to look around and know that I always belong."
Joseph's favorite memory of AFUMC: Pretzel Sunday
"My favorite memories at Asbury First so far, involve my participation in the Christmas pageant. I especially enjoyed playing the role of Joseph."
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Community News Celebrate the Accomplishments of The Members of Asbury First! Spring 2017 High School Graduates
Evan Alaimo Fairport High School
Parker Anderson Gates-Chili High School
Brian Carter School of the Arts
Evan will attend SUNY Albany and will major in physics or engineering.
Parker will study Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Brian will be attending the School of Visual Arts (SVA).
Peter Carter Joseph C. Wilson Magnet Commencement High School Graduate of Eastman Community School Peter will study Applied Mathematics at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Clark Nathan Pearce Eastridge High School
Keegan White Rush Henrietta High School
Arianna Ernsthausen West Irondequoit High School
Keegan will be attending RIT and entering into the MS/BS PA Program.
Arianna will attend University at Albany and will major in Business Administration.
Eileah Pye Penfield High School
Sydney Cannioto Fairport High School National Honor Society; Dollars For Scholars Scholarship
Clark will be attending University of Akron Eileah will be attending Case Western and studying Mechanical Engineering. Reserve University in the fall as a pre-med student and planning on majoring in medical anthropology.
Sydney will be attending SUNY Geneseo and studying English.
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William T. Headley Penfield High School Moving to San Francisco in August. William will be attending City College of San Francisco, planting some West Coast roots, and hopefully learning to surf.
Joe Lamica Rush Henrietta High School Joe is attending MCC in the fall and studying Sports Management
Community News Celebrate the Accomplishments of The Members of Asbury First! Spring 2017 College and Seminary Graduates Mary Gage – Bachelor of Arts in History from Nazareth College
Mary Church – Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from DePauw University
After graduating from During her years at Pittsford Sutherland High DePauw, Mary served in School in 2011, Mary spent leadership positions in her a gap year volunteering in sorority. Mary is considering Nicaragua and traveling a number of options for the throughout Europe. She next chapter in her life and then spent two years at will likely pursue work in the Megan Conrow – Bachelor of Susquehanna University not-for-profit sector. Science, summa cum laude with majoring History. Following another gap year spent in New Honors in Neuroscience, from University of Pittsburgh York City, she completed her studies at Nazareth College. Megan will be entering a MD/PhD program at the University of Buffalo.
Mike Mullin – Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School In 2017, Mike received the Winthrop Hudson Scholar Award from CRCDS. Students named Hudson Scholars are those who qualify for doctoral study and a teaching ministry, or who choose to dedicate their academic excellence to pastoral ministry. Moving forward, Mike will continue in his role as Asbury First’s Youth Minister.
Jacqueline Strong — Doctor of Physical Therapy from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance at Ithaca College
Brennon Thompson – Bachelor of Arts in International Studies – Global Inequality and Development, with a minor in Public Health, from American University Brennon plans to return to Rochester to pursue employment opportunities in Public Health.
At Ithaca College, Jacqueline received a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Health Sciences. Once she completes her final clinical rotation in mid-August in Blacksburg, Virginia (part of her doctoral program), she plans to work as a Physical Therapist until beginning medical school studies at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA in Ali Walker – Master Rachel Erin Stuart – August, 2018. of Science in Health Master of Divinity from Sciences (Physician Princeton Theological Assistant) from George Seminary Washington University Rachel will be headed to Following graduation, Ali Emory University to pursue will be working, starting in a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible. mid-August, as a hospitalist at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Jordan Cole – Graduated from SUNY Oneonta in Fall 2016 with honors. Jordan is currently working at Seabreeze and looking to begin his full-time career.
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DREAMSCAPE
Laying the Foundation for the Next 200 Years
Dreamscape [dreem-skeyp] (n.) – A vision for who God is calling us to be. In 2020, Asbury First United Methodist too silly or too big. It was a concept we down the dream board and transferred Church will celebrate its bicentennial, had used that summer at the Park Avenue every dream (the silly and the serious) to marking two hundred years of faithful Festival and at the 2015 Tent Week to notecards. During the season of Easter, a service to God and neighbor. None of us solicit dreams from our Greater Rochester season ripe with the promise of new life, was here for the beginning and, by God’s community. we placed all notecards onto an “affinity grace, none of us will be here for the end. While the “dream board” was up that fall, board” with the goal of finding common We are so grateful for the legacy of those we hosted a series of town hall meetings themes among the dreams. Our community who have gone before, and we choose today and conversations with various leadership was asked to find dreams that belonged to accept our part in the together and move them near story, making a way for one another, as well as to put ASBURY FIRST AT-A-GLANCE those who come after. stars on the dreams believed to Location: Rochester, NY. Our prayer is that our be most important. Over the Footprint: Our campus includes three buildings, one of which (1040) is fully decisions will ensure next few weeks, we estimate there accessible and two of which are not (1010 and 1050). a solid foundation for were over 10,000 moves. As the Membership: 2,326 (1,290 Family units) Asbury First as we affinity groups emerged and were Worship Services: Three traditional services (8:30, 10, and 11 am). 8:30 embark on the next labeled by the community—with and 11 am take place in the sanctuary; 10 am takes place in the chancel and two hundred years and themes like outreach, diversity, includes weekly communion. beyond. We walk humbly inclusivity, small groups—the Average Weekly Worship Attendance: 702 and tread lightly, but emerging Dreamscape became Annual Operating Plan: ~$2 Million recognize the gift of this even clearer. Then—as Joseph Annual Giving: 487 family units pledge just over $1M Endowment: ~$8m moment—to celebrate our did for the Pharaoh—we needed past, to assess our present, Total Staff: 38 staff (3 appointed clergy, 13 Full Time, 25 Part Time/Contract) people to prayerfully interpret our Number of Weekly Volunteers: 233 and to plan for our future. dreams. Enter the “Dream Team.” Weekly Children Engagement: 115 In short, this is a moment Weekly Youth Engagement: 45 to dream about who Saddling Our Dreams – we are and who God is The Work of the Dream calling us to be. This Dreamscape—formed groups throughout the church asking the Team through the dreams of this community—is same five questions: “Saddle your dreams before you ride them.” an attempt to do just that. -Mary Webb 1. What is Asbury First known for? In June of 2016, with the blessing of the 2. What does Asbury First do better than The Beginning of a Dream Church Council, a strategic planning most? The planning process for Asbury First’s team, appropriately dubbed the “Dream 3. What are our growing edges? Dreamscape began in the fall of 2015, Team” began work on the Asbury First 4. What are the most important things we shortly into the tenure of our new Senior Dreamscape. Stephen called together a do? Minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady. In a group of twelve individuals of differing series of sermons on dreaming, he reminded 5. If we picked up a newspaper in ten years opinions, backgrounds, and tenures at (assuming there are still newspapers in ten us that we dream in community, with Asbury First in order to make sense of our humility, and for a specific time and place. It years) and read a headline about Asbury dreams. is that concept that formed the basis for this First, what would we hope it said? Dreamscape. As the Dream Team culled through the As we read the over 400 dreams from hundreds of dreams, the thousands of the board and heard the responses of Beginning that same fall, we placed a moves that made up the affinity board, various groups throughout the church, a “dream board” in the Gathering Center and and pages of notes from community dreamscape—a picture of both who we invited the entire community to share its conversations, they were pleased to discover are and who we long to be as a people of dreams for Asbury First by writing them that Asbury First is in a healthy place as a faith—started to emerge. on the board. Children and adults alike congregation. People are generally happy, During the season of Lent in the winter contributed hundreds of dreams for the the church is growing in attendance year of 2016, while the congregation prayed future of Asbury First—no dream was to year (albeit slowly), and there is a great about who God is calling us to be, we took 8
DREAMSCAPE
Laying the Foundation for the Next 200 Years deal of optimism as we look forward. For as much enthusiasm as there is about our congregation, there are clear areas— outreach, connection, inclusion, and growth—where we can do more to reach people inside and outside our congregation. 1. Outreach No one reading the dreams of our community or hearing the conversations of our members could doubt that outreach is a cornerstone of Asbury First’s identity. For at least fifty years (starting with the establishment of the Storehouse), Asbury First has demonstrated a lasting commitment to outreach both on and off our campus. It has accomplished this through congregation-led and -developed ministries, as well as through strategic partnerships. The dreams of our community affirm the hard work that has gone into outreach, but challenge us to go deeper—not just to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and heal the sick, but to figure out why people are hungry, naked, and ill. In other words, we clearly want to extend beyond mercy or compassion to justice. Fortunately for the Dream Team, a separate Outreach Task Force worked for over a year to detail a plan called, “A Way Forward,” which was approved by Church Council in December of 2016. This plan translated the dreams of Asbury First for outreach into a strategy for change. The Dreamscape acknowledges and affirms that work by recommending the full implementation of “A Way Forward” as the goal for outreach. 2. Connection Many feel very connected to Asbury First, in particular through our worship services. People expressed a connection to the music, the preaching, and the tradition of the service. Similarly, there are many examples of deep connection outside of the worship experience. Perhaps the greatest of these connections are our long-term adult Sunday school classes (the Doublers, Fifty-Plus Fellowship, Growing Spirits/Living Edge, and the Partnership classes), some of whom have been meeting together and supporting one another for over sixty years. They stand
as tangible reminders of what Christian life together can and should be. Similarly, our children and youth ministries have longestablished and well-respected legacies of faithful engagement in Christian community.
OUTREACH SNAPSHOT
On-campus: Dining and Caring Center (~35k meals annually) The Storehouse (~6000 families served annually) Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN) UR Well clinic Grocery Bag Ministry
While we offer several ongoing and short-term small group opportunities (some educational and some support- or fellowshiporiented), many dream of a community where there is a place for all who want such opportunities outside of worship, regardless of age or circumstance. 3. Inclusion Our community of dreamers felt that inclusion should be celebrated and we should continue to emphasize that all are welcome at Asbury First. Several dreamers lauded and expressed a desire to maintain our inclusive stance toward the LGBTQ+ community (Asbury First voted to adopt “Reconciling Statement” in 2015) and to push for change within the United Methodist denomination towards greater inclusion. On a similar note, while we have great diversity of thought, ideology, and age, we lack in racial and ethnic diversity, being a predominantly white congregation. Many dreamers advocate for our Asbury First community and staff to reflect better the rich diversity of the Greater Rochester community. Finally, several dreamers mourn the inaccessibility of two of our buildings to those with handicapping conditions. 4. Growth Good things are meant to be shared, and we want to share the life we have found at Asbury First. Growth is a common theme in almost every area of our life together. We want to grow in our faith, grow in our relationships with one another, grow in our outreach to the community, grow in our financial stability and resources as a congregation, and grow in our attendance. We believe that growing in these areas 9
Off-campus: School 41 West Ave Youth Café Habitat for Humanity Beyond our borders: Project Chacocente Miracle Garden
will help us grow in our love of God and neighbor.
Conclusion
Having reviewed the dream data and identified the central themes, the Dream Team—in conversation with church leadership—has attempted to clarify Asbury First’s mission, describe our core values, and articulate a vision for our future with strategic goals to help bring our dreams to life. The dreams are not just those of the team, but those of all of us—the entire Asbury First community. The Dreamscape that follows is offered to the community of Asbury First by the community of Asbury First. It was assembled by the Dream Team but came from all of us. It represents two years of listening, praying, and dreaming together about who we are and who God is calling us to be. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
A Special Thanks to our Dream Team Membership: Stephen Cady, Morgan Dornsife, Peggy Elliott, Patrick Fulford, Timothy Johnson, Paula Kuempel, Johanna Mahan , John Nutter, Ryan Reynolds, Beth Rice, Cathy Ryan, and Al Swett
DREAMSCAPE
Laying the Foundation for the Next 200 Years
Mission:
Values:
(i.e. “What are we trying to accomplish?”)
(i.e. “What is important to us?”)
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ( John 10:10b)
Asbury First’s values represent a description of our guiding principles. These statements are standards of behavior, which are inherent in all we do. We value:
Just as the Christian faith is about bringing life to the world, Asbury First is about bringing life to this community. We believe the only way to the fullness of life promised by Jesus Christ is through love—love of God and love of neighbor. Through love we find life. In a love-filled life, we are led to serve others. Through service to others, we find love fully expressed. This cycle is the heart of discipleship and as such, we believe it is the key to living into God’s dream for this community. Thus, our mission at Asbury First is to love God and neighbor, to live fully, to serve all, and then to do it all again. Or said simply—love. live. serve. repeat.
Being Open to All— We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and all are one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic. Worship— We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience. Community— We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life. Outreach— We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Love God and neighbor. Live fully. Serve all. Repeat.
Discipleship— We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together.
SOUND BITE: Love. Live. Serve. Repeat.
“Keep alive the dream, for as long as we have a dream in our hearts, we cannot lose the significance of living.” – Howard Thurman
Generosity— We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world. Stewardship— We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Vision:
(i.e. “Where do we go from here?”) Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can. ~A Wesleyan Rule for Life The calling of the Christian faith—a calling to the fullness of life expressed in Jesus Christ—has never changed. For twenty centuries, Christians have attempted to live into that calling of love with varying degrees of success. For nearly two centuries, the people of Asbury First have endeavored to do the same, making it our perennial mission to love God and neighbor, to live fully, and to serve all. While we have never been perfect, with God’s grace we have experienced great successes along the way. More than anything else, our dreams reveal the heart of this community—a heart that breaks for the least, the last, and the lost of this world and longs to make a greater difference. We have always cared for each other and the community around us, but we long to do more. As we look toward the next two centuries, our hope is to build upon the good work already being done, to deepen our life together, and to have a greater impact on this community and beyond. Our vision for the future, therefore, does not take us in a radically new direction, but rather asks us to do more good. OUR VISION STATEMENT: Do More Good. 10
DREAMSCAPE
Laying the Foundation for the Next 200 Years
Goals:
Our mission, values, and vision were identified from our shared dreams but also provided the platform upon which our dreams were clarified. Once the framework was set through the hard work done on the mission, values, and vision, the Dream Team re-examined the dream data to suggest our missional goals for the years ahead. We articulate these goals under the banner of our core values and express them below as future states—as if we have already done more good in each of these areas.
2.0 WORSHIP •2.1. Attendance: Our weekly worship attendance is at 1,000, an increase of approximately fifty percent from 2017. Responsibility—Worship and the Arts, Communication Team, Hospitality •2.2. Technology: Our worship experience is faithfully expanded through digital media. Responsibility—Technology, Worship and Arts, Communication Team
3.0 COMMUNITY •3.1. Connection: All who desire one have a place within the Asbury First community Each goal has a number, a title, a concise beyond worship. description of the desired state, and an assignment of responsibility. An asterisk (*) Responsibility—Discipleship, Communication Team, Church Council, indicates those areas for which we believe Volunteer Coordinator* additional resources (human, structural, or financial) may be required. •3.2. Care: People within our Asbury First community receive the right care at the right 1.0 Being OPEN TO ALL •1.1. Accessibility: Our buildings are fully time in the right place. Responsibility—Staff, Congregational Care accessible to those with physical needs for all areas used in church activities. Responsibility—Trustees* •1.2. Diversity: Our church in word, practice, and worship is reflective of a diverse set of cultures and perspectives. Our congregation, staff, and lay leadership reflect our Greater Rochester community. Responsibility—Church Council, SPRC, Hospitality, New Task Force/Committee* •1.3. Hospitality: All who enter Asbury First for any reason (whether worship, programmatic activity, or spiritual or other need) encounter a unique sense of warmth and welcome within our community. Responsibility—Hospitality, Staff, and Leadership
•3.3 Communication: Information is communicated effectively to all audiences inside and outside our community. Responsibility—Communication Team*, Church Council, Staff, Technology 4.0 OUTREACH •4.1. Strategy Alignment: The Outreach Taskforce report, “A Way Forward” has been faithfully implemented. Responsibility—Outreach, Church Council, SPRC, Pastors 5.0 DISCIPLESHIP •5.1. Faith Development: A clear pathway for discipleship is available for all in our community. Responsibility—Discipleship, Pastors
Implementation Plan:
•5.2. Celebration: We grow our faith through the celebration of life’s rites of passage together. Responsibility—Discipleship, Staff, Communication Team 6.0 GENEROSITY •6.1. Time: All members of our community volunteer in some way (either within our Asbury First community or outside our community). Responsibility—Leadership, Volunteer Coordinator*, Technology •6.2. Talent: All members of our community are able to use their talents and leadership abilities within our community to serve others. Responsibility—Nominations, Volunteer Coordinator*, Program Staff •6.3. Treasure: All members of our community give financially (and pledge) to Asbury First as they are able with many members tithing. Responsibility—Stewardship, Planned Giving 7.0 STEWARDSHIP •7.1. Endowment: Our endowment is currently at $10M. Responsibility—Trustees, Planned Giving •7.2. Capital Improvements: A 15-year revolving plan and process is in place to manage capital improvements. Responsibility—Trustees •7.3. Structure and Systems: Our structure and systems are organized in a missionally effective way. Responsibility—Church Council, Leadership, Technology, and SPRC
NEXT STEPS:
QUESTIONS: email dreams@asburyfirst.org CONVERSATIONS: Attend Town Hall Meetings 1. Action plans will be officially assigned to responsible parties (many plans are now on Sundays, 6/4 and 6/18 at 9 am in Fellowship Hall and Wednesday, 6/14 at 6:30 pm in the under development) Gathering Center 2. Church council will take ownership of the Dreamscape and will be responsible for its implementation 3. The Church Administrator will be charged with the execution of the Dreamscape ACTION: Vote on Sunday, 6/25 (i.e. “What happens if we vote to approve the Dreamscape?”)
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AFUMC News Discover the Memorial Gifts of AFUMC Family and friends often make a donation to the Asbury First Memorial Fund in memory of a loved one. The Memorials Committee works with each family when the gifts total $250 or greater to determine their wishes for an appropriate memorial that honors their deceased loved one.
The Memorials Committee members are grateful that they can help to keep these rooms and other campus facilities inviting and comfortable for church members and guests, made possible by donations that are designated to honor loved ones. All memorials from May 2016-October 2017 will be dedicated on All Saints Day, which is November 5 this year. The name of each memorial gift is listed in a Memorial Book, which is stored in a locked case in the church vestibule, between the Narthex and the front doors facing East Avenue. The committee is currently listing gifts in the third volume. Additionally, there is a file of index cards that cross-reference the gifts by the name of the person being remembered. It records the campus location of each gift by the Memorial Book volume and page number.
Memorial funds could be allocated to outreach programs such as the Wellness Clinic, the Storehouse, the Dining and Caring Center, or the Grocery Bag Ministry. Memorials have also been used for areas such as new landscaping for the campus grounds, the music program, children’s ministry, and the youth mission trips. Many church furnishings have been purchased with memorial funds to honor loved ones. Some of these memorials are in the Red Room and Garden Room next to the kitchen in 1010, the Library and Pastor’s Study in 1040, and the Teak Room and Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady’s office in 1050. These areas are frequently used by church members and guests for meetings and activities.
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AFUMC News by Joe Stankaitis
A Cappuccino for Asbury First! As a member of the Stewardship Committee, I recently was reflecting on what Asbury First is all about. It’s quite a faith community. Where else can you walk out of church having heard an electrifying and thought-provoking sermon, wonderful choral and instrumental music, and experienced a beautiful and meaningful worship service? Add to that knowing that this faith community reaches out and supports those less fortunate through its vibrant Dining and Caring Center, clothing safety net of the Storehouse, and the UR Well Clinic. Additionally, the church sponsors numerous spiritual enrichment programs, groups exploring and learning about faith, and all sorts of educational and support programs for each and every one of us of all ages. As Rev. Stephen Cady notes, we are more perfect together than we are apart. The reality is that being able to sustain the day to day activities of our vibrant church requires the support (financial and talent) of each of us to the degree that we are able. For those of you who have been pledging and contributing generously to Asbury First, we all thank you for your generous and continuing support. For those of you who for whatever reason have not been providing financial support or are contemplating to begin giving to the church on a routine basis, here’s what might be a relatively painless, but meaningful contribution that you could make: each week donate the cost of one Starbucks Cappuccino. Skipping that one cappuccino each week is a small price to pay (including how many fewer calories consumed?) for making a meaningful contribution to a phenomenal faith community. Over the course of a year, that can grow to become a substantial amount—enough to help make everything that we love about Asbury First possible. So think about it. How about a cappuccino for Asbury First? PS: Please, on behalf of the sextons, consider giving the cost of a cappuccino to the church, not actually bringing one to church!
Get Involved in the Older Adult Council There are many ways that congregation members and friends are able to volunteer their services to help others here at Asbury First. One of those ways is by becoming a member of the Older Adult Council (OAC). This group of men and women plans ways to extend a hand of fellowship to people who are no longer able to participate as fully as they used to. Many of our over-80s and our shut-ins were the originators of programs that carry on today, such as the Storehouse and the Dining and Caring Center. It is the goal of the
OAC to increase the number of people on our committee, so that more visits can be made, more ideas can be generated, more flowers can be delivered, more, more, more!
in the Sanctuary. Christmas and Easter flowers are also delivered to those who are ill or cannot attend church. The recipients enjoy the visits that take place at these times.
Examples of our committee activity are the planning of the Advent and Lenten Worship/ Communion services held at a few adult living facilities. All of our pastors participate in these events. A Spring Luncheon was held recently in Fellowship Hall and a Fall Luncheon will be offered later this year. Along with each of these events, a Worship/Communion service is held
So if you are under 80 and have a passion for helping older adults, please contact Ruth VanDerLinden or Meredit Pixley, co-chairs of OAC. Our pastoral liason is Kathy Thiel. Yes, we are looking for younger people to participate with us, because sooner or later, we are also going to be in the over-80 age group!
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Library & Reading News June 2017
Come see our new book additions and some old favorites in our church library. There are new purchases of books for our church library collection. Come in and take a look at them and select some to check out. The church library has books for loan for all ages. The library is open when the church is open and checking out books is as simple as signing your name and date. quotes from Meister Eckhart and Albert Einstein, and poems by William Shakespeare. There is even a short story by Louisa May Alcott. Readers are provided prompts to list their blessings and include their own thoughts on thanksgiving. Praying With Your Whole Heart by Saint Augustine, Catherine of Catherine of Siena, and Thomas à Kempis This 176-page book is a collection of four distinct but united voices on the subject of how to pray, and how to reach a deeper level of intimacy with God in your prayer life. The First Love Story: Adam, Eve and Us by Bruce Feiler Noted author Feiler provides a tale of a revelatory journey across four continents and 4,000 years, exploring how Adam and Eve introduced the idea of love into the world, and how they continue to shape our deepest feelings about relationships, family, and togetherness.
Youth Pax by Sara Pennypacker Eight to twelve year old readers will find this a compelling book from bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker. It is a novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come.
The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts Kara Tippetts knows the ordinary days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow ... and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer. In The Hardest Peace, Tippets doesn't offer answers for when living is hard, but she asks us to join her in moving away from fear and control and toward peace and grace.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys Bestselling author Ruta Sepetys returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating— yet unknown—tragedies. this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. Especially for ages 12-17 .
The Book of Joy by Archbishop Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and Douglas Carlton Abrams "The world needs joy and compassion more than ever before – and who better than Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama to show us how it is done. This beautiful book takes us on the journey of their friendship and gives us the gift of their wisdom. "This sparkling, wise, and immediately useful gift to readers from two remarkable spiritual masters offers hope that joy is possible for everyone even in the most difficult circumstances, and describes a clear path for attaining it."
Adult Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go by Marni Jameson, Mark Brunetz Here, nationally syndicated home columnist Marni Jameson sensitively guides readers through the process, from opening that first closet, to sorting through a lifetime's worth of possessions, to selling the homestead.
All Ages The Official Bible Brilliant Trivia Book: Questions, Puzzles and Quizzes from Genesis to Revelations What Old Testament character's name means "laughter?" How many days did the Passover last? What did David take to his brothers who were fighting the Philistines? Who plotted the execution of John the Baptist? What was Paul's secret for being content? The answers to these and thousands more questions can be found in the 640 pages of The Official Bible Brilliant Trivia Book. Created by a Guinness World Record Puzzle Master and the senior crossword puzzle editor of USA Today Crosswords, this is the largest collection of organized Bible trivia ever published.
A Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering Her Head and calling her husband “Master” by Rachel Held Evans Intrigued by the traditionalist resurgence that led many of her friends to abandon their careers to assume traditional gender roles in the home, Evans decides to try it for herself, vowing to take all of the Bible’s instructions for women as literally as possible for a year. Life is a Gift: A Book for Thankful Hearts by Paraclete Press Readers that enjoy Christian writing, ancient and contemporary, will find enjoyment in this small book. There are 14
On Holy Ground by Ida Hickman
A few weeks ago, a friend gave me envelope and on the outside of the envelope she had written “thank you for being my friend.” When I opened the envelope, there were three beautiful prayers that reminded me of when we talk to friends about our anxiety, trials, and worries—and when we don’t get the answer we need. Then we realize our only help is having a talk with God. God is the only one that will have the answer. Sometimes the need to talk might arise in the morning, evening, or even late at night. But remember: it is never too late to call on God.
Good Night God Hello God. I called tonight to talk a little while. I need a friend who’ll listen to my anxiety and trials. You see, I can’t quite make it through the day just on my own. I need your love to guide me, so I’ll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep my family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they’re bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face each hour throughout the day, And not worry over things I can’t change in any way. I thank you God for being home and listening to my call, For giving me such good advice when I stumble and fall Your number, God, is the only one that answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God for listening to my troubles and my sorrow. Good night. God I love you too and I’ll call again tomorrow.
Each Spiritual Life Committee member has recently made a personal commitment to respond to God’s generous love by practicing on a regular basis, a method of prayer, meditation, Gospel contemplation and more, to nurture and deepen our faith. We are inviting you to join us in a commitment of prayer and reflection. In each issue of The Visitor, we will be offering a reflection on a scripture passage or a reading that has personal significance.
I struggle to “be still” and to know that God is with me always. In my spiritual journey, I find I am reminding myself of this often. Throughout all of the highs in life, I often forget that God is there, and during the lows of life, I find myself asking “why?” I don’t take the time to “be still” and feel God’s love. As I continue in my journey, I am reminding myself to take time to “be still, feel God and the ways he is working within me”. Might you do the same? Blessings, Karen Barner 15
Community Outreach & Needs Calling All Singers: Join Us For Summer Choir! Summer Choir this year will start on June 11. We sing two choral anthems each week. Our promise to you: Nobody is ever bored with the pace of Summer Choir rehearsals! Summer Choir rehearses each Sunday at 9 am, and we sing at the 10 am service. We often try to do two related anthems to unify the service musically, and we also give ourselves a good variety of styles over the summer. This is a great musical change of pace every year! Get those musical muscles moving! For more information, call Bill Weinert at 274-1444.
Storehouse Basement Sale Donations Needed! We Need Asbury First Welcome Desk Volunteers on Sunday Mornings!
The Asbury Storehouse will host our annual Basement Sale, August 3, 4, and 5. The sale is our biggest yearly fundraiser and we THANK YOU for making that possible with your wonderful donations. Last year we reached a new high of $10,000! We have equally high hopes for this year as well. Start gathering your items now, and on Sunday, June 11 we will be able to accept your items at the church.
A person can volunteer at the desk 1 hour, 2 hours...or what ever time you have. We are flexible! The Welcome Desk is open between the hours of 8:15 am to 12:15 pm Sunday mornings. Volunteers will greet people as they approach, hand out name tags if they have ordered them, hand out visitor welcome bags, answer questions and guide them. It is a great way to meet people! If you have questions or are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Janda Hemming at jhemming01@ earthlink.net or 381-6902.
If you need further information or assistance in getting your donations to the church, please contact Elizabeth Church at emchurch418@gmail.com or 461-9802.
Tent Week: Join the Planning Committee! The goal of Tent Week is to give people a great experience of the church, as well as welcome those living "across the street" who may be curious about Asbury First. We host a myriad of events under the tent on the front lawn that are free and open to all. Our theme this year is Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Tent. The committee is in need of additional volunteers to assist in coordinating events. Some of things we have planned are Open Mic Night, Interfatih Festival, Brainery Bazaar, and more. Volunteering during tent week provides a great opportunity to connect with current members of the church, as well as opening the church doors for all to experience. If interested, please contact Maggie Tobin at maggietobin3@gmail.com. 16
Community Outreach & Needs Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Basement Sale! “What does the Lord require of you? To seek justice, and love kindness and walk kindly with our God.” -Micah 6:8 This August we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Basement Sale in support of the Asbury First UMC Storehouse. As we prepare to open our doors, we want to pause and remember the 49 years that preceded this event and its history Founded in 1965 by five women of our congregation, the Asbury First UMC Storehouse has served thousands of families in need. Donations from Asbury First members and people throughout Rochester have provided clothing, bedding and small household items to families. I wonder if our founding mothers could have imagined that in 2017, we would have 100 volunteers, serve 2,967 adults, serve 2,505 children, and receive referrals from 372 local agencies? When founded, the Storehouse consisted of a few rooms and closets on the second floor of the building we call 1010 (on the west side of the sanctuary). Now encompassing the entire lower level of 1050 (the building that houses the church offices), the need has continued and increased. While supported by the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) the needs exceed what the AOP alone can provide. Fund raisers for the Storehouse help us to purchase socks, underwear, blankets and at times, winter jackets. Our sale dates this year are August 3, 4, 5, and this year, Sunday, August 6. Since we are run entirely with volunteers, and our church provides the lower level of 1050 for the operation, all monies go directly to supporting
our clients' needs. Last year, 2016, the sale generated over $10,000.
and attractive to buyers. Pricing is modest and great deals are to be found!
With the contribution of the Bake Sale (held in the Welcome Hall) the total exceeded $11,000. We are so thankful and blessed that we can make the necessary purchases to support our guests!
But we need you! Starting Monday, June 5, we will accept your donations specifically for the sale. (Please no books, records, sports equipment or large electronics/computers.) Donations can be taken to the lower level of the education wing of the church and left in the “Space” room, across from Wesley Hall where the choir rehearses. (There's a space scene painted on the wall.) Friday, July 28 we will set up the tables in Fellowship Hall and move needed fixtures from the Storehouse that will be used for display. During the sale we need people to help customers and assist with wrapping purchased goods. We are extending the sale to Sunday after our annual tent service on the lawn, and helpers are requested for clean up after the sale at 1 pm. Your help with donations, set up, or clean up is greatly appreciated. If you can offer some time to support this vital ministry event, please contact Elizabeth Church, Sale Coordinator, at emchurch418@gmail.com or call 461-9802. Assistance delivering large items to the church is also available by contacting Elizabeth.
Donations for the sale from our generous and large population make the Asbury Basement sale much more that a glorified garage sale. We have had furniture, household items, small appliances, vintage clothing, antiques and collectables, jewelry, linens, framed art work, accessories such as scarves and purses and so much more. Items are set aside and priced throughout the year as we receive small donations that could be a part of the sale. The week before the sale opens, many hands work long hours to get the sale tables set up, boxes opened and items unwrapped and priced. We are blessed with many volunteers who have years of experience and know how to merchandise the sale to make items appealing
Tell your friends—and please come shop! You never know what gems you may find!
We Need You! Renaming the Basement Sale After 50 years of sales, we have come to realize the name “Basement Sale” doesn't effectively tell our story and an update is needed! While we continue to host the sale in Fellowship Hall, the basement if you will, the sale itself is so much more than the word Basement implies. Are you good with words? Can you turn a phrase? We need you! We are launching a contest to come up with a catchier name that will not only reflect the sale, but also be more enticing and will draw people to our sale. This new name will be used on flyers on in house advertising, and publications such as The Visitor and weekly bulletins, and “outside” advertising through local publications. Please submit your re-name to Elizabeth Church at emchurch418@gmail.com or call 461-9802 by June 15. The sale committee will vote on all entries and announce the re-name in upcoming publications. We look forward to hearing from you! 17
Community Outreach & Needs By Ida Hickman
Take a Closer Look at UR Well
Asbury UR Well is into its 8th year of providing free, high quality, preventative and health maintenance services to uninsured and underserved families and individuals in and around the community of Rochester, NY. During 2016, we treated 414 patients, provided 303 physicals for jobs, school, and sports, served 88 individuals with medical concerns, and 23 patients with dermatology issues. Patients came to our clinic from the city of Rochester, Brighton, Greece, Irondequoit, Buffalo, and even Florida. Many clinics and doctors’ offices are referring patients to Asbury UR Well clinic! There were also a number of patients visiting from other countries (including Ghana, India, and Jamaica) who became ill while they were in Rochester and were referred to our clinic by their relatives' family physicians. Additionally, we now have two social work volunteers available to assist patients with housing, food, and other needs. We also have health insurance marketing representatives available to assist patients in obtaining health insurance coverage while they are waiting to be seen! These insurance marketing representatives enrolled 32 patients in 2016. Besides patients' immediate medical care needs, the clinic strives to educate visitors about maintaining good health practices and free services offered through the Monroe County Department of Health and Finger Lakes Health System Agency. The clinic provides a meal each Thursday—and thanks to Tasteful Connection, it provides a meal to patients every first Tuesday of the month. On October 6, 2016, The Asbury First UR Well ministry participated in the Janice Lynn Cohen Symposium, 2016 along with another local clinic. The theme of the symposium focused on Faith-based healthcare bridging gap between insured and underinsured individuals and families. During the week of service, we welcomed 8 visitors: 6 of them volunteered to be greeters in the clinic and one became a 1 PPD reader! Another woman came with a family member to the clinic and while she was waiting, she assisted me with setting up for the meal and socializing with the patients. She has now become a regular volunteer and she has since attended service at Asbury First. Patients that come to the Asbury First UR Well clinic are very appreciative of the care we provide. Those that get physicals are perhaps the most thankful, and it shows in their expression: ”I can go to work now, Thank you very much”. 18
The Last Word Recognizing our Supporters, Volunteers, and Hershel Patterson | Michele Cooley can be and comes in to attend to our needs when others will not. The definition of a team player is Hershel. He has come in on a Saturday to clean the cooler and freezer and stayed until 5 pm on a Sunday doing the dishes of 140 guests. He has set up and now monitors our guest internet program and is in charge of our hygiene and laundry supplies. Hershel has expanded his duties and now also acts as our Foodlink liason and pantry supervisor.
The Asbury Dining and Caring Center is very fortunate to have such a wonderful staff, volunteers, and supporters. Volunteers come from many agencies, churches, schools, temples, colleges, businesses, and members of the community at large. We are very diverse, including many faiths and backgrounds, but we are unified by one purpose: to help those who are hungry and homeless. And on May 16, we hosted the ADCC Appreciation Dinner, where we recognized the time, talent, and treasures offered up by our many supporters. We also set aside time to honor our ADCC Person of the Year, Herschel Patterson. We have approximately 350 volunteers and many have been coming to the Dining Center since its inception 24 years ago. One of our employees—and the 2017 ADCC Person of the Year— Hershel, started here as a guest and has a remarkable story. He is a courageous role model for those who aspire to have a clean and productive life. I wrote an article about seven years ago for The Visitor and Hershel was profiled then. This is an excerpt from that article: Hershel Patterson has been coming here since 2003. As a guest, he says “I was at the bottom of the bucket. I came here and seen a sparkle that made me come back and made me feel better. The feeling of hope and inspiration, it just grew. Because of that, I volunteer here as much as I can. It is a blessing." Hershel is modest about his accomplishments and his impact on ADCC as well. He is now a staff person here and our resident computer guru. A keen intellect and curiosity compels Hershel to learn new things and study the Bible. He is as cheerful as anyone 19
As Hershel's confidence has grown, so has his community dedication. He is now an elected commissioner for the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA). He works with residents to improve their quality of life by addressing suggestions and complaints. He travels weekly to housing complexes, meets with residents, and makes a difference in the lives of many handicapped and elderly individuals. He refers many to Asbury First.
The U of R Simon School developed a program to assist RHA with a business plan. Hershel was right there. As a result, they are revamping their laundry program with a sophisticated business plan. Hershel was a key person in this new project. As ADCC Person of the Year for 2017, Hershel was the obvious choice. His rapport with our guests is exemplary. He understands homelessness, poverty, and addiction. He has empathy for all and has been a great friend and coworker to me for many years. We are honored to have Hershel here at the Dining Center as an inspiration. Congratulations Hershel!
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
TENT WEEK IS COMING! SAVE THE DATES SUN, AUG 6 - THUR, AUG 10
TENT WEEK
Global art and music Mental and physical exercises Food trucks Extravaganzas of all kinds! #tentweek2017