The Visitor | March 2016

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TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter March 2016 • Vol. L No. 3 • www.asburyfirst.org

In This Issue Lenten Ministry, 3 New Stewardship Chair, 6 Stephen Ministry, 7 Prayer Partners, 8 Spring Retreats, 8 Spring Classes, 11 Music & Arts Events, 12 Talent Show, 13

He Is Risen! Easter 2016 at Asbury First


Mission Statement

The Visitor

Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.

Vol. L No. 2

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

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

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

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

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

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

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.

*deceased Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.

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Emeriti Staff

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

Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for next issue: Tuesday, March 29

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The Great Drama A Pastoral Reflection A pastor I know often describes worship as “a dress rehearsal for the Kingdom of God.” In other words: in worship we do our very best to live into the Kingdom of God, knowing that it’s not yet quite the real deal, but trusting that it can come pretty close. We turn our collective attention to God and we are reminded of our identity as God’s beloved children. This idea of worship as dress

rehearsal for the Kingdom feels particularly true to me as we approach Holy Week, the great drama of the liturgical year. From Palm Sunday to Easter morning – just seven short days – we will move together through the great story of our faith. A lot happens in those seven days, and it can feel a bit like an emotional roller coaster. We shout “Hosanna!” and welcome Jesus into Jerusalem, only to turn and desert him in his hour of need. We gather together around a table to taste God’s goodness, we watch the Savior wash our dirty feet, we fall asleep

Easter Hospitality

in the garden and wonder why Jesus would have ever chosen us to be his disciples. We sit at the foot of the cross and hear Jesus cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” We see his body laid in the tomb. We wonder how it is that the Son of God could have died, what it means that he no longer walks this earth. And we gather in amazement at the astonishing good news of Easter morning: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Life has overcome death, light has defeated darkness, and we find hope in the resurrection.

we come together in worship throughout Holy Week, as we hear that old, old story told once again, my prayer is that it might be a true dress rehearsal for the Kingdom of God. For a dress rehearsal to work, we need a full cast, and so I hope that you will join us in worship throughout the week (you’ll find the schedule of Holy Week services on the back cover of this issue of The Visitor). Together we will watch and pray, together we will live this great drama, and together we will catch a glimpse of our gracious God.

What a story! What a week! As

Katie O’Hern

AFUMC news

As we prepare for and celebrate Holy Week, there will be many visitors to our church who have never stepped through our doors before. The members of Asbury First have always extended their hands in friendship to those who are new, and we want to ask you to continue this tradition this Easter season and take an extra moment when you are on campus to greet and welcome any new faces you see. This is especially true for Easter morning itself, when hundreds of first-time visitors will attend our services. They may be nervous about being in a new, unfamiliar place, or they may have questions that you can answer for them. Please join with us in helping to turn strangers into friends, and in making our services comfortable and welcoming for all. Thank you!

Asbury First’s ministers with some of the members and friends who attended a Lenten service at Fairport Baptist Home in late February. In this picture (back row, l to r): the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Nancy Adamus, Marcia Wilke, Lorraine Fusare, unknown, Shirley Swackhamer, Evette Mogan, Carol MacMonagle, unknown, Kathy Thiel, Katie O’Hern, and Dick Wilke. (front row, l to r): Ann Hunter, Jane Wilson, Marge Warner, Rand Warner, Marion Anderson, Joy Gates, and Anna Collins.

Asbury First Nursing Home Ministry One of Asbury First’s most vital ministries is that to the area nursing homes and care facilities where members and friends of our church now live. During Lent, the pastors offered communion services at several of these homes, including Fairport Baptist Home. For many of the residents, the services are one of the highlights of their week. The Rev. Jennifer Streeter, (daughter to AFUMC members Bob and Barb Castle), provides pastoral care at FBH, and was there for the recent week day service. She told us, “many of our residents have been members of Asbury First their whole life. Every Sunday morn-

ing Rand Warner gathers all of the Asbury First people he can find and they listen to the service on the radio together. Each year it means the world to the residents to have the Asbury First clergy come and lead a service where they live. After the service we gather for a time for fellowship. During that time I heard Stephen [Cady] swapping stories with Shirley Swackhamer about the church years ago. Jane Wilson, for whom the Sunday School classes made cards on her 100th birthday, Continued on next page.

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AFUMC News, continued from the previous page.

is now 103 years old. She attended Asbury First when it was in a different location and a much different church than it is now. She teared up when she heard Asbury First was here to lead a service. Nancy Adamus, who is an usher at the 8:30 a.m. service at Asbury First, comes to our worship service with her mother every Sunday afternoon. Nancy helps serve communion on the communion Sundays. We appreciate how closely we can work with Asbury First and the many ways we stay connected with each other. It is a living testament that a church is not a building but a community of faith.”

and begin creating an “us” mentality rather than an “us and them” mentality,” said Mike Mullin, Asbury First’s youth minister. “We were hoping to raise our level of understanding of others, not to try to convert them, but just to open dialogue. We want this to be the start of something that happens again.”

Youth Interfaith Summit Helps Build Bridges A visitor to Asbury First on Sunday evening, March 6, might have been surprised by the buzz in the air. The Gathering Center, packed with engaged, vibrant teens and teen leaders, was the location for a youth interfaith summit that brought together high school students from a broad range of faith traditions, including Mormon, Catholic, Jewish, and Islam. Nearly 100 people shared a pot luck dinner before breaking into groups to talk about topics that pertain to faith, life, God, and spirituality, as they saw it within their own traditions. At the end of the evening, the group closed by singing “Peace, Salam, Shalom, Namaste...”.

Organizers say the event was highly successful, and plans are already being made for the next youth summit. Special thanks to Andrew Kennedy, the youth organizer and AFUMC member, who worked diligently to make the event a success.

“Our goal was to get youth together to start a conversation,

Photos courtesy of Dan Mack.

WORSHIP worship schedule

Sunday Service Times 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship with Sanctuary Choir Sunday March 20 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher Sunday March 27 Easter Sunday Luke 24:1-12 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher For a full schedule of Holy Week services, please see the back cover.

Our Living

Sunday APril 3 Second Sunday after Easter John 20:19-31 Katie O’Hern, preacher

Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love We offer our prayers and sympathy to Morgan Dornsife and family on the death of Morgan’s grandmother Christa Fumea on February 17, 2016 in Lewisburg, PA.

Sunday April 10 Third Sunday after Easter John 21:1-19 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher Sunday April 17 Fourth Sunday after Easter John 10:22-30 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Donna and Karen Kelly on the death of their sister and aunt Margaret Giblin on February 22, 2016 in Canandaigua, NY.

Sunday April 24 Fifth Sunday after Easter John 13:31-35 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher 4

in Community We offer our prayers and sympathy to Nadia and Mike Mullin and family on the death of Nadia’s grandfather Mario Buzzelli on February 28, 2016 in Havelock, NC.

Births & Baptisms God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Elisabeth Kay Voelkl daughter of Sarah and Casey Voelkl, baptized on February 28, 2016. Eli David Piazza son of AManda and Erik Piazza, baptized on March 13, 2016.


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

A Personal Reflection on the Lenten Journey

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tive: I raise my body to raise your spirit, and you raise your body to help me raise mine. In our churches we raise each other for the sake of our world. We lift society up from the gutter so that society can lift us up. We are in stone rolling together.”

favorite Lenten devotional, Donna Shaper’s Calmly Plotting the Resurrection, once again beckoned to me this year and was pulled from my bookshelf. The author suggests that we enter Lent to begin a journey – a journey to a place called Resurrection. She suggests that resurrection is a concept too big for us to comprehend. This catches my attention in a HUGE way, and I ask myself, “Really, Bonnie – is Jesus’ Resurrection (which is at the heart of your Christian faith) a concept too big for you?”

My reflection is leading me to some stone rolling I need to take. I mention a few: • I need an attitude change because of a grudge, a place of resentment that I’ve been holding far too long. Please help me roll this stone away. • My heart aches regarding the high poverty rate in my home town. I ache especially for our hungry children. Please help me roll away the stone that blocks me from being someone who helps bring nourishment to these children’s hungry bellies.

This sends me to pondering and the first thought that comes to mind is that Resurrection is about rising to new life. Yes, when my earthly journey closes and I die in the flesh, I know that through Jesus, I will rise to a new life (I remember Woody Allen’s profound quote, “One out of one of us is going to die”), but Shaper fervently believes that rising must also be about the now; Resurrection Now must also be about our life now as well as life after death.

I sense an invitation before me and I invite you to join with me as we journey to Resurrection Now. Are you too, being invited to become a “stone roller,” considering your own life’s circumstances? What blocks you and me from living Resurrection Now . . . of rising now? I ask the same question in a different way – how or what will open me to live resurrection now? I pray to be receptive to these invitations as the Lenten journey continues. – Bonnie Matthaidess, Spiritual Life Committee

This makes me think that Shaper must be a dreamer like we all are at Asbury First, because she points to new life, to new possibilities in our personal lives and in our church’s life; to be raised up – now. Interestingly, she coins many phrases – like “stone rolling;” and she names Jesus a “stone roller.” Jesus’ stone was rolled away from his tomb – and this opened up that which entombed him from living the resurrected life. She invites us to consider what stones or boulders need to be rolled away from each of our lives and the life of our churches to live the resurrected life – now. In my reflecting time I can envision my pile of stones that block my place of life now – which include places of apathy, unwarranted judgments, hopelessness, places that are stagnant, and lifeless places. My Lenten journey of reflecting and dreaming points to these areas as places of opportunity; as places of transformation for life now.

Labyrinth

Wednesday, April 13 5:00-7:00 p.m. Come, walk, and listen to beautiful music as you experience some quiet, meditative time healing your soul and re-connecting with God.

I quote Shaper: “Living Now with a resurrected spirit is triune: a raised self, a raised church, and a raised society. It is interac5


Stewardship news

1 by Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, Chair, Stewardship Committee 2 Ed Note: In this issue, we introduce our new chair of the stewardship committee, Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee. We want to express our gratitude to previous chair Kelly Mueller, who led a number of successful stewardship campaigns for Asbury First with skill and grace. Here, Lis tells us a bit about her background, what drew her to Asbury First, and what her goals are for the stewardship committee going forward. Eight years ago, my family moved to the Rochester area. The first couple of years, we spent a fair amount of time visiting various churches, trying to find the one for us. Surprisingly, this was not an easy process and it needed to fit in with the tasks of getting to know new schools, new jobs, etc. One day, our son Mike came home and said that we had to go to Asbury First. He had seen the musical there because one of his friends was in it, and was really excited about the music program at this church. So, off we went and the rest, as they say, is history! Right from the start, we were involved in the sanctuary and youth choirs as well as the youth group, mission trips, and several committees. About two years ago, I joined the stewardship committee, where I worked with our terrific leader, Kelly Mueller. I have worked in development (fundraising) at the University of Rochester, at my alma mater, and now here at Asbury First. And I find the work deeply meaningful. Here’s why: I’ve had many years to think about why this work is important and here’s what I’ve learned. It’s about far more

than asking people for money. At its roots, stewardship is about building relationships with people whose dreams and ideals align with our institution’s purpose. It is connecting with all kinds of people and giving them the opportunity to experience the joy of investing in ministries and programs that are working, every day, to make our world a better place. Stewarding our resources wisely is something that God asks of us on a regular basis, as we are able, and I enjoy helping people to find out how they can do that. I also enjoy the opportunity to thank everyone for those amazing gifts. Each and every gift Asbury First receives has enormous value, and it’s an honor to be able to express our gratitude to those who give, no matter how they give (through pledging, Sunday offering, or in other ways) or the amount of their gift. At Asbury First, stewardship provides a foundation for worship, education, membership care and outreach. We love all the elements of our worship services – children’s time, the welcoming of those watching the service online, our pastors, the music, and the thought-provoking sermons. We love the education that is available to every person, connecting young and not so young to the lessons that the Bible teaches. And we love the friendly and caring community that is ready to welcome all, giving a ride to someone who wouldn’t otherwise get to church, and letting others know when someone is ill or in trouble. We especially enjoy the youth program that gets our kids involved in mission trips, local causes, and even their own musicals. We are, through all this, one big extended family!

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So, as I take my place as chair of the stewardship committee, I’m excited to be here and honored to work with the people on the committee, the church staff, and our congregation. With all of you, we will continue to raise support for the many varied and meaningful ministries of Asbury First. And just in case you’re interested, here is how we will plan the coming year in the committee: •

Spring: You will be hearing from us as we express our gratitude for your gifts to the church and show you, in a variety of ways, how your generosity is moving forward the church’s ministries.

Summer – You want a clear sense of why we’re asking for your financial help. So we spend the summer making sure those questions will be answered when the annual campaign starts in the fall. This background work is vital to ensuring we are all on the same page regarding funding for Asbury First.

Fall – You’ll be hearing from us once again in early October, as we present a plan for funding the 2017 budget and ask for your help in making that happen. Throughout the following months, we’ll keep you up-to-date on how the efforts are going, leading up to Thanksgiving Sunday, when we dedicate our pledges to God.

If you are interested in the stewardship process at Asbury First, have questions, would like to help, or wish to talk about a gift to the church, please don’t hesitate to contact Asbury First’s development director, Morgan Dornsife, at 585-271-1050 or mdornsife@asburyfirst.org. I look forward to working with you in the coming year!


Stephen Ministry: Frequently Asked Questions by Kathy Thiel Ed. Note: last month, Kathy Thiel, minister for pastoral care and outreach, gave us a brief overview of Stephen Ministry. This month, she answers some common questions of the practice of Stephen Ministry. What kind of things would I go see a Stephen Minister about? A Stephen Minister is assigned to you if you are in need of Christ-centered care, given by someone who is trained to walk with you as a companion on your journey. Stephen Ministry is designed to benefit those who are experiencing the usual challenges of life – loss of a loved one to death; unemployment; divorce; a new situation that brings questions; and more.

to you.

eral months. This is something that you and your Stephen Minister can discuss and revisit as your relationship deepens.

of God and Christ. Whatever you share is precious to your Stephen Minister. It is of the utmost importance that your confidentiality is kept and Stephen Ministers are trained to keep all that you share to themselves. Stephen Ministers participate in peer supervision, meaning that they meet with other Stephen Ministers to talk about themselves and their ministry. Even in this sacred time of sharing, your Stephen Minister will never divulge what s/he learns from you. Your relationship with your Stephen Minister is confidential; your Stephen Minister will not even share that you are their care receiver. If you choose to share this information, that is up to you and it is perfectly fine to do this, but it is on your terms.

Is there any cost to me? Stephen Ministry is free! Stephen Ministers do not expect anything from you. You do not What does a Stephen Minister have to feed them or take them out for a meal. If you decide to offer to me? meet at your home, you do not A Stephen Minister will walk with you as you navigate what- have to worry about what you or your home looks like when ever is challenging you. S/he you get together. This relationwill listen as you talk about ship is about your spiritual your fears, frustrations, sorhealth and it is free. rows, hopes and dreams. The Stephen Minister does not How much training do Stegive advice, or bring you to an phen Ministers get? appointment with your doctor. Lay people receive 50 hours The Stephen Minister is there of training to become Stephen to share God’s loving presence Ministers, and continuing and the gift of listening. education throughout their ministry. Throughout the year, How long would I go to see Stephen Ministers gather them for? Is it a one-time thing or a continuing relation- together for extra training with Stephen Ministers from other ship? The relationship between a Ste- churches. phen Minister (the care giver) How do I know that my Steand you (the care receiver) lasts phen Minister won’t share my for the length of whatever you problems with other people? are experiencing. Sometimes Are the meetings confidential? the relationship lasts six weeks; This is a holy and sacred other relationships last for sev- relationship rooted in the love

Can they help me to solve my problems? Stephen Ministers are here to listen and pray with you. They are not therapists or counselors. Stephen Ministers bring the presence of God and the companionship of Jesus Christ to you in a specific way of listening and praying. This is their gift 7

Can I choose a specific Stephen Minister I’d like to work with or does someone else choose the person I’ll be talking to? The pastor will choose a Stephen Minister for you. If you are a woman, you will receive a female Stephen Minister, and if you are a man, you will receive a male Stephen Minister. If for some reason the relationship is not productive, you may request a change. This relationship is solely for your benefit. Where do we meet? When? You and your Stephen Minister will figure out what works best for both of you as far as meeting places and times. Usually, the meetings take place once a week. You can also talk with your Stephen Minister on the telephone. Remember, you are not responsible for taking your Stephen Minister out for a meal, you are not expected to provide any sort of refreshment for your Stephen Minister if you meet at your home, this relationship is for your spiritual benefit. Does my relationship with my Stephen Minister change the relationship I have with my pastor? No. The relationship you have with your pastor does not change if you have a Stephen Minister. Your pastor will continue to be in touch with you and offer you pastoral care and pastoral counseling.


Prayer Partners for Youth Missions 2016 is our fortieth year of youth missions at Asbury First. This is also an international year for our senior high students. With all of this excitement, we want to invite you to join in on the fun! This summer, our senior high youth will be travelling to Cuba to partner with Cuban Connection Ministries. We will be immersed in the culture, work with local churches, and even help out on a community farm. Meanwhile, our middle school youth will spend several days in Rochester, helping out with Asbury First’s Vacation Bible School program in the morning and at different local mission agencies in the afternoons. We will then enjoy a brief two-day excursion following this week of service. All together we will have approximately 65 youth and adults participating in our summer mission trips. We hope that you will consider participating with us in our missions this year by being a prayer partner! As a prayer partner: you will be matched with a missioner — junior high, senior high, or adult — and will be given a photo and brief bio of him or her; you will be asked to provide a photo and write a letter to your missioner which s/he will receive during his/her trip; and finally, you will be asked to keep your missioner in prayer throughout the trip. You may sign up to be a prayer partner at a table in the Welcoming Hall on a Sunday morning, by emailing Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org, or by calling the church office at (585) 271-1050 and letting us know of your interest. We look forward to sharing with you in these wonderful ministries!

For Men ...

Spring Spiritual Retreats Spring Spiritual Retreats

Men, join us for our annual spring retreat at Camp Casowasco from Friday evening April 29-Sunday morning May 1. We will be staying at Wesley Lodge on the retreat on Owasco Lake. We gather to sing, pray, hike, worship, and have discussions. This year’s theme will be based on the book Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness, by Eric Metaxas. This is a chance to relax, reflect and renew one’s spirit. The cost is $133.50 per person and includes lodging Friday through Sunday and four meals, Saturday through Sunday morning. You can bring your own sleeping bag, or pay $8 per person for linens supplied by Casowasco. If interested contact Bruce Thompson at brucerthompsonmd@mac.com or Glenn Peck at gpeck1@rochester.rr.com.

For Women ...

Our theme this year is You Are My Beloved. Come and explore God’s relationship with us as the Beloved, along with some help from the women in Scripture. The retreat is Friday, April 29-Sunday, May 1 at Asbury Camp and Retreat Center, Silver Lake, NY 14549. Cost is $138/ double occupancy. On Friday evening, we’ll have soup and salad available from 6:00-9:00 p.m., provided by the retreat committee. Limited to 30 participants, so register soon by contacting Melody Guadagnino in the church office at 585-271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@ asburyfirst.org. Registration deadline is April 22. Please make checks out to AFUMC with “women’s retreat” in the memo. For more info, contact Bonnie Matthaidess (bjmatt2@aol.com or 381-7107) or Diane Dudley (diduds@aol.com or 223-1962). 8


• a place to call home • 1 by Chris Lee 2

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n 2000-2001, three sociallyminded members of three different Rochester faith communities (including Asbury First’s Rev. Margie Mayson) were exchanging thoughts about a “new” model that would allow faith communities to help homeless families without getting hopelessly overburdened by administrative tasks. Through these meetings, they began to learn about the history, model and purpose of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network (NIHN, now called Family Promise), headquartered in New Jersey and founded in 1988. This organization addressed the problems that homeless families face when traditional shelters did not serve their needs well by tapping the resources and energies of faith communities. As time went on, other faith community volunteers and leaders stepped forward to help shape what would become the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN), a not-for-profit, interfaith, culturally-competent organization that assists homeless families to achieve sustainable independence by supporting them with tailored services including shelter, food, personalized case management, and a diverse network of caring volunteers. Celebrating its twelfth anniversary in April, RAIHN currently partners with 41 faith communities who serve as host and support congregations, with many others providing moral and financial support. Family Promise has grown to 187 affiliates in 42 states, serving over 50,000 people annually. RAIHN’s annual budget is $200,000, and it is funded by private dona-

Since we were fortunate enough to count the members of the youth group as part of our team during our January week, we can report a record 109 volunteers who served a collective 413 hours from Sunday, January 24 through Sunday, January 31.

tions from generous individuals, congregations, corporations and foundations. As a community, we have been increasingly more uncomfortable with the news that Rochester has the second highest poverty rate in the United States. According to the RAIHN website, more than 600 individuals are homeless each night in Rochester and its suburbs, including 100 families with children. Yet some heartening statistics appear on that website as well: RAIHN served 27 families, including 50 children, in 2014, and 90 percent of RAIHN families remain in permanent housing after one year. That’s more than a quarter of the homeless families in Rochester being served by this one program. My husband, Doug, and I have been coordinators of Asbury First’s RAIHN outreach ministry since February 2013. During that time, we have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful families and working alongside a caring, dedicated team of volunteers that includes members of our three support congregations: Greece Baptist Church, The Baptist Temple, and Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church. 9

Being a RAIHN volunteer isn’t complicated, and doesn’t take a great deal of time. Shifts (with the exception of the overnights) are generally two or three hours in length, and our congregation only hosts families four times a year. There are opportunities to greet the families as they arrive off the bus each afternoon, prepare and serve a meal during the week, play games, do homework, watch a movie, or just relax and chat with children and their parents, or you may spend the night in 1010 East Ave, making sure that families get up and out the door when the bus arrives before 7:00 a.m. the next morning. It is safe to say that our first RAIHN rotation of 2016 was a particularly memorable one. We were blessed to spend the week with four families, made up of seven adults and four children ages newborn (and I do mean newborn!) to 10 years. One mom arrived at our door 41 weeks pregnant, and left us the following Sunday with a two-day-old baby girl. Another couple got married the day after we met them. Volunteer Lin Vanderstyne wondered if we could hold a baby shower, which quickly morphed into a combined baby/wedding shower, with gifts for all four of the families in the program. Continued on next page.


RAIHN, continued from previous page.

Of all of the experiences of the week, it was what happened at the shower that had the biggest impact on me. The gift-giving had just gotten underway when the groom addressed the room. “These presents are great, and we are so thankful. But the gift I really want from you is the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In that moment all of the shower guests formed a circle and bowed our heads and shared in a time of prayer. With tears in our eyes and love overflowing from our hearts, we then returned to the festivities, laughter punctuating the present opening, game playing, punch drinking, and cake eating that ensued. During RAIHN week, I happily walked alongside so many amazing people, guests, and volunteers alike, who said “Yes, Lord, I love you” and then lovingly took care of those around them.

Planning Our Future The dream board has come down and we have asked that the community spend the season of Lent in prayer for our

“Again Jesus said, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ “– John 21:16.

common dreams. Easter brings with it the promise of new life and, this year, a new chance to dream. For one week, from Sunday, April 10 to Sunday April 17, we will place a large

If you want to be a part of this important outreach ministry, please contact Chris or Doug Lee at c_s_lee29@msn.com or 585451-7692.

board with all of our dreams on it in the Gathering Center. We request and encourage all who are interested to take a moment, either Sunday morning or sometime during the

2016 RAIHN Hosting Weeks at Asbury First

week, to arrange the dreams as you see fit. This crowd-sourced

Please mark your calendars!

us find together who God is calling us to be. New cards will

“affinity diagram” will be fluid and allow everyone to reveal the common themes of our dreaming together and to help

Sunday, April 24-Sunday, May 1

be available for those who, through the process, discover new

Sunday, July 24-Sunday, July 31

dreams. Once the dreams have been sorted, our Strategic Planning Team (aka “Dream Team”) will use those themes and

Sunday, October 16-Sunday October 23

insights to create a new five-year strategic plan for Asbury First.

Car City 2016 a fundraiser for RAIHN held at Asbury First on April 30-May 1. Car City gives the community an opportunity to learn about family homelessness in a meaningful, hands-on way by sleeping overnight in their cars. Similar to the idea of a walka-thon, participants in Car City raise a registration fee plus pledges to benefit RAIHN. “Virtual” participants (who raise funds and attend the event, but sleep at home) are also welcome! At Car City, you’ll find: •

A keynote speech by photojournalist Arleen Thaler.

Car-aoke with Creekside Entertainment.

Bedtime yoga to help you relax.

See www.RAIHN.org to register or for more details. 10


Spring classes & events Comparing the Gospels Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 6:00-7:00 p.m. | 1010 East Ave., Red Room

Theology on Tapas

Have you ever wondered why we

Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 5-6:30 p.m. | Ox and Stone (282 Alexander St.)

have four Gospels – not just one? In this class, we’ll take a look at differences and similarities among

Join us for tapas and informal conversation

the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each written un-

about life, faith, and today’s world. Each

der different circumstances, we’ll

week we’ll talk about a different topic,

contrast some of the better-known

all while getting to know one another

stories and talk about what each

and sharing food. Want to learn more or

author was trying to accomplish

suggest a topic for conversation? Contact

by writing it as he did. We’ll pay

Katie O’Hern at kohern@asburyfirst.org.

special attention to the Johannine

No need to register: just show up, and stay

Gospel, which deviates from the synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)

as long as you like!

in some significant ways. Join us as we take a closer look at these four seminal books of our faith. For more information contact Summer Sattora at ssattora@asburyfirst.org.

Dr. Leonard Sweet

United Methodism 101

Monday, March 28 7:00 p.m. | free

Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. Gathering Center • • • •

Renowned writer and theologian Dr. Leonard Sweet will visit Asbury First in March under the auspices

Do we believe in free will or predestination? Why do our ministers move around so much? What’s up with the name “Methodist?” What does it mean to be “strangely warmed?”

of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. At Asbury First he will give the Stanley I. Stuber

Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life or have just stumbled upon us recently, this class is for you! This discussion is about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. Please let us know if you plan to attend by April 1 so that we can order books (optional). The cost will be $12 for the optional book and assistance is available. For more info or to register call Melody Guadagnino in the church office at 585-2711050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

Lecture, titled You Don’t ‘Work’ a Violin: The Play of Faith. Dr. Sweet is a scholar of American culture, a preacher and a best-selling author who communicates the gospel with a signature bridging of the worlds of faith, the academy, and popular culture. He is currently the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, Madison, NJ and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon. 11


music the

arts

Children to Perform Musical This Spring

&

Salon Concert Series

This year’s children’s musical production is Table for Five Thousand: The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, written by Tom S. Long and Allen Pote.The 25-minute musical with piano and flute accompaniment will be performed in the sanctuary during the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday, May 1 under the direction of Holly Temming, interim director of children’s music.

at A s b u r y F i r s t S u n d a y, A p r i l 1 0 / 2 : 0 0 P . M . Schubert Trios Nos. 1 & 2 Featuring Rebecca Penneys, piano Mikhail Kopelman, violin Stefan Reuss, cello

The music features memorable melodies and touching lyrics to convey the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The musical remains true to the New Testament writings while underlining the theme that the most humble among us —especially children — can do great things with God’s help. An outstanding dramatic narrative employs numerous roles for our cast of 32 children ranging in age from four to eleven. There are nine musical numbers.

Tickets are $30 in advance, available by calling the v

church office at (585) 271-1050 x103. Tickets are also available at the door for $35, free for full-time students with ID.

The creators of this musical also collaborated on other children’s musicals performed in past years at Asbury First, including Malice in the Palace, and The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit.

Rising as on Wings:

Save the Date!

Cordancia Chamber Orchestra: April in Paris

At the Intersection of Architecture and Music A concert featuring the Telos Trio Sunday, April 24 2:30 p.m. Free will offering

Friday, April 22 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $12 general admission; $9 senior/student admission, available at the door.

The Telos Trio – Rita George

A program of French music, including works by George Antheil, Delius, and Ibert, and members of the French group, Les Six. The program will also feature the winner of Cordancia’s Concerto Competition for Young Performers.

Simmons on flute, Debbie

Cordancia performs with conductor Rachel Lauber, pianist Ines Draskovic and this year’s competition winner.

performed to much acclaim

This is the first performance of this program. The second performance will be on April 24 in the Linehan Chapel at Nazareth College.

Asbury First’s beautiful Neo-Gothic sanctuary, they will perform

Grohman on clarinet, and Willie La Favor on piano – have across upstate New York. In music that explores the architecture of the performance space as that space impacts how the music is heard. How does our

www.cordancia.org

surrounding environment influence what we hear? Please join us as these talented musicians help us to explore this question. 12


Ready for your Curtain Call? Save the date for Asbury First’s Sixth Annual

Talent Show Saturday, May 7 6:00 p.m. dinner (please bring a dish to pass) 6:30 show Fellowship Hall

T

his intergenerational talent show is produced by our youth and directed by Brian Bohrer. If you would like to perform, fill out the registration form and return it to the church office or to the

Welcoming Hall registration table (after Easter) by Sunday, April 17. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, April 24 from 3:30-5:30 or Sunday, May 1 from 12:15-2:30. You must attend a rehearsal (you only need to come to one rehearsal) with your act fully prepared in order to be included on the program. Questions? Please contact Carol Lamica at clamica@asburyfirst.org. Hope to see you there!

Registration Form – Sixth Annual Talent Show Name___________________________________________ Phone________________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Briefly describe your act: _________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ (If performing a piece of music, please list title and composer) Materials/props you will bring: ____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ Tech resources required: CD Player ____ Piano ____ Electric Cord ___ Amp ____ Microphone(s) ______ (# of mics) _______ Other __________________________________________ Do you need piano accompaniment? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, please attach a copy of the music to this form, and you will be contacted about your performance. 13


library news National Library Week is April 10-16, 2016 with the theme, “Libraries Transform.” Be a part of the transformation and make use of the libraries on the Asbury First campus. Books for all ages and on all topics can be found in the church resource library (off the Gathering Center) and spiritual life library (in 1010 East Ave.). Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE! National Library Week was first held in 1958. It is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and to promote library use and support. Come to the library and celebrate with us! Children: Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena, pictures by Christian Robinson. The award-winning story of CJ and his grandma on a bus ride across town and the grandma’s response to the why’s of a young child who wonders why he does not have a car, an IPod, or a home in the better part of town. Simple shapes and bright colors will capture the interest of the target ages 3-5.

Diversity Book Club and will be discussed after the 11:00 church service on April 24.

Waiting, by Kevin Henkes. “An irresistible picture book” is the description of this Caldecott Medal honoree, and we are certain that ages 4-8 will find it so. Children learn all about patience from an endearing cast of toys – an owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig – in this charming story.

The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. In this intense family drama set in Africa, the author tells the story of an evangelical missionary preacher, his wife and four daughters and their struggles as a family while living a foreign country.

Adults: Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race, by Debby Irving. A “... must read for anyone exploring issues of racism, power, privilege and leadership” this book is a personal story of the author’s awareness of race in the United States.

The Only Child, by Guojing. Ages 5-9 will be drawn to this part picture book, part graphic novel of a little girl – lost and alone – who follows a mysterious stag deep into the woods and finds herself in a strange and wondrous world. But home and family are very far away. How will she get back?

DVD: The Muslims We Know: A Documentary Film. In case you missed one of the recent showings of this documentary at Asbury First, here is another opportunity. This 54-minute DVD describes Pakistani-American Muslims in Rochester with a goal to educate people about basic tenets of Islam and to highlight similarities with the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Teens: I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition), by Malala Yousafzai. This notable memoir is by a remarkable teenage Pakistani girl who risked her life for the right to go to school. Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes and her story is of bravery and determination. The library also has the standard adult and large print versions of this book. It is a selection of the church’s

Jerusalem, a DVD directed by Daniel Ferguson. If you missed it on television, you can check out the DVD and see it in the comfort of your own home. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch narrates this 43 minute National Geographic Film that explores the landscape of Jerusalem and why this tiny piece of land is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

March 20  Luke 19:28-48 21  Luke 20:1-26 22  Luke 22:1-38 23  Luke 22:39-71 24  Luke 23:1-25 25  Luke 23:26-49 26  Luke 23:50-56 27  Luke 24:1-12 28  Luke 24:13-35 29  Luke 24:36-53 30  Jonah 1:1-17 31  Jonah 2:1-10

April 1 Jonah 3:1-10 2 Jonah 4:1-11 3 Hosea 1:1-2:1 4 Hosea 2:2-23 5 Hosea 3:1-4:10 6 Hosea 4:11-5:15 7 Hosea 6:1-7:2 8 Hosea 7:3-16

9 Hosea 8:1-14 10 Hosea 9:1-16 11 Hosea 9:17-10:15 12 Hosea 11:1-11 13 Hosea 11:12-12:14 14 Hosea 13:1-16 15 Hosea 14:1-9 16 Leviticus 16:1-19 17 Leviticus 16:20-34

18 2 Samuel 9:1-13 19 1 Kings 16:29-17:7 20 1 Kings 17:8-24 21 Psalm 32 22 Psalm 51 23 Psalm 52 24 Psalm 56 25 Psalm 57 26 Psalm 91 27 Psalm 102 28 Psalm 103 29 Psalm 121 30 Psalm 130

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

14


the last word

1 by Michele Cooley, DCC Director, and Mal Traub 2

T

he operation of our ministry and meal program takes a lot of energy, coordination, and determination to meet the needs of Rochester’s hungry and homeless. The Asbury First Dining and Caring Center is a ministry that never sleeps. When we are not open we are planning our next 35,000 meals, procuring food, picking up food somewhere, connecting with outreach workers, making referrals to agencies, etc. Much of our success is dependant on the kindness and generosity of our volunteers. One volunteer who has brought his knowledge of the restaurant business, his generosity, and determination to the Dining Center is Mal Traub. Mal has 50 years of experience, including time spent supervising Marine Corps kitchens while in the service as well as running his own restaurant and catering business. Mal was on the ground floor when we were setting up the kitchen and ordering the equipment for the Dining Center 23 years ago. He is a long-time friend of AFUMC

Y

Mal Traub and his best friend, Dew.

member Bill Lisi, who now operates the Grocery Bag Ministry and was a founder of the Dining and Caring Center. Mal assisted Bill in the early days. Mal and Bill’s friendship is nearly life-long. When Mal was a teenager, Bill hired him to work in his restaurant and years later Bill actually purchased Mal’s parents’ home. After many years of volunteering here, other projects demanded his time as his

catering business flourished. But after a five-year hiatus, Mal returned three years ago to volunteer. He has provided employment opportunities which have helped a number of our guests succeed in the restaurant business. If we need new bowls, glasses, equipment, etc., Mal is the first to recognize that fact and facilitate their procurement. Recently he organized a threeday deep cleaning of the Dining Center. He also purchased Dining and Caring Center caps and aprons for our volunteers. When he is not cooking, catering, going to Foodlink, or picking up kitchen supplies, he can be found visiting his grandchildren or bird hunting with his best friend, “Dew,” his beloved Labrador retriever. Mal operates on a common-sense level with our guests. As he says: “No matter how many obstacles you have in life you have to give back. You must donate your time and energy. Give from your heart, give of your self.” Thank you Mal. You are a great friend to all of us here at the Dining and Caring Center.

N i c a r a g u a M i s s i o n Tr i p P l a n n e d

ou are invited to experience first-hand the miracle of Project Chacocente! Since its founding in 2003, this ministry has been changing lives both in Nicaragua and in the USA. For our friends in Nicaragua, the despair of living in the Managua city dump has been replaced with dignity. For those of us in the USA who have been involved, our eyes and hearts have been opened. Although life remains difficult, it is immeasurably better for the eight families of the Project. The blessings have extended to the surrounding neighborhood as well. Chacocente Christian School is a beacon of hope for over 160 children, providing education, nourishment and recreation.

and at least 20 have visited more than once. Four members have served as long-term volunteers up to six months at a time and two youth have led teams of their own. Several church members sponsor children of the Project and/or school. Asbury First has generously supported it financially through the Outreach Work Area and various fundraisers. The people of the Project are grateful and look forward to meeting even more of you!

The trip will be June 25-July 2, and is open to all church members and guests. The purpose of the trip is to break ground for a church on the school campus. However, if mixing cement is not something you can do, there are plenty of others tasks to be completed. The estimated cost of the trip is $1,200-1,400 per person. Final figures will vary according to the number of participants. The deadline for reserving your spot is April 15.

Asbury First has been an integral part of the success of this ministry. Thisie Schisler, an Asbury First member, was a participant in the 2002 Mission of Peace trip to Nicaragua. The groups’ disbelief over the conditions of the 180 families living in the dump led directly to Project Founder Cheryl Avery’s decision to take action. Since then, more than 50 AFUMC members have visited the Project

For more information email Robyn Gage at robynegage@gmail. com or call 585-752-9070. Visit www.outofthedump.org for updates on the Project. 15


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

He Is Risen! Join us at Asbury First During Lent and Easter Week

Palm Sunday March 20 Our regular services will be held at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.; palms will be distributed to all.

Envisioning the Passion noon Holy Week-themed art and music by Voices, Rochester’s professional chamber chorus.

Maundy Thursday March 24 / 6:30 (Sanctuary open); 7:30 p.m. (service)

Family Prayer Night 6:00-7:30 p.m. A come-when-you-wish child-friendly event.

The sanctuary opens at 6:30 p.m. for silent meditation. Living tableaus of scenes from the life of Christ will be presented on the altar during this time. At 7:30, we will offer communion and hold a candlelight re-enactment of Christ’s last night, ending with the placement of the cross on the East Avenue lawn by our Christ-figure. (Note: this service will not begin in Fellowship Hall, as it has in previous years. It will take place entirely in the Sanctuary.) Good Friday March 25 Informal Holy Communion 6:00 a.m. Join the Men’s Prayer Group for a short service.

Easter Sunday March 27 Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m., Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 South Goodman Street, 14620 Asbury First co-sponsors this service with other local churches. Traditional Service 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. With festive music. Chancel Communion service (brief service with no sermon) 10:00 a.m.


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