TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter May 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 5 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue 5 Ways to Worship, 3 Labyrinth, 4 Men’s Retreat, 6 Storehouse, 8 Talent Show, 9 Memories of Italy, 10
Asbury First Men's Retreat 1
VBS Registration, 13
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVII No. 5
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for December/January and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
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.
commencement & confirmation
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to
S
pring is here! For some of us, this means that it’s time to get out our gardening tools, clean out our garages, or finally wash our cars well enough to remember their original hue. For some of us, spring means the spreading out of events on our calendars and the gradual slowing of our fall and winter pace. For others of us, however, spring means facing the end of one part of our lives and the commencement of another.
Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave
Kathy Thiel David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Rev. Linda Clemow
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Youth & Education Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries Ministry Intern Administrative Director of Music and the Arts Artistic Director of Music and the Arts Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater Artist in Residence
Each spring, thousands of people around our community and world, young and old alike, complete academic degrees, confirmation programs, Bible studies, or some other undertaking that has required focused attention over a period of time. Although the greeting cards will often refer to the events that celebrate these completions as “graduations,” the programs at these events more often say, “commencement.” At its most basic level, commencement means “to begin.” Said another way, this is the season of new beginnings. In the church, we call it “confirmation,” but it, too, is the start of something new; an acceptance of the challenge of faith for one’s self. And, as with the start of anything, there is no shortage of unknowns that accompany this time. For better or worse, newly commenced individuals face a world of unknowns ahead. In the spirit of full disclosure, there is not much as a people of faith that we can do to change the unknowns. After all, part of the freedom that God gives us to live in the world means that we never know what a day is going to bring. Sometimes, the surprises ahead are happy ones, and sometimes they are not. The good news is that there are some things that we know as a people of faith that can help us to begin well. As we commence this season together, let us remember first that we are called forward despite the unknowns. To be clear, we have a choice, but the unknown obstacles ahead should not prevent us from moving forward. In commencement there is anxiety¸ in confirmation there is doubt, but in each new beginning there is the hope for something true and good and genuine. This does not mean that the road ahead will be easy—it won’t, but as a people of God we trust that the best is yet to come.
Cover: Contemplating the beauty of Camp Casowasco at the Asbury First Men’s Retreat. See more on page 6. Photo courtesy of Glenn Peck. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 2711050 x109.
Second, let us recognize that for all of the unknowns, there is something that we do know. In the words of Paul to the ancient people for Rome, “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
Deadline for next issue: Friday, June 7 Read The Visitor online: www.asburyfirst.org
Continued on page 7
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AFUMC news Roudebush Circle of the U.M.W.
co-founder and I have recently completed our first project in Jamaica. Language allows you to dive deeper into your culture and build stronger relationships around the world.” We congratulate Brennon on his achievement and wish him and all our graduating seniors much success in the coming years.
The June meeting of Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women will be held on Tuesday, June 18 (note that this is the third Tuesday in the month, not the usual fourth Tuesday), at 6:00 p.m. at 1010 East Ave. A catered picnic dinner will be available for $8.50. (Please bring your own table service). Our summer program will feature Matthew Caulfield telling us about the origin of Seabreeze Amusement Park, along with an update on what is happening at the park these days. Donation of items and money for Alternatives for Battered Women, which helps the victims of abuse, will be accepted; you are also welcome to make “exit kits.” Please make your dinner reservations by Friday, June 14 with Joan Closson at 671-5534. For information regarding the Circle, please call Ginn Fitch at 381-6464.
New Name, New Date For Great Week of Service The Great Week of Service has a new name! It is Together in Service. The purpose is still the same – to bring our talents and passions in service to the city, in a variety of ways. We listened to your suggestions, and we are moving from the early June time-frame, which is so full of end-of-school-year activities, to mid-October. Together in Service will be from October 12 to 19, with a focus on Columbus Day, which is October 14. We are hoping that a number of families will volunteer together on Columbus Day. Our hope is that we will offer such a breadth of projects, days, times of day and skills needed that we will have broad participation. If you have ideas for new projects in the city, and in particular if you would be willing to lead a project, we would love to hear from you! The current members of the committee are Andy Dutcher, Carolyn Hamil, John Smalt, Bob Castle and Barbara Eltinge. Please feel free to step forward. We would love to see you involved.We look forward to you joining us in service. More details on specific projects will come later.
Congratulations to Brennon Thompson Brennon Thompson, son of AFUMC members Bruce and Cheryl Thompson and an active member of UMYF, was recently awarded a prestigious National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship. Funded by the Department of State, the scholarships allow high school students to learn less commonly-taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. Brennon will study Arabic in Rabat, Morocco after he graduates in June from Honeoye Falls Lima High School. In the fall, he will attend American University with a major in international studies. Brennon says, “my passion is foreign service and connecting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I have been on 11 service trips over the past four years including trips to Nicaragua, Jamaica, and Cuba. I have started a non-profit organization, The Floor Project, and my
Asbury First U/R Well Medical Clinic Report Asbury First U/R Well clinic is a walk-in clinic open every Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to provide free medical care to uninsured and under-served adults and children. We treat medical problems including aches/pains, asthma/ allergies, infections, high blood pressure, colds/chill, fevers, and sore throats. We do TB skin tests and also offer health education and prevention medicine, smoking cessation counseling, and Continued on page 7
• Five Ways to Worship at Asbury First •
Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings
Informal Worship with Holy Communion in our Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings
Listen live onWYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Sunday mornings
Please Join Us! 3
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!
on holy ground On Holy Ground, created by the Center for Spiritual Life committee, is a regular feature in The Visitor that highlights opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal. Introduction to the Spiritual Life Library in 1010 Many of you may not be aware that in addition to our AFUMC Library adjacent to the Gathering Space, there is also the small Spiritual Life Library which is located in the Meditation Room in 1010 East Ave. (the red brick building just west of the church. This lovely library is available for you on Sundays from 7:30-9:30 a.m, and again from 10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m., when Sunday School classes are not in session. It can also be accessed anytime that the building is open and the room is available. Please feel welcome to explore the selection of books available. There is a sign-out sheet for your use if you find a book you wish to borrow.
Have You Watched the New Labyrinth Video? Videographer and AFUMC member Kurt Mueller recently created a compelling video on Asbury First’s Labyrinth, featuring comments from labyrinth stewards and walkers. To view it, go to the Asbury First website at www.asburyfirst.org, click on WORSHIP WITH US at the top of the page and select LABYRINTH from the drop-down menu. You’ll be taken to a page featuring the video, which is just over five minutes long. The Spiritual Life Committee
We invite you
would like to thank Kurt for all his work on this project,
Walk the Labyrinth
and all those who participated. We hope you are blessed
this summer
in watching this video.
June 12 July 10 August 14
left, two frames from the new video.
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Recommended Reading
An ancient spiritual practice, labyrinth walking restores the soul and reconnects you to the divine in your life.
Walking a Sacred Path, by Lauren Artress.
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1040 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607
to the grand mysterious patterns that shape
The labyrinth awaits our discovery, for
it will guide us through the troubles of our lives the web of creation. It will lead us toward the Source and eventually guide us home.
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AFUMC news
WORSHIP
GIVE BLOOD SAVE A LIFE
worship schedule
Sunday june 2 Youth Sunday AFUMC Youth, preachers Luke 7:1-10 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday june 9 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher Luke 7:11-17 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday june 16 (note: there will only be ONE SERVICE on June 16; followed by a reception to wish Rev. Phillip Phaneuf well as he is appointed to his new parish) Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher Galatians 2:15-21 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday june 23 First Sunday for Summer Worship Schedule; note that there will only be two services, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher Galatians 3:23-29 8:30 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Hungry for good food and fellowship?
Donate Blood at the Asbury First Blood Drive Please help us meet our goal of 35 donations! When: Sunday, June 2, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Where: Fellowship Hall (downstairs) Who: You are eligible to give blood if you are: in good health; between 17 and 75 years of age (or, 16 and accompanied by a parent. if you are over 75 and have not donated recently, check with your doctor); weigh at least 110 pounds;
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, September 28, 2013 for The Eighth Annual
and meet qualifications (your health history will be confiden-
Dinner Among Friends
tially evaluated to determine eligibility). Questions? Check the American Red Cross web site at http:// www.redcrossblood.org/ for a list of criteria and more infor-
A Dining and Care Center Fund Raiser
mation. You may also call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767. Call
Mark your calendars now!
Ed Ristau to set up your appointment at 223-4356. 5
Men’s RETREAT E
leven men from the Asbury First Men’s Prayer Group attended a retreat at Camp Casowasco from Friday afternoon, May 3 through Sunday morning, May 5. The focus of this weekend centered on readings from the book Abide, by the Benedictine Sister Macrina Wiederkehr. We gathered Friday afternoon and evening in the restored mansion called Galilee, which is located on a point of land on Owasco Lake. The sunny, warm weather cooperated fully and enhanced the natural beauty of the nearly 500 acres of the retreat center, with spring blossoms surrounding us and birds singing constantly, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the waves on the shoreline. We had fellowship in the main living room as well as the incredibly beautiful library with its warm wood encasing multiple windows overlooking the lake. We began with a discussion of a reading called The Tapping of the Heart, which encouraged us to be still and aware of the presence of God. We mixed some selections from movies to augment our book discussions, including the movie A Far Off Place, which illustrated the way Kalahari bushmen are attuned to nature and God in a way we often are too rushed to appreciate, and from parts of the DVD, The Gospel of Matthew. We took turns leading the discussions throughout the weekend, which gave us a chance to learn from each other and kept the discussions interesting by having different leaders for each reading. Abide challenged us to slow down and let scripture readings permeate our souls, reflecting on the meaning of Bible passages with time to meditate. We had time to be alone and think about these passages, walking or running along the lakeshore, hiking up the trails in the dawn or just sitting by the lake, soaking in the sunshine. We also had time to sing hymns together, eat together in the fabulous dining center and enjoy the humor and fellowship of spending the weekend together. Retreats like this are life-altering opportunities to break the routine of our busy lives, allowing us to be open to the spirit of Christ, and offering a chance for renewal that is unparalleled. Thankfully, Bruce Thompson
left to right, Jim Carter, John Bank, Glenn Peck, Greg Johnson, Charles Noland, John Foster, Rick Church, David Kay, Karl Nelson, Tom Bristow, Bruce Thompson. Photos courtesy of Glenn Peck.
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AFUMC News, continued from page 3
referrals as needed. On average, 7 to 12 patients are seen each Thursday; patients receive a warm meal while they wait to be seen.
in Community
Our Living Deaths
2012 Accomplishments: On the first Tuesday of each month we have started offering work/school physicals for those who qualify. Additionally, we now have a dermatology clinic on the third Thursday of each month, serving an additional 7 to 12 patients. Our clinical pharmacy service provides counseling on medications for common disease states, as well as assistance with finding affordable medication. Social workers on site assist those who need help in finding food and housing, and there is a facilitating enroller available to assist eligible patients with enrollment in N.Y. state health care plans.
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love We offer our prayers and sympathy to David and Mary Kay Scribner on the death of David’s mother Helen Baker Scribner on April 15, 2013. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Nancy DeWitt on the death of her father Peter DeWitt on April 9, 2012.
Our goals for 2013: One goal for 2013 is to offer the dermatology clinic on a different night to decrease the patient load on the third Thursday night. We hope to have it on the first Tuesday, and to be able to provide warm meals for the patients while they wait. We are seeking ways to be able provide this service.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of
Our Mission: Our mission is to provide free high-quality preventative and health maintenance services to uninsured, underserviced families and individuals. We aim to foster the health of the community of Rochester while promoting the spirit of education, social justice and collaboration.
Kenneth Waldvogel who died on April 30, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Marie Piccarreto who died on April 25, 2013.
Births & Baptisms God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Ellie Malik daughter of Jennifer and Jeffrey Malik, born on April 19, 2013.
ting Rev. Phillip Phan a r b euf Cele
Respectfully Submitted, Ida M. Hickman, Abury First U/R Well Clinic Staff Coordinator
Pastor’s Reflection, continued from page 2
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In other words, we don’t have to face the unknowns of life alone. God is present with us on our journey, but so are the people who have committed to us (and we to them) in baptism.
Sunday, June 16 Following the 10:00 a.m. Service
Finally, let us remember that every day marks the beginning of something new. Each day is the opportunity to let go of the burdens of our past and to embrace the hope of the future. Each moment can be a confirmation of our calling to love one another and a commencement of that difficult journey. Put another way, if we have been wondering when a good time to start might be, there’s no time like the present. After all, spring is in the air!
Gathering Space Rev. Phil Phaneuf will be heading for his new church, Queensbury UMC, in July. We will gather on the 16th to wish the Phaneufs all our best as they begin this new adventure! Note: there will only be one service on the 16th, at 10:00 a.m.
Grace and Peace, Stephen Cady 7
OUTREACH news The Storehouse is a Hive of Activity
E
ach Monday, many faithful women (and sometimes men) arrive to get the Storehouse ready for the week’s activity. They might better be known as the IMPS (Inventory, Merchandising, and Purchasing Systems) group. If you were to listen in on Mondays, you might actually hear “buzzing” as they are busy! By way of introduction, here’s the Monday IMPS. (Or the worker bees!) Judy Cohen is one of the Storehouse co-chairs. She assesses the needs for the day, checking to make sure all volunteers are present and if not, assigning jobs to make sure all areas are covered. She is on hand to answer questions and lend her expertise, as she has been involved in the Storehouse for several years. In other words, she keeps the place moving! Betsy Christiansen, the other Storehouse co-chair, arrives at noon to meet with Judy to coordinate administrative issues. Betsy works full time but handles all administrative responsibilities and leads the Storehouse board at its bi-monthly meetings.She represents the Storehouse and its needs at the monthly outreach meetings. Jean Rowe has been keeping the infant clothing section in tidy order for several of her 30+ years of service. She is responsible for
Jim Ford, with the assistance of his wife, Cathy, shops for new children’s underwear and pots and pans. Jim handles the tax receipts for the donated goods.
Clockwise, from top left: Nancy Davidow, Linda Specht, and Karen Junker in the sorting room; Carolyn DiStasio answering the phone and sorting; Judy Dixon stocking housewares; Janet Walsh and Betsy DiPaola in women's blouses.
quality control, straightening her section and re-stocking as needed. She is assisted by Phyllis Parker who has similar responsibilities in the young boys’ clothing area.
kitchen work room, stocking kitchenware such as pots and pans, dishes, glassware, and silverware. Additionally, they inspect donated towels, sheets and pillowcases, and blankets and then stock the shelves with these items.
Most Monday mornings, Norma Andzer buzzes through, picking up infant clothing to be marked and sorted at her home.
Nancy Davidow and Betsy DiPaola put new toys out, do any wash that sorters have put aside, and mark items received that are appropriate for the annual basement sale.
Ellie Crummie, a volunteer for several years, is our shoe bee. She sorts, sizes, labels and stocks the shoe supply. Carol Stoever, also a volunteer of many years and Storehouse board member, is in charge of quality control for women’s casual shirts and the men’s department. Additionally, Carol keeps the appointment book up-to-date.
Jean Howlett and Carolyn DiStasio answer the phone, make appointments, and field any questions callers may have. Janet Walsh is quality control supervisor for coats of all sizes. She is also a quality control volunteer for women’s blouses.
Ginny Fitch is quality control volunteer in the girls’ department and oversees the stock room.
Janice Burch is a new volunteer, willing to fill in and learn all aspects of the readying process.
Marge Meyer and Phyllis Kennedy work steadily in the 8
The sorting room, where donations are stored, is a hive of activity. The faithful sorters tackle this ongoing job with good cheer. These busy bees include Harriet Cross, Margaret Reiners, Barb Graham, Judy Luttrell, Judy Dixon, Lynda Specht, Diane Lucas, Karen Junker, Sally Parmagainni, and Lani Anderson. In addition to sorting, Lani and Judy prepare layette sets that are given to expectant moms. Helga Das arrives late morning to stock the floor with all the sorted items that have kept the morning sorters busy. This involves finding the right place for all categories of clothing and taking out-of-season clothing to the stock room. Upon leaving for the day, the place is spic and span, well stocked and ready for serving clients on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings. Whew! Quite a work crew. They are a group who, while working, have fun, bond in friendship, and although buzzing around like bees, quietly serve. And that’s how the work gets done! – Nancy Davidow
A
AFUMC Talent Show
sbury First’s Third Annual Talent Show was held on April 20, beginning with a potluck dinner. Twenty performances followed, showcasing a wide variety of the skills of some of AFUMC’s
talented parishioners. Performers from 3 to 73 provided a wonderful intergenerational evening, only scratching the surface of all the talent at AFUMC. From juggling to storytelling to double-bell euphonium to Irish dance, the performances touched upon nearly every genre of entertainment. We thank the participants who lit up the stage and are Asbury First’s shining stars! – Brian Bohrer
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• Travels in Italy •
AFUMC Member Carol Trout Reviews the Church Trip to This Beautiful Land “What if it doesn’t mean the Thing Seen, God in Resplendent Glory, but rather the act of seeing……Seeing everything as God sees? Then What?” – The Beatific Glory With St. Francis as our guide, 23 pilgrims from Asbury First traveled to Italy on April 24 for a nine-day spiritual journey that included stops in Rome, Assisi, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Venice. Carried in our hearts were four others who had hoped to be a part of this journey but were unable to do so. What spiritual and visual wonders awaited us! First were the huge crowds in Rome’s Vatican City, including St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where we gazed with wonder at the breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Then on to the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Assisi, home of St Francis, and his female counterpart, St Clare, celebrates one of Christianity’s most popular figures who, in 1206, had a vision that changed his life. He became an aesthetic and spent his life caring for the sick, including lepers. Francis’s message of simplicity was sometimes hard to
discern amongst the crowds and souvenir shops. On to glorious Florence and its beautiful artwork, churches, and fabulous food. A full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano was next. We met our guide at the San Domenico Church – a place to meditate on the life of St Catherine of Siena. She was the youngest of 25 children and began experiencing visions as a child. At the age of 16 she became a Dominican nun, caring for the sick, and was instrumental in convincing Pope Gregory IX to return the papacy to the city of Rome. She is revered as the patron saint of Europe. And finally: beautiful Venice. We arrived by water taxi allowing us to take in the breathtaking views of this 1,500 year old city. With an afternoon on our own, we explored streets, shops, canals, and bridges. The following day found us at the San Marco (St Mark’s Square) surrounded by St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile bell tower, the Correr Museum, and the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower). St Mark is the patron saint of Venice and the Basilica, built in the 11th century, was a feast for the eyes. The Doge’s (ruling duke) Palace was the center of Venetian government and as we walked though it we were
able to see walls painted by Veronese and Tintoretto. The palace tour ended with the Bridge of Sighs, where those condemned were said to have had their last glimpse of the sky, sighing in resignation before entering the prison. We give thanks to Andy Dutcher and Rev. Susan Shafer for planning the logistics of this Italy trip and to Rev. Lawrence Hargrave for serving as our spiritual and group leader throughout our travels and leading us each morning in prayer. We thank Kathy Thiel for her grace-filled prayers of thanksgiving at our joint evening meals. And we also thank Rev. Shafer for compiling a book of meditations, reflections, and poems to accompany us on our journey. We each experienced the trip in our own unique way, and yet the community of love, caring, and concern that was the essence of our time together was an experience we all felt and can still bear witness to. Whether sharing a meal, touring a church or museum, strolling a piazza, doing a bit of shopping, or finding a quiet moment for reflection and prayer, we were part of something bigger than ourselves. We were part of a community going back centuries, on the same journey as so many before us, seekers of understanding, seekers of a deeper meaning in faith.
Left, the group in a rare moment of repose at the Collegiate Church of the Assumption of Mary in San Gimignano, Tuscany, and right, sightseeing at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Photos courtesy of Diane Dudley.
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We're delighted to welcome the following new members, who joined on May 5. We're glad you're here!
Want to connect with others? Join us for the next Asbury First Night! June 2 5:30-7:00 p.m. For the last time this spring, we’ll gather for an Asbury Ike Jordan, Jr. Ike, the son of a preacher, lives in Fairport and has two adult children, Isaac III and Brenden Lee. He works in healthcare marketing and sales in the U.S., England, and South America and is a passionate football fan. He’s excited to be joining Asbury First and looking forward to this new journey.
Ty Pierce Ty tells us, “I’m happy to be here and eager to start. God has blessed me with countless blessings. I believe in sharing my blessings and love with others; adding value to everyone and everything I encounter.”
•Annual
First Night on June 2. If you’ve ever longed to feel more connected to the Asbury First community, then ASBURY FIRST NIGHTS are for you! These monthly fellowship events are on Sunday evenings in the Gathering Center, 1050 East Ave. All ages are invited; we’ll have enrichment activities and nursery care for the children. Please bring an appetizer to share.
Family Carnival June 9 10:00 a.m.-noon
Granger Street Lawn Come and celebrate the beginning of summer with carnival games, activities and lunch.
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A R T A N D S P I R I T UA L I T Y
by Linda Clemow
T
he church has been in a love/hate relationship with the arts since the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment. The Reformation took away any reliance on the visual and often the musical too for spiritual expression. The pathway to God was through the WORD and only the Word. The Enlightenment’s emphasis on logic and science left us bereft of mystery and wonder. I love to tell people that this emphasis on left-brained thinking left us half brained! We need both the logic of the left brain and the mystery of the right brain to be whole spiritual people. In recent decades the pendulum has begun to swing. Realizing that people were
•
starving for emotion, mystery and joy in their spirituality and religious services, mainline churches began to explore the arts as a form of communication. Music has been recognized as a powerful stimulus in evoking spiritual mystery for quite a while now. What is just beginning to be recognized is that the visual arts have a powerful part to play also. Many of you are teachers and understand that students have different modalities for learning. Some learn through reading, some through listening, some through watching. It is the same for the spiritual experience. There are different ways of opening the soul to the spiritual experience in the religious service. The visual arts add an alternative language for those in the congregation who are visually oriented.
We also find sculptures and icons even in Protestant churches. Bulletin inserts include art pertaining to the service or the liturgical season. Artists of faith feel called by God to create art in service of the sacred. It would be negligent on the part of a church to leave unexplored a language that speaks to some of the congregation. In addition, a church needs to welcome its artists into open conversation about the job of being an artist and how the church can use its resources to spiritually fill the souls of those who feel called to create. I thank Asbury First for bringing me into the conversation!
The visual arts in the sanctuary have now moved beyond burlap or felt banners to include large scale paintings, fabric art, and altar designs that include colorful cloths and objects relating to the sermon or the season.
Save the Date! Join us at the Asbury First Annual
Ice Cream Social
•
with
New Horizons Band Wednesday, June 5 7:00 p.m. Listen to the New Horizons Band while enjoying lemonade and an ice cream sundae. Concert is free; nominal charge for refreshments. Some chairs provided. In case of rain, we’ll move to the Gathering Center.
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P
lease join us for Vacation Bible School August 5-8 from 9:00 a.m.-
ALL CREATURES GREAT and SMALL!
12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages
four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $10.00 per child with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church.
Child’s Name
Age
Allergies
T-Shirt Size
Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No
Parent/Guardian information Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________ Cell_________________________Email____________________________ Best number to be reached during VBS hours________________________________________________________
Medical information Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of:____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact ___________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to child(ren) ______________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Cell____________________________________________ Medical Insurance Company ____________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church to administer the necessary medical treatment. Signature of parent/guardian____________________________________________ Date ____________________ Please list the people who have the permission to pick up your child(ren):____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer information Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)? Registration Music Student guide Games Bible Stories Crafts Snack Nursery Caregiver Do you have any children under four that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ On Thursday evening, August 8, we’ll celebrate the end of a great week by visiting Seneca Park Zoo together! Questions? Contact Melissa Bohrer or Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or mbohrer@asburyfirst.org and pdugan@asburyfirst.org. 13
Library news
T
he month of June, and the wonders of new life surrounding us in spring, provides a perfect opportunity to look for new insights and fresh thinking. May we suggest the following books? Come visit the Church Resource Library for inspiration and motivation.
Children: Meet Chopsticks, by Amy Krouse Roosevelt and Scott Magoon. This clever, witty picture book for 4-8 year olds celebrates both independence and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Adult: What the Bible Really Tells Us: The Essential Guide to Biblical Literacy, by T. J. Wray. This book provides a step by step introductory level text in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. It deals with some of the most troublesome problems of theology, ethics, and society in an easily readable style.
Under the Quilt of Night, by Deborah Hopkinson and James Ransome. Dramatic oil paintings and compelling verse-like prose combine to portray the harsh yet hopeful experience of travel along the Underground Railroad. This suspenseful story introduces and sheds light on a pivotal chapter in America’s history for young readers. Ages 5-10.
Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor, by Sharon M. Draper. This is a look at humor as a spiritual practice by Rev. Susan Sparks, an exlawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister. She presents a case that the power of humor goes beyond punch lines and that laughter can help you as a tool for healing and acceptance and as a way of coping with stress.
Youth: We’ve Got a Job: the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March, by Cynthia Levinson. Although published in 2012, this 192-page book for youth ages 10-15 focuses on the little-known civil rights story of the 4,000 black students who voluntarily went to jail between May 2 and May 11, 1963. Fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s precept to “fill the jails,” they succeeded in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America.
Parenting Section: The Berenstain Bears Help the Homeless, by Jan and Mike Berenstain. This 32-page book is helpful to parents in explaining to their children, ages 4-7, the plight of the homeless and how they can be helped. It is especially appropriate for children at Asbury as the church participates in the RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) and Habitat programs that provide housing for homeless and needy families.
Spirituality 101: The Indispensible Guide to Keeping or Finding Your Spiritual Life on Campus, by Harriet L. Schwartz. Spirituality 101 is an indispensable guide to the choices and possibilities available to youth. This book also offers more than 40 personal student reflections that will motivate and energize exploration of spiritual questions and commitments.
Step Gently Out, by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder. Another children’s book to assist parents is Step Gently Out. It encourages an appreciation of nature. Stunning close-up photography and a lyrical text encourage children, and their parents, to look more closely at the world around them.
May
24
Luke 1:57-80
26
John 16:1-15
25
Acts 13:13-31
27
1 Kings 8:14-36
26
Psalm 77:1-20
28
1 Kings 8:37-53
27
Galatians 4:1-20
29
1 Kings 18:1-19
28
Galatians 4:21-5:6
30
1 Kings 18:20-46
29
2 Timothy 4:1-8
31
Luke 1:39-56
Luke 9:43b-62
8
Acts 11:1-18
16
Proverbs 30:7-33
30
June
9
Acts 11:19-12:5
17
Psalm 5:1-12
July
1
Psalm 96:1-13
10
Acts 12:6-25
18
Psalm 32:1-11
1
Isaiah 32:1-20
2
Luke 7:1-10
11
Acts 13:1-12
19
Psalm 42:1-43:5
2
Psalm 85:1-13
3
Galatians 1:1-24
12
1 Kings 21:1-16
20
Luke 8:4-18
3
Galatians 5:7-26
4
Psalm 146:1-10
13
1 Kings 21:17-29
21
Luke 8:19-39
4
Galatians 6:1-18
5
1 Kings 17:1-24
14
Galatians 2:1-21
22
Galatians 3:1-14
5
Luke 10:1-12
6
Luke 7:11-23
15
Luke 7:36-8:3
23
Galatians 3:15-29
6
Luke 10: 13-24
7
Luke 7:24-35 14
the last word by Michele Cooley
For twenty years volunteers have been selflessly donating their time, talents and treasure here at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center. They have been much more than a vehicle for a hot meal. As one guest said to me recently, “They know my history, they know I am having a hard life but they don’t judge me. They make me feel wanted and safe. The dignity I receive is like no other place in the City of Rochester. I have never met a more caring group of people and you may believe that every guest who comes through here feels the same way.” I interviewed a few of our volunteers to discover their perspective regarding the Dining Center and volunteering here. Ann Standish: “I have been here for six years and I love it. I like helping people, nurturing the body, soul and mind. You do this just through interaction. A little kindness goes a long way. It’s good to see people progress. I like to feel that I am making a difference. I started as a volunteer driver picking food up from BJ’s and bringing it here and knew I wanted to be on a breakfast team. This is a place that is safe, and I know that I am important here. People have a chance here to reassess their
lives. I definitely plan to stick around. Hopefully my giving to someone is an ideal that gets passed to someone else and it continues. You can help people help themselves. Pass it on. As a beautiful hymn expresses, ‘It only takes a spark to get a fire going’.” Van Cardilli: “I have been volunteering for seven years. My job brought me to the ADCC to interview one of my “consumers” who was a guest here. I was so impressed that I wanted to volunteer and was recruited for Tuesday breakfast.” (Van and Len Davidow are our volunteer Tuesday cooks. They arrive here at 6:00 a.m.) Van continues: “I love the interaction with volunteers and guests. Every day is different
and you never know what is going to happen. You must be flexible and think on your feet. It certainly gets me up in the morning and I love the connections I make and helping people. Ian MacDonald: “Volunteering here is such a great opportunity. You see the returns immediately from your giving. Talking and listening to peo-
ple’s life stories brings you deep into their lives. You don’t just get a chance to touch, but you also get a chance to be touched. I share this experience with my boys, who also volunteer. My whole household benefits from helping. As we celebrated our volunteers through our 2013 Supporter Appreciation Dinner, held on May 21, I thought I would take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude for the support we receive from all our volunteers. This continues to be the most challenging and rewarding experience I have ever had. As we have grown together we have faced heartaches and successes. We have seen our guests at their most vulnerable and have approached them with patience and love. And we have done this together. The Asbury Dining and Caring Center is a place of peace and God’s love. Thank you so much, volunteers, for your dedication.
NOTE: We need new volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 6:30-9:00 a.m. Volunteer as frequently or infrequently as you would like. Be a friend and role model to our guests. Contact Michele Cooley at 461-0285 or 271-0692, or mcooley@asburyfirst.org.
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PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Vacation Bible School 2013
ALL
CREATURES GREAT and SMALL!
August 5-8 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For children aged four through entering sixth grade. Cost: $10/child, with a $30 maximum per family. Registration form is on page 13. We invite the children to learn about the animals from the Bible. On Thursday night, August 8 we’ll celebrate with the whole family at the Seneca Park Zoo!