TheVisitor Capital Campaign News Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter November/December 2017 • Vol. M No. 8 • www.asburyfirst.org
IN THIS ISSUE A Pastoral Reflection 3 Advent & Seasonal News 4 Capital Campaign News 10 Library & Reading News 12
Community News 13 Outreach News 18 The Last Word 19
MISSION STATEMENT
The Visitor Vol. M No. 8
Love God and neighbor. Live fully. Serve all. Repeat.
(USPS 558-470) is published 5 times a year, February/March, April/May, Summer, September, and November/December by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP AT ASBURY FIRST Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 & 11 am Sunday mornings
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II The Rev. Kathy Thiel The Rev. Jacqueline Nelson The Rev. Mike Mullin David Strong Dr. William Weinert Paula Dugan Holly Temming Richard Moncrief Morgan Dornsife Melody Guadagnino Deb Bullock-Smith Ken Carr Michele Cooley Jamie Least Duane Prill Carol Lamica Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan
Senior Minister Minister for Pastoral Care Minister for Outreach Minister for Discipleship & Youth Church Administrator; Assistant Organist Director of Music Director, Children’s Ministry Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music Financial Administrator Director, Development & Communications Administrative Assistant Administraitive Assistant to the Senior Pastor Property Care Manager Director, Dining & Caring Center Communications Coordinator Organist Director, Youth Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater
Emeriti Staff Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emerita *deceased Cover Photo Credit: Jamie Least, Kindness Rocks
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for submitting content for the February/March issue: January 10
Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10 am Sunday Mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11 am Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11 am-noon Sunday mornings
Watch past services in our video archive at asburyfirst.org any time!
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic background, and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER To receive our email newsletters, with news of upcoming services, classes, and other events at Asbury First, go to asburyfirst.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a sign-up window. 2
A Pastoral Reflection A Season of Advent | The Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II Advent is the time when we begin again—the season when we acknowledge our past imperfections and recommit to the goal in front of us. Before we begin our annual journey from nativity to cross, we pause for four weeks of preparation at the beginning of our liturgical calendar year to remember where we are heading. After all, our faith is not just about looking backward; it is about looking forward as well, to the ways God continues to be at work in this broken world. During Advent, we prepare for the Kingdom of God—that promised time when we all live as Christ commanded. In some ways, this has been a year of Advent for Asbury First. We have approved by overwhelming majorities both a new strategic plan (The Dreamscape) and the adaptation of our spaces necessary to live out our mission. Over the last month we have begun our Better Together campaign in earnest (an update of which is included in this issue of The Visitor, see page 10) and we have already seen the faithful response of our community to God’s good work among us. These commitments recognize the generations of people who have laid the foundation for our life together, but they also show a willingness to not rest on our laurels—to recommit to the goal of the Christian life—perfect love of God and neighbor. Our next step toward the Kingdom of God will have to be together. This past year has been full, but the year ahead will be as well. Passing the strategic plan is only the first step, approving the projects for our spaces are just the beginning. Now we have to bring them to life. Fortunately, our clarified mission, vision, and values, are already helping us to make strategic and missionally appropriate decisions. Together we are finding ways to be open to all, to care for our community, and to enrich our outreach. Over the next year, we will begin to see the fruits of our labor and our prayer is that the entire community might benefit from the harvest. The good news is that there are many years ahead. God continues to be at work in and among us and we continue to listen for the ways that God is nudging us. Over these next few years, we will do our very best to make the most faithful decisions we can, but we take comfort in the knowledge that even when we fall short, by God’s grace, there’s always an opportunity to begin again—whether it’s officially Advent or not. Grace and Peace, Stephen
Our Living Deaths – We offer our prayers and sympathy to … Diane and Dick Dennison and family on the death of Diane’s brother, Arthur, Stratton, on August 25, 2017. The family and friends of William Fox who died on August 31, 2017 in Huntersville, NC. Dr. David Basinger and Annette Basinger on the death of their son, Andrew, on September 16, 2017. Condolences go to Dr. Linda Quinlan, Andrew’s sister Nissa Fung and other family members.
in Community The family and friends of Joan Closson who died on September 11, 2017. Rev. Jacqueline Nelson on the death of her uncle, Michael Hunt, on September 21, 2017 Ann Jeffries Johnson and The Rev. Timothy Johnson on the death of Ann’s aunt, Ora Mae Jeffries, on September 20, 2017 in Monroeville, PA. The family and friends of Jayne Carson, who died on September 23, 2017. 3
Marriages – We celebrate the marriage of … Hollie Johnson and Dan Marshall, who were married on September 3, 2017. Kathleen Brand and Andrew Frey, who were married on September 16, 2017. Jennifer Lynn and Peter Adamczuk, who were married on September 23, 2017. Hannah Chute and Daniel Breslawski, who were married on October 22, 2017.
Advent & Seasonal News WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES
8:30 am Traditional Worship 10 am Chancel Worship with Holy
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Matthew 23:1-12 The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19 Thanksgiving Sunday Matthew 25:14-30 The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26 Matthew 25:31-46 The Rev. Jacqueline Nelson, Preacher
Communion 11 am Traditional Worship with Sanctuary Choir
worship schedule Worship
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3 1st Sunday of Advent Mark 13:24-37 The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher Service of Remembrance at 2 pm The Rev. Kathy Thiel, Preacher
SUNDAY DECEMBER 10 Mark 1:1-8 Cantata SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 Luke 1:26-38 The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 10 am, 12 noon, 4, 7, 9, and 11 pm (See full details on back page) All Christmas Eve services except 10 am and 4 pm feature candlelight The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher MONDAY DECEMBER 25 10 am joint service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd. SUNDAY DECEMBER 31 10 am, 5 pm Luke 2:22-40
P The Joy of Christmas Mission Giving 2017 P In the spirit of generosity at Christmas, we have the wonderful opportunity to give an additional gift to an outreach ministry at Asbury First. From local to global outreach, each project and each gift help fulfill our vision to Do More Good. Please visit our website or look for the Joy of Christmas Mission Giving brochure to select your outreach ministry to support. You may make your gift online, through the mail, or in the plate on Sunday. Simply mark your gift “Joy of Christmas” with your chosen outreach ministry noted as the recipient of your gift. Thank you for your additional support of outreach during the holiday season!
Mark Your Calendars Because Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fall on a Sunday this year, we will only have one morning service on both of those days at 10 am followed by the other special services for each of those days.
Christmas Eve Services: 10 am, 12, 4, 7, 9, and 11 pm Christmas Day: 10 am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church New Year's Eve Day: 10 am, 5 pm
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Join us for a Meal on Christmas Eve As we’ve done in years past, we invite everyone participating in the Christmas Eve services to a special Christmas Eve meal from 5:30-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. RSVPs are helpful, but as always everyone is welcome!
Advent & Seasonal News Hanging of the Greens Saturday, December 2
The early Christians placed greens in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home; cedar represented royalty, fir and pine were for everlasting life, holly symbolized Jesus’ death, and ivy represented the resurrection. With this in mind, it is once again time to prepare our church home for Advent. The church campus awaits your special touches for this Christmas season, and many hands are needed to complete the work that needs to be done!
How to Help Saturday, December 2, 2017 will be the annual Hanging of the Greens, a collaborative effort to decorate our church for this holy season. 8-10 am: Tree Set Up (heavy lifters and handy individuals needed; coffee and donuts provided) 11 am-2 pm: FamilyFocused Decorating (multigenerational group, with jobs, activities, and a pizza lunch for all ages; childcare provided)
2-4 pm: Final Touches Decorating (all are welcome; this group will ensure all tasks that were started are completed)
the upcoming concerts, programs, and services of the season. Come and join in the fellowship of the Hanging of the Greens!
Come and go as you can! Bring a group, bring your family, come alone, come for the whole time, come for an hour, but as we like to say, "Whatever you do, just come!"
Contact Amy Allen at (585) 738-9128 or ajppa@yahoo. com with any questions and to let us know you will be there to help!
Many hands make light work, and we will all enjoy and take pride in the finished result for
Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 19 Each year we gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to give thanks for all that God has given us, and to pass on our gratitude in the form of items to support our outreach ministries – something we call our “Thanksgiving In-Gathering.” You are invited to review the list of needed items below, and join with others in bringing a gift of whatever items you wish to services on November 19. That day, at the offertory, we will bring forward our gifts and present them at the altar. This year, our ministries are in need of the following: For the Dining and Caring Center: coffee, sugar, grits, men's tube socks, men's winter gloves (large and x-large), men's winter hats, travel size toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and single pack toothbrushes. For the Storehouse: Children’s toys. For the Grocery Bag Ministry: Tuna fish, mac and cheese mix, soups, canned fruit, boxes of spaghetti, and pasta sauce.
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Advent & Seasonal News Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Given by_________________________________________________ (please print clearly)
Walk the Labyrinth This Advent Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20
Phone: Day__________________Evening__________________ Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: ____in loving memory of: ____________________________________ ____in honor or celebration of: ________________________________ ____a donation.
Come, walk, and listen to beautiful music as you experience some quiet, meditative time during Advent.
Please return this form to the church office, attention Bev Schuman, no later than December 11. Please include your donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you, and have a very merry Christmas!
Christmas is Coming! Get Your Advent Devotional Have you ever heard someone call out to you, “Are you ready yet?" You reply, with your sweetest voice, “I’m coming.” Only to hear, “Yeah, so is Christmas!” Friends, Christmas is coming; the Joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus! The Spiritual Life ministry recognizes that the over-commercialization of Christmas holds the potential to change the focus of Christmas and we can easily fall into a frenzy and utter exhaustion. Please know the church offers the true focus – what we might name the “Reason for the Season.” A gift is the Advent season. . . a time to slow down and prepare our hearts for Jesus’ Coming. For this reason an Asbury First Advent Devotional has been lovingly prepared for us to read and pray together. People from Asbury First’s family have written their personal stories and reflections about this year’s chosen Advent themes: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. You will be inspired by the experiences of your Asbury First friends. You will want to pick up your copy on Sunday, December 3, at our Information Desk or at the Ministry Corner in the Gathering Center. The Devotional will also be available on the Asbury First website. Let us pray together during Advent as we prepare and anticipate Jesus’ coming anew into our lives and the world.
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Advent & Seasonal News
Craft Sale to Benefit Asbury First Storehouse
Christmas for Storehouse Kids
Saturday & Sunday December 2 & 3 Saturday 10 am-4 pm Sunday 10 am-2 pm
The Storehouse will again be collecting toys for Christmas this year so that we can offer a toy or gift to all the children who visit the Storehouse during the holiday season. In addition to the usual toys for younger children, older children and teens appreciate PJ pants and cosmetics like nail polish. We will begin collecting Sunday, November 19 (Thanksgiving Ingathering) – December 17. Gifts can be brought to church on Sundays or dropped off at the Storehouse during business hours. Thank you for all you do to help our clients share Christmas joy with their families.
The Annual Christmas Craft Sale to benefit the Storehouse will be held December 2 and 3. Saturday hours are 10 am- 4 pm and Sunday hours are 10 am - 2 pm. Come and shop for that oneof-a- kind gift from church members and area crafters while also helping the Storehouse raise funds to purchase items needed by our clients.
Holiday Shopping? Support Asbury First at the Same Time! You shop. Amazon gives. • Choose Asbury First and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Asbury First. • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support our community by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.
End of Year Giving Note Reminder—As the end of the year approaches, you may be considering additional end-of-year charitable contributions. A gift of any size to Asbury First impacts the everyday ministries on our campus, allowing us the opportunity to Do More Good for our immediate and extended community. Feel free to be in touch with Dick Moncrief, our Financial Administrator at rmoncrief@asburyfirst.org with any lastminute giving questions as we wrap up 2017 together. Thank you for giving to Asbury First! 7
Advent & Seasonal News The Greatest Gift of All: The Call to Love our Neighbors this Holiday Season by The Rev. Jacqueline Nelson The holiday season is a time of laughter, joy, fellowship, family, and fun. We anticipate our travel adventures, periods of rest and relaxation, the breaking of bread with family and friends, and of course, the gifts we’ll both give and receive. And yet while gifts are not the sole purpose of the holiday season, it is likely that we all approach the Holiday season with questions and deep thoughts about what exactly we can give this year. Giving is a challenge, sometimes. We wonder if the gift we have is good enough, if it will make someone smile, and if it will communicate the feelings of our hearts. Gift giving can be a burden when we’re uncertain of how our gifts might impact those around us. This holiday season, let us be reminded that we have the greatest gift of all. We have a gift that is free to all and is large enough to reach the masses. It is a gift that we can offer in season and out of season, that never expires or grows old. This gift, is one that will put a smile on every face from the youngest in our midst to the most seasoned among us. The gift we each have to offer is special enough that our family, our friends, and even our guests, will appreciate it tremendously. The greatest gift of all, friends, is love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) As we journey into this holiday season, let us remember the acts of love we might share with our family, our friends and our guests; Even one act of love is a blessing to those around us.
Love is:
Extending a smile to those around you. Introducing yourself to someone you don’t know. Wearing your nametag so that visitors know you are someone who can help them find their way. Initiating conversation with people you know and don’t know. Inviting someone to worship with you. Communicating “I am so happy you decided to join us.” Walking visitors to their seats and offering to sit with them. Volunteering with any of our outreach ministries. Offering directions when we see people trying to find their way around campus. Standing in the Gathering Center or near the Welcome Desk to say hello before services begin. While we welcome the visitor and the friend among us, let us do so with love in mind. We are all recipients of this gift of love and can therefore share it freely with those around us. May we get creative this holiday season and seek new ways to extend God’s love to everyone around us! There is plenty to give!
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Advent & Seasonal News
Children’s Ministry Presents
Calling All Shepherds and Angels: Annual Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 10 Gathering Center | 5-7pm
If you’re a 3rd-5th grader and interested in a speaking part in our Annual Christmas Eve Pageant, come to Bible Beat during the 11 am service on December 3. We will read through the script and children will have an opportunity to read for roles they are interested in.
Advent’s Winter Wonder Night You are invited to leave behind the hustle and bustle this season brings for one evening, don your pajamas, and enjoy a breakfast/dinner in the Gathering Center. We will round out the evening with special Christmas music and a family worship service in the Sanctuary. We hope you can join us as we look forward to sharing the magic of the season with you and your family. Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by November 30 at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or by calling 271-1050 x111.
Pageant rehearsals are held during Bible Beat and Enrichment on two Sundays starting December 10. We will have two dress rehearsals on: December 20 at 6 pm and December 23 at 10 am. Registration forms with more detailed information are available upstairs in the Education Wing. For questions, contact Holly Temming Children’s Ministry Assistant and Director, Children’s Music, at htemming@asburyfirst.org.
Carols and Cocoa Around the Christmas Tree Wednesdays During Advent Outside in front of the church | 7 pm Join us as we gather together to sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa outside around the Christmas tree each Wednesday during Advent. Starting at 7 pm, we will join in singing Christmas favorites, welcoming new faces, and seeing old friends. Come before or after your Wednesday activities! Bring a friend! 9
Better Together Campaign ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET: THE NEXT 3 YEARS Our Dreamscape Plan was accepted in June 2017 by an overwhelming 97% vote. This plan calls us to build upon the good work already being done, to deepen our life together, and to have a greater impact on our community and around the world. In order for us to accomplish many of the strategic goals set by the Dreamscape, we must increase our Annual Operating Budget. Many of the goals that will be accomplished through funding our budget are goals related to strategic staffing. This year, more than ever, we recognized the heavy demands placed on the senior leadership and the importance of balance and a sustainable work pace for those on staff. Currently, our proposed budget for 2018 includes funding the Church Administrator’s salary, which was funded this year by an additional designated gift. The proposed budget for the years ahead (2019 & 2020) includes additional strategic staff additions based on our Dreamscape goals.
This campaign asks each individual and family to consider an increase of 5% in their giving to the Annual Operating Budget, which will ensure we are able to accomplish many important goals set before us by our Dreamscape.
2018
2019
2020
Goal: Maintain our current staff, which includes the recent addition of our Church Administrator position
Goal 3.1: All who desire a place within the Asbury First community beyond worship will have one
Goal 4.1: The Outreach Taskforce’s report “A Way Forward” has been faithfully implemented
We need to fund all current staff positions
We need to add an additional Volunteer Coordinator position
We need to add an additional Social Worker position
2018 PLEDGING GOAL: $1,160,000 Commitment Sunday: November 19th 10
Better Together Campaign INFRASTRUCTURE, ACCESSIBILITY, AND OUTREACH Because we know that we are better together, we have focused our Better Together Campaign on three areas: infrastructure, accessibility, and outreach. This campaign reflects our commitment to be a place where the warmth of our worship is synonymous with the warmth of our fellowship. It reflects our commitment to ensure all of God’s children can gather in all our spaces, regardless of physical disabilities. It reflects our commitment to Christ’s command to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and heal the sick.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN?
This campaign asks each of us, as individuals, to make three commitments that will enable us to continue to thrive together:
1.
To live the life of discipleship to which Christ has called each of us by growing in the inward (worship and study) and outward (volunteering and social holiness) expressions of our faith through this period of growth.
2.
To make a sacrificial pledge (one time or over several years) which will allow us to better serve the poorest among us, open all our doors to those with disabilities, and ensure the warmth of our space always matches the warmth of our fellowship.
3.
To make a pledge for our Annual Operating Budget, which will allow us to sustain and increase our ongoing ministries through this period of growth.
READY TO SUBMIT YOUR PLEDGE CARD? Visit our website at asburyfirst.org/bettertogether Email us at bettertogether@asburyfirst.org Stop in the Welcome Hall and pick up a brochure
PROJECT PLEDGING GOAL: $6,240,000 Commitment Sunday: November 19th 11
Library & Reading News November/December 2017
November and December is a perfect time to explore special holiday books for all ages. The church library (right off the gathering space) has a very large collection of Thanksgiving and Christmas books that will be on display in the library during the holiday months. Come in and select your favorites from this holiday collection. The following books are among those available in the library’s collection of books for children, youth and adults. Treasured Tales of Christmas Adapted by Deborah Apy Filled with all the holiday favorites—The Night Before Christmas and other Christmas poems and stories.
The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude by Joyce Meyer New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer believes that giving thanks to God daily will positively impact our lives.
Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow This book is a not-to-be-missed collection of Little Golden Book holiday stories that will provide a memory trip of illustrations that parents and children will remember and enjoy.
Thanksgiving Feast and Festival by Mildred C. Luckhardt Thanksgiving stories, customs, and poems from around the world. Help Thanks Wow by Anne LaMott Author Anne Lamott writes about the three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life.
Classic Christmas Tales illustrated by Michael Foreman All the classic Christmas songs, poems, and stories that evoke seasonal cheer are included in this beautifully illustrated, magical collection.
Diane Goode’s American Christmas This book will become part of the family's Christmas tradition. Inside are poems and stories by beloved American writers such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Washington Irving, and Langston Hughes, along with favorite carols such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Silver Bells." It’s perfect for reading aloud, singing, and sharing.
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck, Mark Buehner From Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck and acclaimed artist Mark Buehner comes a heartwarming story that illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.
More Asbury First Library News Online Catalog—The Asbury Library Committee is pleased to announce that you can now search our database online by searching title, author or subject. You can find the link to the database on the church website. If you open the link and bookmark it, you will have easy access. When you find a book that you are interested in, you can write down the call code and bring it to the library to help you find the book. At this time, the online system will not be able to let you know whether or not the book is in the library, but that is the next step. Library Cards—Although we use the “library card”, we do not have actual cards to give patrons to carry. We have created and continue to create “library cards” for library users that are kept in the library. These have a patron bar code that will be used when we begin checking books out using the online system so you will eventually be able to know if a book is in or out when you search the online database. Check-out Procedures/Overdue Books —If you are in the library when no one is there to help you, just fill out the card inside the front of the book with the date, your name and phone number and/or email and leave the card in the basket on the desk. Books can be signed out for 3 weeks at a time and then renewed once. If books are out longer than a month, a member of the committee will call or email to remind you it is due back and ask if you wish to renew it. We are thrilled so many of you are discovering the variety of fiction and nonfiction books we have available for all ages. Recently, we went through all the old overdue cards and decided which lost/never returned books need to be replaced. We then created a list of books that will cost us several hundred dollars. If you have one of those overdue books, please consider returning it. We will not be replacing books until the end of November in the hope that some may still be returned. By reminding you of overdue books in a timely manner, we hope not to have to replace as many books lost/never returned books in the future. Thank you for your interest in and support of the Asbury Library. 12
Community News On Holy Ground
Take Five (5 + 5 + 5) Prayer Initiative The Spiritual Life Ministry introduces Take Five, 5 + 5 + 5 Congregational Prayer Initiative starting this season. You are needed! Let us as a members and friends of Asbury First—men, women, teens, children, families—join together in prayer asking God's Blessings on our Service in Love. Each week for five weeks that will be a prayer focus in our church bulletin. We look forward to hearing your response to this Prayer Initiative. Our friends, let's us Take Five, 5 + 5 + 5!
Join us for an Asbury First Basketball Road Trip on January 6! It's basketball season and we have an exciting road trip planned. Come join new and old friends for an Asbury Syracuse Basketball Trip! This year, we're going to cheer as Syracuse hosts Notre Dame in a highly anticipated ESPN game. This well-attended ACC matchup in the Carrier Dome is on Saturday, January 6 with tip off at 3:15 pm. We'll safely travel via Linq Motor Coach, departing from Asbury at 12:45 pm. Approximate return time is 7 pm. We have reserved 55 seats for this fun event. Thanks to a discounted group price, the total cost is $40 per person. This price is well below comparable commercial tour prices to the same event. To reserve your ticket and transportation, send a check to the church office, noting number of desired tickets (attention to Melody Guadagnino). Join this wonderful winter sports tradition, wear your orange and be ready to cheer with fellow SU fans. Even those wearing lucky green and rooting for the Fighting Irish are welcome! It's a great trip for all ages and there's even SU themed prizes given out on the bus. If you have questions about the trip or need more details, please call Craig Dennison at 585-507-9655.
Syracuse Vs. Notre Dame Saturday January 6 13
Community News Coming Up! Music and Arts at Asbury First YOUTH MUSICAL - November 10 and 11 at 7 pm and November 12 at 1 pm The youth of Asbury present the long-time favorite “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” on Friday November 10 at 7 pm, Saturday November 11 at 7 pm and Sunday November 12 at 1 pm. This year’s production, featuring the song ‘Happiness’ has been a two month exploration of what happiness truly means and how we can find it in the simplest of places. In these times, it has been refreshing to spend a few months focusing on happiness and positive influences in our lives and exploring the true meaning of happiness, hope and faith. HOMAGE TO CHOPIN – November 12, 2017 at 4 pm Franco-Canadian pianist Paul-André Bempéchat will present a benefit all-Chopin recital in our sanctuary. He is Artist-in-Residence at Harvard University’s Leverett House. Renowned for his interpretations of the First Viennese School, Brahms, Schumann and Chopin, he is a self-styled product of the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. There will be a free-will offering to support Asbury First’s outreach ministries.
CANTATA SUNDAY - December 10, 2017 at 8:30 and 11 am services Our Director of Music, Dr. William Weinert, will direct the Asbury Festival Choir in J.S. Bach’s Advent cantata “Wachet auf, Cantata 140”. This sacred choral work will feature our soloists and a chamber orchestra. The cantata, also known as “Sleepers Wake”, is a church cantata regarded as one of Bach’s most mature and popular and sacred works. He composed the work in Leipzig for the 27th Sunday after Trinity and first performed it on November 25, 1731. FAMOUS NAMES OF CHRISTMAS – December 16, 2017 at 7:30 pm Amadeus Chorale, a youth chorale founded by Darla Blair in 1996, will present a concert, “Famous Names of Christmas” in our sanctuary. A reception will follow in the Gathering Center. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the door. B MINOR MASS – J.S. BACH – February 11, 2018 The Mass in B minor (BWV 232) by Johann Sebastian Bach is a musical setting of the complete Ordinary of the Latin Mass. The work was one of Bach’s last compositions, not completed until 1749, the year before his death. The masterpiece will be performed by Voices, a professional chamber choir, and orchestra, with Dr. William Weinert conducting. There will be a free-will offering. CHILDREN’S MUSICAL - May 6, 2018 At 8:30 and 11 am services The Lost Boy, a children’s musical by Tom Long and Allen Pote, tells the story of Mary and Joseph losing track of their twelve year-old son for three long days. When they finally find him, he is sitting in his “father’s house” – demonstrating with his questions a precocious understanding of God that confounds even the teachers of the law. Our children, grades pre-K through 5th grade will comprise the cast.
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Community News Kindness Rocks at Asbury First! by Jamie Least Asbury First rocks—and it’s pretty easy to see why. Our ministries, outreach, and efforts change the lives of others around us, including the Kindness Rocks Project (KRP) spearheaded by Tippett Reinson, with the help of his mother Tiffany. Maybe you’ve seen smooth, painted rocks around the campus or our city, adorned with positive messages and the #AsburyRocs hashtag. These are the fruits of Tippett’s idea and hard work to bring the KRP to Asbury First! What Is the Kindness Rocks Project? Goal 1: Inspire others through randomly placed rocks along the way Goal 2: Recruit every person who stumbles upon it to join in the pursuit of inspiring others through random acts of kindness What are Kindness Rocks? Kindness Rocks are typically hidden in gardens, neighborhoods or beaches to simply spread happiness. We have labeled them with the #AsburyRocs hashtag so you can follow the project and share the rocks you’ve left for others, or seen yourself! How Did the Kindness Rocks Project Start at Asbury First? During Vacation Bible School this past summer, Tippett learned about the KRP. He wanted to do more good, and took steps to bring this project to Asbury First. Each Sunday in the Gathering Center, Tippett and his mom, along with other wonderful volunteers, staff the KRP table and encourage visitors to grab a permanent marker, write a message on a rock—the kind of message that would bring a smile to someone’s face—take it, and leave it somewhere for a stranger to stumble upon. So far, Tippett has left rocks at The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, and he hopes to continue leaving these messages of positivity and spiritual encouragement along his future travels. At just 10 years old, Tippett has already taken an idea and turned it into a ministry! But we need your help to keep it going. The KRP at Asbury First needs volunteers to staff the table on Sundays, spray paint rocks, and label them with the #AsburyRocs hashtag. We also need your participation! Please stop by the KRP table in the Gathering Center each Sunday to write a Bible verse or inspirational message on a rock, and take it with you to leave somewhere in your neighborhood! If you’re interested in helping out, please contact Tiffany Reinson at 585-201-8837 or tiffanyreinson@gmail.com. To learn more about the KRP, visit thekindnessrocksproject.com.
Save the Dates: Mini VBS, Churchwide Retreat, and Board Saturday Night “Board Saturday Night”
January 20 Bring your favorite game to play with your church family Dinner is provided. It starts at 5pm in Fellowship Hall.
Children's Mini VBS February 20-22 Details to follow
Churchwide Retreat June 17-22 At Camp Casowasco
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Community News Travel to Project Chacocente in 2018! When:
January 25 – February 5, 2018
Where:
From Rochester, NY to Masaya, Nicaragua and back again.
Who:
Asbury First UMC members, San Dieguito (CA) UMC members, and any guests.
Why: To work alongside the people of Chacocente as we continue construction on the Chapel and prepare Chacocente Christian School campus for the new school year. Cost: Estimated cost is $1,300-$1,600 per person. This price includes airfare. The families, staff and students of Project Chacocente invite you to visit and see firsthand how their lives have been blessed and how they now pass on those blessings to others. Meet the men and women who bravely left the only life they knew in the Managua city dump. Learn of their continued desire to improve their lives and the lives of their children and neighbors. Hear how the ministry hopes to grow. Experience the sights, sounds and beauty of Nicaragua! For more information, contact Robyn Gage at robynegage@gmail.com.
Women's Fellowship
WOW Reading Group Welcomes Book Lovers!
The Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship is a confidential Women's Group that meets for support and fellowship to women in the Asbury First Community. We meet Tuesday mornings at 9:30 for one hour in the library on the first floor of the Education Wing. We take turns sharing an opening and closing prayer, devotion, coffee, tea, and refreshments. We share the “highs” and “lows” of our week and offer encouragement to each other. Several times a year, we meet in the home of a member to share with a brunch fellowship. The group age ranges from mothers with school-age children to retired seniors. Newcomers are welcome at any meeting! For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Church at 461-9802 or emchurch418@gmail.com.
WOW (Women on Wednesdays) is a reading and discussion group open to visitors and Asbury members no registration required so feel free to drop in anytime and learn more about this fun group! Meetings are held each Wednesday from Noon to 1 pm in the dining room at 1010 East Ave. Currently the group is discussing the acclaimed NY Times bestseller Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance. For information on upcoming books we'll be reading contact Ann Markey at markeymanor@netzero.com
New Group!
Campus Care Fellowship
Do you take pride in our campus? Do you get satisfaction out of helping make things polished and pristine? Do you find joy in giving our AFUMC staff helping hand? Then “Campus Care Fellowship” is for you! We will be starting up this fall with the times and dates to be determined soon—keep watching for updates! We will start with a short devotion and prayer time, coffee and then get started on our project of the day. All are welcome, new or seasoned members and friends. There will be no heavy work! Contact the church office at 271-1050 or Lin Vanderstyne at 383-1043 or ljv@frontier.com for questions or if you would like to join us. We hope to see you there! 16
Community News Discipleship Group Ministry to Launch at Asbury First by Ian C. Urriola, Ministry Intern
“The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.”—John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, 1739.
neighbor. They knew that religion and holiness could not be practiced in isolation, but rather that it had to be practiced with other people.
Maybe I’m biased, but I liken the life of Christian discipleship to honing a musical craft. I once had the pleasure of watching a harpist give a master-class, and during her lecture she commented, “I practice my instrument every day. If I skip a day, I notice it the next time I practice. If I skip two days, my husband notices it the next time I practice”. Achieving mastery on a musical instrument takes hard work and dedication. It requires discipline. It takes practice. And yet, for all the time I spent in a practice room when I was studying music in college—and I probably could have stood to spend a little more time in there—I feel as though I grew the most as a musician when I was working with other seasoned musicians. From voice lessons with my voice teacher to vocal coachings with collaborative pianists to even chamber rehearsals with thirty other singers, making music in community taught me so much more about being a musician than practicing scales and arpeggios for hours by myself in a practice room. The same is true of Christian discipleship. We grow as followers of Jesus Christ in community. This is one of the hallmarks of our Methodist and Wesleyan heritage. When the Wesley brothers sought out to revive the Anglican Church in the eighteenth century, they focused their efforts on small and intentional communities where each participant could grow in faith and love for God and
Storehouse Summer Sale Success: Thank You!
At Asbury First, we are seeking to live out this aspect of our Wesleyan heritage. Among the many goals that were passed in our Dreamscape over the summer, we are striving to make sure that “All who desire one have a place within the Asbury First community beyond worship,” and that “A clear pathway for discipleship is available for all in our community.” In January, 2018, we will be launching a new and exciting way for this to occur with the establishment of Discipleship Groups. All are invited to come to a kickoff event on Sunday, January 7 during the Sunday School hour in the Gathering Center, where those who are interested in regularly meeting with others in a small group (6-8) to deepen and grow in their own discipleship journeys will have the opportunity to learn more about the vision and scope for this new ministry and how to get involved. Many attribute the early success and vitality of the Methodist movement to this focus on growing in faith and love in community. We’re hoping that all who call Asbury First home can see this new ministry as a way to deepen our commitment to love God and neighbor, live fully, serve all, and repeat. For more information or to RSVP for this event, contact Ian Urriola at iurriola@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x134.
All are invited to come to a kickoff event on January 7 in the Gathering Center during the Sunday school hour
Thank you to the hundreds of donors, volunteers and customers who made the Storehouse Summer Sale our best yet! Our total from the four-day sale was over $13,000, and the Bake Sale generated an additional $1,500! We had many more donations than ever, a room full of toys and games, and furniture that required its own annex. Without your generous donations we could never have had such success! This year was the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Sale (previously know as the Basement Sale) and the sales were a fitting tribute to that celebration. All proceeds (minus a very few advertising costs) go directly to support our Asbury Storehouse and the many families we support in Rochester. New Socks, underwear, blankets, winter coats and so much more will be purchased to help fill in racks for those areas we have greatest needs. We truly live up to Asbury's Mission Statement: “Love God and neighbor. Live fully. Serve All. Repeat.” Bless you! - Elizabeth Church, Sale Coordinator 17
Outreach News Paulette and Robert, A Couple Who Cares by Michele Cooley
Paulette and Robert started volunteering about 6 months ago. They knew Shawn, a guest who used to frequent the Dining and Caring Center. He was always bragging about our services to the neighbors. The message of kindness and inclusivity impressed them to the point that they wanted to see for themselves. Bob came first to test the waters. He quickly jumped right in helping to crack eggs, and make toast He always stayed later to make sure that the kitchen was clean and the grill cleaned for the following day. As Bob grew more familiar with fellow staff and volunteers, his participation increased from 2 days per week to 4. He asked if his wife could join him and of course I said yes. Paulette fit right in. Where Bob is a little shy, Paulette is very warm and enthusiastically friendly. Just the person we needed to greet our guests, give them their number, and have them sign in. “Good morning, how are you sweetheart? Have a great day.” I hear this welcoming refrain each day. One of our homeless guests who likes to sit by Paulette told her she was the only reason he comes in now. He has a job, but he needs to see her warm smile and start his day with a happy feeling. Paulette and Bob
have made special treats for us including homemade apple pies, cookies and sweets from her grandmother’s recipes.
"I volunteered because I wanted to do something to change my life." I asked Paulette why she feels so committed to volunteering. She was very honest about her experience. “The people are pleasant and I have made personal friends here. This has changed our lives. I used to be in a bad mood and sometimes rude to people. Now I am much more pleasant. Now I feel that I need to be more caring and this has made me more caring. It’s a blessing to greet someone and feel the love come back. We come in early because we want to get everything ready for the guests and volunteers. Bob loves the people in the kitchen and the cook who is super great! The kitchen crew is phenomenal to work with. It’s like one big family here. There is so much diversity also. You have all races. 18
I volunteered because I wanted to do something to change my life. This gives me the opportunity to socialize. We are unable to work due to our disabilities. I have a bone disease and Bob has a seizure disorder. I get so excited when I get up in the morning. I can see the Asbury cross from my house and I know where I am going now. I absolutely love it. I never really went to church but The Dining Center has made me believe in God more. It makes me feel so honored to come in and do God’s work. When a person needs something, we help. This is what God has made us for.” Bob and Paulette have been together for 37 years. They have one son who is finishing his doctorate at the University of Rochester. He is also a teacher at East High School. I knew there was definitely something very special about Paulette when she shared that after every snow storm she would go to her son’s dorm, scrape off his car and shovel so he would not be late to class. “I wanted to be sure that he would get to class on time.” This is the dedication that I see from Bob and Paulette every day. They are truly a couple who cares.
The Last Word Oral G. Roberts Teen Café by Diana Carter
It’s Friday night at New Horizons United Methodist Church. Steam tables have been set up in the parlor to accommodate a hamburger and pasta casserole and other dinner fixings. Kids start to trickle into the Oral G. Roberts Teen Café, which meets at the church formerly known as West Ave. UMC. Before the food can be served and grace can be said, Suzette Williams, the program’s director, draws the children and volunteer adults into a circle holding hands. What was the week like, she asks. What good news is there to share? What books did the children read over the summer? By listening closely, I realize there aren’t any summer camps or programs attended in most of their homes. One girl says she has to take care of a younger sibling. But she reads to him, she’s quick to report. The book from the Captain Underpants series—a book for second-grade reading abilities—is the only book the girl has read all summer, even though she’s about to enter junior high. Another girl, in elementary school, says she couldn’t do any summer reading. Her mother couldn’t take her to the library, and there are no books at home. The signs of poverty are clear here in one of the poorest sections of the city of Rochester, where half the children live in poverty and only a little more than half graduate from high school. Many of the children don’t have the ability to pay attention. They beg to do crafts, but can’t listen long enough to find out what to do with the materials. They are quick to get angry and hit each other. Some children seem to have perpetual frowns on their faces. When the normal exuberance of play causes one boy to accidentally hurt someone else, he loudly insists that he didn’t do it and skitters away rather than say the healing words of “I’m sorry.” Like the others, he’s in survival mode. Nearly always, the defenses come down over the course of the three hours at the Teen Café. The children start acting more like children than combatants. Games are played. Spirits are lifted. Sometimes there are impromptu talent shows, or Suzette or another volunteer leads the children in role playing or a Bible trivia contest. Sometimes there are field trips to a pumpkin patch or a sporting event. A handful Asbury volunteers supports the program by volunteering once a month, bringing in a meal that week, playing games and doing crafts with the children. Outreach funds help support the food budget for the program other weeks, and buy the children Christmas presents. As one of the volunteers, I can say I usually leave feeling tired and worrying that all the noise from shouting children and adults shouting to be heard over them has made yet another dent in my hearing. But I also leave with memories of a child who can barely sit still who has risen to the occasion of making a project she wants to share at home. She beams when she realizes I remember her name from month to month. Sadly, I am also aware that for the few hours we spend with these children, we are successful if only because we keep them safe from violence in those hours. The café was created as a memorial to Oral G. Roberts, Suzette’s nephew, a teenager who was killed on the streets of Rochester. Keeping children alive is an important enough reason to volunteer. The stress levels of this mission, however, are not everyone’s cup of tea. If you feel you have the fortitude and sense of humor to take on extremely rambunctious kids who are dealing with their own stresses, please join us. Contact Carol and Fred Hamil or Diana and Jim Carter to find out more. We’d be glad to have you.
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PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Save the Dates!
Advent at Asbury First
❆ Labyrinth Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20 5-7 pm-Listen to the music of the harp as you experience a calming moment. ❆ Taizé Wednesdays, November 29, December 6, and December 13 6-6:45 pm
❆ A Service of Remembrance Sunday, December 3 2 pm-We remember our loved ones who are no longer with us with a meditative service of word, music, and communion, and the lighting of the remembrance candles. ❆ Advent’s Winter Wonder Night (for children and families) Sunday, December 10 5-7 pm-Come join us for dinner, fellowship, and storytelling. ❆ Carols and Cocoa Wednesdays, December 6, 13, and 20 7 pm-Come join us for hot cocoa and singing carols around the tree on the front lawn in front of the church every Wednesday during Advent!
❆ Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 10 am-A Service of Poetry, Word, and Carols 12 noon-A Service of Word, Carols and Holy Communion. 4 pm-A Service for Families and Children featuring the Children's Pageant. 7 pm-A Service of Word, Lessons & Carols. 9 pm-A Service of Word, Carols and Holy Communion. 11 pm-A Service of Word, Lessons & Carols. All Christmas Eve services except 4 pm feature candlelight. ❆ Christmas Day Monday, December 25 10 am- Joint Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd. Rochester, NY. ❆ New Year’s Eve Sunday, December 31 10 am-Traditional Worship 5-6 pm-Communion and Meditation Come and go as you wish. Labyrinth will be available. Please Note: On December 24 and December 31, there will be ONLY ONE MORNING SERVICE at 10 am