TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter October 2016 • Vol. L No. 8 • www.asburyfirst.org
Fall Retreat Registration Inside!
IN THIS ISSUE A Pastoral Reflection 3 Community News 4 Community Outreach & Needs 5 AFUMC News 6 Financial Update 8 Library News 10 The Last Word 11
MISSION STATEMENT
The Visitor
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
Vol. L No. 8
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
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 Senior Minister Kathy Thiel Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach Katie O’Hern Minister for Discipleship and Mission David Strong Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Dr. William Weinert Director of Music Paula Dugan Children’s Ministry Director Holly Temming Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music Mike Mullin Youth Minister Richard Moncrief Financial Administrator Morgan Dornsife Development Director Melody Guadagnino Administrative Assistant Ken Carr Property Care Manager Michele Cooley Dining & Caring Center Director Jamie Least Communications Coordinator Duane Prill Organist Carol Lamica Director, Youth Music Elizabeth Church Director, Bell Choir Brian Bohrer Director, Asbury Singers Larry Dugan Director, Youth Theater Linda Clemow Artist-in-Residence
Emeriti Staff
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus *deceased Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.
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.
Cover Photo Credit: Jamie Least
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for submitting content to the next issue: October 3, 2016
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 Clothed in Christ | Katie O’Hern Earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear professor and writer Lauren Winner speak about her book Wearing God, and I’ve been thinking about her presentation ever since. Winner’s book is an exploration of images used for God throughout the Bible, with a focus on those we tend to overlook. One image, the one that inspired the title of the book, is God as provider of clothing. This image for God is one of the first we encounter when we read Scripture: God provides “garments of skin” for Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. There are many ways to interpret this moment in the story. I’m drawn to the image of God sewing durable leather clothing for those first people as they prepare to face the world outside of Eden. Even as God sends these two imperfect people away from this perfect garden, God takes the time to provide them with the protection they need for the uncertain life ahead of them. As we settle into the cool weather of fall and prepare for winter, this image of God as provider of warm and protective clothing has stuck with me. Every time I reach for my well-worn slippers or pull on a knit hat or wrap a scarf around my neck, I find myself thinking about the God who offers us warmth and protection for whatever season we find ourselves in. In seasons of loneliness, God promises to be with us. In seasons of anger, God promises to hear our complaints. In seasons of great joy, God promises to celebrate with us. In seasons of doubt or confusion God promises to meet us where we are and show us the way forward. I find comfort in remembering that God is as close as my slippers or my hat or my scarf, that God promises to be with each of us and to care for us always. At the same time, I can’t help but think of all the people who find warm and protective clothing through the faithful outreach ministries of Asbury First. My hope and prayer is that each person will feel the warmth of God’s love through simple socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and coats. Even more, I pray that all will know God’s love and protection throughout the year. Whether the weather is cold or hot or somewhere in between, regardless of what we might be wearing, no matter the season of life we are in, God is with us, as close as our very clothing. Thanks be to God.
Worship
worship schedule SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16
SUNDAY OCTOBER 30
8:30am – Traditional Worship
World Communion Sunday
Exodus 1:8-2:10
Luke 19:1-10
10:00am – Chancel Worship
Ephesians 6:10-20
Katie O’Hern, Preacher
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
with Holy Communion
Kathy Thiel, Preacher
11:00am – Traditional
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9
SUNDAY OCTOBER 23
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6
Worship with Sanctuary Choir
John 14:1-7
Genesis 2:18-24
Luke 20:27-38
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
Preacher
Preacher
Preacher
Preacher
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Community News in Community
Our Living Deaths – We offer our prayers and sympathy to …
Marriages – We celebrate the marriage of …
Joe and Meredith Hull on the death of Joe’s mother and Meredith’s grandmother, Josephine Hull on August 9 in West Virginia.
Baptisms – We celebrate the baptism of …
The family and friends of Marge Warner who died on August 25, 2016.
Brett Lewis Cooper, son of Stephen and Kristen Cooper, baptized on August 28, 2016.
Rachele Simon and Michael Fattaruso were married on May 20, 2016. Caitlin Dosch and George Zhushma were married on May 28, 2016. Cailin Monaghan and Robert Pollard Jr. were married on May 29, 2016.
Brian and Joanne White and family on the death of Brian’s brother Frank White on August 31 in Boston, MA.
Lisa Cooper and Andrew Dorofy were married on September 3, 2016.
The family and friends of Lee Baldauf who died on September 5 in Kennesaw, GA.
Stevie Welch and Shahid Ansari were married on September 10, 2016.
Churchwide Fall Retreat! October 21-23 Dunkirk, NY
Ministry & Space
This year we’re welcoming back a churchwide retreat, one of many dreams shared in the past year! All are welcome on this intergenerational retreat: we’ll have educational and fellowship opportunities for people of all ages and interests! From the opening bonfire to worship on Sunday morning and everything in between, there will be lots of opportunities to try something new, get to know other members of our church family, and grow in your faith. You’re welcome to come for the whole weekend or just for the day on Saturday, and scholarships are available. For more information, talk to Katie O’Hern. We hope to see you there!
Pricing Full Weekend Saturday Only Adults (18 & up) Ages 11-17 Ages 3-10 Under age 3
$100 $75 $50 FREE
Fellowship Hall Kitchen Updates Coming
Single Adult Group (3 or more)
$40 Max $100
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The Fellowship Hall kitchen gets more use than most people know. Dinners are cooked weekly on Sunday and Wednesday nights for Youth and Children’s programs. The Daycare uses the kitchen daily for preparation. Events such as the Spaghetti Luncheon and Christmas Eve dinner rely on a large industrial kitchen, and many outside groups use the kitchen facilities as well for dinner preparations. As part of the HVAC replacement, the ceiling in the kitchen must be removed in order to access the duct work. In addition, our well-used kitchen has some tired appliances which are not always reliable, and some things which should be brought up to new standards. The Ministry & Space team is looking at updating the kitchen as part of our multi-project work. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Chuck Hanrahan at 383-8794 or chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com.
Community Outreach & Needs Celebrating 10 Years On the Path Walking the Labyrinth at Asbury First
It was Wednesday, October 11, 2006, when the first walker entered the newly inlaid tile labyrinth at Asbury First. With votive candles lighting the way, it was open. The “Tarp to Tile” campaign was so well received by the congregation that the labyrinth was fully funded. A dream come true! A special guest book, always at the labyrinth, is filled with almost 1,500 signatures and expressions of love, joy, and peace. As the labyrinth celebrates its 10th year, come and walk the singular path that leads you in and leads you out. Bring your joys, your questions, your concerns, take a little walk with God, and see how changes can and will happen
I’ve never walked a labyrinth before. What do I need to do to get started?
in your life. As Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” Throughout the coming liturgical year, the 10th anniversary will be celebrated with themes such as “Thanksgiving” in November, live harp music during the Advent season, and our traditional New Year’s Eve walk, followed by others in the coming year. The labyrinth is open the second Wednesday of every month from 5-7 pm. We invite you to experience this ancient form of meditation. -The Spiritual Life Committee
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for walking the labyrinth. When you arrive at Fellowship Hall, you will find a quiet, reflective atmosphere with soft music playing in the background. The labyrinth steward will greet you, give you a short orientation, and answer any questions you might have. Then just walk! If you are able, we suggest that you remove your shoes first, to help keep the labyrinth clean and to reflect the notion of the labyrinth as sacred space. Pause for a minute or so as you enter, if you wish, and then just follow the path. It is perfectly acceptable to pass others if you are moving faster than they are or if you meet them on the path. If someone wishes to pass you, you can step off the path briefly to make room. Your labyrinth walk is your own personal experience, and one that can unfold as you wish. By opening your mind to the possibility of the divine in your life as you walk, you enter into a new and enriched dialogue with God, one that will stay with you long after you are finished your walk. To find out more about the labyrinth or become a labyrinth steward, contact Linda Freed (223-9092) or Charlotte Craig (473-9674). The labyrinth is available on the second Wednesday of each month, from 5:00-7:00 pm; and more frequently during Advent and Lent. Check the events calendar for the exact dates and times the labyrinth is open. Church members and community residents are welcome to use the labyrinth during regular scheduled times. If you’d like to schedule a special time for a group labyrinth walk, contact the church office. To find out more about the labyrinth or become a labyrinth steward, contact Linda Freed (223-9092) or Charlotte Craig (473-9674).
Asbury UR Well Clinic Needs You Asbury UR Well Clinic is in need of RNs who are certified to read PPDS Sunday mornings after church at 12:15 pm this fall and winter in the clinic office. The clinic coordinator will call volunteers each Thursday to check with you and see if you are available that following Sunday, as well as to tell you how many individuals are coming to have their PPDS read. You may only have to read PPDS once a month.
Asbury UR Well is also in need of Social Workers and Greeters for each Thursday and the first Tuesday of each month. Starting at 5:45 pm, Social Workers assist patients with housing, food, and other social needs. Greeters, from 5:30 to 8 pm, set up for the evening, greet patients make them feel welcome, offer refreshments and assist them with their needs. If you are interested in either of these volunteer opportunities, please email Ida Hickman at imhickman2002@yahoo.com or call me at 585 461-9696 or 880-6488.
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AFUMC News Mädchenkantorei am Würzburger Dom at Asbury First On August 31st, the Mädchenkantorei am Würzburger Dom (girls’ choir of Würzburg cathedral) under the direction of Alexander Rüth gave a thrilling concert in the Sanctuary of Asbury First. This was one of two concerts presented by this fine choir from Rochester’s Sister City in Germany. The choir visited Rochester from August 29th through September 2nd as part of their 2nd North American tour. The choir, formed in 1971, is the oldest cathedral choir for girls in Germany.
Ekberg, Chair of the RochesterWürzburg Sister Cities Committee, if there was any particular melody that might be of interest to the audience as a basis for his improvisation in the middle of the program. They thumbed through several pages in the Photo Credit: Viola Ratz, Würzburg Dommusik Hymnal and Dean suggested that “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” The choir made great use of the space in the would certainly be recognizable sanctuary, with the opening selection sung from to most people in the audience. the back, followed by singing in procession Prof. Schmidt looked at it for by all three aisles. The closing “Irish Blessing” about 10-15 seconds and said, “I think I can do surrounded the audience with beautiful singing. something with that.” He certainly did! Special thanks to the families who graciously Exploring the wide dynamic and tonal range opened their homes to the girls during their stay, of our organ, he created a multi-layered drama, to the sexton staff who helped in so many ways, building upon fragments of the familiar melody, and to David Strong and Bill Weinert for their one after the other, that resulted in a rousing, help in making arrangements. joyful musical experience that can quite literally be described as “once in a lifetime.”
“a rousing, joyful musical experience that can quite literally be described as ‘once in a lifetime.’”
In addition to great singing, the Asbury First audience was treated to music of Bach and Brahms performed by cathedral organist, Professor Stephan Schmidt. Prof. Schmidt is widely known for his improvisations. In the afternoon before the concert, he asked Dean
“Nothing Less Than a Blessing” Dedication of Our Habitat for Humanity House These are the words of Mr. Robert Brown at the dedication of the house he is purchasing—the Habitat for Humanity Roger Cross Memorial House that Asbury First helped to build through its time, talents, and treasures. His thanks were to each and every one who had a hand in making this a possibility for him and his family (two boys ages 6 and 8). This project began in the fall of 2014 and with the Harvest Home Coalition of Churches (10 churches of various faiths from around the county) and the fund raising we did (remember the Blessing Boards, the Thanksgiving Pies, the shed building by the youth, the Uno experience and the support of the Outreach Committee), a house was built. And the best part is that there is another family creating a home in the JOSANA Neighborhood! The Dedication was a sight to behold—40+ people came to pray for Robert and his sons, honor the work of Robert, Habitat and the volunteers, and delight in the joy radiated by Robert and the boys in the anticipation of their new home. It was definitely “NOTHING LESS THAN A BLESSING.” P.S. Remember: The Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale is only weeks away! 6
AFUMC News Just Three Hours of Service
School #41 Update
Together in Service 2016
School #41 ended their year with a health fair on June 11th. The day began with wind and rain, but by the start time of 10 am there were breaks of sunshine. Asbury First was represented in a number of ways. Our Wellness Center was represented by Ida Hickman, Carolyn Hamil and Cindy Burkhart. Others helping out were Judy Cohen who led yoga demonstrations and Jim Carter who showed children how to juggle. Sandra Holloway’s Tasteful Connections was on hand with a demonstration and tasting of grilled fruits and vegetables. Not-so-healthy (but fun) eating, was provided by food trucks Macarollin (mac and cheese), Wraps on Wheels (sandwich wraps), and Reads (ice cream). Ian MacDonald and Maggie Tobin assisted in securing the food trucks. Asbury also provided a “jungle” bounce house, a big hit! Other offerings included health insurance providers, skin care, fire safety and hula hoop fun. All in all, a fun Saturday and a great start to what is hoped to be a bigger and better second annual fair in the spring of 2017.
The theme for this year’s Together in Service ministry (October 14-21), is “just three hours of service”. We are asking every member of the congregation to give a little of their time ( Just 3 hours) to help those in need in the Rochester community. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Mathew 17:20) Much like faith, if everyone in the congregation gives a mustard seed of service, we will move mountains. We are again partnering with Baber AME to offer our congregations an opportunity to serve others throughout the city, including: • Genesis House, a shelter for runaway and homeless youth. • Hope House, a transition house for homeless or nearhomeless women. • St. Mary’s Adult Day Care a safe, therapeutic, fun environment for older adults.
At #41’s Community Engagement Committee meeting the week of July 25th, the news about improvement in test scores for this past school year was encouraging. The new 2016-2017 school year
Additionally, we are expanding our volunteer opportunities to include our on campus ministries. The Dining & Caring Center, Storehouse, UR Wellness Clinic, Grocery Bag Ministry, and RAIHN will provide opportunities for service throughout the week. If you have wanted to volunteer, but were reluctant to make a long term commitment, this is your chance to explore new ways to serve others.
School #41 Health Fair
will mark Asbury’s 10th year of volunteering. This is the crucial second year of receivership and performance in all grade levels (K-6) will determine the future of School #41. Our volunteers who take the time each week to help children one-on-one with reading and math have been and continue to be part of the overall improvement efforts. If there are those who would like to join our faithful volunteers, Nancy Davidow can be reached by phone (585-544-4333) or e-mail: ndavidow2@rochester. rr.com. With Asbury’s help and lots of prayers, we will be off to a good start early this October. -Nancy Davidow, School #41 Project Coordinator
Please join us in the Gathering Space to sign up to volunteer. Your “mustard seed” of service will help us move mountains. Questions? Contact Bob Castle at 166rcastle@gmail.com School #41 Health Fair
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Stewardship Campaign 2017 Have you heard of the theological concept of the already but not yet? This idea speaks to the progression of life we all experience—recognizing and receiving God’s love today, forging ahead in the journey of faith and maturity, and working through the tension of both what is present and what waits for us tomorrow. It seems as though this is also the state in which Asbury First finds itself. As Rev. Cady shared in the last edition of the Visitor, we have spent the last year speaking, preaching, praying, and pontificating about our dreams. We are ready to move forward, and have already seen some dreams become reality! But, we still have both challenging and rewarding work ahead of us. The theme for this year’s annual stewardship campaign is Dream to Life. And that is exactly what we are doing—
about their personal commitment to pledging, receive updates on how the campaign is progressing, and get to interact with our Stewardship Committee. working together to bring our dreams to life. As you can see on the next page, we have increased our goal for this year’s campaign. We need your help raising these funds in order to accomplish the dreams we have for next year. The only way we can accomplish this is if we all work together, pray together, and give together. You are welcome to cut out the attached pledge card and mail it in with your commitment for 2017. You may also go on our website to complete a pledge card electronically. During this campaign, you will get a chance to hear from a few members
A community of people, here in downtown Rochester, proclaiming Jesus Christ, and bringing our dreams to life— what an exciting time to be at Asbury First!
“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’” (Luke 17:20-21)
Dream to Life: AFUMC Church Retreat One dream we are seeing come to life right now is our Church Retreat, happening on October 21-23. When speaking with Katie O’Hern, Minister of Discipleship and Mission, she shared how much she is looking forward to participating in this Dream to Life event. “This retreat has been so important to the life of the church in the past, and it is exciting to see how it may be important now. It’s fun to see how this dream, written on a post-it note, and placed on the dream board, is now days away from becoming a reality!” Interested in joining us for the Church Retreat? Register today using the form found in this Visitor. We look forward to seeing you there!
Did you know the annual stewardship campaign is championed each year by our Stewardship Committee? Our current volunteer members include: Len Davidow, Karl Greenhagle, Stuart Mitchell, Jennifer Sanfilippo, Jim Stinehour, Cory Tylenda, and our chair, Elisabeth Bischoff-Ormsbee.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any of these individuals! You may also always reach out to Morgan Dornsife, Development Director, at mdornsife@asburyfirst.org
Thank you to all who pledge each year. Your time, talent, and treasure, which you have chosen to invest here, are deeply valued and appreciated. And thank you to all for your prayerful consideration this year. Working together, we will bring our dreams to life! 8
Dream to Life
Dream to Life
Stewardship Campaign 2017
ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2017 Pledge Goal: $1,175,000 2016 Pledges Raised: $1,075,607 I/we offer this gift to the annual operating budget: $
Total Pledge for 2017 Frequency
Amount Per Gift
❑ Weekly $ ❑ Monthly $ ❑ Annually $ ❑
$
In addition, I/we offer a designated gift: $ to be used for Estimated total giving for 2017 $ Optional: I/we would also like: (Choose any that may apply) ❑ To give via electronic funds transfer (EFT) ❑ To receive envelopes
❑ Weekly
❑ Monthly
❑ To speak with someone about my pledge Name(s): Address:
Email:
Support the ministries of Asbury First by making a pledge to the annual stewardship campaign. Complete the pledge card to the right and mail it to: Asbury First United Methodist Church Attn: Dick Moncrief 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 9
Thank you for your commitment and generosity to Asbury First!
Library News October 2016 “The best things in life are free” and that includes the books free for the reading through our church libraries. Books for all ages and on all topics can be found for loan right here at Asbury First. Take a look at the following books selected as featured reading for the month of October. They are available in the library’s collection of books for children, youth, and adults. Children
terrifying (and little-known) moment in World War II history told by a master of historical fiction.
Cecil’s Pride: The True Story of a Lion King by Craig Hatkoff Cecil’s Pride is a tale of resilience and responsibility especially for ages 4-8. Discover Cecil’s struggle as a young lion to survive, his rise to power, and his extraordinary alliance with Jericho, his former archrival. Cecil is gone, but his legacy lives on. The world knows the story of how Cecil died. This is the story of how he lived. The book contains stunning photographs by Brent Stapelkamp.
Adult Being Mortal: What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande Practicing surgeon Gawande writes about research, which shows that medicine can comfort and enhance our experience even to the end, providing not only a good life but also a good end. The Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn Day by Elie Wiesel This is the autobiographical account of an adolescent boy and his father in Auschwitz. Elie Wiesel writes of their battle for survival and of his battle with God for a way to understand the wanton cruelty he witnesses each day.
Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy This is the true story of Sylvia Perlmutter—a story of courage, heartbreak, and finally survival, despite the terrible circumstances in which she grew up. In February 1940, fourand-half-year-old Sylvia Perlmutter, her mother, father and 12-year-old sister, Dora, were among the first of more than 250,000 Jews to be forced into Poland’s Lodz Ghetto. When the Russians liberated the ghetto on January 19, 1945, the Perlmutters were among only 800 people left alive. Sylvia, “one day shy of ten years old,” was one of just 12 children to survive the ordeal. Written in thoughtful, vividly descriptive, almost poetic prose, it is especially appropriate for grades 5-9.
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Weisenthal Often surprising and always thought-provoking, The Sunflower challenges the reader to define beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility. Parenting/Special Needs Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo In this brilliant, breathtaking book by a Pulitzer Prize winning author, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human through the dramatic story of families striving toward a better life in Annawadi, a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport.
Youth Wonder by R. J. Palicio A New York Times best seller soon to be a movie, Auggie Pullman was born with severe facial deformities—no outer ears, eyes in the wrong place, his skin “melted”—and he’s learned to steel himself against the horrified reactions he produces in strangers. Now, after years of homeschooling, his parents have enrolled him in fifth grade. In short chapters told from various first-person perspectives, author Palacio sketches his challenging but triumphant year.
Strapped: Why America’s 20-and 30- Something’s Can’t Get Ahead by Tamara Draut Drowning in student loans? Can’t afford to get married, buy a home, have children? Up to your ears in credit card debt? At last, a book for the under-35 generation that explains why it’s not their fault and what can be done about it.
Salt to the Sea by Ruth Sepetys It is considered “one of the best young-adult novels to appear in a very long time.” The story is a page-turner that brings to vivid life a
Harry Potter and the Holy Spirit
Four Wednesdays | Starting October 19 | 6:30-8 pm | Gathering Center
Whether you grew up alongside the characters, are just getting to know them, or read them to your children, you are invited to join us for a discussion of the themes of the Holy that run throughout these wonderfully creative books. In preparation for the new movie and in the wake of the eighth book, we are bringing back one of our most popular and requested classes. All ages are welcome and encouraged for our discussions. It would be helpful if you have read the books, but if you don’t mind spoilers, come along for the ride! If you are interested, email Melody Guadagnino at mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. Feel free to come dressed up and with muggle or wizard treats. We hope to see you there! 10
The Last Word One Tuesday Morning | Michele Cooley
Left to right: Billy Reading, Joey DeGraff, Vickie Stankaitis, Freddie Daniels, Ann Standish
It is Tuesday morning at 6 am and I have just arrived at the Dining Center. The fans are on but it must be about 85 degrees here already. Volunteers are trickling in and coffee is brewing. Guests are homeless and hungry after spending a long night outside without a place to stay. Wandering the streets, they have found a respite here at the Asbury First Dining Center. Len Davidow, Van Cardilli, and Phil Monahan are preparing grits, hash browns, bacon, and eggs. It is very hot in the kitchen and a few fans are circulating air, which helps a little. Ann Standish, Vickie Stankaitis, Morna Monihan, Joey DeGraff, Michelle Simmons, and Zach Madden are serving cereal, juice, coffee, fruit, and milk. At 7 am, the main course will be served as guests sign in, take a number, receive their silverware, and wait for their meal to be served at their seats. All like the idea of being served and the dignity that this small gesture conveys is meaningful.
spreading. All of the churches, agencies and guests love the Asbury First Dining and Caring Center. You are at the very top of the list of places that help. You are going to be seeing many more people coming here.” This is a sign that homelessness and joblessness are not improving in Rochester. More people are in need. We never turn anyone away—and regardless of our
“Word of mouth is powerful and it is spreading.”
Guests keep arriving and the pace is quickening for our volunteers. It is hard to keep up with dishes and we may have to resort to plastic silverware. By 7:45 we have served 80 guests already. By 8:30 we have served 145 people. Our volunteers are being stretched to their limits, but do not complain. They know why we are here and they are a faithful and committed team. Where are all of the people coming from? There are so many new faces. It didn’t take me long to find out.
Michelle Simmons
high numbers, we always have enough food. However, food prices are going up. Our Foodlink, and other smaller grants help, but we purchase much of the food we serve and items such toothpaste, laundry soap, towels, socks, sleeping bags, and back packs are always in demand. Individual donations are important to us to sustain our ministry. By 9 am, we have served 170 guests. Our volunteers stay to clean up, despite being visibly exhausted. Today we have set a new record. Summer numbers are always higher but this is unusual. What will tomorrow bring? Many thanks to our Dining Center volunteers for their stamina and compassion. You are an appreciated inspiration. Please contact Michele Cooley if you too would like to experience volunteering and making a difference. She can be reached at (585) 313-1918 or mcooley@asburyfirst.org.
One of our newcomers who approached me for a pair of Vonda Cottrell pants, (he hadn’t changed his clothes in three weeks, he said), enlightened me. “Word of mouth is powerful and it is 11
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Registration Form Inside!
Churchwide Fall Retreat October 21-23 Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center A three-day retreat is a wonderful way to form new connections with your Asbury First family. All are welcome on this quick getaway where we will rejuvinate our spirits, find encouragement and fellowship, and enjoy just-plain-fun together! Details on page 4.
Harry Potter and the Holy Spirit Four Wednesdays Starting October 19 6:30-8 pm Gathering Center Full Details on Page 10