Events and Programs Spring 2015

Asbury First

United Methodist Church 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607

(585) 271-1050 www.asburyfirst.org

Opportunities for Children and Families see pages 4 & 5 Youth Ministry see pages 6 & 7 Adult Study page 8 Worship Opportunities see pages 10 & 11 Adult Fellowship Groups see pages 12 & 13 Art Classes see page 15 Music & the Arts see pages 16 & 17 Calendar See pages 18 & 19

Winter/Spring 2015 | EDUCATION & EVENTS

New Opportunities for Growth and Fellowship!

Check out the classes, seminars, and other events inside!

“Bless thou the gifts our hands have brought; bless thou the work our hearts have planned.

Ours is the faith, the will, the thought; the rest, O God, is in thy hand.”

-Samuel Longfellow, “Bless Thou the Gifts,” 1886.

Sunday Morning Worship • • •

8:30 a.m. Traditional Service with Asbury Singers 10:00 a.m. Chancel Service with Holy Communion 11:00a.m. Traditional Service with Sanctuary Choir

Become a Member of our Faith Family Are you interested in knowing more about Asbury First? Want to find out how you can become more involved? Join our five-week new members orientation series. All are welcome !

Spring class series begin:

2

•

Sunday, March 1 (joining March 29)

•

Sunday, April 19 (joining May 17)

•

What’s Inside?

AFUMC Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Worship Times ~ Becoming a Member Children’s Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Sunday School ~ Wednesday Evenings ~ Movie Night ~ Pretzel Sunday ~ Prayer Night ~ Family Carnival ~ VBS Youth Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Sunday Schedule ~ Fundraisers ~ Retreats ~ Talent Show ~ Confirmation Adult Study & Fellowship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Way of Forgiveness ~ Study Group ~ United Methodism 101 ~ Prison Pipeline discussion Worship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Labyrinth ~ Taizé ~ Lent & Holy Week ~ Confirmation/Pentecost ~ Youth Sunday Adult Fellowship and Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Adult Sunday School ~ Women on Wednesday ~ Men’s Devotional Group ~ Women’s Fellowship Hour Fellowship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Art Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Music and the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Madrigalia ~ Bach ~ Envisioning the Passion ~ Salon Series Concerts Spring Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Holy Superheroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover

3

•

children’s ministry

Y

our child’s faith journey is important to us and we want to be here to guide him/her along the way. We offer a wide variety of activities for you and your child (ages 0 to fifth grade) to grow together in faith throughout the year.

Have questions? Connect with Paula Dugan (pdugan@asburyfirst.org), or (585) 271-1050 x111 to find out the answers!

We encourage you to check out the events calendar at www.asburyfirst.org for the most updated listing of children’s ministry activities. Below, you will find our spring ministry offerings: Sunday Mornings Sunday School (9:45-10:45 a.m., ages four to fifth grade) Our classrooms are alive with activities that help children learn how God loves them! Children are divided into classes according to age. Each group has a curriculum (currently using Grow Proclaim Serve) that shares Bible stories.

Worship Children are welcome to stay with their parents during the entire service (services are at 8:30, 10, and 11 am). During the 11:00 service we also offer the following opportunities for children aged four years old through fifth grade following the children’s sermon: • Enrichment Children ages four-second grade attend lessons focused on Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. Second floor, education wing.

• Bible Beat Children in third-fifth grades participate in lessons that explore Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. Second floor, education wing.

Children may be picked up after the service in the second floor, education wing.

Childcare (located on the first floor in the education wing) We offer professional childcare for ages 0-3 during every worship service. Our childcare is divided into two rooms: The “Creche” for newborns through to 18 months and the “Rainbow Room” for 18 months through 3 years of age.

4

Wednesday Evenings Children’s Musical Groups Our children’s musical groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings. Please check the events calendar for the most updated time: • Hallelujah Kids (vocal choir, grades K-2, practice 5:15-5:45 p.m.)

• Children’s Choir (vocal choir, grades 3-5, practice 6:25-7:00 p.m.)

• Wesley Ringers (bell choir, grades 3-5, practice 7:00-7:30 p.m.)

All are welcome, regardless of musical ability. For more information contact our children’s music director Bozena Granat (Bozena_Granat@bcsd.org) Family Dinner We offer a family dinner at 5:45 p.m. with a donation of two dollars per person.

Other Programs Throughout the year, we offer non-musical activities on Wednesday evenings for those who are interested.

Fun Faithful Family Events in 2015 Each year, Asbury First hosts events for families. For the most updated listing of times, please check the events calendar. If you are looking for wholesome, educational, faith-based fun, then check out the following events: Movie Night; February 7 – family-friendly movie and pizza.

“Mini” Vacation Bible School; February 17-19 – take the plunge into this beach-themed exploration of faith, worship, and service.

Pretzel Sunday; March 8 – Children explore and learn Lenten lessons while making delicious pretzels.

Good Friday Family Prayer Night; April 3 – Families share communion on this very holy day and learn new and different ways to pray for each other before the evening Good Friday service.

Children’s Musical; May 16-17 – come and watch our talented children, or have your kids be a part of this faith-building experience. Auditions are coming soon for this year’s production of “The Tale of the Three Trees”; watch your bulletin for more information.

Family Church Carnival; June 7 – a Sunday morning filled with laughter and fun.

Vacation Bible School; August 3-6 – a week of faith-filled fun for children ages four through entering sixth grade.

5

Youth Ministry

Souper Bowl Sunday Sunday, February 1

Our youth will once again be making and

Up!Word Upper NY Annual Conference Youth Retreat Friday-Sunday, April 24-26

selling soup before and after the services

All youth in 8th-12th grades are encour-

on February 1 in honor of Superbowl

aged to join us for Up!Word, the an-

Sunday. The soup will be pre-packaged

nual conference wide retreat held near

in microwaveable quart-sized containers

Syracuse. This is a wonderful opportu-

and may be purchased for $10. 100% of

nity to gather together with youth from

the sales will go to support our Asbury

all across the conference in a weekend of

First Youth Missions!

faith, fun, and fellowship!

Pie for Pi Sale

Church-Wide Talent Show

Sunday, March 15 Our youth will be making and selling pies before and after the services on March 15 in honor of Pi Day (3/14/15). Full-sized pies will be $10 with 100 percent of the sales going to support our Asbury First Youth Missions.

Saturday, May 9

Asbury’s Got Talent! So why not share it? Join us on Saturday, May 9 in Fellowship Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a potluck dinner followed by the talent show. This event is free and open to the public—and if you would like to share your talents in the show, “auditions” (we do our best to make space for everyone)

6

will likely be the week before. We will

Basic Sunday Schedule Who?

When?

What?

Where?

6th-7th grades

9:45-10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Campfire Room

8th grade

9:45-10:45 a.m. Confirmation

Room 16

9th-12th grades 9:45-10:45 a.m. UMYF-AM

Youth Room

6th-12th grades 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Youth Bells

Bell Room

6th-8th grades

Youth Group

Campfire Room

9th-12th grades 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Choir

Wesley Hall

all

Dinner and Clean-up Fellowship Hall

5:00-6:00 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m.

9th-12th grades 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Senior High UMYF

Youth Room

6th-8th grades

Choir

Wesley Hall

7:00-8:00 p.m.

have more information to come as the date approaches.

Youth Sunday Sunday, June 14

Confirmation Sunday

Sunday, May 17 – (11:00 service) Celebrate along with us as we support another group of our youth as they make the commitment to confirm their faith and become full members of Asbury First United Methodist Church.

This is the first Sunday of our summer service schedule – and what better way to celebrate than by having the service prepared, produced, and put on by our youth. This service is always inspiring, and provides us with a wonderful opportunity to highlight our youth –and specifically to hear reflective sermons from some of our seniors.

7

•

Adult Study

Tuesday Evenings With Susan and David: The Way of Forgiveness Nine Tuesdays, beginning February 3 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1010 East Ave. (red brick building next to church), Red Room This small group study invites participants to explore Christ’s call to live a forgiven and forgiving life! The Revs. Susan Shafer and David Lubba will facilitate the experience. We will explore the movement from shame, guilt and anger to forgiveness and reconciliation, learning practices that give concrete expression to our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. Few would claim it is an easy matter to learn to forgive those who have wounded us or to be reconciled to our enemies. We will discover how to live out our faith in a world of daily realities far from ideal. The cost of the study book is $10.20, and each participant will need one. For further information and/or to sign up for this study, contact David Lubba at 359-9927 or dlubba@rochester.rr.com. This is a ‘small’ group study, so we are capping the number of participants at 20! Consider this study as a spiritual growth experience for the 2015 Lenten season.

Wednesday Morning Study Group Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Group Facilitator: Rev. David P. Lubba We invite you to be a part of this on-going Wednesday MorningStudy Group.

We’ve studied Bible passages, entire books of the Bible, denominational study curriculum and current best-selling books.

Come join us. Bring your ideas for future study focus. For more information, contact Rev. David Lubba at (585) 3599927 or dlubba@ rochester.rr.com.

8

United Methodism 101 Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Gathering Center • Do we believe in free will or predestination?

• Why do we use grape juice and not wine during communion?

• Why do our ministers move around so much?

• What’s up with the name “Methodist?”

Join us for a four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of the United Methodist Church. If you are interested or have questions please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. Please let us know if you plan to attend by February 18 as we will have to order books for the class (the book is optional, and costs $12).

The School to Prison Pipeline A Panel Discussion Monday, February 23 Gathering Center 7:00 p.m.

I

t’s a dismaying fact: students, particularly African American males, are increas-

ingly being removed from the classroom for minor infractions that might formerly have led to nothing more than a trip to the principal’s office, and are instead being charged and funnelled into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. If a student is not reading at grade level by fourth grade, the risk is even higher. How does this impact families? What can be done to stop the flood of young people out of schools and into prisons? Join moderator Rev. Lawrence Hargrave and a team of community leaders in a discussion of these and other questions of vital importance to the Rochester region. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

9

•

Worship Opportunities

• Labyrinth

Second Wednesday of every month; plus Wednesdays in Lent: February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25.

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Our beautiful labyrinth is located under the Sanctuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that provides a place for reflection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions.

• Taizé Service

Wednesday in Lent: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Taizé services originated with a community of Christian men living a monastic life in France. These services are characterized by simple sung chants, quiet prayer, and a contemplative silence.

• Ash Wednesday

Wednesday February 18 6:30 p.m.

We begin the holy season of Lent with a service that reminds us of our humanity and our reliance on the gift of God’s love. Holy Communion will be available, and participants may, if they wish, receive ashes in the form of a cross on their forehead.

• Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 29 8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

On this triumphant day, we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with the distribution of palm fronds, with songs and prayers of praise.

• Holy Week/Easter

Monday, March 30-Sunday, April 5 Services will be held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday as

10

we progress along the road that Christ took to Gethsemene, and then, finally, rejoice as He is raised from the dead.

•

Maundy Thursday: Tenebrae service at 7:30 p.m.

•

Good Friday: Envisioning the Passion concert at noon and 7:30 p.m.

•

Easter Sunday: Services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.

• Pentecost & Confirmation Sunday Sunday, May 17

On Pentecost, we mark the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension. On this day, we also celebrate Confirmation with our eighth graders at the 11:00 a.m. service.

• Youth Sunday Sunday, June 14 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

We celebrate our wonderful youth on this Sunday. Youth musical groups will provide songs of praise and thanksgiving for services, and we invite the youth to present the sermon.

11

•

Adult Sunday School

Our adult classes meet at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning. These classes share in study time, as well as prayer and fellowship, and they are always happy to welcome new members. Frequent guest speakers provide a chance to learn about social issues, faith formation, and the world around us. Interested?

Come visit us soon! For more information about any adult Sunday school class, contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

Group

Who Are We?

Doublers

Open to all

50 Plus Fellowship

Open to all

Growing Spirits/ Living Edge

Open to all

Partnership

Older adults

Parables of Parenting

Parents of children of any age

In the News: A Current Open to all Events Roundtable

Adult Bible Study

12

All those interested in taking a closer look at the Bible.

What’s Our Focus?

Bible Study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns.

We examine our faith and live issues to live a rich life in the 21st century, via weekly classes and monthly social events. We support members in need with visits and phone calls.

Bible study, church and social issues, books reviews, and social events.

Christian theology, personal witness, social concerns, and political issues.

Discussion, sharing of stories, and reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective.

We examine the spiritual implications of current events, and provide a friendly forum for expressing viewpoints on diverse topics.

Led by Rev. David Lubba, we focus on broadening our knowledge of the Bible.

Where do We Meet?

1010 East Ave., Red Room 1010 East Ave., Dining Room

1010 East Ave., Room 21 1010 East Ave., Meditation Room Room 205 (second floor of the Education Wing)

1050 East Ave. Dining Room

1050 East. Ave., Teak Room

Women on Wednesdays Wednesdays at noon 1010 East Ave. Dining Room The WOW group reads authors on religions and spirituality, including John Shelby Spong, Joan Chittister, Marcus Borg, Desmond Tutu, Dr. Frances Collins, Brian McLaren and Esther de Waal. The invitation to join WOW is open for women who enjoy reading and learning. The one-hour meeting time enables people to attend during their lunch time and bring a bag lunch.

Men’s Devotional Group Wednesdays, 6:00 a.m.

1010 East Ave., Red Room This lively group meets Wednesdays at 6:00 a.m. to share devotions, joys, concerns, hymns, prayers, and conversation. There’s coffee and breakfast afterwards at a nearby restaurant. New members are always welcome to this group, which has been meeting at Asbury First for several decades.

Women’s Fellowship Group Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Church Resource Library Whether you are young or young-at-heart, single, married, divorced or widowed, with children or without, join us for some women’s fellowship. This is a chance for women to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is available upon request.

For more information on any of these groups, please contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

13

Bowling League COMING SOON!

Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, there’s a place for you on the Asbury First Bowling League.

The League’s next season will start in June--please watch your bulletin and The Visitor newsletter for more information.

Questions? Contact RJ Pollard at rjpollard14@gmail.com or (585)643-0243.

Yoga for Two and Chocolate Tasting fri day, f e b r u a r y 1 3 • 6 : 0 0 - 8 : 0 0 p. m . g a t he ri ng ce n t e r • c h i l d c a r e p r ov i d e d • $ 1 0 / p e r s o n k k k

JOIN US FOR A FUN PRE-VALENTINE’S-DAY EVENING of partnering yoga and chocolate tasting at Asbury First. We’ll feature easy moves that anyone can do, regardless of ability. All types of partnerships are welcome – just grab someone and join us! Or, if you prefer, we can match you up with another chocolate- and yogalover for the evening. Following this gentle workout, you and your partner can sample some sweet treats at a chocolate tasting. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and prepare to connect with your partner in a novel and engaging way. Spaces are limited, so RSVP by February 9 to mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. k

14

You are invited to join the following classes, taught by Rev. Linda Clemow, Asbury First’s artist-in-residence, and held on the second floor of the education wing of 1040 East Ave. All are welcome at the classes. Please pre-register for all classes by calling Linda at (585) 236-1184. You may join classes at any time. If cost is an issue please let Linda know and accommodations can be made. You need not be a member of Asbury First to participate. ArtSparks is a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to explore creativity.

Fabulous Fiber Fusion Mondays, through March 23 1:00-3:00 p.m.

This class is a continuation of the fiber class that was held last year. Learn new techniques and explore old ones. You do not need to have taken the first series of classes to participate and enjoy this class. No experience necessary but it is required that you desire to have fun

and explore your creativity through fibers! Cost is $85.

Felting Basics Tuesdays, through March 24 10:00 a.m.-noon Felting is an ancient technique of making cloth. We will explore new techniques such as needle felting, wet felting, and some exploration on the felting machine.

We will work with small projects at first to give you a sampling of which technique works for you. Then we will branch out into your own projects. No experience is necessary – just a willingness to explore! Cost is $85.

Paint, Paper and Embellish Collage Wednesdays, through March 25 10:00 a.m.-noon This is not your grade-school collage!

We will paint papers, add odd bits and pieces, cut them up, and put them back together to make wall-hangings, books or frameable art! No experience necessary – just be willing to let the spirit guide you in your creativity. Cost is $85.

15

•

Music & the Arts Saturday, February 28

Madrigalia & Musica Spei: A Collaboration 7:30 p.m. $15 general admission; $5 students, available at the door.

Two of Rochester's finest choral ensembles, Madrigalia and Muscica Spei, join for a concert featuring works written for double chorus.

David Chin, guest conductor.

Saturday, March 21

B Minor Mass by J.S. Bach 7:30 p.m. $10 general admission; $5 students, available at the door Performed by Voices Chamber Chorus, directed by Dr. William Weinert, to celebrate the 330th anniversary of J.S. Bach's birth.

Friday, April 3

Envisioning the Passion noon and 7:30 p.m.

Free, no tickets required A multi-media concert of Holy Week-themed music and art featuring Voices Chamber Chorus, directed by Dr. William Weinert.

16

Music & the Arts

Salon Concert Series The

at A s b u r y F i r s t

S unday, F ebruary 1 | 2 : 0 0 p. m .

Brahms Trio no 3 in C minor, Op 101 Mendelssohn Trio no 2 in C minor, Op 66

S unday, march 2 2 | 2 : 0 0 p. m .

Debussy Trio in G Major Francaix Trio in D Major Ravel Trio in A Minor S unday, A pril 1 2 | 2 : 0 0 p. m .

Beethoven Trio in E-flat Major, Op 70 no 2 Tchaikovsky Trio in A minor, Op 50

Featuring Rebecca Pennys, piano; Mikhail Kopelman, violin; and Stefan Reuss, cello.

To reserve your tickets call the church office at (585) 271-1050x103. Tickets are $35/free for students.

17

•

Spring Calendar

February 3................ The Way of Forgivness begins 7................ Children’s Ministry Movie Night 11.............. Labyrinth 13.............. Yoga for Two & Chocolate Tasting 17-19....... Mini Vacation Bible School 18.............. Labyrinth 18.............. Ash Wednesday 23.............. School to Prison Pipeline Panel Discussion 25.............. United Methodism 101 25.............. Taizé 25.............. Labyrinth 28.............. Madrigalia & Musica Spei Concert

March 4................ Labyrinth 4................ United Methodism 101 4................ Taizé 8................ Pretzel Sunday 11.............. United Methodism 101 11.............. Taizé 11.............. Labyrinth 15.............. Pie for Pi Sale 18.............. United Methodism 101 18.............. Taizé 18.............. Labyrinth 21.............. Voices Concert: B Minor Mass 22.............. Salon Concert 25.............. Labyrinth 25.............. Taizé 29.............. Palm Sunday

18

April 2................ Maundy Thursday 3................ Good Friday 3................ Envisioning the Passion 3................ Family Prayer Night 5................ Easter 12.............. Salon Concert 23.............. Holy Superhero class 24-26....... Up!Word Conference Youth Retreat 30.............. Holy Superhero class

May 7................ Holy Superhero class 9................ Church-Wide Talent Show 14.............. Holy Superhero class 16-17....... Children’s Musical 17.............. Pentecost & Confirmation Sunday

June TBA........... Bowling League 7................ Family Carnival 14.............. Youth Sunday

August 3-6............ Vacation Bible School

Join us for a new class at Asbury First

Holy Superhero!

The Spirituality of Superheroes April 23, 30, May 7, 14 Gathering Center 6:30-8:00 pm

p tall buildings Whether you are able to lea t barely manage to fight off in a single bound or can jus you to a discussion of the the common cold, we invite oes we all know and love. spirituality of the comic her cussion of how the themes We welcome you to our dis and evil might inform, or of these stories of good All ages are welcome, but be informed by, our faith. t. be accompanied by a paren children under ten should hts nig uest. The first two Childcare is available by req -friendly activity during the will feature a younger-child see you there! first half hour. We hope to n Cady at scady@ Questions? Contact Stephe asburyfirst.org. tume!

Feel free to come in cos