Events and Programs Spring 2016

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A S B U RY F I R S T

United Methodist Church E D U C AT I O N A N D E V E N T S

SPRING

2016

Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. – Gloria Steinem

1050 East Avenue // Rochester, NY 14607 // (585) 271-1050 // www.asburyfirst.org


ASBURY FIRST THEME In 2015-16, we have been DREAMING about who God is calling us to be in the coming years. Through group discussions, our Dream Board, and in many other ways, our members and friends have shared their dreams for Asbury First. This spring, watch for more opportunities to share, as we begin to make plans incorporating those dreams. OUR CHURCH GOALS FOR 2015-16 As we dream about what the future holds for the Asbury First family, it is important for us to be present and active in our relationship with our church family and with God, in the following ways: •

We commit to attending worship on Sundays as often we are able, whether in person or via the radio broadcast or online live-stream.

We commit to sharing the good news of Christ’s love by inviting a friend to join us for worship. As we have found sanctuary in our church family here at Asbury First, so it is important to share this with others.

Please join us in boldly living out the truth of Christ’s love for us as we re-commit to worshipping weekly, and and in welcoming others into our fellowship. 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 new members orientation series. All are welcome ! Spring class series: • Beginning Wednesday, March 9 (joining March 20) • Beginning Sunday, April 17 (joining May 15) • Beginning Wednesday, June 8 (joining June 19) To find out more information or to register, please contact Melody Guadagnino at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

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W H A T’S INSIDE New Member Orientations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Educational Opportunities Child Care Children’s Musical Groups Schedule of Events Youth Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Schedule of Events Parking Fundraiser SouperBowl Sale Pie for Pi Day Youth Mission Trips Opportunities for Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Adult Bible Studies/Study Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Brown Bag Conversations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Diversity Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Leonard Sweet Lecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Word in the Wilderness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Spiritual and Religious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 United Methodism 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fellowship Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ArtSparks Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Yoga & Chocolate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Theology on Tapas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Men’s and Women’s Retreats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Comparing the Gospels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Music at Asbury First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Salon Series Hope College Chapel Choir Concordia College Choir Choirs and Instrumental Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Talent Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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C H I L D R E N ’S M I N I S T R Y Your child’s faith journey is important to us and we want to be here to guide him or her along the way. We offer a wide variety of activites for you and your child to grow together in faith each week and throughout the year. Please join us for the following ministry offerings.

SUNDAYS AT ASBURY FIRST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Sunday School (9:45-10:45 a.m., ages four through fifth grade) Our classrooms are alive with activities that help children learn how God loves them! All volunteers leading classes model the accepting love of Christ as children learn and play together. Children are divided into classes according to age. Each group has an age-appropriate curriculum that shares Bible stories that teach them about God’s love. Worship (8:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.) Children are welcome to stay with their parents during the entire service. During the 11:00 a.m. service we also offer the following opportunities for children ages four years old through fifth grade following the children’s sermon: • Enrichment (11:00 a.m. service) Children ages four through second grade may attend lessons focused on Scripture and the sermon topic of the day. Second floor, education wing. • Bible Beat (11:00 a.m. service) Children in third through fifth grades may 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. CHILD CARE • The Creche (newborn to 18 months) Loving and nurturing nursery care provided by child-care professionals from 8:30 a.m. until noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor, education wing.

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• The Rainbow Room (18 months to three years old) Loving and enriching care provided by child care professionals, from 8:30 a.m. until noon every Sunday. Located on the first floor, education wing.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS CHILDREN’S MUSICAL GROUPS Our musical groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings: • • •

Hallelujah Kids (vocal choir, grades K-2, practice 5:00-5:30 p.m.) Children’s Choir (vocal choir, grades 3-5, practice 6:30-7:00 p.m.) Wesley Ringers (bell choir, grades 3-5, practice 5:306:00 p.m.)

All are welcome, regardless of musical ability. For more information contact Holly Temming, interim director of children’s music, at htemming@asburyfirst.org. FAMILY DINNER We offer a family dinner at 6:00 p.m. with a donation of two dollars per person for all those attending Wednesday evening programs.

Date

Event

2015-16 EVENTS time

What It’s About

February 15-18

Mini Vacation Bible School

9 am-noon

Like summer VBS, this is a chance for your child to learn about God and faith.

March 6

Pretzel Sunday

9:45 amnoon

Explore a Lenten theme while making pretzels!

March 25

Family Prayer Night

6-7:30 pm

Communion and prayer stations.

May 8

Children’s Musical 8:30 & 11 am

Auditions are in January for the childrens’ play.

June 5

Church Carnival

12:15 pm

A Sunday morning filled with fun!

August 8-11

Vacation Bible School

9 am-12:30 pm

Four mornings of learning, games, and fun, followed by a family event on Thursday.

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Y O UTH M INI ST RY Event

2015-2016 EVENT SCHEDULE Date Time

Place

Middle School Retreat

Jan. 29-31

6 pm (Fri)-3 pm (Sun.)

Camp Casowasco

Soup Making

Feb. 6

8 am-noon

1040 Kitchen

Souper Bowl Fundraiser

Feb. 7

9 am-12:30 pm

Welcoming Hall

Snow Tubing

Feb. 15

2-4 pm

Glacier Ridge

Pie Making

March 12

8 am-noon

1040 Kitchen

Pie for Pi Fundraiser

March 13

9 am-12:30 pm

Welcoming Hall

Confirmation Retreat

March 18-19

5:30 pm (Fri)-4 pm (Sat) Camp Asbury

Senior High Rock Climbing March 30

6 am-7 pm

Blue Run Rocks, PA

Up!Word Conference

April 22-24

6 pm (Fri)-2 pm (Sun)

Syracuse

Talent Show

May 7

5-8 pm

Fellowship Hall

Confirmation Dinner

May 18

5-8 pm

Fellowship Hall

Confirmation Sunday

May 22

11 am-noon

Sanctuary

Family Carnival

June 5

After 11 am service

Granger St. Lawn

Senior Dinner

June 8

6-8 pm

1010 East Ave.

Youth Sunday

June 12

10-11 am

Sanctuary

Senior High Mission Trip July 2-9

7/2, 3 am-7/9, 4 pm

Varadero, Cuba

Parking Fundraiser

8 am-6 pm

Church Campus

9 am-5 pm

Rochester, TBD

August 6-7

Mid. School Mission Trip August 8-13

PARKING FUNDRAISER Saturday-Sunday, August 6-7 During the Park Ave. Festival each August, Asbury First youth coordinate and staff a crew that, for a small fee, allows cars to park on the AFUMC grounds. Traditionally, the youth raise more money from this fundraiser than from any other fundraising efforts throughout the year. All youth are expected to help out by taking a shift, if at all possible. For more information, please contact Mike Mullin, youth minister, at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (724) 766-4560. Mike will share additional info this spring as it becomes available.

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SouperBowl Sale

Pie for Pi Day Sale

Sunday, February 7

Sunday, March 13

Our youth will once again be making and selling soup before and after the services on February 7 in honor of Superbowl Sunday. The soup will be pre-packaged in microwaveable quart-sized containers and may be purchased for $10. 100 percent of the sales will go to support our Asbury First youth mission trips. This year, the senior youth will spend a week working in Cuba.

The youth will be making and selling pies before and after the services on March 13 in honor of Pi Day (Pie Day, traditionally held on March 14, celebrates the number “pi,” or 3.14). Full-sized pies will be $10 with 100 percent of the sales going to support our Asbury First Youth Mission trips. Our middle school youth will be spending their mission time this year working in the Rochester area.

YOUTH MISSION TRIPS SENIOR YOUTH: Varadero, Cuba, July 2-9, 2016 JUNIOR YOUTH: Rochester, NY, August 8-13, 2016

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ission trips provide outstanding opportunities for our youth to experience their faith and the world. All Asbury First youth, whether or not they have been active in UMYF, are invited to join us on one of the 2016 mission trips. This year, our senior youth (ninth-twelfth grades) will be heading for the sea-side town of Varadero, about 87 miles from Havana, where they will be working with Cuban Connections Ministries. They will stay in Cuban homes, immersing themselves in the culture and way of living, and will participate in humanitarian work with local agencies, including a ministry farm. The junior youth (sixth-eighth grades) will be in Rochester, where they will assist at Asbury First’s Vacation Bible School and then participate in outreach work with local humanitarian agencies. For more information on the youth trips, please contact Mike Mullin, youth minister, at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (724) 766-4560.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

Sunday Services Worship is central to our experience as Christians and United Methodists. Our regular Sunday morning schedule is as follows: • 8:30 a.m.: traditional service with the Asbury Singers • 10:00 a.m.: chancel service with holy communion • 11:00 a.m.: traditional service with the Sanctuary Choir Childcare is available at all services (see more of our Sunday offerings for children on page 4). We also offer two ways to experience the service if you are unable to join us in the Sanctuary: • Tune your radio to WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM on Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-noon to listen to the service, or • Go to www.asburyfirst.org at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays to watch a live-stream of the service. You’ll find videos and audios of past services on the site in the worship archive. Labyrinth Second Wednesday in each month; plus all Wednesdays in Lent 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 offers you a space for reflection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions. Taizé Wednesdays during Lent 6:00-6:45 p.m. A Taizé service is a reflective, quiet opportunity for you to re-connect with the divine in your life. The services feature repetitive songs, short scripture readings, and silence and often end with communion.

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Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 10 6:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. We begin the holy season of Lent with services that remind us of our humanity and our reliance on the gift of God’s love. This year we will have two services, an abbreviated service at 6:00 a.m. for those who would like to start the day with a Lenten reflection, and our regular service at 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be available at the evening service; participants at both services may, if they wish, receive ashes in the form of a cross on their forehead. Palm Sunday Sunday, March 20 On this triumphant day, we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with the distribution of palm fronds, and with songs and prayers of praise. Holy Week Monday, March 21-Sunday, March 27 We prepare for the great mystery that is central to our faith with services throughout this week: • Maundy Thursday: 7:30 p.m. a Tenebrae service held in the evening, featuring readings of the passion narrative and the re-enactment of Christ’s betrayal. •

Good Friday; Envisioning the Passion: Noon (note: there will be no evening service). Envisioning the Passion is a beloved Asbury First tradition. This service/concert features images of great works of art depicting the life of Christ, projected on a screen set up on the altar, and accompanied by music appropriate to the season.

Easter Sunday: 8:30, 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. We celebrate the triumphant resurrection of Christ with song, word, and prayer.

Confirmation Sunday Sunday, May 22 On this day, we mark the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples of Jesus as we celebrate Confirmation with our eighth graders at the 11:00 a.m. service. Youth Sunday Sunday, June 12 We shine a spotlight on our remarkable youth on this Sunday. Youth musical groups will present songs of praiser and thanksgiving at our services, and the sermon will be given by youth leaders.

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What?

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES/STUDY GROUPS When? Where? What’s It About

In the News

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1050 Dining Room

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

Parables of Parenting

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1040 Room 205

We support one another for the journey of raising children. Discussion, sharing of stories, and reflections on trends in parenting from a faith perspective.

Doublers

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1010 Red Room

This class is open to retired singles and couples. We offer programs on Bible study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns.

50+ Fellowship

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1010 Dining Room

We are Christians with probing minds, examining faith issues to live a full life in the 21st century.

Growing Spirits/ Living Edge

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1010 Room 21

We grow as Christians through topic discussions, outreach, fellowship, and social events.

Sunday Bible Study

Sundays, 9:4510:45 am

1050 Teak Room

Please bring your Bible and an inquiring mind. This spring is an ongoing study of the Gospel of John.

Wednesday Study Wed., 10-11:30 Group am

1010 Meditation Room

We work together to broaden and deepen our understanding of the Bible.

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.

BROWN BAG CONVERSATIONS GENERAL CONFERENCE 2016 Wednesdays, May 11 & 18 Noon, Gathering Center

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id you know that there is only one body that can speak on behalf of The United Methodist Church? It’s called General Conference, and it meets every four years. It will be meeting from May 10-20 in Portland, OR. This will be an opportunity to make changes to the polity and doctrine of our denomination. The Reconciling Team from Asbury First submitted legislation to be considered at General Conference, along with several thousand other petitioners. Given all that is at stake in this conference and all that will be happening during those two weeks, we will be hosting two brown bag conversations about what we know so far and how we might respond during the two Wednesdays of General Conference. Please plan to bring your lunch and meet us at 12:00 p.m. in the Gathering Center. All are welcome.

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DIVERSITY BOOK CLUB

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Join Us For 2016

nyone is welcome to join this group as we read and discuss four books a year exploring issues of race and diversity. All discussions take place at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays in the Resource Library, off of the Welcoming Hall in the sanctuary building. Queen of the Fall: A Memoir of Girls and Goddesses by Sonja Livingston, to be discussed January 31. Whether pulled from the folds of memory, channeled through the icons of Greek mythology and Roman Catholicism, or filtered through the lens of pop culture, Sonja Livingston’s Queen of the Fall considers the lives of women. Along the way, the award-winning memoirist brings us faceto-face with herself as an inner-city girl—trying to imagine a horizon beyond poverty, fearful of her fertility and the limiting arc of teenage pregnancy. I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai, to be discussed in April 24, 2016. A memoir by the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. “I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday.” When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, to be discussed July 24, 2016. #1 New York Times bestseller • National Book Award winner • Hailed by Toni Morrison as “required reading,” a bold and personal literary exploration of America’s racial history by “the single best writer on the subject of race in the United States” (The New York Observer) Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt, to be discussed October 23, 2016 A national bestseller. The inspiring true story of a transgender girl, her identical twin brother, and an ordinary American family’s extraordinary journey to understand, nurture, and celebrate the uniqueness in us all, from the Pulitzer Prize–winning science reporter for The Washington Post.

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Dr. Leonard Sweet Monday, March 28 7:00 p.m. | free The renowned writer and theologian Dr. Leonard Sweet will visit Asbury First in March under the auspices of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where he will give their Stanley I. Stuber Lecture in the Asbury First sanctuary. The lecture is titled “You Don’t ‘Work’ a Violin: The Play of Faith.” Dr. Sweet is a scholar of American culture who “sees things the rest of us do not see, and dreams possibilities that are beyond most of our imagining;” and a preacher and best-selling author who communicates the gospel with a signature bridging of the worlds of faith, the academy, and popular culture. He is currently the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, Madison, NJ and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon.

THE WORD IN THE WILDERNESS A Lenten Bible Study Sundays, Feb. 14-March 20 9:45-10:45 a.m. Meditation Room, 1010 East Ave., or Mondays, Feb. 15-March 21 6:00-7:00 p.m. Dining Room, 1010 East Ave.

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he season of Lent is the time when we think of Jesus in the wilderness. During these forty days of Lent we remember the forty years Moses led God’s people through the wilderness. Yet the biblical theme of wilderness goes back to the very beginning of our Bible and continues through to the very end. Often God is discovered amidst the overwhelming beauty and unexpected terror of the wilderness - for our biblical predecessors and for us today. This six week Bible study will examine stories of the wilderness from Genesis to Revelation and will consider how our own faith journeys might be enriched by encountering the Word in the wilderness. Have questions? Contact Katie O’Hern at kohern@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x104.

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UNITED METHODISM 101 Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30-7:30 p.m. Gathering Center

What is United Methodism?

• 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?” • What does it mean to be “strangely warmed?” Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life or have just stumbled upon us recently, this class is for you! This four-week discussion is about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. Please let us know if you plan to attend by April 1 so that we can order books (optional). The cost will be $12 for the optional book and assistance is available.

Spiritual and Religious A Lenten Study

Tuesdays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, and 22 7:00-8:00 p.m. | Meditation Room, 1010 East Ave Each year we set aside six weeks between the time of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, through the anguish of Holy Week, and culminating in the excitement of Easter. But what do those weeks mean to us, and how can we use them to reflect on what it is to be a person of faith? Come and join us for this six-week discussion group as we take a look at what it means to be spiritual ... and religious. We’ll talk about the spiritual aspects of world religions, including Christianity, and how that impacts us as members of Asbury First United Methodist Church. Please join us for one, two, three or all six of these sessions. Your presence and input will greatly enhance our gathering, whether you like to sit quietly and absorb what you’re hearing or like to participate. All are welcome! For more information contact Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org.

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LO N G - T E R M F E L LO W S H I P G R O U P S

Women On Wednesdays (WOW) Wednesdays, noon-1:00 p.m., 1010 East Ave., Dining Room The WOW group reads authors on religions and spirituality, including John Shelby Spong, Joan Chittister, Marcus Borg and Desmond Tutu. Bring a bag lunch.

Men’s Devotional Group Wednesdays, 6:00 a.m., 1010 East Ave., Red Room This group shares devotions, joys, concerns, hymns, prayers, and conversation. There’s coffee and breakfast afterwards at a nearby restaurant. New members are welcome!

Women’s Fellowship Group Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Church Resource Library This is a chance for women to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is available.

Appetizer Group The Appetizer Group meets approximately once a month to share appetizers, fellowship and participation in a wide variety of church and community programs and outings. It is open to all adult church members and their friends. 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.

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A R T S PA R K S C L A S S E S

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 (the church building). 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. You may join these classes at any time!

Wet Felting Mondays, beginning January 11 (you may join at any time) 1:00-3:00 p.m. Students will make beautiful felt scarves, bowls, and other items from felted material. No previous experience is necessary. Cost is $95.

Watercolor Painting Tuesdays, beginning January 12 (you may join at any time) 10:00 a.m.-noon Learn the technique of watercolor painting in a fun, non-judgmental environment. No previous experience is necessary. Cost is $85.

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YOGA & CHOCOLATE A PARTNERS EVENT AT ASBURY FIRST Friday, February 12 6:00-8:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall $10/person

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oin 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 yoga-loving person for the evening. Following this gentle workout, you and your partner can sample some sweet treats made by local artisan candymakers. 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. New this year, we’ll also have yoga for kids available at no cost – so bring the family and join us! Childcare will also be available for free.

Theology on Tapas

Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 5-6:30 p.m. | Ox and Stone (282 Alexander St.) Join us for tapas and informal conversation about life, faith, and today’s world. Each week we’ll talk about a different topic, all while getting to know one another and sharing food. Want to learn more or suggest a topic for conversation? Contact Katie O’Hern at kohern@asburyfirst.org. No need to register: just show up, and stay as long as you like!

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Men’s and Women’s Retreats Spring, 2016

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ach spring, the men and women of Asbury First have the opportunity

to join others for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, laughter, and rejuvenation. This spring, the women’s retreat will be held at the Asbury Retreat Center at Silver Lake from Friday evening through Sunday at noon, April 29-May 1. Cost will be $138/ double occupancy. The men’s retreat will be held on the same weekend, April 29-May 1, at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center on Owasco Lake. Mark your calendars now, and watch your bulletin and Visitor newsletters for more information in the coming months.

Comparing the Gospels Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 6:00-7:00 p.m. | 1010 East Ave., Red Room Have you ever wondered why we have four Gospels – not just one? In this discussion group, we’ll take a look at differences and similarities among the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each written under very different circumstances, we’ll contrast some of the betterknown stories and talk about what each author was trying to accomplish by writing it as he did. We’ll pay special attention to the Johannine Gospel, which deviates from the synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in some significant ways. Join us as we take a closer look at these four seminal books of our faith. For more information contact Summer Sattora at ssattora@ asburyfirst.org.

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M U S I C AT A S B U R Y F I R S T Under director René Clausen, the Concordia College Choir has become one of the finest a capella groups in the country. Since 1920, the singers of this Moorhead, Minnesota college have been winning awards and performing globally. They have won an Emmy for their Concordia Christmas Concerts, nationally broadcast on public television. Their recordings are distributed internationally and they are one of the top-selling choirs in the country on iTunes.

SALON SERIES Musicians Rebecca Penneys, piano; Mikhail Kopelman, violin; and Stefan Reuss, cello, present concerts of classical repertoire of the highest quality. Tickets are $30 in advance or $120 for the series, available by calling the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103. Tickets are also available at the door for $35, free for fulltime students. All concerts begin in the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. February 14 / Beethoven trios March 20 / Dvořák trios April 10 / Schubert trios

THE CONCORDIA COLLEGE CHOIR

Sunday, February 25 / 7:30 p.m.

THE HOPE COLLEGE CHAPEL CHOIR

Thursday, March 17 / 7:30 p.m. Directed by Brad Richmond, the Chapel Choir is Hope College’s premier choral ensemble. Made up of forty auditioned choristers, the choir has toured extensively throughout the U.S.A. and Canada, and has traveled to Europe on six occasions. In addition to being featured in the college’s annual Christmas Vespers program which is broadcast throughout the United Sates on PBS television and National Public Radio, the choir has sung at The National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA.

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C H O I R S & I N S T R U M E N TA L G R O U P S Asbury First offers choral and instrumental groups for everyone, from children to adults, beginners to experienced musicians. Musical groups participate regularly in our worship services, and generally practice on a weekly basis. To join any of our musical groups, contact our music administrator, David Strong, at dstrong@asburyfirst.org. Below is a list of our current musical groups and their typical rehearsal times

Choir

(groups go on hiatus during the summer). For questions about specific days and for the most accurate schedules, please check the events calendar at asburyfirst.org.

ASBURY FIRST MUSICAL GROUPS Who Can Join? Practices?

Director

Hallelujah Kids

Grades K-2

Wed., 5:30-6:00 pm

Holly Temming

Children’s Choir

Grades 2-5

Wed., 6:30-7 pm

Holly Temming

Wesley Ringers

Grades 2-5

Wed., 5:30-6 pm

Holly Temming

Mid. School Choir

Grades 6-8

Sun., 6:30-7:30 pm

Carol Lamica

Youth Bell Choir

Grades 6-12

Sun., 4-5 pm

Carol Lamica

HS Youth Choir

Grades 9-12

Sun., 5-6 pm

Carol Lamica

Asbury Ringers

Adults

Sun., 5-6:30 pm

Elizabeth Church

Flute Ensemble

All ages

TBD

Annette Farrington

Asbury Orchestra

Grades 5-adult

5 weeks each spring and fall, Sun., 8:459:45 am

Laurie Kennedy

Sanctuary Choir (resident choir, 11 am service)

Youth and adults

Wed., 7:30-9 pm

William Weinert

Asbury Singers Youth and (resident choir, 8:30 adults am service)

Sun., 7:45-8:30 am

Brian Bohrer

Men’s Chorus

several weeks prior to performance during services, spring and fall

Brian Bohrer

Adult men

19


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

Talent Show Saturday, May 7 5:00-8:00 pm Fellowship Hall

Each year members and friends of Asbury First astound an appreciative audience with their skills at our annual talent show. No matter what your skill, from juggling to magic tricks to flugelhorn playing, you are invited to participate in this perennial favorite. We especially invite our young people to step on stage and show us your talent. For more information, watch your bulletin and The Visitor newsletter as we come closer to May. Hope to see you there! 20


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