TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter April 2016 • Vol. L No. 4 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Storehouse Quilt, 4 General Conference, 6 Gift of Presence, 9 Miracle Garden, 10 Dream Board, 11 Pretzel Sunday, 12 Youth Rock Climb, 13 Talent Show, 16
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. 4
(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
Five Ways to Worship at Asbury First Our church goal this year: we commit to attending worship on Sundays as often as possible and inviting a friend to worship with us. Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. 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; Interim Director, Children’s Music Mike Mullin Youth Minister Summer Sattora Ministry Intern Richard Moncrief Financial Administrator Morgan Dornsife Development Director Melody Guadagnino Administrative Assistant Ken Carr Property Care Manager Michele Cooley Dining & Caring Center Director Mary Van Keuren Communications Director 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
Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11:00 a.m.-noon Sunday mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Watch past services in our video archive at www.asburyfirst.org any time!
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus
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.
*deceased Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.
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Cover:Annie Shaffer makes a chance to the arrangement on the Dream Board. See story on page 11.
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for next issue: Monday, April 25
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The Good News A Pastoral Reflection On Easter Sunday it was 70 degrees. Beautiful. The crocuses peeked out, the magnolia trees started to blossom, and signs of new life were all around us—visceral reminders of the promise of the empty tomb. On days like that, remembering the good news of our faith is not so hard. The challenge, as we know, comes when it snows again—literally or figuratively. When that happens, our hope in the Easter truth can quickly fade and the promise of new life with it. The good news is that good
news is always good and Easter is still here.
homophobia and poverty and gender inequality and violence and the economy and the state of our political system and much more. As United Methodists, we find ourselves anxious about what will happen in May at the General Conference. Will we finally and fully affirm the rights of gay and lesbian persons or will the denomination begin the process of divorce? In the midst of these anxieties, it can be easy to overlook the signs of new life around us, but the promise of Easter is that they are there.
Easter is more than a day and its promise of new life more than a season. In the liturgical calendar, Easter lasts for fifty days. Longer than Lent. Longer than Advent. Longer than any other season in the church year save ordinary time (which technically marks the weeks between seasons). Easter bridges that seven week gap each year during which the world decides whether or not buy into spring. To date, it always has. And the Easter promise is that it will again.
Asbury First is one place where the Easter spirit is alive. It’s in the voices of our congregation, the hands of our volunteers, the wisdom of our administrative teams, and, most assuredly, in
This is a hard season. Both locally and globally we find ourselves anxious about terrorism and the environment and racism and
the dreams of this community. Each dream expresses it differently, but each points to a deep desire as a community to address the anxieties of now in the only way that we know makes a lasting difference—one relationship at a time. The overwhelming theme of all of the dreams seen on our affinity board is a desire for meaningful relationships— with the community around us, with those who are not yet with us, and with each other. In the end, this is how good news is shared. This is how the promise of Easter finds life. This is how the world will find hope regardless of the season. Hallelujah. Grace and peace,
Stephen Cady
AFUMC news
on that trip have returned time and again. Four have spent extended periods of time volunteering at Project Chacocente. Several wrote their college essay on the experience. Some made career choices because of what they saw and others led teams of their own to revisit the Project. Many continue to offer their support both financially and with prayer. Nicaraguan lives were changed as a Jose Perez at his graduation. result of that trip as well. One young man’s life in particular has been blessed. During the 2008 trip, the youth met a young man named José Perez, from El Cua, in northern Nicaragua. Despite the dire poverty in which he lived, he had worked hard and graduated from high school. This is no small accomplishment in Nicaragua, where 60 percent of the males living in rural areas do not attend high school. The youth were impressed with José’s drive to succeed in what seemed like an unjust system. They pledged to help him and, by doing so, gave him the opportunity to lift himself out of the dismal circumstances in which he lived.
Large Print Books The Asbury First Resource Library currently has about a dozen large print titles. We are hoping to increase the number of large print books we own as we have a number of people in the congregation who need/prefer the large print editions. If anyone has large print books that are current and of a religious or inspirational nature that you have already read and don’t wish to keep, the library committee would appreciate your donations. You can drop them off in the library on Sundays or connect with one of the library committee members: Diana Carter, Monica Gilligan, Joanne Hines, Bonnie Kay, Peggy Lyons, Carol Roote, Kathy Schwar, or Beth Woolever (find contact info in the church directory). Be sure to leave your name and mark them as donations. Thank you for your help. Lives Changed Thanks to Asbury First 2008 UMYF It’s hard to say just how many lives were changed by the 2008 UMYF mission trip to Nicaragua. Many of the youth who went
Continued on next page.
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Thanks to their support, he graduated from American University and now teaches English at a private school in Managua. He owns the home in which he and his wife live. During a recent visit, I was able to chat with José. He wants the Asbury First youth who supported him to know how very grateful he is. Each day he thanks God for the new life he now enjoys thanks to their generosity. (Submitted by Robyn Gage.)
Storehouse Quilt Graces Our Church Building
Would You Like to be a Communion Steward? The communion committee is in need of communion stewards. There is no hard work involved; just a small amount of your time. Here’s how it works: a team of communion stewards (this is a great ministry for couples) commits to help set up for the 10:00 a.m. communion service (or 8:30 a.m. during the summer) for one month. This will require them to arrive early for that service, and to stay a bit later afterwards to help clean up. That’s it! Right now, the months of July and November are available. If you would like to help in this way, please contact Ida Hickman at 585-491-9696 or imhickman2002 @ yahoo.com.
The quilt was made by Judy Cohen, a long-time Storehouse volunteer and past co-chairperson. Judy painstakingly quilted each square and embroidered it with the name of a Storehouse supporter. The centerpiece is an embroidered square that honors the Storehouse founders. The names on the quilt honor volunteers, family members, pastors, and many others who support the Storehouse mission.
The Storehouse fiftieth anniversary quilt is now on display in a permanent location for all to see. As you exit from the sanctuary via the center doors toward the Gathering Center, look to your left, and you will see this stunning work of art hanging on the wall of the stairwell.
The Storehouse is deeply grateful to everyone who donated a square to the quilt. The funds raised will allow Storehouse staff to continue their mission of offering clothing and household goods to those in need. The Storehouse would like to thank the team that hung the quilt: property care manager, Ken Carr, along with Scott Ross, Bob Fitch, Howie Holcomb, and James Flack.
I Can See Clearly Now… A Dispatch from the Ministry and Space Task Force A couple of years ago our church, with help from a grant, replaced the lamps throughout the sanctuary with high efficiency LEDs. This has been largely unnoticed because LED technology has come so far and the sanctuary is well lit. The chancel, where our pastors, choir, musicians, and others stand, is a different story. By now we are accustomed to our home-grown solutions – the bulbs temporarily mounted on the sides of the chancel. But these solutions are temporary and don’t really fit in with our beautiful architecture. They also don’t fully address the needs of our worship leaders or congregation. Musicians struggle to see their music and are blinded by fixtures mounted in less than ideal locations. Congregants sitting in the front rows see spots when trying to watch the pulpit or lectern. And the chancel lighting is inadequate for the eventual move to HD broadcasting over live stream. The Ministry & Space Task Force is in conversation with a lighting architect to determine how to solve these issues, what fixtures we could use, and where best to mount them. – Chuck Hanrahan, chair, Ministry and Space Task Force.
Top, Judy Cohen; middle, the central panel of the quilt, which celebrates the dedicated volunteers who founded the Storehouse in 1965; below, the entire quilt, which now hangs near the doors of the sanctuary.
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on holy ground Created by the Spiritual Life Committee, On Holy Ground highlights opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal. It was after Easter and I was traveling with an Asbury First group on a spiritual journey to Italy for 10 days. We had landed in Rome and were on our own to explore for the afternoon. I had not slept much on the flight. That evening we dined in a pre-arranged restaurant and the next morning we toured the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s, had lunch, toured the Coliseum, and walked through the Roman Forum. The next morning we were up early and packed for the bus trip to Assisi. We happened to be in Italy during a holiday week for the Italians and Rome was filled with people. I, not having travelled to Italy since the late 1960s, was totally overwhelmed. Heading toward Assisi I was so excited – this was to be the high point of my trip! I had read several books about St. Francis and wanted to experience being in the small town where he had lived. I was so grateful to be out of Rome and away from the crowds. As we were heading into the parking area in Assisi I saw other tour busses and was dismayed to realize that this was not just a small town in which I could imagine walking in St. Francis footsteps. There were many, many, other footsteps walking around! After lunch we were driven to the Chapel of St. Clare, and then planned to have dinner in Assisi. We began to walk to the restaurant but we weren’t sure where it was. It began to rain. We stopped for directions and realized we were not near a restaurant. A phone
You who stalk the earth with new life Christ is Risen . . . He is risen indeed! You Easter one you who stalk the earth with new life, you who soar the heavens with fresh governance, you who traipse the seas with odd authority, You life-giver, You a strange anomaly among us, for everywhere are signs of death: . . . Benjamin taken in his youth, our tax dollars at work in Serbia, endless diagnoses among our friends, people made redundant in all our euphemisms of “down-sizing,” too much money and too little health care, your church here and there nearly consumed with anxiety for itself. And yet you appear here and there, now and then: You say “Fear not,” and we are comforted, You say “Peace I give you,” and we are less restless, You say “Go and sin no more,” and we glimpse a new innocence, you say and we listen, you act and we are healed, you . . . and us, you and life, you and newness, you for us, you with us, you, you, you . . . and we are dazzled in our gratitude. Amen. from Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann, p. 163 call to the restaurant brought a car which could hold 8 people – and all 11 of us got in!
and allowed me to eat and get refreshed, while I was feeling ashamed for my outburst and thought probably no one would ever speak to me.
By this time I was sleep-deprived, dehydrated, and exhausted from so much walking (I thought I was in shape for this trip), not to mention soaked from the rain. I expressed my anger and disappointment and focused on eating my dinner. My dear friends just listened
I went to bed and couldn’t get to sleep, so I read until 4:00 a.m. I was able to sleep for a couple of hours before I needed to get up and pack to leave Assisi after breakfast. I got ready to take a shower and there was no hot 5
water. I didn’t think to call the front desk – I was just angry and wishing I had not come on this trip. I had some time until the bus left, so I went up to the roof garden, which was empty of people. It was Sunday morning and I could hear the church bells ringing in Assisi and down over the whole valley. The sun was shining and I looked over the valley below and to my right was the town of Assisi on the hillside. (As I write this, I still am overcome by the memory). All of a sudden a small bird landed on the branch of a bush at the edge of the roof garden and started singing. Then I realized that God knew where I was and how I was and that God loved me. I believe that God led me to that rooftop garden to experience the view and be loved by that small bird in the sunshine. It was an Easter morning for me – one I will never forget. Assisi WAS the high point of my trip – just not in the way I was expecting. I am so grateful that I went on this trip and that I could experience the presence of God and the Risen Christ in that place. The Walter Brueggemann prayer included in this article speaks to me of the love of our Risen Christ which is given to us. With the coming of spring and flowers and birds and God’s creatures in this Easter season may we seek awareness of God’s love for us and be open to opportunities for sharing that love with others. – Marty Garland
• The UMC General Conference • A Look Ahead to the Pivotal Events This May
It happens once every four years, but its consequences may echo throughout The United Methodist world for centuries to come. The General Conference (GC) is the top policy-making body of our denomination. The nearly 900-member international assembly meets every four years to determine the church’s direction, consider revisions to church law, and adopt resolutions on moral, social, public policy, and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for churchwide programs for the next four years. This year, from May 10-20, all those who care about the United Methodist Church (and many others, as well) will be focused on the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, for GC2016. At the Conference, issues from the mundane (adding or subtracting words or phrases to a section of the Book of Discipline to tweak meaning) to the hot button (should the UMC allow same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy?) will be addressed by 864 delegates, including one – Ian Urriola – from Asbury First. The theme for the Conference is “Therefore Go,” taken from a Biblical passage sometimes called the Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
• A mobile app has been created for Android and iOS devices allowing individuals to follow the Conference no matter where they are. Features will include news coverage in multiple languages, videos, and interviews with those on the ground in Portland. The backdrop of the General Conference logo is Portland’s Mount Hood, reflective of the GC’s location.
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How big an event is the General Conference? Consider the following: • The General Conference is the only entity that speaks for the world’s 12.3 million United Methodists, and is the top policymaking body of the church. • Roughly 4,000 people, mostly volunteers, and including AFUMC member Paula Kuempel, will serve as greeters, marshals, drivers, reporters, translators, and in a host of other service roles. • The Conference is projected to cost more than ten million dollars, compared with $8.6 million in 2012. The increased costs reflect factors such as a far greater need for translators as the church grows outside of the U.S., and travel expenses.
So how does it all work? Here’s a little background: the UMC consists of a number of organizational units. Asbury First, for example, is part of the Genesee Valley District, which includes 80 churches in the Rochester area. The Genesee Valley District is part of the Upper New York Annual Conference, which covers more than 900 New York churches and is under the leadership of Bishop Mark J. Webb. Finally, the Upper New York Conference is part of the Northeastern Jurisdiction, which covers ten conferences from Maine to West Virginia, and is one of five such entities in the U.S. (in addition to seven across the globe). Each annual conference elects an equal number of lay and clergy delegates to the GC, based on the total number of lay and clergy people in that conference. The Book of Discipline and The United Methodist Constitution mandate that between 600-1,000 delegates should attend the GC. In addition, all UMC bishops are required to attend – but unlike the delegates, they do not vote or
How YOU Can Stay Connected to the General Conference As United Methodists, we all have a voice in the workings of our church through the General Conference. Although you may not be attending the Conference yourself (see the article above for two Asbury First members who are), you can play a role and stay connected to the happenings at the Conference in a variety of ways. Here are some of your options: • Pray: “There’s no way we can do it without prayer,” says one delegate. All United Methodist members and friends are encouraged to offer “60 Days of Prayer” before, during and after the Conference. By going to http://60daysofprayer.org you can request to have a daily email sent to you with a meditation to aid your prayers. You can also download meditations, share a prayer (it will be posted on the site), and have meditations sent to you by text message. • Listen/View: During the Conference, there are many ways to keep up with what’s going on. The UMC website will feature frequent updates at http://gc2016.umc.org, as will the Facebook page that’s been created just for the Conference (https://www. facebook.com/umcgeneralconference/?fref=ts, or just search “United Methodist General Conference). • There’s a Twitter page for quick news of the Conference, at https://twitter.com/UMCGC, and a hashtag, #UMCGC. • If you’re a more visual person, access the official Instagram account for the General Conference, @UMCGC. • A mobile app for the Conference is available for Android (at the Google Play Store) and iOS devices (from the iTunes store). 6
For those who are attending, the GC can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. AFUMC member Paula Kuempel will serve as a recorder, entering data on time, dates, and the results of committee votes, as well as For the 11 days of the conference, the marking down amendments to petitions as delegates will review petitions from church Issues related to LGBTQ rights, in fact, may they are approved. She’s looking forward to agencies, organizations, and individuals – play a very important role in the GC, reflect- meeting people from across the globe. “I hope nearly 1,000 are expected to be on the table ing, in part, the growth of the UMC in areas to have conversations with people with difthis year. Most of them will first be aired in ferent opinions to gain a better understandcommittees, and then, if approved, will go to such as Africa that are traditionally more ing of our differences and see if there is any socially conservative. Currently, the United the full body of the Conference for a vote. middle ground,” she says. “The take away is Two of those petitions originated at Asbury Methodist Church does not allow gay marriage, nor does it permit openly gay individu- the experience of being a part of the largest First. Petition number 60906 addresses gathering of our faith, and the ability to bring same-sex marriages, and suggests that the de- als to serve as ministers. Just as the rights of back what I learn to share with Asbury First cision on whether or not to allow them in the gay people are a polarizing topic in America and the Conference.” church be decided at the jurisdictional level. today, so, too, are they likely to be at the GC. As United Methodists, we are all invited Number 60907, meanwhile, states much the There are other major issues also on the to follow the events of the GC, whether we docket for the Conference. One of these, same about LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, called Plan UMC, was responsible for a ma- attend in person or not, in whatever way is transgender, and queer, or questioning) jor cliffhanger at the 2012 GC when, despite most convenient for us (see box, page 6), and clergy: that ordaining them or not is a decision that should be made by each jurisdiction passing, it was rejected on the last day of the to strive to understand and form our own Conference by the Judicial Council. The plan opinions on the topics that will be under in The United Methodist Church. consideration. We will be posting a page to called for numerous changes in the strucWritten by a sub-committee of the Recture of the UMC’s ten general agencies that our website, at www.asburyfirst.org, that onciling Ministry group at Asbury First, receive church funds, including the establish- will be a central source of information for these two petitions were first presented and your review; we also invite you to consider overwhelmingly approved at the Upper New ment of a general council for strategy and attending our Brown Bag Conversations (see oversight to oversee much of the work of York Annual Conference. Now they go bebelow) during the GC to learn more. the denomination. A revised version of the fore the GC with the weight of our Confer“John Wesley encouraged us to move ever ence behind them. They offer a compromise plan will have top billing this year. Perhaps onward toward perfection,” said Stephen not surprisingly, another group will present in a church that is teetering at the edge of Cady. “The General Conference is our opa petition suggesting that the GC be given catastrophe over its thinking on LGBTQ issues. Some leaders of The UMC have spo- the authority to override the Judicial Council portunity to try to follow Wesley’s injunction as a denomination.” ken in favor of a split into two churches: one when they feel called to do so. that allows gay clergy and same-sex marriage, and one that doesn’t. speak at plenary sessions without permission from the assembly. Finally, conference officials, members of the UMC judicial council, and various other visitors attend.
“Before we take that drastic step, however, don’t we owe it to ourselves to try everything we can to fix our brokenness?” says AFUMC’s senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II. Like many United Methodists, he believes that change is necessary and that one option is to provide a level of autonomy within the denomination for groups to live out the call of the gospel within their particular context. The question is, however, what is the most effective level for that to happen? Some have suggested that each individual church be allowed to decide on these matters, but Asbury First’s petitions look to a broader solution. “For the past several years,” says Cady, “the general conference has conferred new rights and responsibilities upon central and
jurisdictional conferences. As these regional bodies represent particular mission fields with particular interests, it makes sense to offer them the right to decide for themselves the best way to address this dilemma so as to better live out the gospel in their area.”
Brown Bag Conversations General Conference 2016 Wednesdays, May 11 & 18 Noon, Gathering Center
G
iven all that is at stake in this General Conference and everything that will be happening during those two weeks, Asbury First 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. The discussions will be led by our ministers and are open to anyone with an interest in the current state and the future of the United Methodist Church. You’ll get a chance to learn more and share your opinions on the events that are happening in real time that week at the GC. Please plan to bring your lunch and meet us at 12:00 p.m. in the Gathering Center. 7
WORSHIP
Labyrinth
worship schedule
Sunday Service Times 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship with Sanctuary Choir Sunday, April 24 Fifth Sunday after Easter John 13:31-35 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher Sunday, May 1 Sixth Sunday after Easter John 14:23-29 no sermon: chilren’s musical.
Wednesday, May 11 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 8 Seventh Sunday after Easter/ Mother’s Day Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher
Come, walk, and listen to beautiful music as you experience some quiet, meditative time healing your soul and re-connecting with God.
Sunday, May 15 Pentecost Sunday Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher Sunday, May 22 Trinity Sunday/Confirmation John 13:31-35 Mike Mullin, preacher Sunday, May 29 Second Sunday After Pentecost/ Memorial Sunday Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher
Our Living Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Children’s ministry presents
Table for Five Thousand
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Kathy Rhode on the death of her father Joseph Nangle on Feb. 27, 2016 in New Hampshire.
The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes by Allen Pote and Tom S. Long Sunday, May 1 8:30 and 11:00 am services
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Eleanor Scouten who died on March 2, 2106. We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Nancy Tobin who died on March 9, 2016 in Buffalo, NY.
Directed by Holly Temming, the children’s musical this year features memorable melodies and touching lyrics to convey the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The musical remains true to the New Testament writings while underlining the theme that the most humble among us — especially children — can do great things with God’s help.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Jim and Diane Dudley on the death of Jim’s father Richard Dudley on March 14, 2016.
The creators of this musical also collaborated on other children’s musicals performed in past years at Asbury First, including Malice in the Palace and The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit. 8
in Community We offer our prayers and sympathy to John and Ann Francis on the death of John’s brother Robert Francis on March 29, 2016 in Tamaqua, PA.
Births & Baptisms God has sealed you unto love and grace divine Aurora Lynn Mullin daughter of Mike and Rev. Nadia Mullin, baptized on March 20, 2016. William Paul Towsley son of Adam and Catherine Towsley, baptized on April 3, 2016. Loren James VarbleBielewicz son of Matt Bielewicz and Deanna Varble-Bielewicz, baptized on April 10, 2016.
• the gift of presence • “In our own woundedness, we can become a source of life for others.”
This page is an on-going place for you to learn more about Stephen Ministry and its place in our community. For this edition of The Visitor, Stephen Ministers Bonnie Matthaidess and Glenn Peck have shared their experiences with Stephen Ministry. They have written as they live, from their hearts, and they have much to teach as they share themselves with us. One of the most beautiful aspects of Stephen Ministry is that the Stephen Ministers are trained to use their own experiences to be in companionship with others. The compassion of these blessed Stephen Ministers comes, in part, from the challenges and struggles they have encountered in their own lives. Instead of speaking about them, they use them to inform their soft and gentle presence with their care receivers. Beginning this fall, we will be training a new set of Stephen Ministers. If you feel called to this ministry and would like more information about the training, please contact Kathy Thiel at 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org. The gift of Presence is a Godsend. Stephen Ministry is both the gift of Presence and a Godsend. Life is filled with everyday and the not-so-ordinary, everyday experiences that have the potential to bring joy, (the birth of a baby, a job promotion) or significant challenges (a major loss, serious medical issues, unemployment). Any of the above can throw us off balance or “rock the boat” – and a companion on the journey, someone Bonnie Matthaidess who listens (really listens) and walks with us through the ups and downs is both the gift of presence and a Godsend.
ences along the way, I would sometimes leave a session wondering if I was moving closer to becoming a capable care-giver … or closer to needing to find one for myself. Now, over time, I have come to understand why it felt that way. I have seen how personal Stephen Ministry relationships can be. From the care-receiver’s point of view, one is trusting in another to hear, without judgment, one’s deeply sensitive thoughts and feelings, and further trusting that all that is shared will be held in complete confidence. For the care-giver’s part, maintaining this confidence is key to maintaining a comfortable relationship with one’s care-receiver. A respect for the boundaries of the Stephen Ministry program is helpful in this regard. A Stephen Minister is not a problemsolver, serving rather as a listening ear. It can be tempting for the one in a ministry position to share his or her own experiences as a means of showing Glenn Peck empathy, but the care receiver is more likely better served if the minister can draw from within upon those experiences and, perhaps then, use them as a means of formulating the next question. And this is where we, as wounded healers, can be most helpful in a Christ-centered relationship with another. Understanding that both hearts in the relationship are wounded on some level helps to open doors to healing that may have been closed before. Mutual trust grows as the light from those once closed doors is allowed to shine in. And in that light, God’s love grows, nurtured by the commonality of two whose hearts are walking together through that opened door. The Stephen Ministry program promotes togetherness in a unique and personal way. And we are better when we are together. –Glenn Peck
Asbury First is blessed by the caring ministry of Stephen Cady, Katie O’Hern, and Kathy Thiel and, thanks be to God, our congregation’s caring ministry also includes our well-trained Stephen Ministers who provide compassionate care in the midst of life’s transitions. I’ve received the Presence and care of a Stephen Minister. She stayed with me through a challenging time. She was “at my back.” Her prayers gave me hope. Her compassionate listening was a tangible expression of her caring. Her presence assured me I was not alone. Even though this experience was some time ago, I am forever grateful. – Bonnie Matthaidess In our own woundedness, we can become a source of life for others. The quote above appears on the cover of Henry Nouwen’s book, The Wounded Healer. In my years of experience in the Stephen Ministry program, I have often leaned on these words for support and encouragement. Indeed, as I worked my way through Stephen Ministry training some years ago, sharing some personal life experi9
• a tsunami of love • Miracle Garden Provides Hope for Homeless Children On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake caused a tsunami that hit the southeast coast of India with water and waves that decimated villages and cities alike. While the Indian government established camps to help those displaced, there were many thousands who had nowhere to go and no way to fend for themselves.
and supplies for the school and orphanage. Most of the funds for Miracle Garden come from donations, grants, and gifts from western countries. Many families at Asbury First have sponsored a child with a donation of $30 a month. As these children grow and move on, the sponsorship can be transferred to another child. Sponsors from as far as England have helped make Miracle Garden a refuge for children in need. We at Asbury First have supported Miracle Garden through individual sponsorship of a child, donations given at Christmas, and specific donations as requests are made by Miracle Garden. 300 dollars was recently donated to purchase a new water pump. Like many areas in India, wells have dried up, or the water table is too low (more than 600 feet) to safely provide potable water. Miracle Garden gets weekly water delivery, which is pumped into an underground tiled cistern until needed.
For several years AFUMC members John and Michelle Pandian had been living in the state of Tamil Nadu, in the center of the tip of the sub continent. Michelle had recently returned to Rochester for the birth of their son, Adam, and John remained in India, directing the Bible college they had established several years prior. Though half a world apart, the two discussed ways to respond to the crisis. One long-time goal had been to open an orphanage, and they had recently been approved by the Indian government to do so. In what they describe as a call from God, John ventured to the east coast with the hope of providing some stability and comfort to the children who were left behind. A few children became 35 children and Miracle Garden Tsunami Children’s Home was established.
Miracle Garden’s reputation has grown over the years. Children are often dropped off at the gates by extended family that cannot care for the child, or are referred by others in the community around Coimbatore. I will never forget the story of two children, siblings, who were living under the metal bed their mother lay on in the local hospital burn unit. She was a victim of an “honor burning” and the children had nowhere to live. A nurse knew about Miracle Garden and was able to get them to the orphanage. As the mother later passed away, the children had a safe, loving place to live.
In the years since, those displaced, orphaned children have grown to young adults. Many have returned to their native villages to become fishermen like their fathers, or to live with extended family. Some have been able to attend trade school and have found work repairing refrigerators or air conditioning. Originally the children attended a local village (state run) school. As it became clear that this sub-par education would not provide the skills the children would need to become independent, John and Michelle established a school on the Miracle Garden property. Renamed Miracle Garden Home and School, children from the village as well as the residents of Miracle Garden enjoy classes led by certified, college trained teachers: English language along with their native Tamil, math, arts, science, physical education, music and Christian education. Profession of faith in Christianity is not required, yet many of the orphans have embraced the faith. A loving God with outstretched arms of love and comfort is a message many of the children needed to hear.
Miracle Garden welcomes teams of volunteers. In 2005, Rick, Elizabeth, Mary, and Johnny Church visited the orphanage on the first anniversary of the tsunami. Later the Gage family (Larry, Robyn, Emily, Katherine, and Mary) traveled twice to be with the children. If you wish to learn more or make a gift, please feel free to contact me at emchurch418@gmail.com. Miracle Garden can also be reached through their blog: www.tsunamichildrenshome. blogspot.com, or through Michelle directly: Michelle Pandian, 805 E Harvest Place, Holmen, WI, 54636. Gifts can be directed to specific needs at the school if you wish. We continue to remember and pray for our friends and their work in India. Miracle Garden is an amazing place of hope and support for children and adults. While we would love to visit again, until we do, let our prayers lift them up! – Elizabeth Church.
Miracle Garden School benefits from a small tuition each village child pays to attend at the school. Indian law allows this small contribution, and those rupees help provide salaries for the teachers 10
Dreams, Both Large and Small For ten days in April, members of Asbury First found a rather unusual addition to the Gathering Center when they arrived for services on Sunday. A large folding screen ran nearly the length of the room, and pinned to it were more than 400 index cards, each with a phrase or sentence written on it. The words had been collected from parishioners over the past six months, and now were captured together on this “Dream Board” for the first time. They ranged from the ambitious and the visionary (“To strive to be a more diverse, inclusive, and spiritually uplifting community where everyone is welcome without judgement...”) to those that were a little more down to earth, or even lighthearted (“A friendly cat to walk around and greet people.”) “We put every dream on the board that we’ve received in the past seven months, from the ridiculous to the sublime, the silly to the serious,” said senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, during his sermon on April 10. “We are asking for your help in finding the centers of gravity within those dreams; to put like with like to see what we are called to do as a congregation. We can use your help to find that out, and then, friends, we will run with it.” The congregation obliged enthusiastically, reading through the dreams on the board and helping to re-arrange them in an order that made sense to each of them. Soon, loose groupings of cards began to emerge from the previously random mass. Some categories were obvious, such as outreach or worship dreams. Others were more nuanced, and dealt with themes that the Asbury First community has perhaps not considered in the past. The end result was not black-and-white. There were gray areas: dreams that fit in more than category; dreams that didn’t fit neatly into any one theme, dreams that reflected the imagination of a child but perhaps not the reason of an adult. But no judgements were made as the people of Asbury First read, thought, and sorted. Blank cards were left on a table near the screen, for those who, in reading the Dream Board, came up with something they wanted to share. Sheets of small colorful stars were also available, with instructions to place a star on any idea that the reader believed to be most important for AFUMC in the next five years. Once the dreams have been sorted, a strategic planning team (aka “Dream Team”) will use those themes and the insights of our friends and members to create a new five-year strategic plan for Asbury First. To find out more about where we believe God is leading us, watch for future updates here, in The Visitor, as we pray, ponder, and plan a bright future for Asbury First. 11
Children’s ministry news
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t’s a venerable Asbury First tradition: one Sunday during Lent, the children gather in Fellowship Hall to learn about God by visiting a variety of stations, with crafts, stories, games, and, finally, through the making and baking of delicious pretzels, to
be shared with the congregation. This year, the theme was “You Are the Salt of the Earth,” from Matthew 5:13. As always, there was lots of laughter and learning, and the kids knew that they were loved: both by God and by their Asbury First family. Here are just a few images, taken by member Danyelle Hildreth, of the morning’s events.
Family Carnival Sunday, June 5 | Noon-2:00 p.m.
Join us for a light lunch, bounce house, and activities for kids of all ages Plus! Save the date Vacation Bible School 2016 Monday-Thursday, August 8-11 find out more by calling 585-271-1050 x111. 12
youth ministry news Climbing to New Heights This year during spring break, a handful of our senior high youth went on a rock climbing excursion. After a two-hour drive to Pennsylvania, the youth disembarked the vehicle for a 45 minute hike to Blue Run Rocks (near Sabinsville, PA). The youth had the opportunity to climb everything from 5.6 (easy-ish) to 5.9 (intermediate) grade climbs. In addition, the youth all got to learn how to belay with a Grigri (an autolocking belay device) and how to tie special climbing knots (bowline on a bite). – Mike Mullin
Easter 2016: Rejoice! He is Risen! The holiest week in the Christian calendar, the week before Easter is an incomparably busy time at Asbury First, as preparations are made for the services and events that start on Holy Thursday and continue on to Easter morning. Here are a few images, taken by Paula Dugan and Glenn Peck, from the week (counterclockwise, starting from right): the Giordano family (Emma, Hailey, Jessica, and Jack) at the Family Prayer Night; Reuben Burch, as the Christ-figure, carries the cross out to the East Ave. lawn during the Tenebrae service; the cross on the altar is draped with a black cloth to signify Christ’s death; the sun rising over Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where a sunrise service was held with Asbury First’s minister for discipleship and mission, Katie O’Hern, as preacher; and the Asbury First altar decorated for Easter.
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library news Books for all ages and on all topics can be found in the church libraries and they are open when the church is. If you, or someone you know, are going through a time of loss due to the death of a family member or friend, the church resource library has some books that might be helpful. Special sections in the library for books on this topic are section 236 in the adult section and the “orange” dot section in the children’s books. Some are listed below. Children: Rubber Houses, by Ellen Yeomans. Thank You, Grandpa, by Jason Cockcroft. This realistic, sad, sparingly written yet powerful verse novel brings This attractive picture book for K-grade two offers a heartfelt into focus a terrible ordeal that captures both devastating loss and tribute to the love between a grandparent and grandchild, as well the beginnings of recovery. as a way of coping with grief and loss. Adults: Sammy in the Sky, by Barbara Walsh. A warm, emotional story that is a good choice for a child dealing with death for the first time. (Picture book for ages 4-7.) The Next Place, by Warren Hanson. The Next Place is an inspirational journey of light and hope to a place where earthly hurts are left behind. It is a celebration of life that will especially appeal to ages 5-9. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, by Leo Buscaglia. A classic. As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns that death is part of life. It will appeal to all ages, but especially ages 4-8. Teens: The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. This book about two teens battling cancer is not only for the young set, but it is especially for the 14-17 age group. This story is beautiful, funny, heartbreaking and poignant. A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness. A masterpiece about life and loss that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.
Graceful Exits: How Great Beings Die, by Sushila Blackman. Graceful Exits offers valuable guidance in the form of 108 stories recounting the ways in which Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist, and Zen masters, both ancient and modern, have confronted their own deaths. Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul: Stories to Inspire Caregivers in the Home, Community, and the World, by Jack Canfield. This “Chicken Soup” book provides a dose of inspiration for caregiving professionals and the many who help care for family and friends. Dying Well, by Ira Byock. This 320-page book helps families by showing them how to deal with doctors, how to talk to loved ones — and how to make the end of life as meaningful and enriching as the beginning. Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communications of the Dying, by Maggie Callahan and Patricia Kelley. This book by hospice nurses tells of their intimate experiences with patients at the end of life.
April
20 Acts 6:1-15
24 Psalm 56
21 Acts 7:1-22
25 Psalm 57
22 Acts 7:23-43
26 Psalm 91
23 Acts 7:44-8:3
27 Psalm 102 28 Psalm 103 29 Psalm 121 30 Psalm 130 May 1 Isaiah 6:1-13 2 Isaiah 61:1-11 3 Jeremiah 1:1-19
4 Psalm 47
12 Joel 2:1-17
5 Acts 1:1-26
13 Joel 2:18-32
6 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
14 Joel 3:1-21
7 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
15 Acts 2:1-21
8 Ezekiel 1:1-2:1
16 Acts 2:22-47
9 Ezekiel 2:2-10
17 Acts 3:1-26
10 Ezekiel 37:1-28
18 Acts 4:1-22
11 Joel 1:1-20
19 Acts 4:23-37
24 Acts 8:4-25 25 Acts 8:26-40 26 Acts 26:1-32 27 Acts 27:1-38 28 Acts 27:39-28:15 29 Acts 28:16-31 30 John 15:18-16:15 31 John 16:16-33
Scripture reading suggestions courtesy of the American Bible Society, www.americanbible.org.
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the last word
1 by Michele Cooley, DCC Director 2
Remembering Burt Ross
Those of you who have volunteered at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center for many years will fondly remember Burton “Burt “ Ross who remained a dedicated volunteer here until he lost his courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer this past summer. Burt was an example of optimism and grace through his three years of treatments. He remained cheerful, always concerned and interested in others as he endured years of pain. He was never critical, and he loved everyone. It didn’t matter who you were, how you looked, what your social status or economic status was, you always had a friend in Burt. I can still hear his laughter, which was robust and frequent. When Burt passed away, sad as we were, we knew his was a life well lived. He made an impact on all those with whom he came in contact. Before his death he asked that any memorial contributions be sent to the Dining and Caring Center, thinking of us to the end. Burt had a brother, Barry, who faced his own challenges while living in a Lifetime Assistance residence. I was so touched to receive the following e-mail – I thought it was such a befitting and sweet legacy to Burt’s memory I wanted to share it. “Hello – I am writing to you for Barry Ross. Barry’s brother Burt thought very highly of the Dining and Caring Center and
Burt Ross, right, with Terry Elkins, who works at the Dining and Caring Center.
that he lived. “Recently Barry realized a dream of his. Barry made a CD of six original songs that he had the opportunity to record.
often talked about his service there. Since Burt passed away in July we have been trying to think of a way that Barry could honor Burt and the selfless life
We then decided to host a CD release party for Barry where he collected donations from passing out his CDs. Barry chose to donate all proceeds of his CD release to the Dining and Caring Center. Barry collected $120.00 from his party. I would like to set up a time that Barry can come and give the money he collected as a final step in this achievement. We were all so blessed to know Burt, and I am so proud that Barry is choosing to do this in honor of his brother. Signed, Jennifer Yarrison, Acting Residence Manager, Lifetime Assistance.” Giving can be realized in so many ways. We were so fortunate to know Burt, and his legacy continues here at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center. I never really knew Barry, but his generosity confirms that he has just as big a heart as Burt did.
A few Outreach Needs ... We invite you to live out the truth of Jesus’ instructions to us to love our neighbor by supporting the current needs of these Asbury First outreach ministries. Thank you for your help! •
Dinnerware: the Storehouse, which supplies household needs to 6,000+ families a year, is in need of donations of new or gently dinner plates, glasses, and flatware for their shoppers. You may bring donations to the Storehouse (on the lower floor of 1050 East Ave., the grey stone building nex to church), or call Judy Cohen at 585-7553376.
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Books: The Asbury First Resource Library is looking for large print books that are current and of a religious or inspirational nature. Drop them off in the library (off the Welcoming Hall) on Sundays or call Bonnie Kay (585-473-8848) or Beth Woolever (585-355-4381).
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Peanut Butter: The Grocery Bag Ministry can use your donations of 16 ounce jars of peanut butter. There’s a receptacle in the Welcoming Hall for your gifts. 15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Save the date for Asbury First’s Sixth Annual
Talent Show Saturday, May 7 6:00 p.m. dinner (please bring a dish to pass) 6:30 show Fellowship Hall
An intergenerational talent show produced by our youth and directed by Brian Bohrer.