TheVisitor Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter June 2016 • Vol. L No. 6 • www.asburyfirst.org
IN THIS ISSUE Asbury First Baking Team 5 Tent Week 7 The Stephen Ministry 8 Talent Show 9 Vacation Bible School 11-12 Service on the Steps 14 General Conference 15
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. 6
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP AT ASBURY FIRST Our church goal this year: we commit to attending worship on Sundays as often as possible and inviting a friend to worship with us. Worship with Communion (outside weather permitting) 8:30 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; 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 Melinda McAuliff Communications 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
Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11:00 a.m.-noon Sunday mornings (10:00 a.m. service will be broadcast at 11:00 a.m. in the summer)
Watch past services in our video archive at www.asburyfirst.org any time!
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic background, and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.
Emeriti Staff
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus *deceased Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.
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Cover:Audrey Nelson plays for the talent show. See story on page 9.
To receive our email newsletters, with news of upcoming services, classes, and other events at Asbury First, go to www.asburyfirst.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a sign-up window. Or, if you have a smartphone, scan this QR code to take you directly to a sign-up page.
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for next issue: Friday, June 24, 2016
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A Complimentary Word A Pastoral Reflection
Several years ago, a young writer attended a workshop at which there were several older, well-published, famous writers in attendance. The young writer approached one of them, and said, “I have always loved your work, you write so well! I enjoy how you weave the mystery of the story into the lives of your characters. I really love reading your books!” And then the young writer stopped, and feeling a little embarrassed, said, “Oh, well, you probably get tired of hearing that.” The distinguished writer smiled and replied softly, “Why would I ever get tired of hearing that?”
It is in these words that we find emotional boosts – a pick-me-up if we are feeling off or down. A reminder that we are not alone. It does not take a lot of time to say, “I appreciate you,” or “Nicely done!” The few seconds it takes to say these words will multiply exponentially as the sentiment expands with love in the one we compliment.
We all love to hear compliments, and we love to know that people care about us, even if they have already said it. How lovely it is to hear someone tell us, or remind us, “I love you!” Is it ever tiresome to know the truly loving feelings someone has for us? It is a blessing and a gift to hear about love.
I invite you to take some time in the next week and share a compliment, maybe write a note, to someone who has touched your life. Tell them how much they have meant to you and how glad you are that they are walking the journey with you. In these brief, simple words, we can find our God of love working.
When someone runs a smooth meeting, when someone helps you carry boxes to the car, when someone reminds us of an engagement, may we be quick to express our appreciation of their act and of who they are as a person of God in this world. Tell them how grateful you are for their presence and love in your life!
I love you all.
Kathy Thiel, Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach
Welcoming our New Members
David Muller
Hollie Johnson
Linda Crowther
Hannah Chute
Peter & Kristie Pfaff
Lin VanArtsdalen 3
Dieder & Pamela Becks
Ministry & Space Comfort Ye, Oh My People
Of the many things that make Asbury First such a beautiful and special place of worship, the history and character of its architecture are recognized as unique in the Rochester community. While these characteristics are a source of pride among our congregation, they come with the needs of any building of its age. If you own a home or have worked in most any office building, you may have experienced the challenges of managing consistent heating and cooling. The office with a thermostat might be a haven of heat while surrounding offices remind us why Frigidaire® is such an appropriate name for freezers and refrigerators. To that end, we find ourselves at a crossroads with our own heating and cooling. Today, our Sanctuary building is heated by a steam boiler fired with natural gas, installed in the 1960s. It is actually the newer of two boilers, the older original boiler has been out of service for several years. This “newer” boiler is nearing the end of its useful life. The three air handlers that move heated air from this boiler into the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall that are original to the 1953 church building, function poorly, and have outlived their normal 25-year life expectancy.
The Trustees have been working with IBC Engineering and Bero Architecture to design a new HVAC system for the sanctuary. The new design will expand the footprint of the current boiler room by removing the wall between the existing room and the adjacent bell room. The bell room could possibly be relocated to a new music suite in Wesley Hall. This expanded boiler room will allow for three new air handlers and two new boilers to be located on the basement floor, making operations and maintenance much easier. In addition, the system is being designed to provide some air conditioning to the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. This will be achieved by adding an additional chiller adjacent to the existing chiller at the west side of our parking lot and will use the same underground piping system to bring additional chilled coolant into 1040. Electrical rewiring, upgrading and replacement of antiquated electrical equipment will also be part of this project. The design of the HVAC system and the structural modifications needed to enable its installation are nearly complete. The costs of this essential
renovation of our antiquated heatingplant and electrical improvements will be presented as part of our overall Ministry & Space Task Force work this coming fall. Chuck Hanrahan, chair, Ministry and Space Task Force
Join Us for Lunch The staff of Asbury First want to invite you to join them for a brown-bag lunch at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. This will be a very low-key event with no agenda, just the chance to get to know each other a little better! Lunches will be the first Wednesday of the month in the Gathering Center at 1040 East Ave. This is a BYOB event- Bring Your Own Bag.
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Giving Thanks for the Asbury First Baking Team by Diane Dudley, Baking Team Co-Lead
Pies, pies, pies - apple, peach, pumpkin, cherry and the most favorite, blueberry. Do you smell something else baking the first Saturday of each month in the Dining and Caring Center (DCC)kitchen? You bet - cakes, brownies, and cupcakes galore. The Asbury Baking Team started about fifteen years ago when two ambitious ladies working on a Sunday dinner team wanted to provide fresh desserts for the guests. Judy Bristow and Deb McLean thought it would be nice if, once a month, the guests could have fresh baked pies.
Three years ago, Judy and her husband, Tom, relocated out west to be closer to family and I was asked to take over as leader. The Saturday morning smiles from the guests when we come to bake fills my soul.
“I’m always so impressed by the level of care each baker shows as he/she bakes. Our guests love the cupcakes piled high with frosting and sprinkles,” says Laurel, a member of the Baking Team.
The present team consists of a core of 6-8 people who faithfully show up on Saturday to celebrate friendship and giving to others. A dozen or more pies, twelve dozen cupcakes, baked and frosted, many batches of brownies, cut and stored.
At its inception, supplies for baking were provided through donations, but the more popular the fresh baked desserts became, the greater the need for supplies. As the number of guests at the DCC increased the need grew even more.
Members of the Baking Team were among many celebrated for their incredible contributions to the community at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in May.
Hours are here! Starting June 12
8:30 a.m. – Worship with Communion (weather permitting, the 8:30 service will be held outside beginning June 19)
10:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship 5
Our Living
in Community
Deaths - We offer our prayers and sympathy to ...
• The family and friends of Laura Shull who died on April 20, 2016.
• Carol and Dennis Roote on the death of Carol’s mother. • Tim and Carol Lamica on the death of Tim’s sister Sue Lamica. • Greg and Annie Shaffer on the death of Greg’s brother Kelly Shaffer on May 7, 2016. • Norma Andzer on the death of her husband Arnold Andzer on May 4, 2016. • Bruce and Donna Schwendy on the death of Bruce’s mother Lucile Schwendy on May 1, 2016 in Lowville, New York. • Deborah and Craig Merritt, Melissa, Brian and Charlie Bohrer on the death of Janice Northrup on April 30, 2016. Janice was the mother of Deborah, grandmother of Melissa and great-grandmother of Charlie. • The family and friends of Ann Hunter who died on April 24, 2016. Ann, who died at the age of 101, was one of Asbury First’s oldest members and the mother of Nancy Adamus.
Baptisms - We celebrate the baptism of... • Daniel Carroll-Nellenback, son of Jonathan and Anna Carroll-Nellenback, baptized on May 8, 2016. • Ethan Gabriel Becks, son of Dieder and Pamela Becks, baptized on May 8, 2016. • Alyssa Lee Snyder, daughter of Chris and Gail Snyder baptized on April 17, 2016. • Julian Thomas Ward, son of Erik and Leslie Ward, born on June 3, 2015. • Taylor Reve Charno, daughter of Jason and Chrysa Charno, born on December 9, 2015. • Mila Ryan Steenberg, daughter of Ryan and Ashleigh Steenberg, born on November 19, 2015. • Lewis Francis Clemens, son of Ryan and Alana Clemens, born on December 6, 2015.
On Holy Ground •
Created by the Spiritual Life Committee Come, Spirit, consuming Fire of Love. A Rushing Wind • Fill us with enthusiasm for your vision. A Pentecost Sequence May the desire for truth be vibrant in us.
Come, Spirit who is our Light. Shine among the shadows within. Warm and transform our hearts.
Come, Spirit, joy of our souls. Dance amid life’s hills and valleys, Encircle us with the delights of your dance.
Come, Spirit who makes a home in us. Draw us to the treasures of your dwelling. Reveal to us the inner journey of love.
Come, Spirit of wisdom and insight. Draw us toward your goodness and light. Direct our growth and guide our ways. Come, Spirit, strength of wounded ones. Be warmth in hearts of those grown cold. Empower the powerless. Rekindle the weary.
Come, Spirit, Comforter and Consoler. Heal the wounded. Soothe the anxious. Be consolation for all who grieve and ache.
Come, Spirit, source of our Peace. Deepen in us the action of peacemakers. Heal the divisions that ravage the earth.
Come, Spirit who energizes our being. Keep us from the tangles of toil and travail. Lead us to moments of prayer and play.
Joyce Rupp, from May I Have This Dance? An Invitation to Faithful Prayer Throughout the Year 6
TENT WEEK PRESENTED BY ASBURY FIRST UMC
SUNDAY, AUG. 7 - THURSDAY, AUG, 11 1050 EAST AVE., ROCHESTER NY Spring is in the air and our Third Annual Tent Week is in the works! ING PLANN ERS NTE VOLU D!! NEEDE
That’s right – the wheels are turning to make this year’s Tent Week an incredible experience for all! You can count on an outdoor worship under the tent, finding new-to-you treasures at the Basement Sale, Vacation Bible School filled with fun and adventure for the kids, and more! Mark your calendars for August 6-11, and get ready for the festivities at Asbury First! But first, there’s lots to be done between now and then and we’ll need planning volunteers and creative minds to make it a success. If you’re interested in volunteering to help prepare for this year’s Tent Week, please contact Maggie Tobin at maggietobin3@gmail.com.
ST AY T U N E D F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N ! ! 7
Stephen Ministry Reflecting Christ’s Face of Compassion For those of you who have been following this series of articles about Stephen Ministry, here is a new installment. If you are reading about Stephen Ministry for the first time, Stephen Ministers are trained parishioners (lay people) who walk in Christ with other lay people as companions through some of life’s great challenges. The death of a loved one, a job loss or change, health crises, and life-changing events are some of the times these loving relationships are formed.
and struggle. Nouwen writes, “The mystery of one is too immense and too profound to be explained by another.” This nicely sums up the ministry of presence, and the importance of being a listening presence for others as they struggle. The compassion of Jesus Christ and his presence are at the center of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers offer Christ-centered care to those to whom they minister. This ministry takes various shapes, and can include a weekly cup of coffee together, a phone conversation, or a visit at your home. The compass at the top of this page shows four of the gifts that Stephen Ministers bring to each relationship. With compassion in the spot where the arrow points North on a scientific compass, we recognize that compassion is our own magnetic north, that by which we measure all else.
While training to be a Stephen Minister, lay persons receive 50 hours of small group attention, interaction, and education. They practice listening and engage in role-playing which help build the foundation for an active, centered ministry to others. Part of what comes of learning about ministering to others is a deeper understanding of our relationships with ourselves. When we understand ourselves, we can better help others.
Stephen Ministers share their gifts of compassion, faith, trustworthiness and skill in their caring relationships. Stephen Ministers give people permission to trust their own intuition and wisdom. Walking alongside someone in faithful companionship is a relationship of loving support and gentle guidance.
Henri Nouwen, a 20th-century philosopher and theologian, wrote “The Wounded Healer,” a small book which is large with insights on how we minister to each other. Father Nouwen writes about using his own brokenness to help others heal. This is done not by relating his own experiences to others, but rather by speaking from the place that has healed, but that still knows the pain of loss
If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry, please contact Kathy Thiel, Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach, at (585) 271-1050 x. 106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.
In Only Takes 3 Hours If you have at least three hours a month, the Storehouse is in need of your help! We need people who can work in teams to help serve clients and/or sort donations. Volunteers are needed 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Whether you are available one Saturday a month or more, your help will make a huge difference. Training will be provided. If you can help or would like more information, call Bonnie Kay at (585) 478-5611 or Charlene Lejewski at (585) 943-3361.
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Showcasing Asbury First’s Talent This year’s Asbury First Talent Show and Potluck Dinner featured more than 20 top-notch performances. The line-up included musicians, singers, dancers, skits, poetry reading and more. It was an evening filled with fellowship and celebration for the unique talents God has given us all.
Donate Blood at the Asbury First Blood Drive When: Sunday, June 19, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: Fellowship Hall Questions? Check the Red Cross web site at www.redcrossblood.org for a list of criteria and more information. Call Ed Ristau to schedule your appointment at 223-4356.
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Youth Ministry News 2016 Comfirmands We were excited to celebrate the confirmation this year’s students with the whole church on Sunday, May 22. In honor of this occasion, we asked each of our confirmands about their favorite memory so that we all might get to know each of them a little better.
Gifford Davenport Campbell The Allendale Columbia School Favorite Memory: Making pretzels during Pretzel Sunday is a favorite memory from Sunday School at Asbury First.
Elias Alejandro Colon Arcadia Middle School What’s Ahead: I’m looking forward to the Rochester/Ontario week.
John Holland Pittsford Calkins Road Middle School Favorite Memory: Playing the role of Joseph in the Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve.
Anna Clark Harley School Favorite Memory: All the Christmases I had at church with my family.
Owen Kyle Hankinson Calkins Road Middle School Favorite Memory: Christmas Eve Service with his Grandmother.
Clark David Benham, Honeoye Falls-Lima Middle School Favorite Memory: Hanging out with “the guys” after confirmation.
Jessica Schwartz Naples Jr./Sr. High School Favorite Memory: I am looking forward to high school mission trips and four more years of church musicals.
Payton Shafer Dake Junior High School, West Irondequoit Favorite Memory: The sleepovers in 1050.
Isabelle Joy Karpovich Pittsford Sutherland What’s Ahead: I am looking forward to the many volunteer opportunities with the Asbury First youth group.
Madison White Roth Middle School Favorite Memory: Being in the Musicals. I am also looking forward to being in many more musicals.
Owen Thomas Cole East Irondequoit Middle School Favorite memory: Doing the musical productions. I loved when I got to be the Rabbi in Fiddler on The Roof. I am looking forward to high school youth group and especially mission trips. 10
Children’s Ministry News This summer, the children of Asbury First have the opportunity to “Spend a While on the Nile” during Vacation Bible School, August 8-11, 9:00 a.m. to noon. They’ll take a jaunt back in time to ancient Egypt to discover what happened to Joseph as he went from Pharaoh’s prison to palace. They will become a part of history as they see, hear, touch, and even taste what it was like to live in Pharaoh’s empire. They will also enjoy a host of kid-friendly activities, including an exploration of authentic marketplace shops, take part in games, dance to lively Bible songs, and learn more about God’s presence in Joseph’s life, in good times and bad.
These experiences make God’s Word come alive with new meaning for all who participate. Everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them. Each day concludes with a Celebration, a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved. Vacation Bible School is available to all children ages four to those entering sixth grade. Families do not need to be members of Asbury First, so your child can also invite a friend to join in on the fun. The cost is $15 per child, with a maximum of $40 per family. Contact Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
2016 Children’s Musical On Sunday, May1, the Children’s Ministry presented the musical, “Table for Five Thousand – The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes,” written by Allen Pote and Tom S. Long. Directed by Holly Temming and accompanied by David Strong on piano and Laura Booth Chan on flute, 29 children ranging in ages 4 through 11 retold the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with only
5 loaves and 2 fishes. The show’s final piece titled “Small Things” was based on a quote by Mother Teresa: “We can do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” This message was a great reminder to the children and congregation that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, with God we can do great things.
Children’s Programs at Asbury First Your 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 each week and throughout the year. Check out the events calendar at www. asburyfirst.org or contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
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Vacation Bible School Registration Form Asbury First Vacation Bible School, August 8-11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $15.00 per child, no more than $40 per family Register your child(ren) at www.AsburyFirst.org or complete the application below and mail it to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Child(ren) Name
Age
Allergies
T-Shirt Size
PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________ Cell_________________________Email____________________________ Best number to be reached during VBS hours________________________________________________________
MEDICAL INFORMATION Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of:____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact ___________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to child(ren) ______________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Cell____________________________________________ Medical Insurance Company ____________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church to administer the necessary medical treatment. Signature of parent/guardian____________________________________________ Date ____________________ Please list the people who have the permission to pick up your child(ren):____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)? Registration Music Student Guide Games Bible Stories Crafts Snack Nursery Caregiver Do you have any child(ren) under four that would need childcare when you volunteer? Yes _____ No____
On Thursday evening, August 11, we’ll have a family celebration to wrap-up the end of a great week. 12
Trustees’ Report If you have had an easier time navigating the Education Wing, the Gathering Center and the Welcoming Hall recently, it may be thanks to new signage installed earlier this year. Trustee Laura Swett spearheaded the effort with support from former Trustee Martha Tuke and our sign consultant and supplier, ID Signsystems, Inc. The Trustees will continue this effort to make our campus more welcoming for parishioners and visitors alike.
Wayne Turnblom to develop detailed plans and probable cost estimates for the campus improvements discussed at our September Church Conference. The scope of their work has been expanded to include a schematic design study of a possible porte-cochere at the Welcoming Hall entrance. Costs for this preliminary stage remain within the $90,000 budget authorized at the conference.
The safety of Dining and Caring Center volunteers and guests remains a priority. A new floor has been installed by Messner Flooring in the Center’s Kitchen, and the exterior steps leading to the kitchen area will be repaired in the upcoming weeks. Church member and accomplished artisan Bob Trout will be constructing an architecturally appropriate and visually appealing wrought iron safety rail on a portion of the sanctuary balcony.
At the end of March, our endowment stood at $7,086,980, of which $1,415,922 was in the Restricted Fund. At the recommendation of the Investment Committee, the Trustees recently approved the addition of Genesee Valley Trust and Alesco Advisors as financial advisors to help us manage our endowment portfolios, along with Manning & Napier. Genesee Valley Trust will advise regarding a portion of our general endowment assets and Alesco will handle our restricted endowment.
Bero Archictecture and IBC Engineers have continued to work with Trustee Chuck Hanrahan and former Trustee
Finally, Chuck Hanrahan has joined the Trustees, replacing a member who resigned in February.
Summer Choir Starts June 19 Asbury First’s Summer Choir will begin on June 19, as we turn to the summer schedule of services. Summer Choir will rehearse at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday in Wesley Hall, and sing at the 10:00 a.m. service. This is a great chance to become involved in our music program! All singers are welcome to give this a try and new singers can join with experienced singers! Make new friends, and have a fun musical experience this summer! For more information, contact Bill Weinert at wweinert@esm.rochester.edu.
It’s Time for the Asbury First
Basement Sale Thursday, August 4 to Saturday, August 6
We are looking for donations of jewelry, antiques and collectables, linens, toys, small electronics, games, furniture, furs and vintage clothing, etc. For more information, contact Elizabeth Church at (585) 461-9802 or emchurch418@gmail.com. 13
School 41 to Host Health Fair In our on-going support of School 41, Asbury First will assist in the First Annual Health Fair at School 41 on Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Asbury First Wellness Center will be there to do blood pressure screenings. There will also be a yoga demonstration. Tasteful Connections under the leadership of Sandra Holloway will demonstrate healthy cooking on the grill; and our food truck connection will assist us in having some fun food choices. There will be other agencies present including fire, police, and bicycle safety. If you are a part of the health community and can provide other services, please contact Nancy Davidow at ndavidow2@rochester.rr.com.
Service on the Steps
Save the Date Church-Wide Retreat October 21-23, 2016
Starting June 19, the 8:30 Service will be outside on the front steps of the church
WORSHIP worship schedule
(weather permitting)
Outdoor Shoes
SUNDAY, JUNE 12 (summer schedule begins) Youth Sunday SUNDAY, JUNE 19 (outdoor service begins) Galatians 3:23-29 The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, preacher SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Galatians 5:1; 13-25 The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, preacher SUNDAY, JULY 3 Luke 6:46-49 Preacher, Kathy Thiel SUNDAY, JULY 10 Luke 10: 25-37 The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, preacher
for an
Outdoor Service Flip-Flops Optional 14
A Reflection on General Conference 2016 By Paula Kuempel
Asbury First member, Paula Kuempel, attended the 2016 General Conference held May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon as a legislative page. The Theme of the event, taken from Matthew 28 was “Therefore, Go!” Although she was not a voting delegate, she had a front row seat to the happenings of the conference. Below are some of her reflections: While the experience of General Conference was exhilarating—being with thousands of United Methodists, praying and singing as a whole body in our own languages, listening to the moving and hopeful sermons of the Bishops and the music of the choirs from around the world in daily worship, watching the people greet each other as family—it was difficult to watch our denomination hide behind the rules (both Robert’s and their own) in order to avoid making the tough decisions that were before them.
Of course, the “elephant in the room” was the language in the Discipline that says “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings”. The defeat of conference “Rule 44” in the first week (developed at the request of the 2012 General Conference and presented with the hope that the body would allow “holy conferencing” in small integrated groups (15) with moderators and translators to discuss difficult and complex issues and legislation) was the first sign of dysfunction. The delegates gave away an opportunity to discuss the issues out of fear of how it might shift their already entrenched opinions—out of fear of how the Holy Spirit might move through them. In the second week, after a day and a half of “haggling” on the floor, an unprecedented motion was made asking the Bishops to lead the church through the crisis that is confronting the church. As a result, the Bishops proposed that a special commission to examine and recommend revisions to the Book of Discipline related to human sexuality be established and that it report back at a special General Conference specifically focused on human sexuality before 2020. While it had
the effect of tabling any petition dealing with human sexuality at the 2016 General Conference, it also opened up the possibility for meaningful change—in a couple years. Hope! Lest you think it was all downhill, let me assure you that some of the legislation was addressed and many celebrations were held—of communion, Young People, Consecration of Deaconesses and Home Ministers, 250th Anniversary of John Street Church, 150th Anniversary of United Methodist Women, 60th Anniversary of Women Pastors, Africa University, 200th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 30th Anniversary of Disciple Bible Study, and many more. A trip through the Exhibit Hall was a reminder of all the places where The UMC is succeeding in its mission—missionary work, the “No More Malaria” campaign, UMCOR, United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women. All in all, I would do it again, if not as a delegate then as a volunteer or just as an observer. In the meantime, let us continue to pray for the Bishops as they: Therefore Go!
Events Summary
A quick view of the events highlighted in this edition of The Visitor Starting June 12
Summer Hours with 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Services
Starting June 19
8:30 a.m. Service - Service on the Steps (continuing through the summer, weather permitting)
Starting June 19
Summer Choir, Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m.
June 19, 8:00 a.m.
Blood Drive
August 7-11
Tent Week
August 8-11
Vacation Bible School 15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
TENT WEEK PRESENTED BY ASBURY FIRST UMC
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 1050 EAST AVE, ROCHESTER NY
ST AY T U N E D F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N ! !