TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter December 2011 • Vol. XLV No. 10 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Holiday Events, 5 Harvest Dinner, 6 Sunday School, 7 Red Bird Mission, 10 Shining Star(r), 15
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLV No. 10
Through worship, education, and care, we develop disciples of
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for January/February and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church.
Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
Legacy
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to
A Pastoral Reflection
Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
All around us Life is Alive! Newborns breathe their first And Yes! Even those who breathe their last Join the life of the Communion of Saints Gathered into the Great Cloud of Witnesses And if they are in God And God is with us Are they not, then, still with us? This is the power of Christ’s resurrection This is the sign That life is alive!
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley
Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Ashley Eckman Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Megan Phaneuf
Senior Pastor Pastor Pastor Administrative Director of Music and the Arts Artistic Director of Music and the Arts Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Together in Ministry (Volunteer) Coordinator Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater Photographer
Weep not for the leaf that falls Did it not bring shade and comfort in its time? Did it not transform into its vibrant color in its season? As it glides and gently decorates the earth it joins its generation the leaf is gathered with all her cohorts And the knowledge of a Spring not too long in time already harkens the heart toward hope Be ye glad For the seasons we share in each other’s path of life Sojourners planting seeds where we shall never reap and along the way together we sing a song of hope A song that lilts Life is Alive Life is Alive!
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org. Deadline for next issue: Monday, January 9
Phil
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AFUMC news Calling all Shepherds and Angels
Children four years old through sixth grade: please join us for
by Lisa Graham McMinn and Megan Anna Neff.
Enrichment and Bible Beat during the 11:00 service on De-
WOW commenced the discussion of the Desmond Tutu book in mid-
cember 4, 11 and 18 to prepare for our annual Christmas Eve
November and will continue with this book through December. The
pageant. Please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.
other book choices will follow. Originating in 1989, the Women on
org if you would like to help with the pageant.
Wednesday reading and discussion group meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m., September through May. There is an open invita-
Church Women United News
tion for women of AFUMC and their friends to join the group for any
CWU will hold its Advent celebration and annual meeting on
of the discussion sessions. Meetings are held at noon in the dining
Friday, December 2 at St. John’s Meadows, Chestnut Court,
room at 1010 East Avenue.
Second Building, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West, 14620, from 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A Bible study will be led by Sally Dodgson of First
Have You Seen ...?
Baptist Church. Lunch will be brown bag, with desserts and
The church does not have an address for the following people. If you
drinks provided. Please bring your Bible and $3.00 registration
do, please call the church office (585-271-1050 ext 103) and leave the
fee. You are also invited to bring baked goods for a bake sale,
information for Melody Guadagnino. You can also send an e-mail to
and donations of diapers for Sanctuary House will be accepted.
mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
WOW Chooses Upcoming Books for Discussion
David Billington
Rachel Gates
Books selected for reading and discussion by Asbury First’s reading
Ellen Espy-Holliday
Tim Haines
and discussion group, Women on Wednesday, include three of vary-
Brad Hornbake
Donald Johnstone
ing topics — Desmond Tutu’s God is Not a Christian and Other Provoca-
Laura Hornbake
Cory Lenherr
tions, Is Your Lord Large Enough by C. S. Lewis, and Walking Gently on
Virginia Wright
Lindsay Rock
the Earth: Making Faithful Choices About Food, Energy, Shelter and More
New Director of Children’s Music A message from David Strong, Administrative Director of Music and the Arts: I’m pleased to announce that we’ve filled the director of children’s music position. Bozena Granat, who holds an undergraduate degree in piano and eurhythmics (double major) from State Conservatory of Music, Rzeszow, Poland, a M.A. in musicology and music education from Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland, and a music teacher certificate from the University of Massachusetts, joined our team in late October. Bozena has extensive experience working with children in educational and church settings. She is a vocal/general music teacher at Council Rock Elementary School in Brighton, instructor of piano and eurhythmics at the Hochstein School, instructor at the Webster Montessori School, and instructor of children making music in the Community Music Program at Nazareth College. She is also organist and director of music at the First United Methodist Church in West Webster. I’m very much looking forward to having her be a part of the Asbury First family, and ask that you join me in welcoming her! My sincere and deep appreciation to Brian Bohrer for agreeing to step in and get our children’s music program “going” at the beginning of this year. 3
Bozena Granat
Advent’s Winter Wonder Night December 4 5:00 p.m.
Come for a “breakfast” supper and stay for a family worship service. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas. Please RSVP to Melissa Bohrer at mbohrer@asburyfirst.org by December 1.
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Christmas Tree Sale sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 19
Hours of operation (starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving): Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 4:30-9:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Granger Street lawn, Asbury First campus
Your purchase supports the boys of our troop in their outings to places like Massawepie Scout Camp in the Adirondacks, Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico, and the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia.
Gift Certificate For: Value: From: Expires:
Members of Asbury First United Methodist Church $5.00 off any premium full size tree Boy Scout Troop #19 December 17, 2011
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• A look ahead • to our holiday season activities
Advent Activities ❆
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Labyrinth Wednesdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 5:00-7:00 p.m. Walking the labyrinth is a time for reflection, hope, and peace; a time for you to free yourself from busy thoughts and slow down to receive the message God has for you.
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Taizé Wednesdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 6:00 p.m. This contemplative service is a 45-minute pause in your day that offers an opportunity for reflection, rest, and the beauty of silence and peaceful music. Theology Thursdays new session starts December 1 6:00-7:00 p.m. lower level, 1050 East Ave. Throughout December, Phil Phaneuf will lead the group in a discussion of Marjorie Suchocki’s books In God’s Presence: Reflections on Prayer. Advent’s Winter Wonder Night (for children and families) Sunday, December 4 5:00-7:00 p.m. Come join us for dinner, fellowship, and storytelling as we take in the warmth of our beautiful chancel.
A Service of Remembrance Sunday, December 11 3:00 p.m. A candlelight meditative service of word, music, and communion, with the lighting of the remembrance candles. Amahl and the Night Visitors Friday, December 16 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10/$5 students & seniors Enjoy this beloved Christmas tale as presented in the one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. Performed by Cordancia Chamber Orchestra and the St. Charles Borromeo Church Choir. Part of Asbury First's Music and the Arts Series.
Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24
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Service of Carols and Holy Communion 12:00 noon Organ, harp, and voice.
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Service for Families and Children 4:00 p.m. Choral and handbell music and a pageant.
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Service of Word with Candlelight, Lessons and Carols 7:00 p.m. Choral, handbell, and instrumental music.
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Service of Word, Candlelight, and Holy Communion 9:00 p.m. Instrumental and vocal music with Communion.
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Service of Word with Candlelight, Lessons, and Carols 11:00 p.m. Choral, handbell, and instrumental music.
Christmas Day Sunday, December 25
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Traditional Service 10:00 a.m. Word and special music (note: this will be the only service on Christmas day).
New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31
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Communion and Meditation 4:30-6:30 p.m. Come and go as you wish. Labyrinth will be available 4:00-6:00 p.m.
New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1
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Traditional Service 10:00 a.m. Note: we will have one service on New Year’s Day.
• AHarvest of Thanks • T
Celebrating our Joys Togethe r as a Family
he annual Harvest Dinner at Asbury First brought a joyous group of adults and young people together for an evening of good food, fellowship, and thankfulness. Participants enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner in the Gathering Center, and then visited stations where
they learned more about giving thanks for all the world’s blessings. One popular activity was a Thanksgiving Tree, with ornaments on which the children wrote what they were thankful for. Everything from “my family” to “bunnies” were carefully noted on the colorful leaves. Everyone – children and grownups alike – left the evening with full stomachs but more importantly, with full hearts.
photos by Megan Phaneuf
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Together in Ministry
Volunteering at asbury first by Ashley Eckman vide a place to develop faith and friendships with kids from more than a dozen different schools. Our weekly sharing is a vivid reminder of how grown-up our 12 and 13 year olds have become.” Jim: “I started eight years ago with this group when my boys attended Kindergarten and got caught up in the fun. Watching the kids grow into responsible youth is an honor. Our always popular joys and concerns time give the students a chance to unburden things that are bothering them, and also share in each other’s successes.
From left, Karen Cole, Laurie Kennedy, Zane Anderson, and Cathy Ernsthausen work with a class of junior high youth. Photo by Megan Phaneuf.
Asbury First’s Junior High Sunday School class is thriving. This enthusiastic group explores real-life situations through a biblical lens. Each Sunday, twenty eager seventh and eighth graders experience a consistent routine: share joys and concerns, participate in an activity, study a verse, discuss a question, enjoy snack, and close in prayer. In addition, this class meets for outside fellowship including a corn maze, an Asbury First sleepover, and a sledding party. Not only are the students having a great time, but the teachers are as well. Dave and Laurie Kennedy, Karen Cole, Jim Carter, Zane Anderson and Cathy Ernsthausen are each a part of this innovative teaching team. The team met over the summer to discuss the “Faith in Motion” curriculum and calendar the teaching responsibilities. This new teacher rotation meets
the needs of the students and, at the same time, has created a meaningful and manageable volunteer role for the adults. As a result of the successful structure, Children’s Ministry has implemented the same team-teaching model for the preschool-sixth grade classes.
Laurie: “The kids’ energy is exciting. We hope that the class gives them a place to feel safe and be accepted with all of their questions and ideas about God and life. For me, I found I love the encouraging role of teaching. “
In their own words: Zane: “All of us teachers have students in the class and, like the other parents, I want to be a part of my child’s spiritual growth. At this age, the kids still don’t mind learning from their parents. The classroom is like a cozy den with warm colors, comfortable chairs, and a snack always in reach. Last week we had 19 students, 6 parent teachers, homemade doughnuts, and a fun, energetic lesson. What could be better?”
Cathy: “I enjoy the time with kids. They are constantly growing and challenging me in my Christian faith. I think it is important that the kids know that the Bible is relevant in our life today. I hope they can incorporate our faith lessons on Sunday in their everyday lives. I am thankful for the many opportunities for children at Asbury First. They are able to learn about the world and contribute.” Karen: “At first, volunteering was a great opportunity to do something with my son. We not only shared that hour each week, but I felt connected to his friends. But now, it has grown for me. I get to share time together, but also I am a member of a great teaching team that I am pleased to call my friends. It is not just another volunteer commitment, but truly a time of fun and fellowship.”
Are you interested in volunteering in Children’s Ministry? Melissa Bohrer and Paula Dugan, co-directors of Children’s Ministry, welcome your time and talent. In addition to Sunday School teachers, many additional volunteer opportunities are available. Contact them at: mbohrer@asburyfirst.org, pdugan@ asburyfirst.org or 271-1050 x111. Melissa says, “We are so thrilled with our Junior High teaching team. They have really created a wonderful learning environment that fosters cooperation and teamwork. In addition, the teachers have provided opportunities outside of Sunday morning for our junior high class to grow in faith. We appreciate all the time and dedication that these teachers give every Sunday and beyond.” For additional volunteer opportunities, contact Ashley Eckman, Together in Ministry coordinator at 271-1050 x112.
Dave: “I’m pleased the students have responded favorably by returning week after week. We pro7
Jesus Christ Superstar a Resounding Success Early November saw three nights of Broadway-style theatrical talent as the youth of Asbury First presented the classic rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Directed by Larry Dugan with musical direction by Brian Bohrer, the play featured a large cast of talented young people who sang, danced, and acted their way through the story of Jesus, told from the perspective of Judas. Along with the audience, we applaud the actors, production crew, and all who were involved in making this a riveting and memorable dramatic production!
In God’s Presence: Reflections on Prayer A Course on Marjorie Suchocki’s Book Led by Rev. Phil Phaneuf Beginning Thurs. Dec. 1 6:00-7:30 p.m. Lower Level Sanctuary Cost:$15 for the Book ($9.99 on Kindle) (Scholarships available to cover the cost of book if needed)
This four-week discussion will be guided by distinguished theologian Marjorie Suchocki’s book as she explores the dynamics of prayer: what it is, what it isn’t, and how various kinds of personal and corporate prayer work to bring us into the presence of God. If, as Suchocki says, we regard prayer as a partnership with – not a manipulation of – God, we can find whole new dimensions in our prayer life. Part of the Theology Thursday Series.
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music & the arts join us for these upcoming concerts!
Amahl and the Night Visitors Friday, December 16 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10/$5 students and seniors
The musicians of St. Charles Borromeo and Cordancia Chamber Orchestra present the classic opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti. Enjoy the tale of young Amahl, whose life is forever changed by three regal visitors who arrive at his home on a winter’s night in Bethlehem.
Juanita Wallace Jackson Sunday, January 15 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $10/$5 students and seniors
Juanita Wallace Jackson has been singing for audiences since she was five years old. Even at this early age, her prodigious talents did not go unnoticed. Her classically trained voice has brought her acclaim throughout the east coast and Midwest, and she is a regular performer at Chautauqua. She has sung the title role in Bizet’s Carmen, and has performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass.
Contemporary Organ Music Festival Friday, February 3 7:30 p.m. free
Few instruments are as beloved in music-loving Rochester as the organ, and few organs are as celebrated as Asbury First’s Austin organ. Join us as Eastman School of Music’s most stellar organ students present a shining repertoire of contemporary pieces for the organ. Listen as the star musicians of tomorrow share the fruit of their musical labors with us.
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• Reflections from the Adult Mission Trip to Red Bird, Kentucky • by Bob Castle
At first glance, the differences were striking. • We left our high tech world to live for a week at the Red Bird Mission work camp with no cell phones, no cable TV, and only occasional internet access. • We left Monroe County with its nearby Wegmans, malls, and restaurants to work in the fourth poorest county in the nation nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. • We left family and friends to live with 79 other volunteers from throughout the country.
•
We left Rah-chester, N'York with its familiar accents to serve mountain people who were at times impossible to understand.
• We found ourselves cut off from the world during an unsettling time: a volatile stock market, an east coast earthquake, and Irene bearing down on the coast. Despite all this, I quickly realized this is where God wanted us to be, doing his work. The adult mission group (Doug and Chris
Lee, Phil and Megan Phaneuf and Tyler Poquette, Alana Carrozo, Conrad (Van) VanVoort, Sally (Sam) Olivier and Bob Castle) was contributing to the ongoing work of Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission
has been providing ministries in this region of the Appalachian Mountains since 1921. As the week went by, I began to appreciate the incredible strength of these mountain people who continually face the challenges of chronic poverty, lack of jobs, poor housing, and rugged mountainous terrain. I witnessed how Red Bird Mission is making a significant difference through their school (preschool-12), medical/dental clinic, community store, food bank, elderly housing, craft market, work camp, and numerous other ministries.
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For our part, the group worked on a trailer owned by Bobby Smith, a quiet, soft-spoken gentleman who had lived all his life in a tiny holler (small valley) in the Appalachian Mountains. Our crew leader, Tim, had faced life’s challenges and had now found his calling, leading Red Bird work groups in his native mountain region. Under Tim’s guidance, we successfully built two decks and replaced the underpinning around the trailer. It was a full week of hard work for our group. The last day, when Bobby stepped onto his new deck and quietly thanked us with a lump in his throat and a smile on his face, I was reminded of the quote from St Francis of Assisi: “for it is in giving that we receive.” We received the gift of thanks from a new friend, Bobby Smith. It is a gift I will always cherish. This year, for the first time, the Red Bird Mission is being included in Asbury First’s “Joy of Christmas Giving” offering. Please consider donating to this worthwhile mission.
YOUTH news Support our Youth Mission Trip Need an easy Christmas gift or two? The youth are having an apparel sale to raise funds for their 2012 international mission trip to rural Jamaica. All items (except infant creeper and T-shirt) are custom-embroidered with the Asbury First insignia. Youth representatives will be at the information desk in the Welcoming Hall throughout the month of December before and after the 11:00 a.m. service to take your orders or answer questions. If you’d like to look at larger images and color samples, check out www.alphashirt.com. For more information, email Megan Phaneuf at meem@rochester.rr.com.
G800 T-Shirt 50/50 preshrunk cotton, polyester Sizes: S-5XL (adult); XS-L (youth) Colors: ash grey, azalea, black, carolina blue, daisy, dark chocolate, dark heather, forest green, garnet, gold, heliconia, irish green, jade dome, kelly green, kiwi, light blue, light pink, lime, maroon, natural, navy, orange, orchid, paprika, purple, red, royal, sand, sapphire, sky, sport grey, tan, tennessee orange, texas orange, white, yellow haze. $15 each.
D100 Polo Shirt 100% Peruvian Pima cotton. Sizes: S-6XL (men); S-3XL (women); Colors: augusta green, black, burgundy, butter, deep orange, dill, forest, french blue, grey heather, light blue, lime, melon, navy, pink, purple, red, rust, slate blue, stone, sunray yellow, tangerine, taupe, true royal, white. $40 each.
145 Twill Cap 100% pigment-dyed cotton twill one size fits all. Colors: black, charcoal, deck blue, ivy, khaki, navy, pine, raspberry, white. $15 each.
M915 Contrast Handle Tote 600-denier polyester, pvc backing. 18:w x 12”H x 4”D Colors: navy/red, pink/white, white/ black, white/forest, white/navy/ white/ red, white/royal, yellow/black. $15 each.
M990 Full-zip Fleece 100% spun polyester fleece with nonpill surface finish Sizes: S-4XL (men); S-2XL (women); S-XL (youth) Colors: black, charcoal, hunter, navy, red, true royal $50 each.
M999 Fleece Blanket 100% spun polyester fleece, finished with matching whipstitch. Colors: black, charcoal, hunter, navy, red, true royal $40 each.
All items (except the infant’s creeper and the T-shirt, which is screen printed) are embroidered with the Asbury First insignia:
4400 Infant’s Creeper 100% combed ringspun cotton Sizes: NB, 6mos, 12mos, 18mos, 24mos. Colors: banana, black, heather, kelly, key lime, light blue, navy, pink, raspberry, red, royal, white. $12 each.
Infant’s creeper is embroidered with the words “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise.”
Your name:__________________________________________phone #________________________________________ address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ email address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Item
size
color
quantity
price/item
total price
GRAND TOTAL: make checks payable to AFUMC, memo line: UMYF apparel. Bring this order form to the church office or the Welcoming Hall desk on Sunday. Thank you for your support!
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Our Living Births & Baptisms
Deaths
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Katherine Woods Guffey, daughter of Matthew and Susan Guffey, born on October 28, 2011.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Colleen Wolin who died on October 17, 2011
Aubrey Taylor Scott, daughter of Robert and Christina Scott, baptized on November 6, 2011. Phillip Richard Russo, son of Marc and Jennifer Russo, baptized on November 6, 2011. Helana Ann Nadelen, daughter of Christopher and Amy Nadelen, baptized on November 6, 2011. Ethan Cooper Fishel, son of Adam and Sarah Fishel, baptized on November 13, 2011. Anderson R. Arenas, son of Anson Arenas and Maureen O’Neil, baptized on November 13, 2011.
in Community
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Nancy Specht and family on the death of Nancy’s mother June C. Clark October 20, 2011.
All of us are deeply saddened by the shocking news of the
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Martha Hunt, Meredith Ruder and their families on the death of Martha and Meredith’s sister Donna Steele Wright November 2, 2011.
memories are tinged with tears and questions as well as
death of Rev. Margie Mayson. “Margie” holds a special place in our hearts and ministries here at Asbury First. Our
deep gratitude to God for this one whose spiritual gifts have increased our faith and called us in response. Our prayers and love go out to Wes, Jessica, and Kiah as they mourn and
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Celia Pawlish who died on November 16, 2011.
we mourn as well. May we find our way in these days with the faith that Margie proclaimed and the love she shared. Blessings! Susan.
Charge Conferences
Sunday, December 4 & Sunday, January 15 Participate in the life of your church be attending these important annual meetings, where you will have a voice in determining the future activities and organizational structure of Asbury First. Sunday, December 4, 2011 Following the 11:00 a.m. service • Led by our District Superintendent, Rev. Ted Anderson • We will review a preliminary annual operating plan, and a preliminary nominations report.
Sunday, January 15, 2012 Following the 11:00 a.m. service • We will finalize the annual operating plan, and the nominations report. • We’ll be voting on the organizational restructuring project.
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worship schedule WORSHIP Sunday December 4 Advent II Isaiah 40:1-11 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday January 8 Baptism of the Lord Mark 1:4-11 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher
Sunday December 18 Advent IV Luke 1:26-38 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday january 29 Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher
Sunday January 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Rev. Dr. Albert P. Brinson, preacher
Sunday December 11 Advent III Sunday December 25 Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-11 Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher Christmas Eve Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. See worship schedule for ChristTraditional Worship mas weekend on page 5. 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Sunday january 1 Holy Communion Epiphany
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday january 22 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
The Church in the Digital Age: The Fall Combined Education Hour Sunday, December 11 9:4-10:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall This new fall course is being co-taught at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School by Prof. David Kim & Rev. Phil Phaneuf. We’ll spend the combined Sunday school hour at Asbury First focusing on the highlights of the course and what we‘ve experienced related to this contemporary – and sometimes controversial – topic. All are welcome!
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T
library news
he December library selections focus on the Christmas season. Join us to explore Christmas books for all ages. The following books are just a few of the many possibilities available for loan in the Church Resource Library.The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators.When the church is open, the library is open, and everyone is welcome! Children Moses and the Angels, by Ileene Smith Sobel , Illustrated by Mark Podwal. This book provides, in a colorful and beautifully illustrated children’s book, the story of a Moses many encounters with angels. Moses and the Angels is a powerful story especially for children in grades 2-4.
Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen In a humorous, sensitive story of two teenagers, Flipped describes middle schoolers feelings about themselves, each other, and their families and how they have changed over the years. Especially popular with the age 10-14 age group and it has been made into a movie.
The Blessing of the Beasts, by Ethel Pochocki, Illustrated by Barry Moser Kids and adults alike will treasure this story about the value of all creatures, and will learn anew that all of creation has value, purpose, and God’s blessing. It’s a story about a roach and a skunk and a parade of other animals who want to be a part of the blessing of the animals in the church.
Adult The First Christmas (263.9) by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan Notable theologians credit The First Christmas with enriching our understanding of Jesus and providing profound and convincing insights into the meaning of Jesus birth and life for the early church. Written by two of today’s top Jesus scholars, this book describes what the Gospels teach about the birth of Jesus and how history has biased our reading of the nativity story as it appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Christmas in the Barn, by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Diane Goode Author of Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown, has created a child’s version of the Nativity story. Children, ages 3-7, and their parents will enjoy this story of the birth of Christ and the charming water color and ink illustrations. Youth Hattie Big Sky, by Kirby Larson After author Kirby Larson heard the story of her great-grandmother homesteading in eastern Montana, she spent three years writing this story. It is about a 16-year-old orphan who goes to eastern Montana to prove her uncle’s land claim and faces adventure, frost, drought and blizzards.
December 1 Isaiah 11:1-16 2 Isaiah 12:1-6 3 Isaiah 52:1-12 4 Jeremiah 33:1-26 5 Malachi 3:1-18 6 Malachi 4:1-6 7 Mark 1:1-13 8 John 1:19-34 9 John 1:35-51 10 John 2:1-12
11 Job 34:1-37 12 Job 35:1-16 13 Job 36:1-33 14 Job 37:1-24 15 Job 38:1-41 16 Job 39:1-40:2 17 Job 40:3-24 18 Job 41:1-34 19 Job 42:1-17 20 Amos 5:1-27 21 Jonah 5:1-27 22 Jonah 4:1-11 23 Micah 1:1-16 24 Micah 2:1-13 25 Micah 3:1-12 26 Micah 4:1-13 27 Micah 5:1-15 28 Micah 6:1-16
From Holidays to Holy Days (242.332), by Albert Holtz The author, a Benedictine monk who lives in the center of downtown Newark, New Jersey, invites the reader to join him on his daily walks during the season, as he points out dozens of often unnoticed connections between our holidays and the spiritual meaning of Advent and Christmas. He introduces the reader to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself—all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas messages of peace and hope and good will.
29 30 31
Micah 7:1-20 Nahum 1:1-15 Psalm 46
January 1 Matthew 2:14-21 2 John 6:30-33; 48-51 3 John 7:37-52 4 John 8:12-19 5 John 10:7-17 6 14:6-14 7 John 15:1-16 8 John 1:29-34 9 John 1:1-18 10 John 1:19-28 11 John 1:29-42 12 John 1:43-51 13 John 2:1-12 14 John 2:13-22 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Mark 3:7-19 John 2:23-3:15 John 3:16-21 John 3:22-36 John 4:1-15 John 4:16-26 John 4:27-42 Mark 7:31-37 John 4:43-54 John 5:1-18 John 5:19-29 John 5:30-47 John 6:1-15 John 6:16-27 John 6:27-40 John 6:41-51 John 6:52-59
the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2
A Shining Starr As she says, her walk with
There have been so many wonderful surprises this
God grew to the extent that she
year at the Asbury Din-
felt as though she could do some-
ing and Caring Center.
thing to make a positive impact
Gifts of time, money, and
for an agency in need. Remem-
food have been overflow-
bering the kindness of Asbury
ing this holiday season.
First and other agencies when she
The generosity of the
was a little girl, she decided to do
community has flour-
something nice for us. As she said,
ished as our visibility
she and her mother were depen-
increases. “Everybody
dant on others for survival. She
can be great because any-
wanted to give back.
body can serve. You only
Starr was very impressed with
need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” (Martin
everything we do here at the Dining Center and contacted Channel
Luther King Jr.)
8. Reporter Alex Hinkley did a nice job profiling us and explaining
Starr Cooper is a prime example of a woman with a gracious
our needs for food and monetary donations. The response was posi-
heart and a positive spirit. She is a 27-year-old successful busi-
tive. Starr then contacted radio station WDKX who broadcasted
nesswoman who has overcome a past filled with trauma. Starr’s
live from the Dining Center on Saturday November 12. They spon-
mother has not yet overcome her many years of addiction to
sored a food drive for us which netted turkeys, cases of food, and
drugs. She is still homeless. With baby Starr in tow, mother
monetary donations. Once again we have been blessed. Starr is not
and daughter frequented soup kitchens and homeless shelters
stopping. She is contacting more businesses and grocery stores and
in Rochester. The anticipated placements in apartments never
WDKX is promising to advertise our need for food all month long.
lasted long and Starr and her mother repeatedly found them-
I asked Starr where her confidence comes from. She unhesitat-
selves living on the streets. Evictions were commonplace. Starr
ingly replied: “I want to be a woman of God and a good mother. If
was not living the carefree life of a little girl with happy Christ-
my intent is good, I won’t be disappointed. “
mases and fellowship. After many years, this devastating situa-
Starr has proven to be a wonderful, unexpected surprise. Shy
tion and way of life finally came to an end when Starr went to
and diminutive in stature, she believes in the power of one person.
live with her grandmother.
Thank you Starr. Each of us has the capacity to make a difference.
With a talent for design and experience painting homes, Starr
“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly
discovered a new career, that of interior decorating. She opened
by embracing one another” (Luciano de Crescenzo).
her own company, Swarae Design, and began to decorate busi-
If you would like to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day at the Dining
nesses and restaurants. Little by little she has developed a fol-
and Caring Center please contact me, Michele Cooley, by phone
lowing and a base of customers. Along the way she made many
(271-0692) or e-mail (mcooley@asburyfirst.org).
community connections, which led her to us. The hard lessons Starr learned as a child have culminated in a passion for hard work, sobriety, and faith in God. 15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Holiday Craft Show Sunday, December 4th Fellowship Hall 9:30-1:00 p.m.
baked goods ~ jewelry ~ photography ~ Handmade cards ~ Knit hats and scarves ~ doll clothes ~ copper crafting ~ wood carving ~ and much more!
A
portion of all sales go to the Storehouse.