TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter May 2012 • Vol. XLVI No. 4 • www.asburyfirst.org
In This Issue Pastor Honored, 3 Apportionment, 6 By the Numbers, 7 General Conference, 8 VBS, 11
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVI No. 4
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop dis-
(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.
ciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
A joyful rebirth
Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
A Pastoral Reflection
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
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
Cover: There’s a lesson contained in this church doorframe: if we look hard enough, Christ is everywhere. Photo by Megan Phaneuf. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109.
There are few things more beautiful in nature than to watch the magnolia tree outside my office window slowly come into full bloom. It is almost there and what a thrill to watch it beautify its surroundings. It instantly recalls to mind my childhood yard where seven or eight dogwood trees would come into bloom, lining our backyard at the woods; and at the same time the flowering plum would bloom with another dogwood in the front yard. We would move our breakfast time and dinner time from the kitchen to the dining room to peer out at the magnificence of these signs of spring and God’s creativity. It was always exhilarating and awe-inspiring, a scene of hope for me as is the blossoming of the magnolia tree, forsythia bushes, and cherry blossoms. For the preacher and writer Ted Loder these are signs of “mystery and the smile of it.” Recently I was introduced, through a parishioner, to the writer and CEO of Burpee Gardens, George Ball. It was an unexpected moment of a few words of an Easter message that found its way quickly into my heart. I share his words with you with a prayer that a part of his writing might touch you as deeply as it has for me. “… let’s remember that Easter, spring and the garden are inextricably linked, together forming a richly wrought tapestry interwoven with deep, ancient historical, symbolic and religious meanings. … Spring is the season of salvation … a time when life is on its knees. Even our thoughts change from active to reflective. Easter, spring and the garden represent thresholds: moving from a suspended state to new beginnings … at this time of year we all feel the renewal of life: new hope, illumination, the uplifted spirit. We revel in the longer days, the marvels awaiting us out of doors: the pageant of colors, the cantatas of birdsongs, the elixir of fragrance in the air.” As the world is unfolding with mystery and wonder, I pray we all have something of the magnificence of God stirring in us. Not only has He Risen but our eyes and ears and hearts can be even more deeply attuned to the majesty and small revelations of the fully unknown. May our lives unfold this spring with fresh budding, reaching and stretching toward a deeper experience with our Risen Lord. He is among us. Thanks be to God! Blessings,
Deadline for next issue: Monday, May 7
Susan 2
AFUMC news Youth Mission Trip Needs
member Karen Johnson. Other speakers include Byoung Beak of Korean United Methodist Church, Vanessa Hansen, Church of Latter Day Saints, and Lois Wong, Rochester Chinese Christian Church. The event will be held at Irondequoit United Church of Christ, 644 Titus Ave. Chicken dinner from Abundant Eatery Cuisine is available for $8.00, and reservations and payments are requested by April 18. Offerings will be taken for Fellowship of the Least Coin, and nonperishable food items for the Community Food Cuboard of Rochester and Pittsford Food Cupboard. For more information call (585) 342-2790.
The AFUMC youth who are traveling to Catadupa, Jamaica this summer on the youth mission trip are looking for donations of several items to bring with them for the families of this impoverished region. If you have new or gently used backpacks, crayons, or un-expired seed packets that you are able to donate, they would be very grateful. There’s a receptacle in the Welcoming Hall for your donations. Thank you!
Blanket Appeal Once again this year Asbury First will raise funds in support of Blankets+, a program of Church World Service that supplies warm blankets, tents, food, tools, seeds, and other materials to those across the world in need of them. You’ll find an envelope for this purpose in your May 13 bulletin. Our church efforts are coordinated by Roudebush Circle of the U.M.W. (United Methodist Women), who will have a video available for viewing in the Welcoming Hall. We ask
Church Women United News C.W.U. will hold a May Friendship Day on Friday, May 4. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., supper at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. The program features a variety of speakers from Rochester faith communities, including facilitator Alberta Latimer-Hunt from AME Zion Memorial Church, as well as Asbury First’s own Evelyn Penn, pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, and
Continued on page 5
Rev. Susan Shafer Earns Top Honor From Her Alma Mater
by Maidstone Mulenga
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Marcus Matthews calls the Rev. Susan Stettner Shafer “a gifted and caring pastor.” No wonder he named her as the first female senior pastor at Asbury First United Methodist Church, the largest UMC congregation in the area. Her alma mater agrees, and this month the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School honored Rev. Shafer as the 2012 Annual Distinguished Alumna during a special dinner on April 26 at the campus in Rochester. Rev. Shafer graduated with an M.Div. from CRCDS in 1982. She was ordained a full United Methodist elder in 1983. Prior to her ordination, she was active in a number of local nonprofits, including the Rochester Childbirth Education Association, and she has served on the Rochester Mayor’s Council on Church and Community Action in Betterment of Education, Communication and Social Justice. In 2010, Shafer was a finalist for the Athena Award by the Greater Rochester Women’s Council. Mary Anna Geib, who recommended Rev. Shafer for the Alumna award said: “Surely no winner of the Trost Memorial Prize for outstanding promise as preacher/pastor/parish minister has more beautifully lived up to it than Susan Stettner Shafer.” Apart from her ministry of leading the more than 2,295-member church, Rev. Shafer also teaches courses on pastoral care and leads seminars on field work experience at two Rochester-area colleges. “CRCDS is very proud to be able to count Shafer as a graduate, and is grateful to her late father, Eric Stettner, who continues to provide generous support for the school’s work,” according to a statement from the school. “We look enthusiastically towards her continued leadership as a model of transformative ministry for our current and future students.” Maidstone Mulenga is the director of communications for the Upper New York Area of the United Methodist Church. This article is excerpted from the Conference’s newsletter. 3
worship schedule WORSHIP
Sunday april 29 John 10:11-18 Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Sunday May 13 Mother’s Day Psalm 98 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday may 6 John 15:1-8 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday May 20 Ascension Sunday; Confirmation John 17:6-19 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
Sunday May 27 Memorial Sunday; Pentecost John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sunday June 3 Trinity Sunday John 3:1-17 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
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
We need you! Our community needs you! Donate Blood at the Asbury First Blood Drive Please help us meet our goal of 45 donations. Donating is easy, and takes about one hour in the donor area. You will have a mini-physical and learn your blood type. Why:
In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed almost every 2 seconds. Approximately 34,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States. About one out of every three of us will face a life threatening need for a blood transfusion in our lifetime.
When:
Sunday, June 3, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where:
Fellowship Hall (downstairs)
Who: You are eligible to give blood if you are: In general good health . Generally, between 17 and 75 years of age. Or, 16 and accompanied by a parent. For those of you over 75, and who have not donated in recent years, you can check with your doctor. Weigh at least 110 pounds Meet qualifications. Your health history will be confidentially evaluated to determine eligibility. Questions? Check the American Red Cross web site at http://www.redcrossblood.org for a list of criteria and more information. You may also call the Red Cross at 800-215-1659. Call Melody in the Church office to set up your appointment. 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirstumc.org.
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AFUMC news in Community
Our Living Deaths Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love We offer our prayers and sympathy to Tracey and J.W. Krimbill on the death of Tracey’s mother Ruthe Borland on March 29, 2012 in Fairfax, VA.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to June Walter’s and family on the death of June’s daughter Debbie Salomon March 21, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Inez Vosburgh who died in February 2012 in Melbourne, FL.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to Linda Marchant on the death of her mother Lois Marchant-Hulburt on March 23, 2012.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to John and Bonnie Erwin on the death of John’s sister Martha Collicchio on March 27 in Atlanta, GA.
you to please give generously, to help our brothers and sisters across the globe.
Births & Baptisms May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant. Bradley Andrew Richardson son of Abigail and Keith Richardson baptized on April 15, 2012.
New Members Gary and Barb Jones Michael Parkes
are given, walls painted, flowers planted, and births celebrated. A committee has been meeting since the beginning of the year to formulate plans for GWS locations and events. Watch your bulletins and our website (www.asburyfirst.org) for more info in the coming weeks as it becomes available, but be sure to pencil these days into your calendar: JUNE 3 THROUGH 9. We hope to see you there!
Roudebush Circle News The next meeting of the Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women will be Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. at 1010 East Ave. It will feature a catered dinner (cost is $8.00; please bring your own table service), and a program featuring Chet Fery, the “Bread Man,” who will talk on the power of an act of kindness. Donation of items for Alternatives for Battered Women will be collected. Everyone is welcome! Please make reservations for dinner with Joan Closson by Friday, May 18 at 671-5534. For more information regarding the Circle, call Ginn Fitch at 381-6464.
Wellness Clinic News Ida Hickman wants to thank everyone for making the Wellness Clinic open House a great success in January. We announced at that time we would add another night just for physicals and we have. Physicals are offered the first Tuesday of each month to those in need. These evenings, which started on March 1 with 14 patients, are going very well. We have added two nurses, one social worker, one massage therapist, one greeter, and one food assistant. But we still are in need of nurses and greeters. Just one Thursday or Tuesday a month would be a great help. Please call Ida Hickman at 461-9696. Thank you.
Great Week of Service It’s coming! Each year, Asbury First UMC and Babar AME join forces for a week make our city neighborhoods better places in which to live and work. With the help of hundreds of volunteers from the two churches, concerts
Thanks from Member Ida Hickman Ida Hickman wants to thank everyone for their cards, phone calls, food, and kind words of caring and healing following her injury. Thank you –Ida Hickman.
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Stewardship news
We Are Family
A Quick Guide to the Apportionment and What it Means to United Methodists
L
et’s say you’ve just become a United Methodist. You’ve found a great church with wonderful people, superb worship services, and terrific outreach opportunities (not, we’d like to think, unlike Asbury First!). What you may not realize, however, is that you’ve joined more than a bricks-and-morter church that’s a place of fellowship and worship. You’ve also become a member of the total United Methodist connection. What, exactly, does that mean? It’s simple. By virtue of your membership in an individual United Methodist church, you are also connected to a network of interdependent and interrelated people in groups at the local, regional, national, and international levels. As members of this great, interwoven fabric that is United Methodism, you promise God and your congregation that you will uphold the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. And that “church” is not only your local church, but also the district, the annual conference, and the general global church. That’s a lot of connections made by joining one local church! So what does this have to do with apportionment? Our financial participation in this greater relationship is called our apportionment. It is our “dues” for belonging to the United Methodist Church. Our apportionment is a part of our overall Annual Operation Plan (AOP). Generally, you only hear about the AOP during the fall stewardship season, when Asbury First works to raise the money needed to survive
and thrive for the coming year through a pledge drive. The apportionment, which in Asbury First’s case is roughly ten percent of the AOP, is set by the conference through a formula. This formula under the new conference structure weighs a heavier apportionment on larger, healthier churches within the conference. Therefore Asbury First contributes a higher proportional apportionment than other churches. What does apportionment support? The most visible application of the apportionment funds are to support the structure of the greater church itself. Just like in our own lives, there are “bills” that need to be paid at the national and global level. The organizational structure of the district superintendent, the bishop, and the staff that surrounds them necessitates salaries as well as physical structures to house them.
But apportionment is applied to the United Methodist mission as well. It is our first mile of mission giving. It forms the framework for the rest of our correctional ministry When we give our money as a congregation we are also giving to these causes: World Service Fund • This fund helps new churches get started and pays the salaries of missionaries, aids Bible studies, and provides leadership for youth ministries. The World Service is a financial lifeline to a long list of Christian missions and ministries. Africa University • This is the only General Conferenceapproved degree-granting institution of higher education on the continent of Africa. Men and women from more than 27 African countries pursue continued on page 14
6
By the U
Numbers
sing information from the 2011 Report of the Nominations Committee, 839 Asbury First members and guests volunteered in 1,737 different volunteer roles. Many persons served in more than one area. For example, a volunteer might serve as an office receptionist as well as being a member on the stewardship committee. There are more than 75 volunteer opportunities available at Asbury First. Whether you like to work with others or independently, on weekends or weekdays, in worship or in community outreach, there are meaningful ways for you to serve. To find the service opportunity that fits you best, contact Ashley Eckman, Together in Ministry Coordinator, 271-1050 x112 or aeckman@frontiernet.net. The largest categories of volunteers at Asbury First are listed below:
Dining & Caring Center
365
Gathering Center (Hospitality)
95
Music Ensembles (including all choirs)
Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN)
89
Children’s Ministry
71
187
Ushers
Storehouse:
54
138
Altar Guild
48
7
• 2012 General conference • Our Demonination Prepares for Growth and Change
Editor’s note: in late April the
church and society, and higher
General Conference of the United
education. Following the last
Methodist Church, held once
General Conference, consultants
every four years, will take place
were retained by the general
in Florida. Issues under debate
leadership (the Council of Bish-
include important matters of
ops and the Connectional Table,
organization and policy that will
which coordinates the UMC
impact our entire denomination
mission, ministry and resources)
in the coming years. We urge you
to determine if these agencies
to learn as much as you can about
were running as efficiently as
the issues facing this conference.
possible. There was, at this time,
We offer the following informa-
a sense that the church needed
tion as a primer on what the delegates will find
Order Out of Inefficiency
some “reordering” to cope wtih declining
waiting for them in Tampa.
The largest question facing this group is
membership and the aftermath of the 2008
one of organization. The structure of the
global economic crisis.
United Methodist Church includes gen-
It quickly became apparent that there was
eral agencies which are responsible for the
duplication of effort and other inefficiencies
bulk of activities with which the church is
in the structure of the general agencies. In
engaged. These range from the practical to
November 2011, the Council of Bishops
the mundane: from departments for general
endorsed a proposal by the Connectional
functions such as finance, communication,
Table to dramatically change the way the
and technology support, to offices engaged
general agencies were structured. The
At 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, April 24, in the palm tree-fringed Tampa Convention Center, 988 United Methodist delegates from across the globe will gather for a worship service and Holy Communion. It is probably safe to assume that many fervant prayers for the success of the next week will rise from that gathering, as these delegates are gathered for what is arguably the most important event in the life of the United Methodist Church. For nearly two weeks, until Friday, May 4, this group will chat, pray, discuss, even argue perhaps, and, finally, make determinations about issues facing our denomination in a changing world. Their task is a large one, and can perhaps be boiled down to one simple question: In an era when mainline Protestantism is experiencing severe declines in numbers, how can the United Methodist Church remain vital, active, ethical, and efficient in sharing God’s word and loving our neighbor?
in planning strategy for global ministries, Improving the Agencies The main proposal before the General Conference’s 988 delegates would collapse the current 13 general agencies into a more manageable five. The new agencies would be as follows: • Office of Congregational Vitality: This entity would be in charge of matters pertaining to discipleship and multicultural ministries. • Office of Leadership Excellence: here would reside those who are involved in the UMC’s work with higher education and ministry. • Office of Missional Engagement: this administrative area would be concerned mainly with the church’s work in global ministry. • Office of Justice and Reconciliation: this office would have jurisdiction over issues related to church and society, religion and race, status and the role of women. • Office of Shared Services: the business end of the UMC would live here, including offices of finance and administration, communications, archives and history, information and technology support. 8
separation between the
on has also been front and center in the
financial and the ministe-
pre-conference conversation. That is a
rial areas of governance.
constitutional amendment to create a new
“The United Methodist Church has a ‘conciliar’ structure,” commented Asbury First’s senior pastor, Rev. Susan Shafer, regarding the contrasting Church and secular journalists, delegates, and other interested parties meet during the United Methodist Church’s pre-General Conference news briefing at the Tampa Convention Center in Floria. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.
proposals. “That means we meet in councils with each other led by the Council of Bishops. It is
Table’s proposal suggested that the 13 gen-
clear that not all members agree with each
eral agencies be consolidated into five more
other. But in our Christ-centered organiza-
all-encompassing ones (see sidebar, page 8).
tion, brother and sister are called to love one
These five agencies would be gathered
another.”
bishopic position, to be elected from among the existing bishops, that does not oversee a particular geographic area. This proposal is inextricably linked with the restructuring option. The new bishop would serve as chair of the newly created General Council for Strategy and Oversight and would be an ex-officio member of the board of the Center for Connectional Mission and Ministry. This bishop would be elected for a four-year term, with full-time responsibilites to denomenational issues, unencumbered by the needs of also governing a specific area. The current president of the Council of Bishops, the wonderfully named Bishop Larry
A Shift in Power
Goodpaster, has stated that “It is nearly
The proposal for restructuring is not the
impossible to be president of the Council
Connectional Mission and Ministry, with
only item on deck at the Conference, of
of Bishops and lead an episcopal area.” This
a 15-member board. That board would be
course. Another proposal to be voted
under the jurisdiction of one central group called the United Methodist Center for
Continued on next page
accountable to and appointed by a 45-member advisory group called the General Council for Strategy and Oversight, which would replace the Connectional Table. That might seem like a lot of oversight, but in actuality, it would decrease the number of individuals governing these agencies from the current number, which hovers just over 500, to a mere 60. This proposal is by no means uninamously accepted, and there will undoubtedly be spirited discussion at the Conference. Another proposal by an independent group which involves much less dramatic changes is also on the table. There is concern that the Connectional Table’s proposal goes either too far or not far enough, that it will limit the ability of people of color to be represented in the leadership, and that it will harm the denomination’s reliance on a
How Can I learn more about the General Conference and what it means to me and my church? The Conference has been, and will continue to be, a top news story in the Methodist press. If you subscribe to a national Methodist-oriented journal such as Interpreter or the United Methodist Reporter, you will find lots of information and analysis of the Conference in the coming months. Online there are several good sources of information: • the official website of the General Conference can be found at www.GC2012.umc. org. Here, you can watch live streaming of plenary sessions and worship services, as well as petition tracking and other news and information. • If you’re interested in a daily news digest of all that’s happening in the wide world of United Methodism, go to umns.umc.org and scroll down. On the right hand side, you will see a link to “Get the Latest Headlines by Email.” • There are mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices available at the website of United Methodist Communications, found at www.umcom.org • If you have questions about the Conference, you can email them to infoserv@ umcom.org, or go to www.umc.org and click on “questions.” • On Facebook, check out www.facebook.com/gc2012 or on Twitter, www.twitter. com/2012. The Twitter hashtag for the Conference is #gc2012. 9
As the basic organi-
conference, and would give conference lead-
zational unit of the
ership the ability to explore the best ways
United Methodist
for carrying forth their charges, ways that
Church, the an-
are tailored to the needs and wishes of each
nual conference (in
conference, rather than using a “one size
Asbury First’s case,
fits all” model approved by denominational
this would be the
leadership. The proposal also gives annual
Upper New York
conferences expanded abilities to determine
Conference, under
how it will allocate budgetary resources to
the leadership of
best impact mission and ministry.
Bishop Marcus
What Does It All Mean?
Matthews) plays
Top photo, participants in the pre-General Conference news briefing attend a breakfast to discuss ethnic initiatives of the United Methodist Church at the Tampa Convention Center. Bottom photo, the Tampa Convention Center, home of the 2012 UMC General Conference, sits on the Tampa Bay waterfront. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose. continued from previous page.
shift in power is necessary for the church to move forward, many say, but others are nervous about placing that much power in the hands of one person who does not represent a particular area. But Goodpaster, among others, has clearly stated that the General Conference as a whole would continue to be the voice of the United Methodist Church, and bishops would remain bound by The Book of Discipline.
Local Flexibility
a vital role in the workings of individual
In truth, the many proposals and amend-
churches large and small. It is our annual
ments that the delegates at the General
conference that receives our apportionment
Conference will face may have, at least in
each year, and which then gives us support,
the short term, minimal impact on the
financially, ministerially, and in other ways
members and friends of churches like
both material and spiritual. Our annual
Asbury First. But in the long term, the pro-
conference, for example, supported the
posed changes may have much to do with
building of the Gathering Center and Wel-
how we govern our church, steward our
coming Hall at Asbury First by forgiving a
resources, and minister to those around us.
part of our apportionment during the years
As members in good standing of this
we were fundraising to support the building
wonderful, immense, diverse entity known
process.
as the United Methodist Church, it is our
Now, a proposal has been placed before the
responsibility and our privilege to be aware
delegates to give a greater level of flexibility
of and prayerfully reflect on the happenings
to annual conferences by amending lan-
in Tampa this month. As Rev. Susan Shafer
guage in The Book of Discipline.
reminds us, there are parallels between the
“Current language requires clear connections between denominational agencies, annual conference program and administrative entities, and congregations,” writes Barbara Dunlap-Berg of United Methodist Communications. “The proposed language would permit annual conferences ‘to design conference and district structures in ways that best support the mission of making
Important though they are, the changes
disciples of Jesus Chris in an increasingly
at the denomenational level of our church
diverse global community’.”
may not be readily apparent at our local
Practically speaking, the proposed legisla-
level. Another proposal before the delegates, however, would.
tion would encourage collaboration and partnership by groups within each annual 10
strivings of the many delegates faithfully and patiently working toward resolution at the General Conference and our own church. “We try to live this way at Asbury First. My prayer is that we learn and practice agreeing to be loving to each other, and agreeing to disagree with respect and care to all.” Information for this report was compiled from sources including the comprehensive coverage of the General Conference in the Upper New York State Advocate, The Interpreter March/April 2012 issue, published by United Methodist Communications, and at www. gc2012.umc.org, the official website of the General Conference.
VBS 2012 Is Out of This World!
P
lease join us for Vacation Bible School August 6-9 from 9:00 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages
four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $10.00 per child with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church.
Child’s Name
Age
Allergies
T-Shirt Size
Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No
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 that 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 Science Student guide Games Bible Stories Crafts Snack Nursery Caregiver Do you have any children under 4 that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages. __________________________________________________________________________________________
11
AFUMC news Take a Run in Andy’s Memory The family of Andy Parmeter, who died last year in a tragic car accident, is memorializing his life with a 5K run to benefit the Hickok Center for Brain Injury and our own youth mission trip. Phil Phaneuf is training to do the run, and he’d like YOU to consider joining him. Here’s how you can participate: •
Run in the 5K yourself
•
Walk the 1.5 mile option
•
help with registration or water tables and lead the cheering section!
“Andy’s life was transformed by his participation in the mission trip and youth group,” says Phil. “Now we have an awesome opportunity to continue the tradition. Here are the details: •
When? Saturday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.
•
Where? Genesee Valley Park
•
Cost? $25 to register
•
How: Contact Phil Phaneuf at pphaneuf@asburyfirst.org for more info.
How does living in a virtual world influence living in both the physical and spiritual ones? How do we maintain the body of Christ when the physical bodies we see and touch in church expand to include the virtual bodies we inhabit online?
–from the preface Beginning Thursday, May 17 6:00-7:30 p.m. Lower level, Sanctuary Cost: $10 for the book ($8.25 on Kindle) Join Rev. Phil Phaneuf and the rest of the Theology Thursday group in an exploration of what it means to be a Christian in a world of changing digital realities.
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30 Acts 4:1-22
May
31 Acts 4:23-37
1 Revelation 21:1-27
May
2 Revelation 22:1-21
1 Acts 5:1-16
3 Joel 1:1-20
2 Acts 5:17-42
4 Joel 2:1-32
3 Galatians 1:1-24
5 Joel 3:1-21
4 Galatians 2:1-21
6 Ezekiel 1:1-28
14 Ezekiel 43:1-27
22 Romans 14:1-23
5 Galatians 3:1-29
7 Ezekiel 2:1-10
15 Ezekiel 47:1-23
23 1 Corinthians 3:1-23
6 Galatians 4:1-31
8 Ezekiel 3:1-27
16 Ezekiel 48:1-35
24 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
7 Galatians 5:1-26
9 Ezekiel 34:1-31
17 Acts 1:1-26
25 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
8 Galatians 6:1-18
10 Ezekiel 36:1-15
18 Romans 8:1-17
26 1 Corinthians 6:1-20
9 Philippians 1:1-30
11 Ezekiel 36:16-38
19 Romans 8:18-39
27 Acts 2:1-21
10 Philippians 2:1-30
12 Ezekiel 37:1-28
20 Romans 12:1-21
28 Acts 2:22-47
11 Philippians 3:1-21
13 Ezekiel 39:1-29
21 Romans 13:1-14
29 Acts 3:1-26
12 Philippians 4:1-23
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î Ť Spring Bell Concert î Ť Featuring: Asbury First United Methodist Church, Asbury Ringers Third Presbyterian Church, Third Church Ringers Friday, May 4, 2012 7:00 p.m. Free; no tickets required Asbury First United Methodist Church Sanctuary
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Library news
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heck out these selections from the Church Resource Library for your reading in May. The library is always open and invites all ages to browse the shelves.
Children Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons, by Rob D. Walker, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon bring to life these words of wisdom about living life with compassion and courage. This picture book for K- grade 4 teaches the universal importance of kindness, sharing, diligence, and faith, along with the importance of courage and a willingness to always try your best.
Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli In a moving and highly engaging tale about the vagaries of adolescent peer pressure, Newbery Medal winner Jerry Spinelli tells the story of Stargirl, a high school student who is startlingly different from everyone else. The need to conform -- and unabashed curiosity about those who don’t -- are at the heart of this touching tale, which aptly demonstrates the peaks and pitfalls of popularity. Especially for ages 12 and up.
My Wicked Stepmother, by Norman Leach and Jane Browne. Tom, the story’s young narrator, insists that his new stepmother, who has come to live with him and his dad, is a witch. Whether or not youngsters have had to adjust to the presence of a new stepparent, they will feel the emotional impact of Leach’s simple story. Ages 4-8.
Adults What the Bible Really Tells Us: The Essential Guide to Biblical Literacy, by T. J. Wray. The collection of texts we now call the Bible was written over the course of many centuries, by different authors, in different languages, and under differing social and political circumstances. Understanding the times and places from whence these texts came is key to understanding what they mean.
Youth Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse. Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma’s staggering dust storms, and the environmental and emotional turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable tribute to hope and inner strength, this 237-page Newbery Medal book is written for ages 11-13.
Religion Gone Astray: What we Found at the Heart of Interfaith, by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ten Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman. Cited as “the rarest of books, one that teaches us both how to live and how to live with each other” as explained by a pastor, a rabbi and an imam.
Elsewhere, by Gabrielle Zevin In many ways, Elsewhere is out of this world. Within this pleasant, inviting place, so much like Earth, no one gets sick or grows old. In fact, everyone grows younger. For 15-year-old Liz Hall, who arrives in Elsewhere after her demise, aging backward is not a happy prospect. Gabrielle Zevin’s first teen novel about being dead offers keen insights about living. All 304 pages are aimed at the ages 12-up reader. Apportionment, continued from page 5
studies there. For most of them, our support is the only way they are able to attend college. Ministerial Education Fund • This fund recruits and educates our pastoral leaders. It assists in defraying the cost of education for those on the path of ordainment. It also equips our annual conference with local pastor courses of study and continuing education.
Imperfect Birds, by Anne Lamott. This novel by bestselling author Lamott is considered “Heartbreaking and delightful, moving and hopeful. Imperfect Birds reminds us how our children are connected to and independent of us, and that no matter how difficult our struggle is with them, love underlies it all and saves us.”
4 Black College Fund • This vital fund helps 11 historically Black United Methodist-related colleges and universities to maintain a solid academic program.
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund • This money allows the United Methodist ministries to have a voice and presence in the activities of national and worldwide ecumenical and religious organizations.
Episcopal Fund • pays the salaries, office, and travel expenses of bishops in each conference. It also provides for pension and health benefits.
General Administration Fund • This fund ensures trustworthy systems and oversight 14
of financial accountability. The GAF finances the administrative activities of the church including underwriting the costs of the General Conference. It maintains official documents and historical artifacts, and designating historical shrines, landmarks, and sites.
the last word 1 by Derek Page 2
Building a Career at the DCC MCC’s human service degree; but you you wanted to advance, take liberal arts and secure a more difficult and transferable degree. I needed the first year at MCC for educational requirements. After completing these requirements I had to pick electives for the liberal arts section of the degree. I chose the food service management certification, staying an extra semester at MCC to fulfill this certificate requirement. I always enjoyed the atmosphere and fast pace of the food industry, having worked in the catering field. The last semester at MCC involves a co-op class for students to find experience in their field. I researched and phone-interviewed co-op opportunities, but all seemed to want to stick me at some task that would save them money and teach me nothing. I knew I needed to improve my kitchen set skills and comfirm my long-term commitment to human services. I found Asbury Dining and Caring Center, which has a combination of food service and social work. I could not believe it. There are other centers, but when you visit Asbury First the difference jumps right out. I called and set up an appointment with Michele Cooley. When explaining my co-op situation to Michele, she was very open to making sure I would be given the opportunity for non-profit food service and social work.
Our intern Derek Page has been a wondeful person to work with here at the Dining Center. He is so eager to learn and has jumped right in with suggestions, has taken the Foodlink courses, and has been an optimistic asset here. I asked Derek to write a little bit about his experiences and how he came to the Dining Center. As it happens, Derek is a prolific writer and was willing to share his story. –Michele Cooley, DCC director. t all started with the economic woes of our country. I was laid off from my second warehouse assignment from a temp agency. At this point jobs were slim pickings in the manufacturing and warehouse industries. The jobs I stayed at for years were no longer available. I realized the trend that was developing. The end finally came in 2010 when I was laid off and no other jobs were available. I said to myself I couldn’t let myself be in this position again – I have an eight year old daughter. I had survived for many years in the warehouse and manufacturing world. This skill set was no longer needed, being replaced with automation or moved overseas.
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My skill sets are organization and problem-solving. I could drive any warehouse machine up to the eighteen wheelers backing up to the dock. These jobs were shrinking. I had to make a decision. The government tried its best to help with the financial mess caused by deregulated investors. They were talking long-term unemployment and when it was finalized, I said to myself, this period of down-time is unique and will most likely not happen again. I developed a plan. I wanted to give back with a specific interest in helping and protecting those who cannot help themselves. Human services first came to mind and I spoke to MCC about their human services degree and researched information on my own. The conclusion was that if you simply wanted an entry level human service job, take
I have had tremendous rewards from the training and mentoring by Michelle and Asbury First’s staff. The staff does more than help the hungry and homeless; it is a community. I know through my research that this Dining and Caring Center is not the norm. The Center has private donors and is supported by Asbury First United Methodist Church, following the Methodist philosophy of outreach ot the community. I must say I am impressed and am now hooked. I will continue on with Asbury First until my training prepares me. Then I will take these skills and help another segment of the population facing hunger and homelessness. 15
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
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Save the Date! Join us at the Asbury First Annual
Ice Cream Social
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with
New Horizons Band Tuesday, June 20 7:00 p.m.
Listen to the New Horizons Band while enjoying lemonade and an ice cream sundae. Concert is free; nominal charge for refreshments. Some chairs provided. In case of rain, we’ll move to the Gathering Center.
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