TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter October 2012 • Vol. XLVI No. 7 • www.asburyfirst.org
Transforming the World Through Stewardship: Our 2013 Campaign
The Visitor
Mission Statement
Vol. XLVI No. 7
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.
The gift of life
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
Have you ever thought about how you want to be remembered? When I was about 30, I was assigned the task
Staff
Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Stephen Cady
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 Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan
Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Youth & Education Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Ministries 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 Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater
of writing my own obituary at a stewardship conference I was attending. It was, as I’m sure you can understand, a difficult job, touching as it did on a sense of mortality with which I wasn’t overly comfortable. And to this day, I ponder that question. But perhaps this is really the question being asked: I have been given the gift of life. How do I live as a steward of God’s gift? In watching and sharing with so many families the sacred journey from this life to the next of their loved ones, I know in the end the most valuable gift God gives us is the gift of God’s spirit, moving in constancy and promise through us. It is truly at the center of life itself. All else, I believe, falls into place in our lives when we recognize this gift. But recognizing it is only the first step. We learn about relationships because of God’s gift of Christ and Christ’s spirit that has been given to us. The second part of this divine equation is that we are called to pass that gift on to others. Each of us does this in a way that is unique. Perhaps it’s by caring for an elderly neighbor, or through loving a child. Maybe we are called to serve food to the poor, or to share our gifts as a choir member or musician. As we can, we are called to generously offer financial support to our church, so that our own desire to pass on the gift of God’s life can resonate far and wide through the church’s ministries. How do you hope to be remembered? I think I’d like these words
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109. Deadline for next issue: Monday, October 8
shared after I’m gone: “Her faith guided her, and the stewardship of her life was her first priority. She made it that way by seeing and living the values of her church, and supported, through her talent, time, and treasure, all that really matters in life.” Susan
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AFUMC news Asbury U/R Well Clinic News Asbury U/R Well Clinic was open all summer each Thursday for general medical needs, first Tuesdays for physicals, and third Thursdays for medical and dermatology. We cared for 7 to 12 patients each clinic night. On the third Thursday medical and dermatology nights we cared for 12 to 24 patients. Our clinic is growing and I am asking for nurses – RNs and LPNs. It would help if you could do only one Thursday a month from 5:45 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. You would be surprised at who you will see in the clinic! Maybe it’s a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or maybe you will make a new friend, and on their return visit they will greet you saying: “I am so glad to see you are still here, it’s good to see someone I know here, thank you for being here!” Please call Ida Hickman 461-9696 or 880-6488 or imhickman2002@ yahoo.com for more information. “What does the lord require of you but to do justice,and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” – Micah 6:8.
received her undergraduate degree at Hampshire College in MA. Kathy has had a diverse professional life, working, among other things, as an environmental consultant. But her call to the ministry is grounded in deep roots: her parents, grandfather, great grandfather, and several uncles are all ministers. “I believe in God’s time – and it was time,” she says of her vocation. A desire to specialize in hospice and hospital ministry arose in her after her father experienced hospice care near the end of his life. At Asbury First, Kathy will be working with Revs. Susan Shafer and Lawrence Hargrave learning the ins and outs of a ministerial life. “I”m looking forward to becoming a part of Asbury First and being useful,” she says.
Roudebush Circle News Roudebush Circle of the U.M.W. will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 6:00 p.m. at 1010 East Ave. The catered dinner is $8.50 (please bring your own table service). Everyone is welcome! The program features Rev. Ruthellen Hoyle giving a talk titled “Focus Plus.” For dinner reservations, please call Joan Closson at 6715534 by Friday, Oct. 19. We’ll be collecting items for the Asbury First Dining & Caring Center. For more information regarding the Circle, please call Ginn Fitch at 381-6464.
Rev. Margie Mayson’s Sermons Available The Reverend Margie Mayson speaks to us still in the 31 sermons published in the book In Her Own Words. Copies of this book are available for loan from the Church Resource Library. Additional copies of this book are also available for purchase. The sermons were created and delivered in the 2000-2004 time period. At the request of Asbury First members and friends, this treasured book of sermons is now available for purchase for the printing cost of $26.50. Forms for purchase will be available in the library. Simply indicate the number of copies desired and your name, address and phone number. Attach your check made out to AFUMC for $26.50 per copy. The printing process will require several weeks after the order is placed. You will be notified of when the books can be picked up at the church office.
Welcome to Our New Intern You may have seen a new face recently on the altar on Sundays. Kathy Thiel, a graduate student working toward her M. Div. degree at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, has joined the church as a student ministry intern for this coming year. Kathy is a native of Erie, PA, who grew up in Pennington, N.J. She
Women’s Fellowship Hour Begins Tuesday, October 2 9:30-10:30 a.m. Church Resource Library Whether you are young or young-at-heart, single, married, divorced or widowed, with children or without, you are invited to join us for some women’s fellowship on Tuesday mornings this fall.This will be a chance for women from every generation to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of womanhood. Nursery care is provided. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Emily Cady at emilycady@gmail.com. 3
AFUMC news
worship schedule WORSHIP
Sunday September 23 Stewardship Sunday James 3:13-4:8
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday October 7 World Communion Sunday
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday September 30 Mark 9:38-50
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion
Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf, preacher
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday October 14 Mark 19:17-31
Sunday October 28 Hebrews 7:23-28
Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
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
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday October 21 2nd Timothy 3:14-4:5
Sunday November 4 Mark 12:28-34
Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher
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
Our Living
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
in Community Births & Baptisms
Deaths
God has sealed you unto love and grace divine
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love Clarence Rugg We offer our prayers and who died on September 1, sympathy to Ann and John 2012 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Francis on the death of Ann’s brother We offer our prayers and Richard Bebout sympathy to the family and on August 5, 2012 in friends of Riverton, WY. Christine Hassett who died on September 8, We offer our prayers and 2012. sympathy to the family and friends of
Jackson Carson Wake son of Erik and Heather Wake, baptized on August 26, 2012. Norah June Zuzu Francis daughter of David and Kelsey Francis, baptized on August 26, 2012.
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Hannah Rae Cady daughter of Rev. Stephen and Emily Cady and sister of Ellie and Charlie, born on August 26, 2012. Marriages May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant. Kristin Smalt and Michael Parkes on August 18, 2012.
• 16 Questions •
... on Asbury First’s Exciting New Video Streaming Capabilities
➚
Editor’s note: Beginning on Sunday, September 9, after months of behind-the-scenes preparation, Asbury First inaugurated a live video stream of the 11:00 a.m. service. Until now, those who wanted to participate from afar could tune in to the audio of the service on WYSL radio, but we hoped to provide a fuller experience so our at-home listeners could both hear and see what was happening at the church. To help our readers understand what this video stream means to Asbury First, we are featuring some of the most common questions that you might To get to the video screen, go to the Asbury First home page at www.asburyfirst. have about the project. org, then scroll down until you can see the “Service Broadcast” box (circled). 1. What do you mean when you say our 11:00 a.m. Sunday services are being captured on video and streamed over the internet?
The second option there (“watch live”) brings you to the video streaming page where you can watch the Sunday 11:00 a.m. service live. If your computer screen is fairly large, you may be able to watch the service on the video link and also have the online version of the bulletin open for your convenience (see image below). The bulletin is also available on the home page of www.asburyfirst.org – the link for that is right next to the broadcast link.
We are using video cameras to record our 11:00 a.m. services, and the images and sound are then simultaneously streamed, or broadcast, via the internet. 2. Can anyone watch these broadcasts? Yes, anyone with internet access can view an 11:00 a.m. service while it is in progress by going to our website (www. asburyfirst.org) and clicking on one of several prominent links (e.g. the web menu at the bottom and left hand side of the home page.)
vices we are broadcasting. We expect the archive to be up and running, and accessible through a link on our website, late in September.
3. What about previous Sunday services? We are setting up an online archive for the Sunday ser5
4. Why are we doing this? We believe this is a great way to offer members of our church community who are unable to attend a service in the sanctuary, for whatever reason, an opportunity to worship with us. Plus, it will enable us to expand our worship ministry by reaching out to those we have never reached before. 5. Will the other Sunday services be broadcast too? We are starting with the 11:00 am service, and currently don’t have plans to broadcast the others. However, if there is enough demand, we would consider expanding the broadcasts to include other services in the future. 6. What about weddings, funerals, and memorial services? Yes, streaming video will be an effective way for couples and families to include others who otherwise would be unable to attend. Couples and families will be asked if they would like to take advantage of this technology. We will NOT record or broadcast a wedding, funeral, or memorial service unless asked to do so by the individuals involved.
Continued on page 6
7. Can a family choose who is able to watch a wedding, funeral or memorial service? Yes, we will have a password system for these types of services so that only those invited to do so by the family will be able to watch. 8. Will the church archive on its website the videos of weddings, funerals, and memorial services? No. 9. Will couples or families be able to get DVDs of their wedding, funeral, or memorial service. Yes. If the couple or family makes the request in advance, then one DVD copy of the service will be made available to them at no cost. 10. How do we request that a wedding, funeral, or memorial service be videotaped? Bridal couples should make the request during the first meeting with their Asbury First wedding coordinator. Families who would like us to videotape a funeral or memorial service should ask the Asbury First minister who will be presiding at the service. Since it is necessary to arrange for one of the volunteers to be present to handle the equipment, requests should be made as early in the planning process as possible.
A note celebrating the reach of our new video stream function from a former parishioner: I want to thank you for the great job you have done in setting up the streaming video of Asbury First’s worship services. The video and audio are flawless. From here in the Albany, New York area, seeing and hearing the church in which I grew up, was married, and attended the memorial services of both of my parents as well as many others is a great blessing and I treasure it. Asbury First was and is still an important part of my life, even though I moved to the Albany area in 1966. Now that I am retired I have more time to reminisce about and celebrate things like Sunday School, the old sanctuary downtown, Thursday Lenten Series with preachers like Howard Thurman, the laying of the cornerstone at the present ediface, youth fellowship, Camp Keenan retreats, Weldon Crossland and Tom Steen’s sermons, my confirmation and marriage, and memorial services for my parents and friends. Being able to see, hear, and participate in the church’s services again from here is the next best thing to being there. Please know that your hard work is appreciated even from afar. Chuck Saile, Cohoes, NY leave their seats or stand during services to take pictures of any kind. We also have rules that we expect professional photographers to follow.
11. How will this affect videotaping and photograph taking by family members and professionals? Asbury First will continue our existing limited restrictions on the use of still and video cameras during our services. These policies typically are reviewed with families in advance of services, especially weddings and baptisms, where they may be of particular concern. We ask that everyone respect the solemnity of our services. We do not allow flash photography during our services, and we do not allow members of the congregation or visitors to
12. Where are the cameras located? There are three cameras: one near the back of the Sanctuary on the outer wall of the balcony; one in the vicinity of the lectern, aimed at the pulpit; and one on a column facing the lectern. The cameras are operated remotely – and input from them is mixed – by a trained volunteer in the sound booth. 6
13. Will I appear on camera if I am sitting in my pew as a member of the congregation? It’s possible that a camera could pick you up from a distance as you go to and from your seat, but other than that, it’s unlikely. We won’t be training the cameras on members of the congregation for reaction shots like you might have seen when political conventions or services at some mega-churches are broadcast on television. 14. Will the 11:00 a.m. service still be available on the radio? We currently have no plans to discontinue our radio broadcasts on WYSL. 15. How can I help? The Technology Committee is looking for volunteers to help broadcast our services (and to work on other technology projects too.) Contact Jim Carter, chair of the Technology Committee, at jcarter1@ rochester.rr.com or 473-1187; or Dan Beerse, video project leader, at dbeerse@msn.com or 330-3191. 16. Who do I contact with further questions? Please feel free to call Jim Carter or Dan Beerse, or you can call Jim Quinn, president of the Trustees, at 490-4619.
Financial Stewardship at Asbury First
W
e don’t have a mission, God has a mission for us. It is up to us, as faithful stewards, to fulfill that mission. Our own Asbury First mission statement is: “Through worship, education, outreach, and membership care, we develop disci-
It is not that
ples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.” Traditionally, we have thought of organizations such as Asbury First as having a mission, or a purpose.
the church
We have adopted our mission statement to reflect that mission and to help those inside and beyond
of God has
The greatest expression of a church’s mission is in being transformational: giving money and support to
a mission,
matic ministries, as well as the work of all of us as ministers, reflects our mission. We make ourselves
but that the mission of God
Asbury First to understand and benefit from that purpose, or mission.
programs and participating in them, both locally and beyond, to transform lives. All of our programstewards, serving God by serving others. We serve others and the church sustains our needs. How do we serve as ministers, as stewards? There are many ways. •
and events for those who cannot be here in person. One will be able to view the service or an event such as a wedding from the Asbury First web site. Those who might not be able to be in attendance
has a church. – Anonymous
This fall we introduced streaming video to our sanctuary. This allows visual access to our worship
may now become part of our celebration. We have expanded our audience to those to whom we wish to minister. •
This past August more than 100 children attended Vacation Bible School here. Many of the participants have now joined in our regular educational programs.
•
Our Gathering Space has become a place where Christ’s hospitality is offered each week. Cookies, coffee, tea, conversation, and love are exchanged there each Sunday morning. There are Greeters and Embracers, and so many more who reach out to us and tie our faith community together.There are also those who host the older adults and bring them together for worship and fellowship.
•
This year a Family Corn Maze trip will be held, where church families will unite with lunch and an outing in this harvest season. We have other new programs planned, too, for young families, teens, women, and other groups, as well as new educational opportunities for the church community and the wider group of all those, in Rochester and beyond, whose lives we touch.
Whose mission is it? It’s God’s mission. And God invites us to join in and offer our own gifts to transform our lives, and those of others. What a privilege!
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Asbury First Annual Operating Plan
Financial Overview of 2012
A
sbury First’s finance committee often provides a target of need during our annual stewardship campaign. Feedback from various people in the congregation has been useful to understand how much is needed. In 2012, we put together a budget that was dependent on the generous giving of the congregation. The pledges
offered by the congregation made it easy to predict what ministries could be supported. Many of you were asked to help a shortfall in income, and responded with an added level of giving. With that level of forecasted giving, we were able to make commitments to staff, facility upkeep, internal programs, and outreach with the certainty that the money would be there. The 2012 budget had a few elements of income that will not be available in 2013. First, $50,000 of endowment income that has been available for the past five years for Vision 2020 initiatives to expand the church ends in 2012, since an ongoing level of withdrawal from the endowment cannot be sustained. Vision 2020 was a five year commitment that supported: •
Enhanced web site
•
Sunday morning daycare providers
•
Together in Ministry coordinator
•
50 percent support of single ministerial position
•
Great Week of Service
Second, $81,000 of carryover funds from previous years was needed to balance the budget. Much of this may be available as we may not spend what we thought we would due to one-time events (like the warmest winter in history), which has saved spending, but it is uncertain as to whether these would continue in the future. In addition, last year when it appeared that the stewardship campaign was going to fall short of the goal to support the projected 2012 operating expense that included an additional minister, a group of Asbury First members generously contributed one time gifts totaling $55,000. We are grateful for their generous response to this situation. We are all aware of the ministries that have become an ongoing part of the life of Asbury First. Every effort is being made to hold expenses in 2013 to this year’s levels. However in order to maintain the staff, facility, and programs of this coming year we will all be required to realize that the income reductions mentioned above can only be recovered by thoughtful pledges. The need for Asbury First (as we and the community know it) is present in an ever-growing way. This need requires both our efforts and our financial gifts to be sustained.
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Asbury First Annual Operating Plan
A First Look at 2013 Operating Revenue
2012 Plan*
2013
% Change
Member Pledges
$852,000
$1,010,000
19%
Challenge Pledges
$55,000
$0
Pledge Total
$907,000
$1,010,000
Non-Pledged Member Contributions
$110,000
$96,500
Designated Contributions/Fundraising
$205,000
$240,000
Plate Collections
$25,000
$25,000
Endowment for AOP (Annual Operating Plan)
$183,000
$183,000
Endowment for Vision 2020
$50,000
$0
Property Usage
$80,000
$80,000
Other Income
$2,000
$3,000
Total Operating Revenue
$1,562,000
$1,637,500
Carryover From Prior Year
$139,250
$119,444
Total Operating Revenue including Carryover
$1,701,250
$1,756,944
3%
Staffing
$846,488
$893,195
6%
Infrastructure
$293,250
$299,680
2%
Conference Connectional
$161,284
$159,794
-1%
Ministerial Programs – Unrestricted
$89,250
$100,000
12%
Ministerial Programs – Designated
$55,665
$54,000
-3%
Outreach
$205,000
$205,000
0%
Total Expenses
$1,650,937
$1,711,669
4%
Net Operating Surplus
$$50,313
$45,275
11%
Expenses
* 2012 Annual Operating Plan adopted at Charge Conference in January, 2012.
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2013 Annual Operating Plan
A Narrative View Anticipated Income Generators Estimates of Giving – This is the total of the Estimates of Giving we hope to receive from the Congregation. It is anticipated that a 10 percent increase will be needed to support the ministries of the Church. New Member Contributions – From those who join Asbury in 2013. Non-pledged Contributions – Contributions from members who have not pledged or non-members that can be tracked through check offerings. Designated Contributions – Gifts specifically directed for external outreach ministries such as Great Week of Service, RAIHN, and Habitat for Humanity. Designated Fundraising – Fundraising activities of the Dining Caring Center, Storehouse and the Youth Mission Trip. This is purely an estimate based on previous years. Plate Collections – Any money received in the Sunday offering not in envelopes. Endowment Funds – The contribution from the church endowment fund to the AOP is based on 5 percent interest on the last 20 quarters of the value of the fund. Property Usage – Fees for use of our facilities by organizations such as the Asbury Day Care Center, Rochester Oratorio Society, etc. This is the same as last year. Other Income – Misc. and income carried forward from 2012.
Anticipated programmatic and Infrastructure Expense Generators Personnel – Includes salaries of all employees: pastors, professional staff, office staff, custodial staff and all relevant taxes, health care, and other aspects of our staff ’s total compensation package. This figure includes a three percent raise for the staff across the board. Facilities – Includes the operation, repair, maintenance, and enhancement of our buildings and grounds. They enable us to carry out our mission, including outreach via our campus-based ministries (Storehouse, Day Care Center, Nursery School, Dining and Caring Center, Wellness Clinic). The Trustees plan to continue improving our electrical, HVAC and plumbing infrastructure, commence a facilities usage assessment, update the building accessibility study and continue to reduce gas and electric usage in keeping with responsible environmental stewardship. Communications – This budget supports the creation of our weekly worship folders, our monthly newsletter, The Visitor, our web site, stewardship communications, media and advertising, and all other internal and external communications and marketing pieces. Administration – This line item covers expenses necessary to operating the church office (paper, postage, leasing of office equipment, computer/telephone-related expenses).
Asbury First United Methodist Church ~ 1050 East Avenue ~ Rochester, N.Y. 14607 10
2013 Annual Operating Plan
A Narrative View Conference Connectional – Our apportionment to the Upper New York Conference each year in support of the conference, jurisdictional, national and global United Methodist Church. Apportionments are divided into two areas: Conference Benevolences and World Service Initiatives. Conference Benevolences support conference camps, conference youth ministry programs and ethnic minority local congregations. World Service Initiatives support United Methodist missionaries in 95 countries, a network of United Methodist relief work throughout the world, and our United Methodist colleges and universities. Worship and Arts – Primarily focus is on logistics and quality of worship as it involves music, altar guild, acolytes, amplification of sound, communion stewards. Plans and executes Music and the Arts concert series for church year. Expenses include Sunday bulletins, supplies for worship, weddings, baptisms, communion, ushers, and children’s gifts. The music expenses include new music, instrument maintenance (organ, piano, bells), and choir robes. Education – Includes expenses for all our discipleship programs from the crèche to the adult Sunday School programs and the programming for Confirmation, youth group, young adults, and educational classes. Highlights include: Library – plans to automate the catalog system; increase circulation; and expand large print and audio materials; increase shelf space. Children’s Education –new Sunday School curriculum is in use for 2013. Plans are in place for monthly intergenerational events, to expand the technology and to expand the Baptism Ministry. Youth – continue a fellowship opportunity on Sunday mornings with a coffee-bar atmosphere; encourage youth-led evening programs; plan and execute 2013 mission trip and explore integrating music programs with mission trip. Confirmation class – A new curriculum is in place and plans for a city mission trip. Adult Education – continue outstanding Sunday School programs; offer Sunday mini-classes; offer a Discipleship class and evening and weekday classes. Begin plans for college-age programming and youth parent programming for Sunday evenings. Membership Care – Greeters, New Member Classes, Embrace (provide brunch for new member classes), Igniting Ministries (contact of first time visitors), Stephen Ministry, Older Adult Council (provides celebrations and visitations), Together in Ministry (encourage volunteering), Visitation of members, and special Sunday celebrations such as Together in Ministry and Summerfest. Center for Spiritual Life: Church Family Faith Renewal Weekend.
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How Asbury First Gives … 2012 AOP Pledge Totals*
Without the generosity of the Asbury First community, our ministries of Worship, Education, Membership Care, and Outreach could not be sustained each year. We are blessed with an active and visionary congregation that sees the value inherent in each of these ministries, and supports them, prayerfully, to the best of their abilities. As we prepare for the coming year, here’s a look at were we stood following last year’s stewardship campaign. Each of the gifts – no matter what its size – was received with gratitude for your generosity.
Number of households
Pledge Amount
For a total of
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$10,000 and above
$132,900
30
$5,000-9,999
$195,280
82
$2,500-4,999
$278,321
176
$1,000-2,499
$275,242
95
$500-999
$62,244
43
$250-499
$14,532
43
$100-249
$7,438
8
under $100
$375
Total pledges through an Estimate of Giving: $966,332 Total number of households making gifts: Average (mean) pledge amount:
25 percent of the households account for 63 percent of the dollar total.
488
$1,980
How much should you give? The amount of your gift to Asbury First and its ministries is a private matter, to be decided prayerfully by you and your family. For your convenience, here are some examples of what your monthly gift to the church will be at various percentages of your annual income. Annual Income
Suggested Weekly Giving 2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
$20,000
$8
15
23
31
38
46
$40,000
15
31
46
62
77
92
$60,000
23
46
69
92
115
138
$80,000
31
62
92
123
154
185
$100,000
38
77
115
154
192
231
$150,000
58
115
173
231
288
346
$200,000
77
154
231
308
385
462
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TOGETHER in ministry
Together, We’re Better... It’s the unofficial beginning of the fall season at Asbury First: Together in Ministry Sunday, held this year on September 9, when we welcome back all those who have been on vacation, learn about what’s happening in the season ahead, and review our commitment to our church. This year, members and friends explored volunteer opportunities through displays set up by our outreach and fellowship groups, and enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch. We hope you had a chance to join us!
Ephesians: Epistle of Grace
Parables of Parenting Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. meeting place: Sub-narthex (lower floor of church building)
9:45-10:45 a.m. starting October 14. 1050 East Ave., Dining Room Led by Rev. Dr. Charles Christiansen A six week study on this Pauline correspondence with the Ephesians. Contact Melody Guadagnino (585) 271-1050 x.103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org to sign up.
While your kids are in Sunday School this fall, join us for a weekly fellowship class for parents. There will be time for discussion, sharing of stories, and reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective. Questions? Please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. 13
Library news
O
ctober brings crisp apples for eating, colorful leaves falling to the ground, a chill announcing fall, and books in the church resource library waiting to be checked out and read by children, youth and adults. Books for all ages and interests and on all topics can be found in the Church Resource Library. Take a look at the October book selections available in the library’s collection of books. cannot function. The book relates Shawn’s perceptions of his life, his family, and his condition and that he believes his father is planning to kill him.
Children: Letting Swift River Go, by Jane Yolen. A beautifully written and illustrated book for children in grades 2-5, Letting Swift River Go tells a story of six-year-old Sally Jane, who grew up in rural western Massachusetts. She recalls her childhood and how it was changed by the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir from 1927-1946.
Adult: Who Are the Real Chosen People?: The Meaning of Chosenness in Judaiism, Christianity and Islam, by Reuven Firestone, Ph.D. The author provides a description of the concept of “chosenness” in the three Abrahamic Western religious traditions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The goal is to help readers understand the how and why of the concept of preference for one people over others in religion.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, by Barack Obama. A moving picture book tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans — Georgia O’Keefe, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sitting Bull, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Neil Armstrong and six others — is featured in this colorfully illustrated book about the ideals that have shaped our nation. Especially appropriate for children ages 6-8, this book was written by the 44th president of the United States.
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, by Anna Quindlen. Noted author Anna Quindlen says that “Along with the downsides of age, can come wisdom, a perspective on life that makes it satisfying and even joyful.” In this memoir, she discusses what matters most to women at different ages, including marriage, girlfriends, stuff, our bodies, and parenting. A Pulitzer Prize recipient, Quindlen is known for sharp insights and humor in her writing.
Youth: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. This gripping, futuristic novel explores timely topics of violence and intimidation and the possibility of change. This series (The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, and Catching Fire) is available in the church library. The books are the acclaim of youth and adults everywhere. The Hunger Games will be the subject of a six-week course to be taught at Asbury First commencing September 20. Check them out in the library teen section and take them home for mom and dad to enjoy.
Parenting Section: What Size Are God’s Shoes: Kids, Chaos, and the Spiritual Life, by Tim Schenck. In 40 brief humorous and appropriate essays, Rev. Tim Schenck suggests that “We often see snippets of the truth on the highways and byways of life … and in the midst of domestic chaos.” He encourages the reader to “open our eyes to the possibilities of God in everything.”
Stuck in Neutral, by Terry Trueman. Stuck in Neutral is a book about fourteen-year-old Shawn McDaniel, who has severe disabilities. He suffers from severe cerebral palsy and September
20 1 Samuel 16:1-23
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October 1 Joshua 1:1-18 2 Joshua 2:1-24 3 Joshua 3:1-17
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the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2
Still Growing & Still Caring Two years ago, an article I wrote for The Visitor highlighted a group of volunteers who were residing in a halfway house here in Rochester. Four young men were struggling with their recovery from addiction and were required to volunteer here at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center for about 10 hours per week. After two years two men are still enjoying their time here at the ADCC: Donald Mormon and Anthony DiPonzio. Volunteering is not a requirement for them now. They wanted to explain how working with the poor and homeless has helped in their recovery. Donald Mormon: Wow, after two years I am still volunteering at Asbury First! This is a huge reason that I am still sober and clean. I love it here. Volunteering here has given me a place to relearn compassion, generosity, interpersonal skills, recovery, friendship and responsibility. When I first came here I was very unsteady. The years of drinking and drug abuse made it very hard for me to think clearly or intelligently. Coming here four times a week allowed me to heal and regain skills I used in other aspects of recovery. I also volunteer in a pilot program called Project Light. It’s an outpatient mentoring program and I am a recovery coach. I participate in outpatient groups
and share my experience, strength, and hope with people new to being outpatients. This shows them that programs DO work. I am allowed to share my story with clients where staff counselors are discouraged to do so. Unity Health is the only place in New York that has this program and it is available in just three other states in the country.
grams, and places like the Asbury First, the miracle lives within me and I am so grateful for that. Anthony DiPonzio: I began volunteering in October of 2010. After a series of personal challenges, including the tragic suicide of my stepson, my faith and relationship with God was at an all-time low. I turned to alcohol to help me cope. I was very confused about my purpose in life. I knew if I continued on this path it would be disastrous.
Asbury First has allowed me to feel good about myself by giving me a place I could give back: not only by volunteering but when Michele told me about the rash of recent theft of food and supplies, I was able to use the change I had been saving to purchase a fourcamera video surveillance system for the office. Listening to guests and volunteers talk about it lets me know it’s working.
I sobered up and made a renewed commitment to God, sobriety, and family. To self-improvement and personal growth; asking God to reveal himself to me and show me the direction my life was to take. To live for His good purpose. My spiritual journey has shown me the importance of love and service in not only my community but in all of my affairs. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our guests at the center. To provide
Staying clean and sober for almost two years is something I never thought would happen to me. With God’s help, recovery pro15
resource referrals, to fill needs that allow them to become more self-sufficient and independent. More importantly to provide an understanding and compassionate ear to the various challenges that they face daily, from homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and lack of food and medical attention. The interactions I have with the guests are the most important and rewarding part of my service; to be able to watch people overcome hardships and rise above the various challenges that life often throws at us and to witness their progress in becoming productive, contributing members of society. I’ve watched miracles take place right before my very eyes. It has been a joy to be involved with such a caring and dedicated team here at Asbury First. We are all on the “same page” as far as our commitment to our guests. To be involved in the “solution” has many benefits for our community at large, in turn making our society a better place to live. Many thanks, and congratulations to Donald and Anthony. Their journey has not been easy, and they have humbled themselves and shared their stories as each continues to be a role model and inspiration to those looking for a better life. There really IS a miracle living in all of us here at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center.
PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested
Family Fall Festival
• Fall Events at Asbury First •
Sunday September 30 5:00-7:00 p.m. Gathering Space Join us for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship! While children enjoy enrichment downstairs, parents will enjoy a fellowship opportunity in the Gathering Space! Dinner will be provided for the children and substantive hors d’oeuvres for the parents. We hope that this will be an opportunity for parents in the congregation to get to know each other while the children are having supper and fellowship together.Questions, contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirstumc.org.
Young Adults Oktoberfest! Saturday, October 20 6:00-8:00 p.m. All young adults are invited to the initial gathering of our Fellowship of Young Adults (FOYA) group at the Cady House (157 Sunset Drive, Rochester, NY 14618). We will provide meat/vegetarian items for the grill and refreshments, but would invite you to bring your favorite fall dish to share! No program, no pressure, just a chance to get to know one another. If you need a ride, please let us know. Questions, please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org.