1

In ThIs Issue

AFUMC News, 3

On Holy Ground, 4

Men’s Retreat, 6

Our Confirmands, 7

Financial Report, 8

Family Carnival, 11

ArtSparks, 12

TheVisitorAsbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterJune 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 6 • www.asburyfirst.org

Asbury First Family Carnival

Mission stateMent

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staffSenior MinisterMinister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach and Community Connection MinistriesVisitation MinisterMusic AdministratorDirector of MusicCo-director of Children’sMinistryCo-director of Children’sMinistryFinancial AdministratorAdministrative AssistantDining & Caring CenterDirectorProperty Care ManagerCommunications Director& EditorOrganistAssistant OrganistDirector, Children’s MusicDirector, Bell ChoirDirector, Youth Music Director, Youth TheaterArtist in Residence

Cover: A simple pleasure: making bubbles on a warm spring day, during Asbury First’s Family Carnival. See more on page 11. Photo by Greg

Francis.

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: Friday, August 2

Read The Visitor online: www.asburyfirst.org

Rev. Susan S. ShaferRev. Stephen Cady

Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

Kathy ThielDavid T. Strong

Dr. William J. WeinertPaula Dugan

Melissa Bohrer

Richard MoncriefMelody Guadagnino

Michele Cooley

Jason FranklinMary Van Keuren

Duane A. PrillDavid T. StrongBozena Granat

Elizabeth ChurchBrian BohrerLarry Dugan

Rev. Linda Clemow

The VisitorVol. XLVII no. 6

(USPS 558-470)is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined

issues for December/January and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church.

Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.

POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to

Asbury First UMC Visitor1050 East Ave.

Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239(585) 271-1050

Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop

disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and

thereby work to transform our culture.

Gone Soul(inG)As you receive this issue of The Visitor, summer will have arrived, a season waited for with great an-ticipation! With its arrival, I listen for us all to God’s Word spoken through the Prophet Jeremiah:

“Thus says the Lord:‘Stand at the cross roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies;and walk in it, and find rest for your soul.’”

Find rest for your soul! What a beautiful invitation for us. The pace seems to slow in these months enough that we anticipate porch sitting, beach walking, suitcases being packed for a bit of vacation, summer evenings watching the sunset, the sound of the crickets on a hot evening, perhaps the slowed rhythm allowing time to think, pray and be refreshed?

I have always loved the sign: “Gone Fishing.” It makes me smile. Someone finds solitude on a river or lake or bay hanging out a rod in the quiet of the morning or the last vestiges of evening light. Isn’t that when your catch is often the best? I have a sign I would very much like to design. It would not say “gone fishing” but I suspect it would have the same effect for those of us not oriented to fishing but desiring the quiet solitude of the stillness and rest for our souls. My sign would say: “Gone Soul(ing) ” … finding the soul-time to move from knowing about God to knowing God. “Soul(ing)” would be a time to refresh one’s self with the Psalmist who said: “Be still and know that I am God.” It would mean taking time each day to be silent and to quiet the heart and mind. It would mean a time to listen to the world around us and see the beauty in it … taking deep breaths of fresh air and breathing in God’s creative presence … taking time to find ourself, amid all of life’s demands, and to know one’s self as a child of God, loved despite any imperfections one might know of one’s self. It would mean intentionally taking time to find an ever-deepening relationship with God in Christ …. One person invited us to:

“let us rise and watch with God,lifting our hearts to God, laying our souls at God’s feet, falling at God’s feet and enjoy conversation with our Creator.”

It is my prayer as Hugh Prather once wrote: … “You may let the mind of God descend over you and disappear within it.: That would be a time of “soul(ing). I believe we were made for a loving union with God and I know no better way to find that union than to take time to be in God’s presence. Connecting with God transforms us, giving our lives renewed meaning, purpose and a remarkable peace. Won’t you join me this sum-mer and hang out your own sign:

“ Gone Soul(ing)”

Blessings,

Susan

Continued on page 7

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AFUMC newsupdate on Ministry and Space Task Force

The Ministry & Space Task Force is still in the process of under-standing all of the data gathered and processed over the past nine months. Together with the Trustees, Church Council and Pastors, we have decided that getting the plan right is more important that finishing quickly. With that in mind, we have convened a small sub-group who will work over the summer to review the themes that emerged in our information gathering and listening, and to propose four or five possible scenarios incorporating these themes. We will take these scenarios to a larger group, including ministries and groups who could be affected by them. We will then work through the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario and determine the best one to recommend to the church body. If you have questions, please contact Chuck Hanrahan, chair of the Task Force at chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com, or 383-8794.

Changes on Granger Street

Local developer Gar Lowenguth and his wife Cindy have pur-chased the six-unit house at 1 Granger Place, which is adjacent to our staff parking lot. The Lowenguths plan to convert the building to a three or four-unit, owner-occupied residence and add a fence and large six-car garage. City of Rochester ordinances do not prohibit fences and garages from being erected along property lot lines. However, as mentioned in several past Sunday bulletins, the Lowenguths must submit their plans to the Rochester Preser-vation Board for approval.

The Trustees asked Bob Schuman, Co-Chair of the Garden Com-mittee and former Trustee President, to discuss the proposal with the Lowenguths and with concerned members of the congrega-

Continued on page 6

tion. Several members provided Bob with valuable input, and he met a number of times with the Lowenguths and their architects.

The Trustees voted at their June 13th meeting not to oppose the application, currently scheduled to be heard by the Preserva-tion Board on August 7th. Further, the trustees voted to pursue an agreement with the Lowenguths that will provide significant landscaping to the affected area.

An update on the Search for our new Youth Director

As you may know from previous updates in The VisiTor, the search committee and Staff-Parish Relations Committee have been hard at work in the process of finding a new youth director. We have some great candidates with whom we are in conversation, but we haven’t yet hired someone. Everyone involved wants to get this right and is willing to take the time necessary to do so. While we are hoping to have someone in place by fall, if for some reason one of the candidates doesn’t work out by then, we have a plan!

Beginning last December, Asbury First partnered with Youth Min-istry Architects (youth ministry consultants) to build more sustain-able structures for our youth ministry. One of the benefits of that process has been that over the last few months we have added to our core group of “stake-holders” in the youth ministry at Asbury First. These invested adults have already demonstrated a willing-ness to go the extra mile to make sure that we are faithfully living out our mission to and with young people. Fortunately, some of these volunteers and staff have stepped up to make sure that the youth program, including confirmation, continues to run smooth-ly until the time when the new person comes on board. Will there

It’s Time for the Asbury First Annual

Basement SaleFriday, August 2-Saturday, August 3

We are looking for donations of jewelry, antiques and collectables, linens, toys/small electronics/

games, furniture, furs and vintage clothing, etc. Donations can be delivered to the 7th and 8th grade

room directly opposite Wesley Hall. Thank you for your help! For more information, contact Elizabeth

Church at 978-0007 or elizchurch@juno.com.

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on holy groundOn Holy Ground, created by the Center for Spiritual Life committee, is a regular feature in The Visitor that

highlights opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal.

Recommended Reading

Living the Labyrinth, by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion.

Geoffrion’s four-step formula is straight-

forward: ask, listen, receive, be grateful. This is

important advice, for the labyrinth and for life.

Writing in a poetic prose, she offers her suggestions

gently, respectfully, joyfully.

We invite youWalk the Labyrinth

this summer

June 12July 10

August 14

5:00-7:00 p.m.

An ancient spiritual practice, labyrinth walking restores the soul and reconnects you to the

divine in your life.

Asbury First United Methodist Church

1040 East Ave.Rochester, NY 14607

Join us For a Spiritual encounterAs evening approaches on four Wednesdays this summer, you are

invited to join for prayer for a Taize worship service. We will gather from

5:45-6:30 p.m. for singing, scripture reading, prayer, silence and com-

munion. If the weather permits we may move outdoors. Please feel

welcome to be with us and experience an opportunity to connect with

yourself in the presence of God and your neighbors on June 26, July 10,

July 31 and August 7.

new Class, Coming This Fall: Benedictine Spirituality

For four Thursday evenings we will gather together to discuss

the loving visionary, St. Benedict of Nursia, and what is known as

Benedictine Rule. Benedictine spirituality offers common-sense

insights for us as we live our lives in relationship with others,

with material objects, and with God. Sister Joan Chittister offers a

commentary in the book we will be reading. Her discernment of

Benedict will help us delve deeper in to ourselves and the ways in

which his ideas can enrich our lives and our relationships. Classes

will begin on September 12 and continue for four weeks, from

7:00-8:30 p.m. Please call Melody Guadagnino in the church office

(271-1050 x103) to sign up. Please purchase The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st

Century. Copies are available for those who are unable to purchase their own.

Summer Taize5:45-6:30 p.m.

June 26 ● July 10 ● July 31 ● August 7

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Sunday july 7Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Summer Choir

Sunday july 14Rev. Stephen Cady II, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Summer Choir

Sunday july 21 Rev. David Lubba, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Summer Choir

Sunday july 28Rev. David Lubba, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Sum-mer Choir

Sunday auguSt 4Rev. Dr. Timothy Johnson, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Sum-mer Choir

Sunday auguSt 11Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Sum-mer Choir

Sunday auguSt 18Katherine Thiel, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Sum-mer Choir

Sunday auguSt 25Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher8:30 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.Traditional worship with Sum-mer Choir

WORSHIPworship schedule

AFUMC news

in CommunityOur Living

Deaths

Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Pat Jones on the

death of her sisterConnie Robinson

on May 11, 2013 in St. Maarten.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Todd and Joyce

Benham and family on the death of Todd’s father

Daryl Benhamon May 15, 2013 in Georgia.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and

friends of Keith Johns

who died on May 28, 2013.

Marriages

May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new

covenant.

Kim Hines and Willis Ferrel

on their marriage June 15, 2013.

Births & Baptisms

God has sealed you unto love and grace divine

Madeleine Elise Merglerdaughter of Tracy and

Christopher Mergler, baptized on June 9, 2013.

Ainsley McFeeley Jacusdaughter of Katherine and

James Jacus, baptized on June 9, 2013.

Christmas in July for Storehouse KidsSundays, July 14 & 21

Children who come to

the Storehouse before

Christmas have the

joy of a brand new

toy, thanks to the

Asbury Community.

Many of our new toys last

into the spring season, but sadly, from late spring through

fall, we have very few new toys. The Storehouse will be

holding a “Christmas in July” toy drive on Sunday, July 14 and

Sunday July 21. Please consider a contribution for this mid-

year collection of new toys. A Storehouse representative will

be on hand in the Welcoming Hall after services on these

Sundays to receive your gift and thank you for your help.

6

be bumps in the road? Probably, but we are working hard to make sure that there are as few as possible.

The search team will continue to keep you updated as the search process moves forward and will let you know as more informa-tion becomes available regarding specific plans for the fall. In the meantime, we welcome your prayers.

Women on Wednesday — A Poetic Description

Asbury First’s reading and discussion group, Women on Wednes-days (WOW) is portrayed here in poem form by long-time mem-ber MA Geib. Join WOW in September in the 1010 East Ave. dining room for the 2013-2014 season of reading and discussion. WOW meetings are at noon every Wednesday.

What books do we choose?“religious” topics – never a novelSometimes a deep one—on morals or the churchOthers a light-hearted treatment of a serious topic.

Sometimes an author leads us to othersSometimes it’s Jane at the Good Book StoreWe linger on some books more than othersRarely do we give up!

Though reading may need disciplineThe discussions are golden — the heart of the matter,And though regular attendance is not required,Many find they hate to miss.

In our busy livesWe don’t often findOthers who enjoy sharing Their books, ideas and their faith.

Helping the homeless through RAiHn

September 1-8 is RAIHN week at Asbury First. The church is home for homeless families who stay at 1010 East Avenue for one week every thirteen weeks. Some 60 volunteers provide a com-fortable home for these homeless families with children during this week. They arrange bedrooms, make beds, welcome fami-lies, provide meals, clean up, assist with recreation and activities, and provide supervision on a 24/7 basis. Rochester is part of the national non-profit Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) for the purpose of assisting homeless families. Area churches provide temporary housing facilities—and Asbury First, is an important part of this effort. During our week, volunteers are needed: • towelcomefamilieswhentheyarriveeachevening;• toprovidedinnerforthefamilieseachnight;• toprovidehospitality(visiting,playinggames,doingcrafts, helpingwithhomework);• tospendthenightat1010servingassupervisorsforthefami-

liesduringtheirweeklystay;

• tohelpoutwithsupervision,mealsandrecreation.

If you want to be part of this volunteer effort, please contact Chris and Doug Lee at (585) 451-7692 or c_s_lee29@msn.com or con-tact Melody Guadagnino, ext. 103, at the church office (271-1050).

Asbury First Becoming Smoke-Free

With input from the Trustees and the Dining/Caring Center and discussion among the members of the Church Council, the Church Council announces that the AFUMC campus will officially become a smoke-free zone as of July 1, 2013.

After prayerful consideration and in recognition of the effect smoking and second-hand smoke can have on health, Church Council has made the decision to declare the AFUMC campus a smoke-free zone. This will apply to all who are on campus and all areas of the campus except for one designated smoking area: this will be located in the area just behind the 1010 building. The 1050 office building, the Storehouse, the Dining and Caring Center, the Daycare area, the Nursery School, and the 1010 building, as well as the parking lot and the Granger Street lawn, are all included as smoke-freeareas.Signswillbeputupinallareasofthecampus;announcements will appear in Sunday bulletins and will be made in the Dining and Caring Center, the Storehouse, and Sunday School classes (in the fall.) Flyers will be provided to the Daycare Center and the Nursery School for distribution to parents. The information will also be conveyed to all the groups using our facili-ties and will become a part of the information handed out in the future. The official statement will appear on a map on the AFUMC website and on flyers.

We hope that this decision will continue our work to make Asbury First’s campus accessible to all. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paula Kuempel, chair of Church Council at 262-2511 or kuempel84@gmail.com.

George Washington had overdue books. Do you?

Are you like George Washington? He, too, had overdue library books. His fine, adjusted for inflation, amounts to about $300,000. The overdue books signed out to President Washington were Law of Nations and a volume of debates from Britain’s House of Com-mons. Both books, according to the records, were due November 2, 1789. “We’re not actively pursuing the overdue fines,” says New York Society Library head librarian Mark Bartlett. “But we would be very happy if we were able to get the books back.”

The Church Resource Library agrees with this thinking. The church library does not charge fines for overdue books, but they are grateful for their return. And we need your help!

One of the largest problems facing the Asbury First Resource Library, and probably most honor system libraries, is the return of borrowed books. So, support your church library by using its resources regularly and promptly returning the books borrowed. New items are added regularly, so check out the many resources available and remember to check those shelves at home to see if any books need to come back to the library.

AFUMC News, continued from page 3

7

We celebrate and welcome the newest members of our faith family: our confirmands, who were received into full membership in the church on Sunday, May 19. Congratulations!

• REACHING A SPIRITUAL MILESTONE •

Eileah Miriam Pye

Evan Christopher AlaimoPeter James CarterBrian Orazio CarterClark Nathan Pierce

Katherine Lindsay JefferisAbigail Grace HoareAndrew Donald KennedyParker Zane Anderson

Katherine Elizabeth Cadregari Brittany Rose Martz Arianna Dara Ernsthausen

Our thanks to Megan Phaneuf for the photographs.

8

Asbury First uMC

In total, the income during the first four months of the year was $672,759 which is only slightly lower than our plan and last year. Excluding the designated gifts, income to run the church is only $5,000 lower than where we thought we would be by now, which is only 1% off our budget.

1Pledged donAtions: We have received $383,055 from those members of the congrega-tion who made pledges (including new member

pledges). This is slightly behind last year. Forecasting how all members fulfill their pledges is not an exact science so this small difference is not a concern.

2unPledged donAtions: These are gifts that can be tracked from both non-members and members of the congregation who did not make

estimates of giving. We have received $21,973, which is $5,000 less than what we thought we would have received and $10,000 less than last year. While we are only one third of the way into the year, this is a little surprising, especially since there were a number of members who chose not to pledge last year and it was anticipated they would have contributed anyway and that income would have shown up in this category.

3designAted giFts: Generosity continues from all, as the total designated gifts are roughly at the same level as last year.

4other Contributions: It is worth noting that our plate collections (amount received during services that cannot be tracked to an individual)

are up 10 percent from this time last year.

5designAted FundrAising: Fundraising (including gifts from outside foundations) for the Dining and Caring Center, Storehouse and youth

mission trip is in this category.

6CArryover FroM lAst yeAr: To remind everyone, the funds listed here are only those that are designated. We will make an adjustment in next

quarter’s report to show those funds that we carried over from last year that are undesignated also.

Income income 2013 Actual 2013 Plan 2012 Actual

Pledge Donations $ 383,055 $ 388,100 $ 391,076

Unpledged Donations $ 21,973 $ 26,667 $ 31,094

Designated Gifts $ 61,062 $ 53,451 $ 63,499

Other Contributions $ 6,763 $ 5,500 $ 6,052

Subtotal Contributions $ 472,853 $ 473,718 $ 491,721

Designated Fundraising $ 40,042 $ 36,064 $ 46,205

Property Usage $ 25,551 $ 25,545 $ 24,516

Endowment Income $ 78,452 $ 78,432 $ 75,718

Endowment for Growth $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000

Other $ 5,861 $ 1,000 $ 1,045

totAl $ 672,759 $ 664,759 $ 689,205

Carryover from previous year

$ 190,310 $ 190,310 $ 132,111

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9

Through the first four months of the year, we have spent $643,825. This is more than we had planned due to spending on designated items. If the designated spending is removed from the total, we have spent $5,000 less than our budget so far this year.

1stAFFing: Spending is higher than we had planned by $15,000 due to some non-salary related items that we did not plan for.

2utilities And MAintenAnCe: Our spend-ing on utilities continues well under budget, saving us $13,000 in our budget so far. Utility bills and

maintenance are even $5,000 less than last year, which is surprising since the 2012 winter was so warm.

3WorshiP And devotionAl: Spending in this is over by $10,000 but all that spending is covered by designated gifts.

4eduCAtion: Spending in this category is higher than both plan and last year but is because of the timing of the youth mission trip which has hap-

pened already this year. The spending for this trip is com-pletely covered by fundraising and donations.

5CoMMuniCAtions: Spending here is slightly over plan as designated funds are being used for a variety of communication-related projects.

6outreACh sPending: In total, we have dis-pensed $90,708 in the first four months for specific outreach efforts. Inside of this is the spending for

the Dining and Caring Center, Storehouse, and generous gifts to Egel Funds, UMCOR, African Mission and the Gro-cery Bag Ministry.

7CArryover: Due to unexpected giving and mind-ful spending, we had a carryover of funds from last year of $190,000. Some of this money will be used

in the second half of the year and some of the funds are designated that came in during the last part of 2012 and were not spent.

Expensesincome 2013 Actual 2013 Plan 2012 Actual

Staffing $ 313,746 $ 296,570 $ 255,292

Utilities and maintenance

$ 82,655 $ 95,027 $ 87,750

Administrative $ 26,534 $ 27,363 $ 17,535

Conference Apportionment

$ 56,520 $ 58,298 $ 57,340

Worship & Devotional

$ 21,272 $ 13,502 $ 19,864

Education $ 36,265 $ 20,600 $ 21,407

Communications $ 12,357 $ 14,171 $ 9,369

Membership Care $ 3,768 $ 3,959 $ 1,745

Outreach $ 90,708 $ 94,579 $ 83,576

totAl $ 643,825 $ 624,069 $ 553,878

Financial Summary / January 1-April 31, 2013

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in suMMAryIn total, the income to run the church is exactly on plan to our budget. On top of that, designated giving continues to be very strong. We are in a good financial position through the first third of the year and it is a blessing that we can keep the financials in the background while we all pursuu the ministries of Asbury First.Doug Major, Chair, Finance Committee

10

Asbury First United Methodist Church Presents

2013 Golf TournamentMonday, August 19Mill Creek Golf Club128 Cedars Avenue ~ Churchville, NY 14428

All proceeds support Asbury First community services.

• Four person scramble.

• Free bucket of balls on driving range.

• $100/person or $400/team (includes 18 holes with

cart, lunch and dinner.) Tickets for dinner only: $40.

• First, second, and third place prizes.

• Skin games and mulligans.

• Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests.

• Results and prizes announced during dinner.

• Corporate, individual, and hole sponsorships

available.

12 noon Registration & Lunch

1:00 p.m. Shotgun start

5:00 p.m. Silent auction

6:00 p.m. Steak and chicken dinner

To register or for information about sponsorships

contact Jason Franklin, (585) 271-1050, x120 or

jfranklin@asburyfirst.org.

Please make checks payable to Asbury First United

Methodist Church. A portion of the cost is tax

deductible as a contribution to Asbury First.

11

Family Carnival: an "upliFting” ExpEriEnCEThe sun was shining brightly at Asbury First this year on June 9, the day of the Fam-ily Carnival. From 10:00 a.m.-noon, children and adults of all ages enjoyed fun activi-ties across campus. The theme this year was “uplifting,” and from the bounce house to the popular juggling act with Jim Carter and Tyler Poquette, there was a focus on things that go “up!” Signs reminded participants to “lift up your spirits” and “lift up your prayers,” encouraging everyone to think about all the ways in which God’s spirit is uplift-ing our lives. Sponsored by Children’s Ministry, the carnival provided food for thought along with great fellowship and a tasty hot dog lunch. What a great way to start the summer!

12

Brave and vulnerable. These two words crept up periodically in my life this spring. What do these two words have to do with art? People who involve themselves in the artistic process know these two words very well. These are the touchstones of creativity.

It was interesting to me that a number of people who participated in the Soul Fire: Ac-cessing Your Creativity class this spring identi-fied themselves as either brave or vulnerable. They felt brave for taking the class and vulner-able to expose their own creativity. By the end of the six weeks they were still brave and still vulnerable. They will always be so. It is the same with all artists. We are brave in that we dare to allow an expression of ourselves out into an act of creativity. We are vulnerable in that others will look at our work of creativity and judge it. Pretty scary stuff and very rewarding. It is a special moment when you look at what you have created –“Did I do that?” “WOW.” There is a feeling of accomplishment ... and something more ... a rising of soul laughter. Feelings that yes, you can! Yes, you did!

In preparation for this class I watched several

TED videos on youtube. If you’ve never heard of TED I heartily recommend them. Hosted by PBS, TED stands for Technology, Educa-tion and Design. It has expanded beyond those three areas. I don’t want to take up space here

to describe TED, just look it up! The videos I looked at were on creativity. Every single one of them talked about the need be brave and the need to be vulnerable. And to move ... one step at a time ... beyond your comfort zone. Brave, vulnerable, and exhilarating!

Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find de-scriptions of the courses I am offering in the fall. If you have suggestions for more, I always like to hear them! I encourage you to step one step outside your comfort zone and participate in one of these classes. Also please consider joining me in the study of Art and Hate. I originally developed this as a seminary project and have expanded since then. It is a fascinating study (If I do say so myself ) of modern art, the theft of Europe’s art and the use of art in World War II. It includes a look at the Monuments Men of the Army in Europe.

Please! Join me for one or all of the fall classes. Be Brave, Be Vulnerable, Be Inspired by the Spirit!

Call Linda Clemow at 236-1184 for more information and to register for the class.

by Rev. Linda Clemow

B R A V E & V U L N E R A B L E

Watercolor Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.September 9 through October 28Cost: $50 This is a continuation of the class that started this spring but you may start new with us. No prior experience required. Taught by Linda Clemow.

Sculpey ClayTuesdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon September 10 through October 29Cost: $50Come and experiment with the colors, styles and techniques of working with this fun clay – make beads, boxes, embellishments. No prior experience required. Taught by Linda Clemow and Cheryl Thompson.

looking at ArtThursdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon September 12 through October 3 Cost: $10. You need not have any experience in looking at art. We will be-gin with a study titled Art and Hate. This is a look at how art was used to influence Nazi Germany, Hitler’s influence on art, how the Germans stole the art of Europe and how the Monument Men saved much of this art. This will include a viewing of the movie The Rape of Europa, about the theft of the art, the attempts to hide the art and its eventual return. This class will also include a look at modern art at its earliest beginnings, and a review of the major and some not-so-major movements of the time. Taught by Linda Clemow.

Fall 2013 artSparkS OFFEringS

Cheryl Thompson working on a water at an ArtSparks Class at Asbury First.

13

Child’s Name Age Allergies T-Shirt Size

Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No

parEnt/guardian inFOrmatiOnParent(s)/Guardian(s) Name ___________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________________________Phone ________________________ Cell ________________________Email ___________________________Best number to be reached during VBS hours _______________________________________________________

mEdiCal inFOrmatiOnPlease list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________Emergency Contact __________________________________________________________________________Relationship to child(ren) _____________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Cell ___________________________________________Medical Insurance Company ___________________________________________________________________

In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church to administer the necessary medical treatment. Signature of parent/guardian ___________________________________________ Date ___________________Please list the people who have the permission to pick up your child(ren): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

vOluntEEr inFOrmatiOn Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)?Registration MusicStudent guide GamesBible Stories CraftsSnack Nursery Caregiver

Do you have any children under four that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

On Thursday evening, August 8, we’ll celebrate the end of a great week by visiting Seneca Park Zoo together!

Questions? Contact Melissa Bohrer or Paula Dugan, (585) 271-1050 x111 or mbohrer@asburyfirst.org and pdugan@asburyfirst.org.

ALL CREATURES GREAT and

SMALL!

Please join us for Vacation Bible School August 5-8 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.

14

Library news

Children:The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.With this book, the reader will discover an animal hero who will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. Adults reading this aloud with children will find it just as rewarding.

Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen.This book for ages 4-8 is a Caldecott award-winning story of a child and parent finding magic and adventure in nature. It is about a child and her father going owling—looking for owls in the night. There are all kinds of animals, like wolves and birds, in the illustrations by John Schoenherrr.

Youth:The Whole Stupid Way We Are, by N. Griffin.Set in Maine, this book helps readers realize that not everything in life is fixable, and that we must make room for sadness and loss. The book is especially for youth aged 14-17.

A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy, by Madeleine L’Engle.Fifty years ago, Madeleine L’Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the wonderful and unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe. Now their first three adventures are together in one this volume—A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet. These stories are especially recommended for ages 11-15, but this classic is special for all ages.

If you’ve read all the books suggested in our library news this year, you will have read 72 selections. Check out all the titles in the library news notebook in the library. Don’t stop reading because we have some summer possibilities for you. As the summer provides

more free time for most, it is an excellent opportunity to make use of the Church Resource library. Books for all ages and on all topics are available. Below are some summer selections to aid you. The library remains open all summer for your use. Check it out!

Adult:The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2012, by Marvin W. Cropsey.The Discipline includes our church constitution, our history, our doctrinal standards, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as practical processes through which our congregations connect and support each other.

The Edge of the Divine Where Possibility Meets God’s Faithfulness, by Sandi Patty.In The Edge of the Divine, the acclaimed soprano Sandi Patty shares the poignant and sometimes humorous story of her journey from the brink of physical disaster toward the abundant life of good health and keen spiritual fulfillment.

Parenting:365 Ways to Love Your Child, by Caryl Walker Krueger.Author Caryl Waller Krueger presents 365 ideas in capsule form, to help you make the most of special moments with your child.

Grandloving: Making Memories With Your Grandchildren, by Sue Johnson, Ronnie W. Shipman, Julie Carlson.This informative book gives grandparents hundreds of activities to en-liven their relationships with grandchildren.

July1 Isaiah 32:1-202 Psalm 85:1-133 Galatians 5:7-264 Galatians 6:1-185 Luke 10:1-126 Luke 10: 13-247 2 Kings 5:1-148 2 Kings 5:15-279 Amos 7:1-1710 Psalm 25:1-2211 Psalm 82:1-812 Deuteronomy 20:1-2013 Luke 10:25-3714 Colossians 1:1-1415 Colossians 1:15-2916 Genesis 18:1-1517 Amos 8:1-14

18 Psalm 15:1-519 Psalm 52:1-920 Luke 10:38-4221 Ruth 1:1-2222 John 20:1-1823 1 Kings 19:1-1824 Psalm 7:1-1725 Mark 10:35-45 26 Hosea 1:1-2:127 Colossians 2:1-2328 Luke 11:1-23

29 Luke 11:24-3630 Luke 11:37-5431 Luke 12:1-21August1 Ecclesiastes 1:1-182 Ecclesiastes 2:1-12a3 Ecclesiastes 2:12b-26 4 Colossians 3:1-175 2 Peter 1:1-216 Daniel 7:1-147 Daniel 7:15-28

8 Isaiah 1:1-209 Hebrews 11:1-1610 Luke 12:22-4011 Psalm 33:1-2212 Hebrews 11:17-3113 Hebrews 11:32-12:214 Isaiah 7:1-1615 Isaiah 7:17-8:416 Psalm 80:1-1917 Luke 12:41-5918 Jeremiah 23:1-2019 Jeremiah 23:21-4020 Hebrews 12:3-1721 Hebrews 12:18-2922 Psalm 103:1-2223 Isaiah 58:1-1424 John 1:29-5125 Luke 13:10-21

15

the last word

the Asbury First

dining And CAring

Center (DCC) opened its doors

in 1993, serving peanut butter

and jelly sandwiches to the

very first guests. In the first

year, those sandwiches turned

into 1,535 meals. The ADCC

grew to include breakfast

four days a week, lunch on

Wednesdays and a dinner on

each Sunday. As a result, over

24,000 meals were served in

2012. For the past four years,

a Thanksgiving Day dinner has

been provided as well.

While feeding the hungry of the greater Rochester area,

the ADCC also feeds the soul and material needs of its guests.

Services such as hair care, referral to community agencies,

bicycle repair, a listening ministry, assistance with employment

and housing, giving out sleeping bags and supplying personal

hygiene products are all a part of the ADCC’s weekly program.

How are we able to provide all these needs? The ADCC has

been privileged to have an endowment as its primary source

of financial assistance. Other means are grants and monetary

gifts from the Asbury Community and friends in the greater

Rochester area. The Center is able to access our local Foodlink.

However, the ADCC has depleted some of their endowment

funds and has been affected, this year, with less available food

from Foodlink.

Dinner Among Friends: Celebrating 20 years of service in the Dining Center

Our financial support

throughout the past six from

the “Dinner Among Friends”

event has helped make the

program continue at its

highest level. The Embrace

Ministry, which welcomes

new members into the Asbury

community, is sponsoring the

7th Annual “Dinner Among

Friends” on September 28,

2013. There will be a different

look to the event this year!

We will begin the evening in

the Gathering Space at Asbury

with fellowship and appetizers

at 5:00 pm. Following an hour of fun, participants will adjourn

to the host homes where dinner and dessert will be served.

Please plan on joining your church friends, your neighbors,

and other community members for this gala evening. If you

know now that you would like to host a dinner in your home,

please let one of the following persons know of your intent:

Sandra Holloway, Nancy Davidow, Mary Walker or Martha Tuke.

Our goal this year is to raise $25,000 in support of the ADCC

ministry to the homeless, hungry and lonely. With your help, we

will be able to continue the ADCC ministry in its fullest.

Joyously and in God’s service,

The Embrace Group

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

Attention all Students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades!

There’s a new group at Asbury First JUST FOR YOU! The Middle School Fellowship group is ready to kick it off in style

with two fun events this summer.

Please join us for great fun and fellowship in the coming months. We’re planning an exciting series of get-togethers

for fall – watch the bulletin and The VisiTor for more info as plans firm up. Want to sign up or find out more? Contact

Paula Dugan at pdugan@aburyfirst.org or 271-1050 x111 for more information.

Free Lemonade Stand (for our East Ave. Neighbors)

Sunday, August 18

Details TBD

Pool PartySunday, July 21

2:00 p.m.Bent Oak Trail, Fairport (we’ll

have directions for you)