the visitor

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterFebruary 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 2 • www.asburyfirst.org

TheVisitor

In ThIs Issue

Pastoral Appointment, 3

On Holy Ground, 5

Budget Wrap-Up, 7

New Members, 10

Youth Mission Trip, 13

DCC Guest Kudos, 15

Mission stateMent

2

staffSenior MinisterMinister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Youth & EducationMinister for Outreach and Community Connection MinistriesMinistry InternAdministrative Director of Music and the ArtsArtistic Director of Music and the ArtsCo-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 Theater

Cover: The day after winter storm Nemo on the Asbury First cam-pus. Thanks to Jim Quinn for letting us use his beautiful photo.

Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at

[email protected] or (585) 271-1050 x109.

Deadline for next issue: Friday, March 1

Read The Visitor online: www.asburyfirst.org

Rev. Susan S. ShaferRev. Stephen Cady

Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

Kathy ThielDavid T. Strong

Dr. William J. Weinert

Paula Dugan

Melissa Bohrer

Richard MoncriefMelody Guadagnino

Michele Cooley

Jason FranklinMary Van Keuren

Duane A. PrillDavid T. StrongBozena Granat

Elizabeth ChurchBrian BohrerLarry Dugan

The VisitorVol. XLVII no. 2

(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 dis-

ciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and

thereby work to transform our culture.

a woRD abouT lenT

Forty is one of those numbers to which people of faith quickly learn to pay some at-tention. It brings to mind the rains of Noah, the wanderings of the Israelites, the fasting of Elijah, the temptation of Jesus. But at this time of year, it most often brings to mind Lent.

Truth be told, most of the time the num-ber “forty” in the Bible simply meant “a long time.” It was a figurative number which the

Hebrew people used to mean that something took awhile (sort of like how we use “a million” nowadays). The rains for Noah lasted “a long time,” the Hebrews wandered the desert for “a long time,” Elijah fasted “a long time,” Jesus spent “a long time” in the wilderness prior to his ministry.

And yet, in Lent, we really do mean forty days (not counting Sundays). Lent is the forty-day season during which we prepare our-selves to rehearse the holiest moments of our faith; forty days which ask us to prepare our hearts and minds for both the despair of Good Friday and the joy of Easter. The irony for us, however, is that in our non-stop culture, forty days doesn’t always seem like “a long time.” The truth is, forty days can pass us by without much thought (where were you forty days ago?), and so we look for ways to prolong them during this season.

One of the ways that we try to feel Lent more keenly is by giving something up. During these forty days, we commit to not checking facebook, or eating donuts, or texting at dinner, or drinking coffee, or sneaking chocolate, or (insert your vice here). The good news is that sometimes it works; there are times when having given something up has made us more aware of the season itself. The bad news is that sometimes we forget why we are doing it.

The tradition of giving something up for Lent is not about seeing what we can do without for forty days; it is about trying to liberate ourselves from those things which pull our attention away from God and others. In other words, if the first thing we think about when we get up in the morning is coffee, then perhaps eliminating it, even for a short time, might awaken us to the needs of others. If choco-late is the only thing that gets us through our afternoon break, then

continued on page 3

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AFUMC news

perhaps replacing it with prayer for a few days might remind us of the source of lasting sustenance.

In the end, the purpose of these forty days in which we cur-rently find ourselves is to prepare us to receive the good news of full and everlasting life. If embracing that life means giving some-thing up, then we should do it, but it might also mean adding something new. Fortunately for us, opportunities abound. Maybe this is the season in which we finally try out one of the numerous outreach opportunities at Asbury First. Maybe this is the season

in which we take a class to deepen our understanding. Maybe this is the season in which we finally invite a friend to church.

The good news is that regardless of how we spend the rest of this season, we can take comfort in the knowledge that true gift of life for which we prepare will last so much longer than forty days.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen Cady

a Message from the Staff-Parish Relations CommitteeOn Sunday, February 10 Peter Abdella, chair of the Staff-

Parish Relations Committee, and Cindy Lewis, an SPRC member, announced at all services the upcoming appointment of Rev. Phillip Phaneuf to Queensbury United Methodist Church in Queensbury, N.Y., just north of Saratoga Springs and not far from Glens Falls and Lake George.

“We are very happy for Phil, Megan and Tyler for Phil’s new appointment,” said Abdella.

Rev. Phaneuf will continue in his min-istry at Asbury First until June. His last

Sunday will be June 16, 2013. A recep-tion will be planned for that time.

asbury First’s african MissionA message from AFUMC member Vir-

ginia Duffy: “I was happy to visit Kenya in December to attend the graduation of our first two sponsored students from the RARE program. Both Elizabeth Njenga and Franklin Olum graduated with distinction. Elizabeth is continuing at the University of Nairobi for a mas-ter’s degree. We are excitedly awaiting

Frank here in Rochester to work on his master’s in the social work program at

SUNY Brockport/Nazareth. They have told him that because his grades are so good he does not need to take the GRE exams and they have offered him a teaching assistant job which will lower his tuition by 50 percent. Frank is excited about coming to the U.S. and meeting all of you who have supported him.

“Chazon Children Center ( CCC) is also doing well and has broken ground for the orphanage building. It has done well

Njenga

Olum, left, with Duffy

with fundraising from Spain. Our stu-dent, Michael, who is sponsored by the Dining Center guests, is fourth in his class!

“I am looking for volunteers to help me both with fundraising and to visit Kenya if possible. Due to health reasons this was sadly my last trip. Email me at [email protected] to discuss opportunities.”

Support Miracle Garden During lentWhat to do with those old ink cartridges? Outdated cell

phones? Cameras? Why not recycle them in support of Miracle Garden Global Ministries? Your old electronics can become needed funds for the orphans! In addition, recycling will keep these reusable items out of our landfills. We will be running a trial recycling event during Lent. Collection boxes will be in the Welcoming Hall each Sunday. What to recycle?• Inkjetcartridges• Cellphones• MP3players• Digitalcameras• Laptops• USBmemorykeys• DVDplayers

For a complete lit of items accepted, please visit www.imagineRecycling.com. Bring your recyclable items through Easter Sunday, March 31. Thank you for helping the orphans, and helping our planet! Your house will thank you too for ridding it of these unwanted, used items! If you have any questions, please contact Robyn Gage at [email protected].

Pastoral reflection, continued from page 2

continued on page 6

Rev. Phillip Phaneuf

4

Sunday March 3Third Sunday in LentRev. Susan S. Shafer, preacherIsaiah 55:1-9

8:30 a.m.Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion


Sunday March 10Fourth Sunday in LentRev. Stephen Cady, preacherLuke 15:1-3, 16-32




Sunday March 17Fifth Sunday in LentRev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacherPhilippians 3:4b-14




Sunday March 24

WORSHIPworship scheduleLiturgy of the Passion (Palm Sunday)Rev. Stephen Cady, preacherLuke 19:28-40




ThurSday, March 28Maundy Thursday

7:30 p.m.Re-enactment of Last Supper and Placing of the Cross

Friday, March 29Good Friday

Noon and 7:30 p.m.Envisioning the Passion

Sunday March 31Easter SundayRev. Susan S. Shafer, preacherJohn 20:1-18




Sunday april 7Second Sunday of EasterKathy Thiel, preacherJohn 20:19-31




AFUMC news

in CommunityOur Living

Deaths

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

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Jessica Burdick-Giordano and

family on the death of Jessica’s grandmother Jean Webb

on December 31, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of

Marjorie Richard who died on January 13, 2013.


Stephen Gerekwho died on January 19, 2013.


Jean Vincent-Rapp who died on January 9, 2013.


Betty Wilson who died on January 27, 2013.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Len and Nancy Davidow on the

death of Len’s mother Helen Davidow

on January 25, 2013 in New Jersey.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to James, Erica and Hannah Smith

on the death of James’ father and

Erica and Hannah’s grandfatherJames H. Smith

who died on January 23, 2013.


Dorothy Betler who died on February 11, 2013.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Claude and Andrea Adair on the

death of Claude’s father Don Adair

on February 10, 2013 in Batavia, Illinois.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Vinnie Esposito and Jennifer Johnson on the death of their

daughter Grace Esposito

who died on February 16, 2013.

Births & Baptisms

God has sealed you unto love and grace divine

Mackenzie Joy Gibbsdaughter of Aimee Cox-Gibbs and Eric Gibbs, baptized on January 20,

2013.

Elliott Jay Beachson of Devin Palmesano-Beach and Jeffrey Beach, baptized on

January 6, 2013.

5

on holy ground

“And therefore, for love’s sake then, I will do what no power in heaven or hell or on the earthcould make me do if I did not love. So, God, as experience must be like this, I would not snareThee in a web of words, I would not try to reduce all the vast reaches of Thy meaning to paltry

symbols. I would but open myself to Thee and let Thy spirit invade me and fill me until I do notknow what is mine or Thine. This would be my fulfillment, O my God!”

– These words of Howard Thurman remind us of the permeating strength of God’s love, and of ourlove as we each in our own way strive to live in God’s love.

We hope you will continue your Labyrinth and Taize experi-ences for the remainder of Lent.Labyrinth Schedule for Lent: March 6, 13, and 20; 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Taize Schedule for Lent: March 6, 13, and 20; 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Benedictine Retreat “Listening with the Ear of the Heart: reflections from Benedic-tine spirituality”

Led by Rev. Margaret Scott, pas-tor of Fairport United Methodist Church.

Friday, March 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m. through Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

No registration charge, but registra-tion is required and limited. Register by March 18 by contacting Melody Guadagnino at 271.1050 x103 or register at the Welcoming Hall desk on Sunday mornings.

Program Outline:• Friday evening: introduction

to St. Benedict and overview; night prayer and invitation to silence.

• Saturday morning: silence until morning prayer; prac-tices: the place of communal

prayer, lectio & work; com-munity in the Benedictine tradition; discussion/sharing; midday prayer; lunch

• Saturday afternoon: hospi-tality – theory, practice, pos-sibilities; activities and small group work; whole group discussion; evening prayer.

Easter Services8:30 a.m. Traditional worship10:00 a.m. Informal service with Holy Communion11:00 a.m. Traditional worship

Welcome to the second edition of On Holy Ground from the Center for Spiritual Life committee. In this section we will continue to highlight opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal.

Here is some information about St. Benedict to encourage you to attend the Benedictine retreat on March 22 and 23, led by Rev. Margaret Scott.

• St. Benedict lived in a stone cave for three years, receiving food from a neighboring monk.

• A group of shepherds discovered that he possessed great wisdom and compassion as a result of his time alone with God.

• People began to seek him out with problems and questions.

• A group of monks thought he would be a good leader, but when they found that his ways were too strict for their lazy selfish lives, they tried to kill him with a poisoned drink. When Benedict made the sign of the cross over the cup, it shattered to pieces in his hands. Benedict went back to his solitary life.

• Later, he founded the first Benedictine monastery near Naples. He was a very sensible and loving father to his monks. He wrote a Rule to guide their growth and help them to mature in their faith. This Rule is still used today by many religious communities.

• He was concerned with others outside the monastery and during a severe famine gave away all the food in the monastery except five loaves. The next morning the monks found 200 bushels of flour at the gates.

• His rule reflects the man himself, and practices moderation, peace, composure, and single-mindedness.

– From Saints Alive, Edited by Hal M. Helms, pp. 194-197

Recommended Reading:Spirituality of the Psalms, byWalter Brueggemann. Fortress Press, 2002.In this book, Brueggemann helps us to read the Psalms in ways that give voice to our individual and communal spirituality.

6

Message from the latshaws

Our deepest gratitude to our Asbury First family for all of your support and consolation following Jack’s passing. We have truly felt and deeply appreciate the love and warmth of this great church. – the Latshaw family; Donna, Scott, Jenn, Anna and Emma.

Roudebush Circle of the u.M.w. is back for Spring

Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women will meet on Tuesday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. in 1010 East Ave. The catered dinner is $8.50 per person (please bring your own table ser-vice). Our program will feature Rev. Stephen Cady leading us in a communion service. Items for Asbury First’s Dining & Caring Center will be collected. Please call Joan Closson at 671-5534 for dinner reservations by Friday, March 22. For more informa-tion regarding the Circle, please call Ginn Fitch at 381-6464.

artSparks offerings

NEW CLASS – Soul Fire : accessing Your Creativity, based on the book by Thomas Ryan, CSP of the same title. I invite you to participate in discussion, activity and friendship in learn-ing how to use art as a form of spiritual formation. There is no previous art experience necessary. You will be required to purchase the book, but art materials will be provided. Be not afraid to let your inner creativity lead you into a closer relation-ship with the Holy Spirit and your friends at AFUMC. The class will be held Mondays from 1:00-3:00 pm., beginning April 8. Please register by calling Linda Clemow at 236-1184 by March

Saturday, March 16

7:00 p.m.

If you’re between the ages of 18-

35, and are looking for some fun

and fellowship, join us for a young

adult movie night. Watch the bul-

letin for more details – we’ll pick a

movie that we’d all like to see as we

get closer to the date. Questions?

Contact Stephen Cady at scady@

asburyfirst.org.

young adulT Movie nighT Pie for Pi bake SaleSunday, March 10all pies $10, on sale after all services

Each year, on the Sunday closest to Pi day (March 14 ...

3.14 .... get it?), the youth sell delicious home-made pies

to help raise funds for their mission trip. It’s a win-win:

you take home a tasty treat for Sunday dinner, and you

help support our youth as they prepare to travel to Ken-

tucky to work at Red Bird Mission.

Chacocente Girls All Smiles in New Dresses: There were ten very happy little girls when they each received a new dress! Hand-sewn by a circle of talented seamstresses, the dresses were “sponsored” by members of Asbury First at the Christmas Bazaar and delivered to the project by AFUMC members Robyn and Mary Gage. Thanks to everyone for brightening their day! Left to right: front row, Eveling, Esperanzito, Adrianna, and Chelsea; second row, Mary Gage, Eva, Katherine, Andrea, Alinson, Tatiana, Nohelia, Robyn Gage.

AFUMC News, continued from page 3

31. Registration is required.art Play – continuing art experimentation. We are exploring

art collage using ‘hot’ textiles and unusual materials. We move on to new techniques as we gain an interest in something new. Please call in advance to join the class. We have open enrollment at all times but registration is required. Please call Linda Clemow at 236-1184 to register.

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The end of 2012 seems like a long time ago at this point, so rather than go through all the final numbers of last

year’s budget, let me share with you a few of the highlights:

1. Pledge income ($1,010,698) came in $78,698 higher than had been forecasted. The mem-

bers of the congregation not only fulfilled their pledges at a rate higher than in previous years but

many members generously exceeded their pledges.

2. designated gifts ($181,574) were received at a very high level, nearly $30,000 higher than

the year before. (For those who don’t remember, a designated gift is one that is given by anyone

that is donated for a specific use.)

3. a very warm winter benefited the cost to maintain the church campus, savings us $26,506

in spending from our budget.

4. we ended the year considerably better than we had planned. Going into 2013, we have a

surplus of funds of $223,169. Of that, $93,169 is designated to specific ministries.

As you can see, through the combination of the generosity of all of you, prudent spending management and a

little luck with the weather, we finished the year in a strong financial position. The surplus will allow the Church

to do things in 2013 it otherwise could not have afforded. Thanks to everyone involved.

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Bu

dget / 1

a sbury fir st umc2013 BudGe t

A supplement to the Asbury First newsletter, The Visitor

Connecting Stewardship and Ministry / 2013 Budget

2012 Budget Wrap-up

In an effort to show all the spending of the church, the AOP (annual operating plan) has become increasing-

ly difficult to explain. The current outlook is that we will end 2013 with a $83,891 surplus, which is a combi-

nation of designated funds and general funds available for use for any church expense. (There will always be

designated funds in surplus at the end of the year as a considerable amount of these financial gifts come in

during the last two weeks of december.) The budgeting process is not perfect. I believe that we have taken a

conservative approach to our budget for 2013 and we are fortunate to be able to fund our needs, based on all

your gifts, and retain a slight surplus.

doug major finance committee chair

sum

ma

ry

8

asbury first umc

1Pledged donations: Pledged donations are forecasted to be down slightly from last year as a number of members never submitted their pledge

outlooks. We have conservatively forecasted what our total income will be from members of the congregation who have submitted pledges of giving.

2unPledged donations: This category is where all the donations that come to the church (that can be tracked by check or other means) are

counted, from either members who did not pledge or non-members of the church. We anticipate this being slightly higher this year due to the number of members who did not submit pledges during the stewardship campaign, but will continue to financially support the church.

3designated gifts: These donations to the church are for many different purposes as desig-nated by the person who gave that donation. The

fact that the outlook for the year is lower than last year is simply because we don’t know the level of designated giving until the gifts are received.

4endowment income: This is income to the church operating budget which comes from the endowment of the church. A 20 quarter average of

the level of the endowment is used to calculate the amount available to be used for the budget each year. This is done to ensure the longevity of the endowment.

5designated fundraising: This is the fun-draising done by three of our largest ministries: dining & Caring Center, Storehouse and the youth

mission trip. The reduction in this year’s outlook (when compared to last year) comes from a reduction in the funds raised for the youth mission trip, which last year was inter-national and this year is domestic.

6ProPerty usage: As you can see, it is anticipated that outside groups will pay for the use of the church facilities this year at the same level they did in 2012.

7endowment for vision 2020, endowment for growth: Six years ago, the Church took on a five-year effort to grow the congregation. Money was

given from the endowment each year to fund specific activi-ties associated with new ministries. That five-year period ended in 2012. A separate set of initiatives were outlined by the ministers and funded by the endowment (growth activities), which were described in a separate article in the Visitor.

8carryover: The carryover of available funds from last year’s budget is $223,169. Of that amount, $93,169 is designated gifts that have

not been spent. This leaves $130,000 left to apply to the general expenses to run the church in 2013. It is planned to reinvest $79,000 of those general funds to balance the 2013 budget.

Income income 2012 actual

Pledge donations $ 1,017,906

unpledged donations $ 71,329

designated Gifts $ 181,574

Subtotal contributions $ 1,270,809

designated Fundraising $ 165,566

Plate Contributions $ 20,930

Property usage $ 78,693

endowment Income $ 183,495

endowment for Vision 2020 $ 50,000

endowment for Growth $ 0

Other $ 4,658

Carryover From Previous Year $ 139,250

total $ 1,913,401 0

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$ 976,500

$ 80,000

$ 120,000

$ 1,176,500

$ 120,000

$ 25,000

$ 80,000

$ 183,000

$ 0

$ 50,000

$ 3,000

$ 223,169

$ 1,860,669

9

1staffing: The budget supports the current staff level we have in-place today, for all of 2013. In ad-dition, we were able to put in an increase in 2013

salaries to compensate for the increase in the cost of living. The budget also supported the forecasted increases in benefit costs.

2facilities: We aren’t having the balmy weather we enjoyed last year, thus we anticipate our expense for our facilities to go up. However, the investments we

made when we added the new addition allow us to be much more energy efficient than we were years ago. Finally, rate increases for gas and electricity have been factored in.

3administration: This category includes some of the “growth” initiative spending planned to as-sess our youth program and the staffing levels of

the church. Also included are new funds to contract network support for the church computer network.

4conference aPPortionment: Our appor-tionment to the Conference is outlooked to remain the same from 2012 to 2013 at $172,000.

5worshiP and arts: Spending on our wor-ship is planned to be $48,750, virtually the same amount we spent last year. In this category are the

expenses for general supplies like bulletins, any upgrades to the sanctuary sound system, and other expenses associated

with our worship services. In addition, in this category is the spending of designated gifts for spiritual life.

6education: The budget for 2013 is down from 2012 because of the reduced cost of the youth mis-sion trip (international last year and domestic this

year). In this area are the funds for the family retreat, Vaca-tion Bible School and general children education.

7communications: The budget for 2013 is dou-bling from the previous year. Almost all of the increase is coming from the “growth” initiative to redesign and

upgrade the church’s web site. In this category are the expenses for The Visitor, the radio ministry, and general advertising.

8membershiP care: We plan to spend $13,000 in this area. This funds initiatives like: women’s council, shut-in ministry, weekly coffee/punch,

Park Ave. festival.

9outreach (incl. umc funds/discretion-ary funds): For the full year, we outlook to spend $230,000 on general outreach ministries,

which includes the expense budget for the Storehouse and the dining/Caring Center. Budgeting for general outreach is difficult as designated gifts are received throughout the year that are not initially budgeted. At this point, spending is outlooked to be at about the same level as last year.

Expensesincome 2012 actual 2013 budget

Staffing $ 831,583 $ 878,209

utilities and maintenance $ 207,002 $ 223,425

Administrative $ 59,742 $ 85,150

Conference Apportionment $ 171,472 $ 172,394

Worship & Arts $ 47,084 $ 48,750

education $ 94,056 $ 69,950

Communications $ 24,231 $ 55,900

Membership Care $ 14,477 $ 13,000

Outreach/discretionary Funds $ 240,494 $ 230,000

total $ 1,690,141 $ 1,776,778

Net Operating Surplus $ 223,169 $ 83,8910

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We Welcome the following new members, who joined our As-bury First family on November 18. We’re glad you’re with us!

Bill HarrisonA native of Brooklyn, Bill has been in Rochester for 12 years. He has volunteered at the Dining & Caring Center for five years. Bill uses his 50 years of cooking experience to serve God.

Larry & Karen ConradThe Conrads recently moved back to Rochester after living in Pennsylvania for 25 years. Larry is retired from the Warren Co. School District there. They have seven grown children, and are delighted to be near family again.

Deirdre MooreDee is a nurse and the mother of three grown children. She transfered to AFUMC from Worthington UMC in Ohio, where she was active in a number of ministries. She enjoys outdoor sports, volunteering, reading, and gardening.

Linda LonobileLinda is 54, and has three grown children. She’s a member of the 50+ Sunday school class. She says “In my recent ‘spiri-tual awakening, God has lead me to Asbury First. I am very comfortable here with everyone and God.”

Lin VanderstyneLin is a retired registered nurse with two grown children and five grandchildren. She belongs to the Women’s Fellowship group and volunteers with the UR Wellness Clinic. She says, “I love Asbury because of its Christ-centered warmth and its many outreach programs.

Carol HardyBaltimore native Carol lives in Fairport and works as a finan-cial planner. She loves flower gardening, ballroom and swing dancing, kayaking, concerts and theatre, and traveling. She hopes to retire in about three years.

Stephanie PeterStephanie is engaged to be married to Brock Thrasher this September. She was formerly a member of Lansing UMC, where she was in musicals, CCYM, and youth group. She enjoys reading, singing, music, community service, teaching, math and travel.

Julie DoescherMost recently a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Pittsford, Julie works as an administrative assistant at Advanced Hearing Centers. She takes a weekly class at the Gandhi Institute, ushers at Geva, and is box office man-ager for Rochester Chamber Orchestra.

11

Theodore JacquesTed is a lab technician at the University of Rochester. Prior to joining Asbury First, he was a member of Ashland First UMC in Ohio, where he was active in the youth group and served as a lay leader and projectionist. He enjoys soccer and computer games.

Carl PollackRetired from Thomas Industries, where he was a district rep, Carl is a widower who was married for 67 years. He enjoys photography, fishing, and automotive topics.

(no picture available)Pamela & Ryan Reynolds

Pamela, a N.C. native, is an attorney with Littler Mendelson. Ryan, who hails from Oklahoma, is a business development manager for Harris Beach after a stint as a helicopter pilot for the Navy. Their daughter, Meredith, is in second grade. They love the music during services at Asbury First, and are excited about becoming members.

from previous page, new members.

Friday, March 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

& Saturday March 23, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

The Center For Spiritual Life joyfully invites you to a

retreat March 22 & 23 led by our friend Rev. Margaret

Scott (pastor of Fairport United Methodist Church).

We will gather Friday evening for an introduction to St.

Benedict, night prayer and silence. We will continue on

Saturday morning with silence and prayer, and a look

at the practices of Benedictine spirituality with small

and whole group discussions. A simple lunch will be

served on Saturday. Please call Melody Guadagnino in

the church office to reserve your space, 271-1050 x103

or [email protected]. Space is limited so

call today!

Listening with the Ear of the Heart: Reflections from Benedictine Spirituality

12

join us for this holy week concert!

music & the arts

Want to connect with others? Join us for the next Asbury First Night!

March 3 • April 7 • May 5 • June 2

5:30-7:00 p.m.

If you’ve ever longed to feel more connected to the Asbury First

community, then aSbuRY FIRST nIGHTS are for you! These

monthly fellowship events are on Sunday evenings in the

Gathering Center, 1050 East Ave. All ages are invited; we’ll have

enrichment activities and nursery care for the children. Please

bring an appetizer to share.

envisioning the passionFriday, March 29

12 noon and 7:30 p.m.

Free will offering

With Voices Chamber Chorus

Each year, on Good Friday, Asbury First offers a unique, deeply

meaningful way to commemorate this most somber day of the

Christian calendar. Sacred music appropriate to the season is

performed as images of great works of art related to Christ’s death

and resurrection are projected on a screen. It is a profoundly

moving experience, and we invite you to share in it.

Make Giving a Priority In Your life

Giving to your church is one way you

can show God how grateful you are

for all you’ve been given, while your

gifts of time, talent, and treasure

are used to help all your

neighbors in need

across the globe.

Asbury First now offers online giving. It’s fast, simple, and

secure. When you go to our website at www.asburyfirst.org,

click on the right-hand GIVE ONLINE button, and you’ll be

directed to a page with easy directions. You can designate

your gift for our annual operating budget, or for any ministry

or outreach program that matters to you. Make a one-time

gift, or set up your account with a recurring gift, monthly,

weekly, or at some other regular interval.

Sign up now to make a gift, and let prayerful giving become

a priority for you and your family.

13

youth ministry news

We'd love to give you all an update on our

Youth Mission Trip plans! As a congregation, you've always been there for us, helping us make these mission trips a transformative reality.

To bring you up to speed, around 35 youth and 12 adults will be working hard all Easter break this year at Red Bird Mission Work Camp in Beverly, Kentucky. This Ap-palachia region is one of the poorest areas in the United States. Red Bird Mission has been an active presence in this area since the 1920s. In our church's previous experi-ences with Red Bird, we've been deeply impressed with their impact and with their phenomenal project manage-ment capabilities. For in-stance, we've already received our project plans from Red Bird and they look great!

Our three projects will in-clude:

• Adding a green tin roof to the main dorm at Red Bird

• Replacing doors and painting ceilings at a local resident's home

• Replacing floors and doors at a local resident's home.

With these projects, we will meet and develop friendships with local residents that will last beyond the trip!

DatesWe will leave Saturday morn-ing, March 30 and return home Sunday, April 7.

Missioner/Parent breakfastSaturday Morning March 30. We’ll start this trip off by hav-ing a missioner/family break-fast before we gather into our minivans! Come and have breakfast all together before we depart on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Gathering Center!

lodging The work camp has wonder-ful accommodations; very reminiscent of our wonderful conference camp locations! On the down and back, we'll be graced with the hospital-ity of the Broad Street UMC in Columbus, Ohio. We'll stay overnight on Holy Saturday, join them for a congregation-wide potluck breakfast on Easter Sunday and then worship with them following! What a blessing to be sur-rounded by the hospitality of Christ's people during the whole trip!

How Can You Still Help?Please consider being a prayer partner for one of our missioners. You'll receive an info letter from one of us and we'll expect a letter from you to give to the missioner you're partnered with while on the trip. You'll even get a pic-ture of your partner to hang on your fridge so you can remember to pray for your partner! These prayer partner

experiences start friendships that last beyond the trip and your life will be transformed through your willingness to open your prayerful heart!

Pie for Pi - Delicious, home made pies foryou on March 10 after all services. Be sure to purchase pies for our final fundraiser before the trip! Pie for Pi (get it, 3.14?) is on March 10!

Prayers are greatly appreci-ated! Prayer is deeply effec-tive and transformative! Keep praying and preparing your

heart to be open to serve the community of Red Bird!

God bless you for your sup-port and for your love in Jesus Christ! Jesus' willingness to serve is what drives us to mis-sion in the world! May it be so!

Our theme this year is from Matthew 6, the middle sec-tion of Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus moves into telling his fellow peasants, "Consider the birds of the air... your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable?"

Above, the mission trip logo designed by Brennon Thompson. Right, some of the projects that our AFUMC youth will be working on: top, repairing the roof of one of the mission buildings, middle, replacing the linoleum floor in the bedroom of an elderly resident, and bottom, putting in new doors and painting several ceilings at the home of another local women. All work will be under the direction of skilled craftspersons from Red Bird Mission. Photos courtesy of Red Bird Mission.

14

Library news

Children:Because Nothing Looks Like God, by Lawrence Kushner.This book can help parents and children have an honest and ongoing conversation about God. It offers ways for children to understand God’s presence in their everyday world. It deals with questions like: Where is God? What does God look like? How does God make things happen? Especially for ages 5 to 12.

You’re All My Favorites, by Sam McBratney and illustrator Anita Jeram.A comforting picture book for ages 3-7 about three little bears that all hold a special place in Mom and Dad’s heart. The writing and warm, wa-tercolor illustrations reassure the reader/listener that despite differences, all are equally extra-special.

The Raft, by Jim LaMarche.Nicky isn’t happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods, but them the raft appears and changes everything. As Nicky explores, the raft works a subtle magic, opening up the wonders all around him—the animals of river and woods, his grandmother’s humor and wisdom, and his own special talent as an artist. For ages 4-8.

Youth:Masada: The Last Fortress, by Gloria D. Miklowitz.Ages 12-17 will find this book fascinating. Readers get deeply involved in the suspense of characters that include romance, marriage, friendship, and ambition in the face of death.

Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers and Wet-lands, by Cathryn B. Kaye and Philippe Cousteau.Going Blue educates young people about the earth’s water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action.

Adult:A Cultural Handbook to the Bible, by John J. Pilch.This book will be helpful in the task of interpreting the Bible—which

Join us in exploring the church library resources for all ages. The following are the March selections recommended for your reading. Stop by and take a look at the many, diverse books available in the library’s collection. The library is located just off the gathering

space near the elevators. Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE!

was written by and to people living in very different cultural contexts from contemporary Western society. In A Cultural Handbook to the Bible John Pilch translates important social concepts and applies them to bibli-cal texts, making this book an excellent resource for students of the Bible.

Getting Past What You’ll Never Get over: Help for Dealing with Life’s Hurts, by John F. Westfall.Author Westfall says that “There are some things in life that we must learn to live with because they will never truly go away for good. Despite that truth, there is life—rewarding and abundant life—after heartache and pain.” It is the goal of this book to help with that “Getting Past” issue that everyone faces at some time.

Parenting Section:Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons From My Grandmothers, by Adriana Trigiana.The writer has gathered life lessons, revealing how her grandmothers’ simple values have shaped her own life, sharing the experiences, humor, and wisdom of her beloved mentors. It will delight readers of all ages as it combines family and American history, reflections on lives well-lived, and sound advice.

150 Ways to Raise Creative, Confident Kids, by Silvana Clark.Turn off that TV and turn on to family adventures. This book provides ideas, resources, and recipes for family fun. It’s 200 pages of fun activities enjoyable for both parents and kids.

“Because I Said So!” 366 Insightful and Thought-Provoking Reflections on Parenting and Family Life, by John Rosemond.Author Rosemond is a widely-known authority on child rearing and family life. Because I Said So is cited as an old-fashioned, common sense advice book to help parents avoid raising children who are spoiled and sassy and to deal effectively with daily problems as diverse as bedwetting and boredom, territoriality and television.

March4 Jonah 3:1-105 Jonah 4:1-116 Joshua 5:9-157 Psalm 69:1-188 Psalm 69:19-369 2 Corinthians 5:1-2110 Luke 15:11-3211 Psalm 16:1-1112 Psalm 22:1-1513 Psalm 22:16-3114 Psalm 24:1-10

15 Psalm 126:1-616 Isaiah 43:1-2117 John 12:1-1118 John 12:12-3319 Luke 2:41-5220 Isaiah 50:4-11

21 Philippians 2:1-1822 Luke 19:28-4823 Luke 22:1-2324 Luke 22:24-4625 Luke 1:26-3826 Isaiah 52:12-53:12

27 Luke 22:47-7128 Luke 23:1-2529 Luke 23:26-5630 Ephesians 4:1-1631 Luke 24:1-12april1 Luke 24.13-352 Romans 8.18-393 Romans 10.5-214 1 Corinthians 15.1-195 1 Corinthians 15.20-416 1 Corinthians 15.42-58

15

the last word

Recently, our Dining and Caring Center guests were asked to tell us what they love about the DCC.

Here are some of their answers.

The staff and servers help me feel very

welcome.

It’s an uplifting good gathering in friendship, caring, and helping one

another. As we say, it’s good to be here.

I dig the chow and

the director.I love

everything about ADCC.

The food is excellent and the

staff gives you hope when you most

need it.

I appreciate the offering and service.

You could not get a better

social leader.

The love and concern and

humanitarianism.

Hi! My name is Jessie;

people are very nice.

Friendly workers that

make me feel like a

rich person.

It is great to meet people from

different walks of life.

Service is better than any five star restaurant.

Everyone is happy and

accepts you for who you are.

Thank you for years of great service

and safe friendly environment.

Good food and nice homeless people.

Everyone is very unique and they have plenty of interesting stories. Thank you

Asbury and staff for your support. Good

service, food and God.

They show great hospitality. They

know who they are.Thanks for

your simple giving hearts.

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

and the Holy SpiritSix Thursdays, beginning april 18

Youth Room (basement of 1040 east ave.)

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Whether you grew up alongside the characters, are just getting to

know them, or read them to your children, you are invited to join

us for a discussion of the themes of the Holy that run through-

out these wonderfully creative books. All ages are welcome and

encouraged for our discussions. It would be helpful if you read the

books, but if you don’t mind spoilers, come along for the ride! If you

are interested in being a part of the course, send an owl (or an email)

to Stephen Cady at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

the visitor

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