In ThIs Issue

Christmas Creche, 4

Healing Old Wounds, 5

Rev. Hargrave, 7

Pledge Card, 9

Gospell, 11

Winter Gala, 11

Advent Schedule, 12-13

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterNovember/December 2014 • Vol. XLVIII No. 10 • www.

TheVisitor

Making Visible the Invisible: Our Stewardship Drive for 2015see page 7

2

Mission stateMent

staffSenior MinisterMinister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach and Community Connection Music Administrator; Assistant OrganistDirector of MusicChildren’s Ministry DirectorChildren’s Ministry AssistantDirector of Youth MinistriesFinancial AdministratorAdministrative AssistantProperty Care ManagerDining & Caring CenterDirectorCommunications Director& EditorOrganistDirector, Children’s MusicDirector, Youth MusicDirector, Bell ChoirDirector, Asbury Singers Director, Youth TheaterArtist in Residence

Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.

Cover: The Rev. Lawrence Hargrave gives the invocation at a luncheon in downtown Rochester.

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, January 9

The Rev. Susan S. ShaferThe Rev. Dr. Stephen M.

Cady II

The Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

David T. Strong

Dr. William J. WeinertPaula Dugan

Jessica Burdick-GiordanoMike Mullin

Richard MoncriefMelody Guadagnino

Scott RossMichele Cooley

Mary Van Keuren

Duane A. PrillBozena Granat

Carol LamicaElizabeth Church

Brian BohrerLarry Dugan

Rev. Linda Clemow

The VisitorVol. XLVIII no. 10

(USPS 558-470)is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December 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.

Live in the StoryA Pastoral Reflection

Jessye Norman is singing her spirituals in the back-ground as I write. It is that time when the Advent and Christmas CD(s) make their appearance. I always try to wait until the turkey has been eaten and my heart is full and the Thanksgiving gratitude has settled deep in my heart. And now, yes, now, I can begin to think and feel the nudging of the Word being made flesh, and anticipation settles side by side with gratitude. It is Advent, and all too soon it will be Christmas. Steven James in his book Story tells it like

this: “when Jesus was born, the Word of God became flesh, enmeshed in a story. The storyteller entered the tale. The author stepped onto the page. The power whose words had written the cosmos became part of the text of this. Like the harmony and the melody living together in the same song, Jesus was divinity and humanity living together in the same heart. He was the Word of God, God’s story, in the flesh.”

James places this gift in a piece of poetry that gives me pause to think and pray about my part in this amazing story of the Word becoming flesh:

“i went looking for you. first, i searched through the tomes of church history, the volumes of philosophy, and the writings of the great and holy men … but you were not in the books. then i walked the hills and listened to the creek and learned the ways of the stars and the seasons … but you were not in the wilds. then i looked inside myself and my own knowings, to my will and my reason and my mind’s discernment ... but you were not in my heart. then i met a man who told me who i was and who whispered to my spirit the truths of my soul and told me stories that echoed with the longings of my heart, and you were in his stories. then I saw that you had been in the books and the forest all along,for at last you were in my heart.”

It is my prayer, in the midst of all the hoopla – advertisements; purchasing gifts; running ourselves ragged – that we may pause to hear the story and to make it our own story of amazing love that has come to dwell anew in our hearts. For then and only then, can this Season take on its fullest, deepest sense of gift and God’s gift-giving Spirit. May we permit ourselves to live in the story and be the story for another.

“O lord of lifedraw me closer to the light!let love become the language

of my heart once again.”–James Stevens

What offerings ( there are many described in this issue of The Visitor) this Advent and Christmas season will enable you to allow God’s love lan-guage to enter your heart and there be nourished and given to others?

May peace, grace, and love be in you from Christ our Savior …born in a stable and born again in you.

Susan

3

AFUMC newsChurch Women United NewsCWU will be hosting their December meeting and Advent celebration on Friday, December 5, from 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at St. John’s Meadows, Chestnut Court, Second Building, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West, 14620, and will feature a talk by the Rev. Anne Waasdorp on the theme of “Prosper the Work of Our Hands.” Please bring a bagged lunch – beverages and dessert will be provided – and your Bible. A bake sale will also take place at the meeting; if you’d like to donate a baked item, please price it ahead of time.

Lost and Not FoundWe have lost touch with some of our members. The church does not have an address for the following people: Carol Brown, Gregory Brown, Helen Cover, Beth Cubberly, Barbara DeVitto, Evan DeVitto, Cecil Dukes, Patrick Faure, Lloyd Gray, Adam Her-mon, Linda Hodges, Lisa Kenna, Laurie Licciardi, Greg McFarland, Kelley McFarland, Christine O’Brien, Stanley Poling, Marcia Power, Alicia Price, Richard Reed, Thomas Rook, Michael Saltzer, Amanda Savage, James Smith, Erik Stark, Jonathan Stuermer, Kathleen Wil-bur. If you have current address information for the above, please call Melody Guadagnino at 271-1050 ext. 103 or send an email to mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

Women on Wednesday (WOW) invites readersWOW is reading Linda Douty’s book, How Did I get to Be 70 When I’m 35 Inside? aka “Spiritual Surprises of Later Life,” which features wonderful insights. Many of the “surprises” are amusing yet deeply meaningful to discuss. Please grab a copy and join us. You don’t have to be 70 to enjoy the book– we are all getting there to-gether. Each chapter has questions at the end, so don’t feel shy if you haven’t read it ... we can talk about it! Our next book is Learn-ing to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor. Taylor literally turns out the lights and experiences the universe in the dark, with revelations and observations. Subsequent books will be selected by the group from recommendations of members and pastors, visits to bookstores and current topics in the news. Chapters or sections of the selected book are read and discussed each week, with leadership of the discussion rotating among members. The value of hearing each others’ perspectives and interpretations is an important part of what keeps the group growing, laughing and learning each week. WOW meets every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the dining room at 1010 East Avenue (red brick building west of the church). Bring a bag lunch and join us. Visitors are always welcome.

Do Your Christmas Shopping at Library Fundraiser!As holiday shopping approaches, please consider dropping by

the Asbury Resource Library’s annual book fair at the Pittsford Barnes and Noble store on Monday, Dec. 1. It’s a low-stress environment for shopping and there’s some fine entertainment. Also, a percentage of nearly every purchase you make will help the library purchase more new books in the coming year. All you have to do is mention that you’re with Asbury First when you check out. The Asbury Ringers have graciously agreed to play once again at 7 p.m. in the store. And we will have a pre-school story time at 11 a.m. This year we’ve added a daytime perfor-mance especially for those who prefer not to drive after dark. The New Horizons Flute Choir will perform at 1 p.m. Want to help but can’t make it to the store Dec. 1? You can participate by shopping online at www.bn.com/bookfairs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 6, and entering the code number 11490737 when prompted. You can also shop in another Barnes and Noble store on Dec. 1 and have your purchase count toward our fair by providing the code number when you check out. Happy shopping.

‘Tis the Season ... For Year-End GiftsAs we give thanks this holiday season for our many blessings, including our church, here are two tips to consider for making the most of year –end contributions to Asbury First.

Give appreciated securities. Thanks to stock market appre-ciation over the past few years, investors may have long-term, appreciated stock in their investment portfolios. Rather than

A Christmas Poem For Storehouse KidsTeddy bears, dolls, games, legos and puzzles

to name a few.Toys to bring smiles, laughter and sunshine –

You know the time!It’s Christmas for Storehouse Kids!

So, Asbury First Santas, throw an extra toy in your pack,and help fill our sack,

on November 30, December 7, or December 14.From the Storehouse elves, thanks for filling our shelves!

– Nancy Davidow (a receptacle will be available in the

Welcoming Hall for your unwrapped new and gently used children’s gifts, which will be distributed to children whose families use the Storehouse during December. Thanks for

your support!)

AFUMC news continued on page 10

4

on holy groundCreated by the Center for Spiritual Life, On Holy Ground highlights opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.

Q. Why and how do I walk the labyrinth?A. Walking the labyrinth is a meditative

experience. It is meant to help give you clarity and peacefulness. The labyrinth at Asbury First is an 11 circuit labyrinth modeled after the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. It has one path that is shared by those entering and exiting. It is a shared path like those you share in life. Sometimes you need to step aside so others can pass. You walk at your own pace. Even though the path meanders all over, just stay on the path that leads to the center. On your way in, release the thoughts that burden you. Give it up to God. It is a time for you to speak. When you enter the center, or the rosette area, of the labyrinth, it is a time to receive, or listen for guidance and clarity in your life. Your journey back on the same path is your return …refreshed, renewed. If you haven’t walked the laby-rinth at Asbury First, why not add one more new experience to your life before

Over the past several years, the Labyrinth Committee at Asbury First has been delivering creches to individuals and families who are shut-in, experienced a lose, celebrating a special moment in their lives, or just because. Before the creches are delivered they are “walked” on our labyrinth by a member of the committee and uplifted in prayer, and then delivered during the Advent sea-son. The creches come in many different sizes and forms, some are ornaments, others are small creches so they will not take up much room in a smaller abode, some are new and some are old, having been contributed to our committee by church members. Others have come

the year comes to a close. You will be amazed how silent a night can be. There are always labyrinth stewards available to answer any questions and assist you on your walk. Also, if you have an interest in this ministry, please let us know.

Q. What, exactly, is a creche?A. A representation of the Nativity, usually

with statues or figurines. The creche may have just Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, or may also include shepherds, angels, the wise men, and animals such as sheep and camels.

Q. Does Asbury First have a creche?A. During Advent visit the Children’s Cha-

pel, on the right hand front side of the sanctuary as you face the altar, to view a beautiful creche.

directly from the Philippines, donated by a former member of Asbury First. We accept them all, and continue their jour-ney into a household as a way of saying that we are thinking of them during this Advent season and send our prayers and love along with the nativity scene.

Spiritual Life is extending an invitation to you and your family or friends to come to the Labyrinth during the Advent season to walk your family creche through the Labyrinth, and celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Advent is a time to share family traditions. Why not start a new tradition this year by walking your creche or nativity scene through the Labyrinth as a family. The Labyrinth will be avail-able to walk three Wednesdays before Christmas, December 3, 10, and 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. With harp music playing in the background and candles lighting your way, experience the peacefulness of a quiet time in the midst of a busy time. Come celebrate the Prince of Peace.

The Ministry of the Creches

An Opportunity to ShareIf you are rightsizing and wish to contribute to the creche ministry, please contact Linda Freed at 585-223-9092 or Charlotte Craig

at 585-473-9674.

Labyrith & Creche FAQ

Asbury First’s creche was donated to the church by way of memorials donations in memory of David and Jeanne Strong’s son Jeremy. Each year, AFUMC members Barb and Bonnie Denegris, seen here, carefully unpack and arrange the figures for display in the Children’s Chapel.

Editor’s note: In our last issue’s review of Up-per Room publications, we incorrectly stated that Asbury First member Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Johnson had written for the Upper Room daily devotional guide. This was incorrect; Timo-thy has written for Upper Room Disciplines, a separate publication. We also neglected to mention that Asbury First’s director of com-munications, Mary Van Keuren, has written several entries for the daily devotional guide. We apologize for the errors.

5

The Reconciling Committee Continues Their Workby Nancy Specht

• Healing Old Wounds •

On Sunday, December 14 at 12:15 p.m. in the Red Room

of 1010 East Avenue (the red brick building west of the church) there will be a congregational meeting to share the feedback received by the Reconciling Minis-tries Committee and an opportu-nity for additional questions and answers.

If you have NOT heard of the initiative for become a reconcil-ing congregation, here is a quick summary:

What it IS:

• It is a statement to move our congregation toward reconciliation through adoption of the inclusion statement intending to heal past hurts and exclusions of our LGBT brothers and sisters and all others who have experienced the pain of exclusion.

• It is intended to reinforce our already welcoming position in the Rochester com-munity and to create a welcoming presence for all who seek to follow the teachings of Christ.

• It is recognition that the global United Methodist Church is divided over the is-sue because of varying cultural differences internationally.

• It is intended that Asbury First formally adopt the Inclusion Statement at the church conference scheduled for January 11th. (Members MUST be present for this vote. Absentee voting is not permitted by the Discipline.)

What it IS NOT:

• It is not a proposal to approve perfor-mance of same-gender marriages at As-bury First United Methodist Church.

• It is not a violation of the Discipline of the United Methodist Church to become a Reconciling Congregation.

• It is not a proposal to officially join the Reconciling Ministries Network.

Since January 2013, with the approval of the Asbury First Church Council, the Recon-ciling Ministries Committee has sought to bring the issue of inclusion of LGBT persons to the attention of the Asbury First congre-gation. Through a series of meetings with committees, Sunday School classes, councils and congregational sessions the proposed inclusion statement has been discussed and dialog has been encouraged. The proposed inclusion statement is found in the box on this page.

Over the past 12 months we have studied this issue, published the inclusion statement and provided a series of frequently asked

questions to the congregation and encouraged dialog and feedback. We have received feedback, but would absolutely encourage every-one to participate in this impor-tant discussion.

Please provide your feedback ei-ther through the church’s website at (www.asburyfirst.org/) where a brief, three question survey is available, or through feedback forms which are available at the Welcoming Desk in the Wel-coming Hall. All responses are

maintained in complete anonymity. Feedback forms can be returned to the Welcoming Desk or to the church office. We hope you will take this opportunity to provide your thoughts on this important issue. The sur-veys will be available for completion through Thursday, December 11th.

It is the committee’s profound hope that the adoption of the inclusion statement will encourage formal action by the appropriate church entities to adopt additional mea-sures in support of the LGBT community within the national and international United Methodist Church. We prayerfully request your consideration of this issue and your participation in the decision to be made at the church conference in January.

Reconciling Statement of Asbury First United Methodist Church

Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its urban commu-nity with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Affirming that each person is of

sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose

to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or eco-nomic background and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to

God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.

6

in CommunityOur Living

sunday service tiMes8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship10:00 a.m. – Informal Worship with Holy Communion11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship

sunday noveMber 30First Sunday in Advent/Communion SundayMark 13:24-37The Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher

sunday deceMber 7Second Sunday in AdventMark 1:1-8The Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher

sunday deceMber 14Third Sunday in AdventJohn 1:6-18; 19-28The Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady, preacher

sunday deceMber 21Fourth Sunday in AdventLuke 1:26-38The Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady, preacher

WORSHIPworship scheduleWednesday, deceMber 24Christmas EveThe Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

see page X for full schedule of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

sunday deceMber 28First Sunday after ChristmasLuke 2:22-40The Rev.Lawrence Hargrave, preacher

sunday January 4EpiphanyMatthew 2:1-12The Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

sunday January 11Baptism of the LordMark 1:1-8The Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady, preacher

sunday January 18Martin Luther King Jr. Sundayguest preacher

Births & BaptismsGod has sealed you unto love and

grace divine

Mallory Lucinda Robbinsdaughter of Michael and Mary

Beth Robbins, baptized on October 12, 2014

Abigail Elyse Bakerdaughter of Jim and Stephanie Baker, baptized on October 19,

2014.

Aidan Cole Rothson of Christopher and Ann Roth,

baptized on October 26, 2014.

Isabelle Peggy Johnsondaughter of Casey and Amber

Johnson, baptized on November 9, 2014

MarriagesMay the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant.

Emily Besaw and Aron Thompson

were married on Nov. 8, 2014.

Christopher Zimbelman and Christina Curvin were married in Harvard,

Massachusetts on October 12, 2014. The Rev. Dr. Robert Hill

officiated.

DeathsMerciful God, we entrust to your

never-failing care and love.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to:

Vern and Edith Collier on the death of Edith’s brother

Joseph Steskoon October 28, 2014.

Elsie Wiberg and Karl Nelson on the death of their brother-in-law

Chuck Faheywho died on November 1, 2014.

Family and friends of John Merriman

who died on October 23, 2014 in La Jolla, CA.

December1 Mark 12:35-442 Mark 13:1-233 Mark 13:24-374 Jeremiah 10:1-165 Jeremiah 23:1-86 Nehemiah 8:1-187 Zephaniah 1:1-188 Zephaniah 2:1-159 Zephaniah 3:1-2010 Zechariah 1:1-2111 Zechariah 2:1-1312 Zechariah 9:9-1713 Zechariah 10:1-1214 Isaiah 35:1-1015 Isaiah 56:1-816 Isaiah 57:1-2117 Isaiah 60:1-2218 Malachi 2:17-3:12

January1 Psalm 12 Psalm 193 Mark 1:1-204 Mark 1:21-455 Mark 2:1-286 Psalm 727 Mark 3:1-19 8 Mark 3:20-359 Mark 4:1-2010 Mark 4:21-4111 Mark 5:1-2012 Mark 5:21-43

19 Malachi 3:13-4:620 Micah 5:2-1521 Luke 1:1-2522 Luke 1:26-5623 Luke 1:57-8024 Luke 2:1-2025 John 1:1-1826 John 1:19-3427 Luke 2:21-4028 Luke 2:41-5229 Luke 3:23-3830 Psalm 8131 Psalm 84

13 Mark 6:1-2914 Mark 6:30-5615 Mark 7:1-2316 Mark 7:24-3717 Mark 8:1-2618 Mark 8:27-9:119 Mark 9:2-3220 Mark 9:33-5021 Mark 10:1-3122 Mark 10:32-5223 Acts 8:4-2524 Acts 8:26-4025 Acts 9:1-2526 Acts 9:26-4327 Acts 10:1-3328 Acts 10:34-4829 Acts 11:1-3030 Acts 12:1-2531 Acts 15:1-35

Scripture reading suggestions courtesy of the American Bible Society, www.americanbible.org.

7

Editor’s note: In this issue of The Visitor, we finish our series focused on how the programmatic ministries of Asbury First, which are supported by your annual pledges, are embodied in the work of our pastors. The four general areas in which these ministries fall are echoed by the four tenets of our mission statement: 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. Every day, our pastors live the truth of this statement, by caring for our members and those outside of our congregation; by educating those around them on issues of faith and spirituality; by reaching out to those in need in our community and beyond; and by planning and leading thoughtful, Spirit-filled worship. All of this happens only because of your generosity in our annual stewardship pledge drive. In this issue, we shine the spotlight on the Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, Asbury First’s minister of outreach and community connection.

“It’s a tiny, tiny world,” the Rev. Lawrence Hargrave is known to say, bemused, upon finding out that the person he is talking to has a connection to an old friend, a colleague, or a family member. With a rolodex that must surely be the size of a set of en-cyclopedias, Lawrence, it sometimes seems, knows everyone in Rochester.

And not just in an “I-have-1,565-friends-on-Facebook” kind of way (though, in fact, he does). Lawrence’s friends and colleagues tend to be people who are very good at getting things done – people ranging from several mayors of Rochester to church janitors, and all joined by a desire to see our com-munity made over into a more just, equitable place, free from poverty and urban decay.

For much of his life, Lawrence has worked with countless groups to try to bring about positive change in his commu-nity. “In high school,” he says, “I was in Hi-Y, a leadership training group for YMCA, I was on the yearbook committee, and I was president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.” When his three sons were small, he served on his school’s parents’ group, coached basketball and soccer, and was chair of a Boy Scouts support group. As a member of the Henri-etta Youth Board, he created a hall of fame for kids that still exists to this day. All of this long before he became a Baptist minister.

In short, he is a man who is driven to be an agent of change when he sees something in this world that could be better than it is.

“When I was growing up,” he says, “I saw many organizations – some-times including the church – that were interested in keeping things as they were. The status quo was fine for them. They were comfortable.”

That didn’t sit well with him. Raised in a devout Baptist home (his paternal grandfather was a Baptist minister, and his parents met in church), Lawrence knew from an early age that he was called by God to help make the world a better place. “To live as what we are called to be

as Christians, sometimes we need to work toward change. You know, Jesus wasn’t accepting of the status quo.”

A Detour On the WayDespite feeling called to the ministry as a teenager, Lawrence chose another career path. For 27 years, he worked in sales for Proctor & Gamble, a job at which he earned frequent accolades. But as times passed, his personal commitments became more and more focused on issues of faith. He became a board member with the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, chaired the Interfaith Forum, and was involved with both the Com-mittee on Christian-Jewish Relations and the Commission on Christian-Muslim Relations. He was also active in his church, singing in the men’s

chorus at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.

Finally, the insistant divine tug became loud enough that he took an early retirement from Proctor & Gamble at age 50 and enrolled im-mediately in Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS). Even as a seminarian, his skills were recognized, and he was offered a job with the American Baptist Church as a minister of world mission support. “I was able to use connections I’d made along the way, gifts and training that I’d learned when I was at P&G to help train churches about mission work,” he remembers.

After graduation, the newly-ordained reverend held appointments as pastor for Church on the Hill (formerly the historic South Avenue Baptist Church), as director of alumni, church and community rela-tions at CRCDS, and as interim senior pastor at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Later, he worked again for CRCDS as special assistant to the president, when he was largely responsible for bringing activist and au-thor Dr. Cornel West to Rochester. “I am proud of that; it was helping to start conversations across racial lines,” he says.

Part two of a three-part series.

8

Lawrence was invited to join the Asbury First staff three years ago by senior minister, the Rev. Susan Shafer, to serve as minister for outreach and community connection. He already had some knowledge of the church, having worked with former senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Bob Hill, and the Rev. Margie Mayson on a number of projects.

In consultation with Susan, the new Asbury First minister for outreach quickly realized that the best way he could serve the church and the community was to become engaged with groups in the Rochester area in a new way. “Asbury First was already noted for its outreach when I came here,” he says. “I certainly can’t take credit for that. But what I have been able to do since I came here is to use many of the connec-tions I’ve made in the community to enhance what we do.”

For example, Lawrence’s long-time connection with Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, whom he considers a colleague and friend, has mani-fested itself in several visits by the mayor to Asbury First. Most recently, she, her husband Tim and daughter Taylor spent part of their Thanks-giving serving guests at the Dining and Caring Center. Her visit, in addition to giving the major first-hand knowledge of the plight of the homeless in Rochester, brought some welcome publicity to the DCC.

“Mayor Warren toured the DCC twice in the past,” says Lawrence. “but when you tour, you only get to walk through and see what happens. Working there allows you to interact intimately with the guests and gain a glimpse of the what is happening to some people in the city as well as the good that Asbury First is doing to counteract that. Because of her attempts to revitalize the city, Mayor Warren can use us, from her personal experience, as an example of what’s good in Rochester. She becomes a witness on our behalf.”

And that, attests Lawrence, may have dividends down the road. “This just elevates Asbury First’s visibility. It helps us to be more able, as Bishop Webb says, to ‘win disciples for Christ’.”

You are cordially invited to a Farewell Celebration for

Rev. Lawrence HargraveSunday, April 12, 2015

Following the 11:00 a.m. Service(more details to follow in the coming months)

“We have been blessed with Lawrence’s grace and presence here at Asbury First over the past three years. We have

been blessed by his guidance and counsel for our outreach ministries and all of his efforts to connect Asbury First

where we haven’t been connected before.”

– Peter Abdella, chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.

It also makes us more visible to potential donors to Asbury First’s out-reach ministries – both individuals and charitable organizations.

Connecting with University of RochesterAnother of Lawrence’s community connections is with Rochester’s largest university. He’s been a member of the University of Rochester Community Advisory Committee since before he began his tenure at Asbury First. Now, many of the meetings of this influential committee are held at Asbury First, bringing to our campus individuals such as Dr. Byron Kennedy, director of Monroe County Department of Public Health, and Dr. Bradford C. Berk, CEO of the University of Roches-ter Medical Center. “These people all realize now, if they didn’t before, that Asbury First is connected to the U of R via the URWell Clinic,” Lawrence says. “Now they know who we are and what we have to offer. I want them to understand who we are as a congregation, both from a worship standpoint and with our outreach. I want them to automati-cally think about outreach when they think of Asbury First.”

It is, he says, almost a matter of marketing the church; getting the word out about our outreach to a world thirsting for justice, for an end to the things that divide us, even, sometimes, for God. “One of the things I do when I”m out in the community,” says Lawrence, “is that I invite people to church. I don’t call it evangelism; I call it an invitation. What I say to people is this: we have three services on Sunday, and we serve people seven days a week.”

The Daily Work of Reaching OutOutreach, as anyone who has ever volunteered would attest, is hard work. There is little glory in the daily tasks of feeding the hungry, and clothing and caring for those with little to call their own. Lawrence has a great deal of admiration for the hundreds of Asbury First members who diligently take on the duties of serving those in need. He believes fervently that the church has been blessed with many people who just have a heart for outreach. “Some of the stuff the volunteers do ...” – he shakes his head – “talk about head and heart! Many of the things that

Rev. Lawrence Hargrave at a recent luncheon in downtown Rochester, chatting with two of his many diverse community connections: Karl Rudolfs, IT manager for Camp Good Days and Special Times (left) and Perry Wheeler, head of security for Monroe County Social Services.

9

Asbury First United Methodist ChUrCh

I/we offer this gift to the annual operating budget for 2015:

My/our estimate of giving for 2015 is:

$ per month for 12 months = $

or $ per = $

or increase last year's gift by __________________________

in addition, i/we offer a designated gift of

$ to be used for

total estimated gift for 2015 $

if you would like envelopes, please indicate your preference.

❑ monthly ❑ weekly

Are you interested in electronic funds transfer?

❑ yes (If yes, we will contact you)

name(s):

Address:

email:

It’s because of YOUR faithfulness to the mission and ministries of Asbury First that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady and our other pastors and staff are able to make visible the invisible love of God through worship, education, membership care and outreach. As we near the finish of our pledge drive for 2015, we invite you to clip out this pledge card, prayerfully fill it out, and return it either via the the offering plate on Sunday or by mail to: Asbury First United Methodist Church1050 East Ave.Rochester NY 14607 attention: Stewardship CommitteeYou can also find an online version of the pledge card at www.asburyfirst.org.

God calls us to do defy what we think, intellectually, is reasonable. And here you have people at Asuby First who are just led by faith. It’s been a great experience being here to see this.”

But that doesn’t mean that it’s all smooth sailing. Lawrence believes there are a number of issues facing the church that need, somehow, to be addressed. The most significant, perhaps, is the lack of accessibility of some of our campus-based outreach ministries for persons with dis-abilities. “We have the Dining Center in a basement, with no elevator,” he says. “We also have the Storehouse in a basement with no elevator.” Since these are the two ministries that have the greatest impact on the Rochester community (the DCC serves more than 30,000 meals an-nually; while the Storehouse provides clothing and household supplies for 8,000 families each year), this is a real liability – one that is currently being addressed by the church’s Ministry and Space Task Force.

How should Asbury First address this and other challenges? Lawrence, who recently announced his retirement from Asbury First this coming spring, has some thoughts on the matter. “In ten years, say, I would like to see us having, in a self-contained space, a place where we can addres all the needs of the individual. I would see, in addition to food and oth-er material needs, a social worker who can work with people to allow them to escape poverty. I’d like to see us playing a role in reducing what Daan Braveman, the president of Nazareth College, calls ‘the doughnut hole:’ an affluent suburbia surrounding a poverty-stricken city. If we can break that up, it’s better for the entire community. Part of the challenge with poverty is that if you’re stuck in a poor area, you have less access to good schools, good housing, good health care, etc. We need to work to provide more stability for people.”

He sees other possibilities, also: a dental clinic, maybe; and better care for individuals with mental illnesses. The possibilities in caring for our neighbor, in a deeply flawed world, are endless.

In April, Lawrence will preach his last sermon at Asbury First and accept the well-wishes of the many members who have become friends and colleagues to him over the past three years. His retirement plans are in flux, but will undoubtedly involve listening to a lot of music. He is a long-time fan of jazz music and former jazz DJ on WRUR (City Newspaper, in fact, did a cover story on him in 1998 in which author Ron Netsky called him “the minister of jazz”), and there will undoubt-edly be more time to listen to John Coltrane and other great musicians whom he holds dear.

But it’s also entirely possible that he will pay special attention to the happenings at Asbury First United Methodist Church. The faith community has become dear to him in his time here, and it’s clear that he believes that the coming years hold great promise for the church. Speaking about it, in fact, he quotes from one of his idols, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “I may not get there with you. But I want you to know ... that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.”

10

It’s a donation and decoration all in one! Asbury Day

Care Center is pleased to offer fresh holiday wreaths

from Clover Nursery and Garden Center again this

year. The Annual Wreath Sale will be held before and

after each service on Sunday, December 7. A pre-order,

pre-pay option is available. Call 461-2920 (the Day Care

office) to reserve a wreath. All proceeds will benefit the

classrooms at the Center. The teachers, parents, and

children of Asbury Day Care Center greatly appreciate

your joining us in this effort. Thank you! Z

Y Asbury Day Care Center Annual Wreath Sale Z

AFUMC news , continued from page 3

fulfilling your pledge by writing a check, consider making a gift of this appreciated stock. The charitable income tax deduction will be based on the fair market value of the stock gifted. You will also avoid capital gains tax on the difference between your basis in the stock and the fair market value.

Consider a direct IRA charitable contribution. The IRA Quali-fied Charitable Distribution provision, which allows individuals over age 70 ½ to make charitable contributions directly from an IRA to charity, expired in January 2014. However, it is anticipated that Congress will address this. If you would qualify for this provi-sion and plan to make a gift to Asbury First this year, you may think about asking your IRA custodian to make a gift directly from your IRA to Asbury First. If the law is enacted retroactively, as it has been in years past, you may receive the tax benefits of the legislation. If not enacted, you will not receive the benefits of the legislation, but you will not be worse off than if you had with-drawn money from the IRA to make your contribution to Asbury FIrst. In this case, you will be subject to income tax on the amount withdrawn from the IRA, and your charitable income tax deduc-tion will be based on the amount contributed to church.

The information above is general information provided by the Planned Giving Committee and may not apply to your situation. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information.

Together in Service 2014 was a success!Together with members of Baber AME, members of AFUMC brought their time and talent to serve throughout the city of Rochester in mid-October. We served at Hope House, St Mary’s Adult Day Care and Ronald McDonald House. We made almost 200 hygiene kits, which went to Genesis House, Hope House, the YWCA and St Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. More than 50 vol-

unteers worked on prepping and painting the Storehouse (and packing clothing up, moving it out and mov-ing it back in). The Storehouse looks much nicer now! The results were amazing, in preparation for next year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Storehouse.Here is an example of how much our efforts were appreciated. This letter was sent to us the day the hygiene kits were delivered:Wow, you know how to deliver!! Thanks for the hygiene bags – and, in such quantity.We will send a formal thank you for the two Church-es, but this was tremendous and I wanted to say thanks to you right away.ChrisChristine Wagner, SSJExecutive Director, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center

We have met to debrief on Together in Service 2014, and are already making plans for Together in Service 2015. We will be seeking to meet more thoroughly some of the deeper needs of the city. Thank you to all who brought their time and talent to Together in Service!

A team of volunteers from Asbury First and Babar AME expertly painted the Storehouse. Clockwise from top, John Smalt, Bob Castle, Eugene Crews, and Joe Lewis Thomas Sr.

11

youth ministry news

You are cordially invited to the Asbury First

Winter GalaHosted by the Asbury First Youth

Friday, December 12Fellowship Hall7:00-9:00 p.m.

Free, and open to everyone!

Our youth are once again hosting a church-wide Winter Gala! Please join us for a fun evening of dancing and revelry, fellowship and fun. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. We’ll feature music from the ‘40s and ‘50s up to

today for your dancing enjoyment!

The youth would like to say a great big Thank You for supporting our musical Godspell!

Thanks to Dave Rice for the photo.The Cast of Godspell

12

❆ Labyrinth Wednesdays, December. 3, 10, 17 5:00-7:00 p.m.

❆ Taizé Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 176:30 p.m.

❆ Advent’s Winter Wonder Night(for children and families)Sunday, December 14 ~ 5:00-7:00 p.m.Come join us for dinner, fellowship, and storytelling.

❆ A Service of RemembranceSunday, December 7 ~ 3:00 p.m.A meditative service of word, music, and communion, with the lighting of the remembrance candles.

❆ Christmas EveWednesday, December 24

service of Carols and holy Communion12:00 noonOrgan, harp, and voice.

service for Families and Children

4:00 p.m.Choral and handbell music and a pageant.

service of Word, , Lessons & Carols7:00 p.m.Choral, handbell, and instrumental music.

service of Word, Candlelight, and holy Communion9:00 p.m.Instrumental and vocal music with Communion.

service of Word, Candlelight, Lessons, & Carols11:00 p.m.Choral, handbell, and instrumental music.

❆ Christmas DayThursday, December 25Traditional Service ~ 10:00 a.m.Word and special music (this will be the only service on Christmas day).

❆ New Year’s EveWednesday, December 31Communion and Meditation ~ 4:00-6:00 p.m.Come and go as you wish. Labyrinth available 4:00-6:00 p.m.

• A LOOK AHEAD •to December’s Advent Activities

The early Christians placed greens in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home – greens such as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for

everlasting life, holly symbolizing Jesus’ death and ivy representing the resurrection. And so it is time for us, Asbury First, to once again prepare our “church home” for the Advent season. Come one, come all! The church campus awaits your special touches for this Christmas season. Many hands are needed to complete everything in one afternoon and evening. Our schedule will be: 1:00 p.m. – Set up trees in Gathering Center, 1010, and 1050 East Ave.;3:00-7:00 p.m. – Decorate 1050; hang wreaths and lights outside and make wreaths for the front doors; decorate Fellowship Hall – window wells;5:30-6:00 p.m. - Join the children and families for dinner in the Gathering Center. Please let Paula Dugan know if you are planning to come for dinner at pdugan@

asburyfirst.org by Tuesday, December 2. All are welcome.7:15 p.m. – Join us to celebrate the “Hanging of the Greens” in the Gathering Center for the lighting of the tree, the singing of carols and the fellowship of Asbury First!Come and go as you can, help while your children are at rehearsals, before Taize, before Sanctuary Choir rehearsal, after Women on Wednesday, before or after walking the Labyrinth. Bring a group, bring your family, come alone, come for the whole time, come for an hour, but as we say, “Whatever you do, just come!” Many hands make light work and finishing it on Wednesday will have the church ready for the upcoming concerts, the craft sale, and all of the other programs and services planned for the season. Come and join in the fellowship of the Hanging of the Greens!

Hanging of the Greens

Wednesday, December 3

13

Holiday Craft Show

Sunday, December 2

Fellowship Hall

8:30-2:00 p.m.

’ scarves photographic cards prints pottery glass doll clothes jewelry pet items and much more!

A portion of all proceeds benefits the Storehouse.

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Charge Conference

Monday, December 1Sanctuary6:00 p.m.

You are invited to take part in the life of our

church by attending a charge conference on

December 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Led

by our district superintendent, Ted Anderson,

there will be reports from the conference and

voting on matters that pertain to us as a parish

and to our district as a whole.

Friday, January 9

7:30 p.m.

$10 general admission, $5 students

Tickets available at the door

Celebrate the season with an Asbury First favorite. The wonderful singers of Concentus, under the direction of AFUMC member Gwen Gassler, present their an-nual winter concert, with songs that explore the many facets of winter and the holiday season.

Sunday, January 4

2:00 p.m.

Asbury First Sanctuary

Join host Michael Lasser in this exploration of music that would have been familiar to the char-acters from the beloved television series. Present-ed by WXXI and Asbury First United Methodist

Church.

in ConcertConcentus Women’s Chorus

A Celebration of Music From the Era of

DOWNTON ABBEY

14

library news

Children:The Birds of Bethlehem, by Tomie dePaola.This is a story of the Nativity from a “birds-eye” view for ages 3-5. Cre-ated by notable author-illustrator Tomie dePaola, this book is a perfect introduction to the story of Christmas.

The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.In this season of Christmas, it might be especially appropriate to read this classic tale of the art of giving and the concept of unconditional love. This classic favorite is for all generations. The story tells of the relationship between a young boy and a tree.

All the Places to Love, by Patricia MacLachlan.Ages 4-8 will enjoy this picture book celebrating the natural world and the family. Told in the voice of a child and illustrated with Norman Rockwell-style pictures, the 32-page book celebrates the natural world and the family.

In God’s Name, by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso.This modern fable celebrates the diversity and unity of all people. Author Stasso tells us how people use different names for God, but explains that although people are of different faiths they all call upon the same God. This is a book for all ages, but especially for ages 4-7.

Youth:Counting by 7s, by Holly Goldberg Sloan.This is an intensely moving middle grade novel about being an outsider, coping with loss, and discovering the true meaning of family. A delightful tale of “transformation that’s a celebration of life in all its wondrous, hilari-ous and confounding glory.”

When Zachery Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt.A compelling coming-of-age story about a thirteen-year-old boy “strug-gling to find himself in an imperfect world.” At times passionate and humorous, this extraordinary novel deals “sensitively and candidly with

December is a perfect time to explore special books for all ages. Take a look at the following books available in the library’s collection of books for children, young adults and adults. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. The Spiritual Life Library is in the Meditation Room at 1010 East Avenue. Everyone is welcome!

obesity, war, and the true power of friendship.” Especially for ages 10-14, it is a National Book Award winner.

Adult:The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho.Paulo Coelho’s novel has inspired a devoted following around the world as a testament to the “transforming power of our dreams and the impor-tance of listening to our hearts.” This 25th anniversary edition tells of an shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the pyramids.

Listening is an Act of Love, by David Isay.This is the first book culmination of StoryCorps, a nationwide project to record an oral history of America. StoryCorps founder and legendary ra-dio producer Dave Isay selected the most memorable stories for this book from the StoryCorps collection, creating a moving portrait of American life. The stories are about real people and their lives.

The Courage to Grow Old, by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton.The author is an Episcopal priest of 33 years. She addresses one of today’s most pressing topics—aging—in this 87-page book. Author Crafton has had extensive experience in ministering with the elderly. You’ll find this book in the meditation room in 1010 East Avenue.

Parenting:One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp.In One Thousand Gifts, the author invites you to embrace everyday bless-ings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God’s gifts. “ It’s only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we’ve always wanted.”

Bullied: A Teaching Tolerance documentary on DVD. This documentary is designed to create empathy for victims and to encourage others to take action.

On Sunday, September 14 the Resource Library Committee celebrated 37 years of library growth and honored seven individuals or couples who have helped the library grow over the years. The Rev. Susan Shafer made the presentations honoring the following:Janice Cygen, who organized and oversaw the library for 22 years, from 1985 until she went back into full-time work in the schools in 2007.Barbara Fulford, who worked with Janice and then with the current committee to give continuity during

the transition. Barbara and Patrick also donated a computer to allow us to auto-mate the library.Sharon Crouch, who served on the nominating committee looking for a replacement for Janice and then offered to coordinate a group to create the organizational model we use today. Sharon and John also donated a printer.Bruce Thompson, who, after hear-ing about the committee’s desire to automate the library, suggested using money from his father’s memorial fund to underwrite the library software

needed to bring the library into the digital age.Charlie and Mary Kay Jackson, who donated money to pay for the furnish-ing of the beautiful reading room in memory of their friend Bill Rowe.Kay Layton, who coordinated the furnishing of the reading room and continues as a library supporter and advisor on furnishings. Larry Elliott, who designed, created and donated the new book return - in time for this year’s Welcome Back Sunday.

These are just a few of the people who have helped the library grow and change to meet the needs of the congregation. If you haven’t been there recently, we hope you will take the time to stop by and see all it has to offer. We welcome your suggestions for books or subjects you would like to see in the library. Contact any of the committee members: Diana Carter, Sharon Crouch, Monica Gilligan, Joanne Hines, Bonnie Kay, Peggy Lyons, Ruth Matthews-Leub-ner, Kathy Schwar, and Beth Woolever.

Celebrating 37 Years of Bibliographic Excellence

15

the last word1 by Michele Cooley 2

Our First ChristmasDaniel and his fiancé, Charlene, moved from Virginia to start a new life here in Rochester a few years ago. Both were struggling with substance abuse problems and were determined to get jobs and housing, stay clean and be productive members of society. Daniel has relatives here so this seemed like a great choice. Connections with family would help with employment and cer-tainly some security.

When they appeared at the Dining and Caring Center a few months later, things were not going as planned. While Daniel was working he was still under the grip of an addiction. Both were very polite and sweet and willing to do some volun-teer work here at the Din-ing Center. Dan enrolled in a program through East House, and became a resident at therapeutic Blake House. Charlene was enrolled in a methadone program and by this time they had a beautiful infant, Patricia. This loving young family was determined to make it.

Dan wanted to speak to me one morning. I could tell he had been crying and

something was terribly wrong. “Charlene passed away yester-day morning.” As I held back my own tears, Dan explained that Charlene had two blockag-es to her heart and passed away at Rochester General Hospital where she could not be saved. Charlene was 26 years old. Dan needed some assistance with funeral arrangements and hav-ing her brought to Virginia to her family. Daniel was despon-dent but vowed to continue his pursuit of sobriety. By this time Patricia was in foster care. Dan was determined to gain full custody of her. Dan had prom-

ised this to Charlene before she died.

I lost track of Daniel and cer-tainly hoped he was doing well. Imagine my surprise when Daniel and Patricia came to visit here yesterday, Saturday, November 15. He was very proud to announce that he gained full custody of Patricia the day before. (They were in need of diapers and AFUMC member Jeff Edwards just hap-pened to have some in his car.) Dan is doing so well and has been clean since July 22, 2013, a great accomplishment. He and his daughter have their

own apartment where they have been growing hydroponic food such as cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. They tried pomegranites he said, but the climate here did not cooperate. Next year he will be attempting cannonball watermelons. Pa-tricia was able to tell me about their vegetables. Dan says he has his hands full and is very busy but happy. He has been taking GED classes and is in a smoking cessation program. Charlene would be as proud of him as we are.

“I am glad the Asbury First Dining and caring Center was there for us from day one. Patricia and I have many chal-lenges but I’m never giving up. This is our first Christmas together. We do not have much right now, but at least we have each other.”

Merry Christmas Daniel and Patricia,we love you and wish you the very best. If you would like to help this little family, please contact me at: mcool-ey@asburyfirst.org or (585) 313-1918.

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form

Given by_________________________________________________________________________________

(please print clearly)

phone: day______________________________evening ____________________________________________

Please check one of the following and print the names clearly:

____in loving memory of: ____________________________________________________________________

____in honor or celebration of: ____________________________________________________________________

____a donation.

Please return this form to the church office, attention Beverly Schuman, no later than Wednesday, December 10. Please include your

donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you, and have a very merry Christmas!