january 2013 visitor newsletter

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterJanuary 2013 • Vol. XLVII No. 1 • www.asburyfirst.org

TheVisitor

In ThIs Issue

Lenten Opportunities, 3

New Deacon, 5

Welcome New Members, 6

Youth Ministry, 8

Black History Month, 11

Spring Concerts, 12

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: Lent, and with it a period of reflection and renewal, begins on February 13.

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, February 8

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. 1

(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.

AFRicAn-AmeRicAn hisToRy monTh

In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson started

what was then known as Negro History Week.

It was designated as the week that the birthdays

of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass

were celebrated. Along with his organization, the

vision was to highlight the significant accomplish-

ments of African Americans, including ones who

had been left out of United States history classes

and the prevailing American narrative. In 1976,

under U.S. President Gerald Ford, February was established as African

American History Month.

Asbury First United Methodist Church will have several events during

African American month (see page 11). On Sunday February 10 during

the Sunday School hour, Neil Frankel, Ph.D. will give a talk on the trans-

Atlantic slave trade. Neil, a retired Xerox engineer and researcher, has used

an interest in the subject to develop a website and has made presentations to

a variety of lay and academic groups. His talk will be both informative and

challenging.

On Saturday, February 23, Dean Brenda D. Lee of the University of

Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry will present “The Life and

Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” This multi-media offering has been

presented in academic settings and churches. Some of the churches include

Third Presbyterian of Rochester, First Presbyterian of Honeoye Falls and

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Rochester. This presentation will not only be

engaging, but will offer new insights into the life of an American prophet.

On Sunday February 17 and 24 after the 11:00 service (in 1010 East

Ave.), I will lead discussions on the book The New Jim Crow by Michelle Al-

exander, JD. Ms. Alexander is a highly acclaimed civil rights lawyer and legal

scholar. She has taught at a number of law schools including Stamford and

Ohio State University. The book has been nationally acclaimed and featured

on numerous radio and television shows as well as high profile newspapers

such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. I look forward to

our time together.

Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

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AFUMC news

Update From ministry & space Task Force

In the October issue of The VisiTor, we shared a story about the newly-created Min-istry and Space Task Force, charged with taking a long, hard look at how we use space on our six-acre campus and determining if we are truly using all the resources God has given us to their full capability.

Since then, the committee has interviewed dozens of in-dividuals, as well as more than 50 groups and committees that are part of our church. That initial phase of the proj-ect is nearly completed, but Task Force Chair Chuck Hanra-han wants AFUMC members to know that there is still time to pass on their thoughts and feedback to the com-mittee, either via the online survey form (which can be found by scrolling down on the Asbury First home page at www.asburyfirst.org), or by contacting Chuck at [email protected] or (585) 383-8794.

The committee is now work-ing on a written summary and formal recommenda-tions. Hanrahan noted several themes that run through the

on holy groundWelcome to the new section from the Center for Spiritual Life Committee. In this section we will highlight opportunities and thoughts for spiritual growth and renewal.

Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use. That is what these quiet moments in My Presence are accomplishing within you. As you focus your mind and heart on Me, you are being transformed,

re-created into the one I designed you to be. This process requires blocks of time set aside for communion with Me…

– The words of Jesus, as interpreted by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling, p. 364, December 13

Ash WednesdayJoin us for service at 7:30 p.m.

Labyrinth Schedule for Lent: Feb. 13 (Ash Wednesday), 20, 27, March 6, 13, and 20; 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Taize Schedule for Lent: Febru-ary 20, 27, 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.

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

23, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

A light lunch is provided on Saturday.

No registration charge, but reg-istration is required and limited in number. Register by Monday, March 18 by contacting Melody Guadagnino at 271.1050 x103 or register at the Welcoming Center desk on Sunday mornings.

Program Outline:• Friday evening: introduc-

tion to St. Benedict and overview of retreat; night Prayer and invitation to silence

• Saturday morning: silence until morning prayer; prac-tices: the place of communal prayer, lectio and work; community in the Benedic-

tine tradition; discussion/sharing; midday prayer; light lunch

• Saturday afternoon: hos-pitality – theory, practice, possibilities; activities and small group work; whole group discussion; evening prayer.

Recommended Reading:Upper Room Disciplines 2013 will enrich your faith journey through scripture, daily meditations, and prayer. #1086 978-0-8358-1086-9; $14.001.800.972.0433 or UpperRoom.org/bookstore.

We invite you to participate in these Lenten opportunities:

surveys and information-gathering.

“There’s a real interest in outreach here,” he said. “More than I’ve seen in my 15 years at Asbury First.” The other comment he and the committee members have heard frequently pertains to

handicapped accessibility on campus. “Increased acces-sibility is a priority,” he said. “Neither 1050 nor 1010 East Ave. are completely acces-sible to those with mobility issues, and that is something we’ll need to take into consid-eration as we move forward.”

What’s next for the com-

mittee? “Over the next few months we will collect the remaining data, analyze all of the inputs, draw sev-eral hypotheses and test our theories by going back to the groups affected,” said Hanrahan. In the late spring, the Task Force will present

Continued on page 7

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Sunday January 27Third Sunday after Epiphany

Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

8:30 a.m.Traditional Worship

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


Sunday February 3Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Luke 4:21-30

Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher




Sunday February 10Transfiguration Sunday

Luke 9:28-36

Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher




WORSHIPworship scheduleWedneSday February 13Ash Wednesday




Sunday February 17First Sunday in Lent

Luke 4:1-13

Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher




Sunday February 24Second Sunday in Lent

Luke 13:31-35

Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher




Sunday March 3Third Sunday in Lent

Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher




AFUMC news

Wednesday, February 6

7:00 p.m.

youth Room

Have you talked with your kids about sex? If so, did you talk

about more than biology and anatomy? If not, what do you

plan on saying? If you have ever wondered how to talk about

the gift from God we call “sex” in a way that is both realistic

and faithful, then this class is for you! Join us for a conversa-

tion about the best ways to approach this often anxiety-

producing parenting task. If you have any questions, please

contact Stephen Cady at [email protected].

Beyond the Birds and the Bees: “The sex Talk” for Parents!

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AFUMC news

Bishop Mark Webb has appointed Rev. Linda McMillion Clemow as Deacon to Asbury First. This is a missional appointment and as

such there is no remu-neration required. Rev. Clemow will serve as artist-in-residence for the church community. Rev. Clemow, a life-long Meth-odist, has been an artist all her life, but didn’t realize that the two were not mutually exclusive until 20 years ago. At that time she began to see that art, spirituality and worship all fed each other.

Rev. Clemow will be offering art classes for all levels of talent and interest at Asbury First. She believes that talent and creativity can be taught. “There are some people who are born with innate talent but that does not mean that everyone else is excluded from the joyful rewards of artistic expres-

sion,” she says. “Creativity is a sacred universal energy and a manifes-tation of the divine. Some people hide behind the concept of talent saying that they have none and therefore shouldn’t try. It’s time to put that away, have some fun and stand up with dignity for your own creative potential. Honor your desire and your right to devote whatever time you need to self-expression.”

The classes at Asbury First will be held under the general name “ArtSparks.” Rev. Clemow says, “I call my art program ArtSparks because I believe that we are all born with the spark of God deep inside – an integral part of our being. Life tends to gunk over this light. Art helps us to uncover the light that should shine forth from our very core.”

In addition to the ArtSparks classes Rev. Clemow will offer classes in the Dining and Caring Center once a week. She will also be working with the Asbury First staff on special events and projects.

Rev. Clemow is the daughter of long-time AFUMC members Jim and Joanne McMillion. Joanne is still active in the Partner-ship class. The McMillion family moved to Rochester in 1964 and quickly joined Asbury First. She is the wife of the Rev. Thomas Clemow. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Many have wondered about the role of the deacon in the United Methodist church. Here is a list of the most impor-tant facts about this role in the church:

1. The 1996 general Conference initiated the Order of Deacon: “From among the baptized, deacons are called by God to a lifetime of servant leadership, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop. Deacons fulfill servant ministry in the world and lead the Church in relating the general life of Christians to their ministries in the world, interrelating worship in the gathered community with service to God in the world.”

2. Deacons are not the pastor in charge of a congregation.

3. Deacons are called to Word and Service – Elders to Word, Service, Sacrament and Order. They are each an ordained order of the UMC. Deacons and elders are clergy of the church. Each order is equal to the other.

4. Deacons and elders are first commissioned, then, after a probationary period of no less than two full years of ministry, they are ordained – if passed by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

5. Deacons must find their own employment and are not subject to the itinerancy. However the bishop makes the appoint-ment. It may be a paid position in a church, an unpaid missional appointment to a church, or an appointment beyond the local church.

6. I connect the duties of the deacon with the church through the arts in spiritual formation, worship, healing and out-reach.

– Rev. Linda Clemow

Bishop Webb Appoints Rev. Clemow as Deacon at AFUMC

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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!

Kenneth Grant and Katherine Cronin

Kenneth is principal clarinetist for the Roches-ter Philharmonic Orchestra and a professor at Eastman School of Music. Katherine is a senior manager at Pharos Systems.

R.J. Pollard and Cailin Monaghan

R.J. is an environmental, health and safety special-ist at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Penfield. Cailin is a special education teacher at the Rush Henrietta School District, where she inspires students to learn and grow. They are thrilled to be joining Asbury First and can’t wait to get involved.

Adam and Catherine TowsleyAdam is a professor at the CUNY Gradu-ate Center and Catherine is a counselor at the University of Rochester. They have been visitors at Asbury First for several years. Their son Xander is a year and a half.

Deborah Merritt

Deborah is retired after thirty years as a kinder-garten teacher in East Irondequoit. She’s excited about joining Asbury First and worshipping with her family. Her daughter, Melissa Bohrer is co-director of Children’s Ministry at Asbury First, and her son-in-law Brian Bohrer is direc-tor of Youth Music and of the Asbury Singers.

Linda SpechtLinda is a retired probation officer, and is the 63-year-old mother of two grown sons and the grateful grandmother of four. She says “I enjoy people and consider myself most fond of children and young adults. In looking over the opportuni-ties available to volunteers, I am excited about all the possibilities for service [at Asbury First].

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score some Great homemade soup!

sunday, February 3

$10/quart, After all services

There’s nothing better than hot, homemade

soup on a cold winter’s day – especially if the

Superbowl happens to be on TV that after-

noon! The youth will be selling soup after all

services that Sunday, in support of their youth

mission trip. Be sure to mark your calendars,

and take home a quart or two to share with

your buddies in front of the TV!

their findings to the trustees and church council, and discussions will begin on the steps to take to rectify Asbury First’s space challenges.

If you have not already done so, please consider filling out the online survey, and let your voice can be heard as we embark on a new phase in the life of our church.

Thanks for christmas support

Thank you to all the vendors and the supporters of the 2012 Christmas Craft Show. The Storehouse received a contri-bution of $1,850 from the proceeds this year. This will help support our current mission. We appreciate the JOY of giv-ing. We hope to see you next season. May 2013 bring you PEACE and good tidings.

Tax-Free contributions to Asbury First

As part of recent tax legislation, Congress has extended the tax-free treatment of distributions from an individual retire-ment account (IRA) to public charities until December 31, 2013. In 2013, IRA transfers up to an annual total of $100,000 made an individual over age 70 ½ to a public charity directly from an IRA will incur no income tax liability. For 2012, if you were over age 70 ½, received a distribution from your IRA after No-vember 30, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, you can treat that distribution as tax-free if you transferred the amount re-ceived to a public charity (such as Asbury First) prior to February 1, 2013.

Thanks from a member

We received the following note from AFUMC member Pepper Wolf:

Dear Fellow Members,

A special thank you for the thoughts and prayer cards. You have been so thought-ful during my recovery. I do feel so much better.

Thanks again, Pepper Wolf

2013 All-Church ReadMichelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow

Book Discussions led by Rev. Lawrence HargraveSundays, February 17 & 24

12:15 p.m1010 East Ave. Red Room

“Once in a great while a book comes along that changes the way we see the world and helps to fuel a nationwide social movement. The New Jim Crow is such a book. Praised by Harvard Law pro-fessor Lani Guinier as ‘brave and bold,’ this book directly challenges the notion that the election of Barack Obama signals a new era of colorblindness.” – amazon.com

Join your fellow AFUMC friends and members in a reading and discussions of this pro-vocative book. Books are available from Amazon, or in the Welcoming Hall on Sunday mornings for $12.

AFUMC News, continued from page 3

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• YOUTH MINISTRY LOOKS AHEAD •

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Given the size of our church, how many youth

should we expect to be ac-tive in the course of a week?

What would a healthy staffing structure look like for a sustainable youth ministry?

How many volunteers does it take to sustain a healthy youth ministry?

These questions and others are being asked this winter as we work as a church to build a sustainable youth ministry. Fortunately, we have had some help answering them.

In December, we invited Youth Ministry Architects, nationally known consultants in youth ministry, to do an assessment of our current youth ministry and to help us think about how we might build a sustainable structure for the future. Over the course of a weekend, they interviewed close to fifty of our youth, parents, leaders, and staff regard-ing both our current structures of youth

ministry and our hopes for the future. At the end of the weekend, they presented us with a thorough picture of both our assets and challenges.

The “Youth Ministry Assessment Report” they presented is a 30 page document which is currently available on our website (www.asburyfirst.org). It recommends several specific action steps to be taken over the next 18 months so that we might be able to have a sustainable structure in place by the fall of 2014. The good news is that we have many

great things already happen-ing within our youth min-istry which will provide us with a strong foundation on which to build. For the rest, Youth Ministry Architects has agreed to partner with a “renovation team” from our church to help us imple-ment the changes they have suggested and to make sure that we handle the upcom-ing transition as smoothly as possible.

Some of their suggestions include expanding our ministry

with middle school youth, creating better organizational structures, and creating clear pathways for full participation and discipleship. We would encourage you to take a look at the report for yourself so that you might be better equipped to support a sustainable and growing youth ministry at our church.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cady at [email protected].

Asbury First’s Assets:

• a strong Confirmation program

• exceptional youth who love their church

• highly-visible music and theater programming

• a welcoming attitude

• a sense that the church is “...on the verge of something new and exciting in ministry”

• the strong commitment of adults in wanting what is best for our youth

Asbury First’s Challenges:

• a need to create common language around our vision for youth ministry

• some anxiety over the transition to come

• a need for increased programming for middle school students

• a need for increased intentionality and focus in the design of a comprehensive plan and curriculum for Christian education of our youth.

Asbury First’s youth: both the present and the future of our church

Youth Ministry Assessment Report: Highlights

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

February 10

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 from 5:30-

7:00 p.m. 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. There’s no pressure and

no program – just a fun opportunity to get to know others who

share your Asbury First connection. Questions? Contact Stephen

Cady at [email protected]. Join us on: February 10 • March

3 • April 7 • May 5 • June 2.

United Methodism 101Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your

life or have just stumbled upon us recently, this class

is for you! Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00

p.m. beginning Wednesday, February 27, join

us for a four-week discussion about the history,

structure, beliefs, and challenges of the United

methodist church. If you are interested in joining

the class or have any questions please contact

Stephen Cady at [email protected]. Please let us

know if you plan to attend by February 19 as we will

have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12

and assistance is available.

Give Yourselves a Hand!This coming year, your generous pledges will allow us to continue

our work of worship, education, ministry and outreach. Our current

total for the 2013 pledge drive is $952,000. We’ll have more informa-

tion on final totals in the next issue of The Visitor. If you haven’t

pledged yet, you can still have an impact on the work of Asbury First

by going to www.asburyfirst.org and clicking on the GIVE ONLINE

button on the right hand side of the page. You’ll find instructions

there for making an online gift or pledge safely and securely. THANK

YOU for your continued support of your church. Your generosity and

vision keep the church’s programming alive.

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in CommunityOur Living

Deaths

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

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Robyn and Larry

Gage and family on the death of Robyn’s mother

Connie Kachelmeyer in Batavia on November 14, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and

friends of Doug Hunt

who died on November 16, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Ray & Laura Chan & family on the death of Laura’s

father George Booth

on December 4, 2012 in Syracuse, NY.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Janda Hemming on

the death of her father Daniel Hemming

on November 30, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Kay Cotton on the

death of her mother Esther Cotton

on November 30, 2012.


friends of Jack Ratcliffe

who died on December 3, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Linda and Bob Payne

on the death of Linda’s mother Kathryn Morgan

who died on November 9, 2012 in Westminster, MD.

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

Jane Oertelwho died on December 3, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Greg & Kim Smith & family on

the death of Greg’s mother June Lord Smith

on December 10, 2012.


friends of Margaret Heit

who died on December 19, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to David Crawford and family on the death of David’s wife

Linda Crawford on December 22, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Larry & Paula Dugan

on the death of Larry’s mother Helen Dugan


We offer our prayers and sympathy to Dan and Marian Gottler on the death of their

brother-in-law Kevin Miller


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

Ken DeLorm who died on December 26, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Gary and Delores

Jesske on the death of Gary’s sister Irene Ulrich

on January 2, 2013 in Germany.


friends ofJack Latshaw

who died on January 8, 2013.

Births & Baptisms

God has sealed you unto love and grace divine

Samuel Michael DiPaolason of Katherine and Mark

DiPaola, baptized on December 16, 2012.

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

January 6, 2013.

January25 Acts 9:1-19a26 2 Samuel 7:18-2927 Luke 4:16-3028 1 Kings 3:1-1529 Psalm 71:1-1230 Psalm 71:13-2431 Jeremiah 1:1-19February1 Malachi 3:1-122 Luke 2:22-403 Haggai 2:1-94 Isaiah 40:1-115 Psalm 99:1-96 Exodus 34:29-357 2 Kings 2:1-18

8 2 Corinthians 3:1-189 2 Corinthians 4:1-1810 Luke 9:28-43a11 Nehemiah 1:1-1112 Ezra 9:1-1513 Psalm 51:1-1914 1 Corinth. 12.31b-13.1315 Deuteronomy 26:1-11

16 Psalm 91:1-1617 Luke 4:1-1518 Jeremiah 32:16-2519 2 Kings 19:8-1920 Lamentations 1:1-2221 Genesis 15:1-2122 Psalm 27:1-1423 Philippians 3:12-4:1

24 Luke 13:22-3525 Exodus 3:1-1526 Isaiah 55:1-1327 Psalm 68:1-2028 Psalm 68:21-35march1 Jonah 1:1-172 Jonah 2:1-103 Luke 13:1-94 Jonah 3:1-105 Jonah 4:1-116 Joshua 5:9-157 Psalm 69:1-188 Psalm 69:19-369 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

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Black History monthFebruary is Black History Month, and Asbury First will hold several events focusing on the role of

African-Americans in American history. We also invite you to check out the exhibit race: are We

So different at Rochester Museum and Science Center. Asbury First hosted the opening events in

the community-wide initiative surrounding this exhibit, titled Facing race = embracing equity,

designed to promote awareness about racial issues in Rochester and foster conversation about how

we can improve our understanding of each other, identify pathways to alleviate inequity, and reduce

disparities that exist in our community. The exhibit at RMSC runs through April 28.

The Trans-Atlantic slave Tradesunday, February 10

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Fellowship hall

Dr. neil Frankel

More than 11 million human beings were violently separated from their homes

and sent to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which lasted

from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Dr. Neil Frankel, creator of www.slaverysite.

com and a long-time scholar on the history of slavery in North America, will

share his insights on this tragic and inhumane practice which played such a

profound role in our country’s history.

Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of The Rev. Dr. martin Luther King Jr.saturday, February 23

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fellowship hall

Dean Brenda D. Lee, Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs, University of

Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

We are invited to reflect on factors that compelled Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King to challenge

unjust systems of oppression. In particular, we will focus on how and why Martin Luther

King and other people of faith were compelled and inspired to act assertively, while many

other Christians and people of faith remained silent and complicit in sustaining discrimi-

natory, oppressive and unjust societal structures.

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join us for our spring concerts!

Hommage à MessiaenFriday, February 15

7:30 p.m.

free will offering at the door

A festival of contemporary organ music.

Olivier Messiaen’s organ music encompasses a wide range of

influences: the sound of birdsong, the colors of stained glass, and

the concepts of Christian theology. This concert will feature some of

Messiaen’s influential compositions along with works by his successors

including Alexander Goehr, Jean-Louis Florentz, and Betsy Jolas.

Join the talented organ students of Eastman School of Music as they

explore the works and influence of this 20th century master.

music & the arts

J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew PassionSunday, March 3

3:00 p.m.Tickets: $10/$5 students and seniors

Sung in English by Eastman Chorale, Cordancia Chamber

Ensemble, and Asbury First Choirs

Considered one of the masterpieces of classical sacred music,

the St. Matthew Passion is presented by the brilliantly

talented musicians of the Eastman Chorale, along with

student soloists from Eastman School of Music, Cordancia

Chamber Ensemble, and Asbury First’s resident choirs. They

perform under the baton of Dr. William Weinert, Eastman’s

director of choral activities and Asbury First’s musical

director of art and music.

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Nursery School at Asbury First “Little Hands, Big Changes”

The Nursery School at Asbury First provides

a nurturing, hands-on, differentiated learning environment where three and four year olds can learn, grow and make a difference. We combine cooperative creative play, imagination and problem solving with fun hands-on activities that allow the children to practice and learn pre-academic skills. All the activities are tied together in a theme-

based approach to learning and imbedded in these themes are cooking lessons, field trips, science experiments, literature, music, large muscle play and service projects. Throughout the year, the children participate in three service projects as a way of teaching and experiencing outreach. These little hands are empowered to make big changes at the Nursery School at

nURseRy schooL oPen hoUses

Saturday, February 2 10:00 a.m.-noon

Sunday, February 3 noon-2:00 p.m.

Asbury First United Methodist Church.

Are you interested in enrolling your child in next year’s program (September 2013-June 2014)? Please note that the Nursery School, a ministry of Asbury First, is different from the Asbury Day Care Center, which is also housed on our church campus. Attend one of our open houses to find out more. Or contact Melissa Bohrer at (585) 271-1050 x111 or [email protected] for more information.

Calling all SUPER HEROES…February 2

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Please join us for our Family Movie Night on February 2 in Fellow-

ship Hall for “Veggie Tales: The League of Incredible Vegetables.” Come

dressed as your favorite super hero and join of us

for a pizza dinner followed by the movie. Looking

forward to a SUPER night! Please RSVP to Melissa

Bohrer at [email protected] by February 1.

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Library news

Children:The Stars Will Still Shine, written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke.This picture book for preschool and kindergarten is perfect for the New Year. It serves as a reassuring reminder that good things are always around the corner. The book greets a new year and celebrates new beginnings, togetherness, and the wonders of the natural world. The illustrations are soft and soothing, simple and joyful watercolor scenes. It is a wonderful bedtime selection for toddlers and preschool-ers, especially when read after a tough day.

Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen , illustrations by Kevin Hawkes.No roaring allowed. That’s the only rule Miss Merriweather, the librarian, places on her unusual new visitor — a lion. He turns out to behave perfectly, but when Miss Merriweather falls and injures her arm the lion wondered if he should break the rules and roar for help? The humor of the text may encourage discussions about when it’s okay to break the rules. For kids who love trips to the library, this is a must-read. (Ages four to six). It is a winner of Child magazine’s Best Children’s Book Awards 2006.

Winter, illustrated by Mary Engelbreit , written by Charlotte Lyons with photographs by Barbara Elliott Martin.Brightening up the dark winter months is the goal of this book of fun craft projects, decorations, recipes. It covers Hanukkah, New Year’s, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day. There are 80 pages of new resources for crafts, recipes, and decorating that capture the spirit of the chang-ing seasons.

Youth:The Action Bible, by Sergio Cariello.Written for ages 9-15, the illustrations are gripping enough to hold even adult attention. This 752 page graphic novel features a captivat-ing, up-to-date artwork style—making it the perfect Bible for today’s visually focused culture. The author has worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art as well as the Word of Life Bible Institute in upstate New York.

Farm Boy, by Michael Morpugo.Farm Boy is the heartwarming sequel to War Horse, the beloved novel that has now been made into a play and a major motion picture. Albert’s son is all grown up, an old man now. But he has a shame-ful secret he’s kept to himself his whole life. As he comes to terms with the truth, he tells stories of the farm of his childhood—his war hero dad, skipping school to help with the harvest, and of course the horses, Joey and Zoey. The book speaks to the bond between genera-tions, and captures the spirit of rural life and the love of horses.

It’s a new year—the time of new beginnings. The book selections for January/February below are books new to the church resource library and may provide you with some new ideas for the New Year. Look for them in the church library—open and free to all—

just off the gathering space.

Adult:Seven Thousand Ways to Listen: Staying Close to What Is Sacred, by Mark Nepo.In Seven Thousand Ways to Listen, Nepo offers ancient and con-temporary practices to help the reader stay close to what is sacred. Considered a beautifully written spiritual memoir, Nepo explores the many gifts and challenges of deep listening. Seven Thousand Ways to Listen is filled with questions for reflection and discussion with and meditations. The book focuses on deep reflection and meditation to create a guide on how to listen to life and live more fully.

Finding God: A Treasury of Conversion Stories, by John Mulder.Ranging from the first century to the present, Finding God is a fasci-nating digest of conversion stories from a wide variety of people—from the apostle Paul to the rock musician Bono. These 60 first-person narratives of Christians recount the stories of finding God in different ways and the impact this discovery made on their lives and on the world. Cited as both instructive and inspirational, the stories demonstrate the diversity of spiritual journeys and the dramatic changes that can result from encounters with God.

Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor, by Jana Riess.“Punchy humor and unpretentious inquisitiveness” combine in this absorbing memoir in which author Riess commits to both adopting and studying a new religious practice each month for a year, while simultaneously reflecting on her spiritual progress.

Parenting Section:Gum, Geckos and God: A Family’s Adventure in Space, Time and Faith, by James S. Spiegel.Gum, Geckos, and God is cited as “fascinating and fun.” The 256 page paperback explores the most complex issues of faith in a way that’s considered absorbing and engaging for the entire family. Children’s questions—”Where does God live?” “Does God speak English?” and “What does God know?”—open the door to discussions about God. Spiegel’s responses and comments will satisfy adults as well, especially those looking for beginning and intermediate study on topics such as God’s omniscience, the Golden Rule, God’s presence, and human origin and destiny.

Spiritual Parenting: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing the Heart of Your Child, by Hugh and Gayle Prather.This is a book of principles and practices that parents can use to understand and nurture their children at home, at school, and in the world. It encourages parents to learn how to focus on the spiritual aspects of child care.

15

the last word1 by Michele Cooley 2

Scott had a great job as an

over-the-road truck driv-

er. He was driving in 48 states

and grossing about $6,000/

week. He netted around

$3,000 per week. Life was

good until he saw a friend who

needed a ride and picked her

up. He was routinely stopped

by the police and when a

hypodermic needle was found

in the truck, Scott lost his job.

Thus began a spiraling down-

ward which lasted about three

years, and cost him $150,00

dollars, his dignity, his home

and almost his life.

He found himself homeless

and living at the House of

Mercy, a loosely-based shelter

open to anyone and everyone.

The concept is good but the

reality is very raw. Its different.

People are lined up on couches

day in and day out. Many are

chronically homeless. The vol-

unteers do their best to help.

It can be a depressing sight to

see so many people passed out

on couches with nowhere to

go, but it is a refuge and meals

are served. Scott was there.

He was using drugs and had

to find a way out.

“I had to get out of there and

decided to go to the Norris

Clinic for 45 days. After I

completed the program I was

homeless again and went back

to Norris for another 38 days.

I was sent to a halfway house

and was kicked out after three

weeks due to an altercation. I

got right into Catholic Fam-

ily supportive living Program

where there was a requirement

to volunteer. I remembered

Asbury First and have been

volunteering here for almost

one year. I am the greeter/se-

curity in the morning. I try to

enforce the rules.”

Scott is here each morning

bright and early and is a fixture

at the sign-in sheet. He is

firm with guests who break

the rules but not unnecessar-

ily harsh. Guests may not like

having to give back the salt

shakers from their pockets but

they understand. Scott also

keeps track of the phone and

computer usage so that one

guest may not monopolize

these privileges. He is a great

help.

Scott has reconnected with his

mom. “I lost my dad a couple

of years ago and now my

relationship with my mother

is outstanding. I visit mom

on the weekends and return

on Sunday. This relationship

means a lot to me.”

When I first met Scott he had

very thick glasses. Cataract

surgery has corrected his vi-

sion problem and he now has

20/20 vision. He can drive

again.

Scott is proud of his participa-

tion here at the ADCC. “I feel

I am a good worker. I made

some decisions that were

wrong and am doing every-

thing to the best of my ability

to change. I have done a lot of

wrongs and am trying to make

amends. Every day I wake up

I am trying to relearn respon-

sibility. I have grown and can

face disappointments in a

mature and responsible way.”

Scott has been contacted by

his trucking firm based in

Utah. He will find out this

week if he has been re-accept-

ed back to employment. He is

ready. “If I get the call I will be

gone next week. I will take a

bus to Utah and start my job.”

I will be sad to see Scott leave

us. But this is why we are

here. We see people grow in

amazing ways. Bon voyage and

Godspeed, Scott. We will miss

you but perhaps we will wave

as we pass along the highway

of life.

Back On the Road Again ...

PERIODICAL

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january 2013 visitor newsletter

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