The Visitor May 2015

TheVisitor

Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter May 2015 • Vol. XLIX No. 4 • www.asburyfirst.org

In This Issue On Holy Ground, 4 Outreach News, 6 Pledge Update, 7 Holy Thursday, 8 Retreats, 9 New Members, 10 Talent Show, 12

Mission Statement

The Visitor

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.

Vol. XLIX No. 4 (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.

Five Ways to Worship at Asbury First

Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to

Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary

Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050

8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Chancel Worship with Holy Communion

Staff

The Rev. Susan Shafer The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II The Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

David Strong Dr. William Weinert Paula Dugan Jessica Burdick-Giordano Mike Mullin Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Ken Carr Michele Cooley Mary Van Keuren Duane Prill Bozena Granat Carol Lamica Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan

Senior Minister Minister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach & Community Connection Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Director of Music Children’s Ministry Director Children’s Ministry Assistant Director of Youth Ministries Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Property Care Manager Dining & Caring Center Director Communications Director Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Youth Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater

Emeriti Staff Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus

10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Listen live on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11:00 a.m.-noon Sunday mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings Watch past services in our video archive at www.asburyfirst.org any time!

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community 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 economic 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.

*deceased

sign up for our E-newsletter To receive our email newsletters, with news of upcoming services, classes, and other events at Asbury First, go to www.asburyfirst.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a sign-up window. Or, if you have a smartphone, scan this QR code to take you directly to a sign-up page.

Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.

Cover: Bonnie and Dan Matthaidess at the Seder celebration held on Holy Thursday, April 2. More photos on page 6.

Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050.

Deadline for next issue: Friday, May 1

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The Great Heart of Love A Pastoral Reflection

This is a great season in our midst! The “alleluias” of Easter continue to ring in this Eastertide: the warmth of the past Sunday as we celebrated the gift of the Rev. Lawrence Hargrave’s presence and ministry; the fun of children (and maybe two adults) rolling down the hill outside the church with the jazz musicians playing from their hearts and souls. This is a great season which we all have come to with such anticipation ... spring (finally! maybe?)

INDEED. My eyes may be like yours that are wide open to the changes, and my heart, and maybe yours, sings with gratitude to God’s ever-creating Spirit among

us. Often, when my heart sings, I look for words to express joy and gratefulness and find my own lacking, so I turn to several favorite books of prayer that seem to express my feeling far better than I ever could.

Filling with ecstasy This heart of mine!

Call of the autumn Or call of the spring, Call of the voices That echo and sing; Sing in the colors That flame from the sod, Singing the love Of the great heart of God. Voices are calling, O hear, soul of mine, Voices are calling, And voices divine; Open thine ears To the whispers above, Voices that call From the Great Heart of Love.”

It was my privilege to be given one of Bishop Ralph Spaulding Cushman’s books of prayers and poems. It is a treasured devotional for me. In the quiet of this spring night, the sun having warmed the earth this day so that the tulips are an inch above the ground, the cardinal has been singing to a mate in this late evening, the candles on a timer have begun to glow ... and in solitude here are his words:

In this Eastertide and unfolding spring, what a thought to think of: God as the “great heart of love.” O what a world this is, in

“O, it is lovely, Lord.

This world of Thine,

the sense of these new seasonal beginnings that call us each to recognize our thirst for God’s manifest presence in our midst. It is a hunger, gnawing at our hearts.

“Where are you, Mighty One? What is this whispering Voice, Insistent, sweet and low?

It must be God, That Thou art nearer, Yea, nearer than we know.

O, in my hungry heart, I pray it may be so!”

May this prayer of the day and night speak to your ecstasy in this springtime … may this prayer express your longing for the very presence of God to speak in your heart and soul! May we all listen … look … see … and find our hearts inspired!

Susan

AFUMC news Pastoral & Staff Achievements

bers facing challenging times, guiding many individuals and

Recently, several members of the Asbury First staff were

families through the cycle of life – from births to baptisms,

honored in signifant ways. Their accomplishments hint at

weddings, personal crises, and end-of-life care.

the broad range of skills they have each brought to their

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity

work at Asbury First.

School in Rochester announced in

Asbury First senior minister, the Rev.

March that Asbury First’s recently-

Susan S. Shafer has been chosen as the

retired pastor for outreach and com-

guest preacher at the memorial service

munity connection, the Rev. Lawrence

during the 2015 Upper New York An-

Hargrave, was one of two individuals

nual Conference, to be held May 27-30

receiving the 2015 CRCDS Distin-

in Syracuse. In an article on the UNYAC

guished Alumni/ae Award (the other is

website, Susan is quoted as saying “I am

Dr. Sally Dodgson). According to the CRCDS website, “the

very honored. I hope to bring a fresh word

Distinguished Alumni/ae Award honors alumni/ae whose

of faith. I hope that my preaching can honor the families of

service to God, the church, CRCDS and the community is

the loved ones who have passed away. In remembering, we

distinguished and worthy of accolade. Both Dr. Dodgson

can be inspired again.” The article notes that Susan is the

and Rev. Hargrave have served the church, CRCDS, and their

first ordained female senior minister in Asbury First’s history,

communities tirelessly and enthusiastically over the years.

and that “she is known for her compassionate care to mem-

Continued on page 5

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

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n the February issue of The Visitor, we featured a method of praying called the daily examen, a way of reviewing one’s day in the presence of God. In this issue, we take a further look at this practice, and what we can expect to happen as a result of it. The following excerpt is from Linda Douty’s book Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul (Upper Room Books, copyright 2014).

• We no longer have to pretend to be better or worse than we are.

The time comes when, rather than merely reading words about the true self, we take on the task of becoming intimately acquainted with the true self. As the saying goes, ‘If you want to quench thirst, you must lay aside the books that explain thirst, and take a drink!’

• We continue to awaken to who we are as ‘participants of the divine nature’ (2 Pet. 1:4)

That’s the point of employing the Daily Examen ... Let’s review the practice. At the close of each day,

• We sense our divine DNA (made in the image of God).

• We become increasingly honest and humble.

• We cease trying to prove that we’re important.

• We have less need for pat answers, embracing mystery and uncertainty. reflect slowly on these questions:

• What piqued my curiosity today?

• What felt life-giving to me today?

• Where did I notice my shadow self today?

• What inspired me today?

As the answers to these questions evolve into a picture of how we’re wired, divine grace enables us to accept who and what we are. Armed with that acceptance, we can expect the following things to emerge slowly:

• What moved me to smiles or tears today?

• When did I lose track of time?

• What felt depleting or draining to me today?

SAVE THE DATE FOR “SENSIBLE SHOES” AUTHOR VISIT Sensible Shoes, by Susan Garlough Brown, is a compelling narrative weaving together the lives of four women as they are drawn into a spiritual journey at a retreat center. Readers will gain a new understanding of spiritual practices and receive support in exploring their own spiritual journey. In September, Brown will visit Asbury First to share her insights into faith and spirituality.

• We begin to live out of the natural flow of grace coming from our spiritual core.

Reflect: Are you ready to commit to this practice of discovery? Anticipate the adventure of appreciating and loving yourself as God loves you.

Labyrinth

Wednesday, May 13 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Join us for this reflective peaceful practice designed to help you reconnect with God and your spiritual self.

Sensible Shoes is available at our library and we invite you to check out a copy in preparation for Brown’s visit. Let your friends know of this opportunity and save the date: Saturday, September 19, 2015, for a morning session, lunch, and afternoon session with Susan Garlough Brown.

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AFUMC news, continued from page 3

In addition to their individual ministries, both Dr. Dodgson

Our Living

and Rev. Hargrave have uniquely served CRCDS both as staff and as dedicated volunteers who have continually sought to support the good work of CRCDS and expand its reach and impact in the broader community.”

Children’s Ministry Assistant Jessica

Births & Baptisms

who died on March 19, 2015.

God has sealed you unto love and grace divine

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Anna Henning who died on March 20, 2015.

Stella Ruth Eggiman daughter of Scott and Lauren Eggiman, born on March 24, 2015. The proud grandparents are Janie and Tom Eggiman.

Burdick-Giordano, meanwhile, was the recipient in March of a Golden Apple Award from WROC TV (Channel 8 in Rochester). The award is given out

Aurora Lynn Mullin daughter of Mike and Nadia Mullin, born on March 31, 2015.

regularly to teachers who are nominated for the honor by their students.

The video aired on News 8 on March

Deaths

25, and can be seen on the WROC news site and Asbury

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

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Al Froelicher who died on March 18, 2015.

First’s Facebook page. The accompanying story states, “Jessica Burdick’s knowledge of history is excellent. But what she’s known for at Rush-Henrietta Senior High is the relationships she develops with students. Sophomore Romeo Yotat says Ms. Burdick’s class is always fun. He gives her the credit for

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Jerry Bock who died on March 19, 2015.

improving his grades. ‘She’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She always has a smile in the classroom and that just makes my day all the time’.”

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

Come Garden With Us! Attention gardeners: the spring clean-up will be on Saturday, May 2. This past dif-

in Community

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Joan Phillips on the death of her brother Allen Peterson on March 21, 2015 in Ball Ground, GA. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Betty Little on the death of her husband Eugene Little on March 30, 2015.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Bess Phillips on the death of her daughter Peggy O’Neill on March 31, 2015.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Merlynn Burchett who died on April 6, 2015.

worship schedule WORSHIP

ficult winter was particularly hard on our campus, so we need all the help we can get to restore it to its usual beauty. Please join us at 8:30 a.m. for a morning of work, fellowship, and fun. Plan to meet the Garden Committee members at the east end of the Education Wing.

We’ll get acquainted, tour the gardens, and then dig in! For more information, contact Jeanne Ristau at 223-4356.

Church Women United News May Friendship Day will be on Friday, May 1 this year at Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Road, 14580. There will be registration/dinner (catered by Tasteful Connections) at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 7:00 p.m. The speaker is Rev. Dr. Eileen Borduin Vanderzwan, who will speak on “The Journey of the Caregiver.” Registrations are $12 and must be made by April 23. Send your check to Church Women United, 644 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.

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Sunday Service Times 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship

Sunday May 10 Children’s Musical

Sunday april 26 Fourth Sunday of Easter John 10:11-18 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

Sunday May 24 Memorial Sunday/Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

Sunday May 3 Fifth Sunday of Easter John 15:1-8 Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

Sunday May 31 Trinity Sunday John 3:1-17 Guest preacher

Sunday May 17 Ascension Sunday Psalm 1 Mike Mullin, preacher

outreach news Habitat for Humanity Update The Harvest Home Coalition of Churches, which includes Asbury First and other Monroe County houses of worship, has received the go-ahead from Flower City Habitat for Humanity to build the Roger Cross House in the JOSANA neighborhood. The house will be built in memory of Roger Cross, founder of the local Habitat chapter. By participating in this important outreach opportunity, Asbury First will help give a family in Rochester “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.” Asbury First’s participation will include fundraising and supplying volunteers to build a home for a family in need. The JOSANA neighborhood is

located in the northwest quadrant of Rochester, and includes roughly 30 blocks bounded by Lyell Avenue, Brown Street, Wilder Street, and Child Street. An ethnically diverse area that has experienced severe poverty, it has been the focus of previous outreach efforts by Asbury First, notably in past Great Weeks of Service.

Construction on the Roger Cross House is expected to start in August, 2015, with a holiday dedication at the end of the year. Look for more details in future issues of The Visitor newsletter and the Sunday bulletin.

AFUMC Member Travels to Project Chacocente Sarah Kennedy, Asbury First member and Ohio Wesleyan University student, recently sent us her reflection on her trip to Project Chacocente: The chaplain’s office at Ohio Wesleyan University offers students the opportunity to participate in service trips over spring break. After applying for a trip headed to Nicaragua, I was selected to join a team of seven other OWU students and two faculty members to volunteer at Project Chacocente.

Although this is a place near and dear to the hearts of many in our congregation, I was a little skeptical, having never been there myself.

What if my experience was drastically different from that of the people I love and trust here at my Asbury First home? When I arrived however, my fears were set at ease. The first two days of my trip were spent painting ceiling beams, sifting sand for

cement, and digging a latrine for a home being built for a Chacocente schoolteacher.

The Project families came to teach us what to do and work alongside us – but mostly to laugh good-naturedly at our construction incompetence and weak Spanish skills.

We made friends quickly and spent our water breaks making dumb jokes in crude Spanish. After a day of illness (because going to Nicaragua and not getting sick seems to be difficult for some delegations), we finished the week at Chacocente Christian School, where I met children I’ve heard stories about for many years. I joined in on an English class, played intense games of tag and basketball at recess, and was attacked by six first graders, all wanting to be the one to get the larger half of my lap.

Sarah Kennedy (standing, second from right) and her group in Nicaragua.

UMYF, simply because of the non-religious group I was with, the trip was incredible.

The people of Chacocente understood when our entire team came down with traveler’s sickness, and they went out of their way to make us as comfortable as possible.

Even though that was an unfortunate occurrence, the experience of getting sick in an unfamiliar place taught me more than staying healthy would have. The families of Chacocente were truly glad that we had given

While the experience was different than any mission trip I have ever taken through 6

our time and money to be able to be with them, even for such a limited time. And I am so glad to have been able to give. If things go well, maybe I will lead the OWU trip back next year. Whatever happens, I now know that Project Chacocente will be as near and dear to my heart as it is to many of yours, and that I can proudly say that this is an organization worth supporting in any way possible.

You did it, and we thank you!

Because of the generosity of our friends and members, Asbury First’s campaign to fund the 2015 Annual Operating Plan (AOP), “Making Visible the Invisible,” was a success.

The AOP represents all money received and spent by the church in a given year. It’s much like your own budget: just as you determine how much you can spend on groceries, gas, and other expenses based on your income, so Asbury First must plan for all the expenses that result from the many ministries of a large, vibrant church community.

Without your pledges, our leadership team would not be able to determine how much is available to spend on worship, education, outreach, and membership care throughout the year.

Pledge Drive Fast Facts 1

how much was pledged?

2014

$1,081,535

2015

$1,101,180

Designated (i.e., meant for a particular ministry, such as the Storehouse or the music program) and undesignated gifts to the AOP.

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3

482 households

685 people

78 new adult pledgers

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4

$2,385 Average pledge

how many participated?

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51 Number of pledgers who made use of our easy and secure online pledge form

how do gifts arrive?

15% of gifts from EFT (electronic fund transfer) and online giving 50% of gifts from envelopes/ Sunday collection 10% of gifts from proceeds from the transfer and sale of stocks

25% of gifts via mail

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sbury First entered into the latter half of Holy Week this year with something old – and something new.

• Photo Essay: Holy Thursday 2015 •

“Something new” was a Seder celebration in Fellowship Hall led by Mike Miller, a local member of the local Jewish community. The Seder is commonly celebrated in Jewish households at Passover in commemoration of the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Jesus and his apostles were celebrating the Passover themselves on the original Holy Thursday night, and thus it reminds us of our own spiritual roots in the Hebrew faith.

Asbury First’s Seder, hosted by the youth, included the Youth Choir, directed by Carol Lamica, singing Dayenu, an ancient song long associated with Passover.

Then he came to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’

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In the Shadow of the Cross A reflection by Nancy Davidow On my knees

with head bowed, a prayer of grace, strength and power to meet the honor in

this sacred hour.

The burden – heavy.

The pace – steady.

With knees trembling,

and back aching, to think our Savior endured much pain

simply given for our gain!

Now, beneath the cross,

in the still of the night,

wind rustling the leaves on site,

rain drops falling.

I hear God’s calling.

These are MY tears,

to dispel your fears, with you I’LL stand

in carrying out MY plan.

fter the Seder, the congregation moved to the Sanctuary for “something old” – Asbury First’s traditional Tenebrae service.

Conducted in a nearly dark church, the service featured individuals portraying the apostles who read the passion story by candlelight, and, when finished, ran from the room, to symbolize the flight of the apostles on Jesus’s last night.

As the passion narrative was read, a figure dressed in white portraying Christ (this year, it was AFUMC member Nancy Davidow) knelt in front of a large wooden cross on the altar.

As the readers finished, men dressed as Roman soldiers entered and escorted the Christ figure, carrying the heavy cross, to the East Avenue lawn, where it was implanted in the ground.

The service ends with the congregation praying silently around the cross, then leaving quietly.

It is a powerful and moving service.

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Spirit u al Ret r eat s Spiritual Retreats

“ N ow, O m y G o d , l e t yo u r e ye s b e o p e n a n d yo u r e a r s a t t e n t i ve t o p ra ye r f r o m t h i s p l a c e .” – 2 C h r o n i c l e s 6 : 4 0 Men’s Retreat Men, join us for our annual spring retreat at Camp Casowasco from Friday evening, May 1 to Sunday morning, May 3. We will be staying in the beautiful mansion, Galilee Lodge, on Owasco Lake. We gather to sing, pray, hike, worship, and have discussions. This year’s theme will be centered on the movie It’s a Wonderful Life and an accompanying book titled 52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life, by Bob Welch. This is a chance to relax, reflect, and renew one’s spirit. The cost is $156.50 per person for 2 nights and 4 meals. You can bring your own sleeping bag or pay $8 for Casowasco to supply linens for your bed. If interested, please contact Bruce Thompson at brucerthompsonmd@mac.com or Glenn Peck at gpeck1@rochester.rr.com.

photos courtesy of Glenn Peck

Women’s Retreat • Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14

Walking

• Camp Asbury, Silver Lake, N.Y.

Simply

• $90/person (due by June 1 to the church office) – includes Saturday lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast.

With Christ

• Single or double rooms available.

• A weekend of serenity, stress relief, stretching, silence, songs, sharing, smiles, and Scripture focused on the theme of “Walking Simply with Christ.”

• Register by contacting Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

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We l c o m e o u r

New Members New Members

Introducing Asbury First’s newest members. We’re so glad you’ve become part of our faith family!

Trudy Starr & Jeffrey Quartley Trudy and Jeffrey live in East Rochester, and were married on April 24, 2015. Jeffrey is a production manager with Ranger Design and Trudy is a CPA with Insero and Co.

Annie & Greg Shaffer Annie and Greg live in Rochester. Greg works at the Simon School at the University of Rochester, and Annie is a is a stay-at-home mom. They are the parents of Nathan (pre-K) and Ryan (first grade). They are looking forward to volunteering as a family.

Damian Vicary, Patrick Vicary, Jayne MallwitzVicary The Vicary family lives in Rochester, where Damian is a chemical engineer/technology manager at Lonza and Jayne works as a broker with White Glove Realty. Their son Patrick is in fifth grade.

Kelly Keeney & Ryan Ferguson Kelly and Ryan live in Webster, and are getting married this coming October. They are both employed as physician’s assistants at Rochester General Hospital.

Holly & Ryan Temming Rochester residents Holly and Ryan have two children, Sophia (third grade) and Chloe (pre-K). Holly is a stay-athome mom, with previous experience in music and healthcare management, and Ryan is director of sales for Goldwell New York.

Claire Webster Claire joins us from the University of Rochester, where she is a junior with a double major in political science and religion.

She’s involved in the Protestant community at U of R, and serves on the steering committee that plans fellowship events on campus.

Jeanne Young Jeanne lives in Rochester, and works for the Penfield Central School district as a speech language pathologist. She is particularly interested in serving others through Asbury First’s outreach ministries.

David Klipinski David is retired and lives in Rochester.

Photographs courtesy of Kelly Mueller

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More new members!

Ann Markey Ann, who lives in Rochester, is an administrative assistant with Universal Medical Imaging. She has also worked in the publishing industry as an editor, and in international sales. She’s intrested in reading, kayaking, yoga, and travel.

Danyelle & Eric Hildreth Danyelle and Eric live in Pittsford with their children, Mallory and Ethan. Eric is a senior product manager with Hubbell, Inc., and Danyelle works in marketing and social media.

Nicole Herndon Nicole lives in Rochester, and is currently attending St. John Fisher College as a psychology major. She is interested in horse back riding, and has experience at her former church with the youth group.

Kathy Rhode Kathy lives in Rochester, and is a software test manager for Kodak Alaris. Her interests include skiing, snowshoeing, reading, knitting, and sailing.

She is also interested in writing.

u The Reverend Susan S. Shafer u

Pastoral Care Endowment

This endowment offers a unique opportunity to honor Susan’s compassionate ministry at Asbury First, and to ensure that the outstanding level of pastoral care that she has established will endure for generations to come. Many members and friends have already responded generously. If you have not yet made a commitment please prayerfully consider doing so now by clipping this coupon, or visit www.asburyfirst.org for an online pledge card. If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady at (585) 271-1050 or scady@asburyfirst.org or Robert Schuman at (585) 248-9673.

u The Reverend Susan S. Shafer u

Pastoral Care Endowment

∆ Enclosed is my/our gift to The Reverend Susan S. Shafer Endowment in the amount of $ ∆ My/Our gift to The Reverend Susan S. Shafer Endowment will be a pledge of $

Name(s):

$

Address:

, with a payment of

(weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly). circle one

∆ Please contact me to discuss my gift.

Phone: Email:

Please refer to me/us/my family in the following way on the list of donors:

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Ready for your Curtain Call?

Save the date for Asbury First’s Fifth Annual

Talent Show Saturday, May 9 6:00 p.m. dinner (please bring a dish to pass) 6:30 show Fellowship Hall

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his intergenerational talent show is produced by our youth and directed by Brian Bohrer. If you would like to perform, fill out the registration form and return it to the church office or to the

Welcoming Hall registration table by Sunday, April 26. The rehearsal will be on Saturday, May 3 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. You must attend the rehearsal with your act fully prepared in order to be included on the program. Questions? Please contact Brian Bohrer at tenorbri@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Registration Form – Fifth Annual Talent Show Name___________________________________________ Phone________________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Briefly describe your act: _________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ (If performing a piece of music, please list title and composer) Materials/props you will bring: ____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ Tech resources required: CD Player ____ Piano ____ Electric Cord ___ Amp ____ Microphone(s) ______ (# of mics) _______ Other __________________________________________ Do you need piano accompaniment? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, please attach a copy of the music to this form, and you will be contacted about your performance.

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childrens & youth ministry news Confirmation Sunday On Sunday, May 17, during the 11:00 a.m. worship service, we will be welcoming another class of eighth grade confirmands into full membership into Asbury First United Methodist Church. Over the course of the year we have had the opportunity to study, to question, and to experience the many different facets of the United Methodist faith tradition. The purpose and focus of this process is to help our confirmands take responsibility and ownership of their baptismal vows – which for most were originally spoken by their parents. By being confirmed, these youth are affirming their faith and expressing their desire to take on the responsibility to continue to study and live out their faith. They are acknowledging that they don’t yet have it all figured out, but that they now have the knowledge and tools to ask the tough questions and seek out the difficult answers. We look forward to celebrating our confirmation journey with all of you on May 17, and then continuing our journey together in the days and years to come!

– Mike Mullin

Let’s hear it for our acolytes and crucifers! Week in and week out, the acolytes and crucifers support our worship services through their presence and assistance. Here, Evan Alaimo, Jack Dugan, Philip Slattery, Richard Benjamin, and Peter Carter wait “backstage” before an Easter service. Photo by Paula Dugan.

The Children of Asbury First Present Their Spring Musical

The Tale of the

Three Trees Music by Allen Pote Lyrics and Narration by Tom S. Long Sunday, May 10 During the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services On April 1, some of the senior high youth enjoyed a chilly spring raft trip at Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Gorge in Tioga State Forest – the “Grand Canyon” of PA. (l to r): Brian Carter, Andrew Kennedy, Connor Nelson, Emma VanDerlinn, Richard Benjamin, and Arianna Ernsthausen enjoy a lunch break. Photo by Jim Carter.

Three little trees dream of what they will become when they grow up in this adaptation of a beloved folk tale.

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library news Books for all ages and on all topics can be found in the church resource library, open when the church is open. The following books have been selected as featured books for May and are available in the library’s collection of books for children, youth, and adults.

Children: The Lion Who Stole My Arm, by Nicola Davies.

Zoologist Nicola Davies presents an illustrated novel for young readers that proves you don’t need two arms to be strong. Author Davies perfectly merges a heart-pounding adventure with an important message about conservation. This 96-page story is especially for ages 7-10.

City of God: Faith in the Streets, by Sara Miles.

This book is an account of venturing beyond the borders of religion into the unpredictable territory of faith. It is a beautifully written personal narrative, rich in complex, real-life characters, and full of the “wild, funny, joyful, raucous, reverent” moments of struggle and faith that have made Miles one of the most enthralling Christian writers of our time.

Ivan: the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, by K.A. Applegate.

Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the shopping mall gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact. This is his true story for ages 4-8.

Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson.

Winner of the 2014 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, author Woodson tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse. Suggested age range is ages 10-14. Woodson’s collection of childhood memories provides insight into her perspective of America.

Adult: God For Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter, edited by Greg Pennoyer.

God For Us, with beautiful full color artwork, explores the meaning of Lent, its importance in spiritual formation, its significance in preparation for Easter, and the holy season of Easter.

The Blessing Cup, by Patricia Polacco.

When Anna’s family leaves Russia for America, they bring a tea set and its blessings. A source of heritage and security, the tea set helps Anna’s family make friends. A cup from the tea set – The Blessing Cup – became an anchor of family history, and remains a symbol of lasting love more than a century later. Ages 4-8 will enjoy this story of a magic tea set.

Parenting: Getting Past What You’ll Never Get Over, by John Westfall.

There are some things in life that we must learn to live with because they will never truly go away. John F. Westfall leads readers beyond their hurts and into a life of confidence, freedom, and secure joy. Sharing stories with wisdom, humor, and vulnerability, he shows how to move forward beyond fear, regret, guilt, anger, and bitterness into a life worth living.

Youth: Fast Times in Palentine, by Pamela J. Olson.

When the author traveled to Palestine in 2003, she found herself thrown into the realities of Palestinian life. Fast Times in Palestine is Olson’s powerful, deeply moving account of life in Palestine – both the daily events that are universal to us all (house parties, concerts, barbecues, and weddings) as well as the violence, trauma, and political tensions that are particular to the country. Fast Times in Palestine is a gripping narrative that challenges our ways of thinking – not only about the Middle East, but about human nature, cultural identity, and our place in the world.

April 25  Romans 3:19-31 26  Romans 4:1-25 27  Romans 5:1-21 28  Romans 6:1-23 29  Romans 7:1-25 30  Romans 15:1-13 May 1  1 Corinthians 12:1-31 2  1 Corinthians 14:1-40 3  1 Corinthians 15:1-11 4  1 Corinthians 15:12-34 5  1 Corinthians 15:35-58

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A Moment’s Peace, by Elizabeth Irving.

Designed for those who may only have ten minutes a day to call their own, this guide provides busy moms with skills and techniques to create their own sense of peace. The step-by-step plans incorporate relaxation techniques, hints for developing family rituals, instructions for breathing, and body awareness skills that lay the groundwork for peaceful moments.

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Romans 8:1-17 Romans 8:18-39 Romans 12:1-21 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18 2 Corinthians 4:1-15 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 14

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2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Acts 1:1-26 John 15:18-16.4a John 16:4b-33 Ezekiel 1:1-28 Ezekiel 2:1-10 Ezekiel 3:1-27

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Ezekiel 34:1-31 Ezekiel 36:1-38 Ezekiel 37:1-28 Joel 2:28-3:21 Acts 2:1-13 Acts 2:14-47 Galatians 1:1-24 Galatians 2:1-21 Galatians 3:1-29 Galatians 4:1-31 Galatians 5:1-26 Galatians 6:1-18

the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2

Saying Goodbye to Clifford

training with Clifford to be my new service dog. My therapist is going to put me in a program to help me do well with PJ, who is a mixed-breed pit bull. PJ has already picked up a lot of Clifford’s traits, and it seems that the transition is working. A little of Clifford’s soul is going into PJ. They are very good friends.

They have shown me that you can get along with any dog, any time. The puppy has greatly uplifted Clifford’s spirits.

T

he Dining Center has developed a reputation for inclusiveness, consistent with our church values.

Guests, volunteers, and staff alike are accepting of those who have challenges. We encourage, smile, and offer kindness to a soul who may be rebuffed and rebuked after leaving our little haven. Over the years I have been aware of the importance of pets in many of our guest’s lives. Pets offer a chance to bond, and of course the unconditional acceptance that can be missing from a lonely life. The following is Christine’s story.

Back in 2010, Christine was feeling depressed and gaining weight. A lady in her building had just obtained a dog named Clifford. Christine offered to assist her with walking him. Once she started walking him she explains: “We started spending time together each day, I fed him breakfast: pancakes, sausage, the works.

I rearranged my whole apartment to make sure he had room to play. He was an outside kind of dog so we went for rides constantly. Around Thanksgiving time, I babysat Clifford while his owner went south to visit family. When she came back to pick him up, he started whining.

He didn’t want to say goodbye. The next day when I dropped him off after our walk he started crying again. He was missing me. That Christmas, my neighbor wished me a Merry Christmas by telling me Clifford was now mine! I was in disbelief. I finally had my own dog. I had always wanted one. Our journey together had begun. This was in 2011. Ever since then we have been bouncing around from apartment to apartment. We finally found

Christine with PJ (left) and Clifford (right).

Rochester Highland Apartments and realized that this was our forever home. Clifford got me to exercise, which helped my anxiety, weight, and depression go down. As I felt anxious, Clifford became more aware and alert and protected me from harm. Now, he is registered as a full-fledged service dog. He has a backpack and an official uniform.

This past year he injured his paw. I took him to a vet and this is when I found out he had cancer. That is where things started taking a downward spiral. The vet has been very supportive guiding me through this sad process.

My primary care physician has been helping me with vet bills, the HOPE Foundation for Dogs and All4Pets organization, who help people who can’t afford vet care, have stepped in to help, and they are going to help with cremation. I will not be able to keep his ashes as that will cost $135.00 which I do not have. I will not let Clifford suffer when the time comes.

My therapist is working with me to be ready for that day.

Clifford and I have a new friend. I rescued PJ from South Avenue Towers in February.

Peanut Jackson (PJ for short) is working and 15

It is very difficult to say goodbye.

Clifford is my best friend, son, only family, and the only thing I could trust. I have a difficult time trusting people. He made me feel safe and respected. I can sleep a little bit better knowing that Clifford is there.”

Christine knows that the time will come when Clifford will not be at her side. She is preparing for this. She has been coming to the Dining Center for about a year now and likes it. She feels safe and welcomed. Clifford has sampled our sausage and reportedly loves it. He calmly sits in her Jeep and waits for her with PJ. She told me she has met some great people here but always returns to her best friends. I have met both PJ and Clifford and can confirm that they are lovely dogs.

We all need some one to make us feel special.

We are proud to help Christine through this transition, mostly by just listening. I think she knows that she, Clifford and PJ are special to us too. It will be hard to say goodbye.

Editor’s note: as we were going to press with this issue, Michele Cooley reported to us that Christine’s devoted service dog, Clifford, had passed away peacefully.

PERIODICAL 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2293 Address Service Requested

The Youth of Asbury First Present the Fifth Annual

Talent Show Saturday, May 9 6:00 p.m. dinner (please bring a dish to pass) 6:30 p.m. show Fellowship Hall