The Visitor
Capital Campaign News ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER February/March 2019 • Vol. MI No. 1 • www.asburyfirst.org
A NEW OUTREACH CENTER
FROM A COMMUNITY HOUSE TO A HOUSE FOR THE COMMUNITY
BETTER TOGETHER PHASE 2
IN THIS ISSUE
A Pastoral Reflection 3 Lent & Seasonal News 6
Community News 8 Better Together Campaign 10
Music & Arts News 19 Outreach News 20
Library & Reading News 22 The Last Word 23
The Visitor
MISSION STATEMENT
Love. Live. Serve. Repeat.
Vol. MI No. 1
(USPS 558-470) is published 5 times a year, February/March, April/May, Summer, September, and November/December by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.
FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP AT ASBURY FIRST
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II Rev. Kathy Thiel Rev. Jacqueline Nelson Rev. Mike Mullin David Strong Carl Johengen, DMA Paula Dugan Holly Temming Richard Moncrief Morgan Dornsife Melody Guadagnino Deb Bullock-Smith James Flack Michele Cooley Sarah Brubaker Duane Prill Carol Lamica Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Geri Judd
Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 & 11 am Sunday mornings
STAFF
Senior Minister Minister for Pastoral Care Minister for Outreach Minister for Youth & Discipleship Church Administrator; Assistant Organist Interim Director of Sanctuary Choir Director, Children’s Ministry Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music Financial Administrator Director, Development & Communications Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor Property Care Manager Director, Dining & Caring Center Communications Coordinator Organist Director, Youth Music Director, Asbury Ringers Director, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater Ministry Intern
EMERITI STAFF
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emerita *deceased Cover Montage: Current front, floor plans and renderings of 1010 East Ave, and a class photo circa 1946 in the Red Room. Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for submitting content for the April/May issue: MARCH 12
Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10 am Sunday Mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11 am Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11 am-noon Sunday mornings WATCH PAST SERVICES IN OUR VIDEO ARCHIVE AT 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.
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. 2
A PASTORAL REFLECTION
REV. DR. STEPHEN M. CADY II
TOWARD A MORE INCLUSIVE DENOMINATION Around the time you receive this Visitor, just over 800 United Methodists from around the world will gather in St. Louis, MO for a special four-day session of the General Conference (the only body with the authority to speak on behalf of the denomination). At issue will be our current denominational impasse over homosexuality. Specifically, they will be deciding whether to allow openly gay clergy or gay marriages within The United Methodist Church—both are currently prohibited. Some in our denomination wish to maintain our current stance and others, like me, desperately wish to change it.
for 47 years to no avail), but I recognize that given the global nature of our denomination this plan provides the greatest possibility of passing and moves us another step toward the inclusive church God calls us to be. This is the most embarrassing part of The United Methodist Church. While there is so much good we are doing in the world as we attempt to live out the call of the gospel, we just can’t seem to get passed this issue. Yes, other mainline denominations (Presbyterians, Lutherans, United Church of Christ, Episcopalians, etc.) have lifted their prohibitions, but they all make decisions for the United States alone. United Methodists are a global denomination and we are better for it. Unfortunately, our global nature, with roughly half of our denomination residing outside of the US, also means that it takes us longer to progress on social issues like these. What will happen at this special session of the General Conference, at the time of this writing, remains unknown. There are alternatives to the One Church Plan that may also be considered, some that even seek to strengthen the current prohibitive language within the Discipline. What I do know is that Asbury First will continue to be a place open to all of God’s children regardless of any defining characteristic—including sexual orientation or gender identity. My prayer is that we will be better able to express that inclusivity at the end of the special conference than we are now.
At the last session of the General Conference in 2016, there was such acrimony between differing sides of debate that conference delegates pleaded with the Council of Bishops to provide a way forward out of the quagmire. Taking that charge, the bishops appointed a 32-member, representative “Commission on a Way Forward,” made up of clergy and laity of differing views from across our global denomination. They met over the next two years and, after vetting several different plans, recommended (though not unanimously) the “One Church Plan.”
For now, your prayers for The United Methodist Church are appreciated as we find our way forward together.
The “One Church Plan” attempts a compromise that would allow individual churches to decide whether to permit gay marriage or receive gay clergypersons and let each clergyperson decide whether she or he will perform gay marriage ceremonies. While not a perfect plan, I support it. To be clear, I would prefer to simply eliminate the current discriminatory language all together (as has been attempted
Grace and Peace, Stephen
A Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church will take place February 23–26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. For more details about the different plans and to stream the conference, see The United Methodist Church website at www.umc.org/topics/general-conference-2019-special-session. 3
COMMUNITY NEWS WORSHIP SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES 8:30 AM
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
10 AM
11 AM
CHANCEL WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
UPCOMING SERVICES SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 John 21.4-14 Rev. Mike Mullin, Preacher
SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
SUNDAY, APRIL 7 John 12:1-8 Rev. Kathy Thiel, Preacher
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Exodus 34:29-35 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Luke 13:1-9 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Ash Wednesday, 7 pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Passion/Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
SUNDAY, MARCH 10 1st Sunday of Lent Luke 4:1-13 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Easter Sunday John 20:1-18 Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Preacher
WEDNESDAY EVENING GROUP STUDIES PRAYING WITH THE WESLEYS – March 13, 20, 27, and April 10 and 17
During our season of Lent, we encourage you to join the Rev. Dr. John R. Tyson for three weeks in March as we consider his newest book Praying with the Wesleys. Dr. Tyson is the Professor of Church History and Director of United Methodist Studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. His passion for United Methodism—especially for the hymns of Charles Wesley—will undoubtedly invigorate our prayer and devotion this lent.
WALK THE LABYRINTH
SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH, PLUS ALL WEDNESDAYS OF LENT | 5-7 pm Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that offers you a space for reflection and peaceful prayer. Our beautiful labyrinth is located in the Fellowship Hall. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions.
PEACEMAKING – April 24
Our present culture and sociopolitical climate is one that seems to be increasingly divisive. As Christians, it can sometimes be difficult to discern our role to help both do justice and keep peace. In April, we welcome Craig Bullock, the founding director of The Assisi Institute, as he leads us in conversation and discussion about how the gospel can help inform and instruct us to function as peacemakers.
CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE OF WORSHIP
FORMERLY KNOWN AS TAIZÉ – WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT 6:15-7 pm From the very beginning of the history of our Christian tradition, the season of Lent has been observed in order to prepare Christians for Easter and the feast of the resurrection of Christ. Here at Asbury First, one of the ways we come together as a church to observe Lent is through our weekly Contemplative Service of Worship. We invite you to join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm to experience worship through meditative hymns, Holy Communion, and stations throughout our sanctuary for guided personal reflection. In previous years, we have called this our Taizé Service. If you have any questions, please contact The Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst. org or (585) 271-1050 x106. 4
COMMUNITY NEWS OUR LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY DEATHS
WE OFFER OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO Rev. Jackie Nelson on the death of her grandfather, Kemper Craighead on September 29, 2018. Deb Bullock-Smith and Jodie Schwartz on the death of their aunt Donna Wilkes on October 10, 2018. Dick and Nancy Adamus on the death of Dick’s brother Michael Adamus on October 26, 2018. The family and friends of Janet McAllister who died on October 12, 2018 in Conrad, IA. The family and friends of David Closson who died on November 21, 2018. The family and friends of Kathy Scardino who died on November 25, 2018. Lin Vanderstyne and Amy Polisseni, whose brother and uncle, John Schriver, died on November 30, 2018. Kathy and Patrick Schwar on the death of Kathy’s father Leonard Chapp on December 7, 2018. Barb Denigris on the death of her son, Brian Denigris, on December 8 in Hawaii.
The family and friends of Robert Hogarth who died on December 15, 2018. The family and friends of Dorothy Dubois who died on December 17, 2018. The family and friends of Marion Anderson who died on January 26, 2019. The family and friends of Helen Fultz who died on January 29, 2019. Ann Barnes on the death of her husband Ernest Barnes on January 28, 2019. Jen Conrow and family on the death of Jen’s grandmother Marion Wiegand in Florida. Bob Harris on the death of his wife Johnnie on January 31, 2019.
BIRTHS
Sanai Ava Samuel, granddaughter of Len and Nancy Davidow, born on January 12, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida.
BAPTISMS
WE CELEBRATE THE BAPTISM OF Yannik Christian von Hörsten, son of Hendrik von Hörsten and Stacey Featherstone and grandson of Bob and Wendy Featherstone, born on June 24, 2018. Declan Wyatt Crawford, son of Chad and Patti Crawford, baptized on October 7, 2018. Oliver Andrew Szmania, son of David and Leighann Szmania, baptized on October 7, 2018. Cora Grace Pfaff, daughter of Peter and Kristie Pfaff, baptized on November 4, 2018.
WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF
Gracelynn Sky Hewitt, daughter of Ryan and Kelsey Hewitt, baptized on January 13, 2019.
Trevor Shirer Pittinaro, son of Kristine and Ryan Pittinaro and grandson of Wayne Turnblom and Katie Shirer, born on April 24, 2018.
Caden Joseph Barr, son of Jesse and Laura Barr, baptized on February 10, 2019.
Harper Grace Sutton, daughter of Christopher and Emily Sutton and granddaughter of David and Karen Davenport, born on December 26, 2018.
MARRIAGES
WE CELEBRATE THE MARRIAGE OF Brittany Fink and Glenn Holmes were married on October 20, 2018.
WELCOME THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF ASBURY FIRST
Jim Staples
Brian Donat and Jolene Harrigan
Paul and Nancy Stiebitz 5
Christopher Schlosser
LENT & SEASONAL NEWS LABYRINTH
Upcoming
Wednesdays • During Lent • 5-7 pm
CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE OF WORSHIP (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TAIZÉ)
Wednesdays • During Lent • 6:15-7 pm
Ash Wednesday
Good Friday
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 7 pm SERVICE – We begin the holy season of Lent with a service that reminds us of our humanity and our reliance on the gift of God’s grace. This service will include communion and the imposition of ashes. Joint with St. Paul's Episcopal Church
FRIDAY, APRIL 19 6 am – Informal Holy Communion: With the Men’s Prayer Group 12 pm SERVICE – Holy Week-themed art and music by Voices Chamber Choir. A beloved Asbury First tradition 6-7:30 pm – A come-when-you-wish child-friendly event with communion, a labyrinth walk, and prayer stations
Maundy Thursday
Easter Sunday
THURSDAY, APRIL 18 6:30 pm – Silent meditation 7:30 pm SERVICE – Worship begins with communion and a candlelight re-enactment of Christ's last night, ending with the placement of the cross on the East Avenue lawn by our Christ-figure.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 6:30 am – Held at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 Goodman Street, 14620 8:30 am SERVICE – Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 11 am SERVICE – Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 6
LENT & SEASONAL NEWS Easter Altar Flower Donation Form Given by:
(Please Print Clearly)
Phone: Day Evening Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: 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 April 8. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Thank you!
EASTER HOSPITALITY AT ASBURY FIRST As we prepare for and celebrate Holy Week, there will be many visitors to our church who have never stepped through our doors before. The members of Asbury First always extend their hands in friendship to those who are new, and we ask you to continue this tradition this Easter season and take an extra moment when you are on campus to greet and welcome any new faces you see. This is especially true for Easter morning itself, when hundreds of first-time visitors will attend our services. They may be nervous about being in a new, unfamiliar place, or have questions that you can answer. Please help us to turn strangers into friends, and in making our services comfortable and welcoming for all. Thank you! 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Christmas REFLECTING ON
5
Christmas Eve Services
ATTENDANCE PER SERVICE
12 pm
299
4 pm
804
7 pm
757
9 pm 11 pm
209 344
2,413
People attended a Christmas Service
$12,324
Given to the Joy of Christmas PHOTOS BY NEIL MONTANUS 8
COMMUNITY NEWS
Christmas Pageant
4:00 pm on Christmas Eve, Asbury First is filled to the brim with families excited to see the story of Jesus’s birth told by our precious children. This year, they were not disappointed. The children brought love to the story and smiles to the congregation. This is an Asbury First tradition that has been shared from one generation to the next. — PAULA DUGAN, CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
HOW IT ALL HAPPENS
62
Children
+
9
10 Hours of Rehearsals 4 Parent Helpers
4 Youth
Helpers
2 Directors
1 Friendly Donkey named Petey
ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN BUDGET 2019
APPROVED AT THE ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 3, 2019
PROJECTED 2019 EXPENSES 14% CONGREGATIONAL CARE 26% 10% OUTREACH CONFERENCE & CONNECTIONAL 29% WORSHIP & ARTS
21% DISCIPLESHIP
PROJECTED 2019 INCOME Endowment, Trust, Revenue, and Transfer of Funds $406,100
Donor Restricted Gifts $295,000 1% New Member Giving $15,000
TOTAL: $2,125,000
Property Use & Other Income $136,900
6% 19% 55% Member Pledges & Gifts $1,172,000
14%
5% Non-Pledged Giving $100,000
TOTAL: $2,125,000
STATUS ON PLEDGING AND PARTICIPATION GOALS IN 2019 DOLLARS PLEDGED 2015
HOUSEHOLDS PLEDGED
$1,049,700
2015
492
2016
$1,088,800
2016
505
2017
$1,105,400
2017
494
2018
$1,086,932
2018
483
2019
$1,120,782
2019 10
499
ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN
What happens with a funded budget? Here is another way to look at the impact of your giving from 2018:
20%
500
Bicycles Repaired
60 New Members 40,000
Increase in VBS Attendance Worked with
Meals Served
600
300+
Patients Treated
Attended Church Carnival
427
Referral Agencies
64
6,000
People Served at the Storehouse
32
Youth Attended Senior High Mission Trip to Texas for Hurricane Harvey Flood Cleanup
19
Children/Adults Baptized
21
Youth Attended Local/State Middle School Mission Trip
11
RAIHN Guests Housed on Campus
18
Young Adults Attended Young Adult Trip to Taize, France
BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN
BETTER TOGETHER
A NEW OUTREACH CENTER This year we hope to begin converting 1010 East Avenue into a newly renovated and accessible Outreach Center. This will allow us to centralize services, share resources, and put the needs of our guests first. It also marks a shift in our focus to a more holistic approach to caring for the needs of our guests. Our goal is to break ground in the fall of 2019 so that we can dedicate the new Outreach Center on our 200th Anniversary in 2020. In order to do this, however, we need to raise another $1.5 million in commitments this spring. With your help, we can make sure that 1010 continues to be a home for community during the next 75 years—a visceral reminder that we are better together.
DINING & CARING +1,315 SQ. FT.
STAY TUNED FOR TOURS OF 1010 EAST AVE!
Remodel Existing Space & Build an Additional Dining Room 12
BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN
$1.5 MILLION NEEDED TO COMPLETE
$3.5 MILLION RAISED TO DATE
PHASE 1
1040 EAST AVE.
PHASE 2
1010 EAST AVE.
PHASE 3
1050 & 1040 EAST AVE.
TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL $6.3 MILLION PHASE 2 GOAL $1.5 MILLION
FROM A COMMUNITY HOUSE TO A HOUSE FOR THE COMMUNITY Ruth Hart Bartlett, sister of Isabelle Hart Bonbright, built the house at 1010 East Avenue in 1907, just a few doors from the Bonbrights. Their mother, Isabllea Graham Hart, established a family tradition of volunteerism at Rochester General Hospital. When we purchased 1010 East Avenue in 1943, we thought we were going to tear it down to make room for the new church building. The next year, we “temporarily delayed” its demolition in the hope that it might still have some value as a community house. In addition to the countless classes, receptions, and potlucks, over the last seventy-five years, 1010 East Avenue has been the place where children met their adoptive parents, where couples were introduced, and where families were comforted in the wake of loss. In short, it has not only been a house for community, but a home. Now it is time to open our home to all. Right: A class photo circa 1946 in the Red Room of 1010 East Avenue
COMPLETE A PLEDGE CARD AT WWW.ASBURYFIRST.ORG/BETTER TOGETHER
EXPANDING OUR OUTREACH STOREHOUSE +1,890 SQ. FT.
URWELL CLINIC +645 SQ. FT.
1st Floor Sorting & Storage, 2nd Floor Storefront
New Waiting Areas, Offices, Exam Rooms & Sinks 13
BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATES Our 1040 East Ave construction project is slated to begin right after Easter, and will carry on throughout the summer. This project will continue the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning) work that began with the emergency boiler replacement in December, as well as update our electrical service, and lighting in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. All of these projects were included in the Better Together Capital Campaign plan, Phase 1.
BOILER BEFORE
As you may be aware, our boiler, servicing the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, began leaking this fall and efforts to repair it were not completely successful. The experts we consulted felt that the boiler could not be counted on through the entire winter. Thus, we began an emergency boiler replacement to ensure that we were not without heat. The original boiler has been out of service for the last 15 years. We started with asbestos abatement and demolition in the back half of the boiler room, removing the original boiler. We then installed two new boilers in the space of the original boiler. The first boiler is now online and heating the spaces it serves. The second will be brought online within a few weeks. At that time, the leaking boiler will be taken off line and scheduled for demolition in the spring.
BOILER AFTER
The boiler replacement was only about 15% of the entire project. There are four air handling units which will be replaced; duct work which will be taken down, cleaned, and insulated; ventilation will be added to improve air quality; and cooling will also be added. This project necessitates replacing our electrical service to 1040 East Ave, which will also allow us to add new lighting controls and upgrade lighting to LED in the Chancel and Fellowship Hall. All of this work will require additional asbestos abatement in the basement level, the removal and replacement of several ceilings, and expanding the boiler room space to include the old bell room (which is now storage space), in order to allow maintenance on the system without crawling into the ceiling.
improved lighting for the congregation and HD live stream to see the participants in the service. To that end, we will be adding new high-quality commercial LED fixtures—not simply replacing bulbs—and removing old lighting. The lighting will have up-todate electronic controls which will allow pre-programed “scenes” via a touch pad. Watch for more details on the lighting updates in future bulletins and Visitors. If you have any questions, please contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org or at (585) 271-1050 x110, or Chuck Hanrahan at chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com or at (585) 690-7509.
The new lighting and controls for the Chancel have been designed by a professional lighting company with several goals: Increased energy efficiency, improved lighting for musicians, and
CHURCH STEPS
14
COMMUNITY NEWS WELCOME Sarah Brubaker joined Asbury First as the Communications Coordinator in January of 2019. Originally from northeast Texas, Sarah started out with a journalism degree from Texas Christian University. She worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Dallas Morning News as a graphic designer for about 9 years combined and enjoyed informing the community about local news and entertainment. Sarah and her husband, Jeff, moved to Birmingham, UK for a few years, where she worked as a graphic designer for the University of Birmingham. In her time there, she developed broader marketing skills and worked on branding, signage, e-blasts and more to promote ongoing projects, research and courses at the university.
SARAH BRUBAKER COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Sarah now calls Rochester her home and really enjoys the cold weather and snow. She loves museums and delights in exploring new places and taking copious photographs. She is also happy hanging out at home watching movies and shows with her husband and friends.
FAVORITE SCRIPTURE ECCLESIASTES 3:12-13 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
RELY ON GOD EACH DAY BY DAVID P CRAWFORD – MEMBER OF THE ASBURY FIRST SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY TEAM
The sights, sounds, smells, and symbols of Christmas have been packed away for another year. The brightly wrapped gifts, visits with family and friends, shared meals and candle light worship services are but a precious memory. However, nothing has really changed. For God brought Jesus into the world and into our lives to show God’s bountiful love for each of us. The new year has arrived, and we are saddled with the task of keeping the resolutions we made on New Year’s Day. Now comes the challenge of carefully choosing the daily tasks, activities and goals that will fill our lives until we unpack Advent next December. As 2019 unfolds we will face changes. Some will be good, and some will challenge our very being. And through it all we will still have GOD quietly standing beside us. God’s hand resting gently upon our shoulder to remind each of us of God’s continual loving presence and care no matter what lies ahead in our journey. This year as you face each day consider these bible verses to help strengthen your resolve and remind you that God is by your side. As the skies brighten and your day begins consider this verse As you retire for the night may these words bring you rest and from Psalm 5:3 – peace from Psalm 94:22 – In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice: in the morning But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God the rock I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch. of my refuge. Then during the moments in between dawn and dusk remember these versus by using this simple Flash Prayer – F R O G – Forever Rely On GOD 15
COMMUNITY NEWS PIE FOR PI DAY...A LITTLE HELP FROM 3D PRINTERS PHOTOS AND STORY BY ZANE ANDERSON
The famous Asbury Crumb Apple Pie along with family heirloom pies, and colorful quilted hot pads will soon be on sale in our main Welcome Center on Sunday, March 10. The Pie Sale helps to fund future Asbury UMYF mission trips. Behind the scenes both parents and students are preparing for this big Pie day in different ways. One project underway is using a 3D printer. Here at Asbury, we all can help in our own special ways. Truly, we are better together. Be on the lookout for Pies in March. See you there!
THE CHALLENGE
Pie for Pi Day Sale
3.14
March 10 Full-sized pies $10 each
Long time pie making veterans Joanne and Brian White challenged fellow pie makers with finding a way to stack pies without touching the pie underneath it; a rack to separate the pies during freezing to yield more consistent symmetrical pies that our customers requested. When Zane and Parker Anderson heard the problem they stepped up to the challenge. Parker, an engineering student at RIT, has been using 3D printers to help create prototypes for some time.
HOW IT WORKS “My son and I set course for pie rack heaven. We worked together coming up with a simple rack design trying to use common materials and methods,” Zane said. “The main component called the ‘knuckle’ is an elegant design and a simple part, but by old techniques fairly complicated to machine it. To really get it working right would probably take a few iterations.”
After the machine noise quieted down and the base cooled off we decoupled the parts from the base of the 3D printer and examined them for accuracy. “Wow, printing plastic layer by layer, creating a 3-dimensional part ... very niffty,” Zane said.
With the other parts prepared we assembled them into a rack. After a few iterations of improvements we ended A 3D printer played the perfect partner. up with a an interesting prototype Parker set to the task of making a called Pie Stacker Revision 1.0. virtual computer model of the whole rack assembly including the knuckle (see images). After a review with engineer dad, he downloaded the model of the ‘knuckle’ to his desktop 3D printer. A few moments later the machine started to hum and come to life. Slowly a filament of molten plastic started to extrude downward–out from a small hot nozzle weaving lines on the warm base below, stacking layer after thin layer. The machine hummed away for about three hours. 16
COMMUNITY NEWS
IT’S TIME Registration for Summer Camp 2019 is officially open. It may be cold outside, but Summer Camp Registration has already begun! And in fact, as I am writing this, 17 youth and six adults just returned from a winter retreat to Camp Casowasco—although the blob wasn’t in operation, the sling shot range was closed, and there was no horseback riding, there was still plenty of sledding, great music, and many of the other camp activities we have come to love (crafts, game room, frisbee golf, etc.). And while this weekend was a great time, many of our youth can attest that a full week at camp during the summer is even better. Casowasco has week-long camps running this summer from June 30 through August 9, and offers programs for ages 6 through 18 ranging in focus from dance, to sailing, to building a radiocontrolled car, to white water rafting—there is truly something for everyone. Last year, Asbury First had a record number of children and youth attend camp, and this year we’re hoping that even more can experience a week at camp. If you would like to learn more, you can check out all of the offerings here: www.campsandretreats.org/summer-camp-2018.
Youth enjoyed a winter escape to Camp Casowasco during the last weekend of January 2019.
17
COMMUNITY NEWS UPGRADING TO HIGH DEFINITION
A
sbury First Tech Committee member David Berg shares the journey of upgrading from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD), and what to expect in the future. THE NEED TO UPGRADE – We were streaming in standard definition for about five years. It worked well for small screens, but didn’t provide a sharp picture on larger screens. Especially, we know that people love to see their friends at worship and to see the faces of the children and the choir, but that wasn’t possible with the standard definition. On January 20, 2019 due to the snow storm, about 226 people streamed the 11 am service. We have had people stream from 35 different states, and from other countries–even as far as Japan! It is a growing part of our ministry to make our worship available to those who can’t be here in person. THE PROCESS – The new HD system is entirely new digital hardware. We also added two cameras, which gives us more views and better
shots. Before we really didn’t have the ability to show the majesty of the place. For installing both cameras, we had to run new cables throughout the sanctuary, which was an adventure. It involved crawling in the ceiling to get the new lines to the booth. We installed fiber optic cables instead of copper, so it will allow us to upgrade to 4K in the future. We are also in the process of upgrading our network, which will hopefully increase the quality and resolution. After renovations [to the 1040 building], we will have theater-quality, professional lighting for the chancel. It was designed with streaming video in mind. For the narrow shots it will be as much of a change as it was when we switched from SD to HD. THE GROWING MINISTRY – The video production is done by our youth. Not only do we get excellent work from people who are comfortable with new technology, but it also provides an opportunity for young people, who may not have found a place, to serve.
We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the donors that made this project possible. With a lead donor who hosted a matching gift challenge, we were able to raise all the additional funds needed for this project in 2018!
If we can make the tech disappear where people don’t notice it–that is the goal. We want to hear comments like “that child was cute” or “the service was moving” and they don’t even think about the quality of the picture or the sound.
CALL FOR NEW STREAMERS We are always looking for new streamers – new youth and a few more adults to be supervisors. For more information, contact the Asbury First Tech Committee at asburytech@ asburyfirst.org.
WATCH US ONLINE ROKU, APPLE TV, CHROMECAST You can stream Asbury First events like Sunday worship right to your television! Here is how: ROKU OR APPLE TV – On your streaming device, search for and select the Sunday Streams channel. Once selected, your device will provide you with a verification number and instructions to log on to your computer. (For example, if you are on a Roku, you will be prompted to go to www.sundaystreams. com/roku.) From there, you will need to enter the verification number and the Church ID (which is AsburyfirstUMC). Once entered, your device will process your submission, and you will be all set to start streaming live from Asbury First! 18
CHROMECAST – Launch Google Chrome and navigate to the Asbury First livestream webpage. Scroll down to the Live Video Streaming section. Click or tap the Cast button in the embedded media player. Click or tap the desired device to Cast to. The Asbury First livestream should now be playing via your Chromecast dongle.
MUSIC & ARTS NEWS
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE IN GLEE CLUB oncert The Internationally Acclaimed
C
Tuesday March 12, 2019 7 pm
AT THE DOOR: $20 Adult • $10 Students with ID • FREE Under 18
UPCOMING CONCERTS AND EVENTS TELOS TRIO CONCERT – SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH AT 4:00 PM IN THE GATHERING CENTER. FREE WILL OFFERING. Rita George Simmons, flutist, Debbie Grohman, clarinetist, and Willie La Favor, pianist, present a program that celebrates the lengthening of winter days and the gathering of light. The music, intended to warm your spirit, will feature works of Ibert, Cavallini, Emmanuel, Debussy, and del Aguila.
TELOS TRIO
J.S. BACH’S ST. JOHN PASSION CONCERT – SUNDAY, MARCH 24TH AT 3:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY. FREE WILL OFFERING. St. John Passion, BWV 245, is a passion or oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach, the older of the surviving Passions by Bach. It was written during Bach’s first year as director of church music in Leipzig, Germany and was first performed in 1724. The structure of the work falls in two halves, intended to flank a sermon. William Weinert will conduct Voices, a professional chamber choir. ENVISIONING THE PASSION SERVICE – FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH AT 12:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY. FREE WILL OFFERING. Asbury First’s Good Friday service on April 10th at noon is a multi-media presentation of carefully coordinated art, music, and Bible readings to evoke vivid images and feelings about Christ’s crucifixion. The service includes images selected by Lucy Winters Durkin, choral music by Voices professional chamber choir, and organ music played by Duane Prill. Envisioning the Passion, through this cohesive multi-media presentation is always a powerful experience for all who attend. LIFE OF THE PARTY CHILDREN’S MUSICAL – SUNDAY, MAY 5TH AT 8:30 AND 11:00 AM SERVICES. Allen Pote’s musical “Life of the Party” the story of Mary and Martha, will be presented by our children during the 8:30 and 11:00 AM worship services. The stories of Mary and Martha in the gospels deal with issues that are instantly recognizable—family conflict, make time for Jesus in the midst of hectic lives, and trusting God when things get tough. Holly Temming is the director. 19
OUTREACH NEWS A YEAR OF UNREST – AND HOPE – FOR NICARAGUANS Even before the civil unrest of 2018, our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua struggled. They farmed their land for food to eat and sell at local markets, made crafts to sell to visiting delegation teams, worked as day laborers whenever possible, and more. They scrimped to buy school uniforms or backpacks for their children so that they could attend school. Difficult as it was, they were far better off than when they lived in the Managua city dump. And then, the riots, road barricades, police and paramilitary forces changed everything. Suddenly, our friends were no longer able to travel to markets to purchase food or sell their produce, no longer able to find day employment or sell their hammocks and crafts to visiting American teams. They were no longer able to send their children safely to school, and they found themselves, once again, struggling to put food on their tables.
The astonishing thing is—they remain hopeful! Their trust in God is steadfast and inspiring. They continue to do what they have always done. They make do. They praise God. They help each other. Despite the unrest and with extreme difficulty, Project Chacocente continues its mission. Homes are being built, children are being fed, teachers are gainfully employed, and students continue to learn at Chacocente Christian School. While we cannot predict what will happen in Nicaragua in the year ahead, the staff, families and board of directors will continue to work alongside each other to further God’s kingdom. With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Left: School Director Jacqueline presents Gabriela with scholarship money. Below: Omar presents Darling with the keys to her new home.
Your prayers and financial support are critical to the future of this ministry. Donations may be made online at www.outofthedump.org or may be sent to Project Chacocente, PO Box 128, Lexington, MA, 02420.
DINING & CARING CENTER VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEER AT THE DINING & CARING CENTER! WITH YOUR SUPPORT IN 2018, ASBURY FIRST SERVED:
Volunteers from Temple Beth David 20
OUTREACH NEWS STOREHOUSE NEWS The Asbury First Storehouse was the recipient of a $1500 grant from FANA, a Buffalo, NY based organization that supports an orphanage in Bogota, Colombia as well as local non-profits that provide support and assistance to local children. The Asbury First Storehouse provides clothing and housewares for thousands of local families each year and is always grateful for financial assistance to continue this important outreach mission. Pictured from left to right: Storehouse Co-Chair Wendy Cohen, Taylor Phillips from FANA, and Storehouse Co-Chair Cindy Connell.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT IN 2018, ASBURY FIRST CLOTHED:
Volunteers from Temple Beth EL
Volunteers from Pittsford Women's Club with D&CC Director Michele Cooley (right). 21
LIBRARY & READING NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH
When days are cold and gray, it’s a perfect time to find sunshine, ideas and new interests in books and reading. Join us as we explore the book/DVD collection in the library at Asbury First. Come check out books and movies that are listed below and spark your reading/viewing interests.
NEW DVDS
• The Way – About walking the Camino de Santiago, featuring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez • The Fourth Wise Man with Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin
NEW BOOKS
• When Your Kid is Hurting by Dr. Kevin Leman dealing with helping your child through tough days • Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman on encouraging parent/ child communication • This is the Day by Tim Tebow – a young adult novel • To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon • What Do You Do With a Problem by Kobi Yamada • What Do you Do With a Chance by Kobi Yamada • What do You do With an Idea by Kobi Yamada • Saving Winston by Sharon Creech – a book for children • The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonheoffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler
REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
BOOKS/DVDS PREVIEWED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE
WHAT CHILD IS THIS
THE SECRET DIARY OF HENDRIK GROEN, 83 ¼ YEARS OLD
A young adult book, What Child is This?, explores the notion of just how big our hope during the Christmas season can be. Using phrases from Christmas carols as chapter titles, the author, Caroline Cooney, weaves together the stories of three teens as they try to support 8-year-old foster-child Katie’s Christmas hope for a “forever family.”
Considered “engaging and hilarious” this “diary” is about a feisty curmudgeon who forms a senior home organization entitled the Old-But-Not-Dead Club with an eccentric group of friends, where no whining is allowed and entertaining outings are planned. The idea is that these elderly folks are to savor every ounce of joy in the time they have left. The result is funny and entertaining. If you liked A Man Called Ove, you’ll like this one.
Reviewed by library committee member Karen Hibbard
Reviewed by library committee member Peggy Lyons
THE FOURTH WISE MAN
RECOMMENDATIONS
This DVD is a fictional story set in Biblical times about a Magi named Artaban who studies the prophecies and witnesses a sign in the heavens that he hopes will lead him to the Messiah. He takes with him three precious gifts to present to the Messiah. For 33 years, he pursues Jesus only to miss him at every turn. Along the way Artaban uses his gifts to help people in dire need. He is old and dying when he meets Jesus on Easter Sunday. Although he hasn’t a gift to give, he is granted peace in his final moments. Throughout his search, he lived the commandment to love one another. He made that genuine connection to his fellow man and that was the greatest gift of all.
THUNDER DOG by Michael Hingson – An inspiring, true story of a blind man, his guide dog, and how they led 94 people out of the North Tower on 9/11. SHOUTING WON’T HELP by Katherine Bouton – True and very wellresearched analysis of the experiences of people who lose their hearing gradually, or in adulthood. THE HALF-STITCHED QUILTING CLUB by Wanda E. Brunstetter – An Amish widow creates a quilting class and finds a wide variety of adult students coping with many needs. Recommendations from library committee member Monica Gilligan
LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM FOR YOUR CLASS OR GROUP?
Here’s a ready-made DVD program in a series of nine interfaith lectures by notable speakers of the following faiths: Muslim, Jewish Humanist, Hindu, Reform Jew, Sikh, Orthodox Jew, Zen Buddhist, Evangelical Christian, and Progressive Christian. Each is 60 minutes long, and the series is available for loan for free. Created by the Chautauqua Institution, these lively and engaging conversations point the way beyond mere tolerance of other faiths toward a real appreciation for the gifts each tradition has to offer in an interfaith world. Check out all or part of this nine-series set. 22
THE LAST WORD BY SARAH BRUBAKER
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 2019
O
n Monday, January 21 the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady was the keynote speaker at the community-wide MLK Day 2019, hosted by the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. (GRMLK) Commission at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater. Calling on Dr. King’s legacy, Dr. Cady spoke of the need to “Walk in the Light.”
he was responding to it,” Dr. Cady said. “It didn’t turn into hagiography in the sense that it wasn’t trying to make him out to be a saint, but a real person who had real struggles and real imperfections, and yet despite them he found a way to inspire a movement. For me, that was pretty compelling.”
Not only did Dr. Cady speak at the MLK Day celebration, but he also attended a press conference that week in which Mayor Lovely Warren launched a program called REAL, which stands for ‘Race, Equity, and Leadership.’ It is an effort in the city and within the broader community to begin to address some of these imbalances. Asbury First is also part of the conversation surrounding the Rochester-Monroe AntiPoverty Initiative (R-MAPI) that is trying to respond to the needs in Rochester. “Part of our Better Together campaign was a vision to convert the building at 1010 [East Ave] into an outreach center, and is grounded in our hope to make some kind of difference with poverty in Rochester, which is disproportionately borne on the backs of people of color,” Dr. Cady said.
Understanding Dr. King as a person is something Dr. Cady emphasized in his Dr. Cady had met the chair of the GRMLK sermon. “We pretend as though he was Commission, Simeon Banister, through this figure that was bigger than life, that the Rochester Area was beyond anything we Community Foundation could ever do,” he said. “But and was as honored to be he was also a man, and we I consider it one asked to be the speaker at can make the same kinds of of the greatest the community-wide MLK decisions if we are willing to Celebration. “Of course, I said do it. The power of King was honors of my yes immediately,” Dr. Cady that he wasn’t a king.” life, and it felt said. “I have felt a spiritual humbling.” resonance with Martin Dr. Cady also highlighted It is important for Asbury First to be in these Luther King Jr., in particular what we might do to respond conversations and to be a contributing – The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II through the theology of to the trials of our time in a part of our larger community. “Historically, Howard Thurman, who was similar way as Dr. King did. we have been,” Dr. Cady said. “I think it’s the main theological dialogue partner in “I tried to use the theme of a chasm and important for us to remember that this is my dissertation.” the need to bridge that chasm—that space who [Asbury First is], this is part of who between you and me, between us and them, we are, and we don’t do these things to be To prepare for the event, Dr. Cady re-read between ‘I’ and ‘Thou’, so that we can find political. We do these things to be faithful, some of Thurman’s work as well as other common ground together,” he said. “This is because our faith, if it doesn’t respond to books focused on Dr. King’s life and legacy. where the theology of Howard Thurman and the social needs of the world, is empty.” One was a book called The Radical King, the theology of Martin Luther King Jr. meet: which was edited by Cornel West and looks that search for the common ground and the Stephen ended the sermon with a call through Dr. King’s speeches and sermons to beloved community.” to “Walk in the Light” and quoted Dr. King: encapsulate the bold goals of his ministry and what that meant for the Civil Rights Marking MLK Day serves as a reminder to Every man must decide whether Movement. Another was the 1987 Pulitzer measure how far we’ve gotten in living out he will walk in the light Prize winner in biography called Bearing King’s Dream. “I think for Christians, it’s of creative altruism the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the incumbent upon us to think about that Southern Christian Leadership Conference every day; but it’s helpful for us to have a or in the darkness by David J. Garrow. reminder—a moment to mark it, to pause of destructive selfishness.” and to think about where we are and where – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Garrow’s biography is considered to we want to be,” he said. be the most thorough, comprehensive understanding of Dr. King’s life. “What it did You can listen to the full sermon on the ‘Worship Archive’ at www.asburyfirst. was provide me with a really good sense of org.worship/video-archive, or explore local coverage of the event in the ‘News’ who he was, and the zeitgeist of the time, section on the Asbury First website. what was happening in the world, and how 23
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