The Visitor: The Newsletter of Asbury First United Methodist Church

TheVisitor

Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter June/July 2012 • Vol. XLVI No. 5 • www.asburyfirst.org

In This Issue Blood Drive, 4 School #41 Update, 5 Garden Committee, 6 Financial Review, 7 Men’s Retreat, 12

The Visitor

Mission Statement

Vol. XLVI No. 5

Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop dis-

(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for January/February and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church.

ciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.

summertime graces

Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.

A Pastoral Reflection

POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050

Staff

Rev. Susan S. Shafer Rev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave David T. Strong Dr. William J. Weinert Paula Dugan Melissa Bohrer Richard Moncrief Melody Guadagnino Michele Cooley Jason Franklin Mary Van Keuren Ashley Eckman

Duane A. Prill David T. Strong Bozena Granat Elizabeth Church Brian Bohrer Larry Dugan Megan Phaneuf

Senior Pastor Pastor Pastor Administrative Director of Music and the Arts Artistic Director of Music and the Arts Co-director of Children’s Ministry Co-director of Children’s Ministry Financial Administrator Administrative Assistant Dining & Caring Center Director Property Care Manager Communications Director & Editor Together in Ministry (Volunteer) Coordinator Organist Assistant Organist Director, Children’s Music Director, Bell Choir Director, Youth Music Director, Youth Theater Photographer

Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at mvankeuren@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x109.

Deadline for next issue: Monday, August 6

Tonight as the stars twinkle in the sky and warmth is still emanating from our beautiful earth, running through my mind is the song: “Summertime and the living is easy” … and then I recalled a simple story by Mark Nepo about walking along the shore of a lake in the middle of the day, and there in the sun, a good ten yards out, was a duck curled into itself, asleep. With its slick tufted head tucked into its body, it bobbed peacefully in the lapping water.“This little scene undid me,” says Nepo,“for here was an ultimate lesson in trust.” This little duck, asleep in the womb of the world, was a deep and wordless teacher. If only I – if only we – could surrender this completely to the mystery of life, we would be carried and renewed. The duck’s ability to seemingly “let go” completely, to be filled and saturated – if just for a few minutes – with a depth of peace that only surrender can open for us.

And then it struck me … it’s summertime and the living is supposed to be easy, and I knew exactly what my prayer for you and for me would be: May we find some of those peaceful moments this summertime … easy, quiet moments of surrender … letting go and permitting the Spirit of God to fill us with a trust and a peace, renewing and infusing us with the presence of Christ, finding ourselves adrift in a deeper way that is simply life-affirming.

I know not how or where you may find these moments; yet, they are there for seeing and experiencing. Sometimes they come upon us when we least expect them. We faith seekers hunger for these moments. Perhaps you may find moments in a special vacation spot … maybe on a summer evening walk with fireflies about, maybe in a worship service in a piece of music or the preached Word, maybe in quiet moments in your own yard. They are there for our “taking” if only we surrender enough to permit its happening. I pray for you and for me that these moments of stillness will be found somewhere – somehow – in the beauty of this summertime . I pray that you will be drawn ever-deeper in the loving presence of God in Christ finding yourself affirmed and trusting in your Creator God and in God’s promises through Christ.

In anticipation and in trust Susan 2

AFUMC news Welcome Rev. Stephen Cady to Asbury First

Three Generations of Donors

Rev. Stephen Cady and his family have arrived in Rochester and are settling into their new home. He will join the staff officially on July 8, and will preach at services that morning. We will have the opportunity to greet him after worship services at a reception on that day. Our next issue of The Visitor will

(This article about AFUMC member Jim Reed and his family recently appeared on the Red Cross website. Jim is a stalwart giver at our own Asbury First (l to r) Paul, Nicholas, and Jim Reed. blood drives, and we were delighted to see him featured and honored for his contributions. Used with permission. – ed.)

Rev. Stephen M. Cady

Jim Reed was in the Navy, stationed in the North Pole the first time he donated blood. He gave a direct donation to someone on the icebreaker ship who needed a blood transfusion to stay alive. When Jim returned home to Rochester he started to give blood regularly to help as many patients as possible. Jim’s most memorable donation was when he got a wake-up call at three o’clock in the morning from a local hospital. They asked him to come in immediately to give blood to help a newborn who was

feature more information on Stephen and his family.

Congratulations to AFUMC Members We’d like to congratulate three members of Asbury First who have achieved milestones in their ministerial lives.

Rev. Kimberly Hines and Rev. Jennifer Castle Streeter were ordained full elders of the United Methodist Church on June 2, at the 2012 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference. Kim is assigned to Avon UMC, and Jenny is head pastor at Walworth UMC and chaplain of Fairport Baptist Home.

Top photo, Rev. Kim Hines (l) and Rev. Todd Phillips, meanwhile, Rev. Jennifer Castle Sweeter; bottom photo, Rev. Todd Phillips with his graduated from Colgate Rochwife Kristi Wiberg Phillips. ester Crozer Divinity School last weekend with a master of divinity degree. He is the chaplain for Wesley Gardens as well as serving as pastor of Carlton UMC in Waterport. Congratulations to all three of these pastors for taking the next step toward leadership in the United Methodist Church.

Continued on page 9

Save the Date!

Join us at the Asbury First Annual Together in Ministry Sunday September, 9, 2012 At the Volunteer Fair, learn about the numerous ways to serve in our four areas of ministry: Worship, Education, Membership Care, and Outreach. Display tables of new (and continuing) opportunities await. Come greet new and old friends. Plan to stay for lunch!

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AFUMC Mission Update: Miracle Garden Tsunami Children’s Home in India

S

ummer greetings

for details). To get the

from all the children

newsletter call 608-781-7138

at Miracle Garden! June

or email Michelle Pandian at

finds the orphans back to

jmpandian@yahoo.com.

school, just when American

On a personal note, thank

children are preparing for

you to everyone who is

their summer vacation.

praying for our 8-year-

And everyone knows what

old son, Adam, who is in

“back to school” means –

Rogers Memorial Hospital

new clothes and school

in Oconomowoc, WI. He is

supplies. Thirty of our

suffering from complications

orphans needed two new sets of school uniforms and shoes, and each child needs a backpack full of notebooks – more than 300 notebooks totally! How to meet this yearly expense? Thankfully we serve a God who never takes his eyes off our orphans, whose ear is open to their prayers, and who moves to meet their needs through His people. Thank you to the congregation of Asbury First UMC, who generously gave just over $2,000 in the Easter offering and through purchases of Mother’s Day corsages. It was exactly the amount we needed to purchase

their God-given potential in

children to our school

arising from Tourette

India.

and make it self-sufficient

Syndrome and Obsessive-

Want to get to know a

($4500), and funding to

Compulsive Disorder. Adam

Miracle Garden child more

cover the cost of eye surgery

will be in the hospital for

personally? Become a

for young Ananthi, a MG

about 60 days. Thank you for

sponsor today! For about

orphan with a genetic eye

all your prayers and support!

a dollar per day, you can

disorder, who is being

God bless each person who

provide nutritious food,

treated at the Lotus Eye

has opened their hearts to

clothes, education, medical

Clinic in Coimbatore (see

our family and our Miracle

and dental care, and a

the upcoming newsletter

Garden orphans.

loving Christian home for a child at Miracle Garden.

Prefer to help in other ways? Immediate project needs include a metal roof over our kitchen to protect our cooking area from the summer monsoons ($1500), a used minivan to help transport new village

the orphans’ clothes and notebooks. Your investment in the lives of these orphans provides access to education Photo at top: elementary students at Miracle Garden in their school uniforms; above, some of the middle school boys pose for a picture; left, this is what a pile of 300 notebooks looks like! Asbury First’s Easter offering paid for the 300 notebooks needed during the year by the Miracle Garden children.

and materials for learning that will help them achieve 4

AFUMC news

worship schedule WORSHIP

Sunday July 29 Dr. Mark Brummitt, preacher 8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday July 1 Sunday July 15 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher 8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

Sunday July 8 Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher

Sunday July 22 Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher

8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love We offer our prayers and sympathy to Maxine and Bill Lisi on the death of Maxine’s brother Donald Torrey who died on May 9, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Ruth and David VanDerLinden on the death of Ruth’s father Harry Howitt who died on May 21, 2012.

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

Sunday August 19 Dr. Stephany Solvay, preacher

Sunday August 5 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher

8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

8:30 a.m.

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

Traditional Worship Sunday August 12 Rev. Rev. Stephen Cady, preacher

10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship Sunday August 26 8:30 a.m.

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

Traditional Worship

Our Living Deaths

8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship with Holy Communion

in Community

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of David Smith who died on May 12, 2012 in Raleigh, NC.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Paul Graham-Raad who died on June 1, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Earl Heacock who died on May 11, 2012 in Plano, TX.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Nancy Speck on the death of her father Rev. Russell Clark who died on June 3, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Dave Bush who died on June 10, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to David Basinger and Linda Quinlan on the death of David’s mother Jean Basinger Schumacher who died on May 25 in Bluffton, Ohio.

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Births & Baptisms May the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant.

Elliott Jay Beach son of Jeff and Devin Beach, born on May 13, 2012.

Katherine Woods Guffey daughter of Susan and Matthew Guffey, baptized on June 3, 2012.

John Alexander Dinkins son of Lindsey and Robert Dinkins, baptized on June 17, 2012.

Together in Ministry

Volunteering at asbury first

by Ashley Eckman ously, I hadn’t been successful.

They told me I was not a good candidate, but I couldn’t let that stop me. My baby had a transfusion when he was four days old and I've always wanted to give back.This time it worked and my heart is full of joy!”

T

he Fourth Annual Asbury First Blood Drive was a great success. On June 3, the American Red Cross anticipated 29 units of blood and Asbury First surpassed the goal with 32!

These donations could satisfy the life-saving needs of 84 hospital patients. Thank you to Ed Ristau, his team of volunteers, and each person who came to donate. Your efforts support a vital need in our community.

and I have my 17-gallon donor pin. I give because I know that once I donate my blood, it will be used quickly. It is painless for me.

I have no problems in giving. My mother introduced blood donation to me. I am a part of three generations of donors, my grandson, my son, and myself.” (see our article on Jim on page 3–ed.)

At Asbury First there are a variety of ways to get involved in outreach ministries. Some volunteers serve on the weekdays and others on the weekends. Some volunteers help once a week and others once a month. During the Blood Drive, donors made a significant difference in someone’s life in less than an hour.

Dick Adamus: “It is an opportunity to help people.”

We asked participants: “Why did you donate blood today?”

In their own words: Jim Reed: “Today is my 131st blood donation! I am 80 years old

David Strong: “Since I work in the health care environment, I'm more aware than most, perhaps, of the importance of the blood donation program – and the impact it has on the lives of patients.

I'm thankful that I'm healthy, and I consider it a privilege to be a donor on an ongoing basis.”

Mark Wright: “I give blood because, for me, it really is an easy way to provide a potential lifesaving gift. And on top of that, I get to eat cookies guilt-free when I'm finished!”

Beth Woolever: “I feel, why not?

I’ve been excited about this blood drive. I’ve had it on my calendar!”

Brian Eckman: “I donate because I am healthy and I saw with my son Eli’s bone marrow transplant

Audrey Shafer: “As an oncology nurse for 13 years, I have worked with a lot of cancer patients and I see how much it is needed.” Her son, Declan, added, “and because it is nice!”

Tim Shafer: “I donate blood because I am able and others need it.” A second son, Payton, added, “and Dad has good veins.”

Megan Phaneuf: “This was my third attempt to donate. Previ6

what a difference it can make.”

Sandra Holloway: “It’s like voting.

If you can do it, it’s your civic responsibility.”

Mary Walker: “It’s the right thing to do.”

David VanDerLinden: “It is important to do for others. Maybe someday it will be for me?”

Len Davidow: “I haven’t donated for years, but it is here at church and it is convenient. I thought it’s time to start donating again.”

If you would like to be a blood donor, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit online at: www.redcrossblood.org.

For additional volunteer opportunities at Asbury First contact Ashley Eckman, Together in Ministry Coordinator at 2711050 x112 or aeckman@asburyfirst.org.

• GENERAL CONFERENCE 2012 • A Look Back on the Events of a Contentious Conference

(photo at left) Delegates and visitors fill the plenary hall during the May 1 afternoon celebration of Pan-Methodist Full Communion at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, FL. (Photo at top right) Bishop Marcus Matthews of Upper New York offers testimony during a May 3 worship service at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. A UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey. (photo at bottom right) United Methodist bishops lay hands on Bishop Rosemarie Wenner to bless her as she prepares to receive the gavel from Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster and becomes the new president of the Council of Bishops. Wenner, leader of the Germany Area, succeeded Goodpaster in the ceremony on April 26. A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry.

Although more than 300 calendar items were adopted, rejected or referred to committee, United Methodism’s 2012 General Conference, in Tampa, Florida, will probably be remembered for only a few events.

Perhaps the largest question facing the group of roughly 1,000 delegates from across the globe was an organizational one.

“Plan UMC,” a proposal to drastically trim the number of administrative groups running the United Methodist Church, would have consolidated 13 general agencies into five more all-encompassing ones. It initially passed muster with the delegates, who voted in favor of the plan. However, with a dramatic, last-minute announcement on the final day of the conference, the plan was ruled unconstitutional by the Judicial Council. Shocked and exhausted delegates, who had spent much of the conference discussing the plan and its implications, expressed

relief or dismay, depending on their own inclinations, but accepted the measure and moved on to a successful re-vote on the budget (the previous vote had been based on the assumption that Plan UMC had passed), and packed their bags to leave.

Those seeking change of another kind provided the other major drama of the conference. A proposal had been submitted that would change the wording in the church’s stance on homosexuality. The proposal was, in the eyes of many, fairly modest: it requested not that the Methodist Church sanction homosexuality, but merely that the church acknowledge that there was a broad difference of opinion among the church’s membership. Written by the pastors of two of United Methodism’s largest churches, Rev. Adam Hamilton of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and Rev. Mike Slaughter, of Ginghamsburg United 7

Methodist Church outside of Dayton, Ohio, the proposal was widely hailed by some as a good step forward for the church.

It concludes with the following words: “We commit to disagree with respect and love, we commit to love all persons and above all, we pledge to seek God’s will. With regard to homosexuality, as with so many other issues, United Methodists adopt the attitude of John Wesley who once said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?

May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.”

This proposal, after much debate, was defeated, with the somewhat more conservative church outside of the U.S. playing a large role in the vote. While many delegates, both American and global, applauded the vote as “the right thing to do,” and as a way to adhere to Scriptural teaching in a permissive world, others expressed pain and anger

The fourth annual Great Week of Service, a collaborative venture between Asbury First and Baber AME Church, was held this year during the first week of June. Well over 120 volunteers painted, cooked, gardened, and served our Rochester neighbors in need in countless ways. Thanks to all of you who supported the Great Week of Service projects!

8 8

over what they viewed as an effort to continue a divisive measure at the expense of unity and a more enlightened view of Christianity.

Protestors briefly halted the conference after the vote, with many supporters weeping as they encircled the the altar, holding hands and singing.

The newly-elected president of the Council of Bishops, Rosemarie Wenner, spoke to the demonstrators when the conference reconvened after lunch. “I feel your pain. We feel your pain,” she told them. “All people are God’s beloved chidlren ... we stay on your side ... we are your bishops.”

Aside from these two significant issues, the delegates accomplished a great deal of work that was less reported on but no less vital to the church’s future. For full and extensive coverage of the Conference, go to the United Methodist website at www.umc. org and enter “General Conference” into the search window.

We’re Proud of our Confirmands! On May 20 at the 8:30 a.m. service, 16 young Asbury First members were confirmed. We congratulate them on reaching this milestone in their faith journeys. 1st Row L to R: Katharine Lewis, Haley Guidice, Brooke Weber, Carolyn Raca, Hannah Smith, Anna Burgin, Madi Carter, Taylor Wainwright, Megan Ormsbee.

2nd Row L to R: Rev. Phil Phaneuf, John Church, Tyler Deskins, Spencer Cole, Dane Carter, Matthew Malone, Matthew Kaiser, Joshua Morris.

Continued from page 3

in desperate need. Jim is now 80 years old, and still donates every time he is eligible. He is a 17 gallon donor and has no plans of stopping unless his doctor tells him to.

Jim’s son Paul says his first donation was nowhere near as heroic as his dad’s. Paul was a freshman in college and read a poster about blood donation. Most of his friends were donating so he went along.

It was much later in life that he became a regular donor when the fire department in his neighborhood started hosting blood drives. Soon Paul was asked to give double red cells and has been doing so ever since.

Nicholas Reed, 16, grew up hearing his father and grandfather talk about donating blood. The family is competitive in

nature, and Jim and Paul challenge each other about how fast their donation takes.

Jim can usually finish giving whole blood in five minutes, and Paul can never match that time. Nick wanted in on the competition, so as soon as he was old enough he went with his father to give blood. Nick continues to donate every time he is eligible. He hopes to one day have as many donations as his father and grandfather.

The values of giving back to the community have been instilled throughout three generations, and together as a family they’ve helped save hundreds of lives.

Bakers Needed!

We are seeking bakers for this summer’s Basement Sale and Bake Sale. Roudebush Circle of the United Methodist Women is

9

sponsoring the sale to run with Asbury First’s Basement Sale on Friday, August 3 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 4 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. We welcome contributions of cookies, cupcakes, pies, breads, candy, fudge, or other goodies.

Please drop your donations off on Thursday, August 2, between 4:00-8:00 p.m. or Friday morning before 10:00 a.m., in the small kitchen off the Gathering Center.

Proceeds from this sale support mission efforts local and worldwide and programs of Roudebush Circle. Contact Beth Woolever at (585) 271-8266 or 240 cobb@ frontiernet.net or Elaine Short at (585) 248-5121 if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

Asbury First United Methodist Church Presents

2012 Gol f Tournament Monday, August 6 Lake Shore Country Club 1165 Greenleaf Road ~ Rochester, NY 14612 All proceeds support Asbury First community services.

12 noon Registration 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start • Four man scramble • $80/person or $320/team (includes 18 holes with cart, lunch, a steak dinner, and a free drink on the course.) Tickets for dinner only: $35.

• First, second, and third place prizes.

• Longest drive, hole-in-one, and closest-to-pin contests.

• Results and prizes announced during dinner.

• Bid on great silent auction options.

• Corporate, individual, and hole sponsorships available.

To register or for information about sponsorships contact Jason Franklin, (585) 271-1050, x120 or jfranklin@asburyfirst.org.

Please make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church. A portion of the cost is tax deductible as a contribution to Asbury First.

Asbury First United Methodist Church ~ 1050 East Avenue ~ Rochester, N.Y. 14607

P

lease join us for Vacation Bible School August 6-9 from 9:00 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages

four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $10.00 per child with a maximum of $30.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church.

Child’s Name

Age

Allergies

T-Shirt Size

Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No

Parent/Guardian information Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________ Cell_________________________Email____________________________ Best number to be reached during VBS hours________________________________________________________

Medical information Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of:____________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact ___________________________________________________________________________ Relationship to child(ren) ______________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________ Cell____________________________________________ Medical Insurance Company ____________________________________________________________________ In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church to administer the necessary medical treatment.

Signature of parent/guardian____________________________________________ Date ____________________ Please list the people that have the permission to pick up your child(ren):____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer information Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)?

Registration Science Student guide Games Bible Stories Crafts Snack Nursery Caregiver Do you have any children under 4 that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages. __________________________________________________________________________________________

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A Giving Carnival An amazing time was had by all at the Children’s Ministry Giving

Carnival. Â Families came ready for fun with their donations in hand. The children spent the morning having fun, but also giving needed items to our outreach missions. Each outreach mission sponsored a station this year. These missions included the Youth Mission Trip, UR Well Clinic, the Storehouse, the Grocery Bag Ministry, School #41, RAHIN and the Dining and Caring Center. The children jumped, ran, painted, decorated, rode ponies, pitched, and ate popcorn and snow cones to support these missions. Thank you to all of our volunteers. This carnival would not have been possible with out you all!

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July 1  Genesis 1:1-2:4a 2  Genesis 2:4b-25 3  Genesis 3:1-24 4  Genesis 6:1-22 5  Genesis 7:1-24 6  Genesis 8:1-22 7  Genesis 9:1-17 8  Genesis 12:1-20 9  Genesis 13:1-18 10  Genesis 14:1-24 11  Genesis 15:1-21 12  Genesus 16:1-16 13  Genesis 17:1-27 14  Genesis 18:1-33 15  Genesis 21:1-21 16  Genesis 22:1-19 17  Genesis 25:1-34 18  Genesis 27:1-29 19  Genesis 27:30-45

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

           

August 1  Genesis 45:1-28 2  Genesis 46:1-27 3  Genesis 46:28-47:12 4  Genesis 47:13-31 5  Genesis 48:1-22 6  Genesis 49:29-50:26 7  Exodus 1:1-22 8  Exodus 2:1-25 9  Exodus 3:1-22 10  Exodus 4:1-31 11  Exodus 5:1-21

Genesis 27.46-28.22 Genesis 32:1-32 Genesis 33:1-20 Genesis 35:1-21 Genesis 37:1-36 Genesis 39:1-23 Genesis 40:1-23 Genesis 41:1-36 Genesis 41:37-57 Genesis 42:1-38 Genesis 43:1-34 Genesis 44:1-34

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

                   

Exodus 5:22-6:13 Exodus 6:28-7:13 Exodus 12:1-28 Exodus 12:29-51 Exodus 13:1-22 Exodus 14:1-31 Exodus 15:1-27 Exodus 16:1-36 Numbers 20:1-13 Deuteronomy 1:46-2:25 Deuteronomy 5:1-33 Deuteronomy 11:1-32 Deuteronomy 26:16-27:10 Deuteronomy 30:1-20 Leviticus 19:1-37 Psalm 103 Psalm 104 Psalm 105 Psalm 106 Psalm 107

A Follow up Report on Our Broadcast Survey

W

Comments received regarding video webcasts indicated that congregants thought this would be great to view anytime, not just live. If the survey were worded to differentiate between live webcast and view-on-demand, the priority may have been different.

Also, improvement in broadcast audio quality was not differentiated from webcast audio quality, which presently is poorer than over-the-air audio quality. One takeaway is that the radio broadcast quality is good enough for most, and we can best spend our money on improvements in other areas. The IR hearing assistance system upgrade plan would include the ability to tune-in to the sanctuary sound system using a special receiver(s) in most rooms and areas of the campus. This was not mentioned in the survey.

e took a survey regarding the use of the assistive listening devices in the sanctuary and of the radio broadcast and webcast services. Our goal was to assess the areas of widest use and interest in possible service improvements or expansion. The survey ran in the Visitor and was online on the church website.

We received 20 responses. Responders were mainly taking advantage of the radio broadcast when they couldn’t be in church (50%), weekly (20%), or on occasion (30%). Only two respondents indicated they never use the radio broadcast or web cast. Respondents using the broadcast services predominantly used the AM signal (85%), with FM (25%) and webcast (15%) in the distance.

The majority of respondents (55%) report no trouble receiving the AM signal, while the greatest number of respondents (40%) report that they were not aware of the FM signal. Totals of more than 100% are due to the “check all that apply” design of the survey.

Sanctuary sound upgrades that include improved audibility in the choir pews remains a priority, though several positive comments on recent sound quality improvements were received. Webcasting is of interest, but improvements in audio quality and video- or audio-on-demand were areas wished for. Broadcast audio quality is great for AM, and not many people are using the FM signal. The plan for obtaining the next-generation hearing assistance system that will phase-out the IR system can be prioritized to maintain hearing assistance availability for the sanctuary. If potential benefactors come forward who are interested in receiving the sanctuary audio feed in remote classrooms where it has been difficult to pull wires to, the IR hearing assistance system upgrade schedule can easily be advanced. – Rick Church

With regard to in-church projects, we attempted to prioritize congregants’ interest in projects currently under consideration. The project rankings (highest to lowest interest) were; 1). Sanctuary sound system upgrade 2). Streaming video over the web (see comments) 3). Improved broadcast signal strength (not much we can do here) 4). IR hearing assistance system modernization 5). Improvement in broadcast audio quality 13

Library news

A

s the summer provides more free time for most, it is an excellent opportunity to make use of the Church Resource library. Books for all ages and on all topics are available. Below are some summer selections to aid you with your vacation reading choices. The library remains open all summer for your use. Check it out!

Children Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney A picture book on making the world more beautiful.

An antiwar story about World War I, a teen boy, and a special horse.

Growing Green, by Christina Goodings & Masumi Furukawa.

A young person’s guide to taking care of the planet.

If You Don’t Know Where You’re Going You’ll Probably End Up Somewhere Else, by David Campbell.

On careers and the future.

No Body’s Perfect, by Kimberly Kirberger.

Stories by teen about body image, acceptance, and identity

Nighty Night, Noah, by Molly Schaar Idle.

Noah puts the animals to bed on the ark alphabetically.

Adults What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still be a Christian? by Martin Thielen.

A guide to what matters most.

God Made Us One By One, by Christine A. Adams.

How to see prejudice and celebrate differences Loaves and Fishes. a tiny readers’ board book – Jesus uses a boy’s lunch to feed thousands of people.

Faith and Fitness, by Tom P. Hafer.

Diet and exercise for a better world.

Breathing Under Water, by Richard Rohr.

Spirituality and a Twelve Step Program for addiction recovery.

Youth Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen.

An eighth grade romance made into a major motion picture.

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise, by Joyce Magnin.

A laugh-out-loud book about a woman and unusual friends.

A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park.

The story of a Sudanese boy who now lives in Rochester.

Special For All: In Her Own Words, by Margie Mayson.

The sermons of the Reverend Margie J. Mayson.

The Reverend Margie Mayson speaks to us still in the 31 sermons printed in the book In Her Own Words. These books were purchased for the Church Resource Library with gifts donated to Margie Mayson’s Memorial Fund. Seven copies of the book are available for our use and remembrance of her.The sermons were created and delivered in the 2000-2004 time period.

The Wish, by Gail Carson Levine.

For ages 9-12. Explore whether we really want to be liked for who we are.

Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech.

A 13-year-old girl whose wish is to be reunited with her mother.

War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo.

“I want to answer the folks who questioned the relevance of the church by saying that when we gather with others who believe as we believe, it strengthens our own faith. It affirms and undergirds who we are, and it reminds us of the things that are most important in the broad scheme of life. By linking with one another in church, we learn through the total experience of music, Scripture, prayers and so forth, that we are the people that God has chosen to create a society of peace, love, and wholeness. When Christians gather as the church, we remember not only how important it is to be faithful believers but also what an impact we can make on our world. When we participate in church, we add strength to our beliefs, and we can magnify our ability to feed the hungry and to reach out to those whose lives are a struggle and those who are trying to find meaning in their lives. When we unite as the church, we lock arms and hearts and minds and understand more deeply that we are a people with a mission, a purpose and a task on earth that is greater than ourselves. When we go to church, we receive again and again the call to be and do wonderful transforming things for this world in God’s name.”

–Rev. Margie Mayson, from her book of sermons, In Her Own Words, available in the Church Resource Library 14

the last word 1 by Michele Cooley 2

A Summer Story A

recent meeting at Foodlink highlighted the projection that many more people in Rochester are losing jobs and gracing our food cupboards, soup kitchens and of course the Asbury First Dining and Caring Center. They are poor and they are hungry.

We anticipate that numbers are going to go way up based on employment and Department of Labor statistics.

With a 51 percent increase in guest population for the first quarter of the year, it is already evident that the need for food is very critical. It is not uncommon for us to serve 2,600 meals per month now and we are bracing ourselves for the long hot summer. We have been asked and encouraged to develop relationships with farmers, restaurants etc. – any potential resource for food. This process is called gleaning.

A big thank you to Sandra Holloway who surprises us, when she can, with trays of deliciously prepared dinners and vegetables.

In order to maintain the excellent and delicious quality of meals that we are known

food ministry at Antioch Baptist Church, which I also enjoyed.”

for in Rochester, we will need more volunteers and food. Summer substitutes are more than welcome to volunteer, and for those of you with egg-producing chickens or vegetable gardens (thank you Bob Stickney) donations are always welcome. Thank you also to all of you who make donations throughout the year.

You are making a difference.

ago and left there to enter the Marine Corps because, he says, he liked their dress uniforms.

“I very much liked the marines and stayed for four years. When I enlisted I was a child and when they got done with me, I was a man. In four years I was ready to go home to Manhattan because I missed my family – my nephews and sister. When my brother suggested I move to Rochester, I came here and was accepted for a job with Kodak. After being laid off I went into culinary work at Nazareth College and was working in charge of salad and beverages.”

One of our volunteers who makes a difference every day is Ron Wilson. He never misses the opportunity to volunteer six days per week. He has perfect attendance and is our supreme salad maker. Ron creates a salad that is beautiful to look at as well as nutritious and delicious. A picture of his salads would compliment any culinary magazine.

He has had an interesting journey to the Dining Center. He was born in the Bronx 50 years

“My love for helping people was developed when I became a group leader for the ARC of Monroe County. I really enjoyed helping the clients to become independent and self-sufficient. In addition I assisted as part of the 15

Ron has been part of the Asbury Family for about one and a half years now. “I get more out of here than I give. I see familiar faces with different personalities and as a result I have learned more about myself. I have become less stand-offish and am letting people in. I look forward each day to coming into the Dining Center and have found myself praying as I walk here. I include in my prayers to ask God to keep everyone safe in their travels. I am learning to let my guard down and becoming more patient.” Ron is also going to participate in our golf tournament.

“I can’t wait,” he says.

On this Father’s day Ron is devoted to his 12 year old daughter, whom he lives for. “It is hard to believe that I have now become a responsible elder in my family.”

As a final note Ron says: “I have learned that there is nothing wrong with putting other people’s needs ahead of mine.”

Please keep us and our guests in your prayers as you enjoy the happy carefree days of summer.

God bless all of you and thank you for your acceptance and love of our guests.

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

Asbury First Annual

Basement Sale Friday, August 3 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 4 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Thousands of items: antiques, jewelry, housewares, furniture, linens and quilts, fine china, glassware, lamps, pictures, toys and games, crafts, accessories, and much more. Baked goods also available to support UMW. Our boutique area features handbags, furs, antique clothes, and other unique items.

All proceeds go to the Storehouse, supplying blankets, clothing, and household items to the needy.

We’ll be accepting donations for the sale to the Youth Room, on the lower floor of the church opposite Wesley Hall.