In ThIs Issue

Lenten Schedule, 4

Statement Approved, 5

A Look Ahead, 7

URWell Clinic, 8

Way of Forgiveness, 10

New Members, 11

Mini-VBS, 13

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterFebruary 2015 • Vol. XLIX No. 1 • www.asburyfirst.org

TheVisitor

A Changing of the Guard: Retirements & New Leadership in 2015see page 7

2

Mission stateMent

staffSenior MinisterMinister for Faith Formation – Hospitality & Membership Care Minister for Outreach & Com-munity Connection Music Administrator; Assistant OrganistDirector of MusicChildren’s Ministry DirectorChildren’s Ministry AssistantDirector of Youth MinistriesFinancial AdministratorAdministrative AssistantProperty Care ManagerDining & Caring CenterDirectorCommunications DirectorOrganistDirector, Children’s MusicDirector, Youth MusicDirector, Bell ChoirDirector, Asbury Singers Director, Youth Theater

Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis.

Cover: Asbury First’s three pastors during the noon service on Christmas Eve, 2014.

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, January 30

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

The Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

David T. Strong

Dr. William J. WeinertPaula Dugan

Jessica Burdick-GiordanoMike Mullin

Richard MoncriefMelody Guadagnino

Scott RossMichele Cooley

Mary Van KeurenDuane A. PrillBozena Granat

Carol LamicaElizabeth Church

Brian BohrerLarry Dugan

The VisitorVol. XLVIII no. 10

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

Asbury First United Methodist Church.

Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y.

POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to

Asbury First UMC Visitor1050 East Ave.

Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239(585) 271-1050

Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop dis-ciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and

thereby work to transform our culture.

inCLUsiVitY stateMentAsbury 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 hospital-ity and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual ori-entation, 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.

•This Season of Short Days

A Pastoral ReflectionTed Loder’s poetic phrasing describing this “winter season” has always intrigued me in its descriptive essence:

“in this season of short days and long nights,of grey and white and cold”

There is no doubt that describes this season. Yet there are lessons of waiting and new beginnings in our midst for which we can be thankful. Sunday, January 18, as we honored

the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it was an amazing day for me, and for us as a church. Three voices preaching of love with your voices raised in singing of God’s love in between the preachers’ voices … an opportunity from a heart of love to speak of the new ap-pointment to the position of senior minister at Asbury First beginning July 1, 2015. What a moment to proclaim God’s movement in our lives as individuals and as a church in the appointment of Rev. Dr. Stephen Michael Cady II! It has been my experience, in the immedi-acy of any given moment, that the movement of God’s Spirit may not be readily apparent; yet there is no doubt in my mind that God’s Spirit was palpable on that Sunday and has been palpable since a “chance?” (maybe, or maybe not chance) telephone call to Stephen several years ago, to ask if he might be interested in joining our staff at Asbury First. His and his wife Emily’s affirmative answer, over several months of prayerful consideration, has brought us to this point in their lives

Emeriti StaffRev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Paster Emeritus

Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music EmeritusMarian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus

*deceased

continued on next page, bottom

3

AFUMC newsAsbury First Provides Home for RAIHN FamiliesSixty volunteers from Asbury First, Greece Baptist, Baptist Temple and Baber AME churches worked the week of De-cember 7-14 for more than 300 hours to provide a temporary home and meals for homeless RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) families. Volunteers cooked, cleaned, visited with families, and entertained children. This is the tenth year that Asbury First has participated in RAIHN. Come join in the support of homeless families as they make their temporary home in Asbury First’s 1010 East Avenue in 2015 on the follow dates:

• Sunday, March 29-Sunday, April 5 (Palm Sunday-Easter)• Sunday, July 5-Sunday, July 12 (Independence Weekend)• Sunday, October 11-Sunday, October 18 (Columbus Day

Weekend)

There is always a need for volunteers for this vital outreach program. Contact Asbury RAIHN coordinators Chris and Doug Lee at (585) 451-7692 or c_s_lee29@msn.com or Melody Gua-dagnino, ext. 103, at the church office (271-1050).

Diversity Book Club NewsHello from the Asbury Diversity Book Club! We’ve moved our meeting to Feb 22 after the 11 a.m. service to avoid a schedul-ing conflict. We’ll meet in the Resource Library in the education building to discuss The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cul-tures by Anne Fadiman. Most of the library’s copies are in circu-lation, so you may need to obtain a copy of the book from the

and ours. Truly, this is a moment of the discerning wisdom of the bishop, cabinet, district superintendent, our Staff Parish Relations Committee, and most of all, the movement of God’s Spirit among us. As Stephen, Emily, Ellie, Charlie and Han-nah, with their joy-filled, faithful, and beautiful lives come into this new position, we will be richly blessed! Maybe you saw the children …unwittingly aware of what was to come ... on January 4, Ellie and Charlie made their way with friends down the aisle, with hearts of love and smiles enticing others, from pew to pew with the refrain, “Happy New Year!” What a blessing to us all.

It is an exciting time! I believe we are poised for great years of more faithfulness and strength ahead of us! You all are a great people of God whose prayerful lives and generosity of spirit con-tinue to connect your lives with God’s Spirit, discerning where we might “... turn, turn, turn and come out right.”

pastor’s reflection, continued from previous page

public library or a bookstore. Everyone’s welcome but please RSVP to Diana Carter (blueloon@rochester.rr.com, 473-1187) so we can plan refreshments.

Church Conference 2015Asbury First’s annual Church Conference was held on Sunday, January 18 in Fellowship Hall. The well-attended event (more than 200 people were present) included sev-eral pivotal votes, including the acceptance of a reconciling state-ment (see story on page 5) and an affirmation of Director of Youth Ministry Mike Mullin’s further education leading toward ordination at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.

Among the attendees were a large group of youth, who ended their winter retreat early so that they could be with the con-gregation for the Conference. They and the other attendees heard brief but positive reports from Stewardship Committee chair Kelly Mueller, Finance Committee chair Doug Major, and Asbury First’s Financial Administrator, Dick Moncrief. Rev. Susan Shafer led the Conference, with Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady and Rev. Lawrence Hargrave also attending.

“O God … grant us Your sense of timing …In this season of short days and long nights,of grey and white and cold,teach us the lessons of beginnings:that such waitings and endings may be a starting place, a planting of seeds which bring to birth what is ready to be born- something right and just and different, a new song, a deeper relationship, a fuller love – in the fullness of Your time … O God, grant us Your sense of timing. Amen. With love and faith,

Susan

4

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

January 5, 2015 My Soul Waits in Si-lence…

“It’s almost impossible to reflect in the midst of a whirlwind. Every day the noise of crowded homes, busy highways, chatter-ing workplaces, and media entertainment—not to mention our techno-gadgets—bom-bards us! Sitting in silence invites us to focus on matters of the heart, communing with something greater than the cacophony around us—in other words, listening to winter.

So how do we do that? The first obvious answer comes when we choose to stop talking, which includes the ticker tape run-ning in our heads while our lips are closed. Sacred silence is not the silence of a grave-yard but the silence of a garden growing. If

• Ash WednesdayWednesday February 18

6:30 p.m.

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 love. Holy Communion will be available,

and participants may, if they wish, receive ashes in

the form of a cross on their forehead.

• LabyrinthWeds. in Lent: Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25.

5:00-7:00 p.m.

you stand in a winter garden, it appears that nothing is happening in the somber still-ness. Yet biology reminds us that vigorous activity, cellular movement, and unseen life abound underneath the ground—life that we can neither see nor control. Eventually growth emerges in leaves and flowers and, ultimately, fruit.

Intentionally entering the silence signals radical trust. Do we believe that the Spirit can form us without our expert microman-agement? If so, we offer the garden of our hearts for divine tilling and planting with no questions asked. As we relinquish control and judgment of the process, we find over time that green growth emerges—in the form of answered prayer, fresh insights, and an awakening to God’s presence in every-

thing. It seems as if our souls are shaped just as organically as the flowers in this amazing underground process.

Think about it—a garden offers itself to the light and lets go of control. Lilies turn into lilies, tomatoes become tomatoes. Maybe we too can be shaped into what we were meant to be as we trust the divine Gardener in the silence.

Reflect: Try sitting for a least five minutes in a quiet place with eyes closed. Breathe deeply, imagining that your inner garden is being tilled and planted by One wiser and more loving than you’ve ever envisioned.”

–excerpted from Rhythms of Growth, by Linda Douty, ©2014, Upper Room Books.

Our beautiful labyrinth is located on the lower floor

under the Sanctuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking

the labyrinth is an ancient practice that provides a

place for reflection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are

always on duty to answer your questions.

• Taizé ServiceWeds. in Lent: Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25

6:00-6:45 p.m.

Taizé services originated with a community of Chris-

tian men living a monastic life in France. There ser-

vices are characterized by simple sung chants, quiet

prayer, and a contemplative silence.

5

The Asbury First Family Votes in Favor of Welcoming Statement• RECONCILING STATEMENT APPROVED •

At Asbury First’s annual church confer-ence, held on January 18, a reconciling

statement that explicitly welcomes all, includ-ing our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, to As-bury First, was approved by the congregation.

The statement reads:

Asbury First United Methodist Church prayer-fully 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 par-ticipation 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 reconcilia-tion to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.

The statement is the result of 18 months of work by a Reconciling Committee, which crafted the initial statement, distributed it widely among church members, and incorpo-rated their suggestions to create a final state-ment. The final statement was approved by a vote of 215 to 11, or 95 percent in favor.

Committee leader Nancy Specht said, “Being a reconciling congregation means that we support and affirm the process of healing and reconciliation for ALL God’s children. As a

forgiven and reconciled people we are in har-mony in our relationship with God and with one another through Jesus Christ.”

The approved statement will now be displayed on the church website, in the weekly bulletin and monthly Visitor newsletter, among other places.

Survey ResponsesLate in 2014, the Reconciling Committee surveyed the church community to solicit fur-ther opinions on the issue of reconciliation. 71 completed surveys were received from church members. Here are some of the results:

Q. Have the opportunities provided over the last months to explore issues of inclusivity and those facing the LGBTQ community and the United Methodist Church been informative and thought-provoking?89%: yes11%: no

Comments: “Hearing the inclusive views expressed by pastors EVERY Sunday has been incredibly helpful in spreading the inclusive nature of this church and the importance of this as we move forward in this journey together.”

“The UMC has within its structure a Reconciling Ministries Network which has sought, since 1984, to support LGBT persons in the context of the ministries of the UMC. There are currently 528 (as of 2012) congregations that have become reconciling congregations, including Fair-port United Methodist Church in our area. The word reconciliation is used in this context to describe actions that lead to healing and honest re-lationships among all God’s children. At our baptism we are blessed and welcomed into the community of faith regardless of those characteristics that are used to define us … characteristics like age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, education or economic background, physical or mental ability.”– Nancy Specht, chair of the Reconciling Committee, in an address to the Church Council in 2014

“I believe your committee has been extraordi-narily thoughtful, inclusive, and transparent. I applaud and congratulate the courageous commitment you are making to this core issue that defines our faith.

Q. Which of the following most closely describes your feelings about other United Methodist churches’ decisions to become reconciling congrega-tions?80%: strongly agree8%: agree4%: neutral3%: disagree4% strongly disagree

Comments: “I totally agree that ALL people are created by God and loved equally by Him/Her.”

“I am sad that there still remains so much fear of change in people even in the face of doing what Jesus would have done – loved all of us.”

Q. What are your thoughts about Asbury First United Methodist Church becoming a reconciling community? Total comments: 6691%: supportive9%: opposed

Comments: “I am in favor of us moving forward in this direction, but in a way that does not exclude those who are slow to accept change.”

“It is extremely important that we do and become a role model for other churches in our district and conference. We need to actively work to change the Discipline regarding gay marriage and ordination of LGBTQ minis-ters.”

6

in CommunityOur Living

sUndaY serViCe tiMes8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship10:00 a.m. – Chancel Worship with Holy Communion11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship

sUndaY febrUarY 1Fourth Sunday after the EpiphanyMark 1:21-28The Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher

WORSHIPworship schedule

Births & BaptismsGod has sealed you unto love and

grace divine

Tess Ivy Frankdaughter of Tanya and Jeremy

Frank, baptized on December 14, 2013.

Grace Sposato daughter of Margaret and Peter Sposato, baptized on December

28, 2014.

Anna Grace Pietropaoli daughter of Joanna and Mike

Pietropaoli, baptized on December 28, 2014.

Julia Grace Hendersondaughter of Zach and Kristin

Henderson, baptized on January 11, 2015.

Jack William Ferrelson of Willis and Rev. Kimberly

Ferrel, born on December 15. His grandparents are Dan & Joanne

Hines.

DeathsMerciful God, we entrust to your

never-failing care and love.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to:

The family and friends of Stanley Cox

who died on September 15, 2014 in Maryville, TN.

Elise Carter and family on the death of Elise’s mother

Edna B. Walkeron October 23, 2014.

Emma Maher and family on the death of Emma’s mother

Pauline Froston November 10, 2014 in

Marcellus, NY.

David and Marian Lubba on the death of David’s brother

Howard (Bud) Lubba on November 18, 2014 in Attica,

New York.

Eileen Atwell and family on the death of Eileen’s mother

Ruth Wilsonon November 27, 2014.

The family and friends of Robert Atwell

who died on November 28, 2014.

The family and friends of Carol Zahm

who died in Brunswick, Ohio.

The family and friends of Harriet Blow

who died on December 3, 2014 in Mendon, MA.

Jim and Annette Farrington on the death of Jim’s sister

Chris Ann Farringtonon December 3, 2014 in Newfane,

NY.The family and friends of

Russ Cooper who died on December 7, 2014.

The family and friends of Bill Amey

who died on December 12, 2014.

Susan and Craig Larson on the death of Craig’s mother

Mary Holm (Larson)on December 14, 2014 in

Fairmont, MN.

The family and friends of Donna Adcock

who died on December 13, 2014.

The family and friends of Eunice Hanson

who died on December 16, 2014 in Florida.

The family and friends of Rev. Alden Smith

who died on December 19, 2014.

The family and friends of Lillian Baehren

who died on December 21, 2015.

The family and friends of Elaine Boyd

who died on December 25, 2014.

The family and friends of Jean Quigley

who died on December 28, 2014.

Cara and Chuck Hanrahan and family on the death of Cara’s father

Paul Grigsbyon December 28, 2014.

The family and friends of Helen Squires

who died on December 29, 2014.

Marian and Dan Gottler on the death of Marian’s brother

Maurice Roweon Jan. 13, 2015 in Macedon, NY.

sUndaY febrUarY 8Fifth Sunday after the EpiphanyMark 1:29-39The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

sUndaY febrUarY 15Transfiguration Sunday, Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany2 Kings 2:1-12The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

sUndaY febrUarY 22First Sunday in LentThe Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher

sUndaY MarCh 1Second Sunday in LentMark 8:31-38The Rev. Susan S. Shafer, preacher

sUndaY MarCh 8Third Sunday in LentJohn 2:13-22The Susan Shafer, preacher

sUndaY MarCh 15Fourth Sunday in LentNumbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, preacher

7

• A look AheAd •Our Pastoral Staff Looks Toward Changes in 2015

There was a feeling of electricity in the air during the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, January 18. In anticipation of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day the next day, many of the musical pieces were African American spirituals, uplifting and wise. The preach-ing – three interwoven narratives shared by our three pastors –was beautifully reflective. In a church known for the quality of its wor-ship services, this was a very good one indeed.

But for many, the highlight of the service was a moment during the offertory, when Asbury First’s senior minister, the Rev. Susan S. Shafer, stood near the front of the altar and announced that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Michael Cady II would, on her retirement this summer, become the next senior minister of Asbury First. At this news, the congregation instantly stood, clapped, and even cheered. Stephen, standing next to Susan with his wife, Emily, was clearly moved by the response, which had also been shared at the two earlier services.

The appointment, made by Bishop Mark Webb of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, had been affirmed only the day before by Asbury First’s Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). It followed on Susan’s announce-ment in late 2014 that she would be retiring on June 30, 2015, after 34 years at Asbury First – the last four as senior minister. Her announcement was preceded by an earlier one, made by Asbury First’s minister for outreach and community connection, the Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, that he would be retiring in April 2015. A celebration of Lawrence’s ministry at Asbury First is planned for Sunday, April 19.

Asbury First’s new senior minister comes to the church with solid credentials. He

Asbury First’s pastoral staff: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II, Rev. Susan S. Shafer, and Rev. Lawrence Hargrave.

received his Ph.D. from Princeton Theo-logical Seminary in 2014, where he wrote a dissertation titled “Creative Encounters: Toward a Theology of Magnitude for Wor-ship with United Methodist Youth.” While at Princeton, he was named a Timothy Scholar, an honor given to teaching scholars by the Foundation for Evangelism. He was also awarded a John Wesley Fellowship by the Foundation of Theological Education, and a Dempster Graduate Fellowship by The United Methodist Church.

Prior to his arrival at Asbury First in 2012, Stephen served as minister at Kingston United Methodist Church in Kingston, New Jersey and associate minister for Park Ridge Community Church in Illinois. His expertise in youth and young adult ministry has led to many keynote speeches and ad-dresses throughout the country and abroad, many of them reflecting on the need for the church to find new ways to work with young people.

Stephen is also an adjunct professor at Col-gate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, and has led many popular classes at Asbury First.

“Emily and I could not be more thrilled, humbled, nervous, hope-ful or thankful for the opportu-nity to step into this new role at Asbury First,” said Stephen after the announcement. “We love the people of this community and are excited for the ministry we will get to do together over the next few years.”

Stephen’s work will undoubtedly be informed from three years of ministry under the leadership of Susan Shafer. “I am deeply thank-ful to Susan Shafer,” he said. “Her vision and careful leadership of this church made this opportunity possible and provided me with a great mentor for this role.”

Susan is clearly confident that her successor is the right person to fill this pivotal role in Asbury First’s leadership structure. “These are sacred days with significant transitions in the life of Asbury First,” she said. “I see the hand of God in these days with the appoint-ment of Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Cady II! I have every confidence that this appointment is truly Spirit-led and my heart is overjoyed with the anticipation of Stephen’s leadership. We are very fortunate and will move into the future with confidence and trust!”

2015 will be a year of changes for Asbury First as Susan prepares for retirement, Stephen transitions into his new role, and new pastoral presences fill the roles left vacant. Although there may still be parts of the leadership equation that are unknown, what is certain is that Asbury First is a healthy, vibrant parish that will continue to thrive and grow under new leadership. Peter Abdella, chair of the Staff Parish Rela-tions Committee, affirmed this in his letter to members telling them of the change in leadership. “There is much change occurring here at Asbury First and there are wonder-ful celebrations, too,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to be a member of our church!”

8

The mission of this joint ministry

between Asbury First and the Uni-

versity of Rochester School of Medicine

is to provide free, high-quality preventa-

tive and health maintenance service to

uninsured and under-served families

and individuals in Rochester. We aim to

foster the health of our community while

promoting the spirit of education, social

justice, and collaboration.

In 2014, we cared for 457 patients (as of

December 18). We care for patients with

acute health problem every Thursday. On

the first Tuesday of each month we offer

physical exams for work, school, and

sports. Last month, a gentleman asked

to be seen because he was uninsured. He

said he was a diabetic with heart prob-

lems, and hadn’t seen a doctor in two

years. He wanted to know if we could see

him, and was so happy when we said yes.

He could not stop saying thank you and

shaking our hands. After his physical was

completed the social worker helped him

to access health resources to maintain

his conditions. Before he left he came

back and thanked everyone again. There

are many more stories of patients who

appreciate the health care we provide

them, and the welcome they receive

on their arrival. We are just proud to be

there to give them the best health care

possible.

Patients come to the clinic from within

the city of Rochester and surrounding

towns such as Hilton, Canandaigua, and

as far away as Buffalo. They hear about

Asbury First UR Well Clinic from our radio

advertisements, the website www.urwell.

org, flyers, other clinics in the area, and

word of mouth.

Asbury First UR Well Clinic Finishes Another Successful Year Asbury First UR Well clinic also is a

teaching clinic. Students from the under-

graduate public health nursing program

at the University of Rochester School

of Medicine will return next month to

give a program on diabetes for patients

while they wait to be seen. In the spring,

they will do a program on high blood

pressure. Staff from the Monroe County

Cancer Services Program were with us for

several weeks in October and November

informing our patients about free cancer

screenings and the importance of having

them done.

We have added two social worker and a

counselor to assist with patient health

insurance, housing, child care and other

resources. There are also currently two

Brighton high school students doing

community service at the clinic, and

one first-year pre-med student from the

University of Rochester satisfying her

community service requirement in the

clinic.

On arrival, patients are provided a hot

cup of coffee, tea, ice tea, cold water, and

a warm meal while they wait to be seen

in the clinic. Our goal is to continue to

provide the best health care possible to

uninsured and under-served families and

individuals who enter our clinic, and to

build a trusting and caring relationship

with the community in and outside of

Rochester, N.Y.

Thanks to all our Asbury First members

and friends for your gifts of food, words

of encouragement and appreciation. –

Ida Hickmantop to bottom: a welcoming presence for patients who enter the Gathering Center; a volunteer preparing a meal for clinic patients; Ida Hickman relaxes with a patient; a medi-cal student takes a patient’s blood pressure.

9

Did you know that if you don’t have a power of attorney and become incapacitated, a court proceeding must be held to determine that you lack the ability to make decisions for yourself?

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives the person of your choice, your agent, the authority to pay your bills, sign papers on your behalf and take care of other personal matters (but not health care decisions) for you. Most often, it is used when the principal (the person signing the power of attorney) becomes incapacitated and can no longer take care of his/her affairs.

If you don’t have a power of attorney and

The Asbury First Storehouse is

celebrating 50 years of service

to the community in 2015. In 1965,

four women had a vision of do-

ing God’s work by clothing those

in need. From a small start, the Storehouse ministry has grown to

serve thousands in the community each year.

One of the challenges of growth has been the struggle to continu-

ally find new volunteers. Our current volunteer population is aging,

are caregivers for family members, and are relocating to be near chil-

dren and grandchildren. We want to see this ministry last another

50 years, so we need your help! Please consider volunteering a few

hours a week or a few hours a month at the Storehouse. We need

become incapacitated, a court proceeding will be held to assess your ability to make decisions. Your doctor must testify that you lack mental capacity and the court appoints a person, called a guardian, to act for you. It can take several months for a guardianship hearing to be held to appoint a guardian

and, in the meantime, no one can act for you. Because a hearing is necessary and your doctor and other witnesses have to testify in court about your mental capacity, the matter is public and the cost can be very high.

Do you have a power of attorney? In order to avoid the delay and expense of a court proceeding and to have the person of your choice take care of your affairs, make sure you have signed a power of attorney.

This information is general information provided by the Planned Giving Committee. Please consult with your attorney for more information.

did You Know … The Importance of a Power of Attorney?

The Storehouse Is Celebrating 50 Yearswomen and men of all ages to sort

donations, assist clients, and answer

phones to make appointments.

During the coming year, we will be

celebrating the Storehouse through

various events. Look for articles and announcements in the Visitor

and bulletin in the coming months.

The Storehouse shopping floor and reception area were beautifully

painted during Together in Service in October. We invite you to

stop in and visit us sometime and see our rejuvenated space.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Betsy Chris-

tiansen at betsychristiansen@gmail.com or 585-329-2285.

Storehouse volunteers perform a wide range of tasks, from sorting clothes, to making appointments, to working with clients. Volunteers report that the work is fun and rewarding.

10

Nine Tuesdays, beginning February 36:00-8:00 p.m.1010 East Ave. (red brick building next to church), Red Room

This small group study invites participants to explore Christ’s call to live a forgiven and forgiving life! The Revs. Susan Shafer and David Lubba will facilitate the experi-ence. We will explore the movement from shame, guilt and anger to forgiveness and reconciliation, learning practices that give concrete expression to our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. Few would claim it is an easy matter to learn to forgive those who have wounded us or to be reconciled to our enemies. We will discover how to live out our faith in a world of daily realities far from ideal. The cost of the study book is $10.20, and each participant will need one. For further information and/or to sign up for this study, contact David Lubba at 359-9927 or dlubba@rochester.rr.com. This is a ‘small’ group study, so we are capping the number of participants at 20! Consider this study as a spiritual growth experience for the 2015 Lenten season.

Tuesday Evenings With Susan and David: The Way of Forgiveness

W i n t e r / S p r i n g C l a s s e s

● Fabulous Fiber FusionMondays through March 231:00-3:00 p.m.

This class is a continuation of the fiber class that was held last year. Learn new tech-niques and explore old ones. You do not need to have taken the first series of classes to participate and enjoy this class. The only requirement is a desire to have fun and ex-plore your creativity through fibers!

● Felting BasicsTuesdays through March 2410:00 a.m.-noon

Felting is an an-cient technique of making cloth. We will explore new techniques such as needle felting, wet felt-ing, and some exploration on the felting ma-chine. We will work with small projects at first to give you a sampling of which technique works for you. Then you will branch out into your own projects. Bring your willing-

ness to explore – no other experience is necessary!

● Paint, Paper and Embellish Collage Wednesdays through March 2510:00 a.m.-noon

This is not your grade-school collage! We will paint papers, add odd bits and pieces, cut them up, and put them back together to make wall-hangings, books or frameable

art! The only requirement is a willingness to let the spirit guide you in your creativity.

Please register with Asbury First’s artist-in-residence, Rev. Linda Clemow, at 236-1184. You can join classes at any time. Cost for each class is $85; however if cost is an is-sue please let Linda know and we can accommodate you. You need not be a member of Asbury First to participate. ArtSparks is a safe, nonjudg-mental environment in which to explore your creativity !

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

Welcome ourNew MembersNew Members

Karen & David ShuttleworthKaren and David have three grown children. David is a retired pediatrician and clinical professor who enjoys painting, collecting Southwest Indian pottery, woodworking, and antiques collecting and repair. Karen loves reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Joseph & Aimee MayerJoseph and Aimee have one son, Isaac, who was born in 2013. Joseph is a network operations technician whose interests include technology and music. Aimee is an elementary school teacher with the Brockport Cen-tral School District. She enjoys singing and cooking.

Harmon (Bud) & Carol PetersBud and Carol are retired and living in Rochester. They have three grown children, Deborah, Jeff and Daniel.

Suzanne Sirianni & Carey VogelSuzanne is a sales rep who ran a food pantry in Syra-cuse for nine years. She’s a volunteer at School #41 in Rochester. She is also an athlete who loves to read and a self-proclaimed news junkie. Carey has two children, Michael and Matthew, and loves coaching, playing sports, staying in shape, reading and teaching.

Ian PershingIan is a grad student at the U of R. He’s been active in his past congregations in musical ministries and Sunday school programming, and has worked in food banks and soup kitchens. He enjoys playing the saxo-phone, archery, teaching, science, cooking and music.

United Methodism 101Wednesdays, February 25, MARCH 4, 11, 187:00-8:00 p.m.Gathering Center

• Do we believe in free will or predestination? • Why do we use grape juice and not wine during communion? • Why do our ministers move around so much? • What’s up with the name “Methodist?” • What does it mean to be “strangely warmed?” Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life or have just stumbled upon us recently, this class is for you! Join us for a four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of the United Methodist Church. If you are interested or have questions please contact Stephen Cady at scady@asburyfirst.org. Please let us know if you plan to attend by February 18 as we will have to order books for the class. The cost will be $12 for the book (optional).

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Arvid Lakeberg, Asbury First’s Music Librarian• MEMBER PROFILE •

Imagine it’s 1956. Dwight

Eisenhower is president of

the United States, a gallon of

gas costs 22 cents, a first-class

postage stamp costs 3 cents, and

Elvis Presley appears on The

Ed Sullivan Show for the first

time. Living classical composers

include Ralph Vaughan Williams,

Benjamin Britten, Francis

Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky, Samuel

Barber, and Dmitri Shostakovich.

The construction of Asbury

First United Methodist Church

at 1040 East Avenue has just

been completed in 1955 and Dr.

Weldon Crossland is the senior

pastor. And, in March of 1956,

the son of a Methodist minister

— Arvid Lakeberg —has just

started singing in the bass section of

the Asbury First Sanctuary Choir.

Around 1958, Arvid was recruited

to volunteer as the Sanctuary Choir

librarian, a role he has continued in

faithfully to this day. The choir library

was in a storage room inside the room

across from the kitchen. This now

serves as the bell choir rehearsal room.

During this time, the choir rehearsed

in Fellowship Hall. After the Educa-

tion Wing was built in 1961, the choir

rehearsal room moved to Wesley Hall,

and the library moved to a storage

room around the corner. The four-

drawer file cabinets were stacked on

top of each other, and Arvid used a

step ladder to reach the upper files.

Some years later, the file cabinets were

moved to their present location adjacent to

the robe-storage room.

There are now 21 file cabinets and three

floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with 1230

anthem titles for the Sanctuary Choir and

the Asbury Singers. On average, ten to

fifteen new anthem titles are added each

year. As he has since 1958, Arvid types each

new file-folder label and files the anthems

alphabetically by title. He also maintains an

electronic file of the library contents, with

seven categories: Title, Composer, Voicing,

Choir, Publisher, Quantity, and Season.

This design enables sorting and printing

the data by any category. For example, if

the conductor wants to see all the anthems

there are for Easter, then sorting the

anthems by “Season” provides the result.

In addition to singing in the Asbury First

Sanctuary Choir, Arvid has sung in the

Rochester Oratorio Society (starting

in 1956), the Rochester Bach Festival

Chorus, the Eastman-Rochester

Chorus, and Madrigalia. At the

George Eastman House, Arvid is a

volunteer helping to maintain the

organ.

Bill Weinert, Asbury First’s director of

music, shares that “Arvid’s dedication

and fine singing are matched by his

positive attitude and his wonderful

dry sense of humor. It’s truly a joy to

have him singing with us each week.”

David Strong, Asbury First’s music

administrator, says of Arvid, “I am

impressed by and grateful for Arvid’s

dedication, hard work, and knowledge.

We have been — and continue to be

— blessed by his presence.”

Since 1956, Arvid has sung under

seven successive Sanctuary Choir directors,

including Austin Truitt, Leonard Treash,

John Walker, John Silantien, Don Kendrick,

Roger Wilhelm, and Bill Weinert. Arvid’s

steady commitments to the choir and its

music library exemplify his dedication to

excellence in Asbury First’s music program.

After the choir finishes singing for a

worship service, and members have hung

up their robes, Arvid’s work continues

as he sorts and re-files returned music.

He is generally the last one to leave the

choir room on Sunday mornings. But,

as a preacher’s kid (“PK”) born in the

church parsonage where his family lived in

Greenville, N.Y., Arvid has always been at

home in the church and in service to God.

– Jeanne Strong

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children’s ministry news

Vacation Bible School ... in the middle of winter? Yes, it’s true! Please join us for “ Take the Plunge” mini Vacation Bible School

on February 17, 18, and 19 (during the mid-winter break for local schools), 9:00 a.m.-noon at Asbury First United Methodist

Church. This VBS is for children ages four through fifth grade. There is no cost. For more information contact Paula Dugan,

(585) 271-1050x111 or pdugan@asburyfirst.org. Please return to the Welcome Desk in the Welcoming Hall on Sunday morn-

ings or to the church office during regular business hours.

Child’s Name Child’s Age Allergies

Parent/Guardian Information

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Best phone # during VBS hours: _______________________________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Medical information

Please list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of: ____________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact _____________________ Phone # ___________________________________________________

Relationship ______________________________________________________________________________________

In the event of an emergency, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First UMC to administer the necessary medical treatment.

Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________________________________________

Date _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list the people who have the permission to pick up your child(ren): ____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? YES NO What is your area of interest? ________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

1050 East Ave. ● Rochester, NY 14607 ● (585) 271-1050 ● www.asburyfirst.org

Children’s Ministry to hold a Mid-Winter Mini Vacation bible school!

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library news

Children:The Eye of the Whale, by Jennifer O’Connell.This 32-page book for ages 4-8 is an illustrated picture book about the rescue of a humpback whale in danger. This story amazes while it informs. It is based on a true story with an account of the actual events of this rescue included.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids, by Carol McCloud.This heart-warming book encourages positive behavior as children see how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love. A 32-page book for ages 6-9

Youth:Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, by Jordan Sonnenblick.Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis. Although this book addresses a serious topic, it is never depressing; ;It is light, frequently hilarious, and very believable, and it will be thoroughly enjoyed by teen readers.

Navigating Early, by Clare Vanderpool.Said to be reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn, this book is the odyssey-like adventure of two boys’ incredible quest on the Appalachian Trail. Newbery Medalist author Vanderpool writes a winning book about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness, and the power of stories. Especially suited for ages 10 and above.

February provides perfect reading weather. Picture yourself in a comfy chair in a warm place with one of the following recommended books. Join us in exploring the library resources. Take a look at the following books available in the library’s collection of books for children, teens and adults. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. When the church is open, the library is open. It’s FREE and everyone is welcome!

Paperboy, by Vince Vawter.This Newbery Honor winner is perfect for fans of To Kill a Mocking-bird, Paperboy offers a penetrating look at both the mystery and the daily frustrations of stuttering. People of all ages will appreciate this positive and universal story. It’s about an unforgettable boy and his unforgettable story.

Adult:The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her Ameri-can Doctors and the Collision of Two Cultures, by Anne Fadiman.Selected as a book for the church library Diversity Book Club, this is a compelling story of a family of Hmong immigrants and their struggles with the American medical community following the onset of their daughter’s epilepsy.

The Poor Will be Glad, by Peter Greer and Phil Smith.This practical book written by two leading experts in the field of pov-erty reduction offers a clear plan to help ordinary Christians translate their compassion into thoughtful action.

Parenting:Quiet Mind: One Minute Retreats from a Busy World, by David Kundtz.Quiet Mind is a series of reflections that illuminate aspects of life. It offers readers guidance on using the moments between activities as op-portunities to focus on becoming more fully awake to who they are.

Bullied: A Teaching Tolerance Documentary DVD.A student, a school and a case that made history is designed to create empathy for victims and to encourage people to take action.

February1 John 3:1-212 John 3:22-363 John 4:1-424 John 4:43-545 John 5:1-186 John 5:19-477 John 6:1-248 John 6:25-719 1 John 1:1-1010 1 John 2:1-2911 1 John 3:1-2412 1 John 4:1-21

20 John 13:1-2021 John 13:21-3822 John 14:1-3123 John 15:1-1724 Mark 12:13-2725 Mark 12:28-34

13 1 John 5:1-2114 1 Corinthians 13:1-1315 John 10:1-2116 John 10:22-4217 Psalm 2318 Psalm 5119 Psalm 52

26 Deuteronomy 6:1-2527 Ephesians 3:1-2128 Ephesians 4:1-32March1 2 Chronicles 5:1-142 2 Chronicles 6:1-113 2 Chronicles 6:12-424 2 Chronicles 7:1-225 2 Chronicles 34:1-336 2 Chronicles 35:1-197 Ezra 8:1-23 8 Nehemiah 9:1-38

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

15

the last word1 by Michele Cooley 2

The New CoatEvery year Peter Czora and his family sort our Christmas gifts from the Thanksgiving In-Gathering, when members and friends of Asbury First bring food and gifts to the service to be distributed to several outreach ministries. Asbury First members are so generous to our guests and the hats, gloves, socks, etc., are such a blessing to those in need. We were able to distribute gift bags to more than 100 guests.

When Peter stopped by my office with the final tally, he met one of our guests, Bobby, an older gentleman who could not find a coat that fit. Bobby has both visual and physical chal-lenges and walks with a cane. His large size was a challenge to the staff at the Storehouse and other clothing establishments. Bobby was utilizing the layering method to stay warm. He had sweatshirts, sweaters, T-shirts and other ill-fitting items on his large frame. The result was chilly and uncomfortable. Three weeks later Peter appeared at my office with a large box. The happy results can be seen in this pic-ture. A perfect fit and a perfect coat for Bobby. Thank you Peter you are truly a blessing.

A Caring SororityThe young women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soroity are another blessing who graced our Dining Center again this year in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Tamara Minter

contacted me three years ago in hopes of doing something for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The Sunday before the holiday was chosen as a day to give back. This sorority was started at Howard University in 1908 for African American women as a way to connect with each other and to promote education and

service. Today the sorority boasts an interna-tional membership of 250,00 girls and women of all ages with 65 members in Rochester. Ap-proximately 30 women helped us serve over 115 guests. As one of our active volunteers, Anne Marie Brogan, noted, “These women are beautiful and self-confident, bringing joy, laughter and smiles, which is everything we need at this moment. These will be our leaders in the future.” Following a long-cherished tra-dition, eight of the girls who volunteered with us will be presented April 18 as debutantes. To prepare for this, they have been taking classes in etiquette, philanthropy, study skills, science technology, and waltz lessons. They brought a level of class and sophistication as they served our guests. Three of the students shared their experiences with me. Taylor Jackson, from Mercy High School, said: “ I enjoyed interact-ing with the people.” Brianna Brown from Aquinas said: “It was fun and a new experience. Interacting with the less fortunate made me realize how grateful I am for all of the opportu-nities I have.” Jordan Myers, a national honor student from Webster Thomas High School shared, “My experience has given me the op-portunity to realize that giving back to others should be a daily task.”

What a caring thought! You are all blessings to us.

Top, Bobby in his new coat; bottom, the young women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority prepare to serve the guests of the Dining and Caring Center.

The School to Prison PipelineA Panel Discussion

Monday, February 23

Gathering Center

7:00 p.m.

It’s a dismaying fact: students, particularly African American males, are increasingly being removed from the classroom for minor in-

fractions that might formerly have led to nothing more than a trip to the principal’s office, and are instead being charged and funnelled

into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. If a student is not reading at grade level by fourth grade, the risk is even higher. How does

this impact families? What can be done to stop the flood of young people out of schools and into prisons? Join moderator Rev. Lawrence

Hargrave and a team of community leaders in a discussion of these and other questions of vital importance to the Rochester region.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

Join us for a fun pre-Valentine’s-Day eVening of partnering yoga and chocolate tasting at asbury first. We’ll feature easy moves that anyone can do, regardless of ability. all types of partnerships are welcome – just grab someone and join us! or, if you prefer, we can match you up with another chocolate- and yoga-loving person for the evening. following this gentle workout, you and your partner can sample some sweet treats at a chocolate tasting. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and prepare to connect with your partner in a novel and engaging way. Spaces are limited, so RSVP by February 9 to mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org. k

Fr iday, February 13 • 6 :00-8:00 p.m. chi ldcare avai lable • $10/person

Asbury Fi rs t Uni ted Methodist Church • Ga ther ing Center

Yoga for Two and Chocolate Tasting

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