90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | 1

The Circuit RiderAsbury United Methodist Church Newsletter

Serving God in the community for over 150 years

APRIL 2015 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 4

OUR STAFF

Pastor The Rev. Laura L. Galbraith

Secretary & Newsletter Editor Melissa Gray

Custodian Bruce Lauzier

Music Director Michael Coderre

Organist Jana Ros

Bell Choir & Children’s Choir Kristen Russo

Nursery Coordinator Briana Hoffman

CONTACT INFO

Office: 860-584-0529Fax: 860-584-0520 (call first)Parsonage: 860-261-4131

Pastor e-mail: pastorlaura.g@sbcglobal.netSecretary e-mail: asburysecretary@sbcglobal.netAsbury Web Page: www.asburyumcforestville.com

April 2015

Good News! The Parsonage Mortgage has been paid off thanks to many generous members of our community. Thanks to Sondra and Tony Clement, who offered the challenge to match any donations made toward the mortgage by Easter! (FYI: Sondra and Tony's grandchildren are fifth generation members of Asbury!) In January, the challenge was set to our congregation and your response was great: $4840 came in through the offering plates, which Sondra and Tony matched.

Wayne Devino, Trustees Treasurer, delivered a check to Farmington Bank last week for the net closing balance on the mortgage of $4,657.51. The remaining $182.49 from donations was transferred to Current Expense to be used by the Finance Committee as needed. What a neat treat for Wayne to look at Farmington Bank’s ledger and see a zero balance on Asbury’s Parsonage Mortgage! What was originally a thirty-year mortgage has been paid off in less than 7 YEARS!

Thanks to everyone who participated in fundraisers, gave donations in any amount, prayed, cheered our accomplishments, and gave your support in so many generous ways! Thanks to the original Mortgage Reduction Committee members who set us on this course to success, the Trustees and the members of the Finance Committee! May God bless our continued faithfulness in ministry!

Please be sure and read the letter sent to us from our Bishop, Jane Allen Middleton, found on Page 4 of this newsletter.

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A P R I L W O R S H I P A S S I S T A N T SApril 5

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. Jim TaylorGreeters............................. TBDFellowship Hour................. The Limmer FamilyAltar Flowers...................... Easter April 12

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. Wayne and Edith Devino Greeters............................. TBDFellowship Hour................. Jen Mahaney and Christina DerenchAltar Flowers The Alkoff Family April 19

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. Amy MajorsGreeters............................. TBDFellowship Hour................. TBDAltar Flowers...................... Heidi Borkowski and Laurie Landeen

April 26 

Worship Leaders 10:00 a.m. Duncan MayGreeters............................. Phyllis PetitFellowship Hour................. TBD

 Altar Guild 

Jennifer Burrows 

Soup Kitchen 

Men’s Club / Confirmation Class 

8:30 a.m. Worship Leader 

Carl Aspland, Donna Motyl, Mike Motyl, Denise Krom

Ushers 

Wayne Fuller, Bonnie Emery, Dennis Floyd, Don Mazerolle, Dick Peterson, Roy DiYulio 

We are looking for individuals and families to greet on Sunday mornings before the 10:00 am worship service. We are also in need of Coffee Hour Hosts and Hostesses for Sunday mornings after the 10:00 am worship service. There are sign up sheets on the bulletin board in Wesley Hall where you can fill in which week(s) you would be willing to be a greeter and/or Coffee Hour Host and Hostess. Also, on the bulletin board are detailed instructions on what is involved in hosting coffee hour. Please help us continue this very important part of

A P R I L B I R T H D A Y S01 Len Cannon

Hailey Rose McDonald02 Elizabeth Hrywniak

Vanessa FloydMichelle CyrMason Clevenger

03 William BradleySara Colapietro

04 Todd Baumberger06 Alan Stockman

Owen Fearn07 Emily Peterson08 Adeline Hazzard09 Kathy Mazerolle10 Donald Rackliffe11 Charles Coloske

Betty HusseyJolene GrassoKimberly StarkLennox Apraku-Boateng

12 Nathan CannonJames HaslerEric Tye

13 Deborah LauzierJared StaubLinda Grey

14 Donna MurrayDavid ScottMichael SpauldingJennifer WeyrauchMalcolm Cummings

15 Sophia Cole16 Ruth Zebuski

Heidi BorkowskiRebecca Schaffrick

17 Jennifer Majors18 Kyle Fuller

Tricia Lockhart20 Jennifer Pelletier21 Jay Mullins

Jeffrey ClementDara Holcomb

22 Allysa Barnaby23 Mark Cannon24 Matthew Baumberger Jr

C.J. StankevichKeith Pond Jr.

25 Leah DepreyMatthew Deprey

26 Anton ClementAlex Spaulding

27 Jonathan DenskiErin JonesJohn KromKarly MartinErnest Szydlo JrGabriel Soucy

28 Michael MaskeryDavid Van BurenGeorge RichardsonPhilip Borkowski

29 Alicia DepreyShirley NelsonKaren SauerVera Therrien

30 Ivette ScanlanMaureen MartelCathleen WhillockJennifer Buckley

90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 |

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In Our Thoughts and Prayers…

Colton Thomas Limmer will be baptized on Sunday, April 5th. His parents are Kristopher and Sara-Jayne Limmer. His siblings are Natalie and Jordyn. They make their home in Plainville.

Cole Stephen Harrison will be baptized on Sunday, April 19th. His parents are Stephen and Cristina Harrison, and they make their home in Forestville. His grandparents are Dale and Laurie Landeen.

Mark Jonathan Hazelton will be baptized on Sunday, April 26th. His parents are Jonathon and Patricia Hazelton, and they make their home in Bristol.

Mildred Surowiecki passed away Sunday, February

15th. A funeral service was held at Asbury on February 23rd.

Asbury member, Joan Wheeler passed away on Friday, March 6th. She was the wife of Clayton Wheeler. Private Services were held on March 11th at O’Brien Funeral Home.

Former Asbury member, Ray Paul, husband of Judy Paul, and brother of Asbury’s first secretary, the late Mille Paul, passed away on March 8th in New Hampshire. A memorial service was held on March 21st in Kingston, New Hampshire.

Asbury member, Stanley Kasakowski, passed away on March 9th. He was the beloved husband of Audrey Kasakowski. A memorial service was held at Asbury on March 21st.

Barbara Emanuelson, the oldest member of Asbury, passed away on March 18th. She was the mother and mother-in-law of Karna and Joe Baumberger.

Paula Cousino, Karna Baumberger and family, Lori Molie, Judy Paul & Family, Audrey Kasakowski, Clayton Wheeler, Paul Tibbitts, Marilyn May, Patti Potts, Carey Bell, Julie Constantine, Bonnie Maskery, Shirley Nelson, Carl Aspland, Elsie Lyons, Edward Coloske, and others who have needs of which we may not be aware.

If you wish to be listed in the bulletin and newsletter for prayers, please call the church office at 860-584-0529 or e-mail us at: asburysecretary@sbcglobal.net.If you wish to relate prayer needs to the prayer chain, please call Phyllis Petit at 860-589-6059 or Mernie Whitcomb at 860-583-5373, or e-mail Pastor Laura at pastorlaura.g@sbcglobal.net. Please keep your call brief, and be aware of the privacy rights of the person(s) for whom you are requesting prayers.

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Thank you LettersDear Asbury Family, Thank you to Pastor Laura for the help, visits and calls. Thanks to Claudia Peterson for bringing me food. It was delicious. Thank you to all the friends who called and sent cards. Paul is getting stronger every day and can’t wait to get home.

Paul and Jean Tibbitts

To my Asbury church family, I want to thank you for all the cards that so many have sent. Most recently many people sent birthday cards, but I have received many Christmas cards as well. Cards from the Senior group for every occasion shows that I am remembered. Thank you for remembering me. I also want to thank Mernie Whitcomb, Phyllis Petit and Eula Foster for their visits. It is so good to see friends.

Thank you to all,Rachel Manning

Dear Pastor Laura and Asbury, Thank you very much for allowing our Girl Scout Troop to use Wesley Hall for our “Camp-In” sleepover event. The 18 scouts and many leaders did crafts, cooked, and watched a movie on the big screen. We had tons of fun and really appreciate the use of Asbury Church.

Sincerely,Sarah Ayotte

Leader of Troop 60317

A BIG thank you to Tom and Rose Komanetsky for the donation of the commercial coffee maker and carafes. It will be enjoyed for many years to come by the members of Asbury.

The deadline for the May Circuit Rider is Sunday, April 19th.

Please leave all articles in the mailbox in the church office

or e-mail them to: asburysecretary@sbcglobal.net.

From Our BishopDear Asbury,

I celebrate the extraordinary accomplishment of your congregation in paying off your 30 year mortgage 23 years early! What a wonderful legacy that leaves for the future. Such an accomplishment requires faithful, sacrificial stewardship.

May your congregation continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Grace and peace,Jane Allen Middleton

FROM THE COMMUNITYDear Christian Outreach, Thank you for your donation of assorted toiletries for the women and children of families we serve. Gifts such as yours make life more comfortable for our families, who can’t always afford many basic necessities.

Sincerely,Tiffany Vann

Manager, Prudence Crandall Center

Dear Friends, On behalf of St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol, I would like to thank you for your donation of 3 very large bags of paper products and two cases of toilet paper. It is only with the continued support of people like you that we are able to continue our mission of helping the less fortunate among us.

A big thank you to the American Legion Post that meets at Asbury for their generous collection and donation to St. Vincent DePaul.

Wendy’s of Bristol on 1247 Farmington Ave. Tuesday, April 7th Tuesday, May 5th

from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Stay and enjoy fellowship or get take out. Ask to have your receipt put in the Asbury UMC basket! We receive 20% of all sales made!

SAVE THE DATE

90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | 5

APRILGod’s Hopeful Word

1 John 18.1-24 Maundy Thursday (Western Churches) 2 John 18.25-40 Good Friday (Western Churches) 3 John 19.1-30 4 John 19.31-42 Easter Sunday (Western Churches) 5 John 20.1-18 6 John 20.19-31 7 John 21.1-25 8 Colossians 1.1-23 9 Colossians 1.24—2.19 10 Colossians 2.20—3.17 11 Colossians 4.2-18 Pascha (Orthodox Easter) 12 1 Peter 1.1-25 13 1 Peter 2.1-25 14 1 Peter 3.1-22 15 1 Peter 4.1-19 16 1 Peter 5.1-14 17 2 Peter 1.1-21 18 2 Peter 2.1-22 19 2 Peter 3.1-18 20 Jude 1-25 21 Revelation 5.1-14 22 Revelation 21.1-27 23 Revelation 22.1-21 24 Romans 1.1-17 25 Romans 3.19-31 26 Romans 4.1-25 27 Romans 5.1-21 28 Romans 6.1-23 29 Romans 7.1-25 30 Romans 15.1-13Orthodox Christians will observe Holy Week from April 5-11,

and celebrate Pascha (Easter) on April 12, and may substitute

the readings from March 29-April 4 in place of the readings

for April 5-11 and substitute the readings from April 5-11 in

place of the readings for April 12-18. These substitutions will

enable the Passion and Resurrection readings to coincide

with the Orthodox dates.

COULD YOU USE A STEPHEN MINISTER IN YOUR LIFE?

Stephen Ministers offer one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.

         Congregation members, friends and family can receive care from a Stephen Minister when struggling through a difficult time in life while experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis.

It’s important to know that:         The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential.

         Men are matched with men; women with women.

         When a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team can help you find professional help or other community resources.

If you, (or someone you know) are going through a difficult time and think you could use a Stephen Minister, please contact Bill King at 860-518-6987 or Pastor Laura Galbraith at 860-584-0529.

Daily Bible Reading Guide

Asbury’s Annual Spring Tag SaleSaturday April 18th From 8:30 am – 2 pm

Early Bird Special on Friday, April 17th from 6 – 8 pm($2.00 Door Charge at the Early Bird Special)

Please wait until after the worship service on April 12th to begin bringing in items for the sale – but before noon on Friday May 2nd so we can place and price everything. (No computers, tires, TV’s, or large appliances). AND, for a successful tag sale, we need lots of helpers beginning Wednesday morning to place and price items. Contact Ann Morin at 860-584-8576 and let her know when you are available. The Carole Lishness Memorial Bake Sale will be held during the tag sale on Saturday, April 18th. Please see Stacey Rich or Harriet Donovan for more information.

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F E L L O W S H I PSave The

April 2 – Maundy Thursday @ 11:30 am – Service @ 7:00 pm - Service April 3 – Good Friday @ 12:00 – 6:00 pm – Prayer Vigil @ 7:00 pm - Service April 4 @ 8 am – Spring Clean Up April 5 - Easter @ 6:30 am – Sunrise Service @ 8:30 am – Service @ 10:00 am – Service April 17 @ 6 pm – Tag Sale April 18 @ 8:30 am – Tag Sale

Senior Fellowship

April 2 – Attend Maundy Thursday Service

April 9 – Movie in Southington Lunch out

April 16 – Set Up For Tag Sale

April 23 – Speaker – Bob Montgomery on Old Homes in Bristol, Lunch In

April 30 – Birthday Celebration, Bingo, Bring a Sandwich

On Saturday April 4th, the Board of Trustees will gather to get the grounds, and maybe even the indoors spruced up for Easter.

We encourage everyone to come and help! We will gather at 8 am. Bring rakes, brooms, and look forward to having fellowship too!

For All Groups and Holy WeekWorship Schedule

April 2nd – Maundy Thursday Worship Service at AsburyTime: 11:30 am & 7:00 pm

April 3rd – Good FridayPrayer Vigil

Time: 12:00 to 6:00 pm

April 5th – Easter SundayEcumenical Sunrise Service

On Federal Hill Green at 6:30 am

Worship Service at AsburyTime: 8:30 & 10:00 am

Please bring fresh flowers on Easter morning to help create our Living Cross. The cross will be set up on the church lawn so you may put your flowers on it before church services.

The Senior Fellowship had a very active month during March. We enjoyed “Sit-down” Tai Chi with Walter Bruce and we held a Tea Cup Auction to raise money.

90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | 7

Shoe Box Project

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The 3rd Annual Asbury Women’s RetreatSaturday, May 2

9:30 am – 3:00 pmat the Wisdom House in Litchfield, CT

Cost: $40.00 (includes lunch)(Car-pooling will be available)*

Topic: An Invitation to Mindfulness: The quality of care you give to others is related to the quality of care you give to yourself....Presented by Sharon Gutterman, Ph.D.

STOP dwelling on the past or obsessing about the future. This program is an opportunity for you to live in the present moment and use new ways to work with life's challenges as well as savor life's joys. Learn to connect with your calm spiritual center and refresh yourself throughout your day. You can enhance your ability to cope with stress, pain, illness, or worry. Topics to be explored include: mindful meditation, stress management, handling strong emotions, mindful eating, gratitude practice and prayer of loving kindness.

After the retreat, Asbury participants will also have the option to take a short walk through Lourdes in Litchfield as well as a light dinner in Litchfield Center.

You are encouraged to register early as these day retreats fill up quickly.

You may register online and pay by credit card at the following link: http://wh.retreatportal.net/calendar/viewEvent.aspx?programcode=15SPD01347

Registration closes Fri, May 1 at Noon

*After you have registered please notify a member of the Retreat Committee (Stacey Rich, Karen Cranford, Karna Baumberger, Donna Frank or Melissa Gray), so that we can plan for car-pooling.

Asbury UMC will be holding a clothing drive collection from now through June 1, 2014. The following items will be collected: Men’s, Women’s & Children’s wearable & usable clothing, Shoes, Belts, Handbags, Linens (Bedding, Curtains, Towels, etc…), Stuffed Animals, Hard Toys

We will receive money for every pound we collect. So go through your closets, basements, your friend’s closets and basements and bring them down to Asbury. Please be sure to put all items in a tied plastic bag.

You may bring your items to Asbury anytime during the week between 9a-12p, and on Sundays before and after services, and leave them in Wesley Hall. We will be making flyers for you to bring to work, so you can collect items from coworkers, friends, and family members. This is a great opportunity for all members of Asbury to get involved.

If you need someone to pick up the donations, please contact the church office at 860-584-0529 and arrangements will be made.

Remember we are paid on a per pound basis, so why not share the information with others. If you have any questions, please contact Geri Beveridge.

BUS TRIPVisiting The USS Nautilus in Groton, The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, and dinner at the

American Legion Post #112 in Montville

Saturday, May 9th

Bus leaves Asbury at 10:00 am and will return for 6:00 pm

$40 a seat (includes bus, tip and food)

Sponsored by The American LegionForestville Village Post #209

A Portion of the proceeds goes to Asbury. Please call Chuck Woodin at 860-930-9645 for more information.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

5:30 PM Disciple

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

2 Maundy Thursday11:30 AM Service10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

7:00 PM Service

3 Good Friday

12:00 – 6:00 pm – Prayer Vigil5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

4

SpringClean Up

8 AM – 12 PM

5 Easter

6:30 am Sunrise Service

9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

No Sunday School Classes

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6:15 PM Girl Scouts

7:30 PM NA

79:00 AM Crochet Class

5:00 PM Wendy’s Fundraiser

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry

6:00 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM Boy Scouts

8:00 PM AA

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6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

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9:00 AM Bible Study

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

10

5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

11

12 Dial A Prayer Collection

9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

11:30 AM Education

11:30 AM Confirmation Class

One Room Sunday School

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5:30 PM Church Council

7:30 PM NA

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9:00 AM Crochet Class

3:30 PM Soup Kitchen

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

8:00 PM AA

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6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

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9:00 AM Bible Study

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

175:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

Tag SaleEarly Bird

Special6 – 8 PM

$2.00 Door Charge

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Tag Sale8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

9:00 am Confirmation Class

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9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

Circuit Rider Deadline

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6:15 PM Girl Scouts

7:00 PM American Legion

7:30 PM NA

219:00 AM Crochet Class

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry

6:00 PM Bell Choir

8:00 PM AA

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6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

23

9:00 AM Bible Study

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

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5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

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269:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

11:30 AM Confirmation Class

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7:30 PM NA

289:00 AM Crochet Class

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

8:00 PM AA

296:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

309:00 AM Bible Study

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

A S B U R Y U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H C A L E N D A RAPRIL

Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour at 11:00

Headline text to go here

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Shoe Box Project