In ThIs Issue

On Holy Ground, 4

Lenten Services, 5

Storehouse, 6

Tent Week 2015, 8

Souperbowl Sale, 9

New Members, 10

Mass in B minor, 12

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterMarch 2015 • Vol. XLIX No. 2 • www.asburyfirst.org

TheVisitor

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: Acolytes Richard Benjamin (left) and Hayden Headley light candles before a Christmas Eve service.

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, February 27

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. XLIX no. 2

(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.

•Appreciating the Moment

A Pastoral ReflectionAlmost ten years ago, Emily and I were pulling out of the parking lot of Asbury First after a weekend of celebrations and goodbyes. We were preparing ourselves for the journey back to our church in Chicago when, looking at the steeple, Emily said, “You know, I love Rochester, I love Asbury First, but I’m just not sure we will ever be back.” I agreed.

From time to time, it’s good to be wrong.

Emily and I could not be more honored or humbled to serve As-bury First in this new capacity beginning this summer. Over the past couple of years the people of Asbury First have embraced us as friends and loved us as family. Our lives have been enriched by this faithful community and we are confident that the years ahead will be filled with new and exciting ministries together—ministries that we can’t yet even imagine. Before we get there, however, we want to appreciate this moment.

While I could not be more excited about the possibilities for min-istry ahead, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t bitter sweet. For the past two and half years I have not only been blessed by the support of a wonderful congregation, but by colleagues who have been faith-

Emeriti StaffRev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Paster Emeritus

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

*deceased

continued on next page, bottom

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AFUMC newsReconciling Ministries:Since the congregation overwhelmingly voted to affirm the Reconciling Statement at the Church Conference in January, Church Council has discussed next steps and has voted to recommend that Asbury First join the Reconciling Ministries Network, pending feedback from the congregation. Reconciling Ministries Network is a group of more than 550 United Methodist churches who are working toward full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life of the church. Please feel free to contact Church Council co-chairs Valerie Benjamin (vcarsonbenjamin@gmail.com) and Deb Bullock-Smith (debbullocksmith@gmail.com) with your thoughts.

Community Leader Contributes Memoir to Church LibraryA recent gift to the church Re-source Library is an autographed book by Ruth Holland Scott. Titled The Circles God Draws, it is a memoir by Scott, former president of the Rochester City Council. Published in 2013, the book is described by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter as “a window on America in much of the 20th Cen-tury.” The book details Scott’s ex-periences growing up in America

during the Great Depression and the Second World War and becoming a community leader and elected official. She was the first woman and the first African American to head the

ful guides and constant companions for the journey — two of whom will be retiring this spring.

Lawrence has never ceased to amaze me with his connections to this community or commitment to faithful leadership. Every time I am at a function in the community someone asks me if I serve at the church where Lawrence serves. We have been blessed to have Lawrence as a part of this congregation and I have been blessed to have him as a colleague. I will miss our frequent doorway conver-sations and our moments of bonding over our mutual regard for Howard Thurman.

Most people never get to see how hard Susan works. When she is not making a call, taking someone to lunch, visiting with a family, preparing for a sermon, or writing a note, she is planning new ways to faithfully live out her call for the people of Asbury First.

pastor’s reflection, continued from previous page

19th Ward Neighborhood Association and the first African American woman elected to Rochester City Council.

Group Enjoys Syracuse GameThere are few things as satisfying for Rochester sports fans as attending a basketball game featuring the Syracuse University Orangemen. Recently, a group of Asbury First members and friends got to do just that. Planned by Craig Dennison and the Vision Team, the intrepid group journeyed by chartered bus to our upstate neighbor Syracuse to attend a Syracuse vs. Miami game on Saturday, January 24. “It was a fantastic experience,” said Rev. Stephen Cady, who was one of the participants. “The kids, especially, seemed to be having a great time on the bus, and during the game, and they were leading the cheers for our group.” Although Syracuse ended up losing the game, it was a winning time for the Asbury First group.

Her sheer energy is inspiring, but her spirit much more so. While the congregation will undoubtedly miss the ever-present ministry of Susan’s thirty-four years, I will miss my everyday friendship of three. Susan has been a listening ear, a gentle encourager, a loving sojourner, and a capable mentor to me. While I am sad to lose her as a colleague, I am thankful four our continued friendship and her faithful example.

I know that I will have other great colleagues in the future. I am currently working with the SPRC and the cabinet on finding a couple of them for next year. However, I will miss these great colleagues and plan to honor them by sharing what I have learned from them with those who come after.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen

The group in front of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady.

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

by Bonnie Matthaidess

Guest author sharon Garlough Brown to Visit asbury FirstThe Spiritual Life Committee is pleased to make an early announcement that Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the recent book Sensible Shoes will be with us this coming September. More details will follow, but you won’t want to miss this opportu-nity to meet with Ms. Brown, who will inspire you as she introduces non-complicated methods/disciplines to enhance your spiritual journey.

Sensible Shoes is a compelling narrative weaving together the lives of four women as they are drawn into a spiritual formation journey at a retreat center. Readers will be taken into a new understanding of key spiritual practices and receive support in exploring their own spiritual journey.

Sensible Shoes will soon be available to borrow at our library and we invite you to check out a copy in preparation for Brown’s visit. Let your friends know of this opportunity and save the dates: The evening of September 18 and the following day, Sep-tember 19, 2015.

Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 18, and often my friends ask, “What are

you giving up for Lent? Many continue this meaningful experience, but in recent years I’ve been drawn to intentionally practice a method of prayer, the Examen, during this Holy Season instead of giving up something.

The Examen can be experienced by an individual or become a family sharing time. Children seem to enjoy this family experi-ence and will remind their parents to pray if forgotten. Give it a try.

The Examen is a method of reviewing one’s day in the presence of God. It is a time set aside for thankful reflection on where you have experienced God in your everyday life. I’ve found one of the blessings of this prayer is how I expect to receive God each day and eagerly look for the possibilities!

Praying the Examen• Give thanks: for the day just lived as a gift from God. Be grateful for it.

• Review the day: look back over the day and remember where you received or were aware of God in your everyday life. Give thanks.

• Review the day again: this time, recog-nize when you have missed God or your behavior did not reflect God in your life. This step is not for producing guilt, but asking God to help you not to repeat this behavior.

• Look toward the day to come: ask God to be with you.

website story

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in CommunityOur Living WORSHIPworship schedule

We offer our prayers and

sympathy to the family and

friends of

Ted Doerner

who died on January 26, 2015

We offer our prayers and

sympathy to Bethany Printup-

Davis on the death of her

grandmother

Adelaide Pearl Printup

Davis

on January 25, 2015.

We offer our prayers and sympathy

to Steven and Suzanne von Berg on

the death of Steven’s father

William von Berg

on January 26, 2015.

We offer our prayers and

sympathy to the family and

friends of

Toni Frame

who died on February 2, 2015

and Charlie Frame, who died on

February 8, 2015.

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

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 Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher

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

sUndaY MarCh 22Fifth Sunday in LentJohn 12:20-33The Rev. Stephen M. Cady II, preacher

See above for a full schedule of Lenten and Holy Week services.

LabyrinthFebruary 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 / 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Our beautiful labyrinth is located under the Sanctuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that provides a place for reflection and peaceful prayer.

taizÉ SErViCEFebruary 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 / 6:00 p.m.

These services feature simple sung chants, quiet prayer, and contemplative silence.

Maundy thurSdayApril 2 / 7:30 p.m.

tenebrae ServiceCandlelight re-enactment of Christ’s last night & Communion service.

He Is Risen!Join us at Asbury First During Lent and Easter Week

Good FridayApril 3 / noon and 7:30 p.m.

Envisioning the PassionHoly Week-themed art and music by Voices Chamber Choir.

Family Prayer night 6:00-7:30 p.m.

A come-when-you-wish child-friendly event.

EaStEr SundayApril 5

traditional Service 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. With festive music.

Chancel Communion service10:00 a.m.

DeathsMerciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love.

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Asbury First Storehouse: Views Behind the ScenesBy Nancy Davidow

What started in 1965 as a way to provide coats for those in

need, and grew to include clothing for children and adults, began on the second floor of 1010 East Avenue. After serving in the 1010 location for ten plus years, we realized we needed a larger space for this growing mission. The space in the lower level of 1050 East Avenue (the grey stone building next to the church that also houses the church offices) was renovated to include the Storehouse. This is its current location, where it provides clothing, linens, household goods and an assortment of accessories for more than 6,000 persons per year; all donated and at no charge to those who shop there.

What happens to all the donated goods? How are the goods dis-tributed? Is everything donated used on site? The answers to these questions might come as a surprise.

Did you know ... ?

• All clothing is sorted for cleanliness, current style, seasonal wear, and for tears or soils. Torn but usable clothing is passed along to a volunteer who mends; soiled clothing is washed and dried in an on-site washer and dryer. Soiled or cloth-ing beyond repair is passed along to the Salvation Army and picked up on a weekly basis. Seasonal clothing goes directly

on the floor; out-of-season cloth-ing is stored until needed. Soiled or torn linens are donated to the Humane Society at Lollipop Farm. This is how the work be-gins week in and week out!

• With the help of the Webster Quilt Club, we provide layettes for expectant mothers. Newborn clothing, diapers, a receiving blanket, a soft toy and a soft-cover book are placed inside a hand-made quilt, all ready for a newborn coming home from the hospital. The Greece United Methodist Church women throw a baby shower for the Storehouse each year. This yields everything from diapers and snowsuits to infant clothing and everything in-between.

• Everyone who is referred to the Storehouse receives a new pair of socks. During the months of October through March, those needing a blanket receive a new one. These are items purchased from our budget, a budget that is strengthened by our annual basement and Christmas craft sales.

• Memorial gifts can be designated for the Storehouse. We are also a United Way Agency and receive quarterly assistance. Remember the Storehouse when you make your United Way pledge!

Asbury First Storehouse: In the BeginningBy Betsy Christiansen

The Asbury First Storehouse is celebrating 50 years of service to the Rochester community in 2015. How did the Storehouse become an institution at Asbury First? In the next few issues

of The Visitor, we will tell that story.

There would not have been a Storehouse without the “Good Samaritan Committee.” The commit-tee was approved by action of the board of trustees on May 3, 1965. The purpose was to give im-mediate aid on an interim basis to any member of Asbury First, identified by the ministers, who was facing a personal crisis – illness or death in the family, financial or legal issues. A start-up fund was approved, and the congregation was also asked to contribute to the “Samaritan Trea-sury” to assist those in need.

In November of 1965, the Good Samaritan Committee met with the chairpersons of the various church groups to gather ideas for ways to serve those who needed a helping hand. Plans were made to begin a “Samaritan Storehouse.” The following notice appeared in the November 14, 1965 Visitor.

All types of good winter clothing, except shoes, for all ages are requested. Please bring clothing suitable for church, business and school wear to the hallway rack in 1010. All articles should be clean, pressed, reasonably current in style, and tagged with appropriate size. Tags for this purpose are on the shelf above the rack. Mrs. Lois Aldridge is in charge of the “Storehouse” for November; Mrs. Clare Berry, for December. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Dolly Rugg or Mrs. Ada Finley.

The first location of the Storehouse was on the second floor of 1010 East Avenue. At the beginning, the Storehouse served church mem-bers. Stay tuned for the rest of the story in our next issue!

continued on next page, bottom.

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• A new or next-to-new toy is given to each child who visits the Storehouse. We encourage parents to take as many books to read to their children as they wish. The “Christmas for Store-house Kids” program provides us with much-needed toys dur-ing the holidays.

• For items that we lack, there are volunteer shoppers who buy items such as plates, drinking glasses, silverware, pots and pans, and children’s clothing. We are always understocked in children’s clothing.

• Our volunteers sort, clerk, and serve as receptionists. Cus-tomers are referred to us from more than 120 social service agencies in the greater Rochester area. An appointment is necessary in order for us to serve you. We welcome our customers with open arms, open hearts, and a desire to be of assistance in finding everything needed.

• The neighbors we serve are not just in the greater Rochester area. In 2009, the Storehouse board voted to support the

KIVA project (www.kiva.org). Our initial contribution of personal money ($150.00) was invested in the entrepreneural clothing initiatives of women in the developing world. These women, from countries such as Peru and Nicaragua, bor-rowed money from us and from other churches or individuals willing to loan start-up dollars. Each time a loan is repaid in the amount of $25, we reinvest that $25 in another clothing project.

We, the volunteers of the Asbury First Storehouse, are good stew-ards of all we receive. We are a beehive of activity from Monday through Thursday and on Saturday mornings, serving our com-munity with care and love. Our new logo will carry our service motto forward for, hopefully, another 50 years: “Asbury First United Methodist Church Storehouse, -for clothing, -for home, -for love of neighbor.”

Come, bring your donations; or come and visit; better yet, come and volunteer. We need you!

Storehouse: View Behind the Scenes, continued from page 8

Attention kids ages four through fifth

grade! On Sunday, March 8, meet your

teacher in your Sunday school room then

come to Fellowship Hall to learn about the

the Lord’s Prayer. We’ll enjoy music, crafts,

storytelling, games, pretzel making, and

a better understanding of the beautiful

prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. Pretzel

Sunday has been an Asbury First tradition

for more than 40 years – and don’t forget,

you get to eat your own hand-made

pretzels, warm from the oven!

Pretzel SundaySunday, March 8 ~ 9:45 a.m.-noon

Pie for SaleSunday, March 15

Our youth will be selling delicious homemade pies

before and after all services on March 15 in honor of Pi

Day (3/14 ... get it?) Pies will be $10, with 100 percent of

the sales going to support our Asbury First youth mis-

sions. Director of Youth Ministries Mike Mullin notes that

this is is SUPERPi year: the number represented by Pi is

3.141592653. Thus, he strongly suggests that you pause

on March 14, 2015 at 9:26 (and 53 seconds!) and think

about pie.

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All these and more were part of 2014’s hugely successful Asbury First Tent Week that welcomed more than 1,000 people to our big top tent on East Ave. This year, we’re hosting this party once again and we want YOU to help. Check out the volunteer roles we’re hoping to fill for Tent Week 2015 below, and let Kelly Mueller (kelmueller@gmail.com) know by February 27 if you’d like to help out. The team will meet monthly March-May and bi-weekly June-July.

tent week

The Brainery Spectacular! A Community Jam! An Interfaith Festival! Food trucks! A Health Night!

Producers/Curators for each night (6-7 Total: Friday-Thursday)Producers will present and manage the details of how and what each night will be. The executive team will vote on the framework and each producer will lead all production and planning for one day of the event.

Program DirectorThis person manages most of Tent Week’s overall day-of logistics, and is responsible for creating a “Tent Week experience” for our guests. They will serve as the contact with Asbury First’s facility staff, manage day-of event logistics outside of the main stage, and are in charge of overall venue, security, and facility needs.

Audio and Production Director Assistant Director of Audio and ProductionThis team has the important task of overseeing the audio and production of the events each night.

Finance DirectorThis team member is responsible for raising money from sponsors for event expenses and managing the event’s finances. Communications DirectorAssistant Director of Communications – Website and Social Media FocusThis is the team that is responsible for promoting the event to the public. The director and assistant director will develop and manage the overall marketing plan for Tent Week. The team will be responsible for creating and managing a strong print and online presence of the week’s event, including website content and social media. This work will be in close collaboration with Asbury First’s communications director, Mary Van Keuren.

LEAD OrgAnizErS: Maggie Tobin & Kelly MuellerSTAFF LiAiSOn: rev. Dr. Stephen Cady

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youth ministry newsSouperbowl Sunday: A Perfect GameIf you watched the Superbowl this year, you know it was a nail-biter of a game, com-plete with the ubiquitous over-the-top commercials and and head-shaking play calls. For some Asbury First friends, the day was made even better by our youth, who cooked and sold 240 quarts of delicious soup in support of youth missions.

Youth fundraisers throughout the year play a vital role in allowing everyone who wish-es to participate in mission trips. This year, the senior youth will travel to the Navajo na-tion to assist families with home repairs; the junior group will head to the Adirondacks region to work at a United Methodist camp. While there, the kids have the chance to build life-time bonds while helping those in need: a real win-win situation.

How did this year’s Souperbowl sale do? Our members and friends brought their A game, and helped the youth to sell out, raising more than $2,000!

Following the successful sale, the youth, in keeping with the theme of the day, went bowling at L & M Lanes in Rochester. While there, they posed for some photos: top, l to r: Joe Lamica, Allie Lamica, Amber Conrow, and Haley Guidice; bottom, Tyler Deskins, Allie Lamica, Amber Conrow, and Emily Hanrahan.

What does it take to make 110 quarts of soup? That was the question answered by the youths’ soup-making event. Great recipes from AFUMC member and caterer Sandra Holloway were the beginning. Math skills were essential in order to expand the two quart “family reci-pes” into 30 quart concoctions. Prices were checked at several local grocery stores and all ingredients were purchased and delivered to the church kitchen. Then the fun began!

Saturday morning, seven youth joined four adults for a chop-ping, peeling and stirring party. In order to make the three va-rieties of soup in the quantities demanded, 43 cups of onions, 31 cups of peppers, 1 cup of garlic, 32 cups of zucchini and 40 pounds of potatoes were peeled and chopped, and more 55 cans were opened. Four hours later, six 20 quart pots were bubbling on the stove. While a few continued to stir the pot, the others made signs, prepared the quart containers and started the clean-up process. By 3:30 p.m., the soup was

cooked, packaged and the kitchen cleaned. We were ready for Sunday’s sale!

–Laurie Kennedy

Ham and Corn Chowder (makes about two quarts)a Souperbowl Sale Favorite!3 T. olive oil1 C. diced onion1 C. diced green pepper2 T. flour1 T. sugar1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced2 cans chicken broth, heated (15 oz.)1 bay leaf½ t. salt and pepper1 C. milk 1 can yellow corn, drained (we used ½ can creamed corn and

½ can whole corn)¼ pound ham, diced

Saute onion and pepper in olive oil until tender. Sprinkle with flour and sugar and stir for two minutes. Add the potatoes and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Add the milk, corn and ham. Heat for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.

Behind the Scenes: Prepping for the Souperbowl Sale

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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

Joanne & Brian WhiteJoanne and Brian have two children, Keegan (far left) and Madison (far right) and live in Henrietta. Joanne is a teacher of the deaf/special ed consultant teacher with the Rush Henrietta School District, while Brian works as a program-mer/analyst for Excellus BCBS.

Susan & Mark LeaderSusan and Mark have two pre-school children, Benjamin and Caroline, and live in Rochester. Susan is a talent aquisition assistant at HR Works and Mark is a teacher in the Webster Central School District.

Marilyn and John SouleMarilyn and John are retired, and live in Webster. The Soules hope to explore a variety of ministries at Asbury First, inlcuding the Din-ing Center, and Men’s and Women’s Fellowship groups.

Brennan & Heather RedmondBrennan and Heather got married last year and live in Rochester. Brennan is a financial advisor with Brighton Securities and Heather is a patient consultant with Lindsay House.

Lorraine Fusare(second from left in picture above with the White family)Lorraine, a retired teacher, lives in Scottsville. She has four adult children, and enjoys music, study-ing scripture, and visiting shut-ins.

Chris ParksChris and his wife Vesna live in Rochester with their two sons, Quentin (left) and Gavin.

continued on next page

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Susan HuppÉSusan, one of Asbury First’s soloists, is a teacher with the Hilton Central School District. She lives in Rochester with her children, Kate and Madeleine.

Kathy YoungKathy is single and lives in Rochester. She looks forward to exploring outreach ministries at As-bury First such as the Storehouse and School 41 reading program.

Marlyn AgardMarlyn lives with her husband, Ronald, in West Henrietta. They have one adult son. She’s inter-ested in exploring the Women’s Fellowship Group and Grocery Bag Ministry at Asbury First.

Our membership of talented people has, once again, made a difference.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website, at www.asburyfirst.org. This is the result of a lot of work done by our website committee and an outside firm, Mason Digital, over the past year, and it is made possible by your annual pledges and gifts to the church.

We learned early in the process, through a survey taken by many friends and mem-bers of the church, that visitors to our site are looking for information on events and schedules, connecting to our live stream, and exploring service opportunities and contact information. Some visitors are searching for a church for themselves or others. In addition, people are making online donations that are critical to the programs of our church. With this framework in mind, we launched a website re-fresh.

Our goal with this site is to provide our members and commu-nity visitors with an easier way to learn about what Asbury First does, why we do what we do, and how to get involved. We will add events and information on a regular basis, and feature The VisiTor newsletter in a digital edition that presents information on current “hot topics” related to the lives of our congregants and community. You may also visit the site to learn about volunteer opportunities that will be posted as they become available.

Asbury First Launches New Responsive Website

Our most significant addition to the new site is the calendar that was custom-made to serve the needs of our church. This robust function allows viewers to check the time, date, and place of all Asbury First-sponsored events – from meetings to parties to worship services. We want to remind committee and other group lead-ers to contact our calendar administrator, Melody Guadagnino, so that we can keep this information as current as possible. You can reach Melody at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.

Another improvement incorporated into the site was the use of responsive de-

sign to create a site that is easily readable on smartphones and tablets as well as desktop computers. If you scale the windows to different sizes you’ll see that the elements on each page re-configure themselves to provide a more easily-read and flexible image, no matter what the size.

We hope you find the new website fresh, easy to use, and informative. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Mary Van Keuren, and Melody Guadagnino for their extra hours invested to create this site as well as the website committee of Jeff Beach, Bob Castle, Jen Latshaw, Kurt Mueller, Kelly Mueller (chairper-son), Mike Mullin, Ryan Reynolds, Carol Trout, and Cory Tylenda. Please send us your feedback at info@asburyfirst.org.

by Kelly Mueller

AFUMC office manager Melody Guadagnino checks out the home page of the new church website.

New members, continued from page 10

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Bach’s Mass in B minor to be Performed at Asbury Firstby Jeanne Strong

To commemorate the 330th

anniversary of the March 21, 1685 birth of Johann Sebastian Bach, Asbury First’s Director of Music, Dr. William Weinert, will conduct his choral chamber group, Voices, in a performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor in the Asbury First Sanctuary on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. This concert is in conjunction with “BACH 330,” an international year-long concert series taking place in 2014-15 celebrating the music of J. S. Bach.

Dr. Weinert comments that “The idea for this concert came last year on Bach’s birthday. We were hosting a wonderful guest chorus at Asbury First, and I noticed that no Bach was being sung that night. I went home and figured out that March 21 this year was Bach’s 330th birthday, and that it fell on a Saturday. This seemed like the perfect time for Voices to perform the B-minor Mass, which we have been working up to for years. The Mass, like several other works of Bach’s last decade, is a summation; it displays his view toward all of the styles of sacred music that had been written over the previous hundred years. It was never performed in Bach’s lifetime, but it is often seen as the pinnacle of his church music.”

Widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of classical music, Bach’s Mass in B minor is a setting of the complete Latin Mass in twenty-seven sections. Scored for

five-part chorus, chamber orchestra, and continuo, the Mass includes sections for full chorus and for soloists. In the Asbury First performance, the soloists will be drawn from the twenty-five members of Voices. The piece is orchestrated for two flutes, two oboes d’amore, one natural horn (in D), three trumpets (in D), timpani, violins I and II, violas and basso continuo. For the performance at Asbury First, one of the flutists will be member Annette Farrington.

Founded and directed by Dr. Weinert, who is director of choral activities and a professor of conducting and ensembles at Eastman School of Music, Voices is a professional chamber chorus consisting of western New York’s finest ensemble singers. About half the singers are current graduate students at the Eastman School of Music who sing professionally, and half are professional community singers. They have appeared in concerts and broadcasts, performing music from the Renaissance through the twenty-first century. City newspaper described the ensemble’s

sound as “a sonic cloudburst,” and noted that “Voices marks a new era of choral vitality in Rochester.” Its connection to Asbury First is not only through our director of music, Dr. Weinert, but also through some of the singers who have sung or presently sing with our Sanctuary Choir, including Bess

Phillips, Dan McInerney, Dean Ekberg, Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Yunn-Shan Ma, and Yunjin Kim.

Although the Mass’s title specifies the key of B minor, the work does not completely create a dark and serious mood. Overall, after the first eight minutes of music, many of the subsequent sections are written in the relative key of D Major, a bright key that provides the tonality for a jubilant mood. Listen for trumpets in some of these sections. Caution – you might want to stand up and dance along!

The Mass in B minor was one of Bach’s last compositions, not completed until 1749, the year before his death. The first documented complete performance took place in 1859. On March 21, be in the Asbury First sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. to be thrilled by this commemorative performance of Bach’s masterpiece. There will be a $10 general admission and a reduced rate of $5 for students. Tickets will be available at the door.

&m u s i cthe a r t s

Voices Choral Chamber group, directed by Dr. Williem Weinert

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&m u s i cthe a r t s

Fear & Trust: the Music of J.S. Bach and G.F. HandelA collaborative concert celebrating the 330th birthdays of Bach & Handel, featuring Madrigalia and Musica Spei

David Chin, Guest Conductor

Saturday, February 28

7:30 p.m.

Asbury First Sanctuary

Tickets: $15; $5 students

In 1685, the Baroque style was the gold standard for the composers of Europe. 1685 was also the year in which Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Frederich Handel were born. By the early 18th century, the music composed

by Bach and Handel became the basis for the standard performing repertoire – then, as well as now. 1685 became the demarcation line between “early music” and the repertoire of the common period. Join us for this exciting program that

includes early music and masterworks by Bach and Handel.

Lycoming College ChoirSaturday, March 147:00 p.m.Asbury First SanctuaryDirected by Dr. Christopher Jackson

The program for this concert explores the balance between stark, ancient sounds

and lush romanticism, featuring classic works by Schütz, Palestrina, and Fauré, as well as modern compositions from Estonian composers Veljo Tormis and Urmas Sisask, and American composers Eric Whitacre and Daniel Elder. Come enjoy the juxtaposition of these works from vastly different times and places as this brilliantly talented choir paints a picture of old and new – of sea and sky.

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Upcoming Concerts at Asbury First

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library news

Children:Tales of Famous Animals, by Peter and Connie Roop.Seventeen animals inhabit these 112 pages with captivating illustrations of presidential pets (including an alligator), Balto the rescue dog, Koko the gorilla, Seabiscuit, Jumbo the elephant, and the origin of “Teddy Bear.” Ages 7-10 and animal lovers of all ages will be especially entranced.

The Color of Me, by Linda McDunn, Barbara Knutsen, illustrator.The Color of Me is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells of the many colors of God’s creation. The focus is on values of acceptance, appreciation, and respect for everything that God made. For children ages four to eight.

Bully, by Patricia Polacco.The author takes on cliques and online bullying as she reveals incidents in a sixth grade setting. The illustrations are helpful in telling the meaningful story of a girl who stands up for a friend. This depiction of early adolescent school life is especially appropriate for ages 7-10.

Youth:Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James Houston.This is the author’s true story of a 7-year-old who was sent, with her family, to an internment camp with 10,000 other Japanese Americans during WWII. Ages 12-17 will find this book compelling in its descriptions of camp life and communal living. Once envisioned as a memoir for the author’s extended family, this book has been reissued in light of the more recent tragedy of 9/11.

Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories, by Megan Kelly Hall and Carrie Jones.Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories of bullying — as silent observers on the sidelines of high school. The authors tell of having been bullies, bullied or bystanders in very short stories. Especially aimed at ages 14-17, and a useful resource for counselors and teachers.

Come explore the church library resources for all ages. The following are the March selections recommended for your reading. Stop by and take a look at the many diverse books available in the library’s collection. The library is located just off the gathering space near the elevators. Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE!

Adult:From the Heart: Eight Rules to Live By, by Robin Roberts.Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and former anchor of ESPN’s Sports Center, has written a compelling book revealing the secret to her success. A survivor of breast cancer, Roberts concludes her book by advising her listeners to break her rules and write their own: “live your life, let it happen, enjoy the ride.”

Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan.The devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind hymns of faith. The stories are of people whose faith led them to write these hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs. Words and music are included in the book. The library is collecting all three books in this series.

Meditations on Mary: Illustrated with Works by the Old Masters, by Kathleen Norris.Cited as a “gloriously illustrated gift book,” the bestselling words of a poet Kathleen Norris are wed to timeless masterpieces of the Virgin Mary. Located in the Spiritual Life Library at 1010 East Avenue.

Parenting:A String and a Prayer: How to Make and Use Prayer Beads, by Eleanor Wiley, Maggie Oman Shannon. A String and a Prayer recounts the history and symbolism of prayer beads. It teaches basic techniques for stringing beads and other objects into prayer beads, and offers a variety of prayers and rituals for use with those beads.

Grandloving: Making Memories with your Grandchildren, by Sue Johnson, Julie Carlson, Elizabeth Bower.Grandloving has hundreds of fun, low-cost activities for babies to teens and grandparenting advice from 350 families worldwide for both together and long distance projects. It’s a “sourcebook for making memories with grandchildren.”

March1 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 9:1-389 Daniel 9:1-1910 1 Samuel 1:1-28

17 Psalm 3018 Psalm 3119 Psalm 3220 Psalm 3321 Psalm 34

11 1 Samuel 2:1-1112 Psalm 413 Psalm 514 Psalm 1115 Psalm 1216 Psalm 13

22 Hebrews 1:1-1423 Hebrews 2:1-1824 Hebrews 3:1-1925 John 11:1-1626 John 11:17-4427 John 11:45-5728 John 12:1-1129 John 12:12-2630 John 12:27-5031 John 17:1-26

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

15

the last word1 by Michele Cooley 2

One Veteran’s Story

Fred Daniel has been in Rochester for the past

seven years. He is a veteran, having served in the

Army for seven years, and he has been coming

to the Asbury First Dining and Caring Center

since he arrived in town. He is one of our most

rugged and diligent volunteers.

Fred came to Rochester originally from Hous-

ton, Texas in the hope of establishing a long-

distance relationship which had developed. In-

stead, Fred found himself in an unfamiliar city

with no resources and no relationship. It seems

Fred had been deceived. He stayed at the Open

Door Mission for two and a half months and

started coming to the Dining Center.

While homeless, Fred met a fellow veteran and

they became outreach volunteers with medi-

cal students from the University of Rochester.

Their mission was to locate homeless people

in the city of Rochester who required medical

attention. (This project can be viewed on You-

Tube; search for “Taking It to the Streets U of

R”, and you can see Fred in action). He found

this very fulfilling and Fred worked with the

students for one year.

After living in a few apartments on and off,

Fred became homeless again in January 2014.

His mail did not reach him and he lost his

Department of Social Services benefits and

housing. He found himself living in a tent at

Sanctuary Village. This has been a controver-

sial housing alternative here in Rochester with

many of the former tent dwellers now placed in

a building on Canal Street. (Volunteers trans-

port people from Sanctuary Village to the Din-

ing Center each morning. )

Fred shared his memories of living in the tent:

“It was crowded with two or three people in

each tent. The tents were not really big enough.

There were at least 40 people per night in the

encampment. We had food, blankets, and fire-

wood until a fire erupted and the police inter-

vened. There were some arguments and fights

due to alcohol and drug abuse. People just had

to learn to control themselves.”

Fortunately Fred’s luck has changed. He is

living with a friend and hopes to get his own

apartment. He has received new boots from

volunteer Mal Traub through an ROTC

program, and volunteer and ADCC board

member Gary Brown brought Fred to a Gift

of Sight appointment facilitated by the Lions

Club, where he received new, free glasses. Mal

has taken Fred to appointments at the Veterans

Administration, and he is getting his VA pa-

perwork in order to receive benefits. He is now

connected to a Veterans Outreach worker. I

have been helping Fred acquire SNAP benefits

(formerly known as food stamps).

We are very thankful for Fred’s commitment to

the Dining Center. When I arrive at 5:45 a.m.

each morning Tuesday through Friday, Fred is

already here and ready to get to work. He has

been volunteering for us for the past four years

through all of his trials and tribulations. He

began as a greeter, moved up to laundry sign-

in person on Saturdays, and is now our grits

expert during the week, serving hot grits on

cold mornings. He is also there to help with our

Foodlink deliveries and is an all-around helper

and troubleshooter for six days each week. Af-

ter leaving here, Fred is out collecting cans and

bottles. He likes to be self-sufficient.

Fred has a lot of energy and values his role here.

“I am thankful for being alive. Overall I just do

what I do. There’s good times and bad times. I

try to help people. Its fun here and I meet new

volunteers. The people are very nice.” Fred un-

derestimates his involvement. We are extremely

thankful for his help.

There are many displaced and underserved vet-

erans in our community. At the Dining Center,

we work with the outreach workers, the Vet-

erans Administration, the Veterans Outreach

Center, and other programs to ensure that

these men and women have access to the ben-

efits they deserve. It is important to give back

to those who serve our country in the armed

forces.

If you would like to join Fred and other

volunteers, please contact Michele Cooley at

mcooley@asburyfirst.org or 461-0285, or

313-1918. We have many “snowbirds” who are

enjoying the warm climates down south. We

can use your help.

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

easter Altar Flower Donation FormGiven by: __________________________________________________

(Please Print Clearly)

Phone: Day ____________________ Evening ______________________

Please check one of the following and print the names clearly:

I would like the gift to be:

1. ___ In loving memory of ______________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. ___ In honor or celebration of ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________

3. ___ A donation

Please return this form to the church office, attention: Beverly Schuman, no later than

March 23. Please include your donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury

First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you.