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

MAY 2015 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 5

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

May 2015

Dear Friends,We just finished our DISCIPLE FAST-TRACK class and it was a joy to be a part of this first time class. We met weekly for 24 weeks and read our Bibles daily (or gave it a good effort!). The Thursday morning class has completed their study for the year as well and will begin anew in September. Are these signs that we are quieting down for the summer already? NOT A CHANCE!

Sunday mornings before worship, the adult class continues to meet and they have just begun a new book study centered on the book, “Beautiful Outlaw” by John Eldredge. If you would like to join, you are always welcome, at 9:00 am in the library.

On Tuesday, May 12th, 6:00 pm, we’ll begin a 5-week class that will explore what it means to be a United Methodist. This is a class for all who are interested in knowing more about our denomination, both locally and in the world. In all past classes, we’ve had a rich mix of some of our newest members and members who have been at Asbury for a lot of years. Join us if you can!

On Wednesday, May 6th at 6:30 pm, and Friday, May 8 at 5:30 pm, Walter Bruce, our Tai Chi “expert-in-residence,” will begin new classes for anyone who is interested in learning more about Tai Chi. Both classes are for all levels of experience. Try something new!

Hoping to see you at one of these great classes or the many other activities for the month that you’ll find listed throughout the newsletter!

1

2

M A Y W O R S H I P A S S I S T A N T SMay 3

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. Wayne and Edith DevinoGreeters............................. The Costello FamilyFellowship Hour................. The Costello FamilyAltar Flowers...................... Lorna Baxter May 10

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. JoAnn Bacon Greeters............................. The Beveridge FamilyFellowship Hour................. The Beveridge FamilyAltar Flowers The Landeen Family May 17

 

Worship Leader 10:00 a..m. Bill KingGreeters............................. The Bacon FamilyFellowship Hour................. The Bacon FamilyAltar Flowers...................... Open

May 24 

Worship Leaders 10:00 a.m. Debbie BechertGreeters............................. Pat Sallstrom & Virginia Jacobs

May 31 

Worship Leaders 10:00 a.m. ConfirmandsGreeters............................. ConfirmandsFellowship Hour................. MembershipAltar Flowers...................... Gardner Wright

Altar Guild 

Betty Hussey Birthday Caller

 

Lucille Hamel Soup Kitchen

 

Christian Outreach 8:30 a.m. Worship Leader

 

Carl Aspland, Donna Motyl, Mike Motyl, Denise Krom

Ushers

M A Y B I R T H D A Y S01 Marion Mullins

Jennifer Burrow02 Bruce Wazorko04 Kevin Fuller

Todd HaslerDonna AdamsDawn HazzardChristy BolducStephanie ClarkAva Grennan

06 Amy Majors07 Dan Fasci

Pamela ClarkBrian HaganNicole Bruce

08 Brian Costello09 Virginia Jacobs

Megan KirschnerErik JohnsonShane Heinzman

11 Deanna KeddyAlexander CorvoRyan Corvo

12 John Ingellis IIJim DoncetAiden Lockhart

14 Ruby IrishCameron Derench

15 Scott ColapietroJennifer Charette

17 Alvina GetchellLauren Kirschner

18 Arthur Decker20 Bruce Parsons

Bradley PinetteSharon Scott

22 Skylee Henry23 Jay Martin

Ryan PogemillerHarriet DonovanDaria AveryNathan Butler

24 Daniel MartinChristine RipaMargaret RuelJean LunnRebecca Hoge

26 Daneen PetersonTheresa Spaulding

27 Karen FioriniRaymond PrattBen Burrow

28 Elene M. MyersJackson Esposito

29 Lynda MartinErnest Szydlo, IIIBilly Cranford III

31 Ellie Hudson

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

3

In Our Thoughts and Prayers…

Heidi F. Borkowski has been named Executive Director of the Independent Electrical Contractors of New England, based in Rocky Hill.

A Note from the Memorials Committee: When making out a check for the Book of Remembrance, please write the name of the person memoralized in

the memo portion of the check.

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.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.

3

Plainville Choral Society presents"Juke Box Memories"

A fast moving up tempo evening of good musicMay 2, 8, & 9

at 7:30 pm at Plainville High School

Music will be from: "All Shook Up" (Elvis Presley)

"Mamma Mia" (ABBA) "Beautiful" (Carole King) and "Jersey Boys" (Frankie Valli).

Dancing in the aisles is allowedTicket Price: In Advance $12  At Door $15 

See Mal Cummings for more information

4

Thank you LettersDear Asbury Friends, Thank you for all the lovely cards sent to me and also the little gift surprises. It really brightens up the day. I enjoy reading the Circuit Rider and following all the activities going on. Your thoughtfulness and kindness is greatly appreciated by many. Good wishes to everyone for a marvelous summer.

With love,Elsie Lyons

Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude to all our church family during the last 3 months. Without your help and support, and indeed, your prayers, I could not have gotten through this time. All the rides, phone calls, gifts of food and expressions of concern were literally a God send for me. Your visits and cards to Stan were a day brightener for him. Especially that wonder dog, Chili. It was a great comfort to me that you all pitched in to make the memorial service a beautiful tribute to Stan. He was smiling I know. Stacey and her amazing team, providing a wonderful lunch – Norm, our resident Master Chef providing meatballs, sausage and chicken, much praised by the diners – Karren Grayson for her beautiful job on presenting the pictures – those who shared memories of Stan – a special thanks to Malcom Cummings’ vocal tribute accompanied by Jana Ros – and our ever faithful Melissa Gray for the bulletin. I will never forget the steadfast spiritual, emotional and practical support offered by Pastor Laura. She had a knack for being there at just the right time. She is truly a dedicated servant of the Lord, and we are blessed to have her as the shepherd of our flock. Thank you again for your kindness and love. I wish you all, All of God’s blessings. May He continue to smile on Asbury Church evermore.

In His Love,Audrey Kasakowski

Dear Asbury, I want to thank everyone that helped out with the Tag Sale setting up, donating, pricing, jewelry room, grill, bake sale, picking up, and the people that brought the leftovers to Savers. With all the work put into the Tag Sale, we made $2,175.00.

Thank you all and God Bless,Ann Morin

FROM KNIT FOR KIDSDear Asbury,

Thank you for the beautiful, hand-made items you recently mailed to us. Each of your generous gifts will soon warm the body and soul of a child in great need.

Your handmade gifts are meeting critical needs of the world’s poorest children, often intervening during life-saving situations. Please know that your loving gifts are making a difference!

Blessings,World Vision’s Knit for Kids

THE BACK PACK PROGRAMWhat’s in the

Shopping Cart for May?Canned Pasta Dinners

(Ravioli, Spaghetti O’s, Beefaroni, etc.)

If we nurture their bodies, Teachers can nurture their minds.

Thank you for placing your donation in the shopping cart located in the Narthex.

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

Tuesday, June 2ndfrom 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

MAYGod’s Renewing Word

1 1 Corinthians 12.1-31 2 1 Corinthians 14.1-40 3 1 Corinthians 15.1-11 4 1 Corinthians 15.12-34 5 1 Corinthians 15.35-58 6 Romans 8.1-17 National Day of Prayer 7 Romans 8.18-39 8 Romans 12.1-21 9 2 Corinthians 1.1-11 10 2 Corinthians 2.12—3.18 11 2 Corinthians 4.1-15 12 2 Corinthians 4.16—5.10 13 2 Corinthians 5.11-21 Ascension Day (Western Churches) 14 Acts 1.1-26 15 John 15.18—16.4a 16 John 16.4b-33 17 Ezekiel 1.1-28 18 Ezekiel 2.1-10 19 Ezekiel 3.1-27 20 Ezekiel 34.1-31 21 Ezekiel 36.1-38 22 Ezekiel 37.1-28 23 Joel 2.28—3.21 Pentecost (Western Churches) 24 Acts 2.1-13 25 Acts 2.14-47 26 Galatians 1.1-24 27 Galatians 2.1-21 28 Galatians 3.1-29 29 Galatians 4.1-31 30 Galatians 5.1-26 31 Galatians 6.1-18 Orthodox Christians will observe Ascension Day on May

21 and Pentecost on May 31.

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

The Bristol Choral Society Presents“Colors of the Rainbow”

Saturday May 9th at 7 pmSt. Paul High School

1001 Stafford Avenue, Bristol

Admission: $12.00Tickets available at the following locations: Fiddlin’ Around Music, Michael’s Jewelers, Shannon’s Jewelers, Simply Hair, from any BCS member, Ken Ferris @ 860-675-3915 or on line at www.bristolchoralsociety.org.

5

6

F E L L O W S H I PSave The

May 5 @ 5:00 pm – Wendy’s Fundraiser May 6 @ 6:30 pm – Tai Chi  May 8 @ 5:30 pm – Tai Chi May 9 @ 8:00 am – Spring Clean Up May 10 Mother’s Day May 17 @ 11:00 am – Ghana Mission Trip Presentation

May 25 – Memorial Day @ 11:30 am – Forestville Parade

May 31 Confirmation Sunday

Senior Fellowship

May 7 – Tea Cup Auction, Lunch - TBD

May 14 – Crafts with Pat, Pizza Lunch in

May 21 – Tour of Bristol Police Department, Lunch out

May 28 – Birthday Celebration, Bingo, Bring a Sandwich

On Saturday May 9th, 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 MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Monday, May 25th

At 11:30 a.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the church lawn and enjoy the parade with your Asbury family. Don’t forget to bring your appetites to the United Methodist Men’s Hot Dog and Soda Sale, and finish it off with a wonderful dessert from the Ruth Circle’s Bake Sale.

Ruth Circle would love to include your special baked goodie in their sale. If you can help, bring your baked item to the church no later than 10 am on the day of the parade.

The Senior Fellowship is looking for some new members. Any and all persons that are in the senior age group are welcome to join us any Thursday at 10:15 am in Wesley Hall. Come and bring a friend!

COMING TO ASBURY IN MAY

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Sunday, May 3rd Academic and Camp Scholarship Offering

taken during worship services Here is your chance to help the members of our church as they will be tomorrow’s leaders in our society as well as leaders here at Asbury. On Sunday, May 3th an offering will be taken to assist with scholarships. In particular, the Academic Scholarship is in need of replenishing its funds. Part of the scholarship award comes from interest earned in our investments with the Frontier Foundation. Since only half of the currently low interest earned is allowed to go to the awards, your donations are quite important to our award recipients as they continue their education endeavors. You can give to either one or both scholarships through the use of the envelopes in your pew. Important: enter your name on the envelope and indicate which scholarship before placing the envelope in the offering plate. And please visit www.nyaccamps.org to learn more about Kingswood and Quinipet Methodist Camps.

Sunday, May 10th Blanket Sunday Offering

taken during worship services The following represent some of the many ways Blanket Sunday Offerings are utilized by Church World Service:

Connecticut – 150 heavyweight blankets to First Church of Christ in Hartford for distribution to homeless and economically disadvantaged.

Michigan – 2,000 Emergency Cleanup Buckets to an American Red Cross distribution center in Detroit, following heavy rains in the region.

Kentucky – 300 blankets, 240 hygiene kits and 360 emergency cleanup buckets to the Sisters of Hope Charitable Community and Disaster Relief Outreach following a 2014 flood.

Asbury UMC is holding a clothing drive collection from now through May 31, 2015. 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

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

Please join us on Sunday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m.as we celebrate and welcome into membership

our 2015 Confirmands!

Please join us on Sunday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m.as the Children and Youth of Asbury

lead us in worship.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015SOMETHING BIG IS COMING

8

The Balcony Boys baseball team will meet for practice at the Greene-Hills diamond this evening at 6:45. All members are urged to be present.

May 4, 1871

May 14, 1930

The pulpit of the church here is at present supplied by Rev. J. Atkins of Bristol. The pastor is temporarily laid aside from labor, suffering from lung and throat disease. It is feared that he will be compelled to desist from preaching. (There are many references to the disability of the pastor, the Rev. Loren Webb. His obituary was reported in the February issue of Yesterdays at Asbury.

May 7, 1955The Asbury Methodist Church auditorium was well filled last evening at the Family Night Observance. The program opened at 7 o’clock with a tour through the new addition to the building. The following program was presented at 7:45 o’clock. Processional hymn by the Junior Choir; scripture reading by Howard Simmons; anthem by the Junior Choir.

The nursery class under the direction of Miss Doris Manchester presented a demonstration; song by Miss Ethel Manchester’s beginner’s class; song by Mrs. Ernest Phillips’ primary class; reading of class-made scroll by third grade; recitation of the First Psalm by Mrs. Harry Law’s fourth grade class. A film strip “Arrest and Trial of Jesus” was shown. Refreshments were served by Mrs. Earl Carruthers, Mrs. Arthur Boyd, Mrs. /Clifford Reynolds, Mrs.. Earl Brightman and Mrs. Edwin A. Hartney.

May 5, 1930

About twelve young married couples assembled at Asbury M. E. Church last Friday evening for the purpose of forming a Young Married Couples Club. Mrs. Davis opened the meeting, explaining a few details and the purpose of the club. Officers for the coming year were elected, those being chosen are: Mrs. Harold Reed, president; Searle Brewster, vice-president; Mrs. Harry Law, secretary; Harold Pease, treasurer. The following appointments were made by the president: Irving Beatson, chairman program committee; Mrs. Carl Johansen, chairman refreshment committee; Fred R. Downs, chairman by-laws committee; Mrs. George Truax, chairman membership committee. Following the business meeting, a social time was enjoyed under the direction of Irving Beatson, after which refreshments were served. Any married couples who are members of the Asbury M.E. Church are asked to join and if they will communicate with Mrs. George Truax, their request will be taken care of. The next meeting of the club will take place on June 4th at the church.

May 18, 1905

The Usher Club are to give a Japanese tea in the lecture room of the Methodist Church Monday evening, May 22nd, and an entertainment, the principal feature of which is a Japanese parasol drill by nine young women in Japanese costume. Miss Clara B.M. Douglass will give a Japanese recitation and tea will be served in the Japanese style and the cups and saucers used will be donated as souvenirs.

The information is courtesy of the Bristol Press and the Public Library. It is reproduced as it was originally presented.

If you have…any pictures or documents from Asbury’s past, please contact Karren Grayson.

Don’t forget…To check out the display cases and boards in the Narthex. Karren changes them frequently, and are a wonderful way to connect with the past.

Yesterdays at Asbury

Karren Grayson, Asbury’s Historian will be publishing each month in the newsletter a series entitled, “Yesterdays at Asbury”. It is a recollection of our history from the Bristol Press and the Bristol Library. The information was first collected as part of the 125th Anniversary celebration.

May 19,1955May 19, 1955 – Cecil Eisenhauer was elected president of the newly formed Methodist Men’s organization at the meeting last evening at Asbury Methodist church. Other officers to serve for the coming year are Edward A. Perret, vice-president ; Albert St. Onge, secretary and Warren Doe, treasurer.

Rev. George A. Withey of Meriden, former pastor, gave a lecture and showed pictures of Cuba. A social hour followed.

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

Copyright © Sermons4Kids, Inc.

May be reproduced for Ministry Use

9

Shoe Box Project

Children’s Page

9

10

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

2Women’s Retreat9:30 am – 3:00 pm

3 Communion, One Room Sunday School, Campership/Academic Scholarship Collection

9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

11:30 AM Christian Outreach

11:30 AM Nominations

4

6:15 PM Girl Scouts

7:30 PM NA

59:00 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

6

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

7

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

8

5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

9

Spring Clean Up8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

10 Mother’s Day, Blanket Sunday

9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

11:30 AM Education

11:30 AM Confirmation Class

11

5:30 PM Church Council

7:30 PM NA

129:00 AM Crochet Class

3:30 PM Soup Kitchen

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

6:00 PM Methodism 101

8:00 PM AA

13

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

14

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

155:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

16

17 Ghana Presentation

9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

Circuit Rider Deadline

18

6:15 PM Girl Scouts

7:00 PM American Legion

7:30 PM NA

199:00 AM Crochet Class

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Stephen Ministry

6:00 PM Bell Choir

6:00 PM Methodism 101

8:00 PM AA

20

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

21

10:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

22

5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

23

249:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

25

11:30 AM Parade

7:30 PM NAOFFICE CLOSED

MEMORIAL DAY

269:00 AM Crochet Class

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

6:00 PM Methodism 101

8:00 PM AA

276:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:30 PM Tai Chi

7:30 PM Chancel Choir

2810:15 AM Seniors

5:00 PM Exercise Class

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

6:00 PM TOPS

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

29

5:30 PM Tai Chi

6:00 PM Girl Scouts

30

Girl Scout BBQ Fundraiser

31 Confirmation Sunday, Peace With Justice Sunday9:00 AM Sunday Morning Study Group

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 RMAY

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

Headline text to go here

Onetur an honeste, qui vel men se brevi vel toto est iunior anno. Onetur an honeste, qui vel. Onetur an honeste, qui vel men se brevi vel toto est iunior anno. Onetur an honeste, qui vel. Onetur an honeste, qui vel men se brevi vel toto est iunior anno. Onetur an honeste, qui vel.

Shoe Box Project