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Winter/Spring 2015 | ED
UC
ATION
& EV
ENTS
New Opportunities for Growth and Fellowship! Check out the classes, seminars, and other events
inside!
Opportunities for Children and Familiessee pages 4 & 5
Youth Ministry
see pages 6 & 7
Adult Study
page 8
Worship Opportunities
see pages 10 & 11
Adult Fellowship Groups
see pages 12 & 13
Art Classes
see page 15
Music & the Artssee pages 16 & 17
CalendarSee pages 18 & 19
United Methodist Church1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607
(585) 271-1050www.asburyfirst.org
Asbury First
“Bless thou the gifts our hands have brought;bless thou the work our hearts have planned.Ours is the faith, the will, the thought;the rest, O God, is in thy hand.”-Samuel Longfellow, “Bless Thou the Gifts,” 1886.
Sunday Morning Worship• 8:30a.m.TraditionalServicewithAsburySingers• 10:00a.m.ChancelServicewithHolyCommunion• 11:00a.m.TraditionalServicewithSanctuaryChoir
Become a Member of our Faith Family AreyouinterestedinknowingmoreaboutAsburyFirst?Wantto
findouthowyoucanbecomemoreinvolved?Joinourfive-weeknew
membersorientationseries.Allarewelcome!
Springclassseriesbegin:
• Sunday,March1(joiningMarch29)
• Sunday,April19(joiningMay17)
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AFUMC Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Worship Times ~ Becoming a Member
Children’s Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Sunday School ~ Wednesday Evenings ~ Movie Night ~ Pretzel Sunday
~ Prayer Night ~ Family Carnival ~ VBS
Youth Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Sunday Schedule ~ Fundraisers ~ Retreats ~ Talent Show ~ Confirmation
Adult Study & Fellowship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Way of Forgiveness ~ Study Group ~ United Methodism 101 ~ Prison
Pipeline discussion
Worship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Labyrinth ~ Taizé ~ Lent & Holy Week ~ Confirmation/Pentecost
~ Youth Sunday
Adult Fellowship and Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Adult Sunday School ~ Women on Wednesday ~ Men’s Devotional
Group ~ Women’s Fellowship Hour
Fellowship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Art Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Music and the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Madrigalia ~ Bach ~ Envisioning the Passion ~ Salon Series Concerts
Spring Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Holy Superheroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . backcover
What’s Inside?•
• children’s ministry
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Yourchild’sfaithjourneyisimportanttousandwewanttobeheretoguide
him/heralongtheway.Weofferawidevarietyofactivitiesforyouandyourchild(ages0tofifthgrade)togrowtogetherinfaiththroughouttheyear.Havequestions?ConnectwithPaulaDugan(pdugan@asburyfirst.org),or(585)271-1050x111tofindouttheanswers!Weencourageyoutocheckouttheeventscalendaratwww.asburyfirst.orgforthemostupdatedlistingofchildren’sministryactivities.Below,youwillfindourspringministryofferings:
Sunday Mornings
Sunday School(9:45-10:45a.m.,agesfourtofifthgrade)OurclassroomsarealivewithactivitiesthathelpchildrenlearnhowGodlovesthem!Childrenaredividedintoclassesaccordingtoage.Eachgrouphasacurricu-lum(currentlyusingGrow Proclaim Serve)thatsharesBiblestories.
WorshipChildrenarewelcometostaywiththeirparentsduringtheentireservice(servicesareat8:30,10,and11am).Duringthe11:00servicewealsoofferthefollowingopportunitiesforchildrenagedfouryearsoldthroughfifthgradefollowingthechildren’ssermon:
• EnrichmentChildrenagesfour-secondgradeattendlessonsfocusedonScriptureandthesermontopicoftheday.Secondfloor,educationwing.
• Bible BeatChildreninthird-fifthgradesparticipateinlessonsthatexploreScriptureandthesermontopicoftheday.Secondfloor,educationwing.
Children may be picked up after the service in the second floor, education wing.
Childcare(locatedonthefirstfloorintheeducationwing)We offer professional childcare for ages 0-3 during every worship service. Our childcare is divided into two rooms: The “Creche” for newborns through to 18 months and the “Rainbow Room” for 18 months through 3 years of age.
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Wednesday Evenings
Children’s Musical GroupsOurchildren’smusicalgroupsrehearseonWednesdayevenings.Pleasechecktheeventscalendarforthemostupdatedtime:• HallelujahKids(vocalchoir,gradesK-2,practice5:15-5:45p.m.)• Children’sChoir(vocalchoir,grades3-5,practice6:25-7:00p.m.)• WesleyRingers(bellchoir,grades3-5,practice7:00-7:30p.m.)Allarewelcome,regardlessofmusicalability.Formoreinformationcontactourchildren’smusicdirectorBozenaGranat(Bozena_Granat@bcsd.org)
Family DinnerWeofferafamilydinnerat5:45p.m.withadonationoftwodollarsperperson.
Other ProgramsThroughouttheyear,weoffernon-musicalactivitiesonWednesdayeveningsforthosewhoareinterested.
Fun Faithful Family Events in 2015
Eachyear,AsburyFirsthostseventsforfamilies.Forthemostupdatedlistingoftimes,pleasechecktheeventscalendar.Ifyouarelookingforwholesome,educa-tional,faith-basedfun,thencheckoutthefollowingevents:
Movie Night;February7–family-friendly movie and pizza.
“Mini” Vacation Bible School;February17-19–take the plunge into this beach-themed exploration of faith, wor-ship, and service.
Pretzel Sunday;March8–Children explore and learn Lenten lessons while making delicious pretzels.
Good Friday Family Prayer Night;April3–Families share communion on this very holy day and learn new and differ-ent ways to pray for each other before the evening Good Friday service.
Children’s Musical;May16-17–come and watch our talented children, or have your kids be a part of this faith-building experience. Auditions are coming soon for this year’s production of “The Tale of the Three Trees”; watch your bulletin for more information.
Family Church Carnival;June7–a Sunday morning filled with laughter and fun.
Vacation Bible School;August3-6–a week of faith-filled fun for children ages four through entering sixth grade.
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Youth Ministry
Souper Bowl SundaySunday, February 1
Our youth will once again be making and
selling soup before and after the services
on February 1 in honor of Superbowl
Sunday. The soup will be pre-packaged
in microwaveable quart-sized containers
and may be purchased for $10. 100% of
the sales will go to support our Asbury
First Youth Missions!
Pie for Pi SaleSunday, March 15
Our youth will be making and selling pies
before and after the services on March 15
in honor of Pi Day (3/14/15). Full-sized
pies will be $10 with 100 percent of the
sales going to support our Asbury First
Youth Missions.
Up!Word Upper NY Annual Conference Youth RetreatFriday-Sunday, April 24-26
All youth in 8th-12th grades are encour-
aged to join us for Up!Word, the an-
nual conference wide retreat held near
Syracuse. This is a wonderful opportu-
nity to gather together with youth from
all across the conference in a weekend of
faith, fun, and fellowship!
Church-Wide Talent ShowSaturday, May 9
Asbury’s Got Talent! So why not share
it? Join us on Saturday, May 9 in Fel-
lowship Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for
a potluck dinner followed by the talent
show. This event is free and open to the
public—and if you would like to share
your talents in the show, “auditions” (we
do our best to make space for everyone)
will likely be the week before. We will
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Basic sunday schedule
Who? When? What? Where?
6th-7th grades 9:45-10:45 a.m. Sunday School Campfire Room
8th grade 9:45-10:45 a.m. Confirmation Room 16
9th-12th grades 9:45-10:45 a.m. UMYF-AM Youth Room
6th-12th grades 4:00-5:00 p.m. Youth Bells Bell Room
6th-8th grades 5:00-6:00 p.m. Youth Group Campfire Room
9th-12th grades 5:00-6:00 p.m. Choir Wesley Hall
all 6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner and Clean-up Fellowship Hall
9th-12th grades 6:30-8:00 p.m. Senior High UMYF Youth Room
6th-8th grades 7:00-8:00 p.m. Choir Wesley Hall
have more information to come as the
date approaches.
Confirmation Sunday Sunday, May 17 – (11:00 service)
Celebrate along with us as we support
another group of our youth as they make
the commitment to confirm their faith
and become full members of Asbury
First United Methodist Church.
Youth SundaySunday, June 14
This is the first Sunday of our summer
service schedule – and what better way
to celebrate than by having the service
prepared, produced, and put on by our
youth. This service is always inspiring,
and provides us with a wonderful op-
portunity to highlight our youth –and
specifically to hear reflective sermons
from some of our seniors.
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Adult Study•
Wednesday Morning Study GroupWednesdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
1010 East Ave., Meditation RoomGroup Facilitator: Rev. David P. Lubba
Weinviteyoutobeapartofthison-goingWednesdayMorningStudyGroup.We’vestudiedBiblepassages,entirebooksoftheBible,denominational
studycurriculumandcurrentbest-sellingbooks.Comejoinus.Bringyourideasforfuture
studyfocus.Formoreinformation,contactRev.DavidLubbaat(585)359-
9927ordlubba@rochester.rr.com.
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 experience. We will explore the movement from shame, guilt and anger to forgiveness and reconcili-ation, 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
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TheSchool toPrisonPipelineA Panel Discussion Monday, February 23Gathering Center7:00 p.m.
It’s a dismaying fact: students, particular-
ly African American males, are increas-
ingly being removed from the classroom
for minor infractions 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 Har-
grave 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.
United Methodism 101Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18
7:00-8:00 p.m.Gathering Center
•Dowebelieveinfreewillorpredestination?•Whydoweusegrapejuiceandnotwineduringcommunion?•Whydoourministersmovearoundsomuch?•What’supwiththename“Methodist?”
Joinusforafour-weekdiscussionaboutthehistory,structure,beliefs,andchallengesoftheUnitedMethodistChurch.IfyouareinterestedorhavequestionspleasecontactStephenCadyatscady@asburyfirst.org.PleaseletusknowifyouplantoattendbyFebruary18aswewillhavetoorderbooksfortheclass(thebookisoptional,andcosts$12).
• Worship Opportunities
• LabyrinthSecond Wednesday of every month; plus Wednesdays in Lent: February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25.5:00-7:00 p.m.Our beautiful labyrinth is located under the Sanc-tuary, in Fellowship Hall. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient practice that provides a place for re-flection and peaceful prayer. Stewards are always on duty to answer your questions.
• Taizé ServiceWednesday in Lent: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 256:00-6:45 p.m.Taizé services originated with a community of Christian men living a monastic life in France. These services are characterized by simple sung chants, quiet prayer, and a contemplative silence.
• Ash WednesdayWednesday February 186:30 p.m.We begin the holy season of Lent with a service that reminds us of our human-ity and our reliance on the gift of God’s love. Holy Communion will be avail-able, and participants may, if they wish, receive ashes in the form of a cross on their forehead.
• Palm SundaySunday, March 298:30, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.On this triumphant day, we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with the distribution of palm fronds, with songs and prayers of praise.
• Holy Week/EasterMonday, March 30-Sunday, April 5Services will be held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday as
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we progress along the road that Christ took to Gethsemene, and then, finally, rejoice as He is raised from the dead.
• Maundy Thursday: Tenebrae service at 7:30 p.m.
• Good Friday: Envisioning the Passion concert at noon and 7:30 p.m.
• Easter Sunday: Services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.
• Pentecost & Confirmation SundaySunday, May 17On Pentecost, we mark the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension. On this day, we also celebrate Confirmation with our eighth graders at the 11:00 a.m. service.
• Youth SundaySunday, June 148:30 & 10:00 a.m.We celebrate our wonderful youth on this Sunday. Youth musical groups will provide songs of praise and thanksgiving for services, and we invite the youth to present the sermon.
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Ouradultclassesmeetat9:45a.m.eachSundaymorning.Theseclassesshareinstudytime,aswellasprayerandfellowship,andtheyarealwayshappytowelcomenewmembers.Frequentguestspeakersprovideachancetolearnaboutsocialissues,faithformation,andtheworldaroundus.Interested?Comevisitussoon!FormoreinformationaboutanyadultSundayschoolclass,contactMelodyGuadagninointhechurchofficeat(585)271-1050x103ormguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
Group Who Are We? What’s Our Focus?
Where do We Meet?
Doublers Open to all Bible Study, theology, Christian service, and social concerns.
1010 East Ave., Red Room
50 Plus Fellowship Open to all We examine our faith and live issues to live a rich life in the 21st century, via weekly classes and monthly social events. We support members in need with visits and phone calls.
1010 East Ave., Dining Room
Growing Spirits/Living Edge
Open to all Bible study, church and social issues, books reviews, and social events.
1010 East Ave., Room 21
Partnership Older adults Christian theology, personal witness, social concerns, and political issues.
1010 East Ave., Meditation Room
Parables of Parenting Parents of children of any age
Discussion, sharing of stories, and reflection on trends in parenting from a faith perspective.
Room 205 (second floor of the Education Wing)
In the News: A Current Events Roundtable
Open to all We examine the spiritual implications of current events, and provide a friendly forum for expressing viewpoints on diverse topics.
1050 East Ave. Dining Room
Adult Bible Study All those interested in taking a closer look at the Bible.
Led by Rev. David Lubba, we focus on broadening our knowledge of the Bible.
1050 East. Ave., Teak Room
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Adult Sunday School
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Wednesdays, 6:00 a.m.
1010 East Ave., Red Room
This lively group meets Wednesdays at 6:00 a.m. to share devotions, joys, con-
cerns, hymns, prayers, and conversation. There’s coffee and breakfast afterwards at
a nearby restaurant. New members are always welcome to this group, which has
been meeting at Asbury First for several decades.
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Church Resource Library
Whether you are young or young-at-heart, single, married, divorced or widowed,
with children or without, join us for some women’s fellowship. This is a chance
for women to support one another and share in the wonders and challenges of
womanhood. Nursery care is available upon request.
Women on Wednesdays
Wednesdays at noon1010 East Ave. Dining Room
The WOW group reads authors on religions and spirituality, including John Shelby Spong, Joan Chittister, Marcus Borg, Desmond Tutu, Dr. Frances Col-lins, Brian McLaren and Esther de Waal. The invitation to join WOW is open for women who enjoy reading and learning. The one-hour meeting time enables people to attend during their lunch time and bring a bag lunch.
Men’s Devotional Group
Women’s Fellowship Group
For more information on any of these groups, please contact Melody Guadagnino in the church office at (585) 271-1050 x103 or mguadagnino@asburyfirst.org.
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-lover 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
f r iday, february 13 • 6 :00-8:00 p.m. ga ther ing center • chi ldcare provided • $10/person
Yoga for Two and Chocolate Tasting
k k k
Bowling LeagueCOMINGSOON!
Whetheryou’reafirst-timerorapro,there’saplaceforyouontheAsburyFirstBowlingLeague.TheLeague’snextseasonwillstartinJune--pleasewatchyourbulletinand The VisiTor
newsletterformoreinformation.Questions?ContactRJPollardatrjpollard14@gmail.comor
(585)643-0243.
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You are invited to join the following classes, taught by Rev. Linda Clem-ow, Asbury First’s artist-in-residence, and held on the second floor of the education wing of 1040 East Ave. All are welcome at the classes. Please pre-register for all classes by call-ing Linda at (585) 236-1184. You may join classes at any time. If cost is an issue please let Linda know and accommodations can be made. You need not be a member of Asbury First to participate. ArtSparks is a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to explore creativity.
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 techniques and explore old ones. You do not need to have taken the first se-ries of classes to participate and enjoy this class. No experience necessary but it is required that you desire to have fun
and explore your creativity through fibers! Cost is $85.
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 felting, and some exploration on the felting machine.
We will work with small projects at first to give you a sampling of which technique works for you. Then we will branch out into your own projects. No experience is necessary – just a willing-ness to explore! Cost is $85.
Paint, Paper and Embellish Col-lage 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! No experience neces-sary – just be willing to let the spirit guide you in your creativity. Cost is $85.
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Music & the Arts•
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Madrigalia & Musica Spei: A Collaboration
7:30 p.m.
$15 general admission; $5 students, available at the door.
Two of Rochester's finest choral ensembles, Madrigalia and Muscica
Spei, join for a concert featuring works written for double chorus.
David Chin, guest conductor.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
B Minor Mass by J.S. Bach
7:30 p.m.
$10 general admission; $5 students, available at the door
Performed by Voices Chamber Chorus, directed by Dr. William Weinert,
to celebrate the 330th anniversary of J.S. Bach's birth.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Envisioning the Passion
noon and 7:30 p.m.
Free, no tickets required
A multi-media concert of Holy Week-themed music and art featuring
Voices Chamber Chorus, directed by Dr. William Weinert.
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Music & the Arts
Salon Concert Seriesat a s b u r y F i r s t
The
S U N D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 | 2 : 0 0 P. M .
Brahms Trio no 3 in C minor, Op 101
Mendelssohn Trio no 2 in C minor, Op 66
S U N D A Y, M A R C H 2 2 | 2 : 0 0 P. M .
Debussy Trio in G Major
Francaix Trio in D Major
Ravel Trio in A Minor
S U N D A Y, A P R I L 1 2 | 2 : 0 0 P. M .
Beethoven Trio in E-flat Major, Op 70 no 2
Tchaikovsky Trio in A minor, Op 50
Featuring Rebecca Pennys, piano; Mikhail
Kopelman, violin; and Stefan Reuss, cello.
To reserve your tickets call the church office at (585)
271-1050x103. Tickets are $35/free for students.
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• Spring Calendar
February3............... TheWayofForgivnessbegins7............... Children’sMinistryMovieNight11............. Labyrinth13............. YogaforTwo&ChocolateTasting17-19...... MiniVacationBibleSchool18............. Labyrinth18............. AshWednesday23............. SchooltoPrisonPipelinePanelDiscussion25............. UnitedMethodism10125............. Taizé25............. Labyrinth28............. Madrigalia&MusicaSpeiConcert
March4............... Labyrinth4............... UnitedMethodism1014............... Taizé8............... PretzelSunday11............. UnitedMethodism10111............. Taizé11............. Labyrinth15............. PieforPiSale18............. UnitedMethodism10118............. Taizé18............. Labyrinth21............. VoicesConcert:BMinorMass22............. SalonConcert25............. Labyrinth25............. Taizé29............. PalmSunday
April2............... MaundyThursday3............... GoodFriday3............... EnvisioningthePassion3............... FamilyPrayerNight5............... Easter12............. SalonConcert23............. HolySuperheroclass24-26...... Up!WordConferenceYouthRetreat30............. HolySuperheroclass
May7............... HolySuperheroclass9............... Church-WideTalentShow14............. HolySuperheroclass16-17...... Children’sMusical17............. Pentecost&ConfirmationSunday
JuneTBA.......... BowlingLeague7............... FamilyCarnival14............. YouthSunday
August3-6........... VacationBibleSchool
April 23, 30, May 7, 14
Gathering Center 6:30-8:00 pm
Join us for a new class at Asbury First
Holy Superhero! The Spirituality of Superheroes
Whether you are able to leap tall buildings
in a single bound or can just barely manage to fight off
the common cold, we invite you to a discussion of the
spirituality of the comic heroes we all know and love.
We welcome you to our discussion of how the themes
of these stories of good and evil might inform, or
be informed by, our faith. All ages are welcome, but
children under ten should be accompanied by a parent.
Childcare is available by request. The first two nights
will feature a younger-child-friendly activity during the
first half hour. We hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact Stephen Cady at scady@
asburyfirst.org.
Feel free to come in costume!