The Visitor: The Newsletter of Asbury First United Methodist Church

Asbury First United Methodist Church NewsletterMay 2012 • Vol. XLVI No. 4 • www.asburyfirst.org

In ThIs Issue

Pastor Honored, 3

Apportionment, 6

By the Numbers, 7

General Conference, 8

VBS, 11

TheVisitor

Mission stateMent

2

staffSenior PastorPastor PastorAdministrative Director of Music and the ArtsArtistic Director of Music and the ArtsCo-director of Children’sMinistryCo-director of Children’sMinistryFinancial AdministratorAdministrative AssistantDining & Caring CenterDirectorProperty Care ManagerCommunications Director& EditorTogether in Ministry (Volunteer) CoordinatorOrganistAssistant OrganistDirector, Children’s MusicDirector, Bell ChoirDirector, Youth Music Director, Youth TheaterPhotographer

Cover: There’s a lesson contained in this church doorframe: if we look hard enough, Christ is everywhere.

Photo by Megan Phaneuf.

Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to Mary Van Keuren at

[email protected] or (585) 271-1050 x109.

Deadline for next issue: Monday, May 7

Rev. Susan S. ShaferRev. Phillip W. Phaneuf Rev. Lawrence Hargrave

David T. Strong

Dr. William J. Weinert

Paula Dugan

Melissa Bohrer

Richard MoncriefMelody Guadagnino

Michele Cooley

Jason FranklinMary Van Keuren

Ashley Eckman

Duane A. PrillDavid T. StrongBozena Granat

Elizabeth ChurchBrian BohrerLarry Dugan

Megan Phaneuf

The VisitorVol. XLVI no. 4

(USPS 558-470)is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined

issues for January/February 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.

A joyful rebirthA Pastoral Reflection

There are few things more beautiful in nature than to watch the magnolia tree outside my office window slowly come into full bloom. It is almost there and what a thrill to watch it beautify its surroundings. It instantly recalls to mind my childhood yard where seven or eight dogwood trees would come into bloom, lining our backyard at the woods; and at the same time the flowering plum would bloom with another dogwood in the front yard. We would move our breakfast time and dinner time from

the kitchen to the dining room to peer out at the magnificence of these signs of spring and God’s creativity. It was always exhilarating and awe-inspiring, a scene of hope for me as is the blossoming of the magnolia tree, forsythia bushes, and cherry blossoms. For the preacher and writer Ted Loder these are signs of “mystery and the smile of it.”

Recently I was introduced, through a parishioner, to the writer and CEO of Burpee Gardens, George Ball. It was an unexpected moment of a few words of an Easter message that found its way quickly into my heart. I share his words with you with a prayer that a part of his writing might touch you as deeply as it has for me.

“… let’s remember that Easter, spring and the garden are inextricably linked, together forming a richly wrought tapestry interwoven with deep, ancient historical, symbolic and religious meanings. … Spring is the season of salva-tion … a time when life is on its knees. Even our thoughts change from ac-tive to reflective. Easter, spring and the garden represent thresholds: moving from a suspended state to new beginnings … at this time of year we all feel the renewal of life: new hope, illumination, the uplifted spirit. We revel in the longer days, the marvels awaiting us out of doors: the pageant of colors, the cantatas of birdsongs, the elixir of fragrance in the air.”

As the world is unfolding with mystery and wonder, I pray we all have some-thing of the magnificence of God stirring in us. Not only has He Risen but our eyes and ears and hearts can be even more deeply attuned to the majesty and small revelations of the fully unknown. May our lives unfold this spring with fresh budding, reaching and stretching toward a deeper experience with our Risen Lord. He is among us. Thanks be to God!

Blessings,

Susan

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AFUMC newsyouth Mission trip Needs

The AFUMC youth who are traveling to Catadupa, Jamaica this summer on

the youth mission trip are looking for donations of several items to bring with them for the families of this impoverished region. If you have new or gently used

backpacks, crayons, or un-expired seed packets that you are able to donate,

they would be very grateful. There’s a receptacle in the Welcom-ing Hall for your donations. Thank you!

Church Women united NewsC.W.U. will hold a May Friendship Day on Friday, May 4. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., supper at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. The program features a variety of speakers from Roches-ter faith communities, including facilitator Alberta Latimer-Hunt from AME Zion Memorial Church, as well as Asbury First’s own Evelyn Penn, pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, and

member Karen Johnson. Other speakers include Byoung Beak of Korean United Methodist Church, Vanessa Hansen, Church of Latter Day Saints, and Lois Wong, Rochester Chinese Christian Church. The event will be held at Irondequoit United Church of Christ, 644 Titus Ave. Chicken dinner from Abundant Eatery Cuisine is available for $8.00, and reservations and payments are requested by April 18. Offerings will be taken for Fellowship of the Least Coin, and non-perishable food items for the Community Food Cuboard of Roch-ester and Pittsford Food Cupboard. For more information call (585) 342-2790.

blanket AppealOnce again this year Asbury First will raise funds in support of Blankets+, a program of Church World Service that supplies warm blankets, tents, food, tools, seeds, and other materials to those across the world in need of them. You’ll find an envelope for this purpose in your May 13 bulletin. Our church efforts are coordinated by Roudebush Circle of the U.M.W. (United Methodist Women), who will have a video available for viewing in the Welcoming Hall. We ask

Rev. SuSan ShafeR eaRnS Top honoR fRom heR alma maTeRby Maidstone Mulenga

Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Marcus Matthews calls the Rev. Susan Stettner Shafer “a gifted and caring pastor.” No wonder he named her as the first female senior pastor at Asbury First United Methodist Church, the largest UMC congregation in the area.

Her alma mater agrees, and this month the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School honored Rev. Shafer as the 2012 Annual Distinguished Alumna during a special dinner on April 26 at the campus in Rochester.

Rev. Shafer graduated with an M.Div. from CRCDS in 1982. She was ordained a full United Methodist elder in 1983.

Prior to her ordination, she was active in a number of local nonprofits, including the Rochester Childbirth Education Associa-tion, and she has served on the Rochester Mayor’s Council on Church and Community Action in Betterment of Education, Com-munication and Social Justice. In 2010, Shafer was a finalist for the Athena Award by the Greater Rochester Women’s Council.

Mary Anna Geib, who recommended Rev. Shafer for the Alumna award said: “Surely no winner of the Trost Memorial Prize for outstanding promise as preacher/pastor/parish minister has more beautifully lived up to it than Susan Stettner Shafer.”

Apart from her ministry of leading the more than 2,295-member church, Rev. Shafer also teaches courses on pastoral care and leads seminars on field work experience at two Rochester-area colleges.

“CRCDS is very proud to be able to count Shafer as a graduate, and is grateful to her late father, Eric Stettner, who continues to provide generous support for the school’s work,” according to a statement from the school. “We look enthusiastically towards her continued leadership as a model of transformative ministry for our current and future students.”

Maidstone Mulenga is the director of communications for the Upper New York Area of the United Methodist Church. This article is excerpted from the Conference’s newsletter.

Continued on page 5

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Sunday apRil 29John 10:11-18Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher

8:30 a.m.Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m.Informal Worship with Holy Communion


Sunday may 6John 15:1-8Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher




Sunday may 13Mother’s DayPsalm 98Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher



WORSHIPworship schedule11:00 a.m.Traditional Worship

Sunday may 20Ascension Sunday; ConfirmationJohn 17:6-19Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, preacher




Sunday may 27Memorial Sunday; PentecostJohn 15:26-27; 16:4b-15Rev. Susan Shafer, preacher




Sunday June 3Trinity SundayJohn 3:1-17Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, preacher




We need you! Our community needs you! Donate Blood at the Asbury First Blood Drive

Please help us meet our goal of 45 donations. Donating is easy, and takes about one hour in the donor area. You will have a mini-physical and learn your blood type.

Why: In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed almost every 2 seconds. Approximately 34,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States. About one out of every three of us will face a life threatening need for a blood transfusion in our lifetime.

When: Sunday, June 3, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Where: Fellowship Hall (downstairs)

Who: You are eligible to give blood if you are: In general good health . Generally, between 17 and 75 years of age. Or, 16 and accompanied by a parent. For those of you over 75, and who have not donated in recent years, you can check with your doctor. Weigh at least 110 pounds Meet qualifications. Your health history will be confidentially evaluated to determine eligibility.

Questions? Check the American Red Cross web site at http://www.redcrossblood.org for a list of criteria and more information. You may also call the Red Cross at 800-215-1659.

Call Melody in the Church office to set up your appointment. 271-1050 x103 or [email protected].

5

AFUMC news

in CommunityOur Living

DeathsMerciful God, we entrust to your

never-failing care and love

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Tracey and J.W.

Krimbill on the death of Tracey’s mother

Ruthe Borland on March 29, 2012 in Fairfax,

VA.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to June Walter’s and family on the death of June’s

daughter Debbie Salomon

March 21, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to Linda Marchant on

the death of her mother Lois Marchant-Hulburt

on March 23, 2012.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to the family and

friends of Inez Vosburgh

who died in February 2012 in Melbourne, FL.

We offer our prayers and sympathy to John and Bonnie

Erwin on the death of John’s sister Martha Collicchio

on March 27 in Atlanta, GA.

Births & BaptismsMay the blessings of God’s love go with you in your new covenant.

Bradley Andrew Richardson

son of Abigail and Keith Richardson baptized on April 15,

2012.

New MembersGary and Barb Jones

Michael Parkes

you to please give generously, to help our brothers and sisters across the globe.

roudebush Circle NewsThe next meeting of the Roudebush Circle of the United Method-ist Women will be Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. at 1010 East Ave. It will feature a catered dinner (cost is $8.00; please bring your own table service), and a program featuring Chet Fery, the “Bread Man,” who will talk on the power of an act of kindness. Donation of items for Alternatives for Battered Women will be collected. Everyone is welcome! Please make reservations for dinner with Joan Closson by Friday, May 18 at 671-5534. For more information regarding the Circle, call Ginn Fitch at 381-6464.

Great Week of ServiceIt’s coming! Each year, Asbury First UMC and Babar AME join forces for a week make our city neighborhoods better places in which to live and work. With the help of hundreds of volunteers from the two churches, concerts

are given, walls painted, flowers planted, and births celebrated. A committee has been meeting since the beginning of the year to formulate plans for GWS locations and events. Watch your bulletins and our website (www.asburyfirst.org) for more info in the coming weeks as it becomes available, but be sure to pencil these days into your calendar: JUNE 3 THROUGH 9. We hope to see you there!

Wellness Clinic NewsIda Hickman wants to thank everyone for making the Wellness Clinic open House a great success in January. We announced at that time we would add another night just for physicals and we have. Physicals are offered the first Tuesday of each month to those in need. These evenings, which started on March 1 with 14 patients, are going very well. We have added two nurses, one social worker, one massage therapist, one greeter, and one food assistant. But we still are in need of nurses and greeters. Just one Thursday or Tuesday a month would be a great help. Please call Ida Hickman at 461-9696. Thank you.

thanks from Member ida hickmanIda Hickman wants to thank everyone for their cards, phone calls, food, and kind words of caring and healing following her injury.Thank you –Ida Hickman.

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Stewardship news

Let’s say you’ve just become a United Methodist. You’ve found a great church with wonderful people, su-

perb worship services, and terrific outreach opportunities (not, we’d like to think, unlike Asbury First!).

What you may not realize, however, is that you’ve joined more than a bricks-and-mort-er church that’s a place of fellowship and worship. You’ve also become a member of the total United Methodist connection.

What, exactly, does that mean?

It’s simple. By virtue of your membership in an individual United Methodist church, you are also connected to a network of interde-pendent and interrelated people in groups at the local, regional, national, and inter-national levels. As members of this great, interwoven fabric that is United Method-ism, you promise God and your congrega-tion that you will uphold the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. And that “church” is not only your local church, but also the district, the annual conference, and the general global church. That’s a lot of connec-tions made by joining one local church!

So what does this have to do with appor-tionment? Our financial participation in this greater relationship is called our ap-portionment. It is our “dues” for belonging to the United Methodist Church.

Our apportionment is a part of our overall Annual Operation Plan (AOP). Generally, you only hear about the AOP during the fall stewardship season, when Asbury First works to raise the money needed to survive

and thrive for the coming year through a pledge drive. The apportionment, which in Asbury First’s case is roughly ten per-cent of the AOP, is set by the conference through a formula. This formula under the new conference structure weighs a heavier apportionment on larger, healthier churches within the conference. Therefore Asbury First contributes a higher proportional ap-portionment than other churches.

What does apportionment support? The most visible application of the apportion-ment funds are to support the structure of the greater church itself. Just like in our own lives, there are “bills” that need to be paid at the national and global level. The organizational structure of the district su-perintendent, the bishop, and the staff that surrounds them necessitates salaries as well as physical structures to house them.

But apportionment is applied to the United Methodist mission as well. It is our first mile of mission giving. It forms the frame-work for the rest of our correctional minis-try When we give our money as a congrega-tion we are also giving to these causes:

World Service fund • This fund helps new churches get

started and pays the salaries of mission-aries, aids Bible studies, and provides leadership for youth ministries. The World Service is a financial lifeline to a long list of Christian missions and ministries.

Africa university • This is the only General Conference-

approved degree-granting institution of higher education on the continent of Africa. Men and women from more than 27 African countries pursue

We Are FamilyA Quick Guide to the Apportionment and What it Means to United Methodists

continued on page 14

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By theNumbers

Using information from the 2011 Report of the Nominations Committee, 839 Asbury First members and guests volun-teered in 1,737 different volunteer roles. Many persons served in more than one area. For example, a volunteer might

serve as an office receptionist as well as being a member on the stewardship committee.

There are more than 75 volunteer opportunities available at Asbury First. Whether you like to work with others or indepen-dently, on weekends or weekdays, in worship or in community outreach, there are meaningful ways for you to serve.

To find the service opportunity that fits you best, contact Ashley Eckman, Together in Ministry Coordinator, 271-1050 x112 or [email protected].

The largest categories of volunteers at Asbury First are listed below:

Dining & Caring Center365

Music Ensembles (including all choirs)

187Storehouse:

138

Gathering Center (Hospitality)

95

Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

(RAIHN)

89Children’s Ministry

71Ushers

54Altar Guild

48

Our Demonination Prepares for Growth and Change• 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE •

Editor’s note: in late April the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, held once every four years, will take place in Florida. Issues under debate include important matters of organization and policy that will impact our entire denomination in the coming years. We urge you to learn as much as you can about the issues facing this conference. We offer the following informa-tion as a primer on what the delegates will find waiting for them in Tampa.

At 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on

Tuesday, April 24, in the palm tree-fringed

Tampa Convention Center, 988 United

Methodist delegates from across the globe

will gather for a worship service and Holy

Communion. It is probably safe to assume

that many fervant prayers for the success of

the next week will rise from that gathering,

as these delegates are gathered for what is

arguably the most important event in the

life of the United Methodist Church.

For nearly two weeks, until Friday, May

4, this group will chat, pray, discuss, even

argue perhaps, and, finally, make determi-

nations about issues facing our denomina-

tion in a changing world. Their task is a

large one, and can perhaps be boiled down

to one simple question: In an era when

mainline Protestantism is experiencing

severe declines in numbers, how can the

United Methodist Church remain vital,

active, ethical, and efficient in sharing God’s

word and loving our neighbor?

Order Out of InefficiencyThe largest question facing this group is

one of organization. The structure of the

United Methodist Church includes gen-

eral agencies which are responsible for the

bulk of activities with which the church is

engaged. These range from the practical to

the mundane: from departments for general

functions such as finance, communication,

and technology support, to offices engaged

in planning strategy for global ministries,

improving the Agencies

The main proposal before the General Conference’s 988 delegates would collapse the current 13 general agencies into a more manageable five. The new agencies would be as follows:

• office of Congregational vitality: This entity would be in charge of matters pertaining to discipleship and multicultural ministries.

• office of leadership excellence: here would reside those who are involved in the UMC’s work with higher education and ministry.

• office of missional engagement: this administrative area would be concerned mainly with the church’s work in global ministry.

• office of Justice and Reconciliation: this office would have jurisdiction over issues related to church and society, religion and race, status and the role of women.

• office of Shared Services: the business end of the UMC would live here, including offices of finance and administration, communications, archives and history, information and technology support.

church and society, and higher

education. Following the last

General Conference, consultants

were retained by the general

leadership (the Council of Bish-

ops and the Connectional Table,

which coordinates the UMC

mission, ministry and resources)

to determine if these agencies

were running as efficiently as

possible. There was, at this time,

a sense that the church needed

some “reordering” to cope wtih declining

membership and the aftermath of the 2008

global economic crisis.

It quickly became apparent that there was

duplication of effort and other inefficiencies

in the structure of the general agencies. In

November 2011, the Council of Bishops

endorsed a proposal by the Connectional

Table to dramatically change the way the

general agencies were structured. The

8

9

how Can i learn more about the General Conference and what it means to me and my church?

The Conference has been, and will continue to be, a top news story in the Methodist press. If you subscribe to a national Methodist-oriented journal such as Interpreter or the United Methodist Reporter, you will find lots of information and analy-sis of the Conference in the coming months. Online there are several good sources of information:

• the official website of the General Conference can be found at www.GC2012.umc.org. Here, you can watch live streaming of plenary sessions and worship services, as well as petition tracking and other news and information.

• If you’re interested in a daily news digest of all that’s happening in the wide world of United Methodism, go to umns.umc.org and scroll down. On the right hand side, you will see a link to “Get the Latest Headlines by Email.”

• There are mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices available at the web-site of United Methodist Communications, found at www.umcom.org

• If you have questions about the Conference, you can email them to [email protected], or go to www.umc.org and click on “questions.”

• On Facebook, check out www.facebook.com/gc2012 or on Twitter, www.twitter.com/2012. The Twitter hashtag for the Conference is #gc2012.

Table’s proposal suggested that the 13 gen-

eral agencies be consolidated into five more

all-encompassing ones (see sidebar, page 8).

These five agencies would be gathered

under the jurisdiction of one central group

called the United Methodist Center for

Connectional Mission and Ministry, with

a 15-member board. That board would be

accountable to and appointed by a 45-mem-

ber advisory group called the General

Council for Strategy and Oversight, which

would replace the Connectional Table. That

might seem like a lot of oversight, but in

actuality, it would decrease the number of

individuals governing these agencies from

the current number, which hovers just over

500, to a mere 60.

This proposal is by no means uninamously

accepted, and there will undoubtedly be

spirited discussion at the Conference.

Another proposal by an independent group

which involves much less dramatic changes

is also on the table. There is concern that

the Connectional Table’s proposal goes

either too far or not far enough, that it will

limit the ability of people of color to be

represented in the leadership, and that it

will harm the denomination’s reliance on a

separation between the

financial and the ministe-

rial areas of governance.

“The United Methodist

Church has a ‘conciliar’

structure,” commented

Asbury First’s senior pas-

tor, Rev. Susan Shafer,

regarding the contrasting

proposals. “That means

we meet in councils

with each other led by the

Council of Bishops. It is

clear that not all members agree with each

other. But in our Christ-centered organiza-

tion, brother and sister are called to love one

another.”

A Shift in PowerThe proposal for restructuring is not the

only item on deck at the Conference, of

course. Another proposal to be voted

on has also been front and center in the

pre-conference conversation. That is a

constitutional amendment to create a new

bishopic position, to be elected from among

the existing bishops, that does not oversee

a particular geographic area. This proposal

is inextricably linked with the restructur-

ing option. The new bishop would serve as

chair of the newly created General Council

for Strategy and Oversight and would be an

ex-officio member of the board of the Cen-

ter for Connectional Mission and Ministry.

This bishop would be elected for a four-year

term, with full-time responsibilites to de-

nomenational issues, unencumbered by the

needs of also governing a specific area. The

current president of the Council of Bish-

ops, the wonderfully named Bishop Larry

Goodpaster, has stated that “It is nearly

impossible to be president of the Council

of Bishops and lead an episcopal area.” This

Church and secular journalists, delegates, and other interested parties meet dur-ing the United Methodist Church’s pre-General Conference news briefing at the Tampa Convention Center in Floria. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

Continued on next page

10

shift in power is necessary for the church to

move forward, many say, but others are ner-

vous about placing that much power in the

hands of one person who does not represent

a particular area. But Goodpaster, among

others, has clearly stated that the General

Conference as a whole would continue to be

the voice of the United Methodist Church,

and bishops would remain bound by The Book of Discipline.

Local FlexibilityImportant though they are, the changes

at the denomenational level of our church

may not be readily apparent at our local

level. Another proposal before the delegates,

however, would.

As the basic organi-

zational unit of the

United Methodist

Church, the an-

nual conference (in

Asbury First’s case,

this would be the

Upper New York

Conference, under

the leadership of

Bishop Marcus

Matthews) plays

a vital role in the workings of individual

churches large and small. It is our annual

conference that receives our apportionment

each year, and which then gives us support,

financially, ministerially, and in other ways

both material and spiritual. Our annual

conference, for example, supported the

building of the Gathering Center and Wel-

coming Hall at Asbury First by forgiving a

part of our apportionment during the years

we were fundraising to support the building

process.

Now, a proposal has been placed before the

delegates to give a greater level of flexibility

to annual conferences by amending lan-

guage in The Book of Discipline.

“Current language requires clear connec-

tions between denominational agencies,

annual conference program and adminis-

trative entities, and congregations,” writes

Barbara Dunlap-Berg of United Methodist

Communications. “The proposed language

would permit annual conferences ‘to design

conference and district structures in ways

that best support the mission of making

disciples of Jesus Chris in an increasingly

diverse global community’.”

Practically speaking, the proposed legisla-

tion would encourage collaboration and

partnership by groups within each annual

conference, and would give conference lead-

ership the ability to explore the best ways

for carrying forth their charges, ways that

are tailored to the needs and wishes of each

conference, rather than using a “one size

fits all” model approved by denominational

leadership. The proposal also gives annual

conferences expanded abilities to determine

how it will allocate budgetary resources to

best impact mission and ministry.

What Does It All Mean?In truth, the many proposals and amend-

ments that the delegates at the General

Conference will face may have, at least in

the short term, minimal impact on the

members and friends of churches like

Asbury First. But in the long term, the pro-

posed changes may have much to do with

how we govern our church, steward our

resources, and minister to those around us.

As members in good standing of this

wonderful, immense, diverse entity known

as the United Methodist Church, it is our

responsibility and our privilege to be aware

of and prayerfully reflect on the happenings

in Tampa this month. As Rev. Susan Shafer

reminds us, there are parallels between the

strivings of the many delegates faithfully

and patiently working toward resolution

at the General Conference and our own

church. “We try to live this way at Asbury

First. My prayer is that we learn and prac-

tice agreeing to be loving to each other, and

agreeing to disagree with respect and care

to all.”

Information for this report was compiled from sources including the comprehensive coverage of the General Conference in the Upper New York State Advocate, The Interpreter March/April 2012 issue, published by United Methodist Communications, and at www.gc2012.umc.org, the official website of the General Conference.

Top photo, participants in the pre-General Confer-ence news briefing attend a breakfast to discuss ethnic initiatives of the United Methodist Church at the Tampa Convention Center. Bottom photo, the Tampa Conven-tion Center, home of the 2012 UMC General Confer-ence, sits on the Tampa Bay waterfront. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose.

continued from previous page.

11

Please join us for Vacation Bible School August 6-9 from 9:00 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. at Asbury First UMC. VBS is for children from ages

four through those entering sixth grade. Cost is $10.00 per child with a

maximum of $30.00 per family. Make checks payable to Asbury First

United Methodist Church.

Child’s Name Age Allergies T-Shirt Size

Would your children like to be grouped together (please circle)? Yes or No

paRenT/GuaRdian infoRmaTionParent(s)/Guardian(s) Name ___________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________________________Phone ________________________ Cell ________________________Email ___________________________Best number to be reached during VBS hours _______________________________________________________

mediCal infoRmaTionPlease list any special instructions or conditions VBS volunteers should be aware of: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________Emergency Contact __________________________________________________________________________Relationship to child(ren) _____________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Cell ___________________________________________ Medical Insurance Company ___________________________________________________________________

In the event of an emergency or injury, I do hereby give consent to Asbury First United Methodist Church to administer the necessary medical treatment. Signature of parent/guardian ___________________________________________ Date ___________________Please list the people that have the permission to pick up your child(ren): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

volunTeeR infoRmaTion Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer? In what area(s) would you like to help (circle one or more)?Registration ScienceStudent guide GamesBible Stories CraftsSnack Nursery Caregiver

Do you have any children under 4 that would need childcare when you volunteer? If yes, please list names and ages.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

VBS 2012 Is Out of

World!This

12

AFUMC news

How does living in a virtual world influence living

in both the physical and spiritual ones? How do we

maintain the body of Christ when the physical bodies we see

and touch in church expand to include the virtual bodies we

inhabit online?

–from the preface

Beginning Thursday, May 17

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Lower level, Sanctuary

Cost: $10 for the book ($8.25 on Kindle)

Join Rev. Phil Phaneuf and the rest of the Theology Thursday

group in an exploration of what it means to be a Christian in a

world of changing digital realities.

take a run in Andy’s MemoryThe family of Andy Parmeter, who died last year in a tragic car accident, is memorializing his life with a 5K run to benefit the

Hickok Center for Brain Injury and our own youth mission trip. Phil Phaneuf is training to do the run, and he’d like YOU to

consider joining him. Here’s how you can participate:

• Run in the 5K yourself

• Walk the 1.5 mile option

• help with registration or water tables and lead the cheering section!

“Andy’s life was transformed by his participation in the mission trip and youth group,” says Phil. “Now we have an awesome

opportunity to continue the tradition.

Here are the details:

• When? Saturday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.

• Where? Genesee Valley Park

• Cost? $25 to register

• How: Contact Phil Phaneuf at [email protected] for more info.

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May1 Revelation 21:1-27

2 Revelation 22:1-21

3 Joel 1:1-20

4 Joel 2:1-32

5 Joel 3:1-21

6 Ezekiel 1:1-28

7 Ezekiel 2:1-10

8 Ezekiel 3:1-27

9 Ezekiel 34:1-31

10 Ezekiel 36:1-15

11 Ezekiel 36:16-38

12 Ezekiel 37:1-28

13 Ezekiel 39:1-29

14 Ezekiel 43:1-27

15 Ezekiel 47:1-23

16 Ezekiel 48:1-35

17 Acts 1:1-26

18 Romans 8:1-17

19 Romans 8:18-39

20 Romans 12:1-21

21 Romans 13:1-14

22 Romans 14:1-23

23 1 Corinthians 3:1-23




27 Acts 2:1-21

28 Acts 2:22-47

29 Acts 3:1-26

30 Acts 4:1-22

31 Acts 4:23-37

May1 Acts 5:1-16

2 Acts 5:17-42

3 Galatians 1:1-24

4 Galatians 2:1-21

5 Galatians 3:1-29

6 Galatians 4:1-31

7 Galatians 5:1-26

8 Galatians 6:1-18

9 Philippians 1:1-30




4

Spring Bell Concert Featuring:

Asbury First United Methodist Church, Asbury RingersThird Presbyterian Church, Third Church Ringers

Friday, May 4, 20127:00 p.m.

Free; no tickets requiredAsbury First United Methodist Church Sanctuary

14

Library news

Children Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons, by Rob D. Walker, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon bring to life these words of wisdom about living life with compassion and courage. This picture book for K- grade 4 teaches the universal importance of kindness, sharing, diligence, and faith, along with the importance of courage and a willingness to always try your best.

My Wicked Stepmother, by Norman Leach and Jane Browne.Tom, the story’s young narrator, insists that his new stepmother, who has come to live with him and his dad, is a witch. Whether or not youngsters have had to adjust to the presence of a new stepparent, they will feel the emotional impact of Leach’s simple story. Ages 4-8.

YouthOut of the Dust, by Karen Hesse.Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma’s staggering dust storms, and the environmental and emotional turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable tribute to hope and inner strength, this 237-page Newbery Medal book is written for ages 11-13.

Elsewhere, by Gabrielle ZevinIn many ways, Elsewhere is out of this world. Within this pleasant, inviting place, so much like Earth, no one gets sick or grows old. In fact, everyone grows younger. For 15-year-old Liz Hall, who arrives in Elsewhere after her demise, aging backward is not a happy prospect. Gabrielle Zevin’s first teen novel about being dead offers keen insights about living. All 304 pages are aimed at the ages 12-up reader.

Check out these selections from the Church Resource Library for your reading in May. The library is always open and invites all ages to browse the shelves.

Stargirl, by Jerry SpinelliIn a moving and highly engaging tale about the vagaries of adolescent peer pressure, Newbery Medal winner Jerry Spinelli tells the story of Stargirl, a high school student who is startlingly different from everyone else. The need to conform -- and unabashed curiosity about those who don’t -- are at the heart of this touching tale, which aptly demonstrates the peaks and pitfalls of popularity. Especially for ages 12 and up.

AdultsWhat the Bible Really Tells Us: The Essential Guide to Biblical Literacy, by T. J. Wray.The collection of texts we now call the Bible was written over the course of many centuries, by different authors, in different languages, and under differing social and political circumstances. Understanding the times and places from whence these texts came is key to under-standing what they mean.

Religion Gone Astray: What we Found at the Heart of Interfaith, by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ten Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman. Cited as “the rarest of books, one that teaches us both how to live and how to live with each other” as explained by a pastor, a rabbi and an imam.

Imperfect Birds, by Anne Lamott.This novel by bestselling author Lamott is considered “Heartbreak-ing and delightful, moving and hopeful. Imperfect Birds reminds us how our children are connected to and independent of us, and that no matter how difficult our struggle is with them, love underlies it all and saves us.”

4studies there. For most of them, our support is the only way they are able to attend college.

Ministerial education fund• This fund recruits and edu-

cates our pastoral leaders. It assists in defraying the cost of education for those on the path of ordainment. It also equips our annual conference with local pas-tor courses of study and continuing education.

black College fund • This vital fund helps 11

historically Black United Methodist-related colleges and universities to maintain a solid academic program.

episcopal fund • pays the salaries, office, and

travel expenses of bishops in each conference. It also provides for pension and health benefits.

interdenominational Cooperation fund • This money allows the

United Methodist min-istries to have a voice and presence in the activities of national and worldwide ecumenical and religious organizations.

General Administration fund• This fund ensures trustwor-

thy systems and oversight

of financial accountabil-ity. The GAF finances the administrative activities of the church including underwriting the costs of the General Confer-ence. It maintains official documents and historical artifacts, and designating historical shrines, land-marks, and sites.

Apportionment, continued from page 5

15

the last word1 by Derek Page 2

Building a Career at the DCCOur intern Derek Page has been a wondeful person to work with here at the Din-ing Center. He is so eager to learn and has jumped right in with suggestions, has taken the Foodlink courses, and has been an optimistic asset here. I asked Derek to write a little bit about his experiences and how he came to the Dining Center. As it happens, Derek is a prolific writer and was willing to share his story. –Michele Cooley, DCC director.

It all started with the economic woes of our country. I was laid off from my second warehouse assignment from a temp

agency. At this point jobs were slim pickings in the manufac-turing and warehouse industries. The jobs I stayed at for years were no longer available. I realized the trend that was develop-ing. The end finally came in 2010 when I was laid off and no other jobs were available. I said to myself I couldn’t let myself be in this position again – I have an eight year old daughter. I had survived for many years in the warehouse and manufactur-ing world. This skill set was no longer needed, being replaced with automation or moved overseas.

My skill sets are organization and problem-solving. I could drive any warehouse machine up to the eighteen wheelers backing up to the dock. These jobs were shrinking. I had to make a decision. The government tried its best to help with the financial mess caused by deregulated investors. They were talk-ing long-term unemployment and when it was finalized, I said to myself, this period of down-time is unique and will most likely not happen again. I developed a plan. I wanted to give back with a specific interest in helping and protecting those who cannot help themselves. Human services first came to mind and I spoke to MCC about their human services degree and researched information on my own. The conclusion was that if you simply wanted an entry level human service job, take

MCC’s human service degree; but you you wanted to advance, take liberal arts and secure a more difficult and transferable degree. I needed the first year at MCC for educational require-ments. After completing these requirements I had to pick elec-tives for the liberal arts section of the degree. I chose the food service management certifica-tion, staying an extra semester at MCC to fulfill this certificate re-quirement. I always enjoyed the atmosphere and fast pace of the

food industry, having worked in the catering field. The last semester at MCC involves a co-op class for students to find experience in their field. I researched and phone-interviewed co-op opportuni-ties, but all seemed to want to stick me at some task that would save them money and teach me nothing. I knew I needed to improve my kitchen set skills and comfirm my long-term commitment to hu-man services. I found Asbury Dining and Caring Center, which has a combination of food service and social work. I could not believe it. There are other centers, but when you visit Asbury First the difference jumps right out. I called and set up an appointment with Michele Cooley. When explaining my co-op situation to Michele, she was very open to making sure I would be given the opportunity for non-profit food service and social work.

I have had tremendous rewards from the training and mentoring by Michelle and Asbury First’s staff. The staff does more than help the hungry and homeless; it is a community. I know through my research that this Dining and Caring Center is not the norm. The Center has private donors and is supported by Asbury First United Methodist Church, following the Methodist philosophy of outreach ot the community. I must say I am impressed and am now hooked. I will continue on with Asbury First until my training prepares me. Then I will take these skills and help another segment of the popu-lation facing hunger and homelessness.

PERIODICAL

1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607-2293

Address Service Requested

Save the Date! Join us at the Asbury First Annual

Ice Cream Socialwith

New Horizons Band

Tuesday, June 20

7:00 p.m.

Listen to the New Horizons Band while enjoying

lemonade and an ice cream sundae.

Concert is free; nominal charge for refreshments.

Some chairs provided. In case of rain, we’ll move to the

Gathering Center.

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The Visitor: The Newsletter of Asbury First United Methodist Church

Documents

Transcript of The Visitor: The Newsletter of Asbury First United Methodist Church