Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
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Delaware, Ohio
Permit No. 43
The Messenger
December 2016
From Advent to Christmas
December 2016 Church Newsletter
Pastor: Reverend Philip Wilden
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon.—Fri.
Phone: (740) 363-3611/Fax: (740) 368-8405
Website: www.asburyohio.org
E-mail : [email protected]
Return Service Requested
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
55 West Lincoln Avenue
Delaware, Ohio 43015
The Christian year begins with the first Sunday of Advent. Lectionary texts are listed for those who read them to prepare for worship.
You will note that the gospel lections for Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary are chiefly from Matthew.
November 27
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44
December 4
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12
Robert Blanchard, our seminary intern, will be the
preacher.
The sacrament of communion will be celebrated.
December 11
Third Sunday of Advent
The children will present a Christmas pageant.
December 18
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25
December 24
Christmas Eve
Services at 5:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
December 25
Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14
Pastor Phil will be the preacher.
The Living of These Days
by Pastor Phil
While doing some sorting, I came across this charge from Professor
James Hudnut-Beumler delivered to the 2009 graduating class of Vanderbilt Divinity School. It seemed appropriate in the aftermath of the election, and I pass it
along to you.
May you have the courage like Jeremiah possessed to tell people to plant
a garden, even when they are experiencing exile, that they may flourish in any
context.
May you make your home like Ruth with good people, even when they are
not your people.
May you kindle the extravagant hope of Isaiah that situations will get better, that the day is coming when the lion will lie down with the lamb, even for people who have lost their hope.
May you stand up as Esther did against genocide and all forms of violence,
even when you do not feel safe.
May you teach like Micah that doing justice, loving mercy, and walking
humbly with God is enough religion, even in a world that tries to turn faith into a
difficult formula.
May you act as Jesus did when he was approached by the rich young ruler, someone who did not have his values. Jesus looked upon him in love. May
you, likewise, be filled with compassion for everyone you meet.
Cookie Decorating for the
Andrews House
Christmas Cupboard
Thursday, December 1, 5-8 pm
McCoy Room, Asbury UMC
We invite you to join Lydia Circle and the Christian Education
Committee as we make cookies to donate to Andrews House
for their annual fundraiser, the Christmas Cupboard. This is
designed to be a fun time for individuals and families to get
together for some creative cookie decorating.
[Last year 30 dozen cookies were decorated and donated
to Andrews House by our cookie decorators!]
Sign-up sheets for decorating times for children (and other
helpers) will be available through November 27 after church
and in each youth Sunday School class. Donations of decorations (balls, sprinkles, etc.) are also being accepted. For more
information, contact Amy Smallwood-Ringenberg at [email protected].
Asbury’s Stained Glass Windows—What We Know (and Don’t)
As we think about the upcoming, and needed, restoration of our stained glass
windows, brief information about them may be of interest. When our current
building was being designed in the 1880’s, Mrs. V.T. Hills and her sister, Mrs.
Anna Clason, both of whom lived on other corners of Lincoln and Franklin, volunteered to pay the approximately $1500 cost of our large east window, provided that we did not install a bell in the bell tower—presumably so they would not
be disturbed by its ringing.
According to a newspaper of the time, designs for the window were solicited
from major firms in several large cities; the contract ultimately was awarded to
McCully & Miles of Chicago. Four kinds of glass were used. The stone in which
the glass is fixed was cut by a local stonemason, C.F. Miller; his work was so
fine that only three of the 120 stones had to be slightly trimmed after being cut.
It had been said for some time that Asbury has windows designed and produced
by Tiffany. Charlotte Gallant, when she was Church Historian, was able to confirm this based on Asbury’s being listed as having “decorative windows” in “ A
Partial List of Windows”, published by Tiffany Studios in 1910. However, we do
not know which these are as none of our windows are signed (not all Tiffany
windows are) and some of our early church records are missing. In addition,
both Tiffany and Co. and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in
Winter Park, FL, which has a large collection of Tiffany stained glass, indicate
that they do not have detailed records of Tiffany’s stained glass installations nor
do they know who might.
Apparently, the last restoration of our window “treasure” was undertaken in
1980.
-Anne Fry
Becoming a Reconciling Church: Letting the conversation begin.
By Brad Ross, Administrative Council Chair
A few months ago during a quarterly Administrative Council meeting, a council member raised
the question whether anyone felt the Asbury church membership would be accepting of becoming a “reconciling ministry or church”. Through the discussion, the general consensus was
that, yes, we thought the church would. This conversation has caused several of your members to begin talking about how, what, and why our church should or should not become a reconciling church.
Personally, I am one who “likes my house to be in order”, so to speak. I’m not obsessive compulsive about it, but I find it easier and less stressful if all parts of my life are integrated and in
harmony. When part(s) are not, I strive to make changes to bring things back in alignment.
Through our discussions about reconciling ministries, I found it disheartening the United Methodist Church as a disconnect between what it believes and what it does in relation to serving
members of the LGBT community. The UMC’s Book of Resolution indicates that “We will seek
to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ
has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.” It also states, “We believe that homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons
are individuals of sacred worth and that all persons need the ministry and guidance of the
church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional are of a
fellowship that enable reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self.” In my
mind, this is the “belief” part of who we are.
However, when you look at the Book of Discipline (the “what we do” part), it states that
“homosexuals may not be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve
in the UMC”, and “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by
our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches”. Herein lies our dilemma.
Because Asbury UMC has always been a leader within the church, we feel it is time to begin
have church-wide conversations about this issue. We will begin by asking each our administrative committee chairs to incorporate this as an agenda item for discussion at their monthly
committee meetings this winter. John Wesley used small in-home group sessions to grow the
church and its ministries and we feel having small informal conversations about this ministry
will be beneficial in helping our members understand what it means for Asbury to become a
reconciling church and part of the Reconciling Ministry Network. Committee chairs and other
leaders will be offered a format for leading these discussions.
We hope you will take every opportunity to join in on the conversation and be prayerful about
these discussions and initiative.
Peace to you all.
Doing the Laundry and Other Acts of Love
By Lay Leader Vicki Lefevre
How crazily optimistic we were as children to croon, “Sticks and stones may break
my bones, but words can never hurt me.” On a “truth” meter, that thought would earn a
“pants-on fire” rating. Indeed, words have power—they can hurt and shatter like “sticks
and stones” or comfort and heal. But actions matter too.
American poet Robert Hayden’s (1913-1980) most famous poem is “Those Winter
Sundays.” Since it is one of the most anthologized poems of the 20th century, perhaps
you studied it in a former literature class. Here it is:
Those Winter Sundays
Sundays too my father got up early
And put his clothes on in the blueback cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he’d call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love’s austere and lonely offices?
The speaker in this poem, now an adult, reflects on his childhood when he did not
appreciate his father who awakened early in the freezing cold of winter, fed the furnace
with his aching laborer’s hands, warmed the home, and only then awakened his child.
Most likely because of the “chronic angers of that house,” the son spoke “indifferently” to
his father. Now, as an adult, the speaker realizes that his father was dutiful every day of
the week--even on Sundays, all the more poignant because for many the Sabbath can be
a day of rest. The speaker further recalls that his father even polished his “good shoes,”
understanding this too as an act of paternal dedication. Yet, the speaker confesses, “no
one ever thanked” the father.
With the repetition of the rhetorical question “what did I know” in the final lines of
the poem, the adult son emphasizes that, as a child, he had been ignorant to his father’s
devotion and sacrifices. Now he understands that his father loved him, but communicated his love, not through words, but through deeds like earning a living, providing comfortable shelter, and polishing his shoes. I am reminded of a guiding principle of the Delaware Ecumenical Youth Council (EYC): “Work is love made visible.” Sadly, the father’s
devotion to his domestic chores were invisible to his son as acts of love.
Asbury’s Limited Activity List
Sarah Moore Home
26 N. Union St. Delaware, Oh. 43015
Bob Fair
Maxine Main
Bob May
Willow Brook Christian Village
100 Willow Brook Way S. Delaware, Oh. 43015
Laura Bump
Dottie Florance
Charlotte Gallant
Betty Leslie
Dick Wickham
Marjorie Humes
Willow Brook at Delaware Run
100 Delaware Crossing West, Delaware, Oh. 43015
Judy McCartney
Teena and Ebb Haycock
Delaware Court
4 New Market Dr. Delaware, Oh. 43015
Arlene McDowell
Pat McLead
At Home
Helen Berrisford—154 Diller Rd.
Bluffton, OH 45817-1118
Janet Gallant —74 Orchard Heights
Delaware, Oh. 43015
Jo Stone —201 Holl Rd. NE. Apt. 218A
North Canton, Oh. 44720
Howard Blanchard—160 Cider Mill Rd.
Glastonbury, CT. 06033
Jeff Viri-Dunahue—235 Long Trail
Ostrander, OH 43061
First Thursday Recital to Feature
Music for Advent and Christmas
It’s rare that the First Thursday Recital falls on the first of the month, but this is
the year, so be sure to mark your calendars for what promises to be a fun program by your Asbury music makers. Jan, Bob, and Sally have planned a variety
of duets: four hands piano, piano/organ, and harpsichord/organ. We look forward
to sharing these seasonal selections with you.
As always, tables will be set and beverages provided for those who wish to enjoy
lunch during the recital.
Love is more than an emotion—to love is also a rational and intentional choice demonstrated as often by cooking dinner, raking leaves, changing a diaper as by whispering sweet
nothings or purchasing anniversary gifts. We don’t hear many love songs or read many poems though about the caring but mundane actions of everyday life. Perhaps we should. For
his wife, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning composed the love sonnet “How
Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.”
Here is an alternative response to Browning’s assertion of love: “I love you to the
‘depth’ of that mountain of laundry you do every week; ‘to the breadth’ of all those insurance
policies you take care of for our family; ‘to the height’ of our leaking vaulted ceiling which you
recently repaired. And, if God choose, I shall love you even better after you scrape the ice
from the windshield of the car before I leave for church.”
Let’s open our eyes to the idea that “work is love made visible” and the words, “I appreciate you” are as essential in healthy relationships as the words “I love you.” The saddest line
in Hayden’s “Those Winter Sundays” is “no one ever thanked him.”
Moravian Love Feast
January 1, 2017
‘A time of worship and fellowship with family and friends’
Poinsettias for Christmas
Once again we will have poinsettias in the sanctuary for Christmas this year.
You will have an opportunity to sign up for poinsettias in the coming weeks, starting as
early as the first week of Advent, November 27th. Deadline for ordering will be Dec.
11th, so that all of the flowers can be in place for both Dec. 18th and Christmas morning. You may take your flowers home after the service on Christmas morning. Forms
will be included in the bulletins. The cost is $10.00 per plant and you may designate “in
honor of” or “in memory of” on the form.
Because Christmas is on a Sunday this year, we would like to provide our shutins with flowers and cheer in advance. If you would like to contribute money to
provide a smaller poinsettia for delivery to our limited activity members, we will have a
basket at the piano during the first 3 weeks of Advent. Cost will be $5.00 each. We
have a need for approximately 16 plants.
If you are unable to attend services but would like to purchase a poinsettia, you may
call the church office and an order form can be emailed or mailed to you.
Thank you for helping to make our church look so festive!
This Asbury tradition, borrowed from the Moravians and started in the late
70’s at Asbury, is an informal service of carols and fellowship with a Christmas
story for all to hear and enjoy.
Our service begins in the sanctuary and then we process to the Great
Room singing “Go Tell it on the Mountain”. After the blessing, we enjoy table
fellowship with friends, family and extended family over coffeecakes, rolls and
baked goods served with coffee, hot tea or cider.
The service begins at 10:45 AM, and dress is informal. Those who are
able to bring rolls or baked goods to share will find tables set up in the Great
Room when they arrive.
Peter Baylis, Worship Chair
United Methodist Women
.
The United Methodist Women’s reading program is alive and well. Each year brings
new books and exciting topics. This year we have already purchased some new books
for 2017. They are: Living into Hope; Fennevangelical; America and Its Guns: Money
on Purpose; Faith Ed.; Called by Fire (given by Julia Foster); Sally Ride (given by Emma Dixon). The children and youth books will be coming. I hope you are all reading.
Many of us read for enjoyment, book clubs, etc. Try reading the books on the UMW
shelf in the Great Room. If you read at least one in each category you have completed
a plan. If you have read a couple, try to read three more in the coming year. Together
you will have completed Plan One. Some of the books are not easy reading. Some of
the information challenges conventional thinking. But try it. You will like it.
CHRISTMAS EVE NURSERY WORKERS NEEDED
For the Christmas Eve early service, our nursery is staffed by an adult
volunteer and two high school or college students (the students receive a small
financial thank you for their help). We are currently in need of an adult volunteer
for the 5:30 service. If you would be willing to help, please contact Angie Haase at
740-369-3869 or [email protected]. There is also a possible need for
nursery help for the January 1 gathering the following Sunday. If you would be
willing to serve in a “just in case” scenario, please contact Angie.
Mona Ray
UMW Circle Meetings for December:
Hannah Circle: December 14, 1:30pm
Hostess: Nancy Levanduski, 338 Sylvan Drive
Program: Music by Joan Maxwell
Lydia Circle: December 1, 5-8pm
Sponsoring Cookie Decorating for Andrews House.
See full notice in the Messenger.
Rebekah Circle: December 21, 9:30am
Hostess: Wanda Harmon, 640 Curve Road
Program: “Christmas Stories”.
Long-time member Janet Gallant will celebrate her 90th birthday on December 22. Asbury
would like to recognize this milestone in Janet’s life by inviting you to a birthday gathering
following the church service on December 18, Noon to 2 PM. Per Janet’s request, no gifts
please. If you are so inclined, please bring a card or note that includes
either a story about Janet or words that describe gratitude for your
friendship with her.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
It is once again time to decorate the halls of Asbury!!! The Worship Committee invites one and all to come to the church on Saturday, December 3rd, from
10:30 to 12:00 noon for the annual Hanging of the Greens. This is a great time to
enjoy fellowship with one another.
While the adults hang the greens, the children can decorate the Christmas
tree and participate in a Christmas craft. In addition to preparing Asbury for Advent
and Christmas, we will enjoy hot cider and donuts. Let us come together as a
church family in this annual start to the Christmas season.
Peter Baylis, Worship Committee
SPOTLIGHT ON SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School Schedule Changes
In order to give our teachers time to focus on family, the Children’s and Youth Sunday school
classes will not meet on Sunday, December 25 and Sunday, January 1. Instead, all children and
youth (and their parents, as well) are invited to join the Spiritual Journey class in the McCoy
Room for an Intergenerational Sunday school class on those two Sundays.
Children and Youth Sunday School Classes
The Stories of Advent and Christmas will engage children and youth classes in December. Children’s lessons will be:
Dec. 4
Mary’s Story
Dec. 11 Joseph’s Story
Dec. 18 Jesus’ Story and The Shepherds’ Story
Dec. 25 No children’s classes; children may join the Spiritual Journey class in the McCoy
Room
Youth will explore these themes and stories:
Dec. 4
Peace (Isaiah’s Prophecy)
Dec. 11 Anticipation (Elizabeth and Zechariah)
Dec. 18 Trust (Mary and Joseph) and Incarnation (Jesus Is Born)
Dec. 25 No youth classes; youth may join the Spiritual Journey class in the McCoy Room
Gifts of Hope Sale
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Immediately after the worship service on Sunday, Dec. 4th, the Mission and Outreach Committee will again conduct a Gifts of Hope sale in the Great Room. The
gifts which are being offered are four different types of beautifully crafted angels
which you may use to adorn your home or tree during the Christmas season. Each
angel is being sold for whatever amount you wish to donate. All proceeds from the
sale will be used to rebuild dormitories at the Espwa Orphanage in Haiti which were
destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. Whatever amount of money we raise in this event
will truly be a gift of hope to the orphanage, especially so since its name (Espwa)
means “hope”.
Sunday School Mission Project – Stained Glass Window Repair
Our Sunday School offering will go towards the project to raise funds to restore some of Asbury’s beautiful stained glass window. To date, we have given $200.07 for this project!
Christmas Pageant – December 11
The Christmas Story in Word and Song
All children are invited to participate in the Christmas pageant on December 11. Sign-up sheets
for participants will be in the foyer. The first rehearsal will be immediately following the church
service on Sunday, December 4, 12:00-1:00 PM, and the dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 10, 10:00-11:30 AM.
Christmas Caroling on December 18, 2:00-4:00 PM
All young (and youngish) adults and their families are invited to gather at Asbury at 2:00 PM.
We’ll spread out in teams to sing Christmas carols and deliver poinsettias to Asbury members
with limited activity. We’ll return to Asbury to share hot chocolate, cookies, and the Christmas
spirit!
Looking Ahead…
Human Sexuality Retreat – February 3-4, 2017
The Christian Education Committee will sponsor the second Human Sexuality Retreat for our 5 th
and 6th graders on Friday evening, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. We will welcome Bob
Myers to facilitate the retreat again this year. More details will follow.
Financial Pledges Stewardship Update
As of this date, seventy-one members (families) of Asbury have pledged
$221,496.00 to the 2017 budget for the church. Pledge cards are still being
accepted and are available on the table at the church entry. Thanks to all for
consideration of this commitment.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
First Thursday Organ
Recital 12:15p
Care Network 1:30p
Friday
2
Prayer Group 8:00a
Andrews House
Christmas Cupboard
M & O 7p
4
2nd Week of Advent
Willow Brook Service 2p
Gifts of Hope Sale
Christmas play rehearsal
EYG 7p
11
3rd Week of Advent
18
4th Week of Advent
Open House: Janet
Gallant 90th birthday
8
13
14
15
Alzheimer Support 1p
Alleluia & Junior Choir 4:15p
MAP 5:15p
Teen Choir 5:30p
Bell Choir 6p
Journey 7p
Adult Choir 7p
Learning to Pray 9a
20
21 Winter Begins
6
UMW Bd. 4:30p
Christian Ed. 7p.
Boy Scouts 7p
12
Christmas Pageant
EYG 7p
7
Alleluia & Junior Choir 4:15p
MAP 5:15p
Teen Choir 5:30p
Bell Choir 6p
Journey 7p
Adult Choir 7p
5
Boy Scouts 7p
19
Boy Scouts 7p
26
Boy Scouts 7p
27
28
No Choir Rehearsals
No MAP or Journey
9
Prayer Group 8:00a
10
Christmas Play
Dress Rehearsal
10am
DCP Bd. 7p
Girl Scouts 6:30p
16
17
22
23
24
29
30
31
Alleluia & Junior Choir 4:15p
MAP 5:15p
Teen Choir 5:30p
Bell Choir 6p
Journey 7p
Adult Choir 7p
Young Adult Caroling
EYG 7p
25
Trustees 7p
3
Hanging of the Greens
10:30a
Boy Scouts Court of
Honor 12:30p
Cookie Decorating
5:00p—8:00p
2016
Saturday
Prayer Group 8:00a
Prayer Group 8:00a
Prayer Group 8:00a
Services at 5:30pm
and 11:00pm
New
Year’s
Eve