“Human existence has birth, life, and death—past, present, and future—Father, Son and Holy Ghost—faith, hope and love-yesterday, today, and tomorrow...” These are words depicting the significance of the number three in the creation of the prayer shawls at Asbury First United Church. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is rooted in this holy number by knitting three stitches and purling three stitches in a specific pattern. Each shawl is made with prayer and then blessed before it is given to the recipient. (continued on next page)
A church is more than the building, and the members of Asbury First are proving this time and again. We aim to keep connected with an e-newsletter that will highlight the unique stories of our amazing community.
E-Newsletter of Asbury First
February 26, 2021
A Ministry of the Heart
By Colleen Schantz
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am wonderfully and fearfully made.” — Psalm 139:13-14
COMMUNITY
Knit, Pray, Love, ctd.
Meredith Pixley shared an abundance of information and enthusiasm with me about the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She said, “The journey of each prayer shawl created is unique. Through creating, giving and receiving, each knitter and the individual who receives the shawl has experienced the power of God’s abundant love.” The shawls are “like a constant embrace from God.” Although shawls have been the primary focus, hats, blankets, and other items have been given as needs arise. Inspiration and prayer often direct who is in need of a shawl and a hug from the congregation. People in our greater community receive them as well. It is a movement of the Holy Spirit. “Every moment of life is sacred, none more than when the shawl is passed from one hand to the other,” Meredith said. Begun in 2005 by Ann Francis and Barb Castle, this ministry is rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition and history. The Jewish people wore them especially for holy days and during prayer in the temple. Today they are given as a sign of prayer thanks celebration and comfort. The ministry continues to thrive and bless. We give thanks and gratitude to all their beautiful work. Service comes in many forms here at Asbury First and perhaps this is the place for you! Please feel free to reach out to Meredith with questions or to become involved. Contact her at meredithpixley@gmail.com.
Featuring Alto Brenda Nitsch
Question: Tell us a little about your musical background? Answer: I grew up singing in church choir (started in 4th grade), sang in my high school choir and played clarinet in the band. I went on to receive a BM in Music Ed from Marywood University, a MS in Music Education from Mansfield University and a MM in Vocal Performance from Eastman. Q: Prior to joining the musical staff, what has been your experience with Asbury First? A: Wow...so many connections to Asbury. I have enjoyed a ton of concerts in the amazing sanctuary and sang several performances here as a member of Madrigalia. Two of my three sons sang in the Boys Choir with David Clement. Most significant though (drum roll, please), my first Sunday in Rochester (almost 30 years ago) I visited Asbury on a whim, and my now husband of 28 years was singing in the choir. I had just met him at Eastman orientation a few days earlier, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he, like me, grew up in the United Methodist tradition. xQ: Have there been favorite musical moments in your life? A: Now that my boys are grown up and out of the house, I am able to perform more which is a huge joy! x Q: What do you do when you're not singing at Asbury First? A: Ia m a choral director at Webster Thomas High School and continue to sing alto in Madrigalia. I am also the proud "Mimi" of 14 month old grandson Martin who lives with his mom and dad in Brunswick, Maine. I visit whenever possible! x Q: Tell us what's been helping you stay sane while during the pandemic: A: My husband Kevin and I love yoga and hiking. Meditation and the outdoors keep me grounded and spiritually connected, as does my husband!
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Get to Know Asbury First's Musical Staff
Asbury First is privileged to enjoy the talents of a dedicated musical staff, and perhaps now more than ever we've had a chance to experience some of them up close. To finish up last year's series, we'll profile our new alto soloist/section leader Brenda Nitsch.
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH MINISTRY
On Saturday, February 22, about 10 families gathered on the front lawn for some fun and fellowship in the snow. Between snow squalls, the families worked to create some adorable snow creations, and ended the day with a snowball fight and some yummy hot chocolate.
Snowball fight!
Northern Nicaragua is a land of extreme beauty and extreme poverty. Boats along the Rio Bocay provide transportation for villagers living along the riverbanks in remote mountainous regions. In November 2020, two Category 4 hurricanes made landfall on Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast within a span of two weeks time and within 15 miles of each other, causing landslides, loss of crops, destruction of homes, illness, and death across the northern section of the country. Asbury First knows this region and its people: since 2010, Asbury First members have taken part in a succession of medical mission trips there with Acts 1:8—a nonprofit led by Ronnie and Angi Hopkins, full-time missionaries with The Mission Society. In December, Asbury First’s Outreach Work Area designated $2,000 for hurricane relief in Nicaragua. Project Chacocente staff received and distributed the funds along with funding from other sources, to three Nicaragua-based ministries which Chacocente has ongoing relationships: Acts 1:8, Acción Médica Cristiana and Banco de Esperanza. Teams from each ministry continue to provide aid to those in need. They have purchased corrugated metal roofing sheets, nails and tools for home construction and repair, transported mattresses and clothing by boat and then horseback to homes distant from the river, and purchased and distributed food and medical supplies wherever they have been needed. The recovery process continues and will likely take years. Many thanks to Asbury First for so generously providing humanitarian aid to our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua.
By Robin Gage
Hurricane Relief for Nicaragua
Asbury First provided $2,000 for hurricane relief to be used by Project Chacocente to help around northern Nicaragua.
OUTREACH — PROJECT CHACOCENTE