Click here for the Tech Update Timeline
Click here for an in-depth look at Our Virtual Reach
E-Newsletter of Asbury First
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March 16, 2021
One year ago the world changed in ways no one had expected. We all watched the news about the novel Coronavirus as it spread in China and Italy, and waited to see what would happen in America. As we began the lock down last March, we hoped the virus wouldn’t spread and that we would all be in the pews on Easter Sunday. However, with growing infection rates and a death count that has now reached over 500,000 in the United States alone, COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic and its effects on every-day life are still unraveling. As we take a look back at the past year of isolation, loss, and endless Zoom meetings, let us also look for the positive changes and enlightenment that the pandemic has brought. So we ask: How has church changed? “We will learn that more as the year unfolds, but I think there is at least some likelihood that we will never again have more people in the sanctuary than we do on the live stream,” Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady said. “My prayer is that the sanctuary is full and there are even more on the live stream, but I think this helped us re-imagine what is possible for a congregation.”
By Sarah Brubaker
As we look back at the past year of the pandemic, we stop to evaluate its effects and ask: How has worship and fellowship changed at our church?
ONE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC
Click here for the Pandemic Check-In
I have always believed that the Holy Spirit connects us to one another in worship. Before the pandemic, however, I always thought that proximity helped,” Stephen said. “While that might still be the case, what I know for sure is that the Holy Spirit is able to transcend any boundaries.” — Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady
Physical separation has been the largest impact on worship and fellowship at Asbury First and for churches all around the world. The isolation caused by the lock down of our world, has magnified the human need for contact and fellowship, especially for our children, elders, and those now in forced separations. “I’ve missed having children’s time in person,” Sean Mahan said. “I like seeing Miss Paula on the TV but it’s much better when we are all together.” However, one of the benefits of shifting to online worship is that some are better able to tap into spirituality during this virtual time. “The live stream is the highlight of my week,” Lori Jeanne Peloquin mentioned. “I have not been able to work all year because of illness and it has helped so much to listen to the inspiring sermons, hear the great music, and feel the energy of the staff and pastors.” For Laura Hoyos, the disruption of the past year has been difficult, but connecting with Asbury First from Virginia has helped. “Through the joys and unexpected challenges as new parents during the pandemic, connecting via live stream has brought a sense of community in an isolating time,” Laura explained. “While we couldn’t see family in person at the holidays, we were able to connect and have the familiarity of Christmas Eve service. Through this tumultuous year the sermons have brought reflection and understanding. The music always brings joy and peace.” Since music is such an integral part of life at Asbury First, there is no doubt that the lack of singing with the congregation has left many wanting. “Our biggest change has been not being able to worship by singing in the choir,” Rick and Paula Kuempel said. “We love it when we can sing along with the soloists on anthems we know. The upside is being able to participate in Sunday School classes which we couldn't do before because we were always in choir practice.” Ruth Phinney agrees, saying she misses the sense of singing with the congregation, but the virtual setting for worship has brought about other revelations and blessings. “I have been so blessed by completing the 2020 Bible Challenge. If it had not been for the pandemic, I'm not sure I would have completed the challenge,” Ruth mentioned. “Because I was working from home, I had more flexible time and I developed a habit of reading. The readings had a profound impact on how relevant each one seemed to be with what was going on in the world, or what was going on in my life at the moment. That is the miracle of how God works in our lives. His word is always relevant. His word speaks through the ages.” While the distance and isolation have affected us all, for Jenny Sanchez who watches from Ontario, Canada, virtual worship has been a life-line connection. “Before last year at this time, I had never worshiped online or through a live-stream service,” Jenny said. “My husband lives in Fairport, NY. My last visit to him was in January of 2020. During that final visit I happened to see Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady on Spectrum News.” “I knew right away that Asbury First was the church for me,” Jenny added. “Little did I know at the time that it would be so important in helping me get through this awful period, on a platform that was so very new to me. I am so thankful and so blessed that God led me to Asbury First.” A spiritual connection is one of the greatest benefits from worshiping together. A feeling of fellowship or siblinghood can reinvigorate the soul—like water on parched desert. “I have always believed that the Holy Spirit connects us to one another in worship. Before the pandemic, however, I always thought that proximity helped,” Stephen said. “While that might still be the case, what I know for sure is that the Holy Spirit is able to transcend any boundaries. This has meant trusting that even if I can’t see the people of God with whom I am blessed to be in ministry, we can still connect with one another.”
“
Through the joys and unexpected challenges as new parents during the pandemic, connecting via live stream has brought a sense of community in an isolating time...” — Laura Hoyos
The Biggest Impact on Worship
ONE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC, CTD
The most obvious change each Sunday has been an empty sanctuary. The ministers, musicians, and technology team have shifted the way the service is presented to make the most of a virtual worship experience.
Finding Connection While Disconnected
Sean Mahan has worked hard to stay connected during the pandemic. He started a show called "Sean's school announcements," as well as writing letters and sending cards to members of the congregation.
Honestly, it has connected me to Asbury First and Stephen even more than I was before. I feel that it fills my cup. I invest that time not only to listen to Stephen work his magic in his unbelievable sermons, but even just to have the familiarity of the service...I feel that this part of me is still connected somewhere, somehow.” — Lindsay Sakamoto
Even though we are apart, this is the first church that my husband and I have attended ‘together.’ So, to share that fellowship with each other at a time when we are physically separated has been a blessing in so many ways.” — Jenny Sanchez
One definition of “connection” is the act of being joined or linked together. We have all likely felt disconnected at some point or another, but this last year brought about a joint feeling of malaise or great separation. As a church, we have had to work hard and remain diligent to find creative ways of staying connected over the last year. “Fortunately, church meetings have not ceased because of COVID-19. We both have had numerous meetings for the committees we were on, but also we are participating in the Racial Justice Advocacy Group and all the special events that are related,” Rick and Paula said. “In addition, we have a small group of church friends that get together every week—at first to play games, but now we just talk and support each other with whatever is going on with us and in the world.” Andrea Adair agrees: “It has been important to find some small group opportunities to stay connected, deepen relationships with others, and provide growth opportunities. I attended Emily Cady's class after the New Year and The Wisdom Jesus class most recently.” The Adairs moved to Connecticut soon after the pandemic began. Keeping such a strong connection from 300 miles away has come as a surprise to Claude. “Between the Sunday morning service, Wednesday Morning Men's Group, and, for the last eight weeks, co-facilitating The Wisdom Jesus discussion group with Kathy, I haven't felt this connected to a church community for 20+ years,” Claude mused. “I'm sort of in shock!” For some, the virtual setting has allowed increased participation in classes, worship, and more. For others like Deanna Varble and Matt Bielewicz, however, it has highlighted the isolation and human need for fellowship. “Sadly, this has been the biggest struggle for us,” Deanna said. “The biggest bright spot has been Paula. She came to a park dressed as a Minion for Loren's birthday, she has brought treats to the house, she has been physically present! We have been so grateful to be loved by her during this.” Matt agrees: “Miss Paula has been awesome, like Deanna mentioned. And whenever we can manage to attend, our Parables of Parenting group has been really nice to have.” Using creative means of communication, Sean has stepped up his connections by hosting a special “school announcement show” and writing letters. “I have connected with other members by writing cards and letters,” Sean said. “I wrote letters when everything was shut down last spring. I sent Christmas cards and Valentine’s Day cards.” Others find connection by pausing and keeping the sabbath holy, such as Gail and Bruce Waters in Chapel Hill, NC. “Asbury First has been our centering point since the pandemic began. You have given us courage, love and hope,” Gail and Bruce said. “The glorious music, the meaningful sermons, Ms. Paula's gifts, and prayerfully presented scripture have been our strength and we thank you with gladness and gratitude in our hearts.” Stephen has also found new and creative ways to connect, but still relies on the spirit of worship to link us all in God’s grace. He explained: “Beyond worship, I have continued to connect with members through Zoom meetings, bible studies, daily calls, regular emails, and prayer.” “The worship moment remains the greatest place of connection. There is a palpable difference when the light goes on and I know we are live streaming than when it is off,” Stephen emphasized. “I consider that a kind of holy connection.” That connection even extends to the other side of the world in Tokyo, Japan where Lindsay Sakamoto, Stephen’s sister, has been able to watch the worship service live despite the time difference. “Honestly, it has connected me to Asbury First and Stephen even more than I was before,” Lindsay explained. “I feel that it fills my cup. I invest that time not only to listen to Stephen work his magic in his unbelievable sermons, but even just to have the familiarity of the service—the hymns, the choir, the prayer, the children's moment (!)—I feel that this part of me is still connected somewhere, somehow.” Jenny also feels this link while watching from Canada. “Even though we are apart, this is the first church that my husband and I have attended ‘together’,” Jenny mentioned. “So, to share that fellowship with each other at a time when we are physically separated has been a blessing in so many ways. It seems that every Sunday I’m telling my husband, ‘that sermon was exactly what I needed to hear today’.”
As a church, we have had to respond with creative ways to worship, fellowship, and service while staying safe. This has meant big and possibly lasting changes. One key difference is our increased global reach. It is incredible to know that we in Rochester consistently connect with people in Canada, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, and more. “Even if it takes some time,” Stephen said, “I am committed to finding a healthy way to include those outside of Rochester within our life together while not letting go of the needs of our in-person members. At the very least, the pandemic has rid us of any notion that change is not possible. Now we will just have to make sure the changes are faithful, helpful, and good!” Thankfully, the infection rate seems to be on the decline, and vaccinations are increasing. This means we will soon be together in worship, though the service may still be different, and we will come back in phases to ensure the safety of our congregation. So many local members are anxiously awaiting the return to in-person worship. Sean cannot wait to see everyone and waits for the day of the return to church. “The first thing I want to do is tell everybody I missed them so much and give everyone big hugs!” While a return to in-person worship will be an occasion for celebration and joy, having the option of online worship is still valuable to many of our congregation. “Although I cannot wait for the day that I can visit Asbury First in person (it will be momentous in so many ways, as it will also be my return to the U.S., after a long long separation), I will continue to enjoy the at home live stream some Sundays,” Jenny added. “You see, I am a crier. When I feel that overpowering love and belonging that God makes us all feel, I can’t help but be so overwhelmed with emotion that I cry,” Jenny explained. “Some Sundays I go through half a box of Kleenex! This can be quite embarrassing in public, so I try to keep my emotions in check when in church. At home, I’m able to emote with God til my heart is content.” Asbury First may never have achieved this large degree of national and global impact, had it not been for the pandemic. We have now reached all 50 states, and 1,193 cities and 30 countries around the world! Focusing on this positive outreach and extension of our church, will be important moving forward. “One thing we really like hearing on Sunday morning is the report of where people are watching the service from,” Rick and Paula mentioned. “We also appreciate the supplemental introductory information/pictures prior to the beginning of the service. If some of that can be continued in the bulletin when we start back, that would be a boon.” When we return to in-person worship, we will continue to have video segments, such as Bible readings, prayers, and other pieces incorporated into the services. This will allow members from other cities, states, and countries a chance to participate. Steven and Renee Pagano have been watching from Rosman, NC. “Being able to watch your service and be with you in spirit has meant so much to us through this past year,” Renee Pagano said. “We consider you guys ‘our’ church and talk about you constantly. We are so blessed that our kids and grands found you. Thanks for letting us tag along!” To make sure that everyone has the same worship experience, screens have been added in the sanctuary to show these video segments, and are integral to connect our community to the far reaches of the globe. “Along the same lines, I'd like... how do I say this... well, because Andrea and I will continue to be remote, I want to continue to feel like the service is specifically set up for me the way it is now while adding back in the in-person element,” Claude explained. “I'm struggling for the words, but it seems important that care be taken to prioritize the remote viewing experience, such that, although different, it is on par with the in-person experience as much as possible,” Claude added. “True confession: I remember sitting up in the choir loft with the attitude that everyone out there watching remotely were just onlookers. They weren't part of the real deal. I know now that is not the case.” Though the connection during worship is important, Asbury First has a thirst for outreach and service that has continued and even grown despite the pandemic. The Coronavirus has shed a light on “normal” life and the disparity between so many. We are all in the same storm, but we are NOT on the same boat. While no one has gone unaffected by this pandemic, it has opened our eyes to the increased poverty and discrimination so many face—disproportionately so for people of color. One aspect brought about by the pandemic that we need to ensure going forward, is “being cognizant of members going through tough times, and reaching out with support,” Matt emphasized. As a church, we will strive to spread the “good news” and continue our mission to: “Love God and neighbor. Live fully. Serve all. Repeat.” This means that we need to prayerfully consider what changes to worship and fellowship we keep or discard moving forward—to keep with the Christian faith and bring life into the world and bring life into our community. This will be achieved by the fullness of life promised by Jesus through love of God and love of neighbor, even those neighbors on the other side of the world.
Considerations Moving Forward
To keep our in-person and global members connected once we are back at church, TV screens have been added in the sanctuary above the side walkways to show video segments and pre-service slides.
I'm struggling for the words, but it seems important that care be taken to prioritize the remote viewing experience, such that, although different, it is on par with the in-person experience as much as possible. True confession: I remember sitting up in the choir loft with the attitude that everyone out there watching remotely were just onlookers. They weren't part of the real deal. I know now that is not the case.” — Claude Adair
Click here for a printable PDF of this week's Visitor @ Home.
WORKING WITH NEW UPGRADES
CURRENT TRANSITION
LIVE-STREAM WORSHIP TIMELINE
BROADCAST ROOM BEFORE
After the first virtual-only worship service, Asbury First quickly recognized the need to stabilize and enhance our live-stream worship capabilities. Over the past year, the staff and Tech Team have worked tirelessly to advance our transmission and interaction with our congregation in a virtual way. Click the image below for an interactive version of the timeline, or click here to download a printable version.
These pictures show the upgrades and transition to our state-of-the-art multimedia room, which will be fully updated by Easter Sunday 2021.
A Full Year of Technology Updates
Click here for Music & Arts
Click here for the Children's Ministry
Read our special Q&As with the different areas of our church.
As we come upon one year of the pandemic, we take time to honor the work and creativity employed by our ministers, staff, congregation, and volunteers. Almost every aspect of how we worship and fellowship together has changed or shifted to a virtual setting since last March. At Asbury First, we have done our best to meet the needs of our congregation and the greater Rochester community. We invite you to take some time and read about the behind-the-scenes work from the different ministries and work areas around the church. Click on the links below to go directly to a specific area, or scroll through the pages to see what we have been up to during this time apart.
Click here for Church Administration
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
What has changed?
Click here for Congregational Care
Click here for Outreach
Click here for Discipleship
Click here for the Youth Ministry
Click here for Property Care
Click here for Communications
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
with Paula Dugan
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Minion birthdays, chalk art, pretzel Sunday, movie night, Christmas Pageant filming, snowman contest.
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The obvious change is not being face to face with the children. The children have had to make so many adjustments this year. We want to support them the best way possible. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? See above. It’s not seeing their sweet smiling faces every week. It’s not hearing them sing. It’s not being there for them when they need a listening ear. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. There are so many moments during this last year would make you, laugh, cry or just feel good that God’s work still happens during a pandemic. We had Minion Birthday surprises, by going to each child’s home on their birthday as Bob the minion and bring a present. We thought out of the box and filmed a Christmas pageant at two farms with 50 kids (at different time, so to keep COVID safe). We went to all the children’s homes and delivered Christmas ornaments with their pictures in them, so that they would always remember this year. Lastly, we have weekly Zooms in which we connect and play silly games like "What’s behind the door?". 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? We did more visitation than ever before. It is good to bring God’s love to the kids, and not expect them to always come to us. So, we will continue to do “more good” by going to kids and not waiting for them to come to us.
with Holly Temming
with Deb-Bullock Smith 1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? Working from home 95% or more of the time and not seeing other staff, volunteers, or people who stop by the office. My work, especially initially, shifted from scheduling meetings and other administrative work to implementing new software (our church membership database and online giving), helping people get acclimated to Zoom meetings, and implementing our new phone system. Each of those systems has helped the staff to work (from home or the office) more effectively, including allowing us to answer calls from the office or at home. In a weird way, the pandemic allowed me to spend more time on these new systems that wouldn't have happened as quickly otherwise. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? Although I really enjoy working from home, I miss the conversations with my colleagues, the volunteer receptionists in the office, and so many other people. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. One of the things that I started at the beginning of the pandemic is responding to those who check in by text for the worship service on Sundays. It's been fun to be able to connect with people near and far and welcome them to the service for the first time or the hundredth time. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? Actually, all of them!
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The biggest change for me is doing work that isn’t part of my normal job duties—helping with attendance, eblasts, and press releases—but I have enjoyed it very much! 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? It was a challenge learning to use new software systems (Shelby Next, Constant Contact, Lucidpress) and conducting choir rehearsals via Zoom with the children muted! 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. This could be my answer for the hardest thing also, but revamping the Children’s Pageant in a “socially distanced” way was difficult. We re-wrote the script, costumed children without them being present, filmed in two different locations, recorded lines separately from video—and all without any practice in advance. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? Can’t think of anything.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The biggest change initially was working remotely from home—and having all meetings take place via Zoom rather than in person. Although that hasn’t been without challenges, we as a staff were able to quickly adapt and rather seamlessly, so that the work of the church could continue. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? One challenge, as mentioned, was adapting to a virtual world. Another challenge was to adjust, in some cases, work assignments. For example, our Property Care staff focused on project work rather than daily set-ups and cleaning that is required when we are fully operational. The other challenge has been to adjust expenses to respond to reduced income that we’d counted on from usage of our space. Finally, staying connected with our members in a different way continues to be a challenge and area of focus. I’m wearing my music staff hat in this response: In music school and work experience, organists learn to make music in the midst of a lot of activity and noise surrounding them. It continues to be an adjustment to play for a service in an empty, very quiet sanctuary. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? We continue to look for easy ways that technology can support and enhance our work.
with David Strong
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN CHILDREN'S MUSIC MINISTRY
with Sarah Brubaker 1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The transfer to online-only communication has presented several challenges. When people are able to come to the church campus, we can rely on printed material such as bulletins, posters, and brochures to help spread information as well as word-of-mouth and our online presence. However, the only way we can get information to our congregation at the moment is through email, social media, the website, and virtual bulletins and newsletters. Sadly, this excludes people who do not have access to the internet or computers. It has been a struggle to try and keep these members informed, and we are still working on ways to include these individuals. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? The hardest part is that the majority of communication has to go through me. When in person, information can spread quickly through many different mediums and people, but about 80% of what the congregation learns at the moment is through online communication—the vast majority of which is published or created by me. One event or call for photos may require as many as seven different platforms to spread the information out to as many people as possible. That and the addition of special videos has increased my workload quite a lot. Thankfully, this has been offset a bit with the assistance of Holly Temming, doing the weekly eblast, and our Graphic Design Intern, Rob Petrosyan, who started in February 2021. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. My favorite thing to come from the pandemic is the special videos. They take a lot of work and time, but it has been such a joy to create special moments to help us all feel connected. I am sure no one imagined we’d be in a lock down situation on our 200th Anniversary, but we found a creative way to bring everyone together. Piecing together the video from 54 different submissions from people all over the nation—and even the world—really added something very moving to the celebration. As a new member of the church, it was meaningful to me to see what Asbury First means to so many and to add our piece to the rich history of this amazing church. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? We have been steadily increasing and improving our video segments, and this will continue going forward. I started out two years ago with small videos with Chuck Hanrahan providing the congregation with building updates, and this past year, we created a wonderful time-lapse video of members dropping off donations for the Thanksgiving In-Gathering. We just started a new segment called Chancel Chats, and who knows where we will go next. Now that we have a large community of viewers who are not local, it is important to show some more intimate behind-the-scenes videos to help connect us all together and put into practice the “all are always welcome” mission of this church.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Painting worship sign, creating the bulletin in Lucidpress, walking around the sanctuary quietly to not disrupt the service, working on the video for the 200th anniversary, Thanksgiving In-Gathering time-lapse video.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN COMMUNICATIONS
with Rev. Kathy Thiel
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The biggest change for me is not being able to be with people in person. I love being able to sit with you in your hospital room or rehab, pray with you before surgery, share a meal with you in your home or at a restaurant, and sit and chat and laugh. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? This has been the hardest part: not being able to be with you in person. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. The best story is that the groups for which I am the pastoral liaison have continued to meet on Zoom. The best story is that there are new groups forming and meeting together on Zoom. The best story is that I am teaching with Claude Adair. The best story is that Zoom and telephone calls and emails and texts and cards remind us each and all that we are connected to each other by and through the love of God. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? I have organized my office here at 1050. Up until the COVID restrictions, most of my days were spent on the go, visiting, attending meetings on and off of campus, and I did not need to be organized to visit and pray and counsel. Now that I lead Zoom meetings, I am doing more planning and so being organized helps immensely with keeping ahead of teaching and facilitating weekly groups.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Volunteer group meeting, Appetizer group meeting, Greeters open house special guest Fiona the pot-belly pig, the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN CONGREGATIONAL CARE
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN DISCIPLESHIP
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Fellowship 1/2 Hour, A Minister and a Rabbi... group, the Bicentennial Bible Challenge certificate and the last BBC group of 2020, Wednesday Morning Study Group.
with Mike Mullin 1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? I believe that discipleship ministry is—at its core— relational ministry. It is a ministry of presence that helps to remind each of us that we are not alone and that we are loved. As blessed as we are to be able to continue to connect through various online systems, none of these are able to fully replicate in-person gatherings. So while our ministry to create spaces for discipleship continues to remain at the forefront, our approach has necessarily shifted to a virtual one. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? One of the hardest parts of virtual discipleship is knowing that we are not able to connect with everyone. There are some who are unable or disinterested in learning the technology, and there are others that have to be on screens for so much of their school and/or work days that their sabbath cannot also come through a screen. We want to continue to reach out to and encourage these members and attendees that we are looking forward to reconnecting in earnest when it is safe to do so. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. One of the positives of shifting to virtual discipleship programs has been the opportunity to connect with past, present, and future members from literally across the globe. This has even provided us the opportunity on a few occasions to bring in speakers and authors to some of our small groups and programs that would not have been otherwise possible. It truly has been a joy to connect beyond our Rochester community—and to see the impact that Asbury First is having around the country and around the world. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? While we yearn for the opportunity to gather again in-person; I believe that virtual gatherings are here to stay for some of our groups. From allowing continued connections for our snowbirds, to inviting friends and families into various small group gatherings, there has been real growth and connection that we would miss out on if we cut off these types of gatherings.
with Dr. Carl Johengen
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? Certainly the most obvious and most difficult change the pandemic has brought about for me has been having to suspend the weekly activities of our choirs. Not seeing our singers each Sunday and Wednesday evening has been a serious loss for me, and I'm sure our watchers found their absence to be very jarring for the first several weeks of live stream worship. At my heart I am a choir director, and I cannot express how much I miss the thrill of leading our singers each week. I am immeasurably grateful to our soloist/section leaders, who are more than equal to the weekly challenge of filling this void. The same sense of loss applies as well to our other musical groups— the Asbury Ringers, our Youth Choirs, and our Children's Music ensembles. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? See above. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. Sunday mornings during the pandemic have afforded so many memorable moments. For me, there have been a number of "high points," products of the intimate collaboration with the pastors and my musical colleagues. Having to disrupt my usual patterns of planning worship and selecting music has created some amazing opportunities, and I'm proud of everything that our teams have accomplished. There have been some "bloopers," to be sure, like the time I neglected to proofread Sunday's captions, and Jackie's sermon title was "xxxxx"... 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? Actually, I have taken on several tasks during the pandemic which I expect to continue, and which I really enjoy. When we made the switch to live-stream-only services, and acquired a new software program to provide improved captions, I took on the job of entering all that text on a weekly basis. It's a job I've come to really enjoy, because it means there's not a word or moment within each service that I'm not intimately familiar with. It also has given me the opportunity to learn so many new computer and internet skills. I don't think I've ever felt so organized in my life!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Weekly Choir Zoom meeting, organ screen update, soloists singing at the 200th Anniversary service, Youth Choir Zoom meeting.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN MUSIC & ARTS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR The Dining & Caring Center, the Grocery Bag Ministry, honoring the former RHAIN coordinators the Lees, Project Chacocente, Drive-thru Food Drive, Storehouse recipients, Thanksgiving In-Gathering, honoring former UR Well coordinator Ida Hickman.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN OUTREACH
with Rev. Jacqueline Nelson
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? The biggest change in outreach since the pandemic began was figuring out how to work with and empower volunteers who are now either working from home, or working modified hours to continue to meet the needs of the guest in adjusted ways. We’ve had to think creatively about how to do outreach effectively and meaningfully during a pandemic, and accepting at times, that this also meant thinking strategically about what to halt and what to resume. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? The hardest part of the change was not being able to see or be in the presence of staff and volunteers who make outreach happen; and having to communicate almost solely via phone and Zoom. Outreach is a hands-on aspect of ministry, and presence is crucial to its success. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. The best moment during the shutdown was really anytime I saw and realized ministry CAN and DOES still happen, even we have to make adjustments. That has been incredibly encouraging. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? One new thing I’ve been doing is helping to identify grant opportunities and seeing them through the application process alongside others on staff. This has been rewarding especially the more we get approved for those funds for which we applied. One thing I’ve implemented is being more intentional about meetings—thinking through when a meeting is absolutely necessary (Zoom fatigue is real), and when there are other avenues to distribute and receive information. I hope to remain intentional about the scheduling of meetings and potential team-burnout going forward.
with James Flack 1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? We’ve had no staff, no congregation, and no meetings on campus, so it freed up a lot of time for us to catch up on general maintenance and other projects we generally didn’t have time to get to like painting and striping the floors to wax. We have also been working hard to meet the CDC disinfectant procedures and requirements for cleaning all of the surface areas. This takes a lot of diligence, and we have to stay on top of it pretty much any time anyone walks through the building. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? I miss the camaraderie of the congregation and the staff. The worst thing has been losing touch with a lot of people I usually see on a regular basis. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. It’s all one big blur. It is like living the same day over and over. We didn’t really run into any problems. I think we kept everyone busy and everyone employed—and that was my goal. I would like to commend all of my staff on their COVID-19 response. Every one of them stepped up and were available and did not try to take advantage of getting out of work and not being here. Jim went above and beyond what was required of him. We’ve really come together as a team. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? When the events and classes and worship start again, I just want to make sure that we set aside the time to have greater focus on the maintenance side. I’m going on my 6th year at Asbury First, and you don’t notice how things have degraded until you get your hands on them. You don’t realize how bad the floors have gotten until you move things out of the way and really get in there to update and maintain them, and you go “wow, that needed some work.” So going forward, we’ll schedule time to keep up the general aesthetics.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Striping and waxing the floors, painting hallways, installing new monument sign, updating the logo on internal signage, cleaning out the Gathering Center Kitchenette.
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN PROPERTY CARE
PANDEMIC CHECK-IN YOUTH MINISTRY
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR Youth Group Zoom meeting, Birthday celebrations, "Nailed It!" cake challenge, Netflix watch party, Senior Sermons, "Master Chef" youth edition, Halloween party, Long Acre Farms visit, Thanksgiving "Chopped," Summer Sattora's appointment United Presbyterian Church in Sacket's Harbor
with Mike Mullin
1. What is the biggest change in your area since the pandemic began? See Mike’s answer on the Discipleship page here. 2. What part of the change has been the hardest? See Mike’s answer on the Discipleship page here. 3. Tell us a story about the best, worst, or funniest moment from the shutdown from your area. The youth program has had a few occasions to showcase our baking and “Nailed it” talents because we have been able to gather together in our own kitchens in an attempt to create various treats. From guiding youth to baking cookies for the first time, to trying out replicating the ornate decorations and piping on a wedding cake, to creating something completely new with challenging ingredients a la “Chopped,” we have had some unique moments with food that would have been otherwise impossible had we been meeting in person at church. 4. What new thing have you implemented that your area may keep after we are back together? One of the joys that I have had over the past year has been trying to celebrate the birthdays of our youth. This began last March when folks were truly isolated, and birthdays were a significant loss. We would drop off a wrapped present and a card just to let folks know that they weren’t forgotten on their special day. Even as friends have begun venturing out into the world and into each others’ homes again, I have still found value in this practice. Isolation or not, there is something special about being recognized—even if it’s just one day out of the year. So, while this practice may continue to shift along with the needs of the world, I hope that it is something that our youth program will be able to hold onto. And, if I missed any of our youth this past year, let me know; we may not have your birthday on file—and I think belated celebrations are just as worthwhile.
Jan 2021
Note: Numbers updated to include March 14, 2021
0
March 2020
May 2020
500
July 2020
1000
Views per month
2019-20 In Person
2,500
52nd
comparison of Weekly attendance
Christmas Eve 2020
Easter 2020
PEOPLE HAVE Watched TOGETHER Over the last year!
WHICH MEANS Cumulatively about
1,500
Unique devices watched live on Sundays
March 2021
*2 Services
OVERALL Viewers WATCHING
Easter 2019
Week in a row of live-stream only worship
2020-21 Unique Devices Watching
Christmas Eve 2019
That makes An average of
2,950
Sept 2020
78,250
2,000
Nov 2020
38,315
*5 Services
OUR VIRTUAL REACH
over the last 52 weeks, a grand total of
March 14 marks the
(not set) - 15
japan - 26 south korea - 23 singapore - 22 hong kong - 17 india - 14 russia - 3 taiwan - 1 bangladesh - 1 turkey - 1
europe
africa
south america
9
North america
5 of 10
ghana - 1
Asia
6
1,193 cities reached globally
2
1
We reached Viewers from
United states - 8,577 Canada - 66 mexico - 2 barbados - 2 puerto rico - 1 jamaica - 1
United Kingdom - 37 belgium - 16 finland - 16 france - 14 netherlands - 14 Germany 13 austria - 9 hungary - 6 sweden - 1 estonia - 1 ireland - 1 switzerland - 1
30 Countries reached globally
2-20
CUMULATIVE NUMBER OF VIEWERS
CANADIAN PROVINCES
Canada
50+
12
GLOBAL Viewers
peru - 1 ecuador - 1
cumulative Weekly national reach since March 2020
100-200
in the last 2 weeks when viewers joined us from
New York Florida Pennsylvania Ohio Virginia
50 States
Cumulative viewers for top 5 States since march 2020:
NATIONAL Viewers
200-600
We finally reached all
3,000+
Cumulative Callers listening live on our toll-free number
Idaho, Nevada, and lastly, Montana!
562
cumulative NUMBER OF VIEWERS
20-100
3,424 591 493 415 362
photos submitted
35
131
KUDOS submitted
120
Interactions
85
388
13,988
submissions
DRAWINGS submitted
social media posts
Over the last year, our connections grew even while we were apart, due to your wonderful submissions of photos and videos to help us celebrate different events and milestones.
2,921
OVERALL Viewers INTERACTING
463
Text Check-ins
videos submitted
Email Check-ins
Live Stream Check-ins