9 & 11 AM WORSHIP
May 5, 2024
Staff Emails are typically first initial then last name @asburyfirst.org. (ex. tanderson@asburyfirst.org) Rev. Ted Anderson — Interim Senior Minister, x125 Rev. Kathy Thiel — Minister for Congregational Care, x106 Rev. Patrick Dupont — Minister for Outreach, x136 Mike Mullin — Minister for Discipleship and Youth, x105 *Rev. Rachel Dupont — Minister for for Christian Formation and Director of the Discipleship Project, x113 Dr. Carl Johengen — Director of Music Ministry, x134 Duane Prill — Principal Organist, x100 Paula Dugan — Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry, x111 Holly Temming — Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist, x114 David Strong — Church Admin.; Assistant Organist, x110 Deb Bullock-Smith — Office and Data Manager, x117 John Ormsbee — Director of Finance, x107 Lori Young — Director of Property Care, x122 David Stith — Director of Communications, x109 *Ly Tran — Communications Assistant *indicates part-time status
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (585) 271-1050 Asburyfirst.org
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. Please sign in on the red fellowship pad and pass it down your pew. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. You can also drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website to let us know you’re worshiping with us. Take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Large print bulletins and hymnals are available from the ushers. A hearing loop is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches, and you may also request earphones from the ushers to aid you in hearing the service. The screens located toward the back of the sanctuary now display the service stream to aid in visibility. Please help us welcome differently-abled worshipers and visitors. For example, please respect our visually-impaired members by not interacting with or distracting their working guide dogs. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children age 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for Sunday School or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. Our full statement can be read at asburyfirst.org/about-us/#reconciling-statement. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST Your generous gifts support our everyday ministries and operations, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place your gift in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen The livestream of the 11 am service can be viewed at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. Listen live on WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. Our video archive of past services is at asburyfirst.org/archive.
* please stand as you are able
Prelude
From Sixty Short Pieces — Flor Peeters Introduction Meditation Pastorale Cantilène Prelude
Introit
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul. (Words: Psalm 103:1; Music: Mikhail Ippolitov Ivanoff, 1859-1935)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Easter people, Jesus chose you and calls you friend! We abide in Christ because Christ abides in us. Jesus made a home among us to show us how to love. We abide in Love because Love abides in us. Jesus calls us to know the joy of loving each other as God loves us. We abide in Joy because Joy abides with us. Easter people, Jesus welcomes you around the table! We are bound together by Love and enlivened by Joy.
*Processional Hymn
#139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, vv. 1, 3, 4, 5
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
*Gathering Hymn
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2
11 am • May 5, 2024
The community gathers As the community gathers, the music of the prelude draws our hearts and minds to God.
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Sixth Sunday of Easter
11 am
To hear the word
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you love us, but we have not always loved you as we should. You call, but we have not always listened. Too often we walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped up in our own concerns. Too often we have led astray by evil, pride, and division. Holy God, help us to face up to ourselves. Move toward us in mercy, that we may repent and return to you.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Beloved friends, God has blessed us with the strength to love one another as God loves each and every person. Know that there is complete, total, and everlasting joy when we abide with the God who loves us. In the name of Christ, we are forgiven and loved. Amen. Alleluia!
*Gloria Hymnal #102, v. 3 alt.
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Moment for Mission
Rev. Rachel Dupont, Delegate to General Conference
Scripture John 15:9-17
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Sanctuary Choir Brenda Nitsch, Conductor
“Sing a New Song to the Lord” — David W. Music; words by Timothy Dudley-Smith, based on Psalm 98 Sing a new song to the Lord, he to whom wonders belong! Rejoice in his triumph and tell of his power! O sing to the Lord a new song! Now to the ends of the earth, see, his salvation is shown, and still he remembers his mercy and truth, unchanging in love to his own. Sing a new song and rejoice! Publish his praises abroad! Let voices in chorus, with trumpet and horn, resound for the joy of the Lord! Join with the hills and the sea thunders of praise to prolong! In judgment and justice he comes to the earth. O sing to the Lord a new song!
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Hymn
#560 "Help Us Accept Each Other", vv. 1, 2, 4
Sermon
a new / a renewed song
Call to Prayer
O Breath of love, come breathe within us, renewing thought and will and heart; come, Love of Christ, afresh to win us, revive your church in ev'ry part. (Words: Bessie Porter Head; Tune: Bishop Powell, David Ashley White)
Pastoral Prayer
To Renew Commitment
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place it in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
Offertory Sanctuary Choir Brenda Nitsch, Conductor
“Cantate Domino” — Hans Leo Hassler; text from Psalm 95:1-3 (sung in Latin) Cantate Domino canticum novum; Sing to the Lord a new song; cantate Domino omnis terra. sing to the Lord, all the earth. Cantate Domino, et benedicite nomini ejus; Sing to the Lord and bless his name; annuntiate de die in diem salutare ejus. Tell of his salvation from day to day. Annuntiate inter gentes gloriam ejus; Declare among the nations his glory; in omnibus populis mirabilia ejus. among all peoples his marvelous works.
*Doxology Hymnal #94
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Prayer of Dedication
God of joy, as we offer our gifts this day, we reflect on the wisdom of Jesus, who urges us to stay connected to his presence and example. In our acts of service, help us abide in him through love, obeying his commandment to love one another. Amen.
“Sing a New Song to the Lord” © 2005 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.; “Cantate Domino” public domain; "The Summons" words © 1987 Wild Goose Resource Group, The Iona Community, admin by GIA Publications, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by David Stith and Ly Tran
Permissions:
*Closing Hymn
"The Summons", vv. 1, 2, 3, 5 This hymn can be found on the following page.
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen. (Franklin Ritter)
Postlude
March, from Sixty Short Pieces — Flor Peeters
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Ted Anderson Liturgists: Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Pat Dupont, Mike Mullin Reader: Diane Dudley Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Gwen Paker, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Ushers: Brian White, Dennis Roote Production Director: Kenny Bailey Production Suite Team: Rick Church, Noel Nichols, Randy Davis Technology Support Team: Dave Rice, Kenny Bailey, Dave Berg, Larry Dugan, Deb Bullock-Smith Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
Recessional Hymn
"The Summons", vv. 1, 2, 3, 5
*Opening Hymn
#139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, vv. 1, 3, 5
*Welcome & Passing of the Peace
#560 "Help Us Accept Each Other", vv. 1, 2
Invitation, Announcements
Scripture
John 15:9-17 (found on p. 4)
Prayer
#548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”, vv. 1, 2, 4
9 am • May 5, 2024
Preacher: Rev. Ted Anderson Reader: Karen Hibbard Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Organist: David Strong
THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY & BIBLIOCART
Do you love perusing books? Do you love a cozy place to sit? Would you love a quiet place to catch up with a friend after the service? The Asbury First library is a perfect place for all these activities, located just around the corner from the Gathering Center in the Education Wing. This week the bibliocart will focus on Lent, Easter and Women’s History.
Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Lucille "Lucy" Reeder, who died on April 6. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family and friends of Peggy Epping, who died on April 13. A Memorial Service will be held on June 28 at 6 pm at the Northgate Bible Chapel, 240 McGuire Rd in Rochester. We offer our prayers and concerns for the family of Joan Codd who died on April 17.
Celebrations and concerns
Join us as we follow a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride from marital harmony to comical discord in Neil Simon’s hit play “Barefoot in the Park”. Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets for either the regular performance or the dinner theater performance, both of which are held in the Fellowship Hall, below the nave.
Sunday 9 am Worship Service — In-Person 9:45 am Childcare (available until noon) — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service — In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 2 pm Oliver! — 1040 Sanctuary (tickets available at the door) MONday 9 am Monday Morning Crew — 1040 9 am Library Work Day — 1040 Library Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship — Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Disciple III Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 3 pm Gentle Yoga — 1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door WEdnesday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group — Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group — 1010 COC Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 5:30 pm Community Dinner — 1040 Gathering Center 6 pm United Methodism 101 — 1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6:30 pm Asbury Ringers — 1040 Room 205 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal — 1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 8:30 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9 am Tuesday Women's Fellowship — 1040 Library 6 pm UR Well Clinic — 1010 COC FRIDAY 7 am Breakfast — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center 9:30 am Disciple IV Bible Studies — Zoom (zoom.us/j/834717 3468) 12:30 pm Asbury Art Class — 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room) Saturday 11 am Older Adult Worship and Luncheon — 1040 Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall NEXT SUNday (5/12) 9 am Worship Service (with communion) — In-Person 9 am Spiritual Perspectives Class — 1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Childcare (available until noon) — 1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Adult Sunday School — 1040 Fellowship Hall 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us — 1040 LL03 (lower level) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 11 am Worship Service (with communion) — In-Person and Livestream 11:15 am Children's Sunday School - (Ages 4–5th grade) — 1040 Education Wing 12 pm Lunch — 1010 COC Dining & Caring Center
Help Me Connect
Meetings & Rehearsals MAY 5 – MAY 12
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First!
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at (585) 271-1050
Join us for one of two shows: Friday, February 9 – Regular Performance – 7 pm Saturday, February 10 – Dinner Theater Performance – 6 pm For more information, contact Larry Dugan at lduganasburyfirst.org
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON: "why still standing here" by Ted Anderson [Luke 24:44-53]
Once again we have the opportunity to support a vital community service. Current blood donors, and those of you wishing to donate for the first time, are asked to register for the drive in the Gathering Center on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can do so at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Ed Ristau, at 585-223-4356. If you're unable to donate this time around, our next blood drive opportunity will be Saturday June 1, 2024. Please remember to bring your ID with you to your appointment.
BUY TICKETS
SCAN HERE FOR ZOOM
June 10 and 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010, Community Outreach Center) For those interested in joining Asbury First, this class in two parts will introduce the tenets and history of United Methodism, and give a deep dive into the many ways one can become more involved in Asbury First's ministries. Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bag dinner if you prefer. Our hope is to have everyone present for recognition of new membership at the 11 am service on June 23. No need to register, but let us know if you plan to attend! Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117 or email her at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org
New Members Class
Exploring Faith Communities in Rochester: A Lenten Series with Guest Speakers from Other Religious Communities Join us for this lively and engaging opportunity to learn a little about another religious community, right here in Rochester! Speakers will share about their community, give some background, and entertain your questions. Wednesday evenings from February 21 through March 20. Contact Kathy Thiel for more info at kthiel@asburyfirst.org
With the UMC General Conference all wrapped up, join us May 8 as Rev. Rachel Dupont debriefs us on all the important developments from these dramatic two weeks. Then on May 15 Ted will open up the floor to discuss whatever questions the 7-week course has stirred up.
Join us every Sunday at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall for informal conversations on a variety of subjects! Grab a coffee and join us in Fellowship Hall every Sunday at 9:45 am. May 5 - Highlights from The United Methodist Church General Conference May 12 - Mother's Day and its birth in Methodism May 19 - Pentecost May 26 - No more class as our summer services begin this week All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
May 8 – Rachel returns from the General Conference and will recap key motions May 15 – Ted will lead a Q and A, wrapping up the 7-week course
Upcoming adult sunday school offerings SUNDAYS at 9:45 am in fellowship hall
February 4 - The Rev. Pat Dupont to discuss his role as Minister for Outreach February 11 - Youth Mission Trips Presentations All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.
Upcoming Adult Sunday School Offerings
United Methodism 101 with Rachel and Ted 6 - 7 pm, Fellowship Hall (1040, lower level) and Zoom
If you've wondered what goes on at the newly renovated Community Outreach Center, here’s your chance to See For Yourself! Monthly, every 2nd Tuesday, join us for what we call 1010 TUESDAYS! Meet us at 1010 East Ave at 8 am for a simple breakfast, a brief tour of the facility, and stories about these life-changing services. Bring a friend or colleague, and help us spread the word about the Community Outreach Center. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code, visiting asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or calling (585) 271-1050 x117.
1010 Tuesdays, 8 am, May 14 & June 11
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org
SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER NOW!
MONDAY, AUG 5 – THURSDAY, AUG 8 • 9 am – 12 pm Children ages 4 through 11, join us August 5 through 8 for an Olympic-sized VBS! We will meet each morning from 9 am to noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together!
Storehouse Geranium Sale
SCAN THE QR CODE TO PURCHASE YOUR GERANIUMS
Make your gardens beautiful while supporting the Storehouse! Purchase Geraniums in a rainbow of colors by scanning the QR code or visiting asburyfirst.org/news. We'll have 4 1/2" pots of red, white, purple sizzle, strawberry sizzle, and salmon geraniums, along with hanging baskets with mixed florals. Orders must be received by Sunday, May 5. Pick up your geraniums on Saturday, May 18 from 9:30 am to 12 pm at Asbury First's Community Outreach Center (1010 East Ave). If you have any questions, please email giving@asburyfirst.org, or call Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP
SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR RAPID PASS
Red Cross Blood Drive at Asbury First! Do More Good! Give Blood! Sign up or just Show up to give blood Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call Ed Ristau at (585) 223-4356 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. And please remember to bring ID. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
We have an immediate opening for Volunteer Greeter Coordinator at the UR WELL Clinic in the Community Outreach Center. The person in this role is responsible for scheduling and supporting greeters who have volunteered for the UR WELL clinic, and is an important piece of the Outreach puzzle at Asbury First! For more information, contact Mary Scahill at (585) 705-6112 or mscahill404@gmail.com or Lin Vanderstyne at (585) 747-4218 or linvanderstyne@gmail.com
EVARTS UR WELL CLINIC
Welcome our New Director of Property Care! We are pleased to announce that Johnny Colón will be joining our staff as Director of Property Care, effective May 6. Johnny brings with him to Asbury a passion for customer service and extensive experience and skills in all aspects of property care, including, but not limited to, maintenance and repair, housekeeping, grounds management, and event/meeting set-up. We are looking forward to having Johnny be a part of the Asbury First family! We will miss Lori Young – and thank her for agreeing to stay on part-time while we searched for a new Director.
Donate your Children's Picture Books!
Asbury First Kickball and Softball League!
Sign up Today! Every Sunday night in June, beginning June 9, join us from 5 to 8 pm at the Ellison Park softball fields to play both softball and kickball. All skill levels and ages are included so make sure to bring the whole family! Come share in a night of fellowship and fun! Sign-ups are due by May 19, so don't wait! Scan the QR code to access the sign-up form, or contact Mike Mullen for more information at mmullin@asburyfirst.org
The Storehouse is seeking used children's picture books in good condition to stock for families in need. Bring your gently used (or new!) children's picture books to the Welcoming Hall where they can be deposited in the crate by the access ramp, near the doors facing the Parking Lot. For more information, contact Nancy Davidow at ndavidow2@rochester.rr.com
Pentecost Sunday, May 19, will be a celebration of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, church and community. At both the 9 & 11 am services we'll hear testimony from outreach volunteers about how their discipleship leads them into action. At the 11 am service we will also confirm several youth as new members of Asbury First. Pentecost is the only day during the church year marked with red vestments and paraments. All are invited to wear red to worship to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit at work!
Wear Red For Pentecost - May 19
Miracle Garden
Auditions for this Spring's production of Oliver! are taking place at the following times: Tuesday, January 30 at 6 pm Thursday, February 1 at 6 pm Call-backs are Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm. For questions please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org
Asbury First Community Theatre presents
SCAN THE QR CODE TO RSVP NOW AND DONATE TO THE CADY PURSE
June 1, we're throwing a party to wish a fond farewell to Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, II, Emily Cady and the Cady family, and we want you there with us! Celebration Dinner: Saturday, June 1 under a Big Tent on the Granger Place Lawn. 3:30 pm — a Bounce House! 5 pm — Buffet Dinner! 5:45 pm — a program celebrating the Cadys with live music to follow, and more! Please RSVP so that we can plan enough food. Dinner is complimentary, but a voluntary goodwill offerring will be collected to help offset the costs. Give as you're able. Farewell Gift: Continuing a long-held Asbury tradition, we will collect monetary contributions toward a farewell gift (also known as a purse) for Stephen, showing our appreciation for his love and devotion to Asbury First over the last 12 years. This gift will be presented to Stephen on Sunday, June 2 at the end of the 11 am service. If you would like to contribute, please either make your check payable to Asbury First UMC with a notation of “Cady Purse” and send it to the church office at Asbury First UMC, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee, or place it in the collection plate at a worship service no later than May 29.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607