Published: Jan. 12, 2024

To the Asbury First Family,

We are very pleased to announce that Bishop Héctor Burgos-Núñez has appointed the Rev. Ted Anderson to become our Interim Senior Minister effective March 1, 2024. Bishop Burgos made this appointment following consultations with his Cabinet, especially including our District Superintendent, the Rev. Suzanne Block, and with our Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Governance Board, and Transition Team. The appointment will continue through at least June 30, 2024.

Ted is an inspired choice to take on this role for several reasons.

Ted has a depth of very useful experience based on his 40 years as an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He took on his first assignment in 1978, shortly after receiving his M.Div. from the Boston University School of Theology. Later, for approximately 20 years he served as the beloved Senior Minister at Hurlbut Memorial Community UMC. On the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution, Hurlbut Memorial plays a unique role within our Conference. Throughout the year, Hurlbut Memorial serves an active congregation in the Chautauqua area, but each summer it also becomes the United Methodist church for the Chautauqua Institution. The Church and its ministers are deeply immersed in the Institution’s programs and activities.

Ted already knows us well. Many of us First met Ted in 2008 after he left Hurlbut Memorial to become District Superintendent for the Genesee Valley District. During his 8 years as our DS, Ted visited Asbury First many times, preached from our pulpit, presided often at our Annual Church Conferences, and advised us on many important issues. In recent years, he and his wife, Mary Connors Anderson, an experienced youth pastor, have worshipped with us regularly.

Ted is an expert in Youth Ministry, and has held leadership positions at the local church level (Youth Minister at Christ UMC in Amherst); the District level (Youth Coordinator for 7 years); Conference level (Conference Youth Coordinator); the NE District Level and the National level. This expertise will be a wonderful support for our youth ministries.

Ted shares our commitment to full inclusivity. As he has said, “I hope that AFUMC will continue to invite, empower, prepare and inspire all people to be the Body of Christ in the world ….. By all, I mean ALL.” He recently concluded a two-year interim assignment as Senior Minister at Fairport UMC, which was among the pioneer reconciling congregations in our area, and which places a particularly strong emphasis on full inclusivity.

Ted formally retired several years ago and is not interested in pursuing a permanent appointment to Asbury First. But, for now, we could not be in better hands as we move into the next phase of our search.

We understand that Bishop Burgos and the cabinet are actively working in a national search toward identifying an appropriate candidate for our senior pastor. We do not know how long that process will take, but have every confidence the Bishop will proceed with appropriate but deliberate speed.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDARS

January 21. As we have previously shared, Stephen Cady’s last preaching Sunday will be January 21. We will hold a reception to honor the Cady family’s service with us in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11 am service on the 21st. There will not be a formal receiving line, and the Cadys will circulate to speak with us individually. We hope you can attend to attend to wish Stephen and Emily well in person. Stephen will remain on the staff to assist in transition matters through the end of February.

January 28. Due to long-standing conflicting matters, Ted will not be in Rochester much of January and February. He will, however, be at Asbury First to chair our Annual Church Conference on January 28

June 1 and 2 We also hope you will be able to join us on the weekend of June 1 and 2 for a family centered celebration of Stephen’s ministry and the entire Cady family’s wonderful contributions to the life of Asbury First. More details will be forthcoming at a later date.

Please join us in welcoming Ted and Mary to the Asbury First Family!

Grace and peace.

James Quinn
PPRC Chair

Beth Wilkens
Governance Board Chair