Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Sunday, September 4, we welcome our new Soprano Section Leader/Soloist Sipra Agrawal Kolar. A native of the Rochester area, Sipra holds the Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam (where she first became acquainted with Carl Johengen!). She lives in Brighton with her husband, two children, and their dog. Sipra enjoys singing with the Voices chamber choir, spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and reading anytime or anywhere. Sipra has served as soloist at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and has subbed at Asbury First on occasion. We are excited to have Sipra join Asbury First's musical staff!

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Open to all LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies

Sundays, Starting September 11, 9:45-10:45 am, Youth Room

Psalm 139.14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This has been used to highlight how we are each made in the image of God—and that we are created good! This fall, we encourage all youth—those who are out, those who are questioning, and those who are affirming of their peers—to join us on Sunday mornings as we consider the connections of the LGBTQ+ community and our faith. In addition to checking out Bible stories, characters, and traditions that promote inclusion, we will also take time each week to check in and support one another. This group will be facilitated by Evann Hasenauer, our CRCDS supervised ministry student who has a passion for bringing faithful LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation to the forefront in youth and young-adult spaces. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Do you love to dabble in dilly beans, put up pickled peppers, or pack away pesto for future use? The Asbury Community Garden Committee is hoping to recruit a small team of people who are experienced in food preservation. Our garden is bursting with vegetable bounty, and we’d like to keep some of it for the Dining and Caring Center’s off-season use. We're now providing produce weekly to the dining center and to two off-campus feeding programs, but will still have enough to also put some aside. If you’d like to be involved in this short-term project, please contact us: DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com, or rfeather@rochester.rr.com. In coming years we may also look at making jams or canning applesauce.

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

After many years of faithful service to Asbury First's music program, Bess Phillips will be stepping down as our Soprano Soloist/Section Leader. Bess' final Sunday will be this weekend, August 28. Her lovely voice has graced countless services in our Sanctuary, and we are so grateful for her professionalism and dedication. Bess has promised to be available as a substitute when needed, so we look forward to remaining in touch. Godspeed, Bess!

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

Sunday, September 11, 10 am, Education Wing

Children’s Ministry will kick off the Fall with an Open House on September 11 at 10 am. Come visit us on the second floor and see what’s happening for children this school year. You can register your child for Sunday School, tour our classrooms and children’s music room, and hopefully get to know some other parents. We will have a brochure and flyers with more detailed information. After touring our Open House you can take your children to a bounce house outside on the lawn. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. We hope to see you there!

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

Did you know that Asbury First United Methodist Church in all its grandeur is a popular church for wedding ceremonies? In keeping with our vision of inclusion we are open to sharing its beauty for weddings of members and non members alike. We currently have two wedding coordinators from the congregation, but could use at least two more interested people. You can choose dates that are convenient for you and there is a stipend for your time and effort. If interested, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

We are collecting school supplies again this year for Schools 17 and 45. Drop off supplies Sundays from August 28–September 25.

Items needed include: backpacks, 24-count pencils, colored pencils, erasers and eraser tops, ink pens (blue, black, and red), crayons, color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-color folders with pockets, three-ring binders, composition books, graph paper, hand sanitizer, and tissues.

Many thanks to YOU for your support! For more information, please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624, or at jhsmalt@gmail.com.

Published: Aug. 19, 2022

• Auditions: Sunday, September 11, 1 pm, Fellowship Hall
• Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm, September 14-November 2, Fellowship Hall
• Shows: November 4-6 

Auditions are coming up for this year's Youth Musical. Join us on Sunday, September 11 at 1 pm in Fellowship Hall for auditions and the first rehearsal! After that, rehearsals will be on Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm from Based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, Snoopy!!!, sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz's unforgettable characters. Snoopy is the follow up show to You're a good man Charlie Brown. For more information, please contact our Director of Youth Theater Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050.

Published: Aug. 19, 2022

Tuesdays, Beginning September 13, 12-3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room), $20 per person

The Asbury Art Class will begin working on projects with polymer clay! (Think Sculpey — although there are other brands). We will explore the properties of polymer clay to develop milleflora techniques as well as for practical uses for in-the-home items. Class will begin on Tuesday, September 13 at noon. Bring a lunch. At 12:30 pm each class I will present a PowerPoint program on the "Elements and Principles" of art. At 1 pm we will begin working with the polymer clay. Class runs from noon until 3 pm every Tuesday. There will be general materials supplied as part of the $20 per-person cost for the class. Please call or email Linda Clemow to register at soulsourcestudio1@gmail.com or 607-434-0500.

Published: Aug. 19, 2022

Monday, August 22, 4-7 pm, Granger Lawn

BOGO—Buy one get one free sale is featured at the Asbury First book booth at the NOTA Farm Market Monday. A wide book selection of books for every interest and level are on sale—buy one get one free. Fiction, nonfiction, adult and children’s books are on display and sale. Visit the Asbury First book tables at the sale next to the church on Granger Lawn from 4-7 pm on Monday. Proceeds from the sale go to the support of the Asbury First Church Library.

Published: Aug. 17, 2022

From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Retirement Announcement

Dear Friends,
 
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
 
After a season of prayer and discernment, I have made the decision to retire from the active episcopacy on Dec. 31, 2022. Yesterday, I submitted my request for retirement to the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Council of Bishops.
 
I have not made this decision lightly and it is the right one for personal and spiritual reasons. The divide within the United Methodist Church has lessened my joy for this role and changed my sense of whether my gifts, convictions, and leadership as a residential Bishop are best for the United Methodist Church in the future. The writer of Ecclesiastes says: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” 
 
Jodi and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve with and among the people of Upper New York over these last 10 years. We look forward to returning to Pennsylvania to be closer to our children and other family.
 
Over the next few months, I will continue to offer all I can to assist leaders and congregations of Upper New York in preparing for days of ministry ahead that will honor God, boldly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and increase God’s kingdom. The mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” continues.
 
Thank you for praying for us and be assured of our ongoing prayers for each of you.
 
With gratitude and love,

Mark J. Webb

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

Help kick off the Fall season by joining us for Together in Ministry service at 11 am on Sunday, September 11.

You'll have a chance to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities as Asbury First, and get more information on the build up to opening our new Outreach Center. We are thrilled to be so close to completing this project and now look toward the many ways we can help our community. We hope to see you there!

For more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

Saturday, September 17, 9:30 am–3 pm. Advance registration required for lunch— $10 per person, register online and learn more at asburyfirst.org/giversoflife

On September 17, everyone is invited to a daylong sharing of story telling and discussions about women from ancient to the present time who embody "Givers of Life" by their faith. The interdenominational program will begin at 9:30 am in the Gathering Center and will end mid-afternoon. Seating is limited to 100 participants, so make your plans early. Lunch will be provided at the cost of $10 per person, and there will also be a free-will offering to support the Women of the Well. We look forward to a day of sharing and communing.

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

We will be collecting school supplies again this year for Schools 17 and 45. We will collect the supplies in September, but here is a list of needed items to pick up while supplies are easily available in stores.

Items needed include: backpacks, 24-count pencils, colored pencils, erasers and eraser tops, ink pens (blue, black, and red), crayons, color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes or pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-color folders with pockets, three-ring binders, composition books, graph paper, hand sanitizer, and tissues.

Many thanks to YOU for your support! For more information, please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624, or at jhsmalt@gmail.com.

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

We are so grateful to the amazing response and support. We collected 20 cleaning bags and 30 hygiene bags with a total of around 350 items! Mothers In Need of Others (MINO) provides emergency items for single mothers and families in crisis. This will make such a difference for families in need! To learn more about MINO, visit projecturge.org/mino-1.