Published: Jan. 19, 2024

Join us January 28 for the first visiting preacher in our winter preaching series, the Rev. Jess Winderweedle!

The Rev. Jess Winderweedle (she/her) is an elder in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology (Homiletics) at Princeton Theological Seminary. Jess’s research interests center on the experiences of LGBTQ+ preachers in Mainline Protestant traditions. Jess grew up in Oklahoma, but she has called the East Coast home now for over 16 years. Before returning to school, Jess served as lead pastor at Kingston UMC where she also founded The Feed Truck, a mobile campus and community outreach ministry. She last preached at Asbury First in October.

Published: Jan. 19, 2024

In case you missed it, Saturday, January 13, Asbury First celebrated the wedding of Christopher Gold and Cory Tylenda, an important milestone as this was Asbury First's first same-sex wedding. 

WHEC News 10 reported on this historic ceremony. Watch the clip here.

The Gold-Tylenda Wedding was truly an accomplishment due to the continued support and resolve of inclusiveness on behalf of all members of Asbury First.

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

Published: Jan. 12, 2024

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. 
 

Published: Jan. 11, 2024

After the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady leaves the pulpit, but before the interim arrives in March, he has invited several of his friends in ministry from near and far to share the gospel message of hope and inclusion. Please plan to join us each week for this exciting series.

January 28, 2024 : Rev. Jess Winderweedle

BIO: The Rev. Jess Winderweedle (she/her) is an elder in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology (Homiletics) at Princeton Theological Seminary. Jess’s research interests center on the experiences of LGBTQ+ preachers in Mainline Protestant traditions. Jess grew up in Oklahoma, but she has called the East Coast home now for over 16 years. Before returning to school, Jess served as lead pastor at Kingston UMC where she also founded The Feed Truck, a mobile campus and community outreach ministry. She last preached at Asbury First in October.

February 4, 2024 : Rev. Jackie Nelson

BIO: Jackie, a native of Teaneck, NJ, joined the Asbury First staff in August 2017 as the Minister for Outreach. In September of 2021, Jackie joined the staff of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School as the Director for Student Support Services and Coordinator for Spiritual Care, and has remained a part of the Asbury First team. She remains on staff as Preaching Associate, where she continues to share her gift and passion for preaching with our congregation.

February 11, 2024 : Rev. Bryant Clark

BIO: The Rev. Bryant Clark is a graduate of Boston University School of Theology. He was ordained an elder in 2022 and is currently serving at Marcellus United Methodist Church. Pastor Bryant is passionate about church renewal, lay leadership development, youth ministry and ministries of mercy and justice. His wife, Kristina, serves as Director of Missional Engagement for the Upper New York Annual Conference. Together they have two daughters, Camila and Ella. Pastor Bryant is a lifelong Methodist and believes that our collective faith not only gives our lives meaning but also gifts us with the opportunity to affect the world in profound ways.

February 18, 2024 : Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

BIO: The Rev. Katie McKay Simpson is the Senior Minister of University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. For eighteen years, she has served as a pastor, community leader, and planter of new ministries among Louisiana congregations located in Bossier City and Lake Charles. She is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and received her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL and she is presently working toward a PhD in Organizational Leadership at Eastern University outside of Philadelphia. Katie has been an active voice for inclusion in the Annual, Jurisdictional and General Conference levels of The United Methodist Church. She is married to Taylor and together they have three children—Eva, Jack, and Sam.

February 25, 2024 : Rev. Joe Kim

BIO: The Rev. Joseph (Joe) D. Kim serves as Lead Pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church outside of Seattle, WA. He has served in and with communities of faith for over 15 years, both in the non-profit sector and in the local church. He has traveled around the world as a speaker, preacher, workshop leader and facilitator, encouraging people of faith to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Joe is the husband to an incredibly talented artist and justice-seeker, Joann; dad to their two amazing children; hiking companion to their dog, Leigh; and caretaker of their four chickens and modest farm (read: garden beds). Joe loves being outdoors and traveling, and enjoys all things music and sports.

Published: Jan. 5, 2024

The Asbury Ringers, Asbury First’s adult handbell choir, is beginning rehearsals for spring and Easter, and we’d love to add you to our ranks! If you're able to read music, and are either new to handbells or a seasoned ringer, join us for weekly rehearsals, Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Please contact Elizabeth Church for more information at emchurch418@gmail.com or 585-978-0007.
 

Published: Jan. 5, 2024

Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady on WXXI's Connections with Evan Dawson. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady sat down with Evan Dawson to discuss Cady's work in Rochester, the current state of the Methodist church, and the impact he's had on the community. 

The broadcast can be streamed online at wxxinews.org/show/connections

Published: Jan. 5, 2024

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

Published: Dec. 22, 2023

Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, January 31 and February 7, Sanctuary

Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm, January 3-February 7 for engaging and educational conversation. These vital conversations will help us take steps toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our individual, congregational, and community lives. All are welcome! We encourage you to come to all of the conversations, but if you can't make it to all, you can still benefit from attending when you can. This program is designed and led by Rev. Rachel Dupont and members of the Racial Equity leadership team. For more information, please contact Rachel at rdupont@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Dec. 22, 2023

Wednesday, January 3, from 6-7 pm, Room 201

All children, grades 2nd - 5th, are invited to participate in our children’s musical, Esther.

Esther was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai and was chosen to be the new queen of Persia. She saved the Jewish people from being killed even knowing it may cost her life. Purim, a Jewish holiday which commemorates Esther’s saving of the Jewish people, is still celebrated today.

Rehearsals begin Wednesday, January 3, from 6-7 pm during the Wesley Singers & Ringers rehearsal time, in Room 201. The musical will be presented during the 11 am service on Sunday, April 28.

Published: Dec. 22, 2023

Saturday, January 13, 4pm, Sanctuary

We celebrate the upcoming wedding of Christopher Gold and Cory Tylenda on Saturday, January 13, at 4 pm in the Sanctuary. This important milestone will be Asbury First's first same-sex wedding! It's truly an accomplishment due to the continued support and resolve of inclusiveness on behalf of the members of Asbury First. Chris and Cory welcome all members of Asbury First to attend the ceremony and a cookie reception in the Gathering Center.

Published: Dec. 22, 2023

January 7 - The Rev. Kathy Thiel to discuss her role as Minister for Congregational Care

January 14 - Bill Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism to talk about his story

January 21 - Bill Wynne to help us react and respond to our own stories

January 28 - Lori Young to discuss her role as Director of Property Care

All are welcome, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more information.

Published: Dec. 8, 2023

Please join us in welcoming our new Director of Communications, David Stith. Raised in Buffalo, David comes to us most recently from NYC where he worked on the design team at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and was an Art Director in the NYC new classical music scene. We are excited to have him here at Asbury First! David can be contacted at dstith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x109.

Published: Dec. 8, 2023

During the Christmas season, our attention is drawn to the abundance in our lives. As Christian disciples, we believe that abundance should be shared. As we exchange gifts with loved ones at Christmas, let us also consider gifts that we can offer to those in our midst who need them most.

For more information visit asburyfirst.org/christmas.

Published: Dec. 1, 2023

Did you hear the Asbury Orchestra in worship recently, and think, “I’d like to do that”? Join us December 3rd and 10th at 9:30 in Wesley Hall to rehearse Christmas carols. We will play in the Gathering Center after worship on December 17th. All are invited to join the fun!

Questions contact Laurie Kennedy at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net