Asbury First United Methodist Church

Ministry and Administrative Staff

David Strong

Church Administrator; Assistant Organist
(585) 271-1050 x110
dstrong@asburyfirst.org

David holds two positions at Asbury First. He has been Assistant Organist (part-time) since 1987 and, in 2017, assumed the full-time role as Church Administrator.

David retired from the University of Rochester (UR) in 2016, after holding staff and leadership positions throughout the UR and at Cornell University, including Vice Chair for Administration in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UR Medicine, Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Finance at the Eastman School of Music, and Associate Director for Administration Wilmot Cancer Institute at the UR, and Associate Dean for Business Affairs at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. He holds undergraduate degrees from Ithaca College (music) and UR (psychology) and a master’s degree in health systems administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. He currently serves on the Upper New York Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits and is enrolled in The Church Network professional certification program. David and his wife Jeanne have two daughters, Mackenzie and Jacqueline. In his spare time he likes to ski, travel, exercise, cook, read, and listen to English choral music and listen to jazz.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse


Colossians 2:6-7

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing in thankfulness.

Lori Young

Director of Property Care
(585) 271-1050 x122
lyoung@asburyfirst.org

Lori joined Asbury First as our new Director of Property Care in June 2023. With more than 20 years experience in property management, Lori spent 15 years as the owner of American Beauty Landscapes in Pennsylvania, where she designed, installed, and managed landscapes for residential and commercial use. She also has 15 years experience in facility management. She managed large garden centers, was an operations manager for many years, and was Director of Operations for Big Box retail. Lori studied Ecological Landscape Design and Major Native Landscapes at Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania and also holds a Masters Degree in Interfaith Ministry. 

When not working, Lori enjoys spending time with her two sons, Mark and CJ. She is passionate about gardening and caring for the earth, and enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.

Duane Prill

Principal Organist
dprill@asburyfirst.org

Duane joined the Asbury First music staff in the fall of 1996. Prior to Asbury First, he served as director of music at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration in Rochester. Duane earned his master of music degree as a scholarship student in organ performance from Eastman School of Music and his bachelor of music degree summa cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University. Post-graduate studies were with David Craighead. In addition to enjoying an active church music career, he is tonal director for Parsons Pipe Organ Builders, Canandaigua, N.Y., where he is responsible for scaling, voicing, and tonal finishing their instruments.

Duane is a colleague member of the American Institute of Organbuilders, where he has served as vice-president. He has also been dean and sub dean of the Rochester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is a member of the Organ Historical Society and the Rochester Theatre Organ Society. His compact disc titled, "Celebrate!" featured music for two trumpets and organ. Duane has also served as organist for the Rochester Oratorio Society, as well as for ensembles including Madrigalia and Concentus, accompanying concerts both locally and abroad.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse


Romans 8:28

All things to work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 

Dr. Carl Johengen

Director of Music Ministry
(585) 271-1050 x134
cjohengen@asburyfirst.org

Carl has earned a reputation of excellence as a conductor, voice teacher, singer, and composer. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music, as well as Bachelor and Master of Music from the Ithaca College School of Music. Prior to joining the AFUMC Staff full time in 2019, Carl served as Interim Director of the Sanctuary Choir and was a member of the Ithaca College School of Music faculty. Other past positions include Music Director of the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble, Ithaca’s elite a cappella chamber chorus, and Co-Minister of Music of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Bath. He is passionate about the role of music in worship, loves to nurture congregational singing, and particularly enjoys helping choirs achieve expressive and artistic communication.


Favorite Scripture Verse


Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Paula Dugan

Director of Hospitality and Children’s Ministry
(585) 271-1050 x111
pdugan@asburyfirst.org

Paula and her family have been members of Asbury First UMC since 1991. As her family grew, so did her role in children’s ministry. In 2008, Paula assumed a leadership role and has helped grow the program to what it is today.

Paula is the mother of four children and brings that motherly love and enthusiasm to all the children at Asbury First. Her educational background is in music therapy at Nazareth College. She is dedicated to both children and families and hopes to provide a loving and nurturing environment to both.

Paula’s goals at Asbury First are to provide a solid Christian education, support and encouragement, and fun family fellowship for all.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse


Psalm 100:1-6

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him And praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Holly Temming

Children's Music & Ministry; Revenue & Payroll Specialist
(585) 271-1050 x114
htemming@asburyfirst.org

Holly joined the Asbury Children's Ministry staff in the Fall of 2015. She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and received her bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Oklahoma City University. She has taught private voice and piano, worked in healthcare management, and been a stay-at-home mom. She is a past member of Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, Madrigalia, and the Rochester Oratorio Society, and has been an ensemble member with Syracuse Opera.

Holly and her husband, Ryan, have attended Asbury since 2013 and have two children. Holly enjoys choral music, cooking, yoga and being with children. She is so thankful for the opportunity to share God's love and joy with children at Asbury First.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse


1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.

 

John Ormsbee

Director of Finance
(585) 271-1050 x107
jormsbee@asburyfirst.org

John Ormsbee, MBA, joined our staff in 2021. John focuses on Asbury First's accounting systems, financial reporting, audit, and budgeting.

John and his family are former members of Asbury First who relocated to Pittsburgh in 2017. John is a former chair of our Finance Committee and brings to us a knowledge of Asbury First (financial and otherwise), and extensive experience in not-for-profit (including church) and for-profit settings. 

 

Favorite Scripture Verse

 

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many dwelling places . . .

David Stith

Director of Communications
(585) 271-1050 x109
dstith@asburyfirst.org

David was named the Director of Communications at Asbury First in 2023. 

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.

Ly Tran

Communications Assistant
(585) 271-1050 x108
ltran@asburyfirst.org

Ly Tran joined Asbury First in 2023 and works with Sarah as our new Communications Assistant. Ly is currently a student at RIT studying Graphic Design. Originally from Vietnam, she has been a Rochester local for the past 11 years. She is an enthusiastic and talented designer and we are excited to have her join Asbury First.

Deb Bullock-Smith

Office and Data Manager
(585) 271-1050 x117
dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org

Deb has been a member of Asbury First since 2001 and has enjoyed playing handbells with the Asbury Ringers for many years. Before coming to Asbury First, Deb worked as an IT consultant and trainer, and as general manager for two small companies. She grew up in Newark, NY, but has lived in the South Wedge neighborhood in Rochester for over 20 years with her spouse, Melissa. In her spare time, Deb enjoys walking, knitting, sewing, quilting, and spending time with family. 


Favorite Scripture Verse


1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.  

 

Carol Lamica

Director of Youth Music
clamica@asburyfirst.org

Carol joined the Asbury First music staff in August of  2014. She is the Director of the Youth Music program, which includes directing the youth bells, youth choir and youth musical. Prior to Asbury First, she served as the director of music at Faith UMC in Henrietta, NY. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education with a specialization in music from SUNY Fredonia and a Master's degree in interdisciplinary arts for children from SUNY Brockport.

She is a vocal music teacher in the Rush Henrietta Central School district at Vollmer Elementary school. In addition to her teaching assignment, she directs the Bel Canto select choir at Rush Henrietta Senior High school and directs the spring musicals at Roth Junior High school. Carol and her husband, Tim, are members of Asbury First and have three grown children, Emily, Allison and Joe.


Favorite Scripture Verse


Psalm 98:4

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

 

Dr. Lawrence Dugan

Director of Youth Theater
ldugan@asburyfirst.org

Larry has been working with youth and directing theater in the Rochester area since 1978. In 1986, he joined the staff at Brighton High School as artistic director. He has also directed for numerous local theater companies and school districts in the role of both artistic and music director/conductor. 

Larry has a bachelors degree from Nazareth College in Performing Arts Management, a Masters from SUNY Brockport in Education Administration and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Maryland. Larry joined the staff of Asbury in 2007 as director of the youth theater program. 

Larry and his wife Paula were married at Asbury in 1991 and have proudly brought their four children up in the church.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse


Matthew 6: 28-30

And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

Elizabeth Church

Director of Bell Choirs; Director of Asbury Ringers
echurch@asburyfirst.org

Elizabeth grew up in a family that celebrated life's moments through music. She joined Asbury First in 1968 when her family moved to Rochester from the Midwest. A member of the youth handbell choir in the '70s, she traveled to Poland and New England with them to perform. After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree from DePauw University, she became director of the youth handbell choir for seven years. She has sung with the sanctuary choir and is a member of the Asbury Singers. In her role as director of the Asbury Ringers, she works closely with the music staff to choose musical offerings for worship services, as well as planning and conducting weekly rehearsals. She and her husband Rick have two children, Mary and Johnny—all of whom are active members of Asbury First.


Favorite Scripture Verse


Micah 6:8

"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Sylvester Norman

Community Outreach Center Cook
 

Sylvester was born in Montgomery, Alabama. From there he moved to Westchester County, to the Bronx, and then to Rochester about 35 years ago. He has been cooking with Asbury First for 9 years. Along with cooking, he enjoys fishing and gardening.

Robert Saturno

Community Outreach Center Dishwasher
 

Robert was born in Rochester and has lived here his whole life. He has been washing dishes with us for the last year, first as a volunteer and then was hired as a staff member. He collects antique toy cars and Hess trucks.

Shannon Coleman

Community Outreach Center Associate
scoleman@asburyfirst.org

Shannon was born in Holley, NY and moved to Rochester in 2010, and began working with the Community Outreach Center in September, 2023. She enjoys volunteering, traveling the world, and building skate parks.

PASTORAL STAFF