Published: Oct. 22, 2021

Do you wish you had a copy of the United Methodist Hymnal for use at home? We are offering some well-used and worn copies for you to pick up for free—over the years they have been taken out of use in the Sanctuary and replaced with newer ones. Next time you are at church, grab one (or more) from the box in the Welcome Hall. Happy singing!

Published: Oct. 15, 2021

In order to answer questions and hear from the congregation on open questions moving forward, the Governing Board will be hosting an Open Forum following the service on Sunday, October 24 in the sanctuary (and on the live stream). Visit our asburyfirst.org/governance for FAQs. 

Question Submission Instructions

The Governance Board Open Forum will continue to be broadcast through the normal Asbury First live stream. Whether you are in the pews, watch it on your computer or on your television, or listen on your phone, you should plan to attend the meeting in the same way. 

In order to ask questions remotely, you are asked to:

1. Visit www.slido.com on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. 
2. Enter the code: #ASBGovernance (capitalization not necessary). 
   NOTE: You can submit your questions using Slido starting Saturday, October 23.
3. Select your choice.
4. Click “Send”.
5. You can submit multiple questions over the course of the Open Forum.  

Do you want to submit a question before Saturday? Please email governance@asburyfirst.org.
 

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Wednesdays, October 13, 20, 27, 6–7 pm, 1040 Room 203

Those attending the Parliament of the World's Religions—and those who would like to participate vicariously—are invited to join us for a three week focus on this global event. The Parliament meets from October 16–18, so we will highlight some of the history and what to expect on the 13th. The following two weeks we will spend debriefing the actual event. And, if you would like to attend some (or all) of the event, you can still sign up here: https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2021-virtual. 

You can find more information on their website: parliamentofreligions.org/home or by contacting Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Rochester is a choir-rich town, and many singers are mourning the death of one of its most influential leaders — Roger Wilhelm, who died Sunday, October 3, at 84. Roger directed the Sanctuary Choir at Asbury First United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years, in addition to serving as music director of Madrigalia and the Rochester Oratorio Society. A moving tribute appeared in the City Newspaper online; you can read it here.

Roger's contributions to the worship life of Asbury First were substantial, and we give thanks to God for his long ministry among us. A memorial service is planned for Spring 2022.

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Saturday, October 16, 7 pm
 
University of Rochester's Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies sponsors a concert of Polish songs performed by acclaimed soprano Paulina Świerczek, accompanied by pianist Zachary Peterson. The concert features music of Moniuszko, Szymanowski, Lutoslawski, Bacewicz, Krajewski and others. For more information on the artists and program details click here. The program is open to the public; masks are required and distancing is encouraged.

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Saturday, November 6, 9 am

Come join us on Saturday, November 6 for our Annual Grounds Clean Up. We will begin at 9 am. If you have rakes, leaf blowers, and tarps, please bring them! Please contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 ext. 110 if you have any questions!

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

We are once again accepting electronic recycling items for Miracle Garden! 

Following the 2004 Tsunami in south east India, Miracle Garden was established to provide a home and education for the orphans from that event. They continue to support children without care, and provide a quality education.

One small way we can support their mission is to bring in our old cell phones, small electronic gadgets, electronic accessories and toner cartridges and deposit them in the small wooden box by the Main Entrance (from the parking lot) to the Welcome Hall. Imagine It Recycling gives us a small amount for each item turned in, and they recycle these items so they don't go in the trash. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Church at 585-978-0007. Thank you for your continued support of this worthy cause!

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Sunday, October 17, 1040 Welcome Hall

Because of the pandemic and the need to plan months in advance, Dining In for Outreach will not take place this year. Annually, this event raises thousands of dollars used to provide needed services for guests at our on-campus and off-campus ministries. We remain committed both to keeping our church members safe and continuing our outreach efforts.

While we will not be gathering for meals and fellowship, we encourage you to continue your support of Outreach at Asbury First. As in previous years, your donation will be used to assist our neighbors near and far living in poverty. Through personal relationships, education, food and clothing relief, and medical care, we work together to share the love of Christ.

In this challenging hour, please consider making a special gift for Outreach. Donations may be made to Asbury First UMC, 1050 East Ave. Rochester, NY, 14607. Be sure to designate your gift for Outreach. Volunteers will also be available on the morning of Sunday, October 17 in the Welcome Hall to accept your donation.

Published: Oct. 8, 2021

Subscribe to our sermon podcast for an Automatic Download!

Did you know that you can listen to the Sunday sermon on our podcast? It is time to officially launch our Asbury First UMC — Sermon Podcast! If you’d like to check it out, you can find it at asburyfirstumc.fireside.fm, or you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music Podcasts, and many more! Keep an eye out for a celebration of this new ministry.

Published: Oct. 1, 2021

Sundays, October 3

This Sunday, October 3, we will partake in our first Communion in person since March 2020. The fact that it coincides with World Communion Sunday, means that we will be together in the spirit and in the flesh with our siblings in Christ around the world. However, it will be a little different from usual. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will supply individual Communion elements upon entering the sanctuary. This will help keep us safe as we connect with each other in this wonderful sacrament.

As a special treat, our pulpit and lectern will display new banners (or antependiums, Latin for “to hang before”) to celebrate World Communion Sunday. These beautiful, double-sided fabric pieces were lovingly created by Master Weaver, Jan Towsley. The works were commissioned by the Asbury Altar Guild in memory of our former member, Elaine Boyd.

Published: Oct. 1, 2021

Sunday, October 24, 12 pm, Sanctuary and Live Stream

In order to answer questions and hear from the congregation on open questions moving forward, the Governing Board will be hosting an Open Forum following the service on Sunday, October 24 in the sanctuary (and on the live stream). We have also put up a list of answers to FAQs on our website. If you have questions that you want us to be prepared to answer or would like us to put up on the website, please email governance@asburyfirst.org. For more information, visit www.asburyfirst.org/governance.

Published: Oct. 1, 2021

Wednesdays, 12 pm, Gathering Center

The Holy Longing — The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser is WOW’s first reading journey through October 13. WOW selects books by voting on group suggestions. The next book, beginning on October 20, is The Next Right Thing — A Simple Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily Freeman.

Women on Wednesday (WOW) is an ever-changing group of readers that meets weekly from September to June to explore books of current and thoughtful interest. All women readers are welcome. There are no Asbury or any other membership requirements. Participants move in and out of the group as schedules and busy lives allow — just bring your curiosity and interest in the world of reading and sharing ideas.

For questions or more information contact Mary Lynn Vickers at mvicker1@rochester.rr.com.

Published: Sept. 30, 2021

If you happen to know of anyone who would be interested in leading a Girl Scout Troop, there are opportunities available. Training & assistance is available, and volunteers do not have to have children. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Laura Halewski at lhalewski@gmail.com. 

Published: Sept. 30, 2021

Thanks so much to Asbury First for your generous support in this year's school supply drive. Thank you to all who answered the call to give. Your caring support will make a difference in these school communities. There is still an opportunity for you to join the Help Me Read Volunteers. For more information, please contact John Smalt 585-924-8624 or at jhsmalt@gmail.com.

Published: Sept. 24, 2021

The vision of The Discipleship Project at Asbury First is to: 

• Reclaim the method of connection and discipleship through small groups aimed at transforming the way we think and live as Christians. 
• Renew the mission to alleviate and end poverty through solidarity-based ministries of compassion and justice. 
• Reignite the movement of the Spirit-led church through faith sharing and invitation to new Christians. 

This fall, we’ve already started four small groups (styled “Classes” after the original Methodist small group) to focus on living out our faith in our everyday lives, while building deeper connections with others who seek the same. These groups meet weekly for one hour, and are shepherded by the Rev. Rachel Ann Dupont, Minister for Christian Formation and Director of The Discipleship Project. If you are interested in learning more, please visit asburyfirst.org/the-discipleship-project. If you’re ready to sign up for a small group, or would like to schedule a meeting with Rachel, please click here to fill out a form.