Published: Jan. 12, 2023

As we continue to reengage post-lockdown and COVID concerns of the past three years, Asbury is looking to reach out with visitation of our older adults and those unable to come to church. In conjunction with our Older Adult Council, we will be identifying persons who may want a visit, and are asking for persons willing to make some visits. For those wishing to help with visits, we will be having an initial meeting on Tuesday, February 21 at 3:00 in the church library. Rev. Kathy Thiel will lead us in discussing how we envision re-igniting this important ministry. There will also be time for questions and clarifications.

Please contact either Judy Messenger or Elizabeth Church, Co-Coordinators, with your interest and intention to attend the meeting. We look forward to connecting with our members and bringing a piece of Asbury Fellowship to their homes!

Elizabeth Church                          Judy Messenger

emchurch418@gmail.com           messenger5@aol.com

Published: Jan. 6, 2023

Sundays, 9:45 am, 1040 Butlers Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468)

Join us in the Butler’s Pantry in-person or on Zoom on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45. We will have faithful discussions covering myriad topics, and would love to have your voice be a part of our community! This Sunday, we will be watching Won’t You Be My Neighbor and considering some of the connections with our Community Outreach Center. 

Published: Jan. 6, 2023

Friday, February 10, 6 pm, 1040 Fellowship Hall

Come and dine and dance for a cause. In the spirit of Love for those we know and those we can help—let's eat, dance and be merry! We will have a good will offering and the proceeds will go to our new Community Outreach Center. Live music will be provided by the 10 piece band called Different Every Time. The bass player for this band is a member of Asbury First, John Messenger. For those with little ones we will have a party for your children upstairs that will include dinner and fun.

Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111 

Published: Jan. 6, 2023

We are so proud of our 2022 high school and college graduates! Click here to read about their accomplishments. Congratulations to all of our graduates! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

Auditions: Sunday, January 15, 12:30-5 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall

Shows: 

• Friday, May 5, 7 pm, 
• Saturday, May 6, 7 pm, 
• Sunday, May 7, 2 pm 

The Sound of Music is open to all ages. Children under 12 must be supervised to be in the show. Child care will be provided for auditions and rehearsals upon request. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Not all cast members will be required to be at all rehearsals. Schedule pending review of conflict sheets. Plenty of opportunities for non-performing participants.

For more information, or to express interest please contact our Director of Theater Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050.

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

The Asbury Ringers have a few openings for ringers, starting this winter. We are looking for enthusiastic musicians who can read music, are open to learning bell techniques (or know bell technique from previous experiences) and can commit to our rehearsal and playing schedule. Our rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7–8:30, and we play (this winter/spring) in February, Easter Sunday, April 9, and in May. If you are interested and can make this commitment, please contact me and we'll have you come visit to see if the choir is a fit for you! Hope to hear from you!

Elizabeth Church

Director, Asbury Ringers

(585) 978-0007 (Text or call)

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

Saturday, January 28, 5 pm, 1040 Fellowship Hall

Have a favorite game that you want to share with your Asbury friends? You are invited to our family game night Saturday, January 28 at 5 pm in Fellowship Hall. We will have a pizza dinner and have tons of fun playing our favorite games. Contact Paula Dugan for more information at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x111.

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

This year, the Asbury First Annual Church Conference will be held on Sunday, January 29 following the 11 am service. Click here to get up-to-date with the Governance structure and committees in action or read the latest executive summary. For the agenda, annual report, and other conference materials, visit asburyfirst.org/church-conference.

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

Wednesdays in January, 6-7 pm, 1040 Wesley Hall

What’s up with the name “Methodist?” Why do our ministers move around so much? Why do we use grape juice during communion? Whether you’ve been a United Methodist all of your life, or have just heard of us, this class is for you! The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady will lead this four-week discussion about the history, structure, beliefs, and challenges of The United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.

Published: Dec. 14, 2022

Saturday, December 24, 5 pm, Fellowship Hall 

Join us for a special Christmas Eve Turkey Dinner in between the 4 pm and 7 pm services. RSVP by December 21 to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x 111. 

Published: Dec. 14, 2022

Sunday, December 25, 11 am, 1040 Sanctuary and Livestream (Click here to join the livestream.)

Published: Dec. 14, 2022

This is the perfect time of year to visit the Asbury First Library! Come see the beautiful Christmas display and check out some of our holiday books. There are books for all ages!

Our library collection of 4,000 plus books, DVDs, and videos are available and may be checked out free of charge on an easy, self-serve honor system. Visit asburyfirst.org/library to learn about the incredible offerings available.

Published: Dec. 14, 2022

We are thrilled to be hosting the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute (GRPLTI) on our campus from October 2022 through April 2023.

The GRPLTI is a local organization that seeks to “build bridges and advocacy skills to support parents becoming leading advocates for children.” Through 21 weeks of programming for cohorts of both parents and children, the GRPLTI offers leadership development, education and empowerment that leads to greater community engagement of families at the neighborhood, city, regional and state levels.

“PLTI differentiates itself by embracing a cross-race, cross-class, and parent-informed, pro-social educational approach.” We see the mission and approach of the GRPLTI as closely aligned with many values of the Methodist movement and are excited to offer our space to be used for this holy work!

For more information:

• Visit www.greaterrochesterplti.org
• Email grocplti@gmail.com
• Call 585-469-2521

Published: Dec. 7, 2022

To make a donation either click here or return a donation form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 18. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at 585-271-1050. 

Published: Dec. 6, 2022

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 who need them most. The Outreach Ministries of Asbury First assist people in accessing: 

• Food 
• Housing 
• Education 
• Childcare 
• Healthcare 
• Clothing 
• Essential Items 

To give, please fill out the form online by clicking here, or send a check with “Joy of Christmas Giving” in the memo line to the church office at 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. With your help we can continue to support those of need in our community. Thank you for your generosity!