Published: April 5, 2024

We have reports of a new scam going around claiming to be Ted. Please hover over the email to make sure it is from an @asburyfirst.org email account. The Asbury First staff will never ask you to send cash immediately or to give your personal information over an open email.

Here are a few guidelines to recognize scam/phishing emails or texts:

• Be suspicious of urgent demands for information

Often spoofed e-mails will make some form of urgent request.

• Look for misspelled words or grammatical errors in the message or link

• Avoid e-mailing personal or financial information

• Be watchful of general greetings

• Contact Asbury First directly to verify the request before responding.

Staff will only contact you using official email addresses. For more information, please contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 5, 2024

Have you ever wondered what it is like to help build our community? Literally? Learn, do and serve, all a the same time, with others from Asbury as we join with Habitat for Humanity for two days of construction at a site off Culver Road in Rochester. We have a few more slots available on both May 4 (Sat) and May 17 (Fri). To learn more or sign up, send an email to DAKennedy@frontiernet.net and type I want to work on the subject line. Dave will will send you information including the URL and password to register online directly with Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Everyone 16 and older is eligible to volunteer. Each session runs from 8:45 am to 4 pm. No experience or tools are necessary. 

Published: March 29, 2024

Asbury First's Governing Board will conduct Town Hall meetings periodically throughout the year, inviting the congregation to weigh-in on a variety of important topics. The first of the sessions will be April 21. Mark your calendar! 

Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, after the 11 am service for updates on the Senior Minister Search, our Outreach efforts, Asbury's financial landscape, and updates from the Dream Team on new ways we're envisioning the future of Asbury First. 

Published: March 29, 2024

MONDAY, AUGUST 5 — THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

9 am — 12 pm

Children ages 4 through 5th grade, join us August 5 through 8 for Olympic-sized fun at VBS Olympic Teamwork Camp! We will meet each morning from 9 am til noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together. 

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Paula Dugan, Director of Children’s Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org

Published: March 29, 2024

May 3 and 4 at 7pm | May 5 at 2 pm

$15 general admission | $10 for students

In May, witness the magic of Lionel Bart's timeless musical masterpiece, Oliver! Embark on a captivating journey with the lovable orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates the gritty streets of Victorian London. Filled with unforgettable characters, stirring melodies, and poignant storytelling, Oliver promises an immersive experience for the whole family. From the iconic "Consider Yourself" to the heart-wrenching "As Long as He Needs Me," the musical numbers will transport you to a world of Dickensian charm and musical brilliance. Visit asburyfirst.org/oliver to buy your tickets today!

Published: March 29, 2024

Easter 2024 marks the one year anniversary of our Community Outreach Center being fully open to our community. In that time we've provided more than 9,000 meals, 1,000 bags of groceries, 5,000 individuals with clothing and household goods, 300 clinic appointments, 300 loads of laundry, 700 showers, 150 haircuts, and 150 bicycles serviced. In addition to this physical impact, there have been countless hours of less measurable ministry: conversations held, relationships deepened, burdens shared, prayers offered together.

As we look forward to the rest of 2024 and beyond, let us celebrate all that we have accomplished!

Published: March 29, 2024

Asbury Community Garden is in need of new volunteers! Whether you’d like to put in a single afternoon of service or join us for the entire season, we could use your help. Gardening expertise is welcome, but not required. This year, we're expanding the garden by adding four raised beds, to be constructed in April or May, and putting down cardboard and mulch around the beds once they're constructed. Planting will begin in May and from then until October we’ll need help with watering. Harvesting begins in June. Most volunteers work on a team that serves every few weeks to water, weed, and harvest. Let us know if you’re willing to help just one time or all season by reaching out to Diana Carter at dianalouisecarter@gmail.com or by calling (585) 732-7224

Published: March 29, 2024

The Women of the Well will be presenting a program on the lives of Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clarke, and Jean Donovan, four US church women who were assaulted and killed in El Salvador in 1980. By attending this presentation and hearing the stories of Ita, Dorothy, Maura, and Jean, you will be helping to continue to promote the cause of peace, the hope for a world of non-violence, and the compassionate pursuit of justice for all who live in this world.

Please join us on Friday, April 12 at 7pm in the Sanctuary of Asbury First UMC at 1050 East Ave. A time of discussion will follow. A free-will donation is encouraged; all proceeds will go to the Women of the Well.  

Published: March 25, 2024

Would you consider volunteering just 2 HOURS per month to the odds-n-ends work of Asbury First? For example, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays we have need for help with event and meeting set-up, cleaning, and other minor projects. If you're looking to spend a little extra time working alongside other Asbury folks, please contact us at volunteering@asburyfirst.org

note: Thank You to those who shared suggestions like these during our Annual Church Conference in January. We are truly better together! 

Published: March 25, 2024

On Saturday, May 4 and Friday, May 17 we will be doing home construction at a Habitat site off of Culver Road in Rochester. If you are interested in working on one of these days or would like more information, email Dave Kennedy at DAKennedy@frontiernet.net and type "I want to work" in the subject line. Dave will send you information including the URL and password to register online directly with Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Everyone 16 and older is eligible to volunteer. Each session runs from 8:45 am to 4 pm. No experience or tools are necessary.

Just bring your enthusiasm for construction of affordable housing for our neighbors!

Published: March 25, 2024

From Jim Quinn, Governing Board Chair and Beth Wilkens, PPRC Chair:

Many of you are understandably eager for news about the search for our new senior pastor. We continue to be in regular communication with the Bishop and District Superintendent. It is clear to us that they have been actively pursuing the search process which includes many possible candidates from around the country, some of whom were referred through us. We are reassured that the Bishop and District Superintendent understand Asbury First and our needs. They remain as committed as we are to finding the right person for us. We will continue to report to you as we move toward the next chapter for our Church.

Published: March 18, 2024

Infrequent needs for rekeying or repairing interior locks on campus. Contact us if you are able to share your talents!

David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org

Published: March 13, 2024

An Evening with the internationally acclaimed Spelman College Glee Club 

Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 pm, Asbury First, Sanctuary

$25 (adults), $10 (students)

Now celebrating its 99th season, this historic Spelman College Glee Club has a reputation for choral excellence.

Tickets will be available at a table in the Welcome Hall after worship, or by calling Bill Davis at (585) 266-4500.

CLICK HERE to buy your ticket today!

Published: March 13, 2024

Join the Asbury orchestra as we prepare to play in 
the April 21st worship service. All band and orchestra instrumentalists are welcome. At least two years of playing experience is recommended. Rehearsals started today, March 17, but feel free to join us on the following dates:
 

March 24 9:30-10:30 am
April 7 9:30-10:30 am, Wesley Hall
April 14 9:30-10:30 am, Wesley Hall
April 21: Play in the service, Gather at 10 am in the sanctuary to rehearse.

Contact Laurie Kennedy with any questions at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net

Published: March 13, 2024

Lectio Divina is a method of reading scripture that invites us to deepen into the words we hear and use our imagination to take us to the time of the scripture. A scripture is read, and then two minutes of silence is observed, the scripture is read again, and silence is observed, and then a time of sharing takes place. Sharing includes anything one feels moved to share about how the scripture and ensuing silence has touched them in this moment. During Holy Week, we will be offering Lectio Divina via Zoom Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 9 am. Please join us for all five days or just one day. All are welcome.

Contact Kathy Thiel with any questions by calling (585) 271-1050 x106