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Madrigalia Holiday Concert
Published: Dec. 1, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 7:30 pm
Madrigalia sings its annual Holiday Concert! Experience an expansive interpretation of the December holidays, with works of Hanukkah, Christmas, celebrations both secular and sacred, meditations on winter, and words of hope.
Joined by the Bach Children's Chorus of Rochester and an instrumental ensemble of flute, violin, cello, percussion, and piano.
Tickets starting at $10. More information at www.madrigalia.org or by calling 585-230-2894
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An Important Announcement
Published: Nov. 29, 2023
To the Asbury First Family,
It is with very mixed emotions we share with you news that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Brite, located on the campus of Texas Christian University, has a distinguished history as the leading progressive divinity school in the South and Southwest, and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is also approved by the United Methodist Church to train candidates for UMC ministry and has more UMC students than any other constituency. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition in February.
We are very glad that Stephen can take this wonderful next step in his ministry, one that will give him opportunities to expand the impact he has had at Asbury First to a broader national level. We congratulate him on this honor. Our prayers will be with Stephen, Emily, Ellie, Charlie, and Hannah as they begin this exciting next chapter of their lives.
We also feel a deep sense of loss over Stephen’s departure. Through his inspired leadership we dreamed dreams, opened our Church to all, weathered COVID, built an online presence extending around the country and beyond, raised $8 million through the Better Together Campaign to create an amazing Community Outreach Center, enhanced our musical offerings, welcomed new members, expanded our ministries, and worked toward Doing More Good in many other ways. We have been enriched and challenged by some of the finest preaching in the country. Stephen is leaving Asbury First on solid ground and will be greatly missed. In the coming months, there will be several opportunities to thank Stephen in tangible ways for his work among us, but during this transition period, continuation of the vibrancy of the ministries he has fostered will be our highest tribute to the lasting impact he has had.
The Senior Minister at Asbury First is appointed by the Bishop. We have been in communication with Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez, who recognizes the unique role played by our Church within the Conference. He has committed to a nation-wide search for the right replacement, and we will have a liaison group working through the process with him. We will share more details about the transition period over the next few weeks.
The uncertainties presented by this time of change may seem overwhelming, but we are confident that the strength of our congregation, our shared commitment to our faith and vision, and the vibrancy of our ministries will carry us through. As our favorite preacher often reminds us, the good news is that, with God’s grace, we do not need to face this time alone.
Grace and Peace,
Beth Wilkens
Governance Board ChairJames Quinn
Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair -
DIFO/Grocery Run Thank You Message
Published: Nov. 10, 2023
Thank you so much to all who participated in both the Grocery Run and Dining In For Outreach last weekend as runners, spectators, sponsors, dinner hosts, guests, and donors. Both events were a huge success and we raised a great deal of support for our continuing work of serving our city through the Community Outreach Center. We are counting donations that are still coming in, but will share and celebrate the weekend's impact when we have that information available. Thank you again!
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Barnes & Noble Bookfair
Published: Nov. 10, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Thanks to those who have supported Asbury First's Library!
There's still time to show your support!
Book Fair ID #12688545
A percentage of the sales goes to the Asbury First Library and is used to add to the library's book collection. Can’t make it to Pittsford? No problem. Books may be purchased online from December 9 – 13 at BN.com/bookfairs. Make sure to use the Book Fair ID #12688545.
Thanks for your support of our incredible library!
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New Member’s Classes New Location
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
In-Person: Sunday, November 5, 12:30-1:30 pm, 1010 Red Room (new location!), Lunch served.
Hybrid: Wednesday, November 8, 7 pm, 1010 Red Room (new location!) and Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, November 12.
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
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Asbury First Christmas Pageant
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
Register by Sunday, November 26
Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your child be part of Asbury First's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Children’s Sunday School immediately following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 3.
Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor of the education wing or visit asburyfirst.org/pageant/ to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.
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Advent Communion
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
Older Adults are invited to join us for a time of favorite hymns and Advent communion, as well as an opportunity to talk with Kathy and Stephen, over punch and cookies. Feel free to attend 1, 2 or all 3 services, to connect with long-time friends and begin the Advent season. All are welcome!
- Monday, November 27, 2 pm, Linden Knolls, 81 Linden Avenue, lower dining room
- Tuesday, November 28, 2 pm, The Highlands at Pittsford, 100 Hahnemann Trail. Music Room. Hearing loop available.
- Wednesday, November 29, 2 pm, St John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive West (off of Elmwood), Multi-function Room
Any questions? Please call Barbara Eltinge, 737-8875.We look forward to seeing you!
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Older Adults Luncheon
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
Saturday, December 2, Fellowship Hall
Our Older Adults are invited to the Christmas Luncheon which will take place on Saturday, December 2nd in Fellowship Hall. There will be a Christmas themed program at 11:30 am, so plan to arrive by 11:15 am. Lunch will be served after the program, about 12 pm. All Older Adults are invited to attend. If you have questions, or if you plan to attend, please contact Barbara Eltinge at beltinge@icloud.com or (585) 737-8775. The snow date is Saturday, December 16th and we hope that by scheduling a snow date the weather on December 2nd will be sunny and mild.
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Advent Winter Wonder Night
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 5 pm, Gathering Center
Asbury First's Children's Ministry invites you to bring your kids and come enjoy breakfast for dinner, Christmas music, and a special Christmas story at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3. Please don your pajamas as we share the magic of the season with you and your family. Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by November 29 at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x 111.
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Women of the Well
Published: Nov. 2, 2023
Tuesday, December 5, 7 pm – 8 pm
On December 5th, all are invited to an evening of story telling about women of faith, including Mary and Elizabeth.
Save the date of March 19th when the Women of the Well will present a Lenten themed program titled "Certain Women."
If you have any questions, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.
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Dining in for Outreach
Published: Oct. 27, 2023
Saturday, November 4, 5 pm Appetizers in the Gathering Center, 6 pm Host Dinners
This November sees the return of the tradition of Dining In For Outreach, which is the biggest annual fundraiser that supports all of our outreach ministry work. Members of our congregation and community gather together for appetizers before attending smaller dinner parties hosted in private homes. A dinner party is also held in the COC itself that is open to anyone who wishes to attend without expectation of a contribution.
For further information or to volunteer, please contact Erica Coburn or Tim Mahan at outreach@asburyfirst.org, or sign up in person on Sunday mornings. Be sure to save the date — Saturday, November 4! All are welcome at the table! -
Halloween Candy Donations
Published: Oct. 27, 2023
Sunday, November 5, Welcome Desk
Need to get your unwanted Halloween candy out of your home? Children’s Ministry is collecting unwanted Halloween candy next Sunday, November 5th, so that we can package it up for the grocery bag ministry and our guests at the Dining and Caring Center. Please leave your donations at the Welcome Desk.
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Sewers Needed
Published: Oct. 27, 2023
Asbury First's Children's Ministry is in need of help to hem and/or repair a handful of choir robes and Christmas pageant costumes. If you are willing please contact Holly Temming, Children’s Ministry Assistant, at htemming@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x114.
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Youth Musical: GodSpell
Published: Oct. 24, 2023
Performances:
Friday, November 10 at 7 pm
Saturday, November 11 at 7 pm
Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm
The show will run Friday - Sunday, Nov. 10-12, 7pm on Friday & Saturday, 2pm on Sunday. After the incredible success of The Sound of Music, we cannot wait to put together another incredible musical experience. Tickets will be on sale NOW! For more information, please contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or by calling the church office at 585-271-1050.
All tickets are $12 and all proceeds support the Asbury first youth programming & missions.
To purchase tickets visit asburyfirst.org/godspell
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God and Guns
Published: Oct. 17, 2023
Wednesdays and Sundays in November, Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Wednesdays, November 1, 8, and 15, 6–7 pm
Sundays, November 5, 12, and 19 from 9:45-10:45 amIn 2014, the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church published the Bible study, “Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities: Reflections on gun violence from Micah 4:1-4.” In 2016, this document was revised and updated. As we know too well in 2023, the violent realities are often much more prevalent than our kingdom dreams. All are invited to join us in this three-week study on gun violence and Micah 4 as we interpret it once again based on our present context. This class will be offered in-person and online both on Wednesday evenings and on Sunday mornings. For more information, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
