Asbury First United Methodist Church

Adults

None of us should face the trials and tribulations of life alone and no matter our age, we should never stop learning. Fortunately, we have many opportunities for fellowship and growth at Asbury First.

While worship is the centerpiece of our life together, we experience community in many other ways as well. Click the links below for different opportunities to join us on this journey, or contact Mike Mullin, our Minister for Youth and Discipleship, at mmullin@asburyfirst.org to learn more. We hope that you find a place to connect at Asbury First!

Volunteer Educational Fellowship Events

Educational Opportunities

Sunday School Classes

Our Sunday School classes will return in Septmeber.

As the Spirit Moves Us

Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, Smart Meeting Room 
and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW Disciple)

As the Spirit Moves Us is a Biblical-based class that takes the suggestions of its members in deciding what to study. Come to join us around the table in room LL03 on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. to share our joys and concerns and to join in faithful conversations.

Our first session will be on September 14th and we will discuss and decide together as a group what our focus will be for the coming year. All are welcome.

In our group there is always room around the table, and every voice is heard.

For more information about this class, please contact programs@asburyfirst.org

Adult Sunday School Class

Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, 1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)

Asbury First's Adult Sunday School offers an opportunity for adults of all ages to join together to engage in faith as we learn more about ourselves, our community, and the world around us. 

We meet every Sunday between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Topics range from social justice, to current events, to discipleship practices, to presentations from local leaders. Each week stands alone; so, whether this is your first week, or your four-hundred-and-fiftieth, you are welcome to join us for some fellowship and conversation. 

For more information or a current schedule of classes, contact programs@asburyfirst.org.

Non-Sunday Educational Opportunities

 

Lectio Divina

Tuesdays, 8:30 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)

Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice on reading scripture. A passage of scripture is read, then there is silent meditation, then the passage is read again, then more silence, and then discussion. The silence is an opportunity to reflect upon what you experienced in the scripture. This half hour opens and closes with prayer. All are welcome. For more information please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x106.

 

Discipleship IV Bible Study

Tuesdays, 2:15–3:15 pm, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Have you ever wondered what the Bible really says—and if it truly has any meaning for us in modern times? If so, then you’re not alone. Most Christians have never really read the Bible, and many wonder if its antiquated teachings truly transcend time. If you would like to grapple with these questions, then you are encouraged to sign up for a Disciple Bible Study.

On Tuesdays, the Disciple IV class will continue its journey this fall. Anyone can join the class, even if you have not participated in a previous Disciple Bible Study. Please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org with any questions!

Wednesday Morning Study Group

Wednesdays, 10–11:30 am, 1010 Community Outreach Center Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8924819492 PW 578697)

This group meets on Wednesdays morning between Labor Day and Memorial Day. It is primarily a book group that is open to all. The group considers and chooses the books to read for the coming year each spring. They spend several weeks on each book, focusing on a few chapters each week.

This year, the group will be reading the following books:
September 3 - Begin How to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde
October 22 - Begin All We Can Save edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K Wilkinson
January 7 - Begin Ethnic America by Thomas Sowell
February 18 - Begin Miracles and Wonder by Elaine Pagels
April 8 - Begin Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle
May 27 - Final class to discuss plans for 2026-2027 program year

If you would like more details about weekly reading assignments, or about the class in general, contact programs@asburyfirst.org.

Fellowship Opportunities

Tuesday Women's Fellowship

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)

Looking for a way to stay connected to your Asbury First friends during the week? Want to meet new Asbury First friends? All women, all ages, are welcome to join the Tuesday Women's Fellowship via Zoom, 9:30–10:30 am each week. Bring your coffee or tea, and perhaps a treat, zoom in and enjoy an hour of devotion, sharing, and connection. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact programs@asburyfirst.org. Hope to see you soon!

 

Awaken Your Creative Spirit
Asbury Women’s Art Class

Fridays, 1:00-3:00 pm, 1040 Room 205 (Bell Room)

Did you know: everybody is an artist? We are made in the image of God, the great Creator. We have access to the light of creativity within each of us. Life has a way of 'gunking' over this light. Art is a wonderful way to begin uncovering the light.
Have you ever wanted to try to explore your creative side, but were afraid? This is the group for you!! The Women's Art Class is a safe, non-judgmental place to explore creativity at the intersection of art and spirituality. The more we explore our creativity the closer we come to that light within. It doesn't matter your previous experience in art. We are a varied group!
We meet every Friday afternoon at 1 until 3. Our first class will begin on September 19. When you sign up you will receive a list of materials. The class is facilitated by The Rev. Linda Clemow.

To sign up, please contact programs@asburyfirst.org.

Men's Devotional Group

Wednesdays, 7 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)

Men of all ages are welcome to join us on Wednesday mornings via Zoom as we discuss topics of faith, life, and more. Each week, a different member of the group leads us in a devotion for our time together. These can be instructional, reflective, conversational, etc. This is a wonderful group to make and build connections, and we hope that you will drop in to join us!
Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

4th Wednesday of the Month, 3–4:30 pm, Library

A prayer shawl is a simple shawl or a lap blanket knitted by members of our group. It is symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. The knitting itself is very simple and we have “experts” on hand to help you if you are a beginner. The group meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday. Clergy and lay members of our church identify those who may benefit from our ministry and a shawl, and they're delivered by ministers or congregation members. Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org. 

 

Carvers of Hope

4th Tuesday of the Month, 6:30–8 pm, Room 203

Carvers of Hope is a wood carving ministry that helps people who find themselves in the very difficult places of life. Its members carve handmade crosses as a reminder of the hope Jesus brought to us through the cross. All materials, wood, and carving tools are provided, as well as carving lessons. No prior skill is needed to carve crosses with this group. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at programs@asburyfirst.org. 

 

The Discipleship Project

Asbury First has a long history of thriving small group ministry. We believe that small groups are a great way to connect with others, and to grow deeper in our faith. 

The Discipleship Project at Asbury is an initiative to strengthen our connection with God and with each other through a growing number of small groups focused on Discipleship. These groups are called Classes after the original small group of our faith tradition.

Learn More about the Discipleship Project

For more information about any of our adult classes or fellowship opportunities, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x105.