Lent invites us to remember our humanity, to acknowledge our need for God's grace, and to step forward in faith, trusting that God's mercy is always greater than our shortcomings. This is a season of repentance, turning around and reorienting. It is also a season of honesty, self-reflection, and opening ourselves once more to grace. Come as you are. Bring your burdens, your hopes, your weariness, your longing. There is room for all of it here. Let us walk this road together, trusting that even in the wilderness, new life is waiting to rise as we root ourselves once again in the way of the Christ.
Check below to learn more about our Lenten offerings.
You are invited on a Lenten journey as together we are challenged to a new understanding of Resurrection that is not limited to Life-After-Death. We don't have to wait until death to experience Life-giving Resurrection. Together we will discover that in our life stories and moments Life-giving Resurrection is NOW even though we would never have named them as such.
In this Lenten season may we discover that in our everyday lives we are always at the threshold of Resurrection.
Pick up a copy in the Welcome Hall, or download a version below.
Join us for weekly Labyrinth Walks through Lent, beginning Wednesday, March 19, at 7 pm, and continuing each Wednesday through Holy Week. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice—a moving meditation that invites reflection, prayer, and renewal. Our 11-course labyrinth, modeled after the famed design at Chartres Cathedral, offers a sacred space to journey inward, release burdens, and listen for God’s presence. Whether you walk in silence or with intention, all are welcome to experience this contemplative path as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
Wednesdays 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room and on Zoom
For the season of Lent, Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Reading Group will be reading through The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee. We will read and discuss one or two chapters each week.
For a complete schedule, or for more information, please reach out to Mike Mullin, mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Sundays, March 9 – April 13, 9:45 - 10:45 am in
Fellowship Hall
Join us throughout Lent as we review and reflect upon the United Methodist Social Principles, which were completely updated after the 2024 General Conference. From creation to economics, social issues to politics, The Social Principles offers us a guide to just about everything! We hope you will join us on Sundays for these inclusive conversations. Contact Mike Mullin for more info: mmullin@asburyfirst.org
March 9 – Community of All Creation
March 16 – The Economic Community
March 23 – The Social Community (The Nurturing Community)
March 30 – The Social Community (Other Social Issues)
April 6 – The Political Community (Governmental Responsibilities)
April 13 – The Political Community (Basic Rights and Freedoms)
Join us each Wednesday in Lent for a special series of classes ranging from the history of your favorite hymn, to the problem of "truth", to writing your own obituary! Wednesdays, 6 - 7 pm, Wesley Hall (Lower Level of 1040) or Zoom
Tentative Schedule:
March 12 - Prison Ministry of Upstate New York with Joyce McAndrews
March 26 - "What is Truth?" with John Messenger
April 2 - Stories from the congregation
April 9 - Write Your Own Obituary with Rev. Kathy Thiel
April 16 - Lectio Divina with Rev. Kathy Thiel
April 23, 30 – Hymnology
May 7, 14 – TBD
If you have any questions about the events or services for the season of Lent or Holy Week, please call the church office at 585-271-1050 or email info@asburyfirst.org.