Published: Oct. 26, 2025

Dining In For Outreach, Asbury First's major annual fundraiser, is coming November 8 – 9! Gracious hosts throw a dinner party at their own expense while guests donate $75 (or any amount that feels right) to support Outreach ministries. We will honor volunteers Nancy Davidow, Andy Dutcher, and Carolyn Hamil during the 11 am service, with a reception to follow in the Gathering Center. Can't attend that weekend? Choose any mutually convenient date before November 16. We encourage hosts to welcome new guests—it's a great way to make friends.

Sign up Sundays, September 28 through October 26 in the Welcome Hall, or contact Diana Carter at programs@asburyfirst.org (585) 732-7224.

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

On Sunday, October 26, following worship, we will gather for our annual Church Conference, which in the United Methodist Church is the once-a-year meeting where the whole congregation is invited to participate in the business of the church. Think of it as both a Town Hall and a family meeting: a time to celebrate what God has done among us, to affirm leaders for the coming year, and to take care of essential matters that shape our shared life. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for this special gathering!

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

As our Stewardship Campaign and the 2026 Budget season approaches, we would like to bring two recent Monday Reader articles to your attention. The first, Living the Dream: Exciting News From Your SPRC shares information about newly defined goals and some important staffing reconfiguration. That article can be read by clicking here.

The second, which went out Monday, September 29, and can be read by clicking here, is a budget update from the Finance Committee detailing the goals for the 2026 budget, what Asbury First needs and how your giving will help us all to do more good.

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

Join Asbury First through our New Members classes! These two-session courses cover church history, United Methodism, and offer a chance to connect with fellow new members. Next class: Tuesday, October 7 & 14 (6:30 – 8 pm, Red Room 1010), joining Sunday, October 19.

Attendance at both sessions required. Contact Holly Temming: htemming@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050.

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Gathering Center, join us for our Autumn Gentle Yoga Series with Kelly Noyes.

Experience a slower yoga flow as we gently draw our attention inward with mindful movement and breath. Classes are an hour long and open to participants at any level. $10 donation is payable at the door. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and bring water with you. The Winter Yoga Series will begin on Tuesday, November 18. 

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

Bible Sunday is a cherished Asbury First tradition, and the children will receive their personalized Bibles during the 11 am service on Sunday, October 26.

All families with 3rd graders and older children who haven't yet received a Bible, please email Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org by October 9, or fill out the form on our website by clicking here.

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

Would you like to see a greater variety of housing options available in the Rochester area? Do you want to help create a more accessible community for everyone? The Social Concerns Committee and RASE Commission, together with many others, are sponsoring a workshop that will empower you to advocate for change. Join members of various faith communities for a free workshop on public advocacy for more housing options!

Thursday, October 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Gathering Center

Registration LINK

Published: Oct. 2, 2025

Looking for a deeper way to connect? Volunteering at Asbury First is more than helping out—it’s about building friendships, discovering joy, and growing in faith.

Our Volunteer Engagement Committee is here to match your gifts and schedule with opportunities across the church. Whether you have an hour once in a while or time each week, there’s a place for you: greeting on Sunday mornings, singing in the choir, teaching, cooking, office help, or serving with Outreach ministries.

The best part? Volunteering is flexible and rewarding. You’ll bless the church with your presence—and find yourself blessed in return.

Ready to find your place? Reach out to the Volunteer Engagement Committee and discover the joy of serving together.

Published: Sept. 25, 2025

Join Asbury First families for our brand new First Friday Family Fun Nights starting Friday, October 3 from 5 to 7 pm at Wickham Farms in Penfield! Each month we'll gather at different exciting locations around Rochester for relaxed evening adventures that bring our church family together for fun and fellowship. Mark your calendars for the first Friday of every month for a new location and the same great community connection.

For more information about cost and to RSVP, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x111

Published: Sept. 25, 2025

Dining & Caring Center: The number of meals we are serving is rising dramatically and quickly! We are in need of more volunteer support during our meal hours. Roles include kitchen and dining room work. Shifts are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 6:30 – 9:30am and Sundays 11:30 am – 2 pm. Commitments can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Email Rev. Pat @ pdupont@asburyfirst.org to sign up.

URWell Clinic: Greeters are needed to welcome patients to the COC on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 8:15 pm and Sunday mornings from 8:50 to 10 am. You may choose the shift you'd like during a two month period which fits your schedule. It may be once a month, every two months or more! For further information, please call Sue Bickel at (585) 721-1610.

1010 Tuesday Co-Coordinator: Help us organize monthly tours of the COC aimed at introducing the ministry to members of our broader community! We are looking for volunteer support (onsite or at home) in planning and coordinating these tours. Email Rev. Pat @ pdupont@asburyfirst.org for more information.

Published: Sept. 25, 2025

Beginning October 1, various groups in the church will lead discussions about current social issues and what we are doing or can do to help bring about God’s kindom here on earth. Each discussion will begin on a Wednesday, 6 – 7 pm, and will be repeated on Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:45 am. These will be held both in person and on Zoom. In keeping with the spirit of the discussions, we are suggesting different colors for you to wear for each presentation.

Wednesday, October 1 and Sunday, October 5: Introduction to Social Concerns and Asbury First Civics Team (AFeCT); Wear red, white, and blue!

Join us on Zoom • Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200

Published: Sept. 21, 2025

To celebrate the completion of both the Columbarium and Memorial Garden construction, we're holding a special Consecration Ceremony on September 21 to dedicate this sacred and reflective space.

Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106 or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to learn more.

Published: Sept. 20, 2025

ShockForLife is offering CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training at 9 am on Saturday, October 4 in the Dining and Caring Center (1010). We encourage our staff, first responders and medical personnel to attend this training. It will include the use of our AEDs located throughout our campus and the CPR training is good for 2 years. The cost for training will be covered by Asbury First.

Email programs@asburyfirst.org to RSVP

Published: Sept. 19, 2025

If you've ever felt drawn to be part of helping to distribute the bread and cup, we'd be honored to have you join our serving team. We welcome any who are willing to serve with reverence and love. Rev. Kathy Thiel would love to hear from you and share more about this meaningful ministry. Call (585) 271-1050 x106.

Come be part of something beautiful. 

Published: Sept. 19, 2025

Curious about the Community Garden at Asbury First? We know you are because whenever we work in the garden, people stop by! Visit the garden’s information table in the Welcome Hall, Sunday, September 28 to taste garden food samples, or take a tour of the garden itself. Volunteers will be on hand in both places before and after the 11 am service.