Published: Aug. 23, 2025

Hey sewers, knitters, and crafty creators!

Join us for another Collaborative Makers Gathering—a laid-back, open-house hangout on Saturday, August 23 from 1 to 3 pm in the Gathering Center. Swap ideas, get help on projects, spread out your work, and maybe score some new-to-you fabric or yarn. Bring your stash and let’s get making! 

Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel for details by email at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106

Published: Aug. 21, 2025

Saturday, September 6, 10 am in Fellowship Hall

Preparations for the next Asbury First Community Theatre production have already begun and you won't want to miss out! Auditions for Anastasia begin Saturday, September 6 at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Call backs and supplemental auditions will be at 2 pm on Sunday, September 7. No preparations required. 

Contact Larry Dugan for more info at ldugan@asburyfirst.org

Published: Aug. 21, 2025

Starting September 3, every Wednesday at 10 am through October 15, in the Red Room and on zoom, we'll discuss this book about responding with clarity and grace in tough times. Bishop Budde teaches that bravery is a daily journey of living according to our true beliefs and best selves, providing fortitude for uncertain times.

Contact programs@asburyfirst.org for more details.

Published: Aug. 21, 2025

Fall is the perfect time to reconnect, re-engage, and renew your spirit! On Sunday, September 7, we’re inviting everyone at Asbury First to join in for Connection Sunday — a chance to discover all the ways you can connect, 
grow, and belong this year. After both worship services, the Gathering Center will feature tables representing our ministries, programs, and opportunities. Whether you’re looking for: Fun and fellowship with new friends, Spiritual growth through study or prayer, Opportunities to make a difference, Community and connection in small groups or classes…there’s a place for you! Stop by, ask questions, meet leaders, and see what’s ahead this fall. Come ready to discover how you can connect more deeply with God and with one another. We can’t wait to see where this season will take us—together! And that’s not all—later in the month, you'll have an opportunity to explore ways to share your time and talents through volunteering as we continue to host our Fourth Sunday Volunteer Engagement Table in the Welcome Hall.

Let’s connect. Let’s grow. Let’s do more good.

Published: Aug. 13, 2025

Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room and via Zoom

Join the Banned Book Club as we gather to discuss Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," a sweet, romantic comedy which explores themes of love, identity, and navigating public and private lives.

Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more details.

Published: Aug. 12, 2025

School is open and tutors are needed for the  Help Me Read program at School 17, School 50 and School 46 grades K-5.

New Tutor Training/Orientation:

Wednesday August 20, 2025 — 9  to 10:30 am
Monday August 25, 2025 — 9 to 10:30 am

All orientations are held at 1000 North Winton Rd, Rochester NY, 14609. Call Ms. Linda at School 17
to register (585) 766-8440. If you are interested
in tutoring please contact John Smalt at jhsmalt@gmail.com or at (585) 924-8624. 

Published: Aug. 12, 2025

We're collecting school supplies for Pre-K through 6th grade students at School 17 from August 17 through September 7 in the Welcome Hall. Simply leave donations at the table.

Items needed: backpacks, crayons, pencils, erasers, pens, markers, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes, folders, binders, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues.

Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624 or programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Aug. 6, 2025

Wednesdays, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn

Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First in the Granger Lawn every Wednesday through the end of August! 


Published: Aug. 4, 2025

Rural & Migrant Ministry invites you to join our caravan trip across New York State, from the South Fork of Long Island to Buffalo. The first Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. will be hosting on 8/8/25 at 5:30 pm.

For more information about this event and other stops on the journey, please CLICK HERE.

Published: Aug. 4, 2025

Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 27, this year starting from Asbury First! NAMI is a grassroots organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is Asbury First’s second year fielding a team, and we’d love for you to join us. It's a great way to show support, raise awareness, and walk together for mental health. All are welcome! More info: David Berg – bergdm@gmail.com Team LINK

Published: July 30, 2025

The Columbarium niche wall has been assembled in Minnesota and is on its way to Asbury First! 50 niches have already been spoken for, so reserve your niche today. Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden is taking shape after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. In the spirit of Asbury First, the Columbarium is open to all. Membership is not required.

If you'd like to talk to someone about reserving your spot, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call her at (585) 271-1050 x106.

To learn more and reserve a niche for yourself or a loved one visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium

Published: July 30, 2025

Join members of the Asbury First Civics Team (an initiative of the Social Concerns Committee) in writing postcards to voters. Bring your best penmanship, a pen and lots of enthusiasm to the Red Room (1010, COC) Wednesdays from 10 am - noon. For more information contact Karen Hibbard at khcrm1000@rochester.rr.com.

Published: July 29, 2025

Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the August COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Boys and Men’s sweatpants and gym shorts. A list of other specific items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.

Thank you for caring for our neighbors!

Published: July 21, 2025

Zumba is currently on hiatus, but will resume again when the weather cools again. Enjoy the rest of your summer! 

Published: July 21, 2025

Join our friends at Temple B'rith Kodesh, Thursday, August 7 at 7 pm, for a challenging, confronting, and inspiring evening. Rabbi Peter Stein, Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Shere, and other specialists in immigration law will address the moral issue of immigration justice. They will share stories to reinforce our commitment to gracefully resist immoral directives and empower us with prophetic passion and wisdom to listen to people closest to the pain of injustice and tell compelling stories to whomever we meet.

A free will donation will support local Haitian refugees struggling with the current administration’s attacks on their status, employment, and future in the U.S.

Sponsored by GRCC-FIAN Voices of Faith on Immigration Team & Temple B'rith Kodesh.