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: 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 22, 2025

Drop by Granger Lawn from 4 to 7:30 pm for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First every Wednesday through the end of August.

Next week's food truck will be Reservoir Dog'z + Chef Shahrazad Mediterranean Bites!!

Able to lend a hand at the market? Contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. 

Published: July 22, 2025

Last summer, we had a great time playing softball and kickball, and we decided to try something new this year: Flag Football. Each Sunday in August, we will meet from 6 to 7 pm on the Granger Lawn to play pick-up games of flag football. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and we will create new teams each week. We will provide the flags, the field, and the football, you will just need to bring a sense of fun!

Published: July 21, 2025

Zumba is back! Join us today, July 24, at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center for moving and grooving fitness fun! No prior Zumba or dance experience needed—all fitness levels welcome!

A suggested donation of $10 is paid directly to instructor Katy Reholz.

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.

Published: July 16, 2025

The Prostate Cancer Support Group will be taking a summer hiatus and will not be meeting in July and August. But we'll be back! Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:30 pm in the Red Room (1010). We look forward to reconnecting 
with our community this fall.

Published: July 15, 2025

Looking for a great summer book? The Asbury First Library launched their book sales at the Wednesday Community Market on June 25. Find us at the Asbury First tent on July 23 and August 20 (rain date August 27) for a wide selection of children's, teen, and adult books—most priced at just $1-$2. All proceeds support new library acquisitions.

Published: July 15, 2025

The 11 am services on Sunday, August 3 and August 31 will feature your favorite hymns! Have a beloved hymn we haven't sung recently? Submit your requests to Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org by Monday, August 18. 

We'll include as many of your submissions as possible in these special services.

Published: July 11, 2025

Join us Saturday, July 26 to help build beds for Rochester children who sleep on the floor. With 400 children on the waiting list, Memorial AME Zion Church is partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) for this crucial event at 540 Clarissa St. We need volunteers for 9 - 11 am or 11 am - 1 pm shifts (lunch provided) or bedding donations: new pillows, sheets, and comforters. All ages welcome. Can't build? Drop off bedding or order from SHP's Amazon wish list.

Register by clicking here or donate via the Amazon Wishlist Here.

Questions? Contact Diana Carter at (585) 732-7224 or email DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com.

Published: July 7, 2025

As weather continues to be alternately wet and/or hot, we will be posting on the Asbury First Facebook page Sunday mornings ahead of the 9 am Worship Service to keep you apprised of inclement weather.

Follow us on Facebook to be notified ahead of time whether or not the 9 am Worship Service will be held outdoors or in.

Published: July 2, 2025

Due to the holiday and vacations, Zumba class will pause until later in the month. Join us again, July 24, at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center for moving and grooving fitness fun! No prior Zumba or dance experience needed—all fitness levels welcome!

A suggested donation of $10 is paid directly to instructor Katy Reholz.

Published: June 11, 2025

The Community Outreach Center (including the Dining & Caring Center, the UR Well Clinic and the Storehouse) will be closed Monday, June 30 through Sunday, July 6. In order to give our volunteers a much-needed respite, there will be no meals served or shopping appointments during that time.