Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Hey sewers, knitters, and crafty creators!

Join us for another Collaborative Makers Gathering—a laid-back, open-house hangout on Saturday, September 13 from 1 to 4 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 creativity and let’s get making! 

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

Published: Sept. 7, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 6 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom for a program about the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Learn how NAMI supports individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, and community. We'll explore NAMI’s mission, values, and impact. Whether you’re seeking resources or ways to help, this is for you. All are welcome. Contact programs@asburyfirst.org for more information.

Dial-In: 1 (929) 205-6099 • Meeting ID: 834 717 3468 • Passcode: 200

Published: Sept. 7, 2025

Wednesdays, through September 17, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall and Zoom 

Join us for a three-week series on the Nicene Creed's 1700th anniversary (*though that may be premature by decades!). We'll explore what led to its writing, why it took 50 years to complete, and what this ancient text offers us today.

Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: Sept. 7, 2025

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Asbury Orchestra! A special celebration will take place when they play in the 11 am service on Sunday, November 9, including a new piece composed for the occasion by Asbury First member David Temperley. Instrumental musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part; rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 28 from 9:30-10:30 am in Wesley Hall. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Kennedy with questions at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org

Published: Aug. 28, 2025

WXXI will be broadcasting a recording of the March 2025 performance by the Morehouse College Glee Club that took place at Asbury First. Those of you who missed that performance can tune into WXXI Classical 91.5 FM on September 10 at 3 pm, or look for it on the WXXI App. It's part of WXXI's "HBCU Week" (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) happening September 8-14.

For more information, visit WXXI.org/HBCU

Published: Aug. 28, 2025

KOP is Looking for 4 groups of 3 volunteers each to be part of a caring circle for new families. Under the WelcomeUS program, we can help, but we officially need three volunteers per family. This will guarantee a family $1,000 per person in resettlement funds within 2-3 weeks from the Welcome Corps.

Please reach out to friends and community members if you can help by being part of a caring circle. For more information, call or text Cindy Malone at (585) 645-4060 or send an email to programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Aug. 27, 2025

September is upon us, and that means regular rehearsals resume for Asbury First's musical ensembles! If you haven't participated before, now is a great time to consider joining, whether it's Sanctuary Choir, Asbury Ringers, Asbury Orchestra, or our Youth or Children's programs. Take a look at the calendar in the bulletin or online to see when each group rehearses. For more information, reach out to our Director of Music Ministries, Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Aug. 27, 2025

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. 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 How We Learn To Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, which is 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:

Monday, September 8 — 9 - 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!