Published: April 9, 2026

Build A Better Community:   Irondequoit and Brighton Workshops

Brighton and Irondequoit residents, Do you want to help create a more accessible community with a greater variety of housing options in your town? 

Join your neighbors for a free workshop on public advocacy for more inclusive and attainable housing. These two events focus on increasing "missing middle" housing density and creating stronger, walkable neighborhoods in your town.

Irondequoit Workshop: April 30, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Irondequoit Public Library

Brighton Workshop: April 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Temple B'rith Kodesh

Sponsored by the Asbury First Social Concerns Committee

Published: April 9, 2026

Calling All Youth - Youth Music Resumes!
Wednesdays, starting April 15 from 6:30 to 8 pm

Youth Music returns on Wednesday, April 15, with a new time: 6:30 – 8 pm. We're preparing for Youth Sunday in June and would love to have all interested youth join us!

6:30 – 7 pm — Nosh and Conversation in the Gathering Center

7 – 8 pm — Choir and bells rehearsal in the Education Wing music rooms

Feel free to bring a snack to contribute to the Nosh. We look forward to making music together! Contact Carol Lamica at clamica@asburyfirst.org with any questions.

Published: April 9, 2026

Dancing on the Wind: Community Outreach Center Benefit Concert

Make sure to set aside Friday, May 8 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a performance featuring the Gold and Ivory Duo, flutists Annette Farrington and Alexandra Hine with guest artist, pianist Beverly Smoker. These fabulous local artists will grace our Sanctuary with a dazzling musical program, and all they ask of you is to bring a donation for Asbury First's Community Outreach Center. (More details will be coming soon about what items to bring or how to make a financial contribution.)

Published: April 9, 2026

East Ave closed, Sunday April 26 until 9 am

East Avenue will be closed on Sunday, April 26 from 7:45 am until 9 am for the Flower City Half Marathon. Please use University Ave to access the parking lot that morning via the Gleason Lot or via Granger Place. For more information about the half marathon, visit flowercitychallenge.com

Published: April 9, 2026

Published: April 9, 2026

A Note On Sound in the Sanctuary

We are aware of concerns with the temporary sound system which will be in place until a new permanent system can be installed. Our Tech Team is doing its best to adjust the system to our needs. If you find yourself seated in an area of the nave where the sound is muddy, please don't be embarrassed to get up and move to an area where you can hear more clearly. Thank you for your patience!

Published: April 9, 2026

Published: March 26, 2026

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays at 3 pm, Gathering Center

Join us for Gentle Yoga, Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Gathering Center (1040). 
A $10 suggested donation at the door. Each beginner-friendly, inclusive session offers an hour of breathing, movement, awareness, and meditation. Wear loose-fitting clothing comfortable for movement; limited mats and props available, but please bring your own if possible.

Published: March 26, 2026

Asbury Women's Art Class

Friday's, 1 - 3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room), upstairs in 1040

Join us for an acrylic painting class — no experience required. Participants will complete at least two paintings, a 16x20 and an 8x10, with one being abstract and the other a landscape or still-life. Please bring acrylic paints in red, yellow, blue, black, and white, along with any additional colors or reference materials you wish to use. Canvases are available for purchase in class at 2 for $10, or you are welcome to bring your own.

For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: March 26, 2026

Asbury Orchestra Rehearsals Commence

Asbury Orchestra has begun rehearsals to prepare for our next appearance in 11 am worship on Sunday, April 19. New members are welcome! Players of band or orchestral instruments at any level of experience are invited to join the fun. Rehearsals are Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. Contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org for more information.

Published: March 26, 2026

Support the Storehouse by ordering beautiful geraniums from Chase Greenhouse! Available in red, white, purple, strawberry, and salmon, geraniums are priced at $5.25 each. Lush hanging baskets are also available at $25 each — or take advantage of our quantity discount and get 5 baskets for just $100! Orders will be accepted through April 22. Click here for the order form. Pickup is Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All proceeds benefit the Storehouse — thank you for your support!

Published: March 26, 2026

Earth Day Celebration

April 25, 10 am – 2 pm in the Gathering Center and lawn

Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Celebration, April 25, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Gathering Center. Explore display tables and hear from local organizations dedicated to nature preservation, gardening, beekeeping, and more. Learn how you can care for creation and make a difference in our community. All are welcome to share the joy of spring and sustainability! Read more by visiting asburyfirst.org/earth-day.

Published: March 26, 2026

Town Hall Sunday, March 29 – Immediately Following 11 am Worship

Many of you have reached out this week with questions, concerns, and heartfelt reflections following the announcement about the restructuring of the Discipleship/Youth and Congregational Care staff roles. We know that news like this can stir many emotions, especially when it touches ministries and relationships that have meant so much in people’s lives.

To provide space for conversation and clarity, there will be a brief congregational gathering immediately following the 11 am worship service this Sunday, March 29.

We will begin by reviewing the information that has already been shared and responding to questions that have come in during the past week. After that, we will move into small groups where members of Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) will be present to listen and respond to questions directly. Our hope is that this time will help the congregation hear the same information together and allow for thoughtful conversation as we continue moving forward as a church community.

All are welcome to remain following worship or tune into the livestream.

Published: March 26, 2026

Holy Week Is Nearly Here! March 29 (Palm Sunday), through April 5 (Easter Sunday)

Holy Week at Asbury First is just around the corner with a series of much-beloved services beginning with Palm Sunday, then a special candlelight Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm with communion and a reenactment of Christ's last night, our traditional Good Friday “Envisioning the Passion” service at noon, along with a special 7 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Asbury First Community Garden (weather permitting).

View a complete list of Holy Week events at asburyfirst.org/holy-week

Published: March 26, 2026

Lectio Divina during Holy Week

Lectio Divina will be offered on each weekday of Holy Week. Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture, which will guide us each day in spiritual reflection. Join via zoom (password: 200) every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Monday, March 30 through Good Friday, April 3. Contact Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org with any questions.