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. 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. 13, 2025

The Postcards to Voters group now meets every Thursday in the Red Room of the Community Outreach Center from 10 am to noon (right after Thursday's Morning Prayer service). For more information, write to programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

How We Rise Together: One Million Rising is a national effort to train one million people to resist authoritarianism - together. Through a series of trainings and local gatherings. we'll build the strategies, skills and people power it takes to stop our current political administration from seizing more power—this is how we get organized. Cindy Haag will be offering two presentations on how to be a part of One Million Rising. Presentations are in the Red Room at 10 am on Tuesday, September 23 and 6 pm on Tuesday, September 30. Join us for these meaningful presentations.

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Rochester Speakers Series is a new literary arts, nonprofit organization that brings award-winning authors and thought leaders in person to Rochester. We will be holding our flagship series, Speaking of Stories, at Asbury First. The first event featuring David Grann (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wager) will be held on October 7 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary and our second event featuring Brit Bennett (The Vanishing Half, The Mothers) will be held on April 21, 2026. Ticket information and program details are available on our website at this link

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Join us on Thursday, October 9, for a special day of worship and fellowship. We'll begin with worship at 11 am in the Sanctuary, followed by lunch at noon in the Gathering Center. As we embrace the cooler air of fall and the warmth of community, this will be a wonderful opportunity to gather together for meaningful worship and share a meal with one another.

Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 by Friday, October 3, and be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free needs.

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Every hour in America, a child is shot. Gun violence silences voices — but in Rochester teens are taking the stage to speak out. On October 6, Asbury First joins over 50 communities nationwide for ENOUGH!, presenting six urgent new plays by teen writers confronting gun violence.

Join us on October 6 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a very special evening. A Good Will Offering will be taken. Learn more here: enoughplays.com/reading

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Are you longing for an Everyday Encounter with God? Then consider yourself personally invited to a very special morning retreat, Saturday, October 18 from 9 am to 12:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Topics will include Hospitality and Welcoming, Personal Mission Statement, Relationships, and Dreams.

Register by October 15. All ages welcome. Paula Dugan will lead a morning focused on the same topics for children. Questions? Contact Colleen Schantz at (585) 353-2260.  

Published: Sept. 13, 2025

Join us Saturday, November 1 for the East Ave Grocery Run, an annual fundraiser that supports food programs in Rochester, including the Asbury First Community Outreach Center. Anyone who registers as a member of the Asbury First team donates their full registration fee directly to the COC! Invite a friend to come out, enjoy a fall morning run/walk and support the work of feeding Rochester’s hungry.

Register Here

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.