Published: Feb. 18, 2026

Lenten Book Study: Prayer in the Night

This Lent, we are encouraging everyone to join us in a study of "Prayer in the Night" by Tish Harrison Warren. This book explores a season of doubt and loss, navigating themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence. It also offers prayerful and frank approaches to living in a world filled with uncertainty.

Whether you want to read the book on your own, join in one of our weekly discussion groups, or maybe even lead a group, you can let us know by signing up via this link: https://asburyfirst.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/1b541810-9ba5-4a54-aa4c-8690649cf91d

Published: Feb. 18, 2026

Wednesday Morning Book Study: Miracles and Wonders

Join our Wednesday morning book study beginning February 18 as we explore Miracles and Wonder by Elaine Pagels, an historical mystery that examines the gospels Jesus's followers left behind. Each chapter addresses fascinating questions—Why a virgin birth? Why the resurrection? Did miracles really happen and what did they mean?—bringing Jesus and his followers vividly to life while shedding light on his enduring power to inspire and attract. The group meets Wednesdays from 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010) and via Zoom, and all are welcome to join this engaging discussion.

Published: Feb. 18, 2026

Ash Wednesday Pan-Methodist Service
Wednesday, February 18, 7 pm at Memorial AME Church

We will begin the holy season of Lent together with our Pan-Methodist siblings from around Rochester. This year, the service will be held at Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (549 Clarissa St, Rochester, NY).

Join us as we worship with Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and welcome in this important season of Lent. Pastor Michelle will be the preacher for the evening. 

Published: Feb. 10, 2026

Hope from the Eye of the Storm
Temple Sinai

Join us for an inspiring interfaith evening with Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered and Father (Abuna) Saba Haj on Tuesday, February 10, 7 to 9 pm at Temple Sinai. This special event will feature remarks from both speakers, shared singing in Hebrew and Arabic, and a Q&A focused on peace, shared society, and interfaith leadership. All are welcome to attend this meaningful gathering that brings our communities together in dialogue and hope.

Please RSVP at the Temple Sinai website and share this invitation widely with friends, family, and community members. To RSVP, visit www.tsinai.org/event/spirit-of-the-galilee-event.html

Published: Feb. 8, 2026

Souper Bowl
Sunday, February 8 at Noon in Fellowship Hall

The youth of Asbury First are selling soup for $10 per quart to fund summer mission trips, with high schoolers heading to West Virginia for Appalachia Service Project and middle schoolers traveling to Buffalo, NY to serve with youth from the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. Join us for a soup luncheon in Fellowship Hall at Noon, where youth will serve and share about last summer's hurricane relief mission work! Questions, contact mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: Feb. 4, 2026

Two Very Special Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 6 pm, February 4 and 11

Join the LGBTQ Advocacy Team for two enlightening Wednesday evenings this February. 

February 4: Cory Tylenda and Chris Gold return with "UMC Savvy Allies: Where are we now?" – a thought-provoking follow-up discussion exploring our journey as allies in the UMC community. 

February 11: don't miss "through a mirror dimly, but then...!" featuring Rev. Dr. Phillippa "Phil" Phaneuf, who will share her powerful personal story of discovering and embracing her identity as a transgender woman throughout her life. Both sessions promise meaningful conversation, deeper understanding, and the opportunity to grow together as a community.

Mark your calendars and join us for these important Wednesday evening programs!

Published: Feb. 1, 2026

Asbury First (AF) is excited to launch a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026! We'll gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm for introductions, discussion of a parable from "The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales" by Peter Rollins, and time to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if you think this sounds like a good fit, join us for our next session on February 1! 

Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: Jan. 30, 2026

The next tutor training sessions will be:

Friday, February 6 at 9 - 10:30 am

Monday, February 23 at 9 - 10:30 am

Training location is The Multipurpose Room in the Ark of Jesus Ministries located at 1000 Winton Road North Rochester, NY 14609

If you are interested
in tutoring please contact John Smalt at jhsmalt@gmail.com or at (585) 924-8624. 

To register for training send an email to hmrcolc@yahoo.com or call Ms. Linda at (585) 766-8440

We are currently tutoring in 3 different schools
1. Enrico Fermi School #17 located at: 158 Orchard St. 14611 (Tutoring 5 days per week)
2. School #46 located at 250 Newcastle Rd. 14610 (off Browncroft Blvd)  (Tutoring Wednesdays only for now)
3. School #50 located at 301 Seneca Ave. 14621 (Irondequoit) (Tutoring Mondays only for now)

Note: we also plan to offer summer tutoring. The school will be identified later when we know which schools will be hosting summer school.

Published: Jan. 29, 2026

Fall In Love With A Book!
Sunday, February 8 in the Gathering Center

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special event! Books will be gift-wrapped with only a few descriptive words visible, keeping titles and covers hidden. Take one home, unwrap it, and enjoy your surprise Valentine—you might just fall in love with a book! Visit the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, February 8 to pick up your mystery book.

Published: Jan. 29, 2026

Yoga Returns! – Tuesdays at 3 pm, Gathering Center

Join us for Gentle Yoga at Asbury First, Tuesdays starting February 3 at 3 pm in the Gathering Center ($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: Jan. 23, 2026

Join us Sundays, from 9:45 to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall in the new year for a new series highlighting our Off-Campus Ministries.

January 4: Overview of Off-Campus Ministries, past, present and future: Bob Castle
January 11: Cameron Minister Teen Center, Tomick Madison, Ex Director of Cameron Ministry
January 18: Keeping Our Promise, Ellen Smith Executive Director
January 25: Habitat for Humanity, Garrett Jones, Grant Coordinator & Advocacy Lead GRHFH 
February 1: School 17 & 45, Help Me Read, John Smalt
February 8: History of Chacocente, Robyn Gage
February 15: Family Promise (formally RAIHN), Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director

Published: Jan. 19, 2026

Monday, January 19, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via zoom, join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," celebrated for its lyrical prose and psychological depth, and established Baldwin as a major literary voice. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details. 

Published: Jan. 18, 2026

Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training

The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. January 18 from 1 to 3 pm in the Red Room (of the COC), Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally. Email programs@asburyfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
 

Published: Jan. 9, 2026

Now Hiring

Asbury First is looking for talented, passionate people to join the team! The following positions are now posted at asburyfirst.org/jobs

Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries 
Associate for Age-Level Ministries
Hospitality Coordinator
Operations Associate
Communications Assistant

Email your Resumes and any Questions to search@asburyfirst.org

Published: Dec. 21, 2025

Wednesday, December 31, 5 - 6 pm

Join us New Year's Eve for a drop-in service of meditation and communion. The sanctuary will be open 5 - 6 pm and you are welcome to come for the whole time or part of the time as we look back at this year and look with hope toward next year. This service will include long periods of silence interspersed with reflective music.

All are welcome.