Published: Sept. 30, 2026

Wednesday Morning Book Study: The Bible, A Biography


Think you know the Bible? Think again! Join our six-week journey through Karen Armstrong's acclaimed book to explore how this text was written, fought over, and reinvented across thousands of years. Whether you see the Bible as divine revelation, historical literature, or a cultural mystery, your voice is welcome, and no background is required, just an open mind and a love for discussion. Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 am, October 14 through November 18, in the Red Room (1010). Pick up a copy, read the Introduction and Chapter 1, and join us!

Published: Sept. 30, 2026

Bibles Ministry at Asbury First



A new initiative has taken shape at Asbury First: the Bibles Ministry seeks to collect extra Bibles from the congregation and redistribute them to those who could use one.Bring your extra Bibles to one of two receptacles on campus (one in the Welcome Hall near the other donation bins, and the other in the Church Offices at 1050), and they'll be distributed to homeless centers, schools, youth programs, re-entry programs, battered women's centers, and outreach centers around Monroe County.

Published: Sept. 30, 2026

Older Adult Autumn Gathering

Please join us for the Older Adult Autumn Gathering on Thursday, October 29. 11 am worship in the sanctuary will be followed by lunch in the Gathering Center at noon. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 22 to Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 
or email programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Sept. 30, 2026

October Chapel Challenge: 
Winter Hats, Gloves and Coats, and Handwarmers

Each month, we collect different supplies needed for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the October COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Winter Hats, Gloves and Coats. A list of other specific needed items is also 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: Sept. 30, 2026

Gateways Music Festival | SANCTUARY: A Celebration of Black Sacred Music

Saturday, October 10 at 11 am, Hatch Recital Hall at the Eastman School of Music, Gateways turns the stage into a SANCTUARY in this afternoon celebration of hymns, spirituals, gospel, sacred jazz, and classical music. Rooted in classical artistry but moving freely across traditions, the program features violinist Kersten Stevens, trumpeter Herb Smith, pianist Myron D. Brown, and additional artists, exploring the intersection of Black sacred music and Black artistry in classical music.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through the Eastman School of Music Box Office. A discount code, as well as a limited number of complimentary tickets are available; contact Carl Johengen by email at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org or read more at www.gatewaysmusicfestival.org.

Published: Sept. 24, 2026

Thank You, Asbury First, for a successful School Supply Drive!

Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support during our Annual School Supply Drive. The students at School 17 thank you and so do we!

There is always an opportunity to join the Help Me Read Tutor Team! If you would like more information, please contact John Smalt at programs@asburyfirst.org.

If you're a returning tutor, visit asburyfirst.org/help-me-read-needs-tutors/ for information about tutoring opportunities.

Published: Sept. 24, 2026

Children's Music Returns—It's not too late to sign up!
Wednesdays, starting at 5 pm

It's not too late to sign up for Children's Music! If your child likes to explore music through song, dance, and musical instruments, join us for Children’s Music on Wednesdays in Room 201 (2nd floor of the Ed. Wing in 1040). 

Hallelujah Kids: Age 4 - 1st Grade, 5 - 5:30 pm.

Wesley Singers & Ringers: 2nd - 5th Grade, 6 - 7 pm.

To sign up, click here.

For more information contact Holly Temming 
at htemming@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Sept. 23, 2026

Adult Sunday School Forum
 - Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, Fellowship Hall and Zoom

Asbury First's Sunday School Forum meets weekly on Sundays in Fellowship Hall between services to discuss a range of topics including current events, social justice, and discipleship practices. All are welcome to gather with us as we learn more about ourselves, our community, and the world around us. Each week stands alone, so come as you are able! Pastor Dee and Jo will be coordinating and facilitating this group. For more information, please contact programs@asburyfirst.org.
 

Published: Sept. 23, 2026

NAMI Walks – Saturday, October 3, 9 am - 1 pm

Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, October 3, at 9 am, starting from Asbury First! NAMI is a grassroots organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is Asbury First’s second year fielding a team, and we’d love for you to join us. It's a great way to show support, raise awareness, and walk together for mental health.

To sign up, visit namiwalks.org/rochesterny

Published: Sept. 23, 2026

Did you know that Oct. 4-10, 2026 is Banned Book Week? This year’s theme from the American Library Association is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” Here are some banned books that we have in the Asbury First Library:

Nonfiction: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Fiction: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Teen and Young Adult: Sold by Patricia McCormick

Elementary School: Melissa by Alex Gino

Picture Book: This Day in June by Gayle E Pitman

For more, search for “banned book” in the library database or check out the displays in the Reading Room. While you’re at it, stop by and add some pieces to the growing jigsaw puzzle on the table!

Also, check out this month’s bulletin board in the Welcome Center put together by the Library Team!

Published: Sept. 16, 2026

Children's Music Returns, Wednesdays, beginning September 16!

If your child likes to explore music through song, dance, and musical instruments, join us for Children’s Music on Wednesdays in Room 201 (2nd floor of the Ed. Wing in 1040) starting September 16.

Hallelujah Kids: Age 4 - 1st Grade, 5 - 5:30 pm 

Wesley Singers & Ringers: 2nd - 5th Grade, 6 - 7 pm

For your convenience there is a Community Dinner at 
5:30 pm in the Gathering Center. For more information contact Holly Temming, htemming@asburyfirst.org. 



To Register, click here.

Published: Sept. 16, 2026

Do More Good via the Volunteer Hub at asburyfirst.org

There are many ways to be part of the life and ministry of 
Asbury First—here, we work together to Do More Good! 

Our Volunteer Hub makes it easy to explore current
opportunities by ministry area, interest, and time
commitment. Think of it as a place to browse, get
curious, and discover where your gifts and availability
might meet a real need. 

Browse current volunteer opportunities and see what 
speaks to you by visiting asburyfirst.org/volunteer. This is a place for you to connect, contribute, and Do More Good.

Published: Sept. 9, 2026

Chat with the Pastors — September 20

New to Asbury First? Thinking about membership? Curious about who we are and what it means to be part of this community? Join us for Chat with the Pastors, an informal monthly conversation where you can meet our clergy, learn more about Asbury First and the United Methodist tradition, ask questions, and explore whether membership might be a next step for you. 

Find us in the Gathering Center, Sunday, September 20, following both worship services. No pressure and no commitment—just conversation, connection, and a chance to learn more.

Published: Sept. 9, 2026

Wednesday Evening Programming Returns!

After a summer hiatus, Wednesday nights at Asbury First are back! Join us starting September 16 for Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center, followed by a full lineup of music and learning: Hallelujah Kids Choir, Youth Musical Rehearsal, Wesley Singers and Ringers, Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Asbury Ringers, and Wednesday Evening Programming with Pastor Dee in Wesley Hall. Whether you're singing, ringing, learning, or sharing a meal, there's a place for everyone of all ages. — mark your calendars and bring a friend. We'll see you there!

Published: Sept. 8, 2026

Do you like to put jigsaw puzzles together? Your library has an unsolved jigsaw puzzle in the Reading Room. Come help us put the puzzle together and “find” the hidden banned books. Who knows… you may recognize a banned book or two! Also, check out staff favorites and these new books plus more on the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, September 13 or in the library during the entire month of September.

Click the link for a description to read more about our new books:

Nonfiction: Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok by Oliver James

Fiction: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Teen and Young Adult: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Elementary School: The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander

Picture Book: Fletcher and the Rainbow by Julia Rawlinson