Published: Oct. 14, 2026

Governing Board Meeting Rescheduled for October 19

Previously scheduled for October 12, the latest Governing Board meeting has been rescheduled for October 19, 5:30 pm in the Red Room. The Governing Board, in conversation with the congregation, sets the church’s policy and direction, handles its fiduciary and Disciplinary responsibilities, and empowers ministry teams to carry out the work of the congregation. For more information about the Governance of Asbury First, visit asburyfirst.org/governance.

Published: Oct. 14, 2026

Wednesday Evening Classes
Wednesdays, 6 pm, Wesley Hall and Zoom

Can AI Help Us “Love Thy Neighbor”? AI, the Future and Faith. Join Dr. Larry Dugan Wednesday 10/21 at 6 pm in Wesley Hall for a hopeful conversation about artificial intelligence and human wisdom. Explore how AI, guided by our faith, compassion, and lived experience, can help us serve our neighbors. Through practical examples, we’ll consider how these tools can support meaningful human connection and church life. No technical experience needed.

Published: Oct. 14, 2026

Farewell to Johnny Colón

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Johnny Colón, our Director of Property Care. Johnny has accepted a similar property management position elsewhere, and his last day with Asbury First will be November 1, 2026. Johnny’s service over the past couple of years has been quiet but consistent, and so much of what he does goes unnoticed because he does it so well. If you’d like to thank him, please write a note or drop off a card in the box in the Gathering Center, where notecards are also available.

Published: Oct. 14, 2026

Dining In For Outreach Podcast Now Available on Youtube

Get ready for Dining In For Outreach with our new DIFO podcast! In the first episode, host Diana Louise Carter sits down with Tim Mahan to talk about what makes this annual fundraiser for the Community Outreach Center so meaningful. A new episode will be released each week leading up to the November 8 Celebration, so be sure to tune in. 

Check out the first episode here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TZS_31Mxas

Published: Oct. 14, 2026

Family Halloween Celebration!

Wednesday, October 28, 5 - 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center

Please join us for a family Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 28 from 5 to 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center with costumes, a craft, dinner, and “trick-or-treating” around the church. If you’re a youth in grades 6-12, you’re invited to our UMYF Halloween party on Sunday, October 25 downstairs in Fellowship Hall for lunch, games, and snacks; costumes encouraged! We hope to see you there!

Published: Oct. 7, 2026

Join the Visitation Team!

We invite you to our upcoming meeting on October 15, at 1 pm in the Library (1040). Whether you’re already visiting parishioners or interested in learning more about 
this rewarding experience, we’d love for you to attend! Come share your stories, ask questions, and connect with fellow visitors. Your presence makes a difference! For 
more information, contact Rev. Dee Finch at (585) 271-1050 x106 or email dfinch@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Oct. 7, 2026

Bible Sunday

Next Sunday, October 18 is Bible Sunday; our third-graders will receive personalized Bibles as a gift to mark their growth here at Asbury First. If you received a Bible here as a child, please bring it with you next week to celebrate! And look for more history on this tradition in this month's Monday Reader.

Published: Oct. 7, 2026

Wednesday Evening Classes: 
Wednesdays, 6 pm, Wesley Hall and Zoom

Join us October 14 for a presentation by the Generosity Team. Jacob Barragato, CFP®, a Financial Advisor with 7Crest Financial Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Jake will provide an educational overview of several key issues, including Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and the impact of taxable income on Medicare IRMAA surcharges. These are areas that many find confusing or complex, but they can have a significant impact on both the giving and the giver. 
Sponsored by the Generosity Team.

Published: Oct. 7, 2026

Faithfully Together

Our annual stewardship season is just around the corner! In the coming days, watch your mailbox for a letter from the Generosity Team introducing this year’s theme, Faithfully Together, and inviting you to consider your commitment to Asbury First for 2027. As we enter this season, we hope you will take some time for prayer and reflection, giving thanks for the ways this community has touched your life and considering how you might participate in its ministry in the year ahead. There is no need to rush. We simply invite you to begin the conversation with God and to approach this season with an open heart.

Published: Oct. 1, 2026

Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, October 10, 8:30 am to 1 pm in the Gathering Center 

Sign up or just show up to give blood! Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment.



Please remember to bring your ID.

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, 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, Coats and Handwarmers. 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.