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.

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!