Published: July 30, 2026

As we've done in recent summers, we are setting aside the 11 am Worship Service on Sunday, August 23 as a service centered around favorite hymns. During the pre-service prelude, as well as during the offertory, we'll invite worshippers to call out their favorite hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal. Come ready to sing, and give some thought to what hymns you'd love to have included.

See all related events in the Music Events calendar.

Published: July 29, 2026

Do you enjoy getting your hands in the soil and helping things grow (or keeping them tidy)? Join our campus gardening crew — a friendly group dedicated to weeding and trimming the perennial gardens and shrubs around our grounds (note: this is separate from the vegetable garden volunteers at 1010). We'd love to have you once a week, whenever fits your schedule, and we provide the gloves and tools. We could especially use extra hands in front of the Community Outreach Center and along the East Avenue side of the Education Wing. Interested? Reach out to us at programs@asburyfirst.org. 

Published: July 29, 2026

August 28, 9 - 11 am in the Red Room (1010) or via Zoom


Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now. To register, email programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: July 29, 2026

Do you have a hedge trimmer gathering dust in your garage? Help us keep our grounds as beautiful as they can be! Email us at programs@asburyfirst.org if you'd like to donate yours to Asbury First.

Published: July 1, 2026

Chapel Challenge: Bottled Water

The Chapel Challenge is helping to keep our neighbors hydrated during these hot summer weeks. Bring in packages of bottled water for distribution by the Dining and Caring Center. 

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: July 1, 2026

Get your craft hands ready! Join us Tuesday, July 7 at 6 pm in the Dining Room at 1050 for a Pride Float Flower-Making Party, where we'll create colorful tissue-paper flowers for Rochester's Pride Parade float. Pizza and drinks are on us, so come hang out, meet fellow volunteers, and help bring some serious color to this year's parade. RSVP to Chris at cgoldmt@gmail.com by Monday, July 6 to save your spot. 

Then bring your handmade flowers to life on Saturday, July 18 at 11 am, when we march in the Pride Parade alongside Balloon Jesus! Line up begins at 10 am at Science Parkway, and free parking with shuttle service is available from MCC lot A. T-shirts are available for purchase by scanning the QR code to the left. 

Published: June 29, 2026

Morning Prayer – Thursdays, 9:30 am in the Meditation Chapel

In these times of shifting headlines and unsettling political events, our pastoral staff feels called to help our community maintain spiritual grounding. We invite you to join us for Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30 to 10 am in the Meditation Chapel (within the Sanctuary). This simple weekly service offers a space to center ourselves in God's presence, solidarity, compassion, and love. No special preparation needed—come as you are, whenever you can join us.

Published: June 24, 2026

Our regular youth and children’s programming may be over for the year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Join us at the church at 3 pm on August 9 for an Ice Cream Crawl! And keep an eye out for details about our Kickball Tournament that will cap off the summer, on August 16, 23, and 30.

Please email jurriola-schonewolf@asburyfirst.org to register for these events!

See all related events in the Family Events calendar.

Published: June 24, 2026

We've changed the way you access Venmo for giving and paying for tickets, Community Dinner, youth fundraisers, etc. Instead of using your Venmo app, you start with a form (accessible from a QR code). When you choose the payment method as Venmo, your Venmo app will automatically open and walk you through the rest — easy peasy!

Published: June 17, 2026

Sign up or just show up to give blood on Saturday, June 20 from 8:30 am to 1 pm in Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment.

Please remember to bring your ID.

See all related events in the Special Events calendar.

Published: June 17, 2026

We're so excited for Asbury First's Summer VBS! Children in grades Pre-K (age 4) through 5th grade are invited to join us August 3–6 from 9 am to Noon for fun, faith-filled days exploring the Bible through arts, crafts, games, and more! Registration fees can be paid online via credit card or bank account through this form, or select "Pay Later" to mail a check to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee. For questions, email programs@asburyfirst.org.

Sign up by clicking here.

See all related events in the Children's and Youth Events calendar.

Published: June 14, 2026

The Library Prepares For Summer

Summer is coming — time to return your library books and find some new ones! Stop by the Gathering Center on June 14, where the bibliocart will be stocked with great summer reads. You'll also find a table with tips on native plants and garden prep.

Return your books, grab a new one, and get your garden ready to enjoy it in!

Published: June 14, 2026

Join Summer Choir!

Sunday, June 14, Asbury First's Summer Choir kicks into gear! Join the choir for the whole summer or for any individual Sunday! Summer Choir gathers at 10 am in Wesley Hall to rehearse accessible music that will be sung at the 11 am service. No need to be a member of Sanctuary Choir — but basic choral singing experience is recommended. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Music Ministry, Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org.

Published: June 7, 2026

Youth Sunday is just around the corner! — June 7

Our 6th-12th grade youth will lead us in worship on this special day. The youth have worked to help put together all aspects of the service—from choosing hymns, to writing prayers, to preparing sermons. Sundays like these help remind us that the youth are not simply our future, they are our present. On June 7, we will bear witness to the talents and offerings of these young people as we are led in worship together. 

Published: June 3, 2026

Chapel Challenge: Filling the Blessing Box

June’s Chapel Challenge will help fill the “blessing box”, first established at Christmas time to provide easy access to single-serve food and drinks without need for cooking or can openers. The box is located on our front lawn, near East Ave. Some suggestions for donations: tuna packets, Vienna sausages, fruit cups, apple sauce, pudding, bottled water, protein drinks, baked beans, corn niblets, cracker packs. Please avoid foods that will melt or spoil in summer heat.

Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.