Published: Dec. 11, 2025

This Christmas season, Asbury First is channeling its holiday spirit in a meaningful new direction. In response to growing food insecurity in our community, we're redirecting some of our seasonal creativity to address hunger where it matters most. Thanks to the dedicated work of our Monday Morning Crew and Pumpernickel Crew, a beautiful Giving Tree now stands in the Gathering Center, ready to receive your generous food donations. Every contribution placed under this tree will directly support our Community Outreach Center's food programs, bringing nourishment and hope to neighbors in need. We invite you to be part of this compassionate effort and help make this Christmas brighter for those facing hardship in our community.

Published: Dec. 11, 2025

Asbury First (AF) is looking forward to kicking off a Young Adult Fellowship in 2026. We will gather at church on the first Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 8 pm. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. After introductions and check-ins, we will read and discuss a parable from "The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales" by Peter Rollins. Remaining time will be used to hang out, play games, and think about other ways we might connect with and within our community. In United Methodist circles, "Young Adult" is 18 - 35, but we don't plan to card; so if you're close and feel like this is a place where you would fit in, come join us for our first session on January 4! Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

This Christmas Eve, we will have 4 services with over 1600 worshipers anticipated. We need your help! 8 ushers are needed for the noon and 11 pm services, and 14 ushers for the 4 pm and 7 pm services (that's a total of 44 ushers!).

If you would like to help, please see Dennis Roote or Tommy Johnson or add your name to the signup spreadsheet: Click Here To Volunteer

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

Christmas Eve is around the corner! To make a donation of a Christmas Poinsettia to the Christmas Eve Altar, either click here or return a donation form to the church office, no later than December 14. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild.

Questions? Call the office at (585) 271-1050. Thank you for helping to make our Sanctuary beautiful for Christmas Eve!

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

Calling all young singers (6th -12th grade): Rehearsals for the Christmas Eve service will continue on Wednesday, December 10, 6 - 6:50 pm in Room 205 (1040). Following rehearsal, we'll join with others for Carols and Cocoa. The Youth Choir will be singing at the Christmas Eve 4 pm service.

For further information, contact Carol Lamica, clamica@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

Wednesdays, 6 to 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom

When we read the Bible, we bring our experiences, our histories, and our biases with us. How, then, can being part of a Methodist church influence our interpretations of Scripture? In this 3-part series, we will engage the book Reading Scripture in Wesleyan Ways to explore the possibilities of biblical interpretation in and for Methodist Christianity. Wednesdays, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom, December 3, 10, 17. Questions, contact programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

The Asbury Orchestra will be caroling in the Gathering Center after the 11 am service on December 21. Rehearsals will take place on Sunday mornings, December 7 and 14 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall (1040). Hope to see you there!

Contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org with any questions.

Published: Dec. 2, 2025

Help us spread the word about the amazing work at our Community Outreach Center! Join us on Tuesday, December 9 at 8 am and bring a friend, colleague, business owner, or family member to come as your guest. You will all discover how the COC serves our community and learn new ways to make an even greater impact via a guided facility tour, light breakfast at the COC, and open Q&A session.

Register now for the final 1010 Tuesday of the year. Space is limited - reserve your spot today! Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117.

Published: Dec. 2, 2025

If you are interested in becoming a member here at Asbury First, you are invited to attend the two-class series beginning on Tuesday, December 2. The second class will be on Tuesday, December 9. Classes will take place in the Red Room (1010) from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.

If you would like more information, or if you plan to attend, please email Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Dec. 2, 2025

December 14, 2 pm in the Sanctuary

This year our Longest Night service will once again be known as the Service of Remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the year and remember those we miss, especially at the holiday time. Please join us for music, scripture, and candlelight. All are welcome. For more info, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or kthiel@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Nov. 23, 2025

The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, a worship celebration and our biggest donation drive 
of the year, is quickly approaching! Please consider bringing a donation to offer at either of the
worship services on Sunday, November 23. A specific list of needed items is available on our website.

Please consult the list as it contains the items that are most helpful in serving our neighbors. Thank you for your involvement in 
the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester!

Visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering for a list of items most helpful in serving our neighbors.

Published: Nov. 23, 2025

Adult Sunday School and Coming Soon:
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas
Sundays, 9:45 - 10:45, Fellowship Hall and Zoom

This Sunday, November 23, we are welcoming guest speaker Gary Doupe to talk about the history and present reality of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

Beginning November 30,
Join us for four weeks in Advent as we take a deep-dive into the Christmas stories in our Bible for Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas. What does our Bible actually say about Christmas? Which books of the Bible share this story? And what role does tradition play in our celebrations and understandings of this season. All are welcome as we peel back the wrapping of these classic Christmas tales. 

Contact Mike Mullin with questions at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: Nov. 23, 2025

December 7, 5 pm in the Sanctuary

Join us for Asbury First's Advent tradition, December 7, 5 - 7 pm in the Sanctuary! Come in your pajamas, enjoy breakfast for dinner, and celebrate with music and stories. All families are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

To sign up or volunteer, click here!

Published: Nov. 23, 2025

After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service in Fellowship Hall

Please RSVP to programs@asburyfirst.org by December 15. The cost of this meal is $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo.

Are you interested and able to help organize and run the event? Please email Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call
(585) 271-1050 ext. 106 to help organize and celebrate this Asbury First tradition!

Published: Nov. 23, 2025

On Tuesday, December 2, our community will come together to ROC the Day, and the Asbury First Community Outreach Center is participating again. ROC the Day is a 24-hour giving opportunity to support all eligible not-for-profits in the nine-county greater Rochester area. Community members are encouraged to visit www.roctheday.org, a secure online giving platform, to contribute to any participating not-for-profit organization. All money given during ROC the Day stays local. Donors have the ability to make an impact by giving to one or multiple organizations to support their personal philanthropic passions.