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. 3, 2026

Sanctuary Speaker Project Update

Good news! The order for the new sanctuary speakers has been placed as well as the additional equipment required for installation and wiring. In the next 2-3 weeks, work will commence on installing the wiring for the new speakers and removing the old ones.

Overall, the project remains on pace for completion and installation by the end of October.

Published: Sept. 2, 2026

Free Narcan Training Session

Join us for free Narcan training on Thursday, September 24, 7 - 8 pm in the Gathering Center. Training will be provided by the Monroe County Department of Public Health and each participant will receive a training bag that includes Narcan and various community resources. Please email programs@asburyfirst.org to sign up. 

Published: Sept. 2, 2026

Connecting Our Kids!
Sunday, September 13, starting at 10 am

Connection Sunday isn't just for adults! In addition to the children and youth ministries tables in the Gathering Center, we'll have inflatables and activities outside starting at 10 am. Children are invited to come to Sunday School during the 11 am service and youth group begins with UMYF lunch at 12:30 pm and a Bills Watch Party starting at 1 pm. 

Published: Aug. 26, 2026

It's time to welcome back musicians for weekly rehearsals! 

Sanctuary Choir resumes Wednesday, September 9, 7:30 - 9 pm in Wesley Hall
Asbury Ringers resume weekly rehearsals Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 - 8 pm in Room 205
Asbury Orchestra's first rehearsal is Sunday, September 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am in Wesley Hall

To join a group or ask questions, contact Dr. Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. 
We look forward to welcoming new members as well as returning musicians!

Published: Aug. 26, 2026

Each month we collect different supplies needed for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the September COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Bath Towels and Washcloths. 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: Aug. 19, 2026

We're collecting school supplies again this year for students at School 17 (Pre-K–6th grade). Drop off donations Sundays from August 23 to September 13 at the table in the Welcome Hall. Needed items: backpacks, crayons, pencils, colored pencils, erasers, pens (blue, black, red), color-safe markers, highlighters, child-safe scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes/pouches, index cards, sticky notes, solid-color folders with pockets, binders, composition books, notebooks, hand sanitizer, 
and tissues. Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at 
(585) 924-8624 or email us at programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Aug. 19, 2026

AUDITIONS FOR SEUSSICAL! , Grades 6 – 12
 in Fellowship Hall (downstairs in 1040) 
Saturday September 5 at 10 am OR
 Wednesday, September 9 at 6 pm 

Come be a part of something extraordinary! Choose one audition date and prepare to Sing 16-32 bars of a song (Bring sheet music or a track), Read from the script, and Move! (a short dance/movement combo may be taught). Be creative and have fun! Performances will be at Asbury First November 13, 14 and 15. Questions? email act@asburyfirst.org 

Published: Aug. 19, 2026

Backpack Blessing!
 Sunday, August 30 at 11 am

Bring your backpack, books, laptop bag, or whatever you're carrying into the new school year, and let's send you off with a blessing! We'll share feelings, hear a special message, and children and youth will receive a backpack tag to remind them: God is with you, always. 
All ages welcome. Can't wait to celebrate with you!

Published: Aug. 19, 2026

August Chapel Challenge

Non-perishable goods 

August's Chapel Challenge will help fill grocery bags for our neighbors. Bring in shelf-stable essentials like canned tuna or chicken, beans, peanut butter, canned soups, canned vegetables, and canned fruit. Choose pop-top lids when possible, and avoid glass containers or items past their expiration date.

Published: Aug. 19, 2026

In the Gathering Center on Connection Sunday, 9/13 (and each subsequent Sunday in September) there will be a table where you can update your contact information and 
add your photo to our database. Please stop by and make sure we have the correct information for you. 

Published: Aug. 19, 2026

Fall is the perfect time to reconnect, re-engage, and renew your spirit! On Sunday, 
September 13, we’re inviting everyone at Asbury First to join in for Connection Sunday — 
a chance to discover all the ways you can connect, grow, and belong this year. After both worship services, the Gathering Center will feature tables representing our ministries, programs, and opportunities. Whether you’re looking for: Fun and fellowship with new friends, Spiritual growth through study or prayer, Opportunities to make a difference, Community and connection in small groups or classes…there’s a place for you! Stop by, ask questions, meet leaders, and see what’s ahead this fall. Come ready to discover how you can connect more deeply with God and with one another. We can’t wait to see where this season will take us—together! And that’s not all—later in the month, you'll have an opportunity to explore ways to share your time and talents through volunteering as we continue to host our Fourth Sunday Volunteer Engagement Table in the Welcome Hall. 

Let’s connect. Let’s grow. Let’s do more good.

Published: Aug. 12, 2026

Beginning September 11, Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm



Discover your creative sanctuary at the Asbury Women's Art Class, a warm, non-judgmental space to unwind and explore creativity as prayer, meditation, and reflection—process over product, no experience needed. Join us Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm starting September 11, in Room 205 (the bell room in 1040). Supply fee varies; a free-will offering supports the facilitator. Come as you are, leave renewed. Questions or registration: programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: Aug. 5, 2026

The Finance Committee is pleased to share that for 2026 year to 
date both the General and COC Budgets Income & Expenses are on-budget. A huge thank you to everyone for your ongoing generosity—and for the ongoing careful management of our expenses by our staff and many volunteers. If you would like detailed budget information, please see the July Finance Committee Meeting Minutes by clicking here. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please email finance@asburyfirst.org. 
We welcome your feedback.

Published: Aug. 5, 2026

Join us Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room (at 1010) for the Wednesday Morning Book Study season opener—no reading required! We'll catch up, share summer joys and concerns, meet new faces, and preview the coming season. Our first book, Richard Rohr's The Tears of Things, begins September 9. Come for coffee, stay for community—we can't wait to see you!