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: May 6, 2026

Volunteers Wanted!

We're seeking a volunteer (or a team to share responsibilities) to check all first aid kits and AED devices on campus on a regular basis and refill as needed. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org, or at 585-271-1050, ext. 117.

Published: May 6, 2026

Memorial Service Volunteers Needed!

Want to make a meaningful difference? Join our hospitality ministry and help families feel welcomed during Memorial Services! You'll assist with setting up the Gathering Center, prepping beverages, plating food, and tidying up afterward — about 4 hours per Service.

Weekday and weekend availability is a plus (sometimes on short notice), but all are welcome! Reach out to hospitality@asburyfirst.org to get involved.

Published: April 30, 2026

This Sunday, May 3, is Children's Sunday!

Join us at 11 am on Children’s Sunday, May 3, as the children lead us in all aspects of worship from ushering, reading scripture, leading prayer, singing and ringing bells and presenting a “sermon”, a children’s musical, titled By The Sea.

Come show your support for these young people so eager to participate in worship!

Published: April 29, 2026

Accessibility at Asbury First: Hearing Loop Active

We are pleased to offer a hearing loop system for those with hearing loss. This system delivers audio directly from our microphones to your personal hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Please switch your device to the 'T' (Telecoil) setting.

If you do not have a T-coil, please see an usher to borrow a portable receiver.

Published: April 29, 2026

Grocery Bag Ministry

Now Meeting the Second Saturday of Each Month
 

For over 12 years, Asbury First's Grocery Bag Ministry has assembled thousands of grocery bags for families in need across Rochester. Join us the second Saturday of each month at 8 am in the Dining & Caring Center to help pack 80 bags distributed to partner churches and refugee families through the Keeping Our Promise program.

Our next gathering is May 10. Come feed your neighbors.

Published: April 29, 2026

May Chapel Challenge:   Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the May COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Sweatshirts and Hoodies. A list of specific needed items is 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: April 22, 2026

Young Adulting AF — May 3

First Sunday of each month, from 6:30 to 8 pm, Youth Room (1040)

Join Asbury First (AF) on May 3 for another Young Adult Fellowship! We gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if you think this sounds like a good fit, join us for our next session on May 3!  

Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

Published: April 22, 2026

Come as You Are.

First 3 Wednesdays in May, 6 pm, Wesley Hall

This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Asbury First invites you to an evening series unlike any other. On the first three Wednesday evenings in May at 6 pm in Wesley Hall, a diverse group of voices — from within our congregation and beyond — will share deeply personal stories about mental health challenges they or their loved ones have faced. These evenings are about more than awareness; they're about breaking down stigma, building community, and discovering how we can better support ourselves and each other. Whether you've been personally touched by mental health struggles or simply want to show up for those who have, these conversations are for you. Come as you are. Listen. Share. Heal — together.

Published: April 15, 2026

Banned Book Club: That Librarian by Amanda Jones

Monday, May 18, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room and via Zoom, join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of Amanda Jones' That Librarian, a memoir by a Louisiana school librarian who became a target of harassment after defending LGBTQ+ and diverse books. It chronicles her fight against censorship, the resulting threats, and her legal action against her accusers.

Published: April 15, 2026

Older Adult Spring Worship and Lunch
Wednesday, May 13 at 11 am in the Sanctuary
Noon lunch in the Gathering Center

Join us for our Spring gathering of worship, lunch, and fellowship! Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge by Wednesday, May 6 by calling (585) 737-8775 or email programs@asburyfirst.org. Please indicate any dietary restrictions.

Published: April 9, 2026

Build A Better Community:   Irondequoit and Brighton Workshops

Brighton and Irondequoit residents, do you want to help create a more accessible community with a greater variety of housing options in your town? 

Join your neighbors for a free workshop on public advocacy for more inclusive and attainable housing. These two events focus on increasing "missing middle" housing density and creating stronger, walkable neighborhoods in your town.

Irondequoit Workshop: April 30, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Irondequoit Public Library

Brighton Workshop: April 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Temple B'rith Kodesh

Sponsored by the Asbury First Social Concerns Committee

Published: April 9, 2026

Calling All Youth - Youth Music Resumes!
Wednesdays, starting April 15 from 6:30 to 8 pm

Youth Music returns on Wednesday, April 15, with a new time: 6:30 – 8 pm. We're preparing for Youth Sunday in June and would love to have all interested youth join us!

6:30 – 7 pm — Nosh and Conversation in the Gathering Center

7 – 8 pm — Choir and bells rehearsal in the Education Wing music rooms

Feel free to bring a snack to contribute to the Nosh. We look forward to making music together! Contact Carol Lamica at clamica@asburyfirst.org with any questions.

Published: April 9, 2026

Dancing on the Wind: Community Outreach Center Benefit Concert

Make sure to set aside Friday, May 8 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary for a performance featuring the Gold and Ivory Duo, flutists Annette Farrington and Alexandra Hine with guest artist, pianist Beverly Smoker. These fabulous local artists will grace our Sanctuary with a dazzling musical program, and all they ask of you is to bring a donation for Asbury First's Community Outreach Center. (More details will be coming soon about what items to bring or how to make a financial contribution.)