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. 9, 2026

Chat with the Pastors — September 20

New to Asbury First? Thinking about membership? Curious about who we are and what it means to be part of this community? Join us for Chat with the Pastors, an informal monthly conversation where you can meet our clergy, learn more about Asbury First and the United Methodist tradition, ask questions, and explore whether membership might be a next step for you. 

Find us in the Gathering Center, Sunday, September 20, following both worship services. No pressure and no commitment—just conversation, connection, and a chance to learn more.

Published: Sept. 9, 2026

Wednesday Evening Programming Returns!

After a summer hiatus, Wednesday nights at Asbury First are back! Join us starting September 16 for Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center, followed by a full lineup of music and learning: Hallelujah Kids Choir, Youth Musical Rehearsal, Wesley Singers and Ringers, Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Asbury Ringers, and Wednesday Evening Programming with Pastor Dee in Wesley Hall. Whether you're singing, ringing, learning, or sharing a meal, there's a place for everyone of all ages. — mark your calendars and bring a friend. We'll see you there!

Published: Sept. 8, 2026

Do you like to put jigsaw puzzles together? Your library has an unsolved jigsaw puzzle in the Reading Room. Come help us put the puzzle together and “find” the hidden banned books. Who knows… you may recognize a banned book or two! Also, check out staff favorites and these new books plus more on the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, September 13 or in the library during the entire month of September.

Click the link for a description to read more about our new books:

Nonfiction: Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok by Oliver James

Fiction: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Teen and Young Adult: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Elementary School: The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander

Picture Book: Fletcher and the Rainbow by Julia Rawlinson

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.