Published: March 26, 2026

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays at 3 pm, Gathering Center

Join us for Gentle Yoga, Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Gathering Center (1040). 
A $10 suggested donation at the door. Each beginner-friendly, inclusive session offers an hour of breathing, movement, awareness, and meditation. Wear loose-fitting clothing comfortable for movement; limited mats and props available, but please bring your own if possible.

Published: March 26, 2026

Asbury Women's Art Class

Friday's, 1 - 3 pm, Room 205 (Bell Room), upstairs in 1040

Join us for an acrylic painting class — no experience required. Participants will complete at least two paintings, a 16x20 and an 8x10, with one being abstract and the other a landscape or still-life. Please bring acrylic paints in red, yellow, blue, black, and white, along with any additional colors or reference materials you wish to use. Canvases are available for purchase in class at 2 for $10, or you are welcome to bring your own.

For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: March 26, 2026

Asbury Orchestra Rehearsals Commence

Asbury Orchestra has begun rehearsals to prepare for our next appearance in 11 am worship on Sunday, April 19. New members are welcome! Players of band or orchestral instruments at any level of experience are invited to join the fun. Rehearsals are Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall. Contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org for more information.

Published: March 26, 2026

Support the Storehouse by ordering beautiful geraniums from Chase Greenhouse! Available in red, white, purple, strawberry, and salmon, geraniums are priced at $5.25 each. Lush hanging baskets are also available at $25 each — or take advantage of our quantity discount and get 5 baskets for just $100! Orders will be accepted through April 22. Click here for the order form. Pickup is Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All proceeds benefit the Storehouse — thank you for your support!

Published: March 26, 2026

Earth Day Celebration

April 25, 10 am – 2 pm in the Gathering Center and lawn

Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Celebration, April 25, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Gathering Center. Explore display tables and hear from local organizations dedicated to nature preservation, gardening, beekeeping, and more. Learn how you can care for creation and make a difference in our community. All are welcome to share the joy of spring and sustainability! Read more by visiting asburyfirst.org/earth-day.

Published: March 26, 2026

Town Hall Sunday, March 29 – Immediately Following 11 am Worship

Many of you have reached out this week with questions, concerns, and heartfelt reflections following the announcement about the restructuring of the Discipleship/Youth and Congregational Care staff roles. We know that news like this can stir many emotions, especially when it touches ministries and relationships that have meant so much in people’s lives.

To provide space for conversation and clarity, there will be a brief congregational gathering immediately following the 11 am worship service this Sunday, March 29.

We will begin by reviewing the information that has already been shared and responding to questions that have come in during the past week. After that, we will move into small groups where members of Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) will be present to listen and respond to questions directly. Our hope is that this time will help the congregation hear the same information together and allow for thoughtful conversation as we continue moving forward as a church community.

All are welcome to remain following worship or tune into the livestream.

Published: March 26, 2026

Holy Week Is Nearly Here! March 29 (Palm Sunday), through April 5 (Easter Sunday)

Holy Week at Asbury First is just around the corner with a series of much-beloved services beginning with Palm Sunday, then a special candlelight Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm with communion and a reenactment of Christ's last night, our traditional Good Friday “Envisioning the Passion” service at noon, along with a special 7 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Asbury First Community Garden (weather permitting).

View a complete list of Holy Week events at asburyfirst.org/holy-week

Published: March 26, 2026

Lectio Divina during Holy Week

Lectio Divina will be offered on each weekday of Holy Week. Lectio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice focused on one scripture, which will guide us each day in spiritual reflection. Join via zoom (password: 200) every Tuesday 8:30 - 9 am and weekdays during Holy Week, Monday, March 30 through Good Friday, April 3. Contact Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org with any questions.

Published: March 26, 2026

Immigration Study 

Join us Wednesday evenings, April 8 – 29, 6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall for Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration — a four-week study from the United Methodist Church and Society Committee. Hear from Asbury First members with firsthand experience, explore what the church says about immigration, and learn how recent changes (ICE arrests in Monroe County jumped from 6 in 2024 to 226 in 2025) affect our neighbors and community. Come discover what we can do — as a church and as individuals.

Published: March 26, 2026

Wednesday Morning Study Group - New Book Starting April 8!

The Wednesday Morning Study Group is beginning a new book April 8! Join us as we read Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries — the world's largest gang-intervention program — built on the belief that we are all inherently good and we belong to each other, no exceptions. In this inspiring book, Boyle invites us into a vision of community rooted in kindness, healing, and equality, where "if love was a place, it would be Homeboy." Meets Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All are welcome!

Published: March 26, 2026

Have you ever sat in the pew wondering whether you truly believe what everyone around you seems to believe? At Asbury First, we embrace the fact that our members hold a wide range of theologies — and we see that diversity as a strength. On April 12, during Sunday School, explore where you land on the theological spectrum and how we can stay in meaningful conversation with those who think and believe differently from us. Based on a workshop at the Progressive Youth Ministry Conference in Austin, TX which Mike Mullin led, this discussion will help us understand our own theological beliefs and confidently engage with differing viewpoints in our communities. All are welcome!

Published: March 26, 2026

The Library's not foolin' around!

We are not fooling around this April! The library is holding an open house on April 12, between 10 am and 10:45 am and again between noon and 12:45 pm.Treats and lots of books will be available. Stop in and see what's happening in the library.

Don't be a fool, reading is cool!

Published: March 26, 2026

Human Rights Campaign Western & Central New York Dinner

Saturday, May 16, 5 pm Reception, 6:30 pm Dinner & Program

Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Show your support for our LGBTQ+ community by attending the Human Rights Campaign Organization Fundraising Dinner on May 16, 5 pm. This is more than just a dinner—it’s a chance to stand together, celebrate progress, and support equality in our community. Read more about the event via the link below. 

Use the link below to purchase tickets and choose Asbury First United Methodist Church as your Table Captain. After your tickets are purchased complete the pre-check-in process to choose either a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meal. For questions, contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org.

https://bit.ly/2026HRC-WCNYDinner

Published: March 26, 2026

Doorknobs, Locks and Keys

Among the hundreds of door latches and locks on campus are a few that need TLC from someone experienced with this kind of repair.

If you can help us with this, please contact the Monday Morning Crew's Dave Kennedy at (585) 787-0422 or programs@asburyfirst.org to lend us your talents!

Published: March 26, 2026

The Columbarium and Memorial Garden

Spring is here, and with it, a first chance for the Memorial Garden to grow into its new home in the newly opened Columbarium, a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself or a loved one. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106.

Or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to reserve your niche today.