Published: May 21, 2025

Half and Full Day Options 
August 4-7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)

Join the buzz at "B Camp" this summer! All Kids (PreK-5th grade) will have a blast August 4 - 7 exploring the B's: being, beatitudes, and bees! NEW this year: Choose our exciting all-day adventure (9am-4pm, lunch needed) or the morning option. Don't miss out on this hive of fun and learning! Asbury First members and VBS alumni can register from May 25 to June 13, at which time spots will become open to everyone. 

Questions? Buzz Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org 
or (585) 271-1050 x111. Register at asburyfirst.org/vbs


Financial assistance is available. 

Published: May 21, 2025

In these turbulent times of shifting headlines and unsettling political events, our pastoral staff feels called to help our community maintain spiritual grounding. We invite you to join us for Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30-10am in the Meditation Chapel (within the Sanctuary). This simple service offers a space to center ourselves in God's presence, solidarity, compassion, and love. No special preparation needed—come as you are, whenever you can join us.

Published: May 13, 2025

Asbury First hospitality is in need of cookies! If you are a baker, please consider making a couple of dozen and dropping them off at the church office. They will be frozen until needed. This will help us give our marvelous hospitality team a break over the summer, but still ensure we have yummy treats after the Sunday worship service.

Thanks in advance, we truly appreciate your sweet treats. For more information, please contact Paula Dugan at (585) 271-1050 x111 or at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.

Published: May 13, 2025

Asbury First's summer tradition of hosting our 9 am worship service outside on fair Sundays continues this year from May 25 to August 31 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). This year, we will assemble in front of the 1050 building, due to construction on the Columbarium. We ask that you bring your own lawn chair or lawn blanket if at all possible--go ahead and toss them in your trunk now!

Published: May 13, 2025

Join the Asbury First Banned Book Club this Monday, May 19, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom. We'll discuss Laurie Halse Anderson's books "Speak" and "Shout" - works about trauma, abuse, and the importance of open conversation. Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for details.

Published: May 13, 2025

Sunday, June 8, 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 13, 2025

We offer our thanks to members of the Sanctuary Choir for their gifts of talent and dedication. We are grateful for everything they bring to our 11 am Worship week after week. Today is the final Sunday of the Sanctuary choir season — they will return to 11 am Worship on September 7.

Published: May 13, 2025

This Sunday, find our "wall of envelopes" fundraiser in the Gathering Center! Take an envelope, return it with a donation matching its number ($1 to $100). This supports our youth summer mission trips. Can't attend in person? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org to contribute.

Published: May 13, 2025

Do you like supporting people in prayer? Become a prayer partner for our high school mission trip to Tampa, Florida, where students will assist with Hurricane Helene disaster relief. You'll write a letter of prayerful encouragement to a missioner, which they'll receive during the trip. For information and to sign up, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 23, 2025

Those of us who have had the experience of walking Asbury First's labyrinth in Fellowship Hall know that it can be a wonderful way of centering and meditating. Unfortunately, our labyrinth cannot be open on Saturday, May 3 to observe World Labyrinth Day. However, there are other labyrinths in the greater Rochester area, should you want to join in the global observance. Visit here to view a list of local labyrinths and how to access them.

Published: April 23, 2025

Sunday mornings, April 25 through May 18, 9:45 - 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on ZOOM, Asbury First's newly formed Social Concerns Committee will lead 4 weeks of conversations following the general outline of The UMC Social Principles to highlight how Asbury First is working to respond to Community of All Creation, The Economic Community, The Social Community, and The Political Community.

Published: April 16, 2025

All are invited to attend an Interfaith Service of Healing on Saturday, April 26 at 6 pm in the Asbury First Sanctuary. Local clergy will offer words of healing with intervals of music. This is in memory of Sam Nordquist, and to honor and celebrate all transgender people. A candlelight vigil will follow on the front lawn.

Published: April 16, 2025

On Sunday, April 27, the Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale will be singing in our 11 am Worship Service, as well as performing a concert in our Sanctuary at 3:30 pm. Under the direction of Director of Choral Activities Dr. Adam Potter, the Chorale will perform a concert entitled “Renewing Minds, Transforming Hearts: Majesty and Mystery for Choir and Organ.” The will be joined by organist Ryan Chan in works by Parry, Howells, Dove, Shewan, MacMillan, Rutter, and Willcocks. The concert is free and open to the public.

Published: April 16, 2025

May 9 at 7 pm
May 10 at 2 pm and 7 pm
in the Asbury First Sanctuary (1040 East Ave)

Tickets are available now for "My Fair Lady," an intergenerational musical extravaganza presented by our very own Asbury First Community Theatre!

Reserve your seat by visiting asburyfirst.org/myfairlady

Published: April 16, 2025

Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back will be holding a talk and organizing meeting April 27, 2 - 4pm at Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N Fitzhugh Street). Their new book chronicles stories and learnings from some of the most significant anti-poverty struggles of the past 30 years. This book offers not only a powerful examination of the past, but a roadmap for how we ignite a new era of peace, love, and justice. There will be an opportunity to hear directly from the authors and engage in shared dialogue about conditions in Rochester, New York, and the country as a whole. We will also hear plans for the Survival Revival Organizing Tour — a bold new organizing drive among the poor.