Published: May 3, 2023

In addition to celebrating our confirmands, this is a Sunday that invites each of us to think more critically about our faith. At Asbury First, we recognize that while we strive to do more good, the Church is not always perfect. With some of the challenges facing The United Methodist Church today, it is no small task for our teenagers to stand up in front of a congregation and profess their faith and commitment to Asbury First, United Methodism, and Christianity.

Thankfully, these teenagers have spent the past several months learning more about what this commitment means. Confirming ones faith does not mean that we must agree with everything as it stands; it means that we are committing to help work to make our church a more open and welcoming space for all. We are excited that our confirmands are committing to journey with us in faith as we seek to love God and neighbor, live fully, serve all, and repeat. And we hope that you will join us in reaffirming your commitment to this community as well.

Published: April 27, 2023

Sunday, May 7, 1–4:30 pm, Temple B'rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Avenue

The Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action (RAICA) Annual Summit is returning to connect with others in the Rochester Area Community, share best practices, get support and connect with local resources and experts. This summit will help congregations and individuals navigate the new world of sustainable choices. The summit will commence with words of inspiration given by Muhammed Rashid, Reverend Myra Brown and Rabbi Peter Stein. A keynote address will be given by Abigail McHugh-Grifa of the Climate Solutions Accelerator.

Workshops will cover solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling installations, congregational and household composting, energy audits, sustainable landscaping, youth action, and climate justice advocacy. In addition, there will be representatives of a myriad of environmental organizations and services. Our faiths direct us to protect our environment. Now is the time to take action.

To learn more and to register, visit www.raica.net/events.

Published: April 26, 2023

Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals to residents in the City of Rochester! Partner with your friend, spouse, family member or neighbor and volunteer to deliver meals together!

Information on how you can get started volunteering for Meals On Wheels can be found on our website at www.homecare.urmc.edu under the Service and Specialties Programs tab or by calling the Volunteer Services office at 274-4385.

We need you to help us bring hot meals, warm smiles, independence, and peace of mind to those in need!

For more information or to begin the application process please call 274-4385 or visit our website at www.homecare.urmc.edu.

Published: April 26, 2023

Saturday, June 3, 8:30 am - 1 pm, 1040 Gathering Center

Maximize your blood donation. Help more patients. If you are eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Please call Ed Ristau at 223-4356 or call 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment.

Please bring ID!!

Published: April 26, 2023

Mothers In Need of Others (MINO) is starting a new campaign called "Churches for Change". They are asking all area churches to partner with them in hosting two donation drives for us within a one year period for just one item from our supply list each drive. This will help them to greatly reduce their costs for supplies and drastically increase the number of families they can provide for through the programs they serve! If your group, class, or ministry would like to sign up for a drive to support MINO, please click the link below. The only way we are going to reduce the number of families in poverty here in Rochester, is by working TOGETHER!

Click here to sign up.

Published: April 25, 2023

Wednesday, May 10 and 17, 6 -7 pm, at Asbury First

"In This Moment" is a project that brings together teams of black leaders, writers, and photographers as they put together a chapbook—a short book that showcases the talents of each of the three individuals on the team. Each week will offer a panel presentation and conversation about the work of each individual, as well as some reflections on what it was like to come together as a team for this project.

You can learn more about the teams by clicking here.

Published: April 19, 2023

Sunday, May 7, after the 11 am service, 1040 Gathering Center

The first Sunday of each month after the 11:00 a.m. service the church library bibliocart will meet you in
the church Gathering Space with a full selection of new library purchases and the theme of the month.

This month (May 7) the focus is on Memorial Day and Mother’s Day with numerous books on these
topics. This month is also Mental Health Awareness month and Be Kind to Animals month so we will
have books on these topics as well. You can check out the books—for free—right there at the
bibliocart—just in front of the piano. Stop by and check us out on this first Sunday in May—May 7.

Published: April 19, 2023

The Storehouse has been fully operational for a few weeks now and we are happily settling into our new location. We are thrilled to offer a fully-accessible shopping experience for our clients and a more streamlined sorting area for our volunteers. This is all possible from the generosity of our members and the community. 

Now that we are back in business, we have a new need for the following:

• Gently used children’s shoes/sneakers size 13 and under
• New school supplies (ie pencils, crayons, erasers, pencil sharpeners etc.)
• Lightweight wind/rain jackets for men, women and children - all sizes
• King size blankets
   

To drop off donations, you can deposit them in the small brick building in front of the main entrance. Thank you for your continued support!

Published: April 19, 2023

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

If you or anyone you know is interested in helping to volunteer with the front of house (ticketing, ushering, selling concessions, etc.) for our production of The Sound of Music, please click here to sign-up for a slot. If you cannot volunteer your time, but are able to purchase snack options for our concessions booth (such as bottles of water, snack-size bags of chips, candy, etc.), please contact Amy Allen at ajppa@yahoo.com.

Please help us spread the word!

Published: April 14, 2023

Orders will be accepted until Monday, May 1
Pickup: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 am - 12 pm

As the weather is beginning to get warmer, it's time for the annual geranium sale!  Again this year, we'll have 4 1/2" pots of red, white, purple sizzle, strawberry sizzle, and salmon geraniums, along with hanging baskets with mixed colors of geraniums. Pick up your flowers on Saturday, May 20 from 9:30 - 12 pm behind the Community Outreach Center.

Click here to order yours online or by contacting Deb Bullock-Smith at 585-271-1050 x117. 

Published: April 13, 2023

Saturday, April 15, 2-3 pm, Book Culture (28 S Main St, Pittsford)

This weekend, Pittsford CommUNITY is hosting a Drag Story Hour at Book Culture in Pittsford. Unfortunately, it seems this event has gained publicity for all the wrong reasons. To help rectify this, Asbury First is partering with local ministries and agencies to help create a welcoming place for all who wish to attend this event. 

We believe that everyone is beautifully and wonderfully made—and so we are going to help create a Wall of Love at this event. You are invited to support this endeavor in myriad of ways:

• Praying for a more inclusive and loving world
• Joining the Gandhi Institute in a non-violent protest training
• Joining fellow advocates in the Rochester community to form a Love Wall at Book Culture this Saturday
   

In this Easter Season, may we be reminded of our ressurection call: Live. Serve. Repeat.

Published: April 12, 2023

August 7-10, 9 am-12 pm, at Asbury First 

Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to join us this summer for our Vacation Bible School themed Make A Joyful Noise, August 7-10, from 9 am - noon each day. We will learn how music is an essential part of life and draws us closer to God. We will explore music through song, dance, bells, games, art and stories. We will end the week with a family night of food, fun and music underneath the tent. Click below to register. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. 

Click here to register.

Published: April 11, 2023

Sunday, April 30, 11 am service

Join us at 11 am on Children’s Sunday, April 30, 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 Table For Five Thousand — The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes by Tom S. Long and Allen Pote. Come show your support for these young people so eager to participate in worship.

Published: April 7, 2023

TWO OPTIONS:
In-Person: Sunday, April 30 at 12:30 pm, 1050 Stephen’s Office, Lunch served.
Hybrid: Wednesday, May 3 at 6 pm, 1050 Stephen’s Office, Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)

Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, May 7. 

You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.

Published: April 7, 2023

Saturday, June 10, at Asbury First

As a means of celebrating all of those who missed the opportunity to marry their beloved before God and neighbor in the church that they love, we are hoping to hold a special renewal of vows ceremony specifically for LGBTQ+ couples on Saturday, June 10. 

If you'd like to participate in the ceremony, please email weddings@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at 585-271-1050.