Published: Dec. 14, 2022

This is the perfect time of year to visit the Asbury First Library! Come see the beautiful Christmas display and check out some of our holiday books. There are books for all ages!

Our library collection of 4,000 plus books, DVDs, and videos are available and may be checked out free of charge on an easy, self-serve honor system. Visit asburyfirst.org/library to learn about the incredible offerings available.

Published: Dec. 14, 2022

We are thrilled to be hosting the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute (GRPLTI) on our campus from October 2022 through April 2023.

The GRPLTI is a local organization that seeks to “build bridges and advocacy skills to support parents becoming leading advocates for children.” Through 21 weeks of programming for cohorts of both parents and children, the GRPLTI offers leadership development, education and empowerment that leads to greater community engagement of families at the neighborhood, city, regional and state levels.

“PLTI differentiates itself by embracing a cross-race, cross-class, and parent-informed, pro-social educational approach.” We see the mission and approach of the GRPLTI as closely aligned with many values of the Methodist movement and are excited to offer our space to be used for this holy work!

For more information:

• Visit www.greaterrochesterplti.org
• Email grocplti@gmail.com
• Call 585-469-2521

Published: Dec. 7, 2022

To make a donation either click here or return a donation form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 18. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at 585-271-1050. 

Published: Dec. 6, 2022

During the Christmas season, our attention is drawn to the abundance in our lives. As Christian disciples, we believe that abundance should be shared. As we exchange gifts with loved ones at Christmas, let us also consider gifts that we can offer to those who need them most. The Outreach Ministries of Asbury First assist people in accessing: 

• Food 
• Housing 
• Education 
• Childcare 
• Healthcare 
• Clothing 
• Essential Items 

To give, please fill out the form online by clicking here, or send a check with “Joy of Christmas Giving” in the memo line to the church office at 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. With your help we can continue to support those of need in our community. Thank you for your generosity!

Published: Dec. 6, 2022

Saturday, December 24, 12-11 pm, 1040 Sanctuary and Livestream

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: 

12 pm — Traditional service with carols and candlelight 

4 pm — Family Service with Christmas Pageant

7 pm — Traditional service with carols and candlelight

11 pm — Traditional service with carols and candlelight

The 4 pm and 7pm services will also be live-streamed. Click here to join the live stream.

Published: Dec. 1, 2022

Rehearsal: Sunday, December 11, 9:30 am, 1040 Wesley Hall
Performance: Sunday, December 18, following the service, 1040 Gathering Center

Asbury Orchestra invites regular and new members to take part in traditional caroling following the service on Sunday, December 18th in the Gathering Center. There will be one rehearsal for this, on Sunday, December 11th from 9:30-10:30 am in Wesley Hall. All instrumentalists are welcome. Only one rehearsal! Play one tune or all of them! This is the perfect opportunity to get your instrument out from under the bed, or to have your child share their developing skills with their church family. For more information, contact Laurie Kennedy, at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net.

Published: Dec. 1, 2022

Saturday, December 10, 7:30 pm, In-person and live-streamed 

Madrigalia's Annual Holiday Concert will feature the Celtic stylings of fiddler Daphne Pickens with pianist Yi-Wen Chang, and the return of the Bach Children's Chorus. Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff will conduct his own fresh arrangements and joyful songs celebrating Channukah, Christmas, and the winter solstice.   

Tickets and information can be found at www.madrigalia.org.

Published: Nov. 27, 2022

 Saturday, December 3, 10 am

Please join us on Saturday, December 3 from 10 am to 1 pm as we gather together for the return of the Hanging of the Greens. Come when you can! Families are welcome and there will be activities for kids.

Contact Amy Allen with any questions at ajppa@yahoo.com or at (585) 738-9128.

Published: Nov. 27, 2022

Wednesdays during Advent, 6:15 pm, 1040 Sanctuary

A contemplative service featuring moments of silent reflection and musical interludes.

Published: Nov. 27, 2022

Wednesdays 12/7 & 12/14, 7 pm, 1040 Front Lawn 

Come join us for singing carols around the tree on the front lawn in front of the church every Wednesday during Advent!

Published: Nov. 27, 2022

Wednesday, December 21, 7 pm, 1040 Sanctuary

This reflective moment of worship is a sacred space for those who may feel a special pain or hardship—whether from the loss of a loved one, loneliness around the holidays, and more. Please join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 7 pm for this unique and meaningful service.

Published: Nov. 21, 2022

Register by Sunday, December 4 

Calling all Shepherds and Angels! We would love to have your children be part of Asbury's Christmas pageant this year on December 24, at 4 pm. Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate. Rehearsals occur Sundays in December during Enrichment following the Children's Time in the 11 o'clock service. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, December 4.

Registration Forms can be found in the Welcome Hall and the 2nd floor or click here to sign up. For questions or more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Nov. 21, 2022

Monday, December 5, 7 pm

Advent is upon us! Did you ever wonder about the family of Jesus? The lives of so many who preceded him? The stories of women in his genealogy, from whom we seldom hear? If so, please join the "Women of the Well" on Monday evening, December 5, 7-8 pm, in the Church sanctuary. In our program, "Waiting for God," we will be telling a few stories of his ancestors in faith, and we would love to see you there!  

Published: Nov. 21, 2022

Work has begun in our parking lot to address some significant drain issues. The work will take about a week to complete. The affected area will be designated via cones and caution tape. We ask that you do not park is that designated area to ensure that we make the area as safe and secure as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Published: Nov. 21, 2022

Once again, Tay House Boy Scout Troop 19 is selling holiday wreaths to benefit scout activities for the next year. Our long-lasting wreaths are 22 inches, made with balsam fir and white pine, and decorated with pinecones and a bow by our troop.

Orders must be placed by November 14 by visiting www.boyscoutwreathsale.com. All ordered wreaths will be available to pick up at Asbury Church on November 27. Please reference ASBURY for accurate delivery.

Thank you for your support!