News

  • Spam/Phising Warning

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    Published: July 21, 2023

    We have reports of a new scam going around claiming to be Stephen. This new scam even uses Stephen's image to seem more legitimate. The Asbury First staff will never ask you to send cash immediately or to give your personal information over an open email.

    Here are a few guidelines to recognize scam/phishing emails or texts:

    • Be suspicious of urgent demands for information. Often spoofed e-mails will make some form of urgent request.
    • Look for misspelled words or grammatical errors in the message and/or hyperlink.
    • Avoid e-mailing personal and financial information.
    • Be watchful of general greetings.
    • Contact Asbury First directly to verify the request before responding.

    Another way to avoid them is to check the email address and make sure it has @asburyfirst.org at the end. If it does not, immediately delete the email before opening it as the staff will only contact you using official email addresses. For more information, please contact David Strong at dstrong@asburyfirst.org.

  • Older Adults Ice-Cream Social

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    Published: July 21, 2023

    Wednesday, August 16, 2:30–4 pm, 1040 Gathering Center

    What better way to escape the summer heat than with ice-cream! We hope you'll join us for the Older Adults Ice-Cream Social in August. No RSVP necessary. There will be vegan and sugar-free options. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Thiel at 585-271-1050 x106.

  • Communications Needs You!

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    Published: July 14, 2023

    Do you love bulletin boards? Do you like being behind the camera? Well, we've got some projects for you! We are looking for volunteers to help produce the display bulletin for the Welcome Hall, as well as assistance with quick interviews for a video project. If you're interested, please contact Sarah Brubaker at sbrubaker@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x109. Training and video equipment will be provided.

  • Acolytes and Crucifers Needed

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    Published: July 14, 2023

    Have you ever wanted to participate in worship — but without having to speak in front of people? You may have noticed that some weeks we have an acolyte, crucifer, and Christ candle that all help to lead our procession into worship and our recession out into the world. Each of these roles help to remind us that Christ goes before us—both in this space and beyond. We would love to have each of these roles fulfilled at every service. If you would like to volunteer to be an acolyte (the ones that light the candles), the crucifer (the one that carries the cross), or to carry our Christ candle, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org. We would love to have you join our team as we help spread and share the light of Christ!

  • Red Wings Game

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    Published: July 14, 2023

    Friday, August 25, 6:45 pm, Frontier Field

    Join us as we sing the National Anthem at the Red Wings vs. Worcester Red Sox game. We have reserved 100 seats, so tickets will be $10. You don't have to sing to join us at the game, but our hope is to have a good sized group represent Asbury First. You can also Get a Tie-Dye T-Shirt for $15 to wear to the game! Shirts will be on sale Sunday mornings, or by contacting the church office at 585-271-1050. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.

  • "Food For Thought" KOP Event Canceled

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    Published: July 13, 2023

    Unfortunately, the event has been canceled.

    Check back for a similar event in the Fall. To learn more about Keeping Our Promise, visit keepingourpromise.org

  • Thank you from the Library!

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    Published: July 11, 2023

    The Asbury First Library is so grateful for the outpouring of donations! We are excited to have so much to offer at the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) Farmer’s Market. Stop by on Mondays from 4–7 pm to check out our selection and to support local businesses. Thank you all!

  • Finger Lakes Opera — Summer Events

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    Published: July 6, 2023

    July 20–August 13 (see below for details)

    Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) is pleased to share their summer line up. Please visit www.fingerlakesopera.org or call 585-450-3880 to reserve tickets for the events listed below.

    • Aida at the RBTL Auditorium Theatre — Friday, August 11, 7 pm; and Sunday, August 13 at 2 pm
      Experience Verdi’s epic story of love, betrayal and war, set against the backdrop of Ancient Egypt. Be swept away as FLO takes you on a powerful roller coaster of emotions that are truly...life out loud!
    • Summer Scenes at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center — Thursday, July 20, 6-8 pm; music starts at 7 pm
      FLO’s 2023 Young Artists present an evening of Italian opera, featuring selections from La bohème, Norma, Rigoletto, La traviata, and more! Food and drink is available and included in the ticket price. 
    • Out Loud at the MAG at the Memorial Art Gallery — Wednesday, July 26, 5 pm
      This fun happy hour event will feature your favorites from opera arias to Broadway showtunes, brought to you by the 2023 Young Artists. 
  • Roblox and Slime — Youth Event

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    Published: July 5, 2023

    Sunday, July 16, 3-5 pm at Asbury First

    This event is open to all youth and parents (because who doesn't love an opportunity to slime a beloved adult [or kid] in their life). We will have fully washable slime and water soakers, and will recreate some classic Roblox games like Bedwars and Rainbow Friends.

    The slime is non-toxic, kid (and pet) friendly, gluten free, and hypoallergenic. We will also have a hose on hand so youth can wash off at any time. The more the merrier for this event, so mark your calendars and invite a friend. And for those adventurous parents that choose to join in the fun, we will have special roles for you to fulfill as well!  For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 x105.

  • "Food for Thought" KOP Fundraiser

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    Published: July 5, 2023

    Thursday, July 27, 6–8 pm, 1040 Gathering Center

    Save the date! Join us on July 27 at 6 pm for a catered, Afghanistan-inspired dinner supporting Keeping Our Promise (KOP), a non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive resettlement assistance to endangered wartime Allies who served US interests in conflict and war zones. Come and experience a delightful culinary journey while learning about this important mission. Click the link below to secure your seat at this impactful event.

    The cost is $60 per-person. To register, click here or call the church office 
at 585-271-1050. To learn more about Keeping Our Promise, visit keepingourpromise.org

  • Youth Mission Trip — High School

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    Published: June 30, 2023

    July 2–8, Tuscon, Arizona

    Our high schoolers will once again be immersing themselves in a new environment as they travel to Tuscon, Arizona to work with Be the Neighbor. We are excited to send these youth and adults to engage in this life-changing ministry the week of July 2-8. For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 x105.

  • Happy Independence Day!

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    Published: June 30, 2023

    Asbury First Campus closed July 3–4

    We wish you all a safe and happy Independence Day weekend. Please note that the campus will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3–4 for the holiday.

  • Wanted: Banned Books Enthusiasts

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    Published: June 23, 2023

    Do you read banned books? Do you think that others should also learn about and read banned books to help broaden their horizons and worldviews? Then we have just the team for you! Our Asbury First Library Team is putting together a small group to think through how Asbury First might highlight Banned Books in ways that help us better live, love, serve, and repeat. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

  • Rochester Pride Parade

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    Published: June 23, 2023

    Saturday, July 15, 12:30 pm, Park Ave and Berkeley

    The LGBTQ Advocacy group and other local Reconciling UMCs will meet 
and watch the Pride Parade together this year (we are not marching). 
Please meet us at 12:30 pm at the corner of Park Avenue and Berkeley 
to cheer on the parade. Wear your pride gear and bring your chair!

  • KOP: Urgent Need for Caring Circle Volunteers

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    Published: June 22, 2023

    Keeping Our Promise (KOP) has had a phenomenal start to 2023 — having ALREADY met their minimum resettlement goal for the whole of 2023! This week alone they had large families arriving almost daily.

    We are still committed to assist each of these arrivals according to the same standards and vision as always, and to uphold the motto that is the ultimate litmus test in our decision-making, which is; ‘’What we do for one, we do for all.’’ In order to continue to provide each arriving SIV with the support they deserve, we ask our community once again for assistance.

    These families need ‘’Caring Circles,’’ a network of first friends and advocates. People who will show them how to do things that we take for granted: like how to use the bus, or how to write a check! For someone to have tea with a time or two a month, or lend a friendly, sympathetic ear! With family being so far away, our volunteers fill an incredibly important void. 

    If you, your friend(s), family, company, or club can help out, please contact info@keepingourpromise.org to indicate your interest in joining a Caring Circle. All new members will receive training and support provided by KOP staff.