Published: Feb. 4, 2026

Two Very Special Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 6 pm, February 4 and 11

Join the LGBTQ Advocacy Team for two enlightening Wednesday evenings this February. 

February 4: Cory Tylenda and Chris Gold return with "UMC Savvy Allies: Where are we now?" – a thought-provoking follow-up discussion exploring our journey as allies in the UMC community. 

February 11: don't miss "through a mirror dimly, but then...!" featuring Rev. Dr. Phillippa "Phil" Phaneuf, who will share her powerful personal story of discovering and embracing her identity as a transgender woman throughout her life. Both sessions promise meaningful conversation, deeper understanding, and the opportunity to grow together as a community.

Mark your calendars and join us for these important Wednesday evening programs!

Published: Jan. 29, 2026

Fall In Love With A Book!
Sunday, February 8 in the Gathering Center

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special event! Books will be gift-wrapped with only a few descriptive words visible, keeping titles and covers hidden. Take one home, unwrap it, and enjoy your surprise Valentine—you might just fall in love with a book! Visit the bibliocart in the Gathering Center on Sunday, February 8 to pick up your mystery book.

Published: Jan. 29, 2026

Yoga Returns! – Tuesdays at 3 pm, Gathering Center

Join us for Gentle Yoga at Asbury First, Tuesdays starting February 3 at 3 pm in the Gathering Center ($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: Jan. 23, 2026

Join us Sundays, from 9:45 to 10:45 am in Fellowship Hall in the new year for a new series highlighting our Off-Campus Ministries.

January 4: Overview of Off-Campus Ministries, past, present and future: Bob Castle
January 11: Cameron Minister Teen Center, Tomick Madison, Ex Director of Cameron Ministry
January 18: Keeping Our Promise, Ellen Smith Executive Director
January 25: Habitat for Humanity, Garrett Jones, Grant Coordinator & Advocacy Lead GRHFH 
February 1: School 17 & 45, Help Me Read, John Smalt
February 8: History of Chacocente, Robyn Gage
February 15: Family Promise (formally RAIHN), Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director

Published: Jan. 19, 2026

Monday, January 19, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via zoom, join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," celebrated for its lyrical prose and psychological depth, and established Baldwin as a major literary voice. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details. 

Published: Jan. 18, 2026

Rochester Rapid Response Network (RRRN) ally training

The RRRN provides training and organizing of allies who can be present at the time of potential ICE detainment and detention of local immigrants. January 18 from 1 to 3 pm in the Red Room (of the COC), Asbury First will sponsor training for people interested in being an ally. Email programs@asburyfirst.org if you are interested in attending.
 

Published: Jan. 9, 2026

Now Hiring

Asbury First is looking for talented, passionate people to join the team! The following positions are now posted at asburyfirst.org/jobs

Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries 
Associate for Age-Level Ministries
Hospitality Coordinator
Operations Associate
Communications Assistant

Email your Resumes and any Questions to search@asburyfirst.org

Published: Dec. 21, 2025

Wednesday, December 31, 5 - 6 pm

Join us New Year's Eve for a drop-in service of meditation and communion. The sanctuary will be open 5 - 6 pm and you are welcome to come for the whole time or part of the time as we look back at this year and look with hope toward next year. This service will include long periods of silence interspersed with reflective music.

All are welcome.

Published: Dec. 19, 2025

In early 2026, we will host a half-day workshop that empowers us to understand the relationship between body and soul. All are welcome to attend. Firm details will be available soon. Please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org if you are interested.
 

Published: Dec. 11, 2025

This Christmas season, Asbury First is channeling its holiday spirit in a meaningful new direction. In response to growing food insecurity in our community, we're redirecting some of our seasonal creativity to address hunger where it matters most. Thanks to the dedicated work of our Monday Morning Crew and Pumpernickel Crew, a beautiful Giving Tree now stands in the Gathering Center, ready to receive your generous food donations. Every contribution placed under this tree will directly support our Community Outreach Center's food programs, bringing nourishment and hope to neighbors in need. We invite you to be part of this compassionate effort and help make this Christmas brighter for those facing hardship in our community.

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

This Christmas Eve, we will have 4 services with over 1600 worshipers anticipated. We need your help! 8 ushers are needed for the noon and 11 pm services, and 14 ushers for the 4 pm and 7 pm services (that's a total of 44 ushers!).

If you would like to help, please see Dennis Roote or Tommy Johnson or add your name to the signup spreadsheet: Click Here To Volunteer

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

Calling all young singers (6th -12th grade): Rehearsals for the Christmas Eve service will continue on Wednesday, December 10, 6 - 6:50 pm in Room 205 (1040). Following rehearsal, we'll join with others for Carols and Cocoa. The Youth Choir will be singing at the Christmas Eve 4 pm service.

For further information, contact Carol Lamica, clamica@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

Wednesdays, 6 to 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom

When we read the Bible, we bring our experiences, our histories, and our biases with us. How, then, can being part of a Methodist church influence our interpretations of Scripture? In this 3-part series, we will engage the book Reading Scripture in Wesleyan Ways to explore the possibilities of biblical interpretation in and for Methodist Christianity. Wednesdays, 6 - 7 pm in Wesley Hall and on Zoom, December 3, 10, 17. Questions, contact programs@asburyfirst.org

Published: Dec. 7, 2025

The Asbury Orchestra will be caroling in the Gathering Center after the 11 am service on December 21. Rehearsals will take place on Sunday mornings, December 7 and 14 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Wesley Hall (1040). Hope to see you there!

Contact Laurie Kennedy at lkennedy@asburyfirst.org with any questions.

Published: Dec. 2, 2025

Help us spread the word about the amazing work at our Community Outreach Center! Join us on Tuesday, December 9 at 8 am and bring a friend, colleague, business owner, or family member to come as your guest. You will all discover how the COC serves our community and learn new ways to make an even greater impact via a guided facility tour, light breakfast at the COC, and open Q&A session.

Register now for the final 1010 Tuesday of the year. Space is limited - reserve your spot today! Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call (585) 271-1050 x117.