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

Hey sewers, knitters, and crafty creators!

Join us for the very first Collaborative Makers Gathering—a laid-back, open-house hangout on Saturday, May 17 from 1 to 4 pm in the Gathering Center. Swap ideas, get help on projects, spread out your work, and maybe score some new-to-you fabric or yarn. Bring your stash and let’s get making! 

Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel for details by email at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106

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.

Published: April 16, 2025

Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself, a loved one or for those who may not be able to secure a spot in the future.

To learn more please visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium

Published: April 16, 2025

We're spreading the word about the good work being done at the Community Outreach Center (COC), and we could use your help. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. We want to tell more people about the COC, and we want to learn new ways we can be effective in the community. Join us Tuesday, May 13 and June 10 at 8 am at the COC. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x117.

Published: April 16, 2025

The Executive Team at Asbury First has developed Immigration Agency Interactions Guidelines that articulate how we ensure that members of our community and visitors to our campus are safe and protected when they use our buildings, grounds, and services. These Guidelines, therefore, provide direction if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) attempt to access our facilities, records or information unless this is required by law or via a valid judicial warrant. These Guidelines apply to police officers who may act with ICE to enforce immigration laws. 

These Guidelines are available upon request. We plan to hold training sessions for staff and others who are expected to follow them.