Published: May 14, 2026

Asbury First Community Theatre presents:

"Don't Drink the Water!"

Tickets now available for June 12, 13 and 14

Tickets are now available for Asbury First Community Theatre's production of Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water!" Click here to reserve your seat today for this comedy about American tourists trapped behind the Iron Curtain. 

Note: This production of "Don’t Drink the Water!" is presented in the spirit of separating the art from the artist, and does not reflect an endorsement.

Published: May 14, 2026

The SPRC invites you to celebrate Kathy Thiel and Mike Mullin as they conclude their time with Asbury First. Kathy will preach at the 9 & 11 am services on June 14, followed by a reception in the Gathering Center; Mike will preach at the 9 & 11 am services on June 28, followed by a reception in the Gathering Center.

To honor both, we are creating Memory Books — submit photos or memories to communications@asburyfirst.org — and collecting farewell monetary gifts (also known as a purse); make checks payable to Asbury First UMC, noting "Kathy Thiel Purse" or "Mike Mullin Purse," and mail to 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, place in the offering plate, or donate online by clicking here.

Contributions are due by June 7 for Kathy and June 21 for Mike.

Published: May 14, 2026

You're invited on Saturday, May 30 to Keeping Our Promise's annual Road to Resilience Gala: Rooted in Community, held at the Irondequoit Country Club. This special evening celebrates the enduring partnership between our faith community and the Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa families who have made Rochester home, and raises vital funds to support the 190 families still navigating the challenges of housing, employment, and stability. The night will feature keynote speaker Shawn VanDiver of AfghanEvac, remarks by emcee Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle, inspiring family stories, dinner, and a live auction with travel experiences to destinations including Greece, Iceland, Scotland, and an Alaska cruise. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at keepingourpromise.org.

Published: May 14, 2026

Published: May 13, 2026

Our youth have once again decorated envelopes and are asking for your support to help subsidize the costs of our mission trips. If you would like to participate, all you need to do is take an envelope from the display this Sunday, May 17, in the Welcome Hall, and return it with the dollar amount equal to the number of the envelope you take. You will also find more detailed instructions inside the envelopes. If you have questions, or you would like to support from afar, please reach out to Jo Urriola-Schonewolf at jurriola-schonewolf@asburyfirst.org or Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: May 13, 2026

East Avenue Music Festival Returns!

Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm

Asbury First will once again take part in the East Avenue Music Festival on the afternoon of Sunday, June 14. We hope you'll join us at 1 pm for a 30-minute mini-concert featuring our own Music Ministry. Then join the procession down East Avenue to enjoy mini-concerts at our four neighbor congregations: Church of the Annunciation (2 pm), St. Paul's (3 pm), Incarnate Word (4 pm), and Third Presbyterian (5 pm). Food and ice cream trucks will be outside Asbury First starting at noon, so you can plan to stay after the 11 am service and join the fun. For more information, visit eastavenuemusicfestival.com

Published: May 13, 2026

Sign up or just show up to give blood on Saturday, June 20 from 8:30 am to 1 pm in Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment.

Please remember to bring your ID.

Published: May 6, 2026

Volunteers Wanted!

We're seeking a volunteer (or a team to share responsibilities) to check all first aid kits and AED devices on campus on a regular basis and refill as needed. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org, or at 585-271-1050, ext. 117.

Published: May 6, 2026

Memorial Service Volunteers Needed!

Want to make a meaningful difference? Join our hospitality ministry and help families feel welcomed during Memorial Services! You'll assist with setting up the Gathering Center, prepping beverages, plating food, and tidying up afterward — about 4 hours per Service.

Weekday and weekend availability is a plus (sometimes on short notice), but all are welcome! Reach out to hospitality@asburyfirst.org to get involved.

Published: April 30, 2026

This Sunday, May 3, is Children's Sunday!

Join us at 11 am on Children’s Sunday, May 3, 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 By The Sea.

Come show your support for these young people so eager to participate in worship!

Published: April 29, 2026

Accessibility at Asbury First: Hearing Loop Active

We are pleased to offer a hearing loop system for those with hearing loss. This system delivers audio directly from our microphones to your personal hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Please switch your device to the 'T' (Telecoil) setting.

If you do not have a T-coil, please see an usher to borrow a portable receiver.

Published: April 29, 2026

Grocery Bag Ministry

Now Meeting the Second Saturday of Each Month
 

For over 12 years, Asbury First's Grocery Bag Ministry has assembled thousands of grocery bags for families in need across Rochester. Join us the second Saturday of each month at 8 am in the Dining & Caring Center to help pack 80 bags distributed to partner churches and refugee families through the Keeping Our Promise program.

Our next gathering is May 10. Come feed your neighbors.

Published: April 29, 2026

May Chapel Challenge:   Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the May COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Sweatshirts and Hoodies. A list of specific needed items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc.

Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.

Thank you for caring for our neighbors!

Published: April 22, 2026

Young Adulting AF — May 3

First Sunday of each month, from 6:30 to 8 pm, Youth Room (1040)

Join Asbury First (AF) on May 3 for another Young Adult Fellowship! We gather at the church on the first Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm to hang out, play games, and explore ways to connect within our community. Snacks and drinks to share are always welcome. While "Young Adult" traditionally means ages 18-35 in United Methodist circles, we won't be checking IDs—if you think this sounds like a good fit, join us for our next session on May 3!  

Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

Published: April 22, 2026

Come as You Are.

First 3 Wednesdays in May, 6 pm, Wesley Hall

This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Asbury First invites you to an evening series unlike any other. On the first three Wednesday evenings in May at 6 pm in Wesley Hall, a diverse group of voices — from within our congregation and beyond — will share deeply personal stories about mental health challenges they or their loved ones have faced. These evenings are about more than awareness; they're about breaking down stigma, building community, and discovering how we can better support ourselves and each other. Whether you've been personally touched by mental health struggles or simply want to show up for those who have, these conversations are for you. Come as you are. Listen. Share. Heal — together.