Published: March 26, 2026

Immigration Study 

Join us Wednesday evenings, April 8 – 29, 6 – 7 pm in Wesley Hall for Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration — a four-week study from the United Methodist Church and Society Committee. Hear from Asbury First members with firsthand experience, explore what the church says about immigration, and learn how recent changes (ICE arrests in Monroe County jumped from 6 in 2024 to 226 in 2025) affect our neighbors and community. Come discover what we can do — as a church and as individuals.

Published: March 26, 2026

Wednesday Morning Study Group - New Book Starting April 8!

The Wednesday Morning Study Group is beginning a new book April 8! Join us as we read Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries — the world's largest gang-intervention program — built on the belief that we are all inherently good and we belong to each other, no exceptions. In this inspiring book, Boyle invites us into a vision of community rooted in kindness, healing, and equality, where "if love was a place, it would be Homeboy." Meets Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30 am in the Red Room of the COC. All are welcome!

Published: March 26, 2026

Have you ever sat in the pew wondering whether you truly believe what everyone around you seems to believe? At Asbury First, we embrace the fact that our members hold a wide range of theologies — and we see that diversity as a strength. On April 12, during Sunday School, explore where you land on the theological spectrum and how we can stay in meaningful conversation with those who think and believe differently from us. Based on a workshop at the Progressive Youth Ministry Conference in Austin, TX which Mike Mullin led, this discussion will help us understand our own theological beliefs and confidently engage with differing viewpoints in our communities. All are welcome!

Published: March 26, 2026

The Library's not foolin' around!

We are not fooling around this April! The library is holding an open house on April 12, between 10 am and 10:45 am and again between noon and 12:45 pm.Treats and lots of books will be available. Stop in and see what's happening in the library.

Don't be a fool, reading is cool!

Published: March 26, 2026

Human Rights Campaign Western & Central New York Dinner

Saturday, May 16, 5 pm Reception, 6:30 pm Dinner & Program

Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Show your support for our LGBTQ+ community by attending the Human Rights Campaign Organization Fundraising Dinner on May 16, 5 pm. This is more than just a dinner—it’s a chance to stand together, celebrate progress, and support equality in our community. Read more about the event via the link below. 

Use the link below to purchase tickets and choose Asbury First United Methodist Church as your Table Captain. After your tickets are purchased complete the pre-check-in process to choose either a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meal. For questions, contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org.

https://bit.ly/2026HRC-WCNYDinner

Published: March 26, 2026

Doorknobs, Locks and Keys

Among the hundreds of door latches and locks on campus are a few that need TLC from someone experienced with this kind of repair.

If you can help us with this, please contact the Monday Morning Crew's Dave Kennedy at (585) 787-0422 or programs@asburyfirst.org to lend us your talents!

Published: March 26, 2026

The Columbarium and Memorial Garden

Spring is here, and with it, a first chance for the Memorial Garden to grow into its new home in the newly opened Columbarium, a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself or a loved one. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106.

Or visit asburyfirst.org/columbarium to reserve your niche today.

Published: March 26, 2026

Auditions for Don't Drink the Water

Did you love Cinderella!?

Auditions for Asbury First Community Theatre's production of Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall.

Contact Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org for more information. 

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 of the personal actions or views of its playwright, Woody Allen.

Published: March 26, 2026

Youth Mental Health First Aid at Common Ground Health

Parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, and youth‑serving professionals—this free event is for you! Join Common Ground Health, Tuesday, April 14 from 9 am to 2 pm for Youth Mental Health First Aid at Common Ground Health and leave with MHFA certification and practical tools you can use right away. Common Ground Health is located at 1150 University Avenue, Building 5.

Sign up by clicking here


Published: March 26, 2026

Family Promise and Adelita's

Join us for a delicious cause! On Wednesday, April 22, Adelita's Mexican Cocina & Tequila at Pittsford Plaza (3349 Monroe Ave.) is hosting an all-day fundraiser benefiting Family Promise of Greater Rochester, an organization dedicated to supporting families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. From 11 am to 9:30 pm, Adelita's will donate 15% of the entire day's proceeds — dine-in and takeout — directly to this vital cause. It's a simple and tasty way to make a difference in our community, so gather your family, friends, and colleagues and head over to Adelita's that day.

For more information, call (585) 310-7080.

Published: March 26, 2026

Join the AFUMC Civics Team to help write postcards for the Progressive Turnout Project. Meet us in the Red Room (1010), Thursdays from 10 am to Noon. Just bring your pen, your best printing skills and your enthusiasm. Note: AFUMC Civics Team will NOT meet on Maundy Thursday.

And if you don’t find yourself called to printing postcards yet still want to support our effort, consider buying and donating postcard stamps (not first class stamps). Stamps can be left with Holly Temming in the Church Office (1050).

Published: March 26, 2026

Summer VBS is coming!

We're so excited for Asbury First's Summer VBS! Children in grades Pre-K (age 4) through 5th grade are invited to join us August 3–6 from 9 am to Noon for fun, faith-filled days exploring the Bible through arts, crafts, games, and more! Registration fees can be paid online via credit card or bank account through this form, or select "Pay Later" to mail a check to Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee. For questions, email programs@asburyfirst.org.

Sign up by clicking here.

Published: March 22, 2026

Fascinator Making Event & High Tea Party!

Join us for  Fascinator Making & a High Tea Party! We had so much fun last year that we are doing it again! Sunday, March 22 from 12:30 to 2pm in Fellowship Hall. We'll provide the supplies along with food and tea (or lemonade) for a high tea party. The cost for a fascinator or corsage is $15 each and kids fascinator or boutonniere is $10 each. We will have sign-up sheets in coffee hour over the next two weeks or please email Christina Kirivong at programs@asburyfirst.org to sign up. All are welcome! 

Published: March 16, 2026

Banned Book Club: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Monday, March 16, from 7 to 8 pm in the Red Room or via Zoom, join the Banned Book Club for a discussion of Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes, a poignant novel exploring the 2007 shooting at Sterling High in New Hampshire, and the intersection of bullying with school shootings. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more details. 

Published: March 13, 2026

Asbury First Community Theatre is bringing the magic of Cinderella to our stage! 

Tickets are now available at asburyfirst.org/cinderella
March 13, 14 at 7 pm,  and March 15 at 2 pm*
Tickets are $15 General Admission
(*$8 for kids 12 and under on March 15 only. ASL Interpretation will be available Sunday March 15 as well).