Published: May 31, 2024

As summer approaches, and our days grow longer, it is a good time to brush up on our ability to offer thoughtful welcome, hospitality, compassion and care to our neighbors – those we encounter both on our campus and elsewhere. As Christian disciples we are called to specifically care for people who are hurting, and to grow in our ability to minister to those in the throes of difficult situations.

To that end, we are planning to offer another session of de-escalation training led by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. We hosted a session in October that was very well-received by those in attendance. Representatives of the Institute will share with us best practices and skills when working with people experiencing trauma and/or crisis.

If you would like to attend please sign up by emailing Patrick Dupont at pdupont@asburyfirst.org so that we can gauge interest and keep you informed when the event is scheduled.

Published: May 23, 2024

Starting in June, the East Ave Community Market returns to Asbury's Granger lawn! Wednesdays, 4 to 7 pm starting June 12 and running through the end of August, we'll be hosting this celebration of small local makers and growers for the whole neighborhood.  

The market will feature free activities for kids, organic produce, craft baked goods, sourdough bread, pantry staples, and more.

Published: May 17, 2024

The Youth Ministries of Asbury First have always been a highlight of our congregation, and  we are thankful for all of the encouragement and support we receive! Each year, we seek to expand our team of adult volunteers that act as mentors and facilitators with our youth. If this is a ministry that you have ever wondered about joining, Mike Mullin would love to connect with you.

In addition, as we work out our summer schedule, if you have any familiarity with disc golf or rock climbing, we would love to be in touch about how you might share your passions with our youth for a couple of events this summer.

For more information, please contact Mike Mullin, mmullin@asburyfirst.org
 

Published: May 17, 2024

June 2 – August 4

This morning's 11 am service features this season's final appearance of the Sanctuary Choir. We offer our sincere thanks for their expressive enhancements to our worship, Sunday after Sunday! Sanctuary Choir will resume in early September.

This summer, you're invited to take part in Summer Choir. No need to be a member of Sanctuary Choir- all you need is basic singing skill and a desire to learn! Come as you're able. Summer Choir gathers at 10 am in Wesley Hall and prepares accessible music for that morning's 11 am service. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org.

Published: May 17, 2024

GREETER COORDINATOR
Evarts UR Well Clinic is in need of a Greeter Coordinator to assist with scheduling and supporting greeters at our Outreach Center. Contact Mary Scahill at (585) 705-6112 or mscahill404@gmail.com 

GARDENER
The Gardening team is looking for help with weeding and light trimming every week or two. Contact Bonnie Gregory at bonniegregory126@gmail.com for more information.

COOKIE BAKERS
Help keep our Sunday cookie spread yummy! Folks interested in assisting with the baking of some cookies for Sunday, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org for more information. 

SUMMER GUITARIST
If you play the guitar and/or enjoy leading singing, please contact Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org about lending a hand with the Summer Outdoor 9 am Service.

LANDSCAPER
Please consider joining the Community Outreach Center Landscaping Team - flexible hours and seasonal! If interested in learning more, please contact Bob Schuman at robert@schumanonline.net.

DATA ENTRY
We are looking for someone willing to do some computer work in the office on Mondays for about 4 hours (flexible time). Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.  

Published: May 15, 2024

We are once again accepting electronic recycling items for Miracle Garden! 

Following the 2004 Tsunami in southeast India, Miracle Garden was established to provide a home and education for the orphans from that event.

In conjunction with Imagine It Recycling, we're collecting your old electronic devices, cell phones, toner cartridges and more for recycling. The money raised will go to help the Miracle Garden continue its good work! Look for the donation box near the Main entrance of the Welcoming Hall.

Electronics
Including all cords, batteries, cases, headphones, charging ports, and anything else that goes with your device.

• Cameras & Camcorders
• iPads & Tablets
• Satellite Radios
• E-Books
• GPS Devices
• USB Devices
• MP3 Players
• Gaming Devices
• 3D Glasses

Cell Phone & PDAs
Including all cords, batteries, accessories, and anything else that goes with your device.

• Cell phones
• Smartphones
• PDA's
• Charging ports
• Batteries
• Cords

Printer Cartridges
Everything that goes into or is taken out of the printer, copier, or fax machine.

• Ink cartridges
• Toner laser cartridges
• Drums and imaging units
• Fuser and maintenance kits
• Transfer units and transfer belts

Questions, please contact Elizabeth Church at 585-978-0007

Published: May 3, 2024

We have an immediate opening for Volunteer Greeter Coordinator at the UR WELL Clinic in the Community Outreach Center. The person in this role is responsible for scheduling and supporting greeters who have volunteered for the UR WELL clinic, and is an important piece of the Outreach puzzle at Asbury First!

For more information, contact Mary Scahill at (585) 705-6112 or mscahill404@gmail.com or Lin Vanderstyne at  (585) 747-4218 or linvanderstyne@gmail.com  

Published: May 3, 2024

Do More Good! Give Blood! 

Sign up or just Show up to give blood Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Asbury First's Gathering Center. Please call Ed Ristau at (585) 223-4356 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. And please remember to bring ID.

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Published: May 3, 2024

The Storehouse is seeking used children's picture books in good condition to stock for families in need. Bring your gently used (or new!) children's picture books to the Welcoming Hall where they can be deposited in the crate by the access ramp, near the doors facing the Parking Lot. 

For more information, contact Nancy Davidow at ndavidow2@rochester.rr.com
 

Published: May 3, 2024

June 1, we're throwing a party to wish a fond farewell to Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, II, Emily Cady and the Cady family, and we want you there with us! 

Celebration Dinner:  Saturday, June 1 under a Big Tent on the Granger Place Lawn.
    
    3:30 pm — a Bounce House!
    5 pm — Buffet Dinner!
    5:45 pm — a program celebrating the Cadys with live music to follow, and more!

    Please RSVP so that we can plan enough food. Dinner is complimentary, but a voluntary goodwill offerring will be collected to help offset the costs. Give as you're able.

Farewell Gift: Continuing a long-held Asbury tradition, we will collect monetary contributions toward a farewell gift (also known as a purse) for Stephen, showing our appreciation for his love and devotion to Asbury First over the last 12 years. This gift will be presented to Stephen on Sunday, June 2 at the end of the 11 am service. 

Visit asburyfirst.org/cady-celebration to RSVP and add to the Cady Purse.

    If you would like to contribute, please either make your check payable to Asbury First UMC with a notation of “Cady Purse” and send it to the church office at Asbury First UMC, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: John Ormsbee, or place it in the collection plate at a worship service no later than May 29.

Published: April 26, 2024

MONDAY, AUG 5 – THURSDAY, AUG 8    •    9 am – 12 pm

Children ages 4 through 11, join us August 5 through 8 for an Olympic-sized VBS! We will meet each morning from 9 am til noon to learn about teamwork, play Olympic-themed games, and explore what the Bible has to say about working together! Register today!

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Paula Dugan, Director of Children's Ministry at pdugan@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 26, 2024

June 10 and 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010, Community Outreach Center)

For those interested in joining Asbury First, this class in two parts will introduce the tenets and history of United Methodism, and give a deep dive into the many ways one can become more involved in Asbury First's ministries.    
    

Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bag dinner if you prefer. Our hope is to have everyone present for recognition of new membership at the 11 am service on June 23. No need to register, but let us know if you plan to attend!

Contact Deb Bullock-Smith at  585-271-1050 x117 or email her at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 19, 2024

East Ave will be closed around Asbury First for use as the route for The Flower City Challenge, a half-marathon and 5K event showcasing the historical sights of Rochester. Please be advised that during the race, our two East Ave driveways will be inaccessible. Please enter our parking lot from University Ave, either via the Granger Street entrance, or the Gleason Lot entrance.

Published: April 19, 2024

Sign up Today!

Every Sunday night in June, beginning June 9, join us from 5 to 8 pm at the Ellison Park softball fields to play both softball and kickball. All skill levels and ages are included so make sure to bring the whole family! Come share in a night of fellowship and fun! 

Sign ups are due by May 19, so don't wait! Click here to sign-up or contact Mike Mullen for more information at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 19, 2024

11 am Service, April 28 (Next Week!)

Next week, THE CHILDREN ARE RUNNING THE SHOW!! (Not really. But we got your attention, right?)

During the 11 am service, the children will present a musical entitled “Esther” which tells the story of how Queen Esther risked her life to save the Jewish people from a massacre during the Persian Empire. This story is retold during Purim, a Biblical Jewish festival known for extravagant costumes, joyous performances and feasts. 

Join us next Sunday for this very special service!