News

  • Learning Opportunity with UMC Webster and Dr. John Tyson

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    Published: Oct. 3, 2022

    Friday, October 21, 7–8:30 pm; and Saturday, October 22, 9 am–3:30 pm (lunch included),
    United Methodist Church of Webster, 169 E Main St., Webster, NY 14580
    $40 per person ($30 if you register by Monday, October 10)
Register online at www.umcwebster.org

    The United Methodist Church of Webster invites us to a teaching seminar with Dr. John R. Tyson on October 21–22. Dr. Tyson will speak on "Our Methodist History as a Lens...For Looking at Contemporary Challenges."  
    To register for hte event, visit www.umcwebster.org and click on the "Resources" tab. Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 if you register by Monday, October 10. If you are interested and need help registering, please call the UMC Webster at 585-265-9720.
    “Professor, author and pastor, John Tyson is an internationally known expert in the field of Wesleyan Studies and has drawn upon a lifetime of research and practical experience in the Methodist tradition to examine the social, cultural, theological, and political forces that gave birth to Methodism, as well as the main historical controversies that shaped, shook, and forced the tradition to define and sometimes redefine itself and its mission to a troubled world.” He’s written over a dozen books.

  • Order your Name Tag...Now with Pronouns!

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    Published: Oct. 3, 2022

    While some of us find it easy to remember names, many of us could use the reminder of a name tag. Wearing name tags will help us learn one another's names, keep us from worrying when we've forgotten someone's name, and help make our community stronger. To better create a welcoming environment, you can now add your preferred pronouns! Call the church office at 585-271-1050 or click here to order yours! 

  • Asbury Orchestra Returns!

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    Published: Sept. 29, 2022

    Rehearsals begin Sunday, October 16, 9:30 am, Wesley Hall

    The Asbury orchestra is a welcoming, encouraging group of musicians that want to make music together and share what we love in worship. After a COVID hiatus, the Asbury Orchestra will begin rehearsals on Sunday, October 16 at 9:30 am in Wesley Hall. We will work to prepare to play for the Sunday, December 4 service. This ensemble is for all ages, and for everyone who plays or has played a band or orchestra instrument for at least two to three years. If you are interested, please call the church office at 585-271-1050 or fill out the form on our website at asburyfirst.org/asbury-orchestra.

     

  • Town Hall Meeting 10/23 Following Worship

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    Published: Sept. 29, 2022

    Sunday, October 23, Following 11 am Worship Service

    The Governing Board and our Senior Minister will host a special town hall meeting following the 11 am service on Sunday October 23, 2022. This meeting will be in person and livestreamed and has no formal agenda accept to answer your questions that you'd like us to be prepared to answer, please email governance@asburyfirst.org or call the church office. For those questions we receive in advance, we will provide answers in a FAQ area of the church website as well as bring them to the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there! 

  • Older Adult Council (OAC) Luncheon Returns

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    Published: Sept. 29, 2022

    Monday, October 17, 11 am, Sanctuary, RSVP by Monday, October 10

    We are excited to announce that the Older Adult Council Luncheon will return after three years! We will begin with worship in the Sanctuary at 11 am, followed by lunch and lots of fellowship in the Gathering Space at about 11:45 am.
    Please come and join your friends in fellowship! We would like to know if you will or will not be attending and if you need transportation. For more information or to RSVP, to Rev. Kathy Thiel at 585-271-1050 x106.

  • Window Painting Project—Needs Helpers

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    Published: Sept. 29, 2022

    The Monday Morning Crew has begun a special six-week window painting project for the new Gathering Space. We need helpers to assist in this and other property maintenance projects on campus. The painting project meets Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm in 1040. There are no signups. Just join us whenever you are available. For more information, contact Dave Kennedy at DAKennedy@frontiernet.net.
     

  • Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteers

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    Published: Sept. 29, 2022

    Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals to our neighbors in the City of Rochester.  Partner with your friend, spouse, family member or neighbor & volunteer to deliver meals together!

    Information on how you can get started volunteering for Meals On Wheels can be found on our website at www.homecare.urmc.edu under the Service and Specialties Programs tab or by calling the Volunteer Services office at 274-4385.

    We need you to help us bring hot meals, warm smiles, independence, and peace of mind to those in need!

  • Dining In For Outreach Returns!

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    Published: Sept. 22, 2022

    Join the fun on November 5!

    What is Dining In for Outreach? A fun, tasty event that supports the many on-campus and off-campus ministries of Asbury First. Prior to the pandemic, Dining In for Outreach raised funds that provided much needed food, clothing, education and medical care to our neighbors near and far. With the pandemic easing, we look forward to sharing a meal and God’s blessings with each other and those in need.
    How does it work? Asbury First members host delicious dinners in their home with guests donating a suggested amount to participate. Traditionally, the evening began with appetizers and fellowship in the Gathering Space, followed by at home dinners.
    Where do the funds go? All donations are designated for outreach and are deposited in Asbury First’s bank account by the church treasurers. Funds are then distributed to various ministries after approval by the Funding Team.
    How do I sign up? Stop by the sign-up table in the Welcome Hall any Sunday morning
    through Sunday, October 23 to sign up to host or attend a dinner. Or contact Tim Mahan at tim.mahan@wegmans.com. Help us Do More Good by participating!

  • Governance Board September Executive Summary

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    Published: Sept. 22, 2022

    Check out the new executive summary of the content, discussion, and meaningful actions of the June board meeting. While there are some aspects that will need to be kept confidential (particularly as it relates to certain personnel and legal matters), we believe this will go a long way toward improving the transparency of our actions and conversations. You can also read the updated Board Policy Book by clicking the button below.

    Read the Latest Summary

  • The Youth Musical: Snoopy!! NEW DATES

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    Published: Sept. 13, 2022

    Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, September 14-November 9, Fellowship Hall
    Shows: November 11-12

    Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm from Based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, Snoopy!!!, sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz's unforgettable characters. Snoopy is the follow up show to You're a good man Charlie Brown. For more information, please contact our Director of Youth Theater Larry Dugan at ldugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050.

  • Research on LGBTQ+ Inclusion In Church

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    Published: Sept. 12, 2022

    Are you an adult (18 years or older) member of Asbury First United Methodist Church who identifies as LGBTQ+? If so, please consider participating in a research study being conducted by Dr. Megan Yost, a professor at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). The purpose is to learn about LGBTQ+ people who have found a home in a welcoming congregation, because most other research on this topic has examined LGBTQ people who have left churches due to experiences with sexual prejudice (and never returned). To learn more about the research and for the link to the survey, go to https://bit.ly/3OhM28K 

     Note: The survey will close on September 30th.

  • Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Returns!

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    Published: Sept. 9, 2022

    Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has returned from his sabbatical! Rest and renewal are deeply rooted in biblical principles; Jesus himself would often take time from active ministry to be with God. In the same way, we want to provide periods of rest and restoration to our spiritual leaders. While on his renewal leave, he spent time connecting with family, friends, and other colleagues in Christ. Stephen is happy to be back and is looking forward to all of the exciting events coming up in the life of the church. This Sunday he kicks off a sermon series focusing on "finding our place". Thanks to everyone who stepped in to fulfill his role while he was out. Welcome back Stephen! 

  • New Members Class!

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    Published: Sept. 9, 2022

    Two Options:

    In-Person: Sunday, October 2, 12:30-2 pm, 1050 Dining Room, Lunch Served

    Virtual: Wednesdays, September 28 and October 5, 5-6 pm, Zoom

    Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. We will hold classes in person Sunday, October 2 following the service from 12:30–2 pm. For those near and far interested in meeting (and potentially joining) virtually, we will hold Zoom classes on Wednesdays, September 28 and October 5 from 5–6 pm. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, October 9. You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.

  • 9 am Chapel Service to Begin September 18

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    Published: Sept. 8, 2022

    Over the summer we have heard from many who would like to continue an earlier service on Sunday mornings in addition to our traditional 11 am service. In response, on Sunday, September 18, we will introduce a new Chapel Service at 9 am. This simple service of word, music, and prayer will take place in the Mediation Chapel of the main sanctuary (the west transept near where the piano resides) and should end in time to participate in Sunday school at 9:45 am. Our plan is to continue this service at least through November 13, at which point we will re-evaluate and adjust as needed. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Grocery Bag Ministry Food Drive

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    Published: Sept. 8, 2022

    The Grocery Bag Ministry needs your help! We will hold a Food Drive on Saturday, September 17 from 9:30 am—12 pm. All donations can be dropped off in the Welcome Hall or Gathering Center. As always, we appreciate your support for this ministry which is an incredible life-line for so many in our community.

    List of Needed Items:

    • Peanut Butter
    • Jelly (Grape, Strawberry)
    • Tuna
    • Pasta
    • Pasta Sauce
    • Canned Vegetables
    • Canned Fruit
    • Mac and Cheese
    • Soups (Tomato, Chicken Noodle)