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! 

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.

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!

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)

Published: Sept. 7, 2022

Children’s Music begins Wednesday, September 14 at the following times: 5-5:30 pm Hallelujah Kids, Music Fundamentals for ages 4 through 1st grade 6-7 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers, Vocal & Handbell Choir for 2nd-5th grades

Both groups meet on the second floor in Room 201. There is a community dinner offered at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center to make the night a little easier for all who attend any Wednesday night events at Asbury. For more information, contact Holly Temming at htemming@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x114.

Published: Sept. 7, 2022

Wednesdays, Beginning September 14, 5:30 pm, Gathering Center, $5 good-will donation

Remember the family-style meals we had on Wednesday nights? Well, they're back! We are excited to announce that we will begin the Community Meal again this Fall. What a great way to join in communion with others before enriching your spirit with classes, groups, or events, on a Wednesday night. We hope you will join us as we return to this wonderful tradition of family, faith, and community. There will be a $5 good-will donation per person each week. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111.

Published: Sept. 7, 2022

Sunday, September 18, 12 pm, 1010 Outreach Center

On Sunday, September 18 we will be concluding worship outdoors as we place the beautiful "2022" cornerstone in the expanded entrance to 1010 East Avenue. We have been collectively working toward this goal for so long — from countless meetings and ideas, to fundraising campaigns and construction. We are overjoyed to share this momentous occasion with all who made this possible. Visit asburyfirst.org/bettertogether for more information about the new Outreach Center and to watch the construction livestream or building update videos.  

Published: Sept. 7, 2022

Wednesday, September 21, 10 am Returning Tutors, 2 pm New Tutors, 1000 North Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14609

Join us for a new round of training sessions for the School 17 and School 45 Help Me Read program. The first returning tutor meeting of the season will be held Wednesday, September 21 from 10–11:30 am, and the new tutor training — open to all persons interested in becoming a tutor — will be at 2 pm. Please come to 1000 North Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14609 for training. A lite brunch will be available. Please RSVP to Ms. Linda, the Help Me Read Coordinator, at hmrcolc@yahoo.com or at 585-766-8440.

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Sanctuary Choir — Wednesdays, Starting September 7, 7:30 pm, Wesley Hall

Asbury Ringers — Wednesdays, Starting September 14, 6:35 pm, Bell Room (Room 205)

As we enter September, we look forward to the return of our musical ensembles to Sunday worship, and of course that means rehearsals resume. The first rehearsal for Sanctuary Choir will be Wednesday, September 7, 7:30-9:00 pm in Wesley Hall on the lower level of the Education Wing. New members are always welcome! If you are interested, please contact our Director of Music Ministries Dr. Carl Johengen, cjohengen@asburyfirst.org. The Asbury Ringers will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 14, starting at 6:35 pm in the Bell Room, #205 in the Education Wing. Likewise contact Asbury Ringers Director Elizabeth Church at EmChurch418@gmail.com or at 585-978-0007 to join the bell choir.

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Sunday, September 4, we welcome our new Soprano Section Leader/Soloist Sipra Agrawal Kolar. A native of the Rochester area, Sipra holds the Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam (where she first became acquainted with Carl Johengen!). She lives in Brighton with her husband, two children, and their dog. Sipra enjoys singing with the Voices chamber choir, spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and reading anytime or anywhere. Sipra has served as soloist at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and has subbed at Asbury First on occasion. We are excited to have Sipra join Asbury First's musical staff!

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Open to all LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies

Sundays, Starting September 11, 9:45-10:45 am, Youth Room

Psalm 139.14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This has been used to highlight how we are each made in the image of God—and that we are created good! This fall, we encourage all youth—those who are out, those who are questioning, and those who are affirming of their peers—to join us on Sunday mornings as we consider the connections of the LGBTQ+ community and our faith. In addition to checking out Bible stories, characters, and traditions that promote inclusion, we will also take time each week to check in and support one another. This group will be facilitated by Evann Hasenauer, our CRCDS supervised ministry student who has a passion for bringing faithful LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation to the forefront in youth and young-adult spaces. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.

Published: Aug. 31, 2022

Do you love to dabble in dilly beans, put up pickled peppers, or pack away pesto for future use? The Asbury Community Garden Committee is hoping to recruit a small team of people who are experienced in food preservation. Our garden is bursting with vegetable bounty, and we’d like to keep some of it for the Dining and Caring Center’s off-season use. We're now providing produce weekly to the dining center and to two off-campus feeding programs, but will still have enough to also put some aside. If you’d like to be involved in this short-term project, please contact us: DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com, or rfeather@rochester.rr.com. In coming years we may also look at making jams or canning applesauce.

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

After many years of faithful service to Asbury First's music program, Bess Phillips will be stepping down as our Soprano Soloist/Section Leader. Bess' final Sunday will be this weekend, August 28. Her lovely voice has graced countless services in our Sanctuary, and we are so grateful for her professionalism and dedication. Bess has promised to be available as a substitute when needed, so we look forward to remaining in touch. Godspeed, Bess!

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

Sunday, September 11, 10 am, Education Wing

Children’s Ministry will kick off the Fall with an Open House on September 11 at 10 am. Come visit us on the second floor and see what’s happening for children this school year. You can register your child for Sunday School, tour our classrooms and children’s music room, and hopefully get to know some other parents. We will have a brochure and flyers with more detailed information. After touring our Open House you can take your children to a bounce house outside on the lawn. For more information, contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. We hope to see you there!

Published: Aug. 29, 2022

Did you know that Asbury First United Methodist Church in all its grandeur is a popular church for wedding ceremonies? In keeping with our vision of inclusion we are open to sharing its beauty for weddings of members and non members alike. We currently have two wedding coordinators from the congregation, but could use at least two more interested people. You can choose dates that are convenient for you and there is a stipend for your time and effort. If interested, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x117.