Published: April 16, 2025

Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back will be holding a talk and organizing meeting April 27, 2 - 4pm at Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N Fitzhugh Street). Their new book chronicles stories and learnings from some of the most significant anti-poverty struggles of the past 30 years. This book offers not only a powerful examination of the past, but a roadmap for how we ignite a new era of peace, love, and justice. There will be an opportunity to hear directly from the authors and engage in shared dialogue about conditions in Rochester, New York, and the country as a whole. We will also hear plans for the Survival Revival Organizing Tour — a bold new organizing drive among the poor.

Published: April 16, 2025

Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself, a loved one or for those who may not be able to secure a spot in the future.

To learn more please visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium

Published: April 16, 2025

We're spreading the word about the good work being done at the Community Outreach Center (COC), and we could use your help. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. We want to tell more people about the COC, and we want to learn new ways we can be effective in the community. Join us Tuesday, May 13 and June 10 at 8 am at the COC. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x117.

Published: April 16, 2025

The Executive Team at Asbury First has developed Immigration Agency Interactions Guidelines that articulate how we ensure that members of our community and visitors to our campus are safe and protected when they use our buildings, grounds, and services. These Guidelines, therefore, provide direction if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) attempt to access our facilities, records or information unless this is required by law or via a valid judicial warrant. These Guidelines apply to police officers who may act with ICE to enforce immigration laws. 

These Guidelines are available upon request. We plan to hold training sessions for staff and others who are expected to follow them.

Published: April 16, 2025

Many thanks to the volunteers, though few in number, demonstrated that dedication and hard work can make a difference. Because of the low turnout, we were not able to make as much progress as desired, but the campus certainly looks much better than it did prior to Saturday.

Published: April 11, 2025

Join the Asbury Men’s Devotional Group for our spring retreat at the Asbury Retreat campus on Silver Lake, NY, from May 30 to
June 1. Our theme is “Coming Home to Ourselves: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and Brotherhood,” with sessions on Identity, Healing, Surrender, Relationships, and Faith.

The cost is $198, which includes 2 nights and 4 meals. Bring your own sleeping bag or rent linens for $11. We’ll meet for dinner Friday (details to follow) and leave by 9 am Sunday for those attending church at Asbury First.

Click HERE to complete the brief survey to help us plan.

Published: April 11, 2025

ts that time of the year again! The Storehouse Geranium Sale has begun! By ordering geraniums, you're helping the Community Outreach Center to Do More Good. Click here to visit our online form. Orders must be received by Sunday, April 30.

Pick up your geraniums on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 am to noon at the COC. Email your questions to giving@asburyfirst.org, or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050 x117

Published: April 11, 2025

Join us for a morning of inspiration and education at our Earth Day Event in the Gathering Center, Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to noon! Explore display tables and hear from local organizations dedicated to nature preservation, gardening, beekeeping, and more. Learn how you can care for creation and make a difference in our community. All are welcome—and bring a friend to share the joy of spring and sustainability! Visit asburyfirst.org/earth-day to view the complete schedule.

Published: April 11, 2025

We are planning several work days for Asbury First people to do home construction with Rochester Habitat for Humanity in early July. No special skills are necessary. If you are interested or would like to learn more, contact Dave Kennedy at DAKennedy@Frontiernet.net. 

Published: April 11, 2025

Here's a wonderful way to spend part of Holy Week with your church family: On Tuesday, April 15 at 3 pm, you're invited to meet at Apple Cinema in Pittsford to see a new animated movie, The King of Kings, a creative retelling of the story of Jesus as told by Charles Dickens.

Tickets are $5.75 and it's recommended that you buy them in advance.

Click HERE to view the trailer. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.

Published: April 11, 2025

7 pm, Friday, April 18 at Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church

You're invited to a very special Good Friday service featuring our very own Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost and, long-time friend to Asbury First, Rev. Jacqueline Nelson.

Published: April 5, 2025

Saturday, April 12, at 9 am lend us your hands for our annual cleaning of the Asbury First campus grounds! We will meet to pick up twigs, rake leaves, and clear away the detritus of winter. Meet from 9 am to 1 pm. No green thumbs required!

This is a change due to weather we're expecting on April 5

Contact David Strong with questions at dstrong@asburyfirst.org

Published: April 4, 2025

Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the April COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect non-perishable food items for the Grocery Bag Ministry. 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 3, 2025

The next 1010 Tuesday will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 8 am at the COC. Invite a friend, colleague, business owner, or relative to join us for 1010 Tuesdays – a monthly guided tour of the facilities, a light breakfast in the Dining & Caring Center, and an open Q&A session. We want to tell more people about the COC, and we want to learn new ways we can be effective in the community.

Visit asburyfirst.org/1010tuesdays or call the office at (585) 271-1050 x117.

Published: April 3, 2025

As we journey through Holy Week, please join us for a Music, Meditation, and Imagination experience to deepen your spiritual awareness through music on Tuesday, April 15 from 6 to 7 pm in Fellowship Hall or via Zoom. This class will explore a spiritual text through meditation, music listening, and drawing/journaling for reflection. If you are participating in person, you may bring a yoga mat, a blanket, and a pillow (although not required to participate). Drawing materials will be provided. For more information, please contact Chris Gold at cgoldmt@gmail.com.