Published: Aug. 13, 2025

Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room and via Zoom

Join the Banned Book Club as we gather to discuss Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," a sweet, romantic comedy which explores themes of love, identity, and navigating public and private lives.

Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org for more details.

Published: Aug. 12, 2025

School is open and tutors are needed for the  Help Me Read program at School 17, School 50 and School 46 grades K-5.

New Tutor Training/Orientation:

Monday, September 8 — 9 to 10:30 am
Friday September 26 — 9:00 to 10:30am
Tuesday September 30 — 9:00 to 10:30am
Wednesdays October 8 — at 9:00-10:30am
Wednesday October 22 — 9:00 to 10:30am
Wednesday November 5 — 9:00 to 10:30am
Wednesday November 12 — 9:00-10:30am
Wednesday December 3 — 9:00-10:30am
Wednesday December 10 — 9:00-10:30am
 

All orientations are held at 1000 North Winton Rd, Rochester NY, 14609, in the Multipurpose room in the Ark of Jesus Ministries.

If you are interested 
in tutoring please contact John Smalt at jhsmalt@gmail.com or at (585) 924-8624. 

To register for training send an email to Ms. Linda at hmrcolc@yahoo.com
or call at : 585-766-8440

RETURNING TUTORS: Please call Ms. Linda to schedule your starting date.

Published: Aug. 12, 2025

We're collecting school supplies for Pre-K through 6th grade students at School 17 from August 17 through September 7 in the Welcome Hall. Simply leave donations at the table.

Items needed: backpacks, crayons, pencils, erasers, pens, markers, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes, folders, binders, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues.

Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624 or programs@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Aug. 6, 2025

Wednesdays, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn

Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First in the Granger Lawn every Wednesday through the end of August! 


Published: Aug. 4, 2025

Rural & Migrant Ministry invites you to join our caravan trip across New York State, from the South Fork of Long Island to Buffalo. The first Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. will be hosting on 8/8/25 at 5:30 pm.

For more information about this event and other stops on the journey, please CLICK HERE.

Published: Aug. 4, 2025

Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 27, this year starting from Asbury First! NAMI is a grassroots organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is Asbury First’s second year fielding a team, and we’d love for you to join us. It's a great way to show support, raise awareness, and walk together for mental health. All are welcome! More info: David Berg – bergdm@gmail.com Team LINK

Published: July 30, 2025

The Columbarium niche wall has been assembled in Minnesota and is on its way to Asbury First! 50 niches have already been spoken for, so reserve your niche today. Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden is taking shape after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. In the spirit of Asbury First, the Columbarium is open to all. Membership is not required.

If you'd like to talk to someone about reserving your spot, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call her at (585) 271-1050 x106.

To learn more and reserve a niche for yourself or a loved one visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium

Published: July 29, 2025

Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the August COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Boys and Men’s sweatpants and gym shorts. A list of other specific 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: July 21, 2025

Zumba is currently on hiatus, but will resume again when the weather cools again. Enjoy the rest of your summer! 

Published: July 21, 2025

Join our friends at Temple B'rith Kodesh, Thursday, August 7 at 7 pm, for a challenging, confronting, and inspiring evening. Rabbi Peter Stein, Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Shere, and other specialists in immigration law will address the moral issue of immigration justice. They will share stories to reinforce our commitment to gracefully resist immoral directives and empower us with prophetic passion and wisdom to listen to people closest to the pain of injustice and tell compelling stories to whomever we meet.

A free will donation will support local Haitian refugees struggling with the current administration’s attacks on their status, employment, and future in the U.S.

Sponsored by GRCC-FIAN Voices of Faith on Immigration Team & Temple B'rith Kodesh.

Published: July 16, 2025

The Prostate Cancer Support Group will be taking a summer hiatus and will not be meeting in July and August. But we'll be back! Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:30 pm in the Red Room (1010). We look forward to reconnecting 
with our community this fall.

Published: July 15, 2025

Looking for a great summer book? The Asbury First Library launched their book sales at the Wednesday Community Market on June 25. Find us at the Asbury First tent on July 23 and August 20 (rain date August 27) for a wide selection of children's, teen, and adult books—most priced at just $1-$2. All proceeds support new library acquisitions.

Published: July 15, 2025

The 11 am services on Sunday, August 3 and August 31 will feature your favorite hymns! Have a beloved hymn we haven't sung recently? Submit your requests to Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at cjohengen@asburyfirst.org by Monday, August 18. 

We'll include as many of your submissions as possible in these special services.

Published: July 11, 2025

Join us Saturday, July 26 to help build beds for Rochester children who sleep on the floor. With 400 children on the waiting list, Memorial AME Zion Church is partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) for this crucial event at 540 Clarissa St. We need volunteers for 9 - 11 am or 11 am - 1 pm shifts (lunch provided) or bedding donations: new pillows, sheets, and comforters. All ages welcome. Can't build? Drop off bedding or order from SHP's Amazon wish list.

Register by clicking here or donate via the Amazon Wishlist Here.

Questions? Contact Diana Carter at (585) 732-7224 or email DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com.

Published: July 7, 2025

As weather continues to be alternately wet and/or hot, we will be posting on the Asbury First Facebook page Sunday mornings ahead of the 9 am Worship Service to keep you apprised of inclement weather.

Follow us on Facebook to be notified ahead of time whether or not the 9 am Worship Service will be held outdoors or in.