Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Did you know that Asbury First has an amazing library? It is right off the gathering space and has a huge variety of books for kids and adults! In November, the library committee is hosting a Get To Know Your Library Scavenger Hunt. Stop by the library and pick up a clue form. When complete, make sure your name is on the form and place it in the library book return. Three people will be selected from all correct entries to receive a prize.

The Scavenger Hunt runs through Sunday, November 24.

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Wednesdays, November 6, 13 and 20, 6 - 7 pm Wesley Hall and Zoom.

When rock and roll emerged in the 1950s, ministers and other religious folk denounced it for its corrupting influence, some referring to it as the “devil’s music”. But for Asbury First member John Foster, rock era music opened the door to considering a broad array of themes about life, some quite spiritual. This series will explore some of John’s favorite rock era music with that spiritual connection.

zoom.us/j/8347173468, (pwd: 200)

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Join us for a service of meditation and communion on Monday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 6, from 
7 to 8 pm.

Together, we will replace election stress with the Peace of Christ, inviting His presence more deeply 
into our world during this chaotic time. 
These services will feature long periods of silence 
and reflective music, creating a space for peace and contemplation.

Visit asburyfirst.org/live-stream if you'd like to join in from the comfort of home. 


Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Pies! Pies! Pies! Baked by Special Touch Bakery (School of the Holy Childhood), pies are part of our annual fundraising event for Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. 

Proceeds will help build a new home for Tamica and her two children at 207 Melville St. Order and pay for your pies on these Sundays in the Welcome Hall: October 27, November 3 and November 10.

Pie pickup will be on Monday, November 25, from 1 to 5 pm in Welcome Hall.
Treat yourself while making a difference in our community this holiday season! 
 

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Monday, November 18, 7 - 8 pm the Asbury First Banned Book Club will be meeting to discuss The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander.

Please read the book and join our lively discussion in person in the Red Room or via Zoom. zoom.us/j/8924819492 (pwd 578697)

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Asbury First's Wednesday Morning Study Group starts a new book on October 30: We Survived the End of the World by Steven Charleston. Meeting from 10 to 11:30 am in the Red Room and on Zoom, we will read and discuss chapter 1 on October 30, and will continue reading one chapter each week until December 18. All are welcome.

Contact Mike Mullin with questions, mmullin@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Stewardship Season is an exciting time to join together in supporting the ministries of Asbury First UMC! This month is our opportunity to pool our resources to make a lasting impact in our church and community. You may have received a letter by now, and you will also find pledge commitment cards in the Ritual of Friendship pads in each pew. November 3 is the date to offer our gifts and pledges and consecrate them to God’s purposes.

Let's give joyfully, knowing that together, we can do more for God's mission than we ever could alone!

To pledge for 2025, visit asburyfirst.org/pledge-online.

Published: Oct. 18, 2024

What are the two things one never talks about in polite company?
Religion and Politics, of course! Join Pastor Michelle for three Sundays in October and November as we explore the intersection of these taboo topics, discuss the prophetic speaking of truth to power, and consider how we put our faith into action.

Sundays, October 27, November 3 and 10, 
9:45-10:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom Passcode: 200   

Published: Oct. 18, 2024

Saturday, November 9, 9 am – 1 pm, 
Meet at 1040 Main Entrance Please join us for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup. We'll meet at the Main Entrance of the Church (parking lot entrance). Please bring rakes, tarps — and anything else you find makes this task interesting, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Johnny Colón, our Director of Property Care at jcolon@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at (585) 271-1050.

Published: Oct. 18, 2024

The East Ave Grocery Run is an annual fundraiser that supports food programs in Rochester, including the Community Outreach Center. This
year the run/walk is on Saturday, November 2. Anyone who registers as a member of the Asbury First team, donates their full registration fee directly to the COC. Invite a friend to come out, enjoy a fall morning run/walk and support the work of feeding Rochester’s hungry!

Published: Oct. 18, 2024

Cady Inauguration Watch-Party

Please join us Saturday, November 2, at 11:30 am for a very special watch party! Together we'll watch the ceremony as former senior minister, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, is inaugurated as the new president of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. This will be a time of community for those who were touched by his ministry in his tenure here at Asbury First. Bring a snack to share (and maybe a box of tissues)! Please RSVP by emailing Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org, or call (585) 271-1050, x117. If you're not able to join us in person, you can watch live by visiting brite.edu/livestream

Published: Oct. 11, 2024

TOWN HALL — OCTOBER 20

Asbury First's Governing Board conducts Town Hall meetings periodically throughout the year, inviting the congregation to weigh-in on a variety of important topics. The next of the sessions will be October 20. Mark your calendar!

Join us in the Sanctuary, or via livestream, after the 11 am service for updates on topics important to the daily operation of Asbury First, as well as Outreach, Social Concerns, the budget, and the results of Connection Sunday.

Published: Oct. 4, 2024

Date: October 26
Time: BBQ Dinner at 5:30 pm, Dancing starts at 6:30 pm

Mark your calendars and dust off your boots! Join us for a night of fun and fellowship at the Asbury First Hoedown. Enjoy a delicious chicken BBQ, followed by an evening of square dancing with a live band in Fellowship Hall!

RSVP to Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org by October 21 or stop by the Welcome Desk any Sunday in October.

Published: Oct. 4, 2024

Join the Visitation Team!

We invite you to our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 22 
at 4 pm in the Red Room (1010). Whether you’re already visiting parishioners or interested in learning more about this rewarding experience, we’d love for you to attend! Come share your stories, ask questions, and connect with fellow visitors. Your presence makes a difference!

For more information, contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or email kthiel@asburyfirst.org.

Published: Sept. 27, 2024

The Asbury First Older Adult Gathering

Join us for a time of faith, food, fellowship and fun in the Fall! The Asbury First Older Adult Fall Gathering will be held Saturday, October 19, starting at 11 am with Worship in the Sanctuary, and followed by Lunch in the Fellowship Hall at noon. 

RSVP by Friday, October 11 to Barbara Eltinge at (585) 737-8775 or email her at beltinge@icloud.com.

(Please note in your email any dietary restrictions
you may have).