Published: March 11, 2022

Saturday, March 26, 7:30 pm, In-Person and Livestream

Asbury First is delighted to host Voices in a performance of J.S. Bach's monumental "Mass in B Minor," featuring chamber choir, soloists, and orchestra. The concert will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Founded and directed by William Weinert, Voices is a professional chamber chorus consisting of Western New York’s finest ensemble singers. They have appeared in concerts and broadcasts, performing music from the Renaissance through the twenty-first century. City Newspaper described the ensemble’s sound as “a sonic cloudburst,” and noted that “Voices marks a new era of choral vitality in Rochester.”

A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Ukraine relief, with all donations going to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you've been looking for inspiration to contribute, here's a great opportunity, AND you'll be able to enjoy a stunning performance.

Published: March 8, 2022

After nearly two years of COVID-19 in our community, we are heartened to see that infection rates have decreased dramatically, with Monroe County now in the “low risk” category according to the CDC. As a result, we are now ready to adjust our masking policy from “masks required” to “masks recommended.” This policy is reflective of the updated CDC guidance and in line with what is happening in other public venues in our area.

We recognize that while many people are ready to get rid of masks altogether, many others would prefer to keep wearing them. We will be respectful of both decisions as we move forward. Further, to help promote the safety of the community during worship, we will continue to keep every other pew roped off in our sanctuary to allow for better social distancing. Because of the tight quarters, we will also maintain a masking requirement in the chancel for now.

If the last two years of the pandemic have taught us anything, it is that flexibility is essential. As the situation changes, we will continue to make decisions with the health and safety of the community in mind. Over the next few weeks, we anticipate slowly making other adjustments to our policies, including adding refreshments back into our Sunday morning routine.

One way that you can help us is by staying home if you are unwell or have recently had a known exposure. While physical presence is an important part of our life together as a worshiping community, we also know that we remain connected as the Body of Christ even over great distances.

Thank you for your patience and your grace as we continue to find our way through this strange moment.

In Christian Love,
The COVID-19 Task Force

Published: March 7, 2022

Sunday, March 20, 9:45 am EST, Room 201

Did you know that a monk created the first pretzel in A.D. 610 as a reward to children for learning their prayers during Lent? The three holes in a pretzel are said to represent the Trinity: one God in three persons. We hope your children can join us for Pretzel Sunday on March 20 during the Sunday School hour from 9:45 am - 10:45 am in Room 201. We will learn all about the history of the pretzel and make and bake some pretzels of our own.

If you are inclined to make some dough for our event click the link below for recipe and instructions.

Click here for recipe

Published: March 6, 2022

Ukraine Relief

March 3–10, Click here for a list of donation locations

In partnership with the Greater Rochester Community of Churches Faith in Action Network, we are collecting items to send to the Ukraine for relief.

Items Needed:

• Sleeping bags
• Socks & underwear
• Baby diapers & wipes
• Adult diapers
• Feminine hygiene
• Toothbrushes
• Medical gloves

Please note that they do NOT want clothing, shoes, liquids, foods, toothpaste, or shampoo.

For more information about the relief effort, please visit intervol.org.

UMCOR's Ukraine Reflief

Would you like to send monetary donations to help the the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance?

You can give online at asburyfirst.org/give and note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. 

Published: March 5, 2022

Sundays, beginning March 6 – April 10, 9:45 am EST, Room 201

It’s Lent 2022…..Which means it is time to reflect, reconnect, and reignite our faith! COVID has kept us apart — but let’s safely reconnect and reclaim fellowship!

Join Emily Cady as she leads a new, in-person class on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. This class will be focused on Maggie Smith’s NEW book Keep Moving—The Journal: Thrive Through Change and Create a Life You Love. If you took last year’s class, you’ll love this new journal! 

We will begin THIS Sunday at 9:45 am, but you can join in anytime! Please come and experience the gift of this moment….together! Any questions, please contact Emily Cady at emilycady@gmail.com.

Published: March 4, 2022

Pick up Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, Click here to fill out the order form

Our youth are excited to be making and selling pies in honor of Pi Day (March 14; 3.14). In addition to selling the pies after the service on Sunday, March 13; we will also be offering the opportunity for pick-up or delivery of pies on Saturday, March 12. You can pre-order pies, and sign up for delivery or pick-up options via the link above. All proceeds will go to support our youth and the return of our summer mission trips (you can learn more in the link). Questions and orders may also be sent to Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.

Published: March 4, 2022

"Helping Hands: Triplets!" is a KOP initiative designed to support one of our recently arrived Afghan couples who welcomed triplets on February 9! They live in the Brighton/Rochester area. We are reaching out to our community to mobilize a group of women volunteers willing to offer hands-on help in caring for the babies. Helpers will have the support of Keeping Our Promise volunteers: Lin Vanderstyne and Deb Abell.

While the arrival of the triplets is surely delightful, we also respect the complexities of caring for three infants. We are conducting this outreach volunteer request in advance of them being discharged home, and are mindful that we may need to adjust course. Specifically, we are seeking women to do one or more 'shifts' per week or every other week. We are hopeful for consistency for the couple and the babies. Ideally, a shift would be four hours; however, there is certainly flexibility. We ask that volunteers be fully vaccinated, including boosted, and masked when in the home. Helpers must be willing to register as a volunteer with Keeping Our Promise—a very simple process. 

Thank you for considering this deeply meaningful volunteer opportunity to care for these dear little ones. If you are interested in volunteering with this family or if you have any questions, please contact Keeping Our Promise volunteer, Jordan Bontrager at Jordan.keepingourpromise@gmail.com.

Published: March 4, 2022

The Monday Morning Crew (MMC) is in need of electric drills. It is a tool utilized by the MMC and our Property Care team to exact repairs. If anyone is interested in donating a used electric drill, we’d greatly appreciate it. We can use both corded or cordless. Please drop them off at the church office (1050 East Ave) during the week, or refer to Dave Kennedy at dakennedy@frontiernet.net.

Published: March 4, 2022

Sundays beginning March 6, 9:45 am, Room 204

As we prepare for Easter, Asbury First Children's Ministry is excited to return to in-person Sunday School on March 6th at 9:45 am, for children age 4 through 5th grade. Our Sunday School theme this Lenten Season is Growing in God and some of our activities will include planting Easter gardens, making donkey crafts, artwork with ashes, making pretzels and re-enacting the Last Supper.

And if parents are looking for something to do at the same time, you can join Emily Cady as she leads a new, in-person class on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in Room 201. This class will be focused on Maggie Smith's NEW book Keep Moving - The Journal: Thrive Through Change and Create a Life You Love. If you took last year's class, you'll love this new journal!

We can't wait to see you and your children face-to-face again soon!

Published: Feb. 28, 2022

Sunday, March 27, 2–4 pm, Temple B'Rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave

The women of the Temple B'Rith Kodesh (TBK) sisterhood cordially invite us to hear five Afghan women share experience from Afghanistan and their new lives in Rochester. The event is from 2–4 pm, but an optional tour of the temple will take place at 1:30 pm. Please RSVP no later than Friday, March 18 to Liza Robbins-Theuman at ltheuman@yahoo.com with your name and all those in your party to ensure there are nametags available at Door F. 

TBK's COVID policy requires everyone entering the temple to be fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible), showing proof of vaccination. Masks are requried. The service of coffee, tea, and pastries will be determinged closer to the event date and will be based on the lates COVID guidelines and rates.