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.

Published: April 3, 2025

Dawn Riedy has agreed to Chair the Finance Committee and has joined the Governing Board as the Treasurer. The Finance Committee remains committed to providing regular financial updates to the congregation. If you have church budget-related questions or concerns you would like to bring to the Committee's attention, you may do so by sending an email to finance@asburyfirst.org.

Published: April 3, 2025

Asbury First is blessed to occupy beautiful grounds, including gardens, trees and lawns. We are inviting you to consider joining our “Grooming the Grounds” Team to mow and trim. If interested, please contact jcolon@asburyfirst.org.

Published: April 3, 2025

These landscaped gardens welcome all to the Community Outreach Center.

If you have a green thumb and are interested in helping continually improve and maintain these entry gardens, please contact Bonnie Gregory via email at bonniegregory126@gmail.com

Published: April 3, 2025

Andrew Johnson, an Eastman doctoral student of Professor David Higgs, will present his first degree recital on Asbury First UMC’s Austin pipe organ on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm. The program will include music by Langlais, Larsen, J.S. Bach, Chee, Parker, and Widor. Andrew thanks Asbury First for the opportunity to practice on our instrument over the past year.

Published: March 25, 2025

All are invited Sunday, April 6 at 12:30 pm, to make fascinators to wear on Easter. This is an easy craft and all the supplies will be provided. Make one for yourself or as a gift for someone else! 
The cost is $10 per hat and comes with a special high tea luncheon!

RSVP to Christina Kirivong at Kay_christina@hotmail.com by April 1 and please indicate whether you would like to make an Adult or Child-sized fascinator. 

Published: March 25, 2025

On Monday, March 31, we observe Transgender Day of Visibility, raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as celebrating their contributions to society. We stand in solidarity with our transgender siblings, offering support and love. Pronoun stickers are available at the Welcome Desk, and a progress pride flag has been raised outside, symbolizing our commitment to equality and acceptance for all. Let us continue to foster a community where everyone is valued.

Published: March 21, 2025

Tuesdays 8:30 - 9 am on ZOOM
(M-F during Holy Week, Sun, Apr 13 – Sun, Apr 20)

Lectio Divina will be offered on every weekday of Holy Week.

Lectio Divina is a way to use contemplative prayer with one scripture. Setting aside this time to deepen into scripture helps us strengthen our relationship with God and Christ. There will be a different scripture every day, leading us through this week in spiritual reflection together. All are welcome, and you need not attend every day in order to participate. Bring your heart and we will journey together.

Published: March 21, 2025

If you would like to purchase altar flowers in memory, honor, or celebration of a loved one, please click HERE. Orders will be accepted until April 7. If you would prefer to pay by check, forms are available at the Welcome Desk.

Checks should be made payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild and delivered to the church office, attention Beverly Schuman.

Published: March 21, 2025

Keeping Our Promise, an Asbury First adopted off-campus outreach program, is doing powerful refugee resettlement work in Rochester despite a dramatic downturn in support at the federal level. As a congregation, we are helping to support this organization through this crisis moment: our Grocery Bag Ministry provides refugee families with groceries and we have made a contribution out of our discretionary outreach fund. Donations and volunteers continue to be needed and there are many ways you can help! Apartment setups, sorting in-kind donations, ride to appointments, driving to grocery stores, setting up internet or HEAP. Reach out to Cindy Malone (585) 645-4060 with questions or reach out on the Keeping Our Promise Website to become a volunteer or to make a donation at keepingourpromise.org

Published: March 21, 2025

To those who helped make the most recent Red Cross Blood Drive a success, thank you! A note from the Red Cross on the results of our efforts "We collected 22 units, enough to impact 66 lives! Our staff was very appreciative of your help in calling donors to ensure they were coming."

The next Blood Drive at Asbury First will be Saturday, June 21, 8:30 am - 1 pm.

Published: March 21, 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, April 8 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: March 14, 2025