Published: Nov. 8, 2024

In partnership with Temple Beth El, the Community Outreach Center will serve a Christmas Day breakfast and hand out holiday gift bags. We welcome donations of hand-knit winter hats to be distributed. Donations can be dropped off at the Community Outreach Center Mondays and Tuesdays 9 am - 3 pm, Wednesdays - Thursdays 7 am - 3 pm, and Fridays 7 - 9 am between now and Christmas.

Please clearly mark donations 
"For Christmas Breakfast."

Published: Nov. 8, 2024

Thank you to the volunteer musicians of the Asbury Orchestra and Director Laurie Kennedy for their contribution to worship this Sunday! If you play an instrument and would like to join them for caroling after service on December 22, rehearsals will be held 9:30 - 10:30 am on December 8 and 15. Contact Laurie for more details at cellokennedy@frontiernet.net.

Published: Nov. 5, 2024

The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, a worship celebration and our biggest donation drive 
of the year, is quickly approaching! Please consider bringing a donation to offer at either of the
worship services on Sunday, November 24. A specific list of needed items is available on our website.

Please consult the list as it contains the items that are most helpful in serving our neighbors. Thank you for your involvement in 
the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester!

Visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering for a list of items most helpful in serving our neighbors.

Published: Oct. 31, 2024

Kim Hunt-Uzelac, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Rochester, will be speaking at Asbury First on Sunday, November 17 at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom.

Family Promise assists families at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness to achieve sustainable independence by providing person- centered, holistic services in collaboration with the greater community.

All are invited to attend to learn more about how we can help respond to housing inequity and insecurity.

Published: Oct. 31, 2024

ASBURY FIRST COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS:

November 22 & 23 at 7 pm November 24 at 2 pm Tickets: $15

Visit asburyfirst.org/newsies 
to reserve your seat. For ad sale inquiries, please email theatreads@asburyfirst.org

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!