News

  • Thank you from the Library!

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    Published: July 11, 2023

    The Asbury First Library is so grateful for the outpouring of donations! We are excited to have so much to offer at the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) Farmer’s Market. Stop by on Mondays from 4–7 pm to check out our selection and to support local businesses. Thank you all!

  • Finger Lakes Opera — Summer Events

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    Published: July 6, 2023

    July 20–August 13 (see below for details)

    Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) is pleased to share their summer line up. Please visit www.fingerlakesopera.org or call 585-450-3880 to reserve tickets for the events listed below.

    • Aida at the RBTL Auditorium Theatre — Friday, August 11, 7 pm; and Sunday, August 13 at 2 pm
      Experience Verdi’s epic story of love, betrayal and war, set against the backdrop of Ancient Egypt. Be swept away as FLO takes you on a powerful roller coaster of emotions that are truly...life out loud!
    • Summer Scenes at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center — Thursday, July 20, 6-8 pm; music starts at 7 pm
      FLO’s 2023 Young Artists present an evening of Italian opera, featuring selections from La bohème, Norma, Rigoletto, La traviata, and more! Food and drink is available and included in the ticket price. 
    • Out Loud at the MAG at the Memorial Art Gallery — Wednesday, July 26, 5 pm
      This fun happy hour event will feature your favorites from opera arias to Broadway showtunes, brought to you by the 2023 Young Artists. 
  • Roblox and Slime — Youth Event

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    Published: July 5, 2023

    Sunday, July 16, 3-5 pm at Asbury First

    This event is open to all youth and parents (because who doesn't love an opportunity to slime a beloved adult [or kid] in their life). We will have fully washable slime and water soakers, and will recreate some classic Roblox games like Bedwars and Rainbow Friends.

    The slime is non-toxic, kid (and pet) friendly, gluten free, and hypoallergenic. We will also have a hose on hand so youth can wash off at any time. The more the merrier for this event, so mark your calendars and invite a friend. And for those adventurous parents that choose to join in the fun, we will have special roles for you to fulfill as well!  For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 x105.

  • "Food for Thought" KOP Fundraiser

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    Published: July 5, 2023

    Thursday, July 27, 6–8 pm, 1040 Gathering Center

    Save the date! Join us on July 27 at 6 pm for a catered, Afghanistan-inspired dinner supporting Keeping Our Promise (KOP), a non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive resettlement assistance to endangered wartime Allies who served US interests in conflict and war zones. Come and experience a delightful culinary journey while learning about this important mission. Click the link below to secure your seat at this impactful event.

    The cost is $60 per-person. To register, click here or call the church office 
at 585-271-1050. To learn more about Keeping Our Promise, visit keepingourpromise.org

  • Youth Mission Trip — High School

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    Published: June 30, 2023

    July 2–8, Tuscon, Arizona

    Our high schoolers will once again be immersing themselves in a new environment as they travel to Tuscon, Arizona to work with Be the Neighbor. We are excited to send these youth and adults to engage in this life-changing ministry the week of July 2-8. For more information, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050 x105.

  • Happy Independence Day!

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    Published: June 30, 2023

    Asbury First Campus closed July 3–4

    We wish you all a safe and happy Independence Day weekend. Please note that the campus will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3–4 for the holiday.

  • Sign Up Now for the Columbarium

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    Published: June 23, 2023

    Now that the Columbarium was approved at the Special Church Conference on June 11, we are excited to begin securing niches*. The Columbarium will be located on the church campus along the southeast exterior wall of the Sanctuary. Initially, there will be 136 niches with provision to expand to a total of 328 niches. To learn more about the Columbarium and to fill out an interest form, click here, or contact the church office at 585-271-1050.

    *A niche is a recessed compartment in which urns (containers) of cremated human remains are placed. Each niche can hold up to two urns.

  • Wanted: Banned Books Enthusiasts

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    Published: June 23, 2023

    Do you read banned books? Do you think that others should also learn about and read banned books to help broaden their horizons and worldviews? Then we have just the team for you! Our Asbury First Library Team is putting together a small group to think through how Asbury First might highlight Banned Books in ways that help us better live, love, serve, and repeat. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org

  • Rochester Pride Parade

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    Published: June 23, 2023

    Saturday, July 15, 12:30 pm, Park Ave and Berkeley

    The LGBTQ Advocacy group and other local Reconciling UMCs will meet 
and watch the Pride Parade together this year (we are not marching). 
Please meet us at 12:30 pm at the corner of Park Avenue and Berkeley 
to cheer on the parade. Wear your pride gear and bring your chair!

  • KOP: Urgent Need for Caring Circle Volunteers

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    Published: June 22, 2023

    Keeping Our Promise (KOP) has had a phenomenal start to 2023 — having ALREADY met their minimum resettlement goal for the whole of 2023! This week alone they had large families arriving almost daily.

    We are still committed to assist each of these arrivals according to the same standards and vision as always, and to uphold the motto that is the ultimate litmus test in our decision-making, which is; ‘’What we do for one, we do for all.’’ In order to continue to provide each arriving SIV with the support they deserve, we ask our community once again for assistance.

    These families need ‘’Caring Circles,’’ a network of first friends and advocates. People who will show them how to do things that we take for granted: like how to use the bus, or how to write a check! For someone to have tea with a time or two a month, or lend a friendly, sympathetic ear! With family being so far away, our volunteers fill an incredibly important void. 

    If you, your friend(s), family, company, or club can help out, please contact info@keepingourpromise.org to indicate your interest in joining a Caring Circle. All new members will receive training and support provided by KOP staff.

  • New Notice for Deaths in the Asbury First Family

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    Published: June 20, 2023

    The Communications Team and the Pastoral Staff have launched a new email segment in an effort to keep you informed as to the deaths in our community. If you do not want to receive this new email segment, please let us know at communication@asburyfirst.org (if you click unsubscribe, it will remove you from ALL Asbury First email lists).

  • Cookies Needed!

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    Published: June 16, 2023

    Asbury First hospitality is in need of cookies! If you are a baker, please consider making a couple of dozen and dropping them off at the church office. They will be frozen until needed. This will help us give our marvelous hospitality team a break over the summer, but still ensure we have yummy treats after the Sunday worship service.

    Thanks in advance, we truly appreciate your sweet treats. For more information, please contact Paula Dugan at 585-271-1050 x111 or at pdugan@asburyfirst.org.

  • Library in Need of Gently Used Books

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    Published: June 16, 2023

    For the past few summers, the Asbury First library has been participating in the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) Farmer’s Market that takes place on the Asbury First lawn. We have been selling gently used books at greatly reduced prices to earn money for the purchase of new books for our church library. We are in need of gently used books to sell this summer. In particular, we need books for children, tweens, and teens. Please drop off donations in the church library with a note that includes your name and phone number or email address.

    If you need help transporting your books, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or (585) 271-1050 x105.

  • WXXI Broadcasting Morehouse College Glee Club's Asbury First Concert

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    Published: June 16, 2023

    The March 2023 tour concert of the Morehouse College Glee Club at Asbury First will be broadcast on WXXI Classical 91.5 FM and online at wxxiclassical.org on Thursday, June 22 at 3 pm. Click the link below for an audio promo, repertoire listing and more.

    Click Here for Promotional Material
    NOTE: The one-hour program does not include all of the selections from the live concert. A few were omitted due to noise or audience disturbances, and to keep the program to one-hour.

  • Thank You — June Blood Drive

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    Published: June 15, 2023

    Asbury First collected 15 donations at our recent drive. These donations can support the needs of up to 45 patients in need as donations are often separated into blood components of plasma, red cells and platelets. Thanks to all who answered the call to donate, even though you were found to be ineligible to donate on that day.

    For more information, or to register to give blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.