For 200 years, Asbury First United Methodist Church has been a dynamic part of the Rochester community. More than a place of worship, we have a record of real engagement. Our goal is to make a difference, and our members help turn that goal into reality every day through active ministries, education for children and adults, as well as participation and innovation throughout the greater Rochester area.
Love God and neighbor. Live fully. Serve all. Repeat.
While you are welcome to fully participate within the life of the congregation whether you are a member or not, many wish to make a formal commitment to membership. We encourage all members to worship regularly; to grow in their faith by participating in small fellowship or outreach groups, classes, or other opportunities; to serve God with their hands by serving both in the church and in the world; and to give in proportion to their gifts.
If you wish to become a member of Asbury First, we offer a new member orientation class, usually once in the spring and once in the fall. The class will help you better understand what it means to be a United Methodist in general and a member of Asbury First in particular. We'll introduce you to the many ministries and programs in which you might like to participate. Our hope is that this will be a learning process for you, and that you might begin to see where your gifts might be best utilized. Asbury First, like any church, is only as strong as its members and we are committed to helping our members, and those interested in membership, find a way to use their God-given gifts.
Following the class, we celebrate your membership with a formal welcome during a Sunday service and a luncheon. If you have never been baptized into a Christian Church, we would baptize you during this service as well.
While you do not need to register for the new member orientation class (please see the events calendar for the next one), we would love to know that you are coming. If you know that you would like to come to the next one, please contact Holly Temming in our church office, at 585-271-1050 x114, or email her at htemming@asburyfirst.org.
As an inclusive Christian community, we believe that our faith is shaped by the witness of Scripture, the insight of reason, the wisdom of tradition, and our personal experience of God in Christ. We represent diverse theological perspectives and faith experiences. This diversity enhances our common quest to be one in Christ.
We value the gifts of all persons, and encourage each to use his or her gifts in responsible stewardship and service to others. We care deeply about each other and express this love with support in times of sorrow and celebration in times of joy.
We stress community worship as a weekly expression of faith in God. Additionally, we offer numerous opportunities for personal spiritual growth and outreach to others.
To find out more about what United Methodists believe, click here.
The mission, vision, values, and goals of Asbury First were accepted by popular vote on June 25, 2017 as part of our DREAMSCAPE plan. In addition to the DREAMSCAPE plan, the Asbury First Ministry & Space Task Force presented their recommendations for updates to our campus, which will assist in growing our ministries and community impact. To see the plan, which is now in effect, click here.
Click here to learn more about the Dreamscape
A task force of Asbury First neighbors recently completed an update of “A Way Forward,” the 2016 document laying out the strategy for our church community’s Outreach ministries. On June 12, 2023, the Asbury First Governing Board accepted the update, titled “Continuing Our Way Forward.” The report has three major points: It asks that we all start using the biblically based term “neighbor” rather than other terms that subconsciously perpetuate a power differential between helpers and those who need help. It describes how we might start working on seeking justice for those afflicted by poverty. And it streamlines the governance of Outreach so there’s one umbrella group carrying out strategy and overseeing initiatives across the outreach ministries.