The youth program at Asbury First is open to all 6th–12th graders. We are the United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF). Our mission is to welcome all youth to celebrate a growing relationship with God and each other, while joyfully serving in the example of Christ. We are built on the foundations of Christianity and we take our United Methodist Church slogan seriously:
Youth Groups Music for Youth ConfirmationSunday Mornings Service Opportunities Youth Events
Sundays, 6–7:30 pm
We offer 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade youth programming on Sunday Nights throughout the school year.
During the pandemic, our schedule is as follows:
| GRADES | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 6th–8th | 6–7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall, Gathering Center, Youth Room |
| 9th–12th | 6–7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall, Gathering Center, Youth Room |
We traditionally celebrate confirmation with our 8th graders. We spend time throughout the 8th grade year learning more about The United Methodist Church and how it compares and contrasts with other denominations and religions. In May, the youth have the option to decide for themselves whether they wish to be confirmed into The United Methodist Church and to become full members of Asbury First United Methodist Church.
This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for our youth to learn more about their faith and to decide whether this is something that they want to claim for themselves. Whatever they choose, all youth will continue to have a place at Asbury First.
During the pandemic, our confirmation schedule is as follows:
2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month — 5:30–6 pm on Zoom
Our Youth are encouraged to join in the full life of the church. Many youth participate in worship as acolytes, crucifers, lay readers, sound and video technicians, and more. Some youth also volunteer with child care and children’s Sunday School. We have also offered various Sunday School opportunities for youth including breakfast-making, playing board games, and a guitar and ukulele club.
Sundays, 9:45 am
It may be different from the past, but we continue to be open to finding ways for our youth to engage in a worship experience. Our plan for this year is to use our Sunday morning gathering time to prepare for youth teach-ins for the congregation. This could include everything from providing a youthful understanding and expertise on pronoun usage to navigating social media, etc.
| GRADES | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 6th–12th | 9:45–10:45 am | Youth Room |
As we kick off a new year of Youth Ministry, we are embracing our theme of New Creation. Ministry is foundationally relational, and we have missed out on myriad opportunities to be together over the past year and a half. As we work to build a new creation in our youth programming, we are asking for your help to ensure our success. For the most updated listing of times, please check the events calendar. If you are looking for educational, faith-based fun, then check out the following tentatively scheduled events:
| DATE | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| September 12, 2021 | Together In Ministry Sunday — We are excited to kick off the fall with in-person Sunday School and Youth Groups! |
| October 3, 2021 | Amazing Maize Maze — 2–5 pm, Longacre Farms (Cost: $15) |
| October 24, 2021 | Youth Group Halloween Parties — Come in costume and win prizes! |
| October 31, 2021 | No Youth Group (Halloween) |
| November 7, 2021 | Musical Tech Week Begins; Flower City Amusements — 6–8 pm (for those not involved in the musical.) |
| November 14, 2021 | No Youth Group (Youth Musical) |
| December 12, 2021 | Christmas Caroling |
| December 19, 2021 | Youth Group Christmas Parties |
| January 9, 2022 | Mission Trip and Spring Youth/Parent Meeting |
| January 28–30, 2022 | SOLID Youth Retreat — Camp Casowasco (Cost: $180) Learn more here |
| February 13, 2022 | Souper Bowl Sunday |
| March 13, 2022 | Pie for Pi Sunday |
| April 17, 2022 | No Youth Group (Easter Sunday) |
| May 8, 2022 | No Youth Group (Mother's Day) |
| May 29, 2022 | No Youth Group (Memorial Day) |
| June 5, 2022 | Youth Sunday |
| June 12, 2022 | Final Youth Group Parties |
| July 3–9, 2022 | 8th–12th Grade Mission Trip — Location to be announced |
| August 6–7, 2022 | Park Ave Festival Parking |
| August 8–13 | 5th–8th Grad Mission Trip — Help with VBS and Weekend Overnight |
At least once each month, our youth group partners with a local service agency to learn more about their ministries and to lend a helping hand as we are able. This helps our youth to experience the myriad opportunities that surround us in the Greater Rochester area. Agencies have included The Gandhi Institute, FoodLink, Cameron Community Missions, House of Mercy, and more.
In addition, our 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade youth are invited to partake in a week-long service trip each summer.
For more information about our youth programs, classes, or service opportunities, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x105.