Youth

Welcome. Celebrate. Serve. All.

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:

Open Hearts 

  • We want all youth to feel loved and accepted in our group regardless of age, gender, race, school district, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

Open Minds

  • We want our youth programming to be a safe place where all youth feel comfortable with sharing what is in their hearts without being judged.

Open Doors

  • We want all youth to know they are welcome—members and non-members alike— to participate in our programming. 

Youth Groups Music for Youth ConfirmationSunday Mornings Service Opportunities Youth Events

Youth Groups

Sundays, September–May

We offer 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade youth programming on Sunday Nights throughout the school year. 
Our schedule is as follows:

GRADES TIME LOCATION
6th–8th 1-2 pm Fellowship Hall, Gathering Center, Youth Room
9th–12th 1-2 pm Fellowship Hall, Gathering Center, Youth Room

 

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Confirmation

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, Youth Room

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Sunday Mornings

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. 

Queerfully and Wonderfully Made

Open to all LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies, Sundays, 9:45-10:45 am, Youth Room

Psalm 139.14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This has been used to highlight how we are each made in the image of God — and that we are created good! This fall, we encourage all youth — those who are out, those who are questioning, and those who are affirming of their peers —to join us on Sunday mornings as we consider the connections of the LGBTQ+ community and our faith. Questions? Contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.

GRADES TIME LOCATION
6th–12th 9:45–10:45 am Youth Room

 

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Wednesday Evenings

  GRADES TIME LOCATION
Community Dinner All 5:30-6 pm Gathering Center
Musical Rehearsal 6th-12th Grade 6-8 pm Fellowship Hall
Vocal Choir 6th-12th Grade 6-6:30 pm Room 205
Bell Choir 6th-12th Grade 6:30-7 pm Room 205

Fun, Faithful, Youth Events

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
October TBD, 2022 Youth Corn Maze Outing
October 30, 2022 Youth Group Halloween Parties—12-2 pm
November 11-13, 2022 Snoopy!!! Youth Musical Performaces
December 11, 2022 Youth Caroling—12-2 pm
December 18, 2022 Youth Group Chistmas Parties—12-2 pm
December 18, 2021 Youth Group Christmas Parties
January 8, 2023 Youth Groups and Parent Meeting Spring Kick-Off—12-2 pm
January TBD, 2023 SOLID Youth Retreat
February 11, 2023 Souper Bowl 
February 12, 2023 Souper Bowl Fundraiser—9 am-1 pm
March 5, 2023 Pie for Pi Fundraiser Prep—9-1 pm
March 12, 2023 Pie for Pi Fundraiser—9-1 pm
May 21, 2023 Confirmation Sunday
June 4, 2023 Youth Sunday
June 11, 2023 Youth Seabreeze Day
July 2-8, 2023 High School Mission Trip
August 7-12, 2023 Middle School Mission Trip

Service Opportunities

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.

Service Trip

In addition, our 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade youth are invited to partake in a week-long service trip each summer. 

  • 6th-8th graders begin their week in August by volunteering with our VBS program in the morning and local agencies in the afternoon, before embarking on an overnight to culminate the week.
  • 9th–12th graders spend a week in early July partnering with an agency around the country and the globe focusing on construction and/or immersive experiences. Partners have included Appalachia Service Project, Reach Beyond Missions, and Project Chacocente
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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.