The youth program at Asbury First is open to all 6th–12th graders. We are UMYF, which stands for United Methodist Youth Fellowship. 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 take our United Methodist Church slogan seriously:
We want all youth to feel loved and accepted in our group regardless of age, gender, race, school district, sexual orientation, religious practice or belief, or any other identity.
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 and where we explore wtih curiosity and care every idea brought to the space.
We want all youth to know they are welcome to participate in our programming. You don't have to be a member of Asbury First or even have a friend here (though we trust you'll make one).
Youth Groups Music for Youth Confirmation Sunday Mornings Service Opportunities Youth Events
Sundays, September–May
We offer 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade youth programming on Sunday afternoons during the regular program year (September to June). Both age ranges share a meal at 12:30 pm following the 11 am worship service, then split into grade-level groups for games, activities, and discussion. On a typical* UMYF Sunday, we'll spend plenty of time in fellowship as we discuss important topics chosen by the youth-led leadership team. Other times, we'll take trips off-campus to learn about other beliefs, connect our faith to the world, and see what it's like to live out the teachings of Jesus today. Sometimes, we'll just play kickball and hang out.
*Is there such a thing as a typical day when you're a teenager?
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.
For more information about our confirmation program for the 2026-27 program year, please email youth@asburyfirst.org.
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 high school 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.
For the 2026-2027 programming year, Youth Music will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. Youth have the opportunity to practice vocal and handbell pieces that will be performed during worship throughout the year. It's a great opportunity to build skills and connect with one another.
Asbury First hosts a Community Dinner each Wednesday of the programming year. Youth are invited to join this community event, especially if they have younger siblings participating in Children's Music or are participating in the fall youth musical.
Keep your eye on this space! We're exploring programming opportunities for youth to gather on Wednesday evenings once youth musical rehearsals end in mid-November.
Ministry is foundationally relational. As we work to continue treasured Asbury First traditions and dream up new oppurtunities for our youth, we'd love to have your help! For the most updated information on events, please visit our events calendar. If you are looking for educational, faith-based fun, then check out the following tentatively scheduled events:
| DATE | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| September 13, 2026 | Connection Sunday & UMYF Bills Game Watch Party | 11 pm; 1-2 pm |
| September 20, 2026 | Youth and Parent Meeting | 12:30 pm |
| October 24, 2026 | Asbury First Intergenerational Hoedown | BBQ Dinner & Square Dancing |
| October 25, 2026 | UMYF Halloween Party | 12:30 pm |
| October 30, 2026 | Moonlight Maze at Long Acre Farms | 5 - 9:30 pm |
| November 13-15, 2026 | Seussical the Musical Youth Musical Performances |
| November 20-22, 2026 | Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser |
| TBD | Youth Caroling |
| December 20, 2026 | Youth Group Chistmas Party |
| January 3, 2027 | Spring Kick-Off Youth and Parent Meeting | 12:30-2 pm |
| March 28, 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| TBD | Spring Confirmation and Middle School Retreat |
| May 16, 2027 | Confirmation & Move-Up Sunday | 11 pm worship service; 12:30-2 pm |
| June 7, 2027 | Youth Sunday & Church Carnival |
| June 14, 2027 | UMYF Seabreeze Trip | 1 - 6 pm |
| June 21, 2027 | Final High School Mission Trip Meeting (for parents and youth) |
| July 6-16, 2027 | High School Mission Trip (exact dates within this window TBD) |
| August 2-6, 2027 | Middle School Volunteering and Outreach 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.
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 Jo Urriola-Schonewolf or Alex Hunt at youth@asburyfirst.org or by calling 585-271-1050 x111.