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
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:
| WEEK | GRADES | LOCATION | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Sunday of the Month | 6th–8th | Asbury First | 5–6 pm |
| 9th–12th | Asbury First | 7–8 pm | |
| Second Sunday of the Month | 6th–8th | Zoom | 5–5:30 pm |
| 9th–12th | Zoom | 7–7:30 pm | |
| Third Sunday of the Month | 6th–12th | Off-Campus | Varies |
| Fourth Sunday of the Month | 6th–8th | Zoom | 5–5:30 pm |
| 9th–12th | Zoom | 7–7:30 pm |
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.
During the pandemic, we have taken a break from Youth Sunday School, but we continue to be open to finding ways for our youth to engage in our virtual worship experience through pre-recorded readings, our virtual youth choir, etc.
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.