asburyfirst.org
(585) 271-1050
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, at 11am, Asbury First will be hosting the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Day Service. This service is the longest running of its kind in the United States, having begun in the post-civil war years. Clergy from the Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and Baptist congregations met to plan this year's service. A shofar will be blown, scripture from the Koran will be read, there will be prayer all in the spirit of gratitude for all of the blessings we have been given, and for the blessing of being able to worship as one, respecting each other and our varied and diverse traditions. All people are welcome.
The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, our biggest donation drive of the year, draws near! Bring a donation to offer in either the 9 or 11 am worship service on Sunday, November 23. Thank you for your involvement in the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester!
Thanksgiving In-Gathering
November 2025
Interfaith Thanksgiving Day Service
NEWS SHEET
You're invited! Join us for upcoming worship, fellowship, and fun.
NEWS SHEET | November 2025
Join us on Saturday, November 22, from 10 am – 7 pm at Barnes & Noble Pittsford (3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester) for a day of reading, shopping, and giving back. When you shop in-store on November 22 - 26, use Bookfair ID #12919783 at checkout, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to support Asbury First Library. Mark your calendars and help us make a difference — one book at a time!
There is still work to do.
Ambient Church: Laraaji
Our Finance Committee has carefully built balanced 2026 budgets that limit spending increases to under 2%. To make these plans a reality, we rely on your pledges. Please submit your pledge by December 15 so we can finalize next year’s budget. If you'd like assistance setting up your pledge, call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050 and someone will help you.
Sunday, November 23, 7:15 pm in the Sanctuary Asbury First is proud to host Ambient Church, featuring a special performance by celestial music pioneer Laraaji, celebrating the 45th anniversary of his landmark 1980 collaboration with Brian Eno, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, right here in the Asbury First Sanctuary. The performance will feature immersive architecturally-mapped projections, transforming the space into a living audio-visual environment.
Asbury First Library Book Fair
United Way's ROC THE DAY – December 2
Advent Sunday School: Unwrapping Christmas
On Tuesday, December 2, our community will come together to ROC the Day, and the Asbury First Community Outreach Center is participating again. ROC the Day is a 24-hour giving opportunity to support all eligible not-for-profits in the nine-county greater Rochester area. Community members are encouraged to visit www.roctheday.org, a secure online giving platform, to contribute to any participating not-for-profit organization. All money given during ROC the Day stays local. Donors have the ability to make an impact by giving to one or multiple organizations to support their personal philanthropic passions.
Sundays at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall Join us for four weeks in Advent as we take a deep-dive into the Christmas stories in our Bible. What does our Bible actually say about Christmas? Which books of the Bible share this story? And what role does tradition play in our celebrations and understandings of this season. All are welcome as we unwrap these classic Christmas tales. Contact Mike Mullin with questions at (585) 271-1050 x 105
Older Adult Christmas Lunch
In response to the sudden disappearance of SNAP and other assistance programs, and uncertainty around their reinstatement, we are initiating an ongoing emergency food & fund drive. Donations can be dropped off in the chapel on Sundays or at the Community Outreach Center M-Tu 9-3, W-Th 7-3, Fri 7-9. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors!
Storehouse Holiday Bazaar
Ongoing Emergency Food & Fund Drive
Saturday, December 6, 9 to 5 pm in Fellowship Hall Come support the Storehouse with holiday spirit! Asbury First artisans and local craftspeople are bringing their wares to the Fellowship Hall for another Holiday Bazaar! One day only. You'll be glad you put this in your calendar.
Please join us Saturday, December 6, at 11 am in the Gathering Center, for the Asbury First Older Adult Christmas lunch, for a time of singing, laughing and sharing a holiday meal with friends. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge for the lunch by Monday, December 1 at (585) 737-8775.
Given by: (Please Print Clearly) Phone: Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: I would like the gift to be: In loving memory of In honor or celebration of A donation Please scan the QR code to the left, visit our website, or return this form to the church office, attention of Beverly Schuman, no later than December 14. Checks should be payable to Asbury First United Methodist Church Altar Guild. Questions? Call the office at (585) 271-1050. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!
After the 4 pm Christmas Eve Service in Fellowship Hall Please RSVP to (585) 271-1050 by December 15. The cost of this meal is $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo. Are you able to help run the event? Please call Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 ext. 106 to help organize and celebrate this Asbury First tradition!
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Advent Winter Wonder Night
December 7, 5 pm in the Sanctuary Join us for Asbury First's Advent tradition on December 7, 5 - 7 pm! Come in your pajamas, enjoy breakfast for dinner, and celebrate with music and stories. All families are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Sign up or volunteer call (585) 271-1050.
Christmas Eve Dinner - Celebrate and Serve
Join Wednesday Morning Book Club to explore "All We Can Save," a powerful collection featuring diverse women leaders—scientists, activists, farmers, and innovators—offering bold solutions to the climate crisis through essays, poetry, and art. The group meets Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30 am in the Red Room (1010), October 22 - December 17, with no sign-up required—just show up ready for inspiring discussions. For more information, contact Linda Clemow at programs@asburyfirst.org.
Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale Pickup
It’s time to dream of Thanksgiving dinner and the taste of Apple Crumb, Pecan, Strawberry Rhubarb, Pumpkin, or Rumbleberry Pie from Special Touch Bakery. The pies can be picked up in the Welcoming Hall on Tuesday, 11/24 from 1:00-5:00p.m. Enjoy delicious holiday pies while supporting Asbury First’s participation in building homes for families in our community!
A new grief group is being offered on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 5 pm in the Red Room (1010). This is an opportunity for people to come together and talk about their loved one who has recently died (in the last five months, or even the last five years). All are welcome to join the group for one or every meeting. For more information contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 369-3170.
Wednesday Morning Book Study
Grief Group
KOP is seeking 4 groups of 3 volunteers each to be part of a caring circle for new families. Under the Welcome.US program, we can help, but we officially need three volunteers per family. This will guarantee a family $1,000 per person in resettlement funds within 2 to 3 weeks from the Welcome Corps. Please reach out to friends and community members if you can help by being part of a caring circle. For more information, call or text Cindy Malone at (585) 645-4060.
Keeping Our Promise Seeking volunteers
Volunteering Opportunities | november 2025
Looking for a deeper way to connect? Volunteering at Asbury First is more than helping out—it’s about building friendships, discovering joy, and growing in faith. Our Volunteer Engagement Committee is here to match your gifts and schedule with opportunities across the church. Whether you have an hour once in a while or time each week, there’s a place for you: greeting on Sunday mornings, singing in the choir, teaching, cooking, office help, or serving with Outreach ministries. The best part? Volunteering is flexible and rewarding. You’ll bless the church with your presence—and find yourself blessed in return. Ready to find your place? Reach out to the Volunteer Engagement Committee and discover the joy of serving together. Call to be connected with someone who can help you find your place.
Outreach Volunteers Wanted!
There's something profoundly moving about sharing communion and we're seeking hearts called to serve during this holy time on the first Sunday of each month. If you've ever felt drawn to be part of this sacred experience, to help distribute the bread and cup, we'd be honored to have you join our serving team. Whether you're a longtime member or newer to our faith family, what matters most is your willingness to serve with reverence and love. Rev. Kathy Thiel would love to hear from you and share more about this meaningful ministry. You can reach her at (585) 271-1050 x106. Come be part of something beautiful. Come serve alongside us.
Dining & Caring Center: The number of meals we are serving is rising dramatically and quickly! We are in need of more volunteer support during our meal hours. Roles include kitchen and dining room work. Shifts are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 6:30 – 9:30am and Sundays 11:30 am – 2 pm. Commitments can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Call Rev. Pat at (585) 271-1050 x136 to sign up. UR Well Clinic: Greeters are needed to welcome patients to the COC on Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 8:15 pm and Sunday mornings from 8:50 to 10 am. You may choose the shift you'd like during a two month period which fits your schedule. It may be once a month, every two months or more! For further information, please call Sue Bickel at (585) 721-1610. 1010 Tuesday Co-Coordinator: Help us organize monthly tours of the COC aimed at introducing the ministry to members of our broader community! We are looking for volunteer support (onsite or at home) in planning and coordinating these tours. Call Rev. Pat at (585) 271-1050 x136 for more information.
Volunteering Opportunities | October 2025
Would You Like To Serve Communion?
SCRAPBOOK| November 2025
The Asbury First Community Theatre put on a dazzling performance of the musical "Anastasia" featuring youth and adults from our congregation and the Rochester community. They never disappoint!
Wednesday, October 29, we had a very special (and SpooOoky!) Community Dinner! Lots of fun costumes, big smiles, good food, and a send-off for our beloved Paula Dugan, the hostess with the mostess!
The Intercesory Prayer Team hosted Asbury First Community Dinner, a new initiative to share the work of putting on our weekly dinners and provide new opportunities to meet others in the congregation!
ARTICLES | November 2025
You've been the organist at Asbury First for almost 20 years now. What initially drew you to this position, and what has kept you engaged and passionate about serving this congregation for so long? This is my 30th year! I knew David and Marian (Craighead) quite well and David told me after Marion passed away that she had heard me play and mentioned that I would be a good candidate for Organist at Asbury. It's a fantastic organ, sanctuary and congregation and has been a real blessing and honor to play at Asbury for all these years. I hope the congregation will have me for a few more! Your educational background includes studies at both Ohio Wesleyan University and Eastman School of Music, plus post-graduate work with the renowned David Craighead. How did these different educational experiences shape your approach to organ performance and church music? I had amazing professors at Ohio Wesleyan. One in piano where I learned how to be expressive, one in voice and choral accompanying where I accompanied many voice recitals and choral concerts—learning the art of being a good collaborator. And, most importantly, a fantastic organ professor, who gave of his time unselfishly. I learned so very much from him! At Eastman I focused more on performance practice. Studying with David Craighead after I left Eastman was a real blessing as he gave me many lessons right here at Asbury where his wife used to play. The Craigheads were both such gracious and supportive mentors. You have a unique dual career as both a church musician and tonal director for Parsons Pipe Organ Builders. How does your hands-on experience with organ construction and voicing inform your work as an organist, and vice versa? Each job absolutely informs the other. When I'm voicing a pipe organ, I'm thinking about organ and choral repertoire and when I'm playing in church, I'm thinking about the best combination of sounds and how the organ is affected by temperature and humidity; so that I can hopefully make it sound its very best! I also love the fact that I can crawl up into the organ (on almost a weekly basis) to "tweak” things. I try to keep this 70 year old fantastic instrument in as good condition as possible! What are some of the most challenging or rewarding projects you've worked on? I've been blessed to voice more than 60 pipe organs in my 35 year career at Parsons Pipe Organ Builders. There have been many fantastic and noteworthy projects, but most importantly I've enjoyed working with the various church personnel and musicians who make music every week on the instruments I've given voice to… such a blessing this is! Unfortunately, as churches close and fewer and fewer buy quality pipe organs, each instrument somehow becomes even more important. If a church is going to invest (sometimes millions of dollars) into a pipe organ, it has to be perfectly "wed" to the room, and as beautiful as possible! You've worked with various ensembles including the Rochester Oratorio Society, Madrigalia, and Concentus, even touring internationally. How do you balance your church responsibilities with these collaborative musical opportunities? Again, when I was younger and seemed to have more energy, I would accompany these various groups upon invitation. I fondly remember these concerts, especially programs with Roger Wilhelm and the Rochester Oratorio Society. We performed some fantastic concerts in the first couple of decades of my tenure at Asbury. I do less accompanying outside of the church now just because of time constraints, but will always consider accompanying these ensembles some of the most important moments in my musical career. After nearly two decades at Asbury First, how do you approach selecting music that serves both the liturgical needs of the congregation and your artistic goals as a musician? How has your philosophy of church music evolved over time? Three decades at Asbury! I try to pay attention to the lectionary and certainly the season of the year when selecting preludes and postludes. Over time, I've noticed that church music has generally become more varied and eclectic, and I've tried to adapt my style of playing to "keep with the times!” Given your extensive experience and professional involvement, what advice would you give to young organists just starting their careers in church music? What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the field today? I would give them the same advice that Dr. Roger Wilhelm gave to me: "A career in church music can last for decades so make sure you pace yourself!”. Also, I asked Marian Craighead how she lasted so many years at Asbury and she said “I kept my nose in my knitting and my trap shut!” ….The biggest challenges are that many churches are closing and the ones that remain open don't always fully fund musicians with a living wage. I think many church musicians today have to have more than one job in order to succeed. I guess I'm an example of that! As you reflect on your career spanning church music, organ building, recording, and professional leadership, what projects or goals are you most excited about pursuing in the coming years? To be honest, I MIGHT be at a high point in my career: possibly playing more musically than ever and also understanding the importance of fine voicing work. I am blessed.
by Pastor Michelle
Why We’re United Methodist: A Monday Reader Primer Ever wonder what makes The United Methodist Church who we are? This six-part Monday Reader series offers a simple look at our roots, beliefs, and structure—from John Wesley’s first “methodical” movement to the way grace still shapes our life together today. Whether you’ve been United Methodist for decades or are just curious about what we stand for, these short reflections invite you to rediscover the heart of a church built on connection, grace, and doing good. Part 1: Where We Came From: The Birth of Methodism Long before there was a denomination called “United Methodist,” there was simply a group of college students who wanted to live their faith more seriously. In the 1730s, at Oxford University in England, brothers John and Charles Wesley and a few friends began meeting regularly for prayer, Bible study, fasting, and service to the poor and imprisoned. Their classmates teased them, calling them “Methodists” because of their methodical habits. The name stuck—and so did the movement. John Wesley never intended to start a new church. He was a priest in the Church of England, committed to its traditions, but frustrated by how little it seemed to shape everyday life. He wanted to renew the church from within—to help ordinary people experience God’s grace personally and practically. His motto might have been summed up as “faith that works.” The movement spread quickly, especially among working people who often felt excluded from the established church. The Wesleys and other preachers took to the fields and town squares, proclaiming a message of grace: that God’s love was for everyone, not just the privileged few. They organized converts into “societies” and “classes” for accountability and growth, helping people connect spiritual devotion with acts of compassion. When Methodism came to America, it took root in a land of wide distances and restless energy. Lay preachers and circuit riders—clergy on horseback—carried the gospel across mountains and frontiers, forming societies wherever they went. Because communication and travel were slow, these groups began meeting regularly to coordinate their work. Wesley’s structured approach turned out to be exactly what the growing colonies needed: a faith organized for mission. In 1784, after the American Revolution, Methodists officially formed the Methodist Episcopal Church at what’s known as the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. They ordained their first bishops, published their own version of the Book of Discipline, and began the Methodist tradition of holding “conferences” to set policy and send out preachers. From that point forward, Methodism became one of the fastest-growing movements in American religious history. Still, the heart of it remained simple. John Wesley once summarized the faith this way: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” That’s the spirit that shaped us—organized faith, passionate grace, and practical love in action. We began not as a new church, but as a movement to help ordinary people live extraordinary faith.
Why We’re United Methodist: A Monday Reader Primer Ever wonder what makes The United Methodist Church who we are? This six-part Monday Reader series offers a simple look at our roots, beliefs, and structure—from John Wesley’s first “methodical” movement to the way grace still shapes our life together today. Whether you’ve been United Methodist for decades or are just curious about what we stand for, these short reflections invite you to rediscover the heart of a church built on connection, grace, and doing good. Part 2: Grace Upon Grace: The Heart of United Methodist Theology If there’s one word that sums up United Methodist faith, it’s grace. Not rules. Not guilt. Not perfection. Grace. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, used that word constantly. He believed that all Christian life—from the moment we are born to the moment we die—is surrounded and sustained by God’s grace. Grace is the undeserved, transforming love of God that meets us where we are and refuses to leave us there. Wesley described three key movements of grace—not three different kinds, but three ways God’s love works in our lives. Prevenient Grace This is the grace that comes before we know it. Before we can say God’s name, before we can believe, before we even understand faith, God’s love is already at work. It stirs the conscience, opens the heart, and whispers that we are meant for something more. Methodists believe no one is ever completely outside the reach of that love. It’s why we baptize infants—not because they understand faith, but because grace is already reaching for them. Justifying Grace This is the moment when we awaken to the truth that God loves us personally, right now, just as we are—and that forgiveness is real. Wesley called it “the assurance that we are accepted.” Through faith in Christ, our relationship with God is set right. It’s not about earning salvation; it’s about accepting the gift that’s already been offered. Sanctifying Grace And the story doesn’t end there. Grace continues shaping us into the people God created us to be. Sanctifying grace is what helps us grow in love—toward God and toward others. It turns faith into action. It pulls us into service, into compassion, into holiness of heart and life. Wesley believed we could actually be made perfect in love—not flawless, but fully motivated by love. To be United Methodist is to believe that salvation isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey of grace. We never stop learning, growing, or being transformed. When we say “Open hearts, open minds, open doors,” we aren’t talking about church marketing. We’re describing grace itself—the wide-open invitation of God that never gives up on anyone and never runs out. We believe God’s grace is God’s first and last word—and everything in between.
Why We’re United Methodist: A Monday Reader Primer Ever wonder what makes The United Methodist Church who we are? This six-part Monday Reader series offers a simple look at our roots, beliefs, and structure—from John Wesley’s first “methodical” movement to the way grace still shapes our life together today. Whether you’ve been United Methodist for decades or are just curious about what we stand for, these short reflections invite you to rediscover the heart of a church built on connection, grace, and doing good. Part 3: Who Decides What: The Book of Discipline If you’ve ever wondered how The United Methodist Church makes decisions—or who gets to decide them—you’re not alone. It can seem like a mystery wrapped in a meeting. Unlike some churches where one leader sets all the rules, or others where every congregation votes independently, United Methodists follow a shared set of guidelines called The Book of Discipline. It’s part rulebook, part covenant, part constitution—and it tells the story of how we agree to live and serve together. Why We Have It From the beginning, Methodists have valued both freedom and order. John Wesley was famous for saying that discipline was essential for spiritual growth. Not “punishment,” but structure—a way of helping communities of faith stay focused on their mission. So when the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in 1784, the delegates wrote down their beliefs, practices, and procedures. Every four years since, Methodists from around the world have gathered at General Conference to review, debate, and, when needed, revise those rules. That’s why the current version says “The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2024”—each edition reflects the ongoing story of our faith and life together. What’s In It The Book of Discipline contains: Our Constitution, which sets the basic structure of the Church. Our Doctrinal Standards, summarizing what we believe. Our Social Principles, offering guidance for living faithfully in the world. Our Administrative Rules, describing everything from how pastors are appointed to how property is held to how committees are formed. It’s not light reading, but it represents something remarkable: a global community seeking to order its life in love and accountability. Who Decides At General Conference, half the delegates are clergy and half are laypeople—elected by their annual conferences. They meet every four years to worship, pray, and legislate. Decisions require majority votes and often involve careful debate, amendments, and compromise. The process can be slow, but it reflects one of our deepest values: that God’s Spirit can speak through the gathered body, not just through a few. Why It Matters The Book of Discipline isn’t meant to stifle creativity or faith; it’s meant to hold us together. It reminds us that being “United” means we live in covenant—with God and with one another. Every rule in it, at its best, exists so that the Church’s mission—to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world—can stay clear and strong. We don’t always agree on everything within its pages. In fact, disagreement has always been part of our story. But the Discipline gives us a shared table at which to work things out, pray together, and keep moving forward. The Book of Discipline is how we order our common life—so that grace has structure and love has staying power.
It's Monday morning again at Asbury First, the start of a new week, and here in the city of Rochester, we've just received our first light dusting of snow. Like powdered sugar all over our green/brown lawns, dusted on late autumn leaves, lining the branches of trees... I'm reminded that the wheel has continued to turn, of the seasons, of our progress as a community, our comings and goings, successes and failures, lessons learned. Through the little lens of this moment I'm looking over the small but significant ways Asbury First has marched onward with the persistence and strength of this community. Looking out my window at 1050, I see the grounds that have continued to be maintained, the banner for this weekend's production of Anastasia, and braving the cold, yellow flowers of the newly revamped 1050 garden. I see the Columbarium is now fully installed, a project decades in the making, and in the library, new wooden signage over the entrance to the reading room, lovingly made by our very own Jim Connell, and the Community Garden begins its winter hibernation while the Community Outreach Center draws more and more into its warmth for the winter. This first snow reminds us that change is constant, yet something endures. In the cold, we draw closer—to one another, to our purpose, to the values that anchor us. The season invites us inward, to reflection and renewal, even as we continue our work of reaching outward in service and love. As we step into this week, into this season of preparation and anticipation, may we carry with us the resilience of those yellow flowers still blooming in the cold. May we be, like them, signs of persistent hope and beauty in a world that needs both. May we remember that every ending is also a beginning, every snowfall a blank page, every Monday morning a chance to begin again. The wheel continues to turn. We turn with it, together, grateful for the ground beneath our feet and the community that walks beside us.
Wednesdays, 10–11:30 am , 1010 Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8924819492) PW 578697) All are invited to join this book discussion group as we meet in-person and on Zoom on Wednesday mornings. Some have been a part of this group for years, while others come and go depending on availability and the books that we are reading. We will begin our next book on March 5, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee. For more information, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Lectio Divina
CONTINUING CLASSES, GROUPS, AND EVENTS
(On Hiatus for the Summer but returning in the Fall) Fridays, 1 – 3 pm, 1040 Room 205 (upper level, bell choir room) Now meeting on Friday afternoons, the Asbury Art Class is exploring watercolor and card-making. Watercolor is a terrific medium for capturing the form and surprise of the natural world. Please email Linda Clemow at soulsourcestudio1@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Tuesday Women’s Fellowship
Looking for a way to stay connected to your Asbury First friends during the week? Want to meet new Asbury First friends? All women, all ages, are welcome to join the Tuesday Women's Fellowship via Zoom, 9:30–10:30 am each week. Bring your coffee or tea, and perhaps a treat, zoom in and enjoy an hour of devotion, sharing, and connection. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Elizabeth Church, coordinator, at emchurch418@gmail.com. Hope to see you soon!
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice on reading scripture. A passage of scripture is read, then there is silent meditation, then the passage is read again, then more silence, and then discussion. The silence is an opportunity to reflect upon what you experienced in the scripture. This half hour opens and closes with prayer. All are welcome. For more information please contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x106.
Wednesday Morning Study Group
Tuesdays, 8:30–9 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Asbury First Women's Art Class — Watercolor Painting
Tuesdays, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Men of all ages are welcome to join us on Wednesday mornings via Zoom as we discuss topics of faith, life, and more. Each week, a different member of the group leads us n a devotion for our time together. These can be instructional, reflective, conversational, and more. This is a wonderful group to make and build connections, and we hope that you will drop in to join us! or more information, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Have you ever wondered what the Bible really says—and if it truly has any meaning for us in modern times? If so, then you’re not alone. Most Christians have never really read the Bible, and many wonder if it’s antiquated teachings truly transcend time. If you would like to grapple with these questions, then you are encouraged to join in the Disciple Bible Study. Disciple IV spends the first half the year looking at the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, and the second half of the year focused on the Gospel of John and Revelation. The Disciple IV Bible study will be starting later this spring. Please contact Mike Mullin for more information or to sign-up contact mmullin@asburyfirst.org
Disciple IV Bible Study
Men’s Devotional Group
Wednesdays, 7 am, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Yoga at Asbury First
Tuesdays, 3 pm, Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door
Join us for our weekly sessions of Gentle Yoga. This gentle attention can help both to bring inner awareness to your body, as well as clarity and peace to the mind! Classes are an hour long and open to participants at any level. $10 at the door, you're encouraged to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes, and to bring a towel and water with you.
Carvers of Hope is a wood carving ministry that helps people who find themselves in the very difficult places of life. Its members carve handmade crosses as a reminder of the hope Jesus brought to us through the cross. All materials, wood, and carving tools are provided, as well as carving lessons. No prior skill is needed to carve crosses with this group. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact John Smalt at jhsmalt@gmail.com.
4th Tuesday of the Month, 6:30–8 pm, Room 203
As The Spirit Moves Us
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Asbury First's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group continues to hold meetings seeking new ways to support the LGBTQ+ community. Meetings are held in the Youth Room (in the lower level of the church). Anyone affiliated with LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome to attend. We will be planning for events, outreach, and educational opportunities in our community. Youth and adults are welcome! For more information, please contact Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117 or at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.
4th Wednesday of the Month, 3–4:30 pm, Library
3rd Sunday of the Month, at 9:45 am, 1040 Youth Room (lower level)
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Meeting
Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am, Room LL03 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW Disciple) As The Spirit Moves is a class founded on forming a welcoming community to study Biblical events through scripture as well as Christian-based literature. All are welcome, and every voice is heard as we become better together. For more information about this class, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x105.
Carvers of Hope
A prayer shawl is a simple shawl or a lap blanket knitted by members of our group. It is symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. The knitting itself is very simple and we have “experts” on hand to help you if you are a beginner. The group meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday. Clergy and lay members of our church identify those who may benefit from our ministry and a shawl, and they're delivered by ministers or congregation members. Questions? Contact Meredith Pixley at meredithpixley@gmail.com.
To submit an announcement, email communication@asburyfirst.org, call the church office at (585) 271-1050, or fill out the online form at asburyfirst.org/bulletin-announcement. If you'd like to receive regular paper communications, please call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members. If you would like to place flowers on the altars, please contact Jeanne Ristau at (585) 223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care. Our hearts are with the family of Alan Ziegler who died on November 4. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, November 17 at 11 am. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Julie Dougherty who died on Sunday, November 16. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place here at Asbury First on Friday, November 21 at 1 pm. We want to be able to visit and pray with those who are in the hospital. If you know someone who is in the hospital and would like a pastoral call, or if you yourself are in the hospital or have a date for surgery, please call Rev. Kathy Thiel who will be most glad to be with you in that moment. (585) 271-1050 x106.
Celebrations and concerns
Stay up-to-date with events, links, and information with our online calendar, or call (585) 271-1050.
asburyfirst.org/events