asburyfirst.org
(585) 271-1050
Youth Musical Auditions
Join the Banned Book Club as we gather to discuss Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," a sweet, romantic comedy which explores themes of love, identity, and navigating public and private lives. Contact Mike Mullin at (585) 271-1050 x105 for more details.
Saturday, September 6, 10 am in Fellowship Hall
Monday, September 15, 7 - 8 pm, Red Room (1010) and via Zoom
August 2025
September is upon us, and that means regular rehearsals resume for Asbury First's musical ensembles! If you haven't participated before, now is a great time to consider joining, whether it's Sanctuary Choir, Asbury Ringers, Asbury Orchestra, or our Youth or Children's programs. For more information, reach out to our Director of Music Ministries, Carl Johengen at (585) 271-1050 x134.
Preparations for the next Asbury First Community Theatre production have already begun and you won't want to miss out! Auditions for Anastasia begin Saturday, September 6 at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Call backs and supplemental auditions are at 2 pm on Sunday, September 7. No preparations required. Call the church office for more information: (585) 271-1050
Banned Book Club
NEWS SHEET
You're invited! Join us for upcoming worship, fellowship, and fun.
Music Rehearsals Resume - Join Us!
How We Learn To Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington
Wednesday Morning Book Study
Connection Sunday! September 7
Starting September 3, every Wednesday at 10 am through October 15, in the Red Room (1010) and on Zoom* (see pg 10), we'll discuss this book about responding with clarity and grace in tough times. Bishop Budde teaches that bravery is a daily journey of living according to our true beliefs and best selves, providing fortitude for uncertain times. Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org
NEWS SHEET | august 2025
Fall is the perfect time to reconnect, re-engage, and renew your spirit! On Sunday, September 7, we’re inviting everyone at Asbury First to join in for Connection Sunday — a chance to discover all the ways you can connect, grow, and belong this year. After both worship services, the Gathering Center will feature tables representing our ministries, programs, and opportunities. Whether you’re looking for: Fun and fellowship with new friends, Spiritual growth through study or prayer, Opportunities to make a difference, Community and connection in small groups or classes…there’s a place for you! Stop by, ask questions, meet leaders, and see what’s ahead this fall. Come ready to discover how you can connect more deeply with God and with one another. We can’t wait to see where this season will take us—together! And that’s not all—later in the month, you'll have an opportunity to explore ways to share your time and talents through volunteering as we continue to host our Fourth Sunday Volunteer Engagement Table in the Welcome Hall. Let’s connect. Let’s grow. Let’s do more good.
Join members of the Asbury First Civics Team (an initiative of the Social Concerns Committee) in writing postcards to voters. Bring your best penmanship, a pen and lots of enthusiasm to the Red Room (1010, COC) on Wednesdays from 10 am - noon. For more information contact the office at (585) 271-1050
The Asbury First Civics Team Wants You!
The Columbarium installation is now substantially complete. The next phase will focus on the Memorial Garden and, as fill and soil begin to arrive, the progress will be beautiful to see! This space for meditation, reflection, and the inurnment of cremains has been decades in the making. Contact Kathy Thiel to reserve your niche or learn more at kthiel@asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x106
Thursday, October 9 Worship: 11 am in the Sanctuary Lunch: Noon in the Gathering Center In the cooler air of Fall and the warmth of fellowship, let’s gather for a time of worship and sharing a meal. Please RSVP to Barbara Eltinge at either (585) 737-8775 by Friday, October 3. Please indicate any dietary restrictions or food allergies (such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc.).
Let it Grow! The Columbarium and Memorial Garden are taking shape!
Older Adult Fall Worship & Luncheon
August's COC Chapel Challenge
Prostate Cancer Support Group - Summer Break
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the August COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Boys and Men’s sweatpants and gym shorts. A list of other specific items is available at asburyfirst.org/coc. Please drop them off near the rail in the front of the Children's Chapel before or after services.
Bakers needed! Please consider baking cookies for Asbury First hospitality. Drop them at the church office to be frozen until needed, helping our hospitality team over the summer while ensuring treats after Sunday worship. Contact Paula Dugan: (585) 271-1050 x111.
Cookies Wanted!
The Prostate Cancer Support Group is taking a summer hiatus and will not be meeting in August. But we'll be back! Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:30 pm in the Red Room (1010). We look forward to reconnecting with our community this fall. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys a restful summer.
Asbury First NAMI Walks Team
HELP ME READ seeks more tutors!
New Tutor Training/Orientation: Wednesday, August 20 — 9 to 10:30 am Monday, August 25 — 9 to 10:30 am Monday, September 8 — 9 to 10:30 am All orientations are held at 1000 North Winton Rd. If you are interested in tutoring please contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624.
We're collecting school supplies for Pre-K through 6th grade students at School 17 from August 17 through September 7 in the Welcome Hall. Simply leave donations at the table. Items needed: backpacks, crayons, pencils, erasers, pens, markers, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, pencil boxes, folders, binders, notebooks, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact John Smalt at (585) 924-8624.
School Supplies Drive
Join us for the NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 27, this year starting from Asbury First! NAMI is a grassroots organization supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is Asbury First’s second year fielding a team, and we’d love for you to join us. It's a great way to show support, raise awareness, and walk together for mental health. All are welcome! For more information, contact David Berg at (585) 271-1050
ARTICLES | august 2025
What began as a simple idea from Rev. Kathy Thiel and Deb Bullock-Smith has blossomed into something unexpectedly profound at Asbury First. The Collaborative Makers Gathering, originally conceived as a one-time opportunity for congregants to share workspace while pursuing their individual creative projects, has revealed the deep human need for creative community. The pandemic taught us that proximity to others is precious: it replaces the crushing weight of isolation with something life-giving. There's something almost sacred about working on your personal project while others tend to theirs around you. The gentle sounds of focused work, the occasional shared glance, the quiet presence of fellow creators... it transforms solitary craft into communal meditation. Deb's own handiwork exemplifies this beautiful intersection of personal creativity and shared worship. Her quilted rainbow antependium which can be seen draped seasonally from the lectern, reminds us that some of the objects of public ceremony originate in the hands of a passionate individual exercising their craft. Making can also serve as meditation, a vessel for holding time, a way of symbolically wrapping our experiences with care. We make in order to consecrate time and space. Sometimes we do this collectively, but crafting reminds us to see holiness in the simple work of our hands. The overwhelming success of that first gathering made one thing clear: this needed to happen monthly! So now, once a month, the Collaborative Makers Gathering dedicates precious hours to this creative fellowship. Crafters arrive prepared to work on tatting, painting, drawing, embroidery, counted cross stitch, knitting, book making, quilting, mending; crafters lug along the tools of their work, and materials to share, but most importantly, they bring themselves. In a world that often feels fragmented and isolated, these monthly gatherings offer something increasingly rare: the simple, profound gift of making together. We hope you'll join us at the next Collaborative Maker's Gathering on Saturday, August 23 from 1 to 3 pm in Fellowship Hall.
CREATIVE COMMUNION: THE COLLABORATIVE MAKERS GATHERING
Breaking barriers and beating incredible odds! Charles Sean Bohrer has triumphantly secured his place among an elite group of just twelve singers hand-picked from a staggering 548 applicants for Finger Lakes Opera's (FLO) prestigious 2025 Young Artist Program. This remarkable achievement puts a spotlight on the extraordinary talent flourishing right here at Asbury First! This year brings thrilling new possibilities as FLO launches its groundbreaking Apprentice Artist level, a visionary initiative crafted specifically for promising young voices with local ties. Charlie is the perfect embodiment of this exciting new chapter: a rising star with unshakeable community roots and unlimited potential. Throughout the summer, Charlie has proven his versatility and charm across multiple productions and venues. He was contracted to perform as Ophemon in The Anonymous Lover and served as an ensemble member in Out Loud at ARTISANworks. Beyond the main stage, he has delighted audiences at FLO's community engagement events, bringing opera to intimate settings such as Ferris Hills, Ashton Place, and even the unique atmosphere of Three Heads Brewing. "Charlie has been an absolute delight to have onboard this summer," says FLO Executive Director Elizabeth Long. "He is yet again proof that one doesn't have to leave Rochester to find incredible talent." Charlie's summer culminates with his participation in the men's chorus for FLO's production of Rigoletto, playing this Thursday, August 7 and Sunday, August 10 at the Panara Theatre at RIT.
HOME-GROWN TALENT: CHARLIE BOHRER
You know what struck us most about this year? Everyone really did embody that bee spirit we were going for. Just like busy bees in a hive, each person found their perfect role and dove in with such grace and enthusiasm. Whether leading crafts, helping with snacks, wrangling excited kids, or cheering everyone on, the volunteers made B Camp special in their own unique way. The energy we all felt together was something truly special, and we hope the photos we're sharing capture even a little bit of that magic we experienced together.
What a wonderful week we had at this year's VBS! Our "B Camp" with its delightful bee theme was absolutely buzzing with excitement from start to finish. The kids were incredible - their joy and energy were contagious and reminded us all why we love doing this every summer. And can we talk about that gorgeous weather? It felt like a blessing from above, giving us perfect days to enjoy all our outdoor activities and games. We have to give a huge shoutout to everyone who made B Camp possible. Our amazing youth helpers jumped in with such enthusiasm, and our volunteer team was simply wonderful - each person bringing their own special gifts to make the week magical. Honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better group of helping hands and loving hearts.
"B CAMP" WRAP-UP
ASBURY FIRST SCRAPBOOK
Wednesdays, 10–11:30 am , 1010 Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464 PW Disciple) 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, 12:30–3 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 Wednesday of the Month, 6:30–8 pm, Education Wing
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.
Celebrations and concerns
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in gratitude of past and present church members, and in loving memory of Patricia Jane Pauly by her family. Jane was a devoted, active member of Asbury First for over 60 years. Among the many areas in which she participated, she especially enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir. Jane’s Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, August 31, at 2 pm. If you would like to place flowers on the altar, 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 Jane Pauly who died on July 16. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Sunday, August 31 at 2 pm in the Sanctuary. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Bonnie Crossley, who died Tuesday, August 5. Bonnie is Barb Denigris' sister. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 6 at 11 am in the Sanctuary. 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.
Stay up-to-date with events, links, and information with our online calendar, or call (585) 271-1050.
asburyfirst.org/events