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(585) 271-1050
Asbury First Community Theatre presents: Seussical, November 13, 14 and 15 This November, get ready for a mad-cap musical of Seussian proportions! Imagination runs wild as beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories come together in one fantastical tale. With humor, heart, and show-stopping songs, Seussical is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the power of standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Reserve your seat now for ACT's latest in Fellowship Hall, November 13 and 14 at 7 pm, and Sunday November 15 at 2 pm at www.asburyfirst.org/seussical
NOVEMBER 2026
Town Hall / Church Conference On Sunday, November 15, following 11 am worship and before the Seussical performance, we will gather for our annual Church Conference, which in the United Methodist Church is the once-a-year meeting where the entire congregation is invited to participate in the business of the church. Think of it as both a Town Hall and a family meeting: a time to celebrate what God has done among us, to affirm leaders for the coming year, and to take care of essential matters that shape our shared life. For those interested in the ongoing budget process, updates will be published in early November for your information and questions; the budget will not be finalized and passed until January. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for this special gathering—and make plans to attend the musical afterward!
NEWS SHEET
You're invited! Join us for upcoming worship, fellowship, and fun.
Wednesday Evening Programming Returns! Wednesdays, starting with Community Dinner at 5:30 pm After a summer hiatus, Wednesday nights at Asbury First are back! Join us for Community Dinner at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Center, followed by a full line-up of music and learning. Whether you're singing, ringing, learning, or sharing a meal, there's a place for everyone of all ages. — mark your calendars and bring a friend. We'll see you there!
NEWS SHEET | NOVEMBER 2026
Help Us Winterize Our Tools! In this season of Stewardship when we ask for commitments of gifts, here is an opportunity for giving time and talents instead of treasures. Asbury First has a dozen gasoline power tools used to maintain the campus. As winter approaches the summer tools need seasonal care and the winter tools need to be checked for proper operation. If you have the know-how and willingness to do this, it would be a gift of significant value that does not involve money. If interested, please call the church office at (585) 271-1050.
NEWS SHEET | MARCH 2026
Fall Campus Cleanup! Join us November 14 for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup! Bring rakes, tarps, and anything else you find makes this task interesting, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call the church office at (585) 271-1050. Meet in the Granger Yard at 8:30 am.
Our annual stewardship season has begun and by now you've likely received a letter from the Generosity Team introducing this year’s theme, Faithfully Together, inviting you to consider your commitment to Asbury First for 2027. As we enter this season, we hope you will take some time for prayer and reflection, giving thanks for the ways this community has touched your life and considering how you might participate in its ministry in the year ahead. There is no need to rush. We simply invite you to begin the conversation with God and to approach this season with an open heart.
It's that time of year again, and there is a vacancy at this Inn—for Christmas Eve Pageant sign-ups! If your child would like to be a part of our production, we’d love to have you sign-up by November 22. Please email children@asburyfirst.org for more info or to sign up.
The holidays are almost here! Between Halloween and Christmas, the Storehouse hopes to give every child we shop for a new toy, and we need your help. We’re collecting new or very gently used toys for ages newborn to teen. Younger children love character toys (Bluey, Miss Rachel, superheroes) and sensory toys, while older kids enjoy art kits, makeup sets, Legos, and balls for sports. Please drop off donations in the Children’s Chapel of the Sanctuary on Sunday.
Christmas Eve Pageant Service
Faithfully Together: 2027 Annual Pledge Progress Report
November Chapel Challenge: Toys!
The Library at Asbury First Celebrates Native American Heritage Month! November is Native American Heritage Month! Stop by the bibliocart in the library for books by Native American authors, stories of gratitude, and titles honoring Veterans Day, including: Nonfiction: Grateful by Diana Butler Bass Fiction: The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich or The Women by Kristin Hannah Young Adult: A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger or Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac Middle Grade: The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower by P. J. Lynch Picture Book: Join Our Family by Apryl Stott or The Wall by Eve Bunting Also, come see the finished puzzle in the Reading Room and start a new one!
Adult Sunday School Forum Sundays, 9:45 am-10:45 am, Fellowship Hall and Zoom Asbury First's Sunday School Forum meets weekly on Sundays in Fellowship Hall between services to discuss a range of topics including current events, social justice, and discipleship practices. All are welcome to gather with us as we learn more about ourselves, our community, and the world around us. Each week stands alone, so come as you are able! Pastor Dee and Jo will be coordinating and facilitating this group. For more information, please email programs@asburyfirst.org.
Wednesday Morning Book Study: The Bible, A Biography Think you know the Bible? Think again! Join our six-week journey through Karen Armstrong's acclaimed book to explore how this text was written, fought over, and reinvented across thousands of years. Whether you see the Bible as divine revelation, historical literature, or a cultural mystery, your voice is welcome, and no background is required, just an open mind and a love for discussion. Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 am, October 14 through November 18, in the Red Room (1010). Pick up a copy, read the Introduction and Chapter 1, and join us!
LIBRARY NEWS!
Dining In For Outreach Celebration November 8, between the worship services, Gathering Center Join us Sunday, November 8, between worship services in the Gathering Center for a special celebration honoring longtime Asbury First volunteers who have been deeply involved in our outreach ministries. The celebration begins at approximately 9:45 am and will include food, music, and special recognition of our honorees, as well as of the funds raised for the Community Outreach Center through the Dining In For Outreach (DIFO) event on November 7. DIFO sign-ups are available in the Narthex through October.
Trans Youth Book Talk with Author Nico Lang November 21 at 3 pm in the Gathering Center Join author Nico Lang for a critical conversation on how to be an ally to trans kids during a turbulent era. From the tip of Florida’s conservative panhandle to vibrant queer communities in California, and from Texas churches to mosques in Illinois, American Teenager gives readers a window into the lives of eight teens who, despite what some lawmakers might want us to believe, are truly just kids looking for a brighter future.
Bibles Ministry at Asbury First A new initiative has taken shape at Asbury First: the Bibles Ministry seeks to collect extra Bibles from the congregation and redistribute them to those who could use one. Bring your extra Bibles to one of two receptacles on campus (one in the Welcome Hall near the other donation bins, and the other in the Church Offices at 1050), and they'll be distributed to homeless centers, schools, youth programs, re-entry programs, battered women's centers, and outreach centers around Monroe County.
The Monday Morning crew is seeking a replacement for our ancient table saw. If you would like to donate your no longer used 10" or 12" table saw, please contact Dave Kennedy (programs@asburyfirst.org or call him at (585) 339-8940). For safety reasons, any donated saw must have a blade guard and riving knife available.
Last Christmas, our congregation’s generosity helped bridge the gap for neighbors affected by SNAP cuts and bare pantry shelves. This year, we invite you to help us glow a little brighter. A generous donor has already provided the tree for the front of the church, but your donation will bring Christmas trees to the Gathering Center and altar space of the Sanctuary, so that everyone who gathers here feels the warmth of the season. Email dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org if you'd like to make a gift.
Banned Book Club reads George Orwell's 1984 Monday, November 16 at 7pm in the Red Room and via Zoom
The Banned Book Club meets Bi-monthly to read and discuss a different Banned Book. Join us Monday, November 16 at 7 pm in the Red Room (in the Community Outreach Center) as we dive into Orwell's vision of a dystopian world unnervingly similar to our own. Email programs@asburyfirst.org for more info and/or the Zoom link.
Table Saw Wanted!
Trees for Christmas
Come support the Storehouse with holiday spirit — Asbury First artisans and local craftspeople are bringing their wares to Fellowship Hall (below the Sanctuary) for our annual Holiday Bazaar. Join us November 21 and 22 and celebrate another wonderful year of the Asbury First Storehouse!
The Storehouse Holiday Bazaar Returns! Saturday, November 21, 9 am-4 pm in Fellowship Hall and Sunday November 22, 10 am-1 pm
Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 22 at 9 and 11 am
Dream of Thanksgiving dinner with a slice of Apple Crumb, Pecan, Strawberry Rhubarb, Pumpkin, or Rumbleberry Pie? Pies are $20 each, baked by Special Touch Bakery (School of the Holy Childhood), and freeze well for Christmas. Order and pay in the Welcome Hall on Sundays, October 25, November 1, and 8. Pick up your pies there on Monday, November 23, 1-5 pm. Every pie supports Asbury First’s work building homes with Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraiser.
The Thanksgiving In-Gathering, a worship celebration and our biggest donation drive of the year, is quickly approaching! Please consider bringing a donation to offer at either of the worship services on Sunday, November 22. A specific list of needed items is available on our website. Please consult the list as it contains the items that are most helpful in serving our neighbors. Thank you for your involvement in the work of alleviating poverty and homelessness in Rochester! Visit asburyfirst.org/thanksgiving-in-gathering for a list of items most helpful in serving our neighbors.
Habitat for Humanity Pie Sale Returns!
Morning Prayer – Thursdays at 9:30 am
Accessibility at Asbury First: Hearing Loop Active
Asbury Women's Art Class – Fridays, 1 - 3:30 pm
Discover your creative sanctuary at the Asbury Women's Art Class, a warm, non-judgmental space to unwind and explore creativity as prayer, meditation, and reflection—process over product, no experience needed. Join us Fridays, 1 to 3:30 pm starting September 11, in Room 205 (the bell room in 1040). Supply fee varies; a free-will offering supports the facilitator. Come as you are, leave renewed. Questions or registration: programs@asburyfirst.org or call the Church Office at (585) 271-1050.
We are pleased to offer a hearing loop system for those with hearing loss. This system delivers audio directly from our microphones to your personal hearing aid or cochlear implant. Please switch your device to the 'T' (Telecoil) setting. If you do not have a T-coil, please see an usher to borrow a portable receiver.
In these turbulent times of shifting headlines and unsettling political events, our pastoral staff feels called to help our community maintain spiritual grounding. We invite you to join us for Morning Prayer every Thursday from 9:30 to 10 am in the Meditation Chapel (within the Sanctuary). This simple service offers a space to center ourselves in God's presence, solidarity, compassion, and love. No special preparation needed—come as you are, whenever you can join us.
Grocery Bag Ministry Is Now Meeting the Second Saturday of Each Month
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 2026
For over 12 years, Asbury First's Grocery Bag Ministry has assembled thousands of grocery bags for families in need across Rochester. Join us the second Saturday of each month at 8 am in the Dining & Caring Center to help pack grocery bags distributed to partner churches and refugee families through the Keeping Our Promise program.
Do More Good via the Volunteer Hub at asburyfirst.org There are many ways to be part of the life and ministry of Asbury First—here, we work together to Do More Good! Our Volunteer Hub makes it easy to explore current opportunities by ministry area, interest, and time commitment. Think of it as a place to browse, get curious, and discover where your gifts and availability might meet a real need. Browse current volunteer opportunities and see what speaks to you by visiting asburyfirst.org and clicking VOLUNTEER at the top of the page (or in the 3 line menu if you're using your smartphone). This is a place for you to connect, contribute, and Do More Good.
ARTICLES | MARCH 2026
Jo Urriola-Schonewolf is the Coordinator for Age-Level Ministries at Asbury First. To continue this conversation, reach out to them by email at jurriolaschonewolf@ asburyfirst.org or call (585) 271-1050 x111.
Note: Horror is not for every person or every age, and some horror movies are never good for anyone! I want to offer the perspective that it's okay or even good for us church people to watch horror sometimes, but that doesn't mean that this year is the year you sit down and watch It as a family. I did not grow up loving horror. Sure, my dad has a complete collection of the published works of Stephen King, and yes, my parents' attic is packed with our myriad Halloween yard decorations over the years, and yeah, the house I grew up in was maybe haunted, but I myself was a bit of a scaredy cat when it came to the spooky. Like many of my generation, I loved Disney'sFantasia, except for "Night on Bald Mountain" (and that horrific dinosaur battle!) and I enjoyed listening to the folk tales our substitute teacher would tell us, but I could not abideScary Stories to Tell in the Dark. (Those illustrations haunt me to this day.) But that all changed when I discovered the podcastWelcome to Night Vale.WTNVis presented as a community radio show from a small town out in the southwest desert where the strange and horrifying is an everyday occurrence. From the dog park where dogs are not allowed (because the shadowy hooded figures need a place to be) to the library where many-mouthed monsters stalk the shelves, the citizens of Night Vale have learned how to keep themselves safe in an unsafe world, together. From there, the world of horror opened wide. I listened to other horror podcasts, I picked up some of those Stephen King novels, and I began to dip my toe into horror movies. I took a leap and watched Mike Flanagan's "The Haunting of Hill House" and as I watched the Crane family fall apart and come back together despite the house trying to consume them, I finally saw horror for all it could be: stories that help us feel, practice, and advocate. It's oddly similar to what we do in worship. Horror helps us feel. A large part of my thesis research focused on religious experiences, especially experiences of awe and wonder. Awe is what our sanctuary tries to evoke in us with its high ceilings and stained glass, drawing our eyes up toward the heavens. Wonder is what we might experience at the foot of Niagara Falls or when a delighted baby giggles during baptism. These experiences can bring us closer to each other and to God. Horror is the flip side of awe. Rather than drawing us closer, horror tells us to run away. While the sanctuary invites us to awe, horror compels us to react. More generously, horror gives you permission to feel. You're supposed to be disgusted and scared and nervous when you read or watch or listen to horror. That's the whole point. It's encouraged! If you're having trouble connecting to those awe and wonder feelings, give horror a try. It just might crack you open enough to let some light in. Horror can help us practice. There are many ways to understand what we do in worship, but one way to think about worship is asrehearsal. In worship, we rehearse who we want to be out in the world. We greet each other. We read and listen to stories and discussions about how to love one another better. We listen to good music together. We meditate on the good and bad in the world and we make promises to each other about what we're going to do about it. For an hour each week in the sanctuary, we rehearse our Christian life out in the world. Horror helps us practice too. For those with anxiety, horror can be a place where we see our worst fears played out and we see how people survive those fears (most of the time). Each time we scream, "Don't go into the basement!", we're practicing how to keep ourselves safe. Each time we see the Big Bad of a horror movie move in the background, we're teaching ourselves to pay attention to how things move in the real world. Even as we watch the unlikely timeline in which Michael Myers goes after every single one of Jamie Lee Curtis's friends before finding her, we're practicing compassion and concern in the face of depravity. Horror can help us advocate. What we feel and practice in worship helps us advocate for others in our community. Each week, we ground ourselves in the truth that God loves us, our neighbors, and our enemies. We learn about the places in the world that God is calling us to notice and we restore and prepare ourselves for that work. Horror has a mixed history when it comes to advocacy (but hey, so does the church!) and it has a long legacy of confronting social issues in a way that holds up a mirror for us. From powerful ending ofNight of the Living Dead(Romero pulls no punches about the reality of racial violence in the US) to the incisive social commentary of the 1992 Candyman to the mind-bending world ofUs, horror gives us an unflinching look at what we've built and begs us to do something better. Horror isn't perfect and it isn't for everyone (but hey, neither is worship!). If this piece has shifted your thinking on the horror genre at all, though, let me know! I'd be happy to send along an Intro to Horror viewing list that just might take you to church.
ARTICLES | NOVEMBER 2026
Attention Retirees, Especially Those Receiving Medicare Benefits! Explore How Supporting AFUMC’s Ministries Can Potentially be a Financial Win-Win for You! If you have Medicare Part B or Part D coverage, your monthly costs could look drastically different from the “standard” rates due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which is a progressive surcharge added directly to Medicare premiums reflecting the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as it falls into one of several income brackets in an annually produced table by CMS. It’s not uncommon to find a situation where a single dollar of excess income ends up costing individuals thousands of dollars in annual surcharges. Thus, thoughtfully managing one’s retirement income has significant financial implications for many retirees. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts that individuals age 73 years and older must annually withdraw from their traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and retirement plan accounts. An individual’s RMD amount changes annually based on the individual’s age, the total remaining applicable retirement funds balance, the individual’s life expectancy, and the individual’s beneficiaries’ life expectancies. Typically, as an individual successfully ages, the RMD amount which they will be required to withdraw tends to also increase. Failure to withdraw the full amount of the RMD may result in the amount not withdrawn being subject to an excise tax of 25%. Individuals are taxed at their income tax rate on the amount of the withdrawn RMD and this sum is included in the MAGI which may impact an individual’s IRMAA. There is a way to meet the RMD requirement without generating one’s taxable income by donating as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) some of the annual RMD amount to a charity, such as Asbury First United Methodist Church and/or the Community Outreach Center at Asbury First. This in effect provides a charitable donation, meets the RMD requirement, yet lowers the MAGI which may effectively decrease one’s IRMMA by moving the individual into a lower income bracket, potentially saving significant money from a lower Medicare surcharge. Consequently, this potentially can become a “Win-Win” for you and Asbury First’s ministries. To find out more details, come to the upcoming Financial Management Seminar at Asbury First and/or speak with your own financial/tax advisor. This can be a way of making generosity work well for everyone!
Supporting the ministries of Asbury First is easy to do beginning with your pledge of support. Your pledge is a financial commitment to the mission of AFUMC that allows the church to budget for the coming year. Fulfilling your pledge can be done in many ways, including making a gift from your will, estate or trust, or making a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) or RMD (required minimum distribution) from your IRA or retirement account. For most folks, giving directly on a weekly, monthly or annual basis is the choice that works best. There are many options, and we want to share some information to help you make the best decision for your situation. A monthly giving program, sometimes referred to as a sustaining or recurring donor program, allows supporters to donate a fixed amount each month, automatically charged to their credit card or bank account. This choice gives thedonora budget-friendly way to contribute without the hassle of making a monthly manual transfer, while providing thechurchwith a predictable income source that allows more stability in planning and budgeting to meet the monthly needs. You will also have the option to make this recurring gift renewable annually, or to change or increase it in future years. Giving certainly can be done by check or cash, but electronic giving provides many options as well. Asbury First’s website asburyfirst.org/give outlines options that include Credit or Debit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo or ACH (bank account). Each of these services charge a fee to AF. When pledging through Asbury First’s website, donors have the option of including/covering that fee (3%) with your gift. These fees amount to nearly $17k/year in expense, so we are eternally grateful to the donors who help to cover these costs. Venmo is the only one of these services that takes the fee directly out of your gift, to cover their expenses, meaning that only 97% of your gift comes to Asbury First. Finally, many employers offer matching gift programs that will match your donation dollar for dollar. A matching gift is a great way for you to increase the impact of your giving to Asbury First. Check with your employer to find out if they will match your donation. No matter the frequency or the method you choose to fulfill your pledge of support, you can be assured that you are making a difference in the life and mission of Asbury First to serve its members and the community. Thank you.
Dining In for Outreach is one of the major fundraisers for Asbury First’s outreach ministries, and for congregant Tim Mahan it has also become a way to build community. In the first episode of the Dining In for Outreach podcast, Tim shared how he and a group of friends turned their dinner into a highlight of the season. Join forces. Tim and his wife Johanna, along with the Giordanos, the Whites, and others, were all hoping to invite the same circle of friends. Instead of hosting three small dinners, they combined resources into one big event. They also held a few planning get-togethers, which Tim says were fun in their own right. Pick a theme. After a first year of grilling, lasagna, and barbecue, the group took things up a notch with a different cuisine each year. German night featured schnitzel, specialty sausage, red cabbage, German potato salad, and Riesling. French night included a wine and cheese pairing station with Burgundies and Bordeaux. Dress the part. Guests are told the theme ahead of time so they can come in costume. German night brought out lederhosen, a dress from Germany, and a Dortmund soccer jersey. For the French dinner, the hosts bought berets for everyone. This year’s theme is a Bills tailgate, so guests can dig out their favorite Bills or NFL gear. Table-jumping, Tim says, is probably off the menu. Set up stations. Rather than one long table, the group sets up three or four spots where guests can sit, then move around during the meal. Plan for every diet. The first big dinner offered three or four entrees, including vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone could enjoy the meal. Connect before the dinner. If you’re new to hosting, Tim recommends reaching out to your guests in advance. You’ll learn about dietary needs, and guests will feel more at ease walking into a new home. For Tim, the dinner is about more than raising money for a great cause. It gives his group of friends, who are at similar stages of life, a regular way to come together.
We’re pleased to share some good news: the new speaker installation in our sanctuary is complete, finishing ahead of our original end-of-October schedule. Every key technical milestone has been reached: Installation of the new speakers Updated wiring infrastructure Speaker configuration based on a 3D acoustic model of the sanctuary Final listening tests in the sanctuary space The new speakers made their debut during worship on Sunday, October 18th. Any additional fine-tuning based on that first Sunday will take place during the week of October 19th. We’re very excited about this upgrade, and we truly appreciate the congregation’s patience throughout the process. We’re confident the results will provide an exceptional listening experience for both the spoken word and the music we share in our sanctuary. We’d Love to Hear from You Over the coming weeks, the system will continue to be monitored and tuned. If you have feedback on your listening experience, please let us know, and be sure to mention where in the sanctuary you were sitting. That detail helps us make precise adjustments. To share your feedback, email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org.
DINING IN FOR OUTREACH
Last Thursday, our Older Adult Autumn Gathering brought together a wonderful crowd at Asbury First for worship in the sanctuary followed by lunch in the Gathering Center. Over the past few years, this dedicated group has kept growing, and gatherings like this are warm reminders to make time for one another. Led by Pastor Dee Finch and Barbara Eltinge, along with a committed team of volunteers, our Older Adult Ministry serves 60 to 100 participants year-round through communion services, luncheons, and special events that nurture faith and fellowship. Thank you to our volunteers and to everyone who joined us. Your lifelong contributions helped build this church, and we’re grateful for you. Photos by Elizabeth Church and David Stith.
Financial Sustainability Update: 2026 Pledge Fulfillment & 2027 Budget Detail What you will learn: Why 2026 pledge fulfillment is so important More information about the proposed 2027 budgets How you can help 2026 Pledge Fulfillment Throughout the year we have carefully managed our expenses (thanks to the efforts of countless volunteers and staff!), staying on budget for both the General and COC Budgets. Even our overall Facilities & Custodial expenses- which have been problematic in the past—have remained on budget. This is great, good news. Thanks to your generosity our year-to-date income for both budgets has also been strong (also great, good news)- but our work is not yet done. An important part of financial sustainability is ensuring that each year our year-end total income matches our year-end total expenses. To accomplish this, 2026 pledge fulfilment is vitally important. As of October 26, pledge balances (pledged dollars not yet received) are still significant: $336,843 for General pledges and $76,520 for COC pledges. For everyone able to do so, please fulfill your 2026 pledges. If you have questions about your pledge balances or payments, please email John Ormsbee (jormsbee@asburyfirst.org) or call the church office (585-271-1050). 2027 Proposed Budgets This update builds on the information shared in the October Financial Sustainability Update. Many staff and volunteers are working diligently on your behalf to finalize the proposed 2027 General and COC Budgets, and we continue to look for opportunities to reduce costs wherever possible. 2027 Budget drafts are now available for your review (call the church office (585-271-1050) to see these). In these drafts, you will see notes indicating where there is still work ongoing. These proposed budgets require $1,500,000 in General pledges (by Dec 15) and $320,000 in COC pledges (also by Dec 15). The 2027 General and COC Budgets will be finalized after Dec 15 pledge totals are known. How You Can Help Stay informed, ask questions and share your ideas Attend the Church Conference & Town Hall on Nov 15; during our time together, there will be an opportunity to address questions you may have about 2027 budget development Pledge to the General and COC budgets by December 15, 2026 We welcome your questions, ideas and feedback. Please reach out to finance@asburyfirst.org or call the church office (585-271-1050) for more information. With gratitude, Dawn Riedy, Finance Committee Chair Tim Mahan, Financial Sustainability Task Force Chaira
Sometimes small questions can become big mysteries. If you’re a person who likes a quick answer, that’s probably not a point of comfort for you. I, however, never mind an excuse to poke around in history when those big mysteries arise. That is precisely how I found myself in the archives room of 1050 this week, sifting through records—some of which date back to the mid-1800s. This all began when I went to update our letter to families about Bible Sunday, the occasion on which third-graders receive their very own copy of the Bible during our 11 am service. I wanted to include some language about how this has been a longstanding tradition at Asbury First UMC, reflecting upon the fact that I had received a Bible of my own here when I was a third-grader. My mother confirmed that she, too, had received one. And then I wanted to know…who had been the first to receive Bibles here as third-graders? And why did we give Bibles tothird-graders? The questions were multiplying. I started by reaching out to Nancy Adamus, a lifelong member of Asbury First, to see if she knew when we had started this “Bible Sunday” tradition. She promptly responded that she had talked to Betty Root Froelicher, another lifelong member—and while they were talking, Nancy said, “she reached over a little and picked up the Bible that she received when she was in the 3rd grade in 1940.” Nancy also informed me that another of our members had received a Bible in third-grade from a different United Methodist Church, which was an important hint. I had already learned through a bit of research that the institution of Sunday School in the United States gained a lot of steam over the period from 1860-1910. The Methodist Episcopal Church (one of our modern United Methodist Church’s primary ancestors) had established its own Sunday School Union in 1827, but a national focus on unity and “institution-building” likely helped to drive the exceptional growth of Sunday Schools in that period after the Civil War; also noteworthy was the concurrent work of the American Bible Society, which had been founded in 1816 with the mission of supporting “global Bible translation, production, distribution, literacy, engagement, ministry, and advocacy efforts.” By the end of the Civil War, it had distributed over 5.2 million copies of the Bible to military personnel and civilians—and this dovetailing of Bible distribution and Sunday School development may have formed the basis for a tradition in many Christian denominations of distributing Bibles to school-age children. With that history in mind, I began to sift through our archived documents. One of my first answers came from a 1954-55 brochure outlining the Asbury First Church School program. At that time (and, it seems, for many decades beforehand), children’s Sunday School was divided into (continued from previous page) “departments;” the youngest group, the Primary Department, consisted of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Here the document states that “upon leaving the Primary Department the child receives his own personal Bible which marks a mile-stone in his growth in God and is very important in his future activities.” So that was the “why” of the “why third-graders?” But my main puzzle was still unsolved. I already knew that someone had received a Bible at Asbury-First in 1940, so I had to go deeper. Thankfully, we have issues ofThe Visitorarchived from as far back as the 1920s. They show that Asbury First has also been celebrating “Children’s Day” on a Sunday late in June for probably as long as it has a “promotion” Sunday in autumn. I discovered a lot of differing language for these events—as well as some names that seem to have faded from our tradition. For example, “Rally Day” was an occasion in mid-September that marked the beginning of the Sunday School year for all ages. This was followed by “Christian Education Sunday,” which involved a “moving up” ceremony for Sunday Schoolers, later in September—language that persisted from the 1950s into the 1980s and 90s, but seems to have been abandoned at some point in the aughts. However, it appears that the presentation of Bibles did not always occur in the fall, as it does today; an annual Sunday School report from Ezra M. Sparlin in September 1914 notes that 26 children graduated from the Primary Department and received Bibles on June 14th, and aVisitorarticle from 1952 states that a similarly-sized class was to receive their Bibles in June. For whatever reason, it seems that the presentation of Bibles eventually became attached to the late-September celebration of Christian Education Sunday, and over the years that date slowly migrated into October to become the Bible Sunday that we know today. (It will take more time in the archives for me to determine exactly whenthatoccurred.) But though I still don’t have an exact answer to the question, “how long has Asbury First been giving Bibles to third-graders?” Icansay with confidence that our tradition began over 100 years ago—which is pretty darn impressive. The custom pre-dates the merger between Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church and First Church. I’ll probably keep digging, having been entranced by archive fever—and I’d be most elated to hear your own stories and recollections about this important milestone for our children. But one of my biggest takeaways from this endeavor is how uniquely fortunate we are to have such a vibrant, well-documented history; rather than acting as a limitation, our storied past with all its colorful characters, celebrations, humor, and whimsy provides ample inspiration for the possibilities that we, the congregation of Asbury First United Methodist Church, continue to dream of in 2026. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Fridays, 1 – 3:30 pm, 1040 Room 205 (upper level, bell choir room) Meeting on Friday afternoons, the Asbury Women's Art Class explores creation through a variety of art mediums. Please email Linda Clemow at soulsourcestudio1@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Wednesdays, 10–11:30 am , 1010 Red Room and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8924819492) PW 578697) This group meets on Wednesdays morning between Labor Day and Memorial Day. It is primarily a book group that is open to all. The group considers and chooses the books to read for the coming year each spring. They spend several weeks on each book, focusing on a few chapters each week. For more information, please contact programs@asburyfirst.org
Lectio Divina
CONTINUING CLASSES, GROUPS, AND EVENTS
Asbury Women's Art Class
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 prayer practice focused on one scripture. There is prayer, reading of the passage, silent contemplation and discussion. The silence is an opportunity to reflect upon what you experienced in the scripture and how it resonates with you. Come to either or both sessions. For more information please contact Lori Jeanne Peloquin: programs@asburyfirst.org. All are welcome.
Wednesday Morning Book Study
Tuesdays at 8:30 am and Thursdays at 8 am via Zoom
Tuesdays, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468 PW 200)
Every 4th Sunday in the Gathering Center
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 in 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! For more information, contact programs@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 its 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. For sign-up or more information, contact programs@asburyfirst.org
Disciple V Bible Study
Men’s Devotional Group
New to Asbury First? Thinking about membership? Curious about who we are and what it means to be part of this community? Join us for Chat with the Pastors, an informal monthly conversation where you can meet our clergy, learn more about Asbury First and the United Methodist tradition, ask questions, and explore whether membership might be a next step for you. Find us in the Gathering Center following both worship services. No pressure and no commitment—just conversation, connection, and a chance to learn more.
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.
Chat with the Pastors
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
Knitting 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 Us 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 sign-up or more information, contact programs@asburyfirst.org
Carvers of Hope
All are invited to join the Knitting Ministry, a place for gentle work and fellowship that meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday in the Library at Asbury First. The knitting itself is very simple and we have “experts” on hand to help you if you are a beginner. Questions? Contact programs@asburyfirst.org.
To submit an announcement, email communications@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 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 Our prayers are with Angie Burch following the death of her mother, Ida Hickman, who died on October 23. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, October 31. Our prayers are with Cara and Chuck Hanrahan and their daughter Emily following the death of Cara's mother, Sharon Grigsby, who died on October 13. A Celebration of Life will be held November 14 at 2 pm in the Sanctuary. Our prayers are with the family and friends of Lynn Selke whose wife Sharon Selke died on October 11. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 10:30 am in the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park. A reception will be held after the service at Mountain Rise UCC, Fairport, NY. Her ashes will be inurned in the Columbarium at Asbury First at 4 pm on November 14. As we give thanks for their lives, we hold their families and friends in our prayers and in the loving embrace of this congregation. May God's grace sustain them, and may cherished memories bring comfort in their sorrow. 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. Dee Finch 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