asburyfirst.org
(585) 271-1050
July 2025
Last summer, we had a great time playing softball and kickball, and we decided to try something new this year: Flag Football. Each Sunday in August, we will meet from 6 to 7 pm on the Granger Lawn to play pick-up games of flag football. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and we will create new teams each week. We will provide the flags, the field, and the football, you will just need to bring a sense of fun!
NEWS SHEET
You're invited! Join us for upcoming worship, fellowship, and fun.
Second Mile Giving Campaign Update!
Intergenerational Flag Football
Thanks to your generosity, the Second Mile Giving Campaign has raised a total of $205,000, and we now confidently have a fully funded 2025 General Budget! This was a mighty task, and it was accomplished in less than a month. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this ambitious goal! Don't worry If you felt God nudging you to contribute and you have not yet submitted your gift—you still may, as this revised budget did not include a cash reserve, a goal we are trying to meet in future budgets.
The Collaborative Makers Gatherings have been well-loved, and we're excited to continue meeting monthly on in Fellowship Hall from 1 to 4 pm. We hope you'll join us Saturday, August 23! Contact Rev. Kathy Thiel at (585) 271-1050 x106 or Deb Bullock-Smith at (585) 271-1050 x117 for more information.
Collaborative Makers MONTHLY Gathering
Immigration Justice Event at Temple B'rith Kodesh
NEWS SHEET | JUly 2025
The Prostate Cancer Support Group will be taking a summer hiatus and will not be meeting in July and 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.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – Summer Break
Join our friends at Temple B'rith Kodesh, Thursday, August 7 at 7 pm, for a challenging, confronting, and inspiring evening. Rabbi Peter Stein, Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Shere, and other specialists in immigration law will address the moral issue of immigration justice. They will share stories to reinforce our commitment to gracefully resist immoral directives and empower us with prophetic passion and wisdom to listen to people closest to the pain of injustice and tell compelling stories to whomever we meet. A free will donation will support local Haitian refugees struggling with the current administration’s attacks on their status, employment, and future in the U.S.
Library Book Sale at the Market!
Zumba – July 24
BOOK SALE!
Come out for Community Market Days!
Wednesdays, from 4 to 7:30 pm on the Granger Lawn Drop by for a host of local vendors, games for kids, and a special food truck. The Market will be here at Asbury First every Wednesday through the end of August! If you'd like to help out at the market and are available, contact Paula Dugan at (585) 271-1050 x111
Due to the holiday and vacations, Zumba class was paused but will resume July 24, at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Center for moving and grooving fitness fun! No prior Zumba or dance experience needed—all fitness levels welcome! A suggested donation of $10 is paid directly to instructor Katy Reholz.
Looking for a great summer book? The Asbury First Library launched their book sales at the Wednesday Community Market. Find us at the Asbury First tent on August 20 (rain date August 27) for a wide selection of children's, teen, and adult books—most priced at just $1-$2. All proceeds support new library acquisitions.
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, 9:30 - 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.
Columbarium and Memorial Garden
Join the choir for the whole summer or for any individual Sunday! Summer Choir gathers at 10 am in Wesley Hall to rehearse accessible music that will be sung at the 11 am service. No need to be a member of Sanctuary Choir, but basic choral singing experience is recommended. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Music Ministry, Carl Johengen at (585) 271-1050 x134.
Construction has begun! Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden is taking shape after years of planning. The Memorial Garden will be a sacred place to pray, reflect and meditate. Niches can be reserved for yourself, a loved one or for those who may not be able to secure a spot in the future. Call the office at (585) 271-1050 for more information.
Sing This Summer! No Commitment!
Morning Prayer at Asbury First
Build Beds with Sleep In Heavenly Peace – July 26
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) Wednesdays from 10 am - noon.
Tell us your Favorite Hymn!
Join us Saturday, July 26 to help build beds for Rochester children who sleep on the floor. With 400 children on the waiting list, Memorial AME Zion Church is partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP) for this crucial event at 540 Clarissa St. We need volunteers for 9 - 11 am or 11 am - 1 pm shifts (lunch provided) or bedding donations: new pillows, sheets, and comforters. All ages welcome. Can't build? Drop off bedding or order from SHP's Amazon wish list. Questions? Contact Diana Carter at (585) 732-7224.
Postcards to Voters
The 11 am services on Sunday, August 3 and August 31 will feature your favorite hymns! Have a beloved hymn we haven't sung recently? Submit your requests to Director of Music Ministry Carl Johengen at (585) 271-1050 x134 by Monday, August 18. We'll include as many of your submissions as possible in these special services.
Summer VBS 'B Camp' Half and Full Day Options August 4-7, 9 am - 12 pm (or 4 pm)
Join the buzz at "B Camp" this summer! All Kids (PreK-5th grade) will have a blast August 4 - 7 exploring the B's: being, beatitudes, and bees! NEW this year: Choose our exciting all-day adventure (9am - 4pm, lunch needed) or the morning option. Don't miss out on this hive of fun and learning! Asbury First members and VBS alumni can register from May 25 to June 13, at which time spots will become open to everyone. Questions? Buzz Paula Dugan at (585) 271-1050 x111.
July's COC Chapel Challenge
Each month we collect different needed supplies for the ministries of the Community Outreach Center. For the July COC Chapel Challenge, we will collect Bottled Water. 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!
ARTICLES | JUly 2025
Leland Pennington How to Sing an unsung National Hero April 21, 2025, marked 80 years since Rochester native and Tuskegee Airman, Flight Officer Leland Pennington was listed as Missing in Action while on a bomber escort mission near Zara, Yugoslavia. The story of this missing pilot captured the heart and imagination of local, Austin Hancock, and with the help of Rev. Kathy Thiel and Asbury First, a memorial was recently held in his honor. We caught up with Austin after the memorial service to learn more about this extraordinary figure, and why Austin has taken it upon himself to make sure this story continues to be told. What first drew you to Leland Pennington's story when you were in high school? Was there a specific moment or source that sparked your interest? I've been around the National Warplane Museum, in nearby Geneseo, for all my life. My dad used to volunteer there, and he brought me along many times, so I grew up around the place. I began volunteering myself, when I was old enough. I began as a tour guide, and helped with a Tuskegee History program the museum held each summer during our airshow. Kids were bused in from the city, and given a tour/lecture. Dr. David Anderson, a Rochester legend, would come to give a history on the Red Tails to the kids. Charlie Price, a local Tuskegee Airman, also came to speak. I got to know Charlie very well, and he mentioned his friend Leland who was lost in combat. From there, I began my quest for knowledge. Have you been able to connect with any surviving family members or people who knew Leland? Yes! A week or so after I got intel from Charlie Price, I did some digging. Thanks to some help from my Aunt (a genealogist), I was able to locate his cousin Al Fields, who still lives in Rochester. I wrote him a letter via snail-mail, and a week later we talked on the phone. He was delighted about what I wanted to do to honor Leland. We first met about a month after that, at the museum. We've been close ever since, Al and other cousins of Leland are in full-support of the project. I have also connected with Leland's half-daughters, who live in New Orleans. I was able to connect them with Al, a mini-family reunion ensued! What's the most surprising or moving thing you've uncovered about Leland during your research? From the beginning, I wanted to find out exactly why Leland went MIA. What caused him to just disappear? I got all the records for Leland, his aircraft, and the missing aircrew report from the government, but none indicated the exact cause. It wasn't until I made a new friend last year, Craig Huntly. Craig is a Tuskegee historian. He had access to more resources than I, and was able to find an interview with one of Leland's squad mates, Dr. Thurston Gaines. In this interview, there is a snippet where he talks about Leland, and the good person he was. He mentioned that it was suspected he had appendicitis, and likely got a flare-up while flying to the mission. From there, he likely went into the Adriatic Sea. It took 10 years to find that information (in between the beginning of the project, then school/work/pilot training full-time.) I am forever grateful to Craig for his help, as he also helped me locate Leland's flight logs and additional photos I had never seen of him before. How did you envision honoring Leland's memory, and how did the April 21st ceremony come together? The April 21st ceremony marked the 80th Anniversary of Leland going MIA. It was a hallmark year, as there have been lots of events in 2025 marking 80th Anniversaries related to the final year of WWII (1945.) I wanted to honor Leland as part of all this. Last year, I lost my dad, and we had the greatest memorial service at Asbury. My mother and I became close with Rev. Kathy Thiel, and the idea had been in the back of my mind ever since my dad's "celebration of life." I gave a presentation on the project locally over the winter, and a few members from the VFW Post named after Leland Pennington came to it. I had been trying to contact them for years, and finally...here they were! Meeting them got the gears turning even more in my head, to include them in a hypothetical ceremony. From here, things just grew and eventually "took off." The ceremony was absolutely perfect, in my eyes. We really hit the right notes on everything. Including a display about the project, and including the Pennington-Moye VFW Post really added to the overall vibe of the day. WWII Vets Mason Fitch and Bill Lisi attending was a complete and welcome surprise, and I feel this really made the day complete. I am forever thankful for their attendance, and for getting to meet them. To have them both voice their support for my project gave me goosebumps. Why is it important to keep stories like Leland's alive, especially for Rochester and the broader community? As mentioned above, we are coming up on the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II. The War is still popular and studied by many, but younger generations won't have the physical connection to actual WWII Veterans that my generation and older have been able to enjoy. Keeping these "Warbirds" flying will help keep a tangible part of WWII history alive for future generations, so they still have a physical connection to that harrowing time period in our history. My goal is to help "keep them flying," while teaching the story of WWII at the same time. Most recently, I have been teaching a pilot ground school to students at the Sully Branch Library in Rochester. Kids from 12-18 have attended, and I always include a lesson on Leland Pennington, the Tuskegee Airman, and WWII Aircraft. In my mind, that is mandatory. I am currently developing a "Warbird Pilot Training Program" that will take students (of all ages) from zero flight experience up to flying WWII aircraft. The program follows the original training syllabus from WWII, but is augmented with today's training standards. I feel that this program will serve the Western New York community by keeping WWII alive and physically accessible for all. What are your plans for continuing to honor his memory going forward? Moving forward, my vision to honor Leland is by restoring and flying an AT-6 Texan (a plane that Leland trained in) to airshows all over the United States. I want to tell Leland's story, to use this and the aircraft as tools to make aviation more accessible to kids and adults alike (especially in underserved areas/demographics.) I also plan to use the AT-6 as a tool to raise awareness towards our desire to acquire and restore a P-51 as Leland's Mustang, which was named 'LucycGal' after his wife. I really want to get "out there" and connect with others in the WWII aviation industry, to share my mission and ensure the full success of it.
Austin Hancock, organizer of the Leland Pennington Memorial Service at Asbury First.
LELAND PENNINGTON CONTINUED...
We caught up with Deb Bullock-Smith, who is stepping into David Strong's role of Director of Operations, a role that expands upon her expertise in management and administration, and which will make good use of the personal relationships she's built over more than two decades as a member of Asbury First. David's are big shoes to fill, but Deb is more than up to the task. Monday Reader: You've been such an integral part of our church family for many years now. What's been the most rewarding part of your role as Office and Data Manager? Deb Bullock-Smith: I've been at Asbury First for 7 years, and a member for 24 years! It has been rewarding to get to know so many people – including members, neighbors, vendors, and many people in the community groups that use our space. I have enjoyed helping to update some processes and implementing new software and technology so we can work more efficiently. MR: What does good leadership look like to you? Can you share an example of when you've seen it in action or when you've had to step into that role yourself? DB: Good leadership requires communication, flexibility, creative problem solving, adaptability, compassion, and humility. It requires technical skills and knowledge as well as a lot of emotional intelligence and sensitivity to meet people where they are. I have seen countless volunteers and staff at Asbury First leading with these qualities, exemplifying that we're Better Together! MR: I'd love to hear more about your story before you came to Asbury First. What path led you here, and what have you learned professionally along the way that has shaped who you are today? DB: I have a bachelor's degree in sociology from the College of Wooster in Ohio, and a background working in recruiting (mostly in healthcare) and operations. Before I came to Asbury First, I was the General Manager for 2 small companies (concurrently) – a satellite radio network catering to nursing homes, and a specialty light bulb reseller. Working in both support and leadership roles has given me an appreciation for the challenges in different aspects of an organization, which I believe contributes to being a well-rounded person. MR: What's something from your background that might surprise people about how it's prepared you for this new role? DB: I was VP of a small company when the beloved president of the company was diagnosed with cancer and died within a few months. I was asked to lead the company through this difficult and emotional transition, having to instill confidence in my colleagues that I was able to lead, while helping them grieve his loss. It was really difficult to lose my mentor and close friend so suddenly. The grief was challenging for all of us and the combination of business transition and personal loss was complicated. I learned to listen before acting, and that caring for the staff was sometimes more important than making changes in the business. This experience taught me that I can't do it all alone! Although I'm fiercely independent at times, I know that it takes many people with different skills and talents to make an organization successful. Asbury First depends on the generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure of staff and members, and fostering these gifts will help us continue to grow. MR: What's your heart telling you about this new role? What are you most looking forward to? DB: While the announcement that David Strong was planning to retire surprised and saddened me, I started thinking about how I could help Asbury First in this moment. I hope to share my years of institutional knowledge along with my leadership experience in other roles with Asbury First. We have a great staff and team of volunteer leaders in place and I look forward to working with them. Holly Temming takes over Deb Bullock-Smith's former responsibilities as Operations Manager, bringing a flexibility, thoughtfulness and eagerness to Asbury First. She'll manage the Church's calendar, the Church directory and all data collected from the congregation, space rental on campus, contracts, elements of human resources and a hundred other things! Sounds like a lot, but Holly has a knack for multi-tasking (and she makes it look pretty easy!). We sat down to talk with Holly about the new role she'll be taking on (in addition to her duties with Children's Music & Ministry) as of July 1. Monday Reader: Holly, you've been such a blessing to both our Finance department and Children's Music Ministry. What has it been like juggling those two very different areas, and what have you learned from each? Holly Temming: I love having the different roles and I’ve learned to compartmentalize the jobs to get each of them done. Working with Paula Dugan has been a joy and I have learned from her and Children’s Ministry how to be flexible and keep love at the center of everything we do. Workingin Administration and Finance has also been a joy and I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with John Ormsbee, David Strong, and Deb Bullock-Smith – three of the most professional and wise people I’ve ever known. MR: Can you share a favorite memory or moment from working with our Children's Music program? How has that experience shaped your approach to working with people? HT: During COVID shutdown, when I only had six children in the older children’s choir, which was not enough to do a musical, I created a play using the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Jeanne Strong selected and played piano music from Schumann’s “Kinderszenen” (Scenes from Childhood) which was lovely. The show offered a message of hope during difficult times. COVID shutdown forced me to think outside the box and do things differently in Children’s Music. MR: Have you always been drawn to both the analytical side (like finance) and the creative, people-focused side (like Children's Ministry)? How do you think that combination will play into your new role? HT: I have always been analytical, creative, and slightly obsessed with being organized. I think these traits are a great combination for managing operations and people. MR: What's something from your background that might not be obvious but has really prepared you for managing operations? HT: I grew up the youngest child in a family of six and my mother was the captain of our ship. I learned a lot from her about time management, being organized and disciplined, and the power of being kind. Although my degree is in music, I worked for 10 years in healthcare management and my jobs as Manager of Physician billing for ViaHealth and Manager of Finger Lakes Radiation & Oncology Center at Clifton Springs Hospital taught me how to manage staff and complicated operations simultaneously. Both jobs required working with quite a few informational systems in multiple locations. MR: What's your heart telling you about this new role? What are you most looking forward to? HT: My heart is excited about this new role, and I love taking on new challenges. I am so thankful that I will still be working with the same wonderful colleagues. I’m looking forward to meeting more members and hope I can serve the Asbury Community well. MR: As you step into this new role, what's your vision for how we can better serve our church community? HT: Our Asbury Community is full of so many people who are eager to help do more good in this world. I hope I can help connect them with activities, volunteering, and serving in our Asbury First family.
ASBURY FIRST SCRAPBOOK
Led by Dave Kennedy, Asbury First and Habitat for Humanity once again joined forces to build a new home for those in need in the Rochester area.
The Older Adult Ice Cream Social was a blast, and SO refreshing on a hot summer day!
Rainbow Sunday brought folks to Asbury First in their colorful best!
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 loving memory of John E. Clarke and in honor of servicemen and women who have served or are serving our country by Dawn Riedy, David Berg & family and in loving memory of Michael Graney, nephew of Annette and Jim Farrington, on the 10th anniversary of his passing. 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 and prayers are with the family of Warren Webster who died on June 15. 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