Asbury First Monday Reader – Stories and Reflections on the life of Asbury First

ASBURY FIRST MONDAY READER | MAY 19, 2025

CONTENTS: SACRED GROUND | WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY

SACRED GROUND: THE COLUMBARIUM AND MEMORIAL GARDEN AT ASBURY FIRST

A new sacred space is taking shape at Asbury First this summer—one that completes our spiritual journey from cradle to grave. The Columbarium and Memorial Garden, years in thoughtful planning, will soon transform our grounds into a place that honors the full circle of life we celebrate together. This meaningful addition fulfills our mission to walk alongside our congregation through every sacred milestone: from the joy of birth, the commitment of baptism, the nourishment of communion, the growth of discipleship, to the final farewell of death. In creating this contemplative space, we acknowledge that all seasons of life—even its conclusion—are held within God's loving presence.

The Memorial Garden will offer a serene setting where loved ones can be remembered amid natural beauty. Its design incorporates elements that invite quiet reflection, providing our community with a physical space to connect with memories and find spiritual comfort. As Robert Schuman notes, this transformative project begins in earnest this summer: "On May 27th, ground-penetrating radar will scan the site for any unknown subterranean obstacles," after which construction fencing will secure the area on June 2nd, and foundation excavation will commence.

During construction, we'll adapt our campus routines. The south doors of the Gathering Center facing East Avenue will serve as emergency exits only until the project's completion. Additionally, our beloved outdoor summer worship will relocate from the sanctuary lawn to the lawn in front of 1050 East Ave, the Church Offices, allowing construction equipment to access the Columbarium site.

As we gather for worship at 9 am on summer Sundays in our alternate outdoor location, we'll have a unique opportunity to witness this sacred space taking form. Surrounded by flowers and trees, we'll continue celebrating creation, community, and the changing seasons that remind us of God's constant presence—even during times of transition.

watercolor painting of the planned Memorial Garden and Columbarium by Cheryl Thompson

Asbury First's Columbarium and Memorial Garden will begin to take shape this spring 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. To learn more please visit: asburyfirst.org/columbarium

WHAT'S NEW AT THE ASBURY FIRST LIBRARY??

The Best-Kept Secret at Asbury First Is Out!

4,000 Books and Counting... Our Library Is Calling Your Name!

Ever wandered through those mysterious double doors next to the elevator in the Welcome Center? No, it's not a secret passage to Narnia (though we do have those books too!)—it's Asbury First's very own literary treasure trove, bursting with more than 4,000 volumes just waiting to meet their next reader!

The Roving Bibliocart: Books on the Move!

Once a month, our famous "bibliocart" rolls out to display that month's featured reads. Our recent Mother's Day collection shared space with picture books AND some rebellious titles recently banned at the US Naval Academy. (Nothing makes a book more enticing than someone saying you shouldn't read it, right?)

Whether you're a fiction fanatic, memoir enthusiast, poetry lover, or devotional seeker, our shelves are practically doing the wave to catch your attention. And yes, we've joined the 21st century with graphic novels too!

This Month's Must-Reads

For the Little Bookworms:

For Middle Schoolers & Budding Bibliophiles:

For Young Adults: (Find these cool reads in the Teen gathering space downstairs)

For The Grown-Ups:

We're Taking Requests! Got a book you're dying to read? Let us know! Our dedicated library team researches suggestions from parishioners, clergy, and our own book-obsessed team members. We're like your personal literary shoppers—except everything's free to borrow!

You can find us across from the Daycare Office (through those double doors by the elevator in the Welcome Center). We are open every Sunday! (No excuses!), so come see what all the page-turning excitement is about.

Asbury First United Methodist Church

1050 East Avenue, Rochester NY, 14607

(585) 271-1050