A House of Worship on Pacific Avenue
Asbury United Methodist Church sits at 1213 Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on a stretch of the city's main thoroughfare running toward the Boardwalk. The congregation gathers each Sunday morning for worship and continues the week with Bible study, midday prayer, and a once-a-month jazz vespers that fills the sanctuary with the sounds of the Jersey Shore jazz tradition.
Sunday Morning at 9:30
Worship at Asbury begins at 9:30 AM each Sunday at 1213 Pacific Avenue. The service is also streamed over Zoom for those who prefer to join from home, with Meeting ID 495 558 244, Passcode 537108, and dial-in numbers (929) 205-6099 or (312) 626-6799. Recordings are shared on the church's Facebook and YouTube channels for later viewing. The welcome scripture, Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" - sets the tone for a community that sees itself as moving forward with purpose.
Monday Bible Study with Rabbi Singer
On Mondays at 3:00 PM, the doors open for a Bible study led by Rabbi Singer. The conversation gathers in person at Asbury and also reaches participants through the same Zoom connection used for Sunday worship. The pairing of a United Methodist congregation and a rabbi studying Scripture together is one of the distinctive rhythms of this church and reflects an openness to ecumenical conversation in Atlantic City's wider faith community.
Thursday Soaking Prayer
At noon on Thursdays, Rev. Greene leads Soaking Prayer at the church. Soaking prayer is a contemplative practice in which participants rest in God's presence in extended, quiet prayer. The midday hour offers a pause in the middle of the week for anyone who wants space to slow down and listen.
Jazz Vespers on the Fourth Sunday
Once a month, on the fourth Sunday at 4:00 PM, the sanctuary becomes a venue for Jersey Shore Jazz Vespers. The afternoon service has featured ensembles such as the Jazzmen and the Tony Day and Ensemble, blending sacred and secular musical traditions in a setting that draws musicians and listeners from across the shore. It is one of Asbury's most distinctive offerings and a way the church serves the wider Atlantic City cultural life.
Kids Bible School
Asbury hosts a Kids Bible School (KBS) for children from Pre-K through Grade 8, with parents welcome to stay. The day includes praise and worship, a short, engaging Bible lesson, games, crafts, lunch and snacks, and take-home goodies including a memory verse. It is offered free as a community event, held at the church on Pacific Avenue. "Let the little children come to me," reads the invitation, quoting Matthew 19:14.
The Atlantic City Circuit
Asbury is part of the Atlantic City Circuit of United Methodist churches, alongside Hamilton Memorial UMC at 609 Arctic Avenue and Venice Park UMC at 2005 Morningside Avenue. Lead Pastor Rev. Anson Wilson, who holds a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School and believes the Gospel is transformative for individuals, communities, and the world, serves across the circuit. Special services - including the sunrise Easter service on the Boardwalk, the Seven Last Words of Christ at Venice Park, and the Easter Egg Hunt at Hamilton Memorial - are shared among the three congregations.
Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
Each Thanksgiving week, Asbury hosts an Interfaith Service of Gratitude and Hope. The gathering brings together neighbors of different faith traditions, and attendees are asked to bring canned goods for the local food pantry, a small but meaningful way the congregation reaches out to neighbors in need.
Giving and Staying Connected
Giving is offered through several channels. Online gifts can be made through Givelify, through Cash App at $asburyumcacnj, or through the church's own giving page. Those who prefer to give by check can make checks payable to "Asbury UMC AC" and mail them to 1213 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. A Connect form on the site lets newcomers share their information and get in touch, and a Kids Bible School sign-up page handles registration for the children's programming.
Reaching the Church
Asbury UMC is located at 1213 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. The office can be reached at (609) 348-1941 or by email at asburyumcac@gmail.com. The church shares updates on Facebook at facebook.com/acasburyumc, on Instagram at @asburyumcac, and on YouTube at @asburyatlanticcity7905.