THE EPISTLE
Volume 13 Issue 3 MARCH 27, 2008
MARCH 9, 2008
MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION SUNDAY
On March 9, five new members joined our congregation. Welcome to:
Theodore Avgerinos
941 Whitney Road W. is a retired School Administrator. He’s interests
March 30 are golf, volleyball, cooking, antiques and framing nostalgic images. He
is also starting a new handyman business and is a volunteer for Habitat
at for Humanity.
Church Deborah Cutter
5:00 First 941 Whitney Road W is a legal secretary. She enjoys cards, games,
reading and baking. She is joining by letter of transfer from the First
seating
Congregational Church, Norwood, MA.
6:30 Second
Janice Ruesch
seating
60 Clarkes Crossing is a retired nurse. Her interests includes home care,
gardening, her cats, Jack and Jill and dog, Jennie. She is transferring her
“Silent membership from Browncroft Community Church.
Auction”
Jennifer and Dale Worrall
13 Stoneleigh Trail, Victor are transferring their membership from the
First Congregational Church in Ithaca, NY. Jennifer grew up in our
church. Her maiden name was Lyons. She is presently a stay-at-home
mother, but is also an attorney. Dale is also an attorney. Jennifer is in-
terested in swimming and reading. Dale enjoys football and running.
They have three children, Alexis (5 yrs), Olivia (3 yrs) and Zachary (5
months).
(Cont. on p. 7)
THE WORSHIP PAGE
March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27,
May 4, 11, 2008
Sunday Worship at 9:30 AM
Fellowship Time and Christian Education follow
March 30 Acts II:14a, 22-32
Second Sunday of Easter Psalm 16
I Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
“Second Hand Faith”
April 6 Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Third Sunday of Easter Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
The Eucharist I Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
“Strangers in a Strange Land”
April 13 Acts 2:42-47
Fourth Sunday of Easter Psalm 23
“Good Shepherd Sunday” I Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
Guest Preacher: Dr. Tim Dwyer
April 20 Acts 7:55-60
Fifth Sunday of Easter Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
I Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14
“What am I Here For?”
April 27 Acts 17:22-31
Sixth Sunday of Easter Psalm 66:8-20
I Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
“We’re not Alone”
First Congregational United Church of Christ
26 East Church Street Fairport NY 14450
THE WORSHIP PAGE
(continued)
March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27,
May 4, 11, 2008
Sunday Worship at 9:30 AM
Fellowship Time and Christian Education follow
May 4 Acts 1:1-11
Ascension Sunday Psalm 47
The Eucharist Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
“Ripples on the Pond”
May 11 Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Rite of Confirmation I Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
“Don’t Worry or Don’t Fear”
TAIZE SERVICE
APRIL 6
The monthly service of prayer and meditation in the style of Taize will be held
on Sunday April 6 at 5:00 PM, directly before the pot luck dinner. This is a
time for centering our hearts and minds on Christ. The chants and simple re-
frains help us come together in a powerful way, joining energies uniting body,
mind and spirit.
Michele Brooks and Betsey McCrory are planning the service.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
26 East Church Street Fairport NY 14450
...know that things change
and sometimes change is a Pastoral
good thing and sometimes it is Perspective
not...
Change is the word this political season. The candidates of both parties promise change in one
way or another. Sometimes there are explanations of what that change might be and other times
it is more the idea of change itself. All of us know that things change and sometimes change is a
good thing and sometimes it is not. The way it is being used in the various campaigns point to
the positive aspects of change. Many people see change in negative ways. Things are not the
way they used to be and for many that is not a good thing. Sometimes change is even associated
with decay, as in the line from the old hymn “Abide with Me.”
“Change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.”
Here the changing order of things is contrasted to the changelessness of God, who abides with
us through it all.
The season of Easter which began on Easter Day continues on for what the church has called
“The Great Fifty Days”, ending with the festival of Pentecost. During that time, we seek to
understand and appreciate the meaning of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the resurrection is
nothing else, it certainly is change. H e who was dead is alive and nothing will ever be the
same.
Steve Savides, the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Appleton Wisconsin, where
Jane Weeden, our former associate is on the staff, writes in his latest newsletter about a story
which came out of the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials at the end of World War II.
“A witness appeared who had lived for a time in a grave in a Jewish grave-yard, in Wilna, Po-
land. It was the only place he and many others could live, when in hiding after they had es-
caped the gas chamber. Well, in a grave nearby a young woman gave birth to a boy. The
(Cont. on p. 5)
eighty-year old grave- Adult Education in April
digger, wrapped in a
Pastoral linen shroud, assisted.
To Focus On
Perspective When the new-born “Real Life” Faith Issues
Back by popular demand! Adult edu-
(cont.) child uttered his first
cation classes in April will focus around
cry, the old gravedigger
two DVDs featuring pastor and author,
prayed: ‘Great God,
Rob Bell. Led by Pastor Cedarleaf, these
hast Thou finally sent
classes will look at issues that are impor-
the Messiah to us? For who else than the Messiah
tant to us and are presented in an easy-to-
Himself can be born in a grave.’
discuss and easy-to-understand format.
The Christian faith is born in a grave in a garden.
The stone is rolled away and the one who was cru- On April 6, we’ll focus on loving eve-
cified on Friday is ryone around us. Jesus said that the most
...and nothing is raised on Sunday, and important thing in life is to love God with
ever the same... nothing is ever the everything we’ve got and love others the
same. The resurrection of Jesus Christ lets loose life same way. This class will look at the diffi-
on the world; new life which brings the church into culties we have in carrying out this com-
being and gives us the gospel of reconciliation. We mand. Sometimes we strongly disagree
are all called on to proclaim that Jesus is alive and with other people’s political views, reli-
is loosed on the world and that through the power gious beliefs, behaviors, or something else,
and presence of the Holy Spirit gives new life even and it makes it hard to love them – espe-
today. cially when we feel that we’re right and
they’re very wrong.
This is really change and sometimes it is uncom-
fortable to change. The old order has passed away On April 27, we’ll talk about what
and a new order is born, not the new world order of makes us happy. We’ll look at the times
this or that political party or thinker, but the new when we wanted something badly, only to
world find out when we got it that it wasn’t so
order
...the Kingdom of God… great after all. We’ll also discuss how we
which is the Kingdom of God. As those who follow feel when we ask God for something, and
Him we are to seek to live it out here and now. He doesn’t deliver right away.
Now that is change!
Join us! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Your pastor, ***NOTE: There will be no adult educa-
tion classes on April 13 or April 20, due to
John Spring Break.***
Thank You to All!
Thank you to our church family for all your
prayers and support throughout our adoption
process – a two and one-half year “paper preg-
nancy”. We were overwhelmed by all the people
who came to the airport to welcome Lily home.
We appreciate the cards, meals, gifts and good
wishes that have been sent our way.
We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful
church family.
The James Family
– Roger, Carol, Hannah – and now Lily!
Our second Pot Luck - Just For Fun is set
TOOL RAFFLE
for Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 5:30 PM.
The Trustees are holding a tool raffle to
The first one was a lot of fun, so be sure
raise some of the money needed to offset the
to join in for a time of good company and
fact that the Antique Show has been can-
great food!
celed. The intention is to raise the money out-
side of the church and not present the congre-
Sign-ups are on the rolling bulletin board
gation with another donation request.
in Fellowship Hall (just so we know how
However, if any church member is in- many tables and chairs to set up). Bring
terested in purchasing a $10.00 ticket to win your own service and a dish to pass - and
four DeWalt cordess tools (with case battery & a big appetite.
charger), they can contact Pastor Cedarleaf or
any trustee. 200 tickets will be sold.
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home
Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home
Louise Deller, Aaron Manor
Geraldine Stearns, Perinton Manor
Also on March 9, our congregation recognized Forty years or more
people who have been members who are cele-
brating 5th year anniversaries (5, 10, 15 etc) and Marjorie Brooks
those that have been members for 40 years or
more. They are:
James and Mary Castor
Five years Barbara and William Cobb
Walter Adams, Ashley Ciccarelli, Deirdre and Dorothy and Richard Dudley
Don Eaton, Andrea Johnston, Deborah Mabry,
James Dudley
Teddy Mierzwa, Douglas Osovski, Juliana Ties-
link, Emily Wright Jerry and Lois Evans
Ten years Sally Forgensi
Margaret Daves, Paul DeLong, Elizabeth Mary Hoag
Donaldson, Angie Last-Meraw, Gregory Lelek,
Caroline Lizzio, Jessie McGrattan, Carol and Martha Holmes
Mike O’Neal, Tyler Obenaug, Kyle Preston,
Laurissa Prystaj Charlotte Jackson
Fifteen years Dewey Jackson, Jr.
David Cedarleaf, Tucker Henderson, Sherry William Jackson
Jackson, Janice and Martin Stiles
Carol and Ed Johnston
Twenty years
David Mosher
James and Patricia Bradford, Jim Brush, Ray
and Annette Ciccarelli, Arthur and Sue Gable, Donald and Dorothy Naetzker
Janis and Ralph Harper, Cheryl and Thomas
Hirsch, Leslie and Michael Morgan, Marion
Michael Root
Pieramico, Diana and Steven Smith Eileen and Lester Slocum
Twenty-five years John and Winifred Smith
Bruce and Sharon Barmore, Joan and Thomas Arthur and Catherine Steffen
Bigelow, Lisa Footer, Henry and Nancy Ral-
ston. Shirley Sumner
Thirty years Janet Torrens
Sandra Allen, Laurie DeLong, Freda Sheldon, Ella Weirich
Douglas Strong.
Douglas and Jean Whitney
Thirty-five years
Sandra Blanchard, Janet and John Hecker, Jean Arthur and Jean Wilson
and Paul Jacoby, Barbara and Frank Strong.
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM APRIL 24, 2008.
YOUTH MISSSION TRIP
NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Our youth need to raise $6,500 to cover the
cost of the mission trip. We need silent auction
Spaghetti Dinner on
items for the upcoming Spaghetti dinner on March March 30 at Church
30.
Do you have an item or service to offer? If There will be a spaghetti din-
so, signup on the rolling bulletin board in fellow- ner at the church on March 30 to
ship hall or call Brian Sherry at 425-7336 or 233- benefit the youth mission trip. There
will be two seatings- one at 5pm
and one at 6:30pm. A silent auc-
tion will also take place. Our youth
will be selling tickets in church dur-
ing the month of March.
Our junior and senior high
youth will be traveling to Ohio in
July to repair and rebuild homes for
low income families through Reach
work camp. All proceeds from the
dinner and auction will reduce the
cost of the trip for the participants.
March 30 at Church
5:00 First seating
6:30 Second seating
Silent Auction
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM APRIL 24, 2008
An extraordinary concert to celebrate if donations are collected in empty paint
and support the Southwest Coalition’s Habi- cans, or if the greeters are wearing work
tat House project will be held on Saturday, clothes and tool belts. Our Habitat Coali-
April 26th from 2 to 4 PM at Rush United tion is serious about building the house this
Methodist Church, 6200 Rush-Lima Rd. summer and the concert is an important way
(Route 15A, just south of the vil- of raising the funds to make it a reality.
lage). Brighton UCC, First Congregational
UCC of Spencerport, Henrietta UCC, Union Multiply the fun and the support for
Congregational UCC of Churchville, and the this project by bringing your friends. As an
Protestant Chaplaincy at UR are among the added bonus there will be a huge garage sale
supporting congregations. going on in another part of the building, and
an opportunity to
Musicians and see the beautiful
groups will focus on quilt that will be
the themes of home raffled later this
and community, the year.
values that motivate
every Habitat building Our Habitat
project. Musicians House will be built
will include a five- in the JOSANNA
octave handbell choir, area of Rochester
inspiring worship near PAETEC
band, percussion en- Park. Some houses
semble, musical com- have already been
edy, and an all-clergy started in that area
band put together for by other Habitat
the occasion—the groups. The goal is
Holy Rock & Rollers. to transform an impoverished neighborhood
into a safe, family friendly commu-
A free will offering will be requested nity. This concert will help make that goal a
during the performance. Don’t be surprised reality.
Family News
FAIRPORT VACATION
April Rotation Studies: BIBLE SCHOOL
Kings of Israel – SAVE THE DATE!!
Saul and David
Through our drama, storytelling, art and The annual Fairport Community Vaca-
movie classrooms, our preschoolers and ele- tion Bible School program will be held
mentary school students will learn about each morning on August 4 – 8 in par-
Saul, the first King of Israel, and David, his ticipating churches (including ours!) on
successor. Church Street in the village of Fairport.
Following the theme, “GOD’S BIG
BACKYARD,” children will learn how
rewarding service can be. They will
Junior High and Confirma- explore how to serve family, friends,
tion Class To Discuss Apply- neighbors, the community and Jesus
while enjoying interactive Bible sto-
ing Their Faith in “REAL
ries, fun crafts and snacks
Time”
Our junior high and confirmation class will Fairport Community Vacation Bible
conclude the church school year with a DVD School is a fun-filled week of music,
series featuring pastor and author Rob Bell. games, crafts and growing in God’s
The series will focus on faith principles and love! Children from age 3 to entering
how they might apply to our lives today. 7th grade are welcome to come spend
five action packed mornings in GOD’S
BIG BACKYARD! Teen and adult
volunteers are always needed and ap-
******NO CHURCH SCHOOL preciated! We have a job for every-
CLASSES WILL BE HELD ON one! This year, FCVBS will held from
APRIL 13 OR 20 DUE TO August 4 through August 8. Look for
SPRING BREAK. CLASSES registration and volunteer forms at
WILL RESUME ON APRIL your church or the Fairport Public Li-
27.**** brary starting in April. Contact
Heather Moore with any questions
Family News (p.2)
May 11, 2008
After a year of study, discussions with our pas-
tor, and participation in a community mission
project, a church project and the class project –
a Passover Seder meal, our confirmands will
stand before the congregation and make the
faith their own on Sunday, May 11.
College Scholarship
Each year the Board of Family Ministry in conjunction with the Memorial Committee
offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior planning to attend a two or four
year college in the fall. The criteria that will be used in considering applicants are: member of
our church, graduating senior with plans to attend college in the fall, demonstrated involvement
in the church, quality of essay, and strength of letters of recommendation. Information and ap-
plication packets are available in the church office and on the Family Ministry bulletin board in
Fellowship Hall. All eligible students are encouraged to apply. All applications must be com-
plete and submitted to the church office by May 1, 2008.
Please contact Felicia Johansen at 377-5211 if you have any questions.
Senior High To Ex-
JYF & SYF amine Music Choices
and Their Faith
The Senior High class will begin a new study
examining music choices and how they align
with our faith. During the classes, students
will be encouraged to think about what they
choose listen to versus simply being
“unconscious consumers.”
YOUTH GROUP EVENTS COMING UP….
Games Night Scheduled For March 28
th th
All 6 – 12 graders are invited to attend a Games Night in Upper Fellowship Hall on Friday
night, March 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Watch the youth group bulletin board for more details!
Spaghetti Dinner Mission Trip Fundraiser – March 30
Come help with a spaghetti dinner to raise money for our upcoming mission trip! Sell some
tickets, work a shift, donate a silent auction item, and enjoy a delicious meal. Sign up to help in
Fellowship Hall. All hands are needed!
Pancake Breakfast Mission Trip Fundraiser – April 26
Another opportunity to defray mission trip costs! Watch the youth group bulletin board in Fel-
lowship Hall for ways to help with this fundraiser.
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM APRIL 24, 2008
30 Hour Famine Report
JYF & SYF
“Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will
be blessed for it.” (Proverbs 22:9)
The 30 Hour Famine participants surely feel resettlement organization. At Bethany
blessed to have shared in this awesome experi- House, we cleaned, sorted and shelved toys,
ence and thank the congregation for its support. shoveled snow, and learned about Bethany
house. At Saint’s Place, we had a tour and
learned about the services provided and the
We begin our fast after lunch on Friday, Feb. refugees they serve. We also helped organ-
29. Our group of nine senior high students and ize storage in Saint’s Place garage.
two adults met at our church at 5:30 p.m. Fri- Throughout the Famine, participants were
day evening for the opening ceremony. The allowed to drink as much juice and/or water
sanctuary was filled with 150 youth from 8-10 as they wanted.
area youth groups. We opened with music,
singing and a prayer from John. Back at church, we played “Tribe Indone-
sia”, an awareness-raising game. Each par-
Following the ceremony, the youth divided into ticipant took on the identity of an actual
six groups and traveled throughout the church child in Indonesia, complete with various
to listen to various speakers talk about life in handicaps such as eye patches, heavy back-
areas around the world that suffer from poverty, packs to illustrate being weak and tired from
war and hunger. Speakers represented Mexico, hunger, wearing a heavy winter coat to rep-
India, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Niger, Kenya, resent fever from malaria, and one partici-
and Zimbabwe. A big “Thank You!” to pant couldn’t speak due to past trauma.
Deirdre Eaton for her compelling speech about Tribes had to complete various challenges,
Zimbabwe. while learning about life in Indonesia and its
difficulties. Bible study and journaling were
After enjoying some late-night bowling at Fair- part of this activity.
view Lanes, our youth group concluded the
evening with a midnight candlelight prayer ser- The closing ceremony at the Fairport United
vice and sleepover at our church. Methodist Church included a band, singing,
presentations from the many participating
Saturday morning was dedicated to service pro- youth groups about service projects, and
jects. Our youth divided into two groups, with comments about where the participants “saw
one group going to Bethany House – a home- Jesus” during the Fast. The event ended
less shelter for women and children, and the with a delicious meal of water, rice and
other group going to Saint’s Place – a refugee chicken broth.
The Epistle is printed once a month
By the First Congregational United
Church of Christ, 26 East Church St.,
Fairport, New York 14450
Office Phone: 585-223-0224
Fax: 585- 223-4264
Pastor’s Phone 585-223-8172
E-mail: church1@[Link]
Webpage: [Link]
Office Hours: M-F 9:00-3:30
Church Service 9:30AM
Sunday School: 10:50AM
Pastor: Rev. Dr. John Cedarleaf
Christian Ed. & Family Ministries:
Kelly Weidman & Karen Hamill
Admin. Asst: Cathy Kinton
Church Moderator: Hank Ralston
Organist: Beatrice Benedict
Choir Director: James C. Jefferis
Business Administrator: Sue Brooks
Epistle Editor: Bill Lindsay
Wedding Coordinator: Sue Bickel
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM APRIL 24, 2008
First Congregational United Church of Christ NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
26 East Church Street
U.S. POSTAGE
Fairport NY 14450
PAID
FAIRPORT N.Y.
PERMIT NO. 61
Address Service Requested
Dated Material