THE EPISTLE

Volume 14 Issue 8 SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

This is the first year for this unique Gift Bazaar
featuring vendors who are Socially purposed
(ex. ABVI Goodwill), Fair Trade (ex. One World
Goods), Recycled/Environmentally friendly
products, or locally produced gift items.
Currently committed vendors include Kingdom
Ventures, One World Goods, Healthy Sisters
Soup and Bean Works, Coffee Connection,
White Eagle Drums, Dounya-Kele, Organic
Momma and more. These vendors will feature
Native American, organically children’s
products, soaps and assorted food products,
coffee, soups, bags, African crafts, recycled
gifts and more.

This show will also feature a convenient

Electronics Recycling drop-off for individuals
wishing to recycle these items responsibly.
A Socially-and Some vendor spots are still open, so please
Environmentally-Conscious forward any ideas to Crista Deniz
(denizca@frontiernet.net, 388-5952) or Sondra
Gift Bazaar Franzen (sondraf@frontiernet.net, 223-8074)

November 20 and 21st is approaching and the

planning for the “My Brother’s Keeper Gift Bazaar”
is shifting into high gear. We need your help!

This planning for this show is similar to past

Antique shows. We will need volunteers to LEAD
the following areas:
Featured Vendor
• Kitchen/Dining service (food will be
provided by ABVI Goodwill Catering, but Women’s Coffee Connection
servers are needed)
Since 2001, the Coffee Connection (Formally the
Women's Coffee Connection) has been providing
• Bakeshop
savory coffee and unique merchandise to the
Rochester community, while supporting social and
• Parking environmental causes at home and abroad.

Founder Nancy Sawyer-Molina began this project in

• Publicity
the hopes of helping struggling women in the
Rochester area receive valuable worksite training and
• Vendor Support (coordinate booth sitters, improved interpersonal skills.
move-in/move-out)
By providing an invaluable mix of counseling and pre-
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employment training, the Coffee Connection has helped
many area women create new lives for themselves. And
they are not the only ones who are benefitting from the
services.
The CC also reaches out to farmers in Peru who have
given up their coca crops (the raw ingredient of cocaine)
to grow coffee beans.
Coffee Connection
681 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620
www.womenscoffeeconnection.com
COMING UP IN ADULT EDUCATION
Sunday Mornings
During the month of October, Dr. Tim Dwyer,
associate professor of Bible and Ministry at
Northeastern Seminary, will conduct a series
of Sunday morning classes on the topic of
“The 10 Commandments.” These classes will
be held during Christian Education time in the
Snow Room.
Back by popular
demand, Dr.
Dwyer is a People also seem to reinvent themselves
professor at
Roberts Wesleyan
since 2003. Prior
to that, Dr. Dwyer
taught for 13 years
at Anderson University School of Theology in
Indiana. He has served as a pastor and jail
chaplain in the past, and is an ordained
minister in the Church of God. At
Northeastern, Dr. Dwyer teaches courses in
Daniel/Revelation and the biblical languages.
Dr. Dwyer was educated at Aberdeen
University in Scotland (Ph.D.); Talbot School
of Theology (M.Div.); Azusa Pacific University
(B.A.); and San Jose City College (A.A.). He
has also studied at Yale and Indiana
University.
Please join us for what is sure to be an
enlightening educational experience!
Wednesday Mornings
Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Every
Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. – noon,
there will be a Bible study class held in the
Snow Room. We’ll begin the fall by
studying and discussing the upcoming
Sunday’s scheduled Bible readings.
Following the Bible study, participants are
invited to a brief communion service in the
sanctuary.
In today’s consumer culture corporations
are always reinventing themselves. This is
good thing, I guess, because the tastes of
consumers change and in order to keep up
companies need to change too.
as they seek to adjust to a changing job
market. Philosophers become motorcycle
mechanics and teachers, truck drivers.
At the same time that there is all this
reinventing, there is a parallel trend, at least
among companies, of having mission
statement to lay out their core values, those
things upon which the company is based.
Reinvention and change does not mean
that the core changes.
Churches are also writing mission
statements and talking about core values.
The closest we come to such a statement is
on the front of our bulletin. It says:
“First Congregational United Church of Christ is
a community of faith centered in Jesus Christ
which seeks to be faithful as a continuation of
his life on earth. While our roots are deep, we
seek ever new ways to be the people of Christ
here and now.”
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The core of our faith is Jesus Christ. The
reinventing part comes in the fact that we
seek ever-new ways to be the people of
Christ here and now. There is always
continuity and change together and
individuals, corporations, and churches all
need to be able to hold these in creative
tension in order to do what needs to be done.
As we celebrate our 185th anniversary, this
year, it might be helpful to remind ourselves
of who and what we are.
We are a worshiping community. Worship
is at the center of who and what we are as a
congregation. It is the hub of the wheel, the
center of our life together and it is the most
important thing we do. All else radiates from
this central act. When we gather for worship
we focus on the God who was and is and is to
come, and who has revealed himself in Jesus
Christ. Worship is not about us it is about
God. As a worshiping congregation, we are
part of the great company of all Christians
from the beginning who have gathered to
hear the Word proclaimed and to gather
about the Table of the Lord. Our worship is
ordered and has movement and meaning. It is
connected to the historic church down
through the ages. We are part of that great
company of faith that the Apostle’s Creed
calls the “holy catholic church.” When we
respect this continuity and yet are open to
new ways of making it a reality we are on
track.
We are a learning community. The
Reformed tradition in which we stand as a
congregation has always valued the life of the
mind. We take seriously that we worship God
with heart and soul and mind. Once again in
this aspect of our life together there is
continuity and change. Jesus Christ is the
same yesterday, today and tomorrow, as we
are reminded in the Bible. On the other hand
we need to understand the ways that the
church has sought to understand this reality
over the centuries and to be able to make the
faith our own. St.Anselm spoke of “faith
seeking understanding.” This is what our
learning together is all about. We come with
the faith of the church and we seek to
understand it, not just for our own needs,
but in order to be able to witness to it.
We are a community of mission and
outreach. The God who we worship
revealed himself in Jesus Christ, the Man
for others, the servant of all. Jesus south
out the least the lowest with the good news
of the gospel of the kingdom. The church
has always been a community that has
reached out to the world, not only in words,
but also in deeds of love and mercy. As a
congregation we seek to put feet on our
faith in many and varied ways. As a
congregation, we support financially many
different groups. See the article in this issue
from our Board of Missions. Our youth have
been involved for many years in a yearly
mission trip and for the past four Lents we
have reached out to and worked with
organizations that seek to meet the needs
of the marginalized.
This is who we are as a congregation as we
move into our 186th year. I am proud of this
company of God’s people and I know that
you are too. Do you know someone who is
looking for such a church? Invite them to
worship, grow and serve with us.
Your Pastor,
John
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FAMILY NEWS
Preschool & Elementary School
Happenings
October Sundays: Learning the Story of
Joseph
During the month of October, our elementary
students will be learning the story of Joseph.
They’ll hear about his coat of many colors, his
brothers selling him as a slave and how he
overcame his troubles with God’s help.
October 23: Family Movie Night
Don’t miss our first family movie night of the
year! Bring the kids (in PJs, if desired), some
sleeping bags to sprawl out on, and come
enjoy a family movie in Upper Fellowship Hall
at 7 p.m. Sign up on the Elementary Kids
bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
Junior & Senior High Happenings
Junior High Church School To Travel
Through the Old Testament
During the month of October, our Junior High
class will begin traveling through the major
stories of the Old Testament. Join us for
some great discussion!
Senior High Church School Students to
Learn What It Means to Be A Disciple
What is a disciple of Jesus? What did it mean
back in Bible times, and what does it mean
today? This fall, our senior high students will
discuss these questions and more, as they
watch a DVD journey of six modern-day
followers of Christ who are making a big
difference in the world.
Senior High Sunday Night Bible Study To
Begin
Senior High students are invited to join Mrs.
Hamill on Sunday nights from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
for a Bible study on the Book of James.
Through this study, we’ll see that faith without
actions is dead! These sessions will be held
in the Senior High classroom. Call Mrs.
Hamill at 746-9275 prior to each session to
let her know that you’re coming.
Senior High Students Invited to Attend
“Creation Fest: The Tour”
Attention Sr. High students! Let’s go to
Creation Fest: The Tour together! It ‘s
going to be held on Friday, October 16
(NOTE DATE CHANGE) at 6:30 p.m. at
Roberts Wesleyan College. If we can get
10+ people, the cost is only $18 per ticket.
(Under 10 people, cost is $25). Sign up
NOW in Fellowship Hall!
Junior & Senior High Girls to “Get
Away” on Oct. 17 – 18
Junior & Senior High girls and their moms
are invited to a retreat on Oct. 17 – 18 at
beautiful Watson Homestead in Painted
Post, New York. We’ll discuss everyday
issues and how faith can help us navigate
them. We’ll also enjoy a hayride and
swimming in Watson Homestead’s indoor
heated pool! Sign up in Fellowship Hall.
JYF Halloween Party on October 30
JYFers! Don’t miss our famously fun
annual Halloween Party on October 30! It
will be held from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in Upper
Fellowship Hall. Bring a friend and join
us…..if you dare! Sign up in Fellowship
Hall.
SYF Halloween Event on October 30
Save this date for an exciting, scary and oh,
so fun SYF Halloween event!!! Details to
come.
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VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Transportation Assistance Needed for
Prison Outreach
Donald Hardaway, Jr., seeks an organization
with a van and willing to assist in transporting
re-entrants. In part, it's to bring persons from
the County Correctional Facility, (East
Henrietta Road, immediately north of Monroe
Community College), to local destinations.
Contact Don: 585-469- 8824,
dhardaway@rfriweb.org, or
donaldhardawayjr@frontiernet.net.
Support Safe Journey and join us in
recognizing domestic violence awareness
month on Saturday, October 10th!
We’ve got a great day planned with
something for everyone! Seasoned runners,
joggers and walkers are invited to participate
in our 7th Annual Scarecrow 5K Family Fun
Run & Walk in the morning ($20 adv
registration/$25 day of race). Planning to
attend the Scarecrow Festival? Stop by our
booth near the gazebo in Kennelly Park for
kid’s activities, assorted gift items, and to
enter our deluxe raffle. In the evening, come
to Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave,
Fairport, for a delicious Pasta Dinner ($8
adults/5 children/Under 3 FREE). Limited
seating available - tickets at the door or in
advance thru the parish office – 388-0040.
Our fundraising goal is $25,000 -- with your
help we will make it! For additional info, go
to http://www.safejourney.org/safejourneyscar
ecrow5k.html or call 425-1580.
BOARD & COMMITTEE
NEWS
COUNCIL
Members-At-Large: Your Agents for
Change
You have an idea to improve Church
Service? Bring it to a Member-At-LargeYou
want to voice an opinion about something
happening at Church? Tell a Member-At-
Large. You want to know what happened
the Church Council Meeting? Ask a
Members-At-Large
The Members-At-Large are Congregational
Representatives at Council, but they can’t
speak for you if you don’t speak to them.
Get to know the Members-At-Large and
share with them your ideas and concerns.
They will bring it to council so that the
Church can better represent our entire
Congregation.
Harriett Breckenridge (2010)
315-986-1960
John Quattrociocchi (2011)
585-421-9707
johnbeth@rochester.rr.com
Norma Harrington (2012)
585-223-2482
nehopkins@aol.com
MEMORIAL DEDICATION
On Sunday, September 27th, there will be
two Memorial Dedications.
An antique light fixture has been placed in
the Columbarium area of the Narthex. This
is dedicated in the memory of long-standing
member Alberta Cleveland. There is a
plaque in her name adjacent to the
Columbarium area.
 6 THE EPISTLE
An historical plaque has been placed outside
on the church in honor of our church’s 185th
Anniversary. It is dedicated in memory of
long-standing members, Doris Bown, John
Lauder, Lena Schneiter and Grace Whitney.
There is also a dedication plaque with their
names on the wall next to the entry doors. An
additional plaque has been placed on the
West entry doors acknowledging John
Hecker’s work on the st ained glass windown
above the doors.
Our thanks to Joe Charles and Jim Franzen
for the installation, with the advice of Ted
Avgerinos. The Memorial Committee
members are Joyce Cowden, Muriel Gabbey,
Jan Hecker and Carol Moran.
BOARD OF DEACONS REQUEST
The Board of Deacons would like to have the
addresses and birth dates of your college
students. We wish to send the students cards
and messages during the year. We want
them to know that we care and are thinking of
them. Please call or e-mail Cathy Kinton at
the church office or e-mail Beverly
Gray, cgray3@rochester.rr.com
MISSIONS CORNER
Beginning with this month’s issue, this column
will be dedicated to news from our Board of
Missions. Currently our Board is responsible
for donating funds to over 20 non-profit
organizations from the local to the
international scene. Below is the list we are
serving at this time. Starting with next month’s
issue, we will be dedicating each month’s
column to one of those organizations. Our
goal is to better inform the congregation of
how our Mission dollars are being allocated.
The Board has been busy reconstituting itself
and is currently seeking new members. If you
are interested in participating on the Board of
Missions, please contact either Jim Weidman
or Pat May of the Membership Committee. If
you choose to become a member,
responsibilities will include the willingness
to become a liaison with three of our non-
profit organizations and be prepared to
report to the Board on the affairs of those
organizations. As we gain more insight into
these groups, we will also be checking to
see how we can better assist these
organizations
The Board is also in the midst of developing
guidelines for accepting applications from
non-profits. Given the current economy, we
are seeing an increase in the number of
organizations needing assistance. If you are
aware of a local non-profit that is in need of
assistance, please be sure to pass this
information along to John Cedarleaf or me
for the Board’s consideration.
Beginning this year, the Board of Missions
will take the lead in developing a
Community Service Project for our Lenten
commitment. If you are aware of a specific
need from a local non-profit that could
benefit from a hands-on commitment from
our congregation, please let me or one of
our members know. In the meantime, our
Board will be canvassing our local
organizations regarding any needs they
may have.
On behalf of our Board we hope you enjoy
this column. We also want you to feel free
to pass along your ideas on assisting those
in our community who can benefit from our
services.
Orgnizations We Currently Serve
Perinton Food Shelf
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Advent House
Hillside Children’s Shelter
Safe Journey
Good Neighbor Fund
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
Perinton Churches Housing
Fairport Baptist Home
St. John’s Home
Flower City Habitat For Humanity
Salem Nutrition Center
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Dimitri House
Cameron Community Ministries
Fairport Community Dinners WORSHIP DURINGTHE MONTH OF
Our Church’s Wider Mission OCTOBER
Lewis St. YMCA
Boy Scout Troop 207
Bethany House
October 4: World Communion Sunday
Rochester Youth For Christ
Alternatives For Battered Women Genesis 2:18-24
Open Door Missions Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Saving Grace Ministries Rochester Mark 10:2-16

“Like a Child”

MORNING CIRCLE October 11

Morning Circle will meet at 10 AM on Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Tuesday, October 13th. Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
At the November’s meeting, Rev. Cedarleaf “Entitlement”
will lead us in discussing the book Amish
Grace by Donald B. Krayvill, Steven M. Nolt October 18:
and David L. Weaver-Zercher. All are
welcome to joining us for this discussion. Isaiah 53:4-12
Hebrews 5:1-10
Bring a sandwich for your lunch. Dessert and Mark 10:35-43
drinks are provided. “Servant Leadership”

October 25: Reformation Sunday

Joey Mistretta was born on September 10, Jeremiah 31:31-34
2009. He is the Romans 3:19-28
son of Heather John 8:31-36
(Bickel) and “Reformed and Always Reforming”
Joseph Mistretta
Jr., and the
grandson of Sue
and Dan Bickel.
Best wishes to NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM,
the whole family!

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home
Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home
Louise Deller, Cherry Ridge OCTOBER 15, 2009
Barbara Eaton, Perinton Park Manor
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