Epistle 2008-11 V1 (2)

THE EPISTLE Volume 13 Issue 10

NOVEMBER 20, 2008

Don’t Miss Spending

“A Night in Bethlehem!” Families won’t want to miss spending a night in Bethlehem on: Sunday, December 21 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Come experience what life was like so long ago on that starry night when our savior was born! Hear the sounds of the Bethlehem marketplace, visit the carpentry shop, sample the foods at the marketplace and visit the baby in the quiet stable. This is an event your children will remember for years! Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

THE ADVENT POT LUCK DINNER December 7, 2008 following the Children's pageant. The sign-up sheets are posted in Fellowship Hall for the advent dinner. Please bring an entree, side dish or salad, ready to serve and eat. The Deacons will provide baked ham, pizza for the children, dessert, coffee, milk and water. We cannot keep your dish hot or cool due to lack of space in the kitchen. Please wrap your dish well and it should be fine. Please also bring your table service. NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM DECEMBER 11, 2008 (This is a week earlier than usual due to the Christmas holiday!)

WORSHIP DURING ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS November 30: First Sunday of Advent Lighting of the first Advent candle Holy Communion (pew communion) Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 December 7: Second Sunday of Advent Lighting of the Second Advent candle Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 December 14: Third Sunday of Advent Lighting of the third Advent candle Service of lessons and carols December 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent Lighting of the fourth Advent candle 2 Samuel 7:1-111,16 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 December 24: Christmas Eve 5:00 PM: Family service of Scripture stories and carols 11:00 PM Festival Eucharist with choir December 28: First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

WORSHIP NOTES FOR ADVENT, CHRISTMAS Advent is a time of waiting. Many of us think that we are waiting for Christmas and in one sense that is right. We look forward to the celebration, once again, of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the King. No matter how many times we have heard this familiar story we are still thrilled to hear the angel’s song of peace and good will sung on the night of the Savior’s birth. We also wait, though, for the great and glorious day, when the kingdom of God will be fully realized on earth as it is in heaven. Advent, then, looks backward to the first coming of Jesus and forward to the second coming in power and glory. The Bible readings for the season reflect this double meaning. It is hard for most of us to hold off on Christmas. The culture pushes us earlier and earlier to “get to it.” This year, particularly, with the Our sympathy is extended to Kim Beach and her family on the recent death of her husband, Richmond Beach. He passed away on October 23, 2008 and a memorial service was held for him at First Church on October 28, 2008. Pastor Cedarleaf officiated. Rich sang in our choir for many years. Our sympathy is also extended to Paul Yerrick and his family on the death of his mother, Eleanor Yerrick on November 16, 2008. Her service will be held at First Church on Friday, November 21, 2008.

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home Geraldine Stearns, Perinton Manor

economy in the dumps, merchants will be asking us to buy! Christmas is a wonderful season, but it is different from Advent and in order to fully appreciate it, we need to move through the one to get to the other, just as we have to move through Lent to get to Easter. During the Advent season, the Greeting, Confession, Forgiveness and Blessing will remain the same and will change with Christmas Eve and continue the same through the Christmas season. In the past, the liturgical colors for Advent were the same as for Lent, purple. This was because Advent, like Lent, was considered a season of penitence. Over the years, there has been some change here and the heavy penitential emphasis of former days has lightened up a bit. The color for Advent is now blue.

THANK YOU MARGE BROOKS! Marge Brooks will never be known as a lady with “idle hands, and this is why. This year there are brown ones and blue ones, gold ones and pink ones, some with stripes and some plain—also red, white and blue ones, large ones and small ones and some in between—all in all 31 children will have warm hands as the weather turns to winter. This will be due to the beautifully hand knit mittens plus eight hats and two sets of matching hat and mittens that Marge created. This has been on on-going project of hers for many years. The children of Henry Lomb #20 school in the city have been recipients of her generosity for many years. We can all say “thank you” to this caring lady.

PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE I’m writing this on November 13, just a month before we gather as a congregation to receive and vote on the operating budget for 2009. The past few weeks have seen the work of our stewardship committee begin to bear fruit. November 9 was “Stewardship Sunday”. On that day we “officially” concluded our campaign. Of course the campaign is not over and we will, no doubt, receive pledges up to and beyond the financial meeting on December 14. It seems that the pledges for 2009 are tracking pretty much where they were in 2008. This is not a bad thing, particularly as we all struggle with the economic chaos that we are in as a nation. I made clear to the church council that we did not have much choice but to replay the 2008 in 2009. You could call this a flat budget, although there will be some increases in areas that we have little or no control over, such as insurance etc. In the areas that we can control, and this includes salaries and benefits, there will be no increases for 2009. Where we can make other economies we will do so. I also assume that the 2009 budget will include a “faith gap” as we had last year. This gap will need to be filled with fundraisers and other ways to narrow the gap. There are creative ways that we can approach the budget for the coming year. There is no doubt in my mind that we can, if we so desire, raise the money we need. All we need to do is to look at the fund raising for the new choir robes to see this is the case. When there is a need, people step up. I believe that we, as a congregation, have a mission to fulfill and that we are doing all we can to do it. The mission I’m speaking of is to live out in word and deed the life of Christ for others to see. We do that through worship and education and mission. Our worship is centered, not on us, but on God, who calls us into community as the Body of Christ. We are not a conglomeration of individuals, but the church. The Church of Jesus Christ was here long before we were born and will be here long after we have died. We join it through baptism and are nurtured by it through Word and Sacrament, and sent out to be the people of God in the world. If you feel that this mission is important, then let others know that this is a place to seek out and to find the God of all our lives, the one who is both the source and the goal of life. As we deal with the challenges of the coming year, the same challenges many people face, let us remember that God is good and that God’s steadfast love endures forever. Your pastor,

John

CASA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is looking for volunteers to serve as advocates for the best interests of abused and/or neglected children. Responsible adults who are interested in making a difference in the life of a child are encouraged to join CASA’s team of volunteers. CASA will hold a training course for prospective volunteers on January 21st, January 28th and February 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Prior to attending the three-day training course, prospective volunteers must submit a completed application packet and be interviewed. To learn more, please call (585) 428-5297 or visit the CASA website at www.casarochester.org.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Presents:

~Dancing Towards the Future~ Friday, November 21, 2008 7:00p.m. Fairport High School ~ Auditorium Donations accepted at the door with all proceeds going to Building Futures Inc. Join us for a 5 to 85 event that will enlighten our local community as well help our global community. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is sponsoring a unique international dance night in Fairport High School's auditorium. This special evening will offer everyone the opportunity to experience a variety of cultures through the art of dance. The dance groups that will be participating are Sword and Scarab Middle, Eastern Dance Troupe, Ukrainian Dancers from the Ukrainian Arts Foundation of Greater Rochester, Indian Dancers from Bharata School of Indian Classical Dance and Music, Bollywood Dance

Mania, Japan Matsuri Dance Club from the University of Rochester and Dancers from The Tango Café Studio. IB students plan to raise money for The Building Futures, Inc., a charitable organization that builds schools in Kenya, directed by former FHS teacher, Jim Nowak and Fairport resident Adam Jablonski. With this unique event and fundraiser, IB students are fulfilling an important goal of the IB program - to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding.

Advent Poinsettias 2008 CHRISTMAS BASKETS The Board of Missions will provide Christmas Baskets to nine local families. Each basket will contain a complete ham or turkey dinner. To do this, donations of food and money are essential, and we can make this happen only with your generosity. Sign-up sheets for specific items, food, money, and basket delivery, will be available in Fellowship Hall beginning November 23 and ending December 14. Delivery will be made on Friday, December 20. Helping our neighbors is in the true spirit of Christmas. Jan Harper, Harriet Breckenridge Don Eaton

The sign-up sheet for those people wishing to donate money toward the purchase of poinsettias used to decorate the church during the Advent season has been posted on the moveable bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. The list of donors and dedications will be printed in the church bulletin. Donations should be in the amount of $10.00 per poinsettia plant. Payment for the poinsettias can be turned in at the church office or put in the Sunday offering plate. Please make a notation on your check that the payment is for “poinsettias”. Poinsettias will be available following the Advent season for those people wishing to take their plants home. The deadline to sign up will be the end of November. Have questions? See or call John Hecker (223-7584)

HILLSIDE CHRISTMAS TREE Beginning November 30th through December 14th the Hillside Christmas Tree will be located in Fellowship Hall. Please remember to take an ornament and in exchange provide a holiday gift to one of Hillside’s troubled youth or family members. Hopefully everyone will take an ornament, give a gift, and help provide a bit of Christmas cheer. Gifts must be returned by Sunday, December 14th. Please do not wrap the gift, but do provide wrapping paper and bow.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM DECEMBER 11, 2008 (This is a week earlier than usual due to the Christmas holiday!)

THANK YOU ALL! On behalf of the church membership, I would like to thank all those on the Garden Committee who helped to make the areas around the church more colorful and welcoming this year. First of all thanks go to Sandy Good, who originated this committee and kept it functioning for many years. Sandy is now taking a much deserved breather. Many others have lent their hands to keep up the effort this year. Thank you to those who contributed perennials either from their own gardens or by purchasing them. This includes Deb Johnson, Sally Forgensi, Martha Holmes, Janice Coon, Marge Meyer, and Jan Ruesch. Jan also purchased a new nozzle for our hose. Sally donated the two pots with colorful flowers on both ends of the memorial Garden. A huge thank you is extended to Matt, John and Nancy Lawrence who donated AND spread mulch on the front and side beds. Thank you to Chic Gray and Jim Franzen who helped Martha and Carole trim shrubs between our church and the Baptist church. Finally thank you to all those who took turns planting, watering and weeding this summer including Sally Forgensi, Martha Holmes, Janice Coon, Marge Meyer, Jan Ruesch and Toni Thompson, If anyone would like to join our group next year, this is a committee that has no meetings—we just organize the times we can water and when we see the need we pitch in. Thanks again to all who helped. Carole Kent

RUMMAGE SALE A BIG SUCCESS! The net profit generated from the Rummage Sale conducted October 23rd through October 25th was $4,100. A big "thank you" to all who donated goods for sale and all who came over to church during the week to sort, price, direct "traffic", cashier and clean up on Saturday. Special acknowledgements go to (1) the kids of the church who worked so diligently beside the grown-ups to set us up on Sunday in record time (2) BSA Troop 207 who turned out in droves on Saturday at sale-end to works with members of the church and were able to box up and stack the left-over and put the furniture and items back in place in under an hour and (3) the members of Evening Circle and Morning Circle who contributed baked goods that generated about $400 towards the bottom-line profit. In addition to raising funds for the church, we were also able to contribute items to other worthy agencies in our community such as Crafts Bits and Pieces, Asbury Storehouse, ABVI Goodwill, and the Rochester Museum and Science Center for a book sale. More valuable than the amount of money raised was the vast number of church members who had never participated in the Rummage Sale before who came over during the week to work together, spend time with each other, get better acquainted and strengthen the bonds of the faith family that we are. It was truly a fantastic thing to see! We have a great deal to be proud of in this church which we serve. Muriel Gabbey

Toni Thompson

Family News Children’s Chapel Students Harvesting

“Fruits of the Spirit” During November, our Children’s Chapel students have been learning about the fruits of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. After their short chapel service, the students have been making placemats and centerpieces for the Community Dinner on November 30.

Preschoolers & Elementary Students:

Waiting for Jesus To Come! Special All Church School Advent Project – On Sunday, Nov. 23, all church school students will gather to learn about “Advent” and create a keepsake they can use every year to look forward to Christmas.

Junior High Class Focuses on Media & Materialism In December, our Junior High class will focus on the topic of “Media and Materialism.” We’ll also discuss the true meaning of Christmas, and talk about how we can make our Christmas celebrations more relevant to this truth.

Senior High To Learn About Simple Living During December, the Senior High class will continue its study of the foundations of the Christian life and voluntary simplicity. They will analyze lifestyle, food, celebrations, and more, as they explore ways to simplify and question if they are living as Jesus wants them to live. They’ll answer the question, “Is Christmas a celebration of our savior’s birth or an ‘orgy of selfishness?’”

****ATTENTION: THERE IS NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON NOVEMBER 30 (Thanksgiving Vacation) OR DECEMBER 7 (Christmas Musical). Classes will resume on DECEMBER 14 with a focus on Advent and Christmas.

“Live Action Laser Tag At Its Best”

JYF/SYF NEWS

Offered On Nov. 22

Christmas Shopping at the Mall – December 14

Originally offered for our young men and their dads, this has now been opened up to our ladies in 6th – 12th grade, as well. We’re heading to Laser Quest on Sat., Nov. 22. Meet us at the church at 1:30, and we’ll return at approx. 5:15 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. This includes laser tag, pizza and soda. Sign up in Fellowship Hall!

Join us for an outing at Eastview on Sunday, December 14. We’ll leave from church at noon and return at approximately 4 p.m. Bring money for lunch. Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

Help Offer “A Night In Bethlehem” on December 21 Once again, our youth group will host a “Night in Bethlehem” for our congregation to enjoy! Youth group members will transform to become carpenters, bakers, shopkeepers, potters and more, as we offer this gift to the families of our church. Let us know if you can participate by signing up in Fellowship Hall.

YOUTH FUNDRAISERS Mark your calendar for the annual Mission Trip Spaghetti Dinner fund raiser. Our Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled for Sunday January

11, 2009. Come support the youth

of our church. More information will be forthcoming. How can you help our church youth spread the word of God? By donating an item or service for their annual Spaghetti

Dinner silent auction fund raiser.

If you have an

item or service that you would like to donate contact Brian Sherry at 425-7336 or 2331010.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM DECEMBER 11, 2008 (This is a week earlier than usual due to the Christmas holiday!)

Adult Education Mid-Week Daytime Class!

Nov. 23 2008

New Advent Study:

Faith & the Environment

Let Us Go Over to Bethlehem Come join our study and discussion group as we plot a course toward Bethlehem; and join in a journey to find the “good news” of God’s ultimate victory in the faith, promise, peace, and Christ of Christmas. Classes are held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – noon in the Snow Room. Join us. Drop-ins welcome!

As Christians, what responsibility do we have in caring for our environment? How do we execute that responsibility? What are some things we can be doing right now to clean up our planet? Come, discuss these ideas and more during this very important class led by Roger James. These classes will be held during Christian Education time following the worship service. Classes take place in the Snow Room.

NOTE: There will be no adult ed. Class on Sunday, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 or Dec. 14.

UPDATE ON CHURCH MUSIC New Choir robes have been ordered and will hopefully arrive in time for Christmas. We have an interim choir director, her name is Janie Marini. She is a faculty member at Hochstein Music School and is willing to help us out until a permanent director is hired. We are still praying for some new choir members, in addition to the remaining loyal members currently singing for you each Sunday. Please consider joining us! We are planning some special music during the Christmas season, including our brass group, a Strong family offering, harp music and a Marini family piano/organ duet. You won’t want to miss any of this! Faithfully yours! Your music committee, Mary Jane Jones, Paul Yerrick, Sondra Franzen

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM DECEMBER 11, 2008 (This is a week earlier than usual due to the Christmas holiday!)