Epistle Dec08

THE EPISTLE Volume 13 Issue 11

DECEMBER 18, 2008

OUR CHURCH’S 185TH BIRTHDAY On December 18, 2009 First Congregational United Church of Christ will celebrate its 185th birthday. We are ten years older than the city of Rochester. We are also the first church in the town of Perinton and have been on this same site since the first building was erected in 1835! We have, through all these years, been an integral part of the village of Fairport and the town of Perinton. During the year, we will celebrate in a number of ways with special events and times of worship. It will also be a time to focus on reaching out to the un-churched and inviting them to become part of this family of faith. There are exciting days ahead and if you would like to be a part of an informal committee to look at activities speak to our church historian Toni Thompson or to Pastor Cedarleaf.

SUPPORT YOUTH MISSION TRIP SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER Sunday January 11; 5:00 & 7:00 PM seating. $6 for Adults, $4 for children 11 and under. Purchase tickets after church in Fellowship Hall.

PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, an the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” -John 1:1-5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” In the Western hemisphere, the natural world cooperates with the coming of Christmas. We celebrate the feast of the Incarnation four days after the winter solstice, when we have turned the corner and are moving toward the light. Most of us associate this festival with Bethlehem and shepherds and Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. We sing t he carols and wonder anew each year how the coming of the Bethlehem babe can have had such an influence on the world. We mark time, or at least we did, from his birth. It used to be BC and now it is BCE, but it is all the same. Something changed on that night so long ago. A new era began and it continues still until the close of the ages when the child of Bethlehem will return triumphant and the kingdom of heaven will come to earth. So we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” In this out of sorts time, when wars and rumors of wars, echo in our ears and economic chaos seems to envelop us, when darkness seems to reign both in the world and often in our hearts, I am comforted by the words of St. John at the beginning of his gospel.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” You see this old, old story that is so familiar to us, is not about an ordinary baby who grows up to become a noble man and who dies a horrible death because of his idealism. It is the story of God the Father come down from heaven to live among us, sharing our life fully and freely and dying on the cross for the whole world. We are used to sad stories of the darkness overcoming the light, of young people cut down in the prime of life by violence; of senseless wars for less than noble purposes; of greed and arrogance among the high and the mighty. If this infant born in Bethlehem were just an ordinary baby then perhaps his story would be like so many other stories, but his story is different, because it is God’s story and when God’s story is told then light does indeed shine; hope is kindled and we can hear the angels sing God’s song of peace and good will to all the world. I wish you a most blessed Christmas and a new year filled with hope, joy and peace. Your pastor,

John

THE SEASON OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

December 21: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

The lighting of the fourth advent candle 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Response: Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-28

“Christ is Coming—Prepare” “Proclaim His Coming” December 24: Christmas Eve

5:00 PM Family Service 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

“Adore and Tell”

January 4: Epiphany Sunday The feast of Epiphany is on January 6, but we will celebrate it on January 4. Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12

“A Star is Born”

WORSHIP DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY (CONT) January 11: Baptism of our Lord “Our recreation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit/wind moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.” -Sundays and Seasons Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

“Like a River”

January 18: Second Sunday after Epiphany: Laity Sunday As each of us are called through baptism to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, whether lay or ordained, so we celebrate our stories of faith. Our preacher for this day will be Ed McGrattan and members of the Board of Elders will lead the service. Watch for a special treat in music for this very special Laity Sunday Service.

January 25: Third Sunday after Epiphany “Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the time after Epiphany plays out the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of fisherman brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.” -Sundays and Seasons Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 I Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20

FEBRUARY SERMON SERIES On the first three Sundays in February, Pastor Cedarleaf, will preach a series of sermons on the topic of worship. The general title is “Why we Worship as we Do?” On February 1, when we celebrate Holy Communion, the topic of the sermon is: “The Innermost Sanctuary of the Whole Christian Worship”. On February 8 we will discuss, “Calendars, Feasts, Fasts, Lectionaries and Drama” and on February 15 our attention will turn to “What’s so Reformed about Reformed Worship?”

Boy Scout Sunday February 8 Our regular church service on Sunday February 8th will recognize the partnership between our church and Boy Scout Troop 207. Scouts, leaders, and scout parents will be in attendance to help celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America.

Greetings from Advent House

PERINTON FOOD SHELF A grateful THANK YOU to the volunteers who deliver and place the food donations on the donation shelves at the Perinton Food Shelf. Your help brings food one step closer to feeding the hungry in our community.

IRS RULES To receive credit on your 2008 Giving Statement for donations to the church all checks must be dated December 31, 2008 or earlier and received in the church office by January 5, 2009.

During this Advent Season, we at Advent House want to express our deepest gratitude for all that you have done and continue to do to make our House a Home. Your gifts of self, time, prayers, love, and finances make this ministry possible. Your generosity has touched the lives and hearts of many, leaving them with the enduring memory of selfless giving. We thank you and wish you a very blessed holiday season.

GREEN TABLECLOTHS MISSING! The church originally had thirteen dark green tablecloths, however now we only have six. If anyone knows of their whereabouts, please let us know. Thanks.

THANK YOU! Many thanks to all my friends here at First Church for all the beautiful cards, prayers, and kindness, and memorial gifts, after mother’s recent passing. It’s wonderful to be a part of such a caring church family. God’s blessings to all, Paul Yerrick

WELCOME TO THE NEW ARRIVAL! Oliver Sean Flannigan May was born on November 24, 2008 in Denver, CO to Corin Flannigan, widow of Sean May. Oliver is the grandson of Pat and Bill May.

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home Geraldine Stearns, Perinton Manor NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM JANUARY 15, 2009

YOUTH MISSSION TRIP NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Adult Education

Our youth need to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the mission trip. We need silent auction items for the upcoming Spaghetti dinner on January 11. Do you have an item or service to offer? If so, signup on the rolling bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call Brian Sherry at 233-1010.

MORNING CIRCLE Morning Circle will meet on January 13, 2009 at 10 AM in Fellowship Hall. Steve Bartlett will speak about the history of Monroe Community Hospital.

January 4, 11, 18 & 25 – The Lord’s Prayer – Presented by Dr. Tim Dwyer During the month of January, Dr. Tim Dwyer, associate professor of Bible and Ministry at Northeastern Seminary, will conduct a series of classes on The Lord’s Prayer. Back by popular demand, Dr. Dwyer is a 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! .These classes will be held during Christian Education time following the worship service. Classes take place in the Snow Room.

Mid-Week Daytime Class! New Adult Ed Study Begins Jan. 7: Finding God in the Questions Come join our study and discussion group as we begin a new year focusing on the book, “Finding God in the Questions” by Dr. Timothy Johnson. In this remarkable book, Dr. Timothy Johnson, medical editor for ABC News, discloses his deeply personal journey of faith. With the author, we will investigate the plausibility of God’s existence and explores the significance of the person of Jesus. Classes are held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – noon in the Snow Room. There will be a $10 fee per book. Join us. Drop-ins welcome!

Preschoolers & Elementary Students: Ringing in the New Year with a Study on the Life of Christ During the month of January, our students in the rotation program will focus on the life of Christ. They’ll learn about his visit to the Temple in Jerusalem when he was a boy, his baptism, and his ministry as an adult.

Children’s Chapel Students Making Special Gifts for Special People During December, our Children’s Chapel students have been learning about God’s gift to us and to all humankind – His gift of Jesus Christ. After their short chapel service, the students have been very busy making special gifts for special people. These heartfelt gifts are the children’s way of sharing their love with others this Christmas season.

Family News Senior High To Connect Music With the Message During January, the Senior High class will take part in an exciting new Bible Study. They will hear today’s most popular Christian artists address relevant issues with a biblical perspective.

Junior High Class To Focus on the Sacraments Our Junior High class will spend January learning about the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. We’ll discuss how these sacraments impact our lives.

****ATTENTION: THERE IS NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 28. Classes will resume on January 4.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM JANUARY 15, 2009

JYF/SYF NEWS

Senior High Class Sponsoring African Child Junior High Movie Night Planned for January 9 Calling all JYFers! Come join us for a relaxing movie night on January 9th. Food, fun and friends….What could be better?

Senior High To Go Late-Night Bowling on January 9 Senior High Students – Mark your calendars for another great latenight bowling event on January 9. Stay tuned for more information regarding time and place.

The Senior High youth have decided, as a group, to make a commitment to sponsor a child in Africa through “Compassion International.” Compassion International began in 1952 and has sponsored more than one million children. Presently, the organization is active in more than 20 countries serving 700,000 children. It is a non-denominational Christian Ministry. Donations provide money for a child’s education, health care and supplementary food. In addition, the sponsored child will become part of a local church-based program with caring adults providing love, guidance, personal attention, guided recreation and safety. The child they are sponsoring is six-yearold, John Denis John. He lives with his mother in Tanzania in an HIV/AIDS affected area.

Youth Group: Sign Up to Help with the Spaghetti Dinner on January 11 We need you to help cook, set up and serve a delicious spaghetti dinner held to raise money for the 2009 mission trip. Sign up in Fellowship Hall! All youth group members are invited to help!

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: [email protected] Webpage: fairportucc.org 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: Janie Marini Business Administrator: Sue Brooks Epistle Editor: Bill Lindsay Wedding Coordinator: Sue Bickel

First Congregational United Church of Christ 26 East Church Street Fairport NY 14450