October, 2008 Epistle

THE EPISTLE Volume 13 Issue 9

JYF Halloween Party Set For Friday, October 24 Calling all 6th – 8th graders! Ready for some ghoulish fun??? Come to our annual Halloween party in Upper Fellowship Hall from 7 – 9:30 p.m. on October 24. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume! Friends are welcome. Sign up on the JYF bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

SYF Halloween Fun Scheduled for October 24 Our senior high students will be heading to a haunted house and return to the church for refreshments and movies – a horror movie in basement or funny Halloween movie upstairs. Wear your Halloween costumes and be ready for some fun! Meet at church at 8 p.m. Bring $9 for haunted house admission. Sign up on SYF bulletin board or call Mrs. Hamill at 425-1958.

OCTOBER 16, 2008

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2 All Saints Day is November 1. In the early church it was a time to remember all those “named saints”. All Souls day was November 2. It was a time to remember the vast multitude of others who had no “Saints Day”. We combine the two and celebrate “All Saints Sunday” this year on November 2. As we gather around the Lord’s Table, we remember the fact that all the baptized living and dead are part of the communion of saints who is the church on earth and the church in heaven. As part of our celebration we include the names of all those in our congregation who have died since the last All Saints Sunday. We also include the names of other loved ones. Please e-mail or in some other way get the names to the church office by October 27. Please include the date of death.

Inside Highlights….. P. 2 P. 3 P. 7 P. 9 P. 11-12 P. 13 P. 14 P. 15 P. 16

Pastoral Perspective Worship Schedule Advent Pot Luck Adult Education JYF/SYF Family News Stewardship Movie Night Calendar

Pastoral Perspective In case you’ve been on the moon for the past couple of years, you know that we are now at the tail end of a presidential election campaign. You should receive this Epistle before the election on November 4. I’m sure that most of you have made up your minds as to whom you are going to vote for, not only in the Presidential election, but also on the statewide level. What role does your faith play in that decision? I would hope that it plays a crucial role. We live in a pluralistic society. This is an obvious fact and nothing is going to change that. We also live in a country that talks of a separation of church and state. Notice what this says: separation of church and state. It does not say a separation of faith and state or religion and state. The founders knew that it was not healthy for either church or state to be so intertwined that one was the same as the other. There are in this world theocratic states and most Americans do not want to replicate that in our country. On the other hand, faith needs to play a role in our life together. People of faith should not feel ashamed to speak of their faith and the role it plays in their political decisions. There will be disagreements on specifics. The moral agenda is a broad one and there is not universal agreement on each issue that comes up. When you consider an issue, consider it in the context of many other issues. Let me cite an example. There are some in our society who say that they are “pro life”. There are others who say that they are “pro choice.” This generally means that either you wish to end abortion or you wish to give the freedom of a person to choose an abortion or not. Are these terms helpful or not? If a person opposes abortion, but favors capital punishment and war and opposes those things that make life easier on children who are brought into this world, are they pro life? On the other hand, if a person favors the option of abortion and opposes war and capital punishment are they pro life? Simple answers are never as simple as they may be thought to be. I certainly would hope that your faith would play a role in the way you live your life and that includes the way you look at crucial issues. If it doesn’t then you’ve indeed been on mars, and not in church, for longer than a couple of years.

Your Pastor,

John 2

SUNDAY WORSHIP NOVEMBER November 2: All Saints Sunday The Eucharist Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 I John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 Celebrating the people of God, living and dead who are the body of Christ November 9 Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 Christ’s Return November 16 Heritage Sunday We worship as did our ancestors did at an earlier time in the history of our church November 23: Christ the King Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 What’s wrong with the goats? November 30: First Sunday of Advent The Eucharist (Pew Communion) Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 Where are you when we need you?

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WORSHIP NOTES Why do we do what we do when we do it? How is the order of service put together and why is it done in the way that it is? From time to time, folks ask this question and so I thought I would try and answer it. The order of worship is like a play. There are generally three acts. In act one we gather together and confess our sins. In the second act we hear the Word read and proclaimed in the sermon and in the third act we respond to the Word with prayer and offering. The celebration of the Eucharist comes in act 3 as a response of thanksgiving (what the word Eucharist means) to what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. The service is structured around the “church year.” The church year begins with Advent, when we look forward to the coming of the Lord at the end of the ages. We also prepare for the coming of the Savior at Christmas. The season of Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. The season of Epiphany reminds us of our baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ and also the worldwide mission of the church. The gospel story at the center of this season is that of the Magi who came seeking out the infant king. The season of Lent, which is forty days not including Sundays, prepares us for the suffering and death of Jesus during Holy Week. Easter, of course, stands at the center of our faith. This season of fifty days celebrates the new life given to the world in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Jesus ascension, forty days after Easter, leads us to Pentecost, fifty days from Easter and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which brought the church into being. The season of Pentecost is the longest in the church year and takes us to the beginning of Advent. The lessons each Sunday come from the lectionary. A lectionary is a list of Scripture readings, generally one from the Old Testament, and two from the New ‘Testament, one from the epistles and one from the gospels. The lectionary cycle runs for three years and then repeats itself. The purpose is to allow us to cover a good part of the Bible, though not everything will be covered. It is a good discipline so that preachers will not be tempted to always preach on their favorite texts. There is also a Psalm for each Sunday, which is used as a response to the first reading. Generally the first reading from the Old Testament and the Gospel reading are connected in some thematic way. Often the Epistle lesson runs on its own, often moving through a particular letter.

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Worship notes (cont.) Why do some things change and some things stay the same for a period of time? The order stays the same. The lessons change, and the hymns change each Sunday. Other aspects of the service change according to the church year, or for a season. This would include the Greeting, Confession, Pardon and Blessing and Sending. Corporate worship is an end in itself. God is the audience, not us. When we gather together on Sunday mornings it is to worship Almighty God. Whatever else comes of it is “gravy” for us.

TAIZE SERVICE NOVEMBER 9 Once a month we gather for a brief service of prayer and meditation in the style of Taize. This meditative service gives us an opportunity to center our hearts and minds in quiet and worship God. If you feel scattered and flustered, this is for you. This would be a wonderful opportunity not only for yourself, but also for you to introduce our church to a friend. We usually gather in the sanctuary, but because of rehearsals for the children’s musical, the November service will be held in the Snow Room. Remember the date: November 9. Remember the time: 5:00 PM. REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home

To Our Dear Church Family, We’re not sure where to begin in thanking you all for your love and support during our “nightmare,” but we couldn’t have gotten through our time in Denver without the knowledge that you were back here holding us in your thoughts and prayers. It was so wonderful to see so many of you at Sean’s Celebration Service on September 21 and to receive your hugs and share your tears. The white roses were very special, and the Deacons and their “helpers’ provided such lovely (and yummy) treats after the service. We’re are so grateful to Jim Franzen, Peter Tieslink, and Jerry Evans who spent so much of their time working to be sure that the pictures of Sean and the music accompanying them before and during the Celebration were perfect. What incredible “techies” they are! And, of course, we can’t forget our dear John and Jean. Numerous phone calls of support and love to us in Denver, their sensitivity in knowing how hard it would be for us to come home, and John’s willingness to to allow us to tailor the Celebration to what Sean would have been comfortable with were so deeply appreciated. Thanks also to Cathy for her help and advice in making sure that the program was done properly. We have received so many cards and personal notes from you all, most of which still lie unopened on the dining room table. (We are trying to take our time to read and absorb each one.) Know that your messages bring us comfort and hope, and we feel so privileged to be members of the best “family” in the world - the First Congregational Church. THANK YOU!!!

Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home

Bill, Pat, and Matt May

Geraldine Stearns, Perinton Manor 5

Our Christian sympathy is extended to Bob Wagner on the recent death of his wife, Winifred Wagner. She passed away on September 26, 2008. A funeral service was held for her at First Congregational UCC on October 1, 2008. Pastor Cedarleaf officiated.

MORNING CIRCLE Morning Circle will meet on November 11 at 10 AM in Fellowship Hall. We will have a time for conversation and general “catching-up” after our business meeting.

MANY THANKS TO THE CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS: Thank you so much for the flowers from church. It means so much. And Bill thanks you too.

EVENING CIRCLE

Barbara Cobb

The Evening Circle will meet on November 10th at 7:00 PM, in the Snow Room. Doug Jones will talk to us about Norway and present a slide show from his visit there. We welcome all to join us. Any questions, call Judy Baxter or Beverly Gray.

WELCOME NEW ARRIVALS! Tim and Kymm Junker are the proud parents of twins, Jake and Zoey, born October 1, 2008 in Evanston, IL. Grandparents are Chris and Karen Junker.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! Joining our church family on October 5, 2008 were: Nicole Cedarleaf, 544 Sweet Maple Drive, Webster, joined by reaffirmation of faith. She and her husband, Karl, have two young children, Gunnar and Ava. Nicole is also a lawyer. Patricia and Roger Douglass, 9 Triton Ct. Fairport, joined by letter of transfer from the First Presbyterian Church, Canisteo, New York. Roger is a retired professor and Pat is a retired teacher. Their hobbies include: reading, bird watching, hiking, baseball, classical music, attending plays, camping, deer hunting, and fishing. 6

December 7, 2008 THE ADVENT POT LUCK DINNER On December 7, 2008 following the Children’s pageant the Board of Deacons will again sponsor the pot luck dinner. Please plan to bring your dish ready to serve and eat. Also bring your table service. The ovens and the refrigerator will be full and not available. We prefer that no one uses the kitchen as the nine Deacons will be busy in the kitchen both before and after the dinner. The Deacons will provide baked ham, pizza for the children, dessert, coffee, milk and water. This year we will have serving tables in Upper Fellowship Hall and in the Snow Room. Sign-up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall starting on November 2nd.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM NOVEMBER 13, 2008 (This is one week earlier than normal due to the Thanksgiving holiday.)

2009 Church Year Pledge Cards ...will be mailed out in late October. Pledge cards should be returned to the church by Sunday, November 9. Pledge cards will be collected in church on November 9, but it is always OK to return your pledge card early.

What is the Endowment Fund? The Endowment Fund of the First Congregational Church was established in 1997. It is a long term fund of the church to be used to finance significant capital needs of the Church or to finance special Mission and Outreach programs. The Endowment Fund is not to be used as a source of funds for the day to day operations of the Church. The Fund is designed to maintain a minimum value of $200,000 at all times. Its source of income is primarily from donations as well as dividends and capital gains from the invested funds. It is intended that funds be invested in assets that maximize growth within the limits of prudent financial stewardship of a long term asset portfolio. Upon reaching the minimum value (which occurred several years ago), the Church may distribute annually up to 5% of the Fund’s asset value for approved capital or mission projects. What types of gifts to the Endowment Fund are possible? Cash or check is an obvious choice, but there are many other ways to contribute to the Endowment Fund. One very common way is to name the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary in your will. Other choices include a donation of real estate, stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Another option is to name the Fund as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. We will explore these options in more detail, including income tax benefits, in future issues of The Epistle.

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The Commission on Christian Muslim Relations (CCMR) Presents

“Facing Our Fears about Islam” This series will use a combination of videos and outside speakers to focus on the fears non-Muslims tend to have about Muslims and Islam. These fears are often triggered by the media’s indiscriminate use of words and images. We will look at these words and images to see where the problems lie and to work out together ways of addressing them. Dates: Monday evenings, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3 Time: 7-8:30pm Place: Islamic Center of Rochester, 727 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620 Free and open to the public Light refreshments will be served Monday, October 20, 2008 Program #1: “What Shapes American Views of Islam?” Facilitator: Dr. Emil Homerin, Professor of Religion and Classics, University of Rochester Monday, October 27, 2008 Program #2: “Media Images of Islam: Fact and Myth. Facilitator: Dr. Melanie May, Vice President, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester Monday, November 3, 2008 Program #3: “Overcoming Our Fears of the “Other” Facilitator: Rev. Gordon Webster, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester Format: Brief focusing talk, 30 minutes for break-out sessions; 30 minutes for plenary gathering. Co-Sponsors: Muslim Catholic Alliance (MCA), Nazareth College, Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue (CISD) Contact for further information: Dr. George Dardess: [email protected] or call Islamic Center at: 442-0117

ANNUAL THANSGIVING SERVICE Presented by the Perinton Lay Clergy Council, Tuesday, November 25th at 7 PM at St. John’s of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY. This year’s theme is “Stewards of God’s Creation” Listen to Iroquois, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i and Christian traditions, including a chancel choir, a Hebrew cantor and more. Questions? [email protected]. 8

Sun., Oct. 26 – Youth Mission Trip Presentation to the Congregation Come and learn about the good work our youth did in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, last summer! See pictures of their trip, listen to their report, and ask questions.

Nov. 2, 9, & 16 - Worshiping God With Music: Church Music Through the Ages For centuries, Christians have used music to worship our Almighty God. Learn how this tradition evolved in this 3-week class. Led by Jim Franzen, we’ll explore “The Classical World: Lifting Our Spirits to the Heavens,” “ The Hymn: The People Participate,” “The Folk Tradition: Music of the Heart,” and “Modern Church Music: Entertainment or Worship?”

Nov. 23 – Faith & the Environment 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 or Dec. 7.

Mid-Week Daytime Class! Higher Ground – Steps Toward Christian Maturity Come join our study and discussion group as we explore ways to reach new heights of spiritual growth. We’ll discover what the Bible says as we ask questions and search for answers using an easy-to-read study guide. Classes are held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – noon in the Snow Room. Join us. Drop-ins welcome!

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SAFE JOURNEY TO REOPEN IN JANUARY 2009 On October 6 the Board of Directors of the Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton voted unanimously to accept the restructuring plan for Safe Journey and to re-open the program in January 2009. Pat May, President of EMP said: “After assessing the community’s need for a suburban-based domestic violence support program and a thorough evaluation of the factors that contributed to our financial crisis this spring, we are confident in our ability to reopen Safe Journey in January and sustain it well into the future.” The EMP Board also voted to hire Allison O’Malley, who led the restructuring effort, as Safe Journey’s Executive Director. Safe Journey is a resource and support center for victims of domestic violence. Our congregation supports it through our Board of Missions and Outreach.

GENERATION TWO Please consider becoming a volunteer for Generation Two. Generation Two creates a foundation for learning in elementary schools, helps decrease school absences, and promotes enthusiasm for learning among children who like school the least. G2 needs volunteers to play with 1st grade students. This is not a tutoring program. These are normal kids in regular classrooms in the Rochester City and Fairport School Districts. Volunteers meet once a week throughout the school year. The time commitment is 2 hours per week. Full training and ongoing support is provided. No special skills needed, just enjoy playing with children. We have a lot of fun and the children love us. For further information contact Kim Weick at 585-377-8213 or [email protected]

KEEPING UP TO DATE Our revitalized web page is up and running. Check things out to see what is going on. If you have friends who want to know about us, send them to fairportucc.org. As time goes on more and more information will be added both for internal and external use. The web page is a center of communication for our parish. Another way that we try and keep people up to date is by using e-mail to inform you of activities or events of importance. We can only do this if we have your up-to-date e-mail address. If you have not already done so, please give Cathy Kinton ([email protected]) your e-mail address so that you can be informed about the good works of our church and church family. Thanks. 10

Mission Trip ’09 -Deposits are Due On July 19 – 25, our youth will be heading to Hurricane, West Virginia for their annual mission trip – a time to join with hundreds of other youth to refurbish homes for the less fortunate. All youth who will be entering 7th – 12th grade next fall are eligible to attend. To secure your spot, send a $50 deposit to the church ASAP. (Make check payable to: First Congregational UCC. Write “mission trip deposit” in memo area.) Watch the youth group bulletin board for more information.

Youth Group to Work at City Soup Kitchen November 15

JYF Halloween Party Set For Friday, October 24 Calling all 6th – 8th graders! Ready for some ghoulish fun??? Come to our annual Halloween party in Upper Fellowship Hall from 7 – 9:30 p.m. on October 24. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume! Friends are welcome. Sign up on the JYF bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

JYF and SYF students are invited to work at St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality – a soup kitchen in the city – on Sat. Nov. 15. We’ll be bringing the food, cooking, and serving lunch to approximately 75 less fortunate people. We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and will return at approx. 1:30 p.m. Sign up on the youth group bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Spots are limited, so sign up quickly!

SYF Halloween Fun Set for October 24 Our senior high students will be heading to a haunted house and return to the church for refreshments and movies – a horror movie in basement or funny Halloween movie upstairs. Wear your Halloween costumes and be ready for some fun! Meet at church at 8 p.m. Bring $9 for haunted house admission. Sign up on SYF bulletin board or call Mrs. Hamill at 425-1958. 11 (JYF/SYF continued on next page)

Lost Boys of Sudan Speaker – October 29 “They say I am a Lost Boy, but God has found me.” Join us on October 29 as we listen to John Dau tell of his survival of a 14-year journey from his home village in Duk County, Sudan in 1987 to his arrival in Syracuse, New York in 2001. When John was 13, the northern troops attacked his village. He fled into the night, without food or clothes. He and thousands of other boys began their 1,000 mile walk across Sudan. These boys became known as the Lost Boys. John has used the unimaginable suffering as an inspiration to help his people. Today, he is the founder and president of the John Dau Sudan Foundation, which aims to transform healthcare in Southern Sudan. We will meet at the church at 6:15 p.m. and car pool to the Irondequoit United Church of Christ, 644 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY, 14617. Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

Junior High Class Continues Study of the Ten Commandments SYF to Tackle the Amazing Maize Maze” on October 24 Our senior high students will be heading to Long Acre Farm on Oct. 24 to try their luck in the maize maze. We’ll meet at the church at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Sign up in Fellowship Hall!

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During October, our Junior High class will continue their 10 week study on the ten commandments too. Through catchy “rap” music, powerful Power Point presentations, prayer and discussion, our students will begin to see how timeless and relevant these commandments really are.

Children’s Chapel Students To Focus On Helping Others During October, our Children’s Chapel students are learning about Jesus’ instruction to us to “love one another.” After their short chapel service, the students are making winter caps to donate to the children at School 33. In November, the students will learn about the fruits of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Their mission project in November will be to make centerpieces and placemats for the Community Dinner.

Preschoolers & Elementary Students Focus on Joshua & Trusting God From Oct. 26 – Nov. 16, our younger students will be learning about how God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, after Moses died. They’ll see that Joshua trusted God’s promise to be with him, and we can trust God’s promise to be with us wherever we go.

Junior High Class Continues Study of the Ten Commandments Our Junior High class will complete their 10 week study on the ten commandments in November. Through catchy “rap” music, powerful Power Point presentations, prayer and discussion, our students are learning how timeless and relevant these commandments really are. “Waiting

Senior High To Learn About Simple Living During November, the Senior High class will learn about 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?’”

For Jesus” Advent Project Set For Nov. 23

On Sunday, Nov. 23, our church school students will gather in Upper Fellowship Hall to talk about Advent and make a special project to help them look forward to Christmas. 13

Dear Fellow Church Members, We have all seen the recent headline reports of falling stock prices, shaky credit markets and distressed banks. That these events cause increased anxiety and even downright anger is hardly a surprise. Yet, now is the time that the stewardship committee is asking church members to pause and take stock of the health and vitality of our community in Christ. We hope that you will conclude, as we have, that our congregation is blessed and truly prosperous where it matters most. Where it matters most – these words have never had more meaning. Faith, fellowship and family are the storehouses for our riches. This wealth has never been subject to the whimsical cycles of the marketplace. We know our good fortune is wholly in our hands, because it is subject only to God’s promised love for us, our obedience to him, and our commitment to one another. Whenever we have invested in the best of ourselves, the returns have multiplied tenfold. Consider the following as proofs: * We believe that our children’s Christian education is a primary responsibility of the church, so we have developed a first rate child and youth education program. Because of this investment, we are able to watch with humble pride as our children mature into young adults who are knowledgeable of God’s word and secure in his love. *We believe that adult religious education is vital, so we have fostered classes, seminars and services that encourage continuous Christian growth. This investment helps us view an ever changing world in the context of God’s overarching plan for us. *We believe that beautiful music is central to our worship experience, so we thankfully support a wonderful choir and accompanist. This investment has produced music that touches our soul and moves us closer to God in a way that words alone cannot. *We believe that missions and communal good works are the highest expressions of our love for God, so we extend our hand to those in need, and we teach our children to do the same. This investment has heightened the sense of camaraderie and good cheer that binds our congregation together. Now is the time for prayerful reflection on what portion of this year’s harvest you will sow back into our church community and spiritual growth. As you contemplate your gifts, think about what you love about our church and how best to invest where it matters most. The Stewardship Committee Vicky Hoover Eric Johansen

14 John Quattrociocchi

Family Movie Night November 7 To Feature the Veggie Tales Hit:

“Where’s God when I’m S-Scared?” Attention families of preschoolers and elementary school children! Our first Family Movie Night is scheduled for Friday, November 7 from 7 – 9 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The movie will start at 7:30 p.m. in Upper Fellowship Hall. All family members are welcome. Come in your PJs and bring a blanket and pillow, if you wish. This is a great way to get acquainted with other families, while enjoying a good show and yummy treats. Sign up on the registration sheet on the “Elementary Kid News” bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call the church office at 223-0224. 15

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 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

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM NOVEMBER 13, 2008 (This is one week earlier than normal due to the Thanksgiving holiday.)

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