THE EPISTLE

Volume 14 Issue 6 JUNE 25, 2009

Justin Matz

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Alex Reid g

Evan Tieslink

Lorea
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Elizabeth “Libby” Donaldson

Tyler Obenauf Hillary Tieslink

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Courtney Goodrich d Cicc
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Read details on p. 2 Continued

 Congratulations to our 2009 graduates:
High School:
Todd Ciccarelli will be graduating from
Penfield High School. Todd will be attend-
ing Florida Institute of Technology in Mel-
bourne, Florida. Todd will be in the Avia-
tion Flight Program with a minor in busi-
ness. Todd hopes to become a commercial
pilot.
Brian DeLong is graduating from Fairport
High School and will be attending St. Jo-
seph's University in Philadelphia. He is
planning on majoring in business/
marketing and will be rowing for the St.
Joe's crew team.
Courtney Goodrich graduates from Fairport
High School, after which she will be at-
tending John Carroll University in Cleve-
land, Ohio.
Justin Matz, graduating from Fairport High
School, will then be attending Medaille
College, Buffalo, NY.
Loreal Prystaj will be graduating with hon-
ors from Fairport High School. She will
continue her education at the Fashion Insti-
tute of Technology in Manhattan as pho-
tography major.
Alex Reid, after graduating from Fairport
High School, will attend Rochester Insti-
tute of Technology, Rochester, NY
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM AUGUST 20, 2009
(The Epistle is not published in July.)
2
Evan Tieslink is graduating from Fairport
High School will be attending Arizona State
University in Tempe, Arizona.He will be ma-
joring in History.
Hillary Tieslink is also graduating from Fair-
port High School. She will be attending Uni-
versity of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida will
be majoring in Marine Biology.
College:
Elizabeth “Libby” Donaldson received a Mas-
ter of Education Degree with honors from Sa-
lem State College in Salem, MA on May 14,
2009. Libby’s area of concentration was in
student counselling and student affairs at the
college level.
Eric Jackson received his bachelor’s degreen
in mechanical engineering from Michigan
State University on May 10, 2009. In the fall,
he will start a mechanical engineering intern-
ship with the Disney Corporation.
Tom Jackson received his master’s degree in
applied physics from Cornell University on
May 24, 2009. His plans for next year are not
yet determined.
Tyler Obenauf, son of Dedi and Gregg
Obenauf graduated with his Juris Doctor de-
gree on May 15, 2009 from the Pierce Law
Center, Concord, NH. He will be begin work
in August , 2009, as a defense attorney with
Palm Beach County, FL Public Defender’s
office.
 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Joining our congregation today, June 21, 2009 are:

Kim Beach, 34 Keswich Way, Fairport, NY. Kim’s late husband, Rich Beach,
was a long-time member of our choir. She is joining by reaffirmation of faith.
Randall and Maureen Clark, 82 Waterford Way, Fairport. Randy is retired en-
gineer from Xerox Corp and Maureen is a retired administrative assistant from
the University of Rochester. Randy enjoys sports, golf, football and handyman
and construction projects. Maureen likes travel, history and reading. They are
joining by reaffirmation of faith.
Alicia and Craig Hofmann, 7 Fifth Avenue, Fairport, New York. They are the
parents of two young daughters, Sarah and Rachael. Alicia is a Sales Adminis-
trator and Craig is an Industrial Designer. They enjoy biking, walking, reading
and art. They are transferring from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Joseph Tally, 10 Highpoint Trail, Fairport, NY. He and his wife, Kathryn, have
a daughter, Addison. Joe is joining our congregation by reaffirmation of faith.
Joseph Thomas, 4 Benton Circle, Fairport, NY. Joe is an account representative
for RTS Packaging, LLC. He and his wife, Sara, have a daughter Madelyn. In
addition to playing with Madelyn, Joe enjoys running, DIY projects, travel,
camping, visiting with neighbors and Grandma and Grandpa. He is joining by
reaffirmation of faith.
Christina Williams, 72 Hunters Run, Pittsford, NY 14534 is retired. She enjoys
gardening, design, cooking, entertaining, interior decorating, reading and her
grandchildren. Chris is currently serving on the Board of Missions and Out-
reach. She is joining by letter of transfer from Grace Episcopal Church in
Scottsville, NY.

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 SUMMER WORSHIP 9:30 AM
Fellowship Time follows

June 28: “New Life” August 9: “Imitators”

Lamentations 3:22-33 I Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 30 Psalm 34:1-8
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Mark 5:21-43

July 5: “Rendering” August 16: “Wisdom”

Independence Day Proverbs 9:1-6
The Eucharist Psalm 34:9-14
Isaiah 26:1-8 Ephesians 5:15-20
Mark 12:13-17

July 12,19,26 August 23: “Warfare”

Kelly Weidman preaches Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18
Psalm 34:15-22
Ephesians 6:10-20

August 2:“Unity and Diversity” August 30: “Purity”

The Eucharist Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 Psalm 15
Psalm 78:23-29 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Ephesians 4:1-16

Sunday Mornings– Summer

Adult education classes will be on summer recess from May 17 – Sept. 13.
Classes will resume on Sept. 20.

First Congregational United Church of Christ

4 26 East Church Street Fairport NY 14450
 PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
“Summer Musings”

As I write this, summer is not yet officially here. It arrives on June 21, Father’s Day.
We’ve had a “cool” spring for the most part. I can tell this because we haven’t used the air-
conditioning much either at church or at home. That is a good thing for the electric bill as well
as for the environment. I’m sure, though that as the summer progresses things will get warmer.
For those of you who are going on trips, be careful and have a good time wherever you are.

Even though things slow down for the summer, that doesn’t mean that there is nothing
going on here at First Church. The most important thing that happens is that we continue to
gather each Sunday at 9:30 AM to worship our God with heart and mind and strength. Even
though Christian education classes are taking a break, Children’s Chapel will be available for
those little ones too young for the worship service. I hope that many of our families with
smaller children will continue to worship each Sunday when they are in town.

I’m delighted that Kelly Weidman will be preaching on July 12, 19 and 26, while I am
attending the Craigville Colloquy. This annual gathering of United Church of Christ (and other)
folks is in its 26th year. This year the topic is “Spirituality and the Holy Spirit: A New Awaken-
ing for the Church?” The conference consists of five days of interrelated Biblical reflection,
worship, theological study and small group discussion. Jean will be going with me as a non-
participating partner.

Following the colloquy we will take some vacation time in New England. I will be back
on August to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with you.

As well as worship each Sunday, your council and boards will be working on fall plan-
ning. Already, Karen and I, along with Kelly, have met to look at our educational offerings for
the fall. We are excited about the various areas of children, youth and adult education. Remem-

Continued

5
 PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
Continued
ber that since Labor Day is late this year, our “Welcome Back Sunday” will take place on
September 13. Church School classes will resume on September 20. However, there will be
no Church School on September 27, our special anniversary Sunday.

Speaking of Anniversary Sunday, we are excited as we plan for our celebration. Al-
though our church will not be 185 years old until December, we thought it better to have our
celebration on a day when we were not worried about a blizzard! You can be sure that this
will be a great service of worship and praise as we thank God for all the blessings of the past
and as we look forward to our future. There will be special music, both choral and instrumen-
tal, guests and a festival Eucharist. Please mark your calendars now and don’t miss this sig-
nificant Sunday. The date is September 27.

There are other anniversary plans including a pig roast and a special concert on No-
vember 1 at 5:00 PM by the African American Women’s Choir of Rochester (AKOMA). You
may remember that this fine group was here for a concert a few years ago. This would be a
wonderful opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to come and hear them.

These are only a few of the things that we are planning for as the hazy, lazy days of
summer move forward. Looking forward to seeing you at worship.

Your Pastor,

John

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

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

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 Our condolences are extended to Gordon
Chapel and his family following the death of
his wife, Carol Chapel on May 27, 2009.
Pastor Cedarleaf officiated at her service on
June 4, 2009. Carol joined our church in
1985.

THANK YOU! Our sympathy is extended to Joyce Cowden

Thank you for the wonderful support we
received following my father’s passing.
Your cards, prayers and the time spent to
attend his service were most appreciated.
What a warm and loving congregation we
have at First Church!
Thank you again,
Cathy & Tom Kinton and family
and her family on the recent death of her
youngest brother, Frank Kesselring. He
passed away on June 4, 2009. His funeral
service was in Delaware.
Lorrie and I would like to thank everyone for
their prayers. Prayers are answered as these
have been. The medical problems of Lorrie's
brother-in-law and my sister, have improved.
Peace,
Glenn and Lorrie Harris

THANK YOU TO ALL

Our Step-By-Step Team that participated in the First Annual Fairport Relay For Life
sponsored by the American Cancer Society on May 30th would like to thank everyone for their
donations. Our team raised over $1,900 and the event raised over $72,000. Most of the monies
raised will stay in the Rochester community. The evernt was held behind the Perinton Commu-
nity Center and was held from 7 pm to 7 am.
Church members who participated were: Crista Deniz, Deb Cutter, Chuck Wright,
Maureen Campolieto, Sara Frook, Pat Bradford, Jim Campoliet, Sarah Frook, Past Bradford,
Jim Bradford, the Mulley Family (Stacey, Phil, Ryan & Jared), Bernie Notar, and Team Co-
captains Nan Notar and Carol Moran.
We are looking forward to participating in next year’s event and hope that you will con-
tinue to think of us when making a donation to a charitable cause.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM AUGUST 20, 2009

7 (The Epistle is not published in July.)
"ADVANCE NOTICE -- Mark your calendars now for our next sittings for
our
185th Anniversary Picture Directory!
LifeTouch will be taking pictures on the following dates
at the Church:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 2:30pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, October 1, 2009 2:30pm - 9:00pm
Friday, October 2, 2009 2:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, October 3, 2009 9:30am - 4:00pm

If you would like to help coordinate this great opportunity to Celebrate our
families from First Congregations United Church, please see Maureen Cam-
polieto or Whetherly Gharzouzi for more information and find out ways you
can help make this a success.'

Safe Journey Fundraiser: NYS 6-hour Defensive Driving Course

The John Sargent Agency, a member of the Empire Safety Council, is offering a 6-hour
defensive driving course to benefit Safe Journey. Participants in the course are eligible to re-
ceive up to 10% off auto insurance premiums – FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS – and can reduce
up to 4 points from their driving record immediately. Participation by multiple family members
is encouraged – a great opportunity for families with young drivers. The course will run over
two evenings, July 20th & 22nd, at First Congregational Church of Christ in Fairport, from 6:30
to 9:30pm. Attendance at both classes is required. Coffee & refreshments will be served.
Participation is limited. Register today!
To register: Mail a $35 check payable to Safe Journey (for each participant) to Safe Journey,
PO Box 21, Fairport, NY 14450. Call Lyn at 425-1580 with questions.

NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM AUGUST 20, 2009

(The Epistle is not published in July.)

8
 August 10 – August 14
Fairport Community Vacation Bible School
Don’t miss the fun of this multi-denominational, community-based Bible school! This
program brings the message of God’s love to children age 4 – 7th grade. The daily program in-
cludes Bible lessons, crafts, music, mission projects, skits, snacks, recreation and more.

The program is run entirely by volunteers from area churches, representing many differ-
ent Christian denominations. Nursery care and a 3-year old class are available for children of
our volunteer staff.
Due to the size of the program, FCVBS cannot be housed by one church alone. The
churches used are within walking distance of each other, centered around the four corners in
Fairport. This year, classrooms are located at Fairport United Methodist Church, Bethlehem
Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church and First Congregational United Church of Christ.
The cost is $20 per participant ($50 max. per family). You can pick up a registration
form off the easel at the back door of our church, or at other participating churches. Registra-
tion closes on June 30.
For more information or to volunteer, contact director Heather Moore at 585-259-0122
or email at H.Moore_FCVBS@yahoo.com.

Job Readiness Training for

Displaced Homemakers:
CHURCH COUNCIL
Are you a homemaker who needs to MINUTES
find a job? Have you been out of the work-
force and need to update your job-seeking If you are not currently receiving Church

skills? Have you lost your main source of in- Council minutes and would like a copy e-

come due to widowhood, divorce, or loss of mailed to you, please give John Hecker

your partner’s job? Call Lifespan’s Women your e-mail address. John's e-mail address

in Transition Services at 585-244-8400 for is jch610@rochester.rr.com

help. We can help you on the road to self-

sufficiency and self-confidence. Continuous
enrollment. No fees charged. (Funding pro-
vided by NYS DOL Displaced Homemakers
Program).
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 Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program
A Cry for Volunteers!
Currently I am employed as Coordinator of Youth Services for the Mentoring Children
of Prisoners Program at Compeer Inc. We are looking for several responsible adults that are
willing to be mentors for youth between the ages of 4 to 17. These youth have one or both par-
ents incarcerated and due to current and past trends are at high risk of committing acts that will
lead them to be incarcerated as well. Studies have shown that when these youth spend time
with a dependable and responsible adult who will be a social support at least 1 hour a week for
12 months; the risks of incarceration are lowered drastically. I am asking for you and your con-
gregation, family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to step up to this challenge. By simply
taking a young boy or girl to dinner, a movie, a compeer event or sporting event, or maybe a
fun creative activity that the two of you may enjoy together; you can drastically change their
lives.
Background
According to recent statistics, approximately 2 million children and youth in the United
States have at least one parent in a Federal or State correctional facility. In addition to suffering
disruption in the relationship with their parent, these young people often struggle with eco-
nomic, social, and emotional burdens due to the incarceration of their parent. There is a 70%
chance that they will also follow in their parents’ foot steps and commit violent crimes that will
lead to incarceration at some point in their lifetime. Data indicates that mentoring programs can
aid in reducing first-time drug and alcohol use for such young people, improving their relation-
ships and academic performance, and reducing the likelihood that they will initiate violence. In
addition, mentoring programs can provide these children with opportunities to develop a trust-
ing relationship with a supportive, caring adult and a stable environment that can promote
healthy values and strong families. To provide 100,000 new mentors to children and youth of
incarcerated parents. Congress established the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program,
through the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001 (Public Law 107-133).
Congress assigned administration of the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Within HHS, the Family and Youth Ser-
vices Bureau (FYSB) began funding communities to operate mentoring projects through the
Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program in 2003. In FY 2004, $45.6 million supported 221
Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program grants to community and faith-
10 Continued
 Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program- A Cry for Volunteers! (Continued )

based organizations and state and local governments across the country.
Purpose
The mission of the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is to provide national
leadership on youth issues and to assist individuals and organizations in providing effective,
comprehensive services for youth in at-risk situations and their families. The goals of FYSB
programs are to provide positive alternatives for youth, ensure their safety, and maximize their
potential to take advantage of available opportunities.
Through the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program, FYSB awards grants to community or-
ganizations that provide children and youth of incarcerated parents with mentors. Each mentor-
ing program is designed to ensure that mentors provide young people with safe and trusting re-
lationships; healthy messages about life and social behavior; appropriate guidance from a posi-
tive adult role model; and opportunities for increased participation in education, civic service,
and community activities.
Role in Rochester
Since 2005 out of 51,351 cities and communities in the United States, the city of Roch-
ester’s murder rate has ranked in the top 50. According to the numbers in 2007 we have had
some slight improvements. Still, given the alarming high volume of crime here in Monroe
County (see chart below), it is sadly becoming way too easy for our youth to find a way to get
themselves mixed up in some type of criminal activity, especially those who have a rich legacy
of criminal behavior. That is why The Mentoring Children and Youth Program is very impor-
tant. We as a community need to support and create a new legacy that encompasses good mor-
als and values by example living. Children of incarcerated parents need our help in this mat-
ter. Please, the community and its future need your help.
For more information or if you would like to be a volunteer please contact:
Donald Pines
@: Compeer Rochester
259 Monroe Avenue
Rochester NY 14607
(585) 546 – 8280 x120
dpines@commper.org
THANK YOU!

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 46th Annual Meeting of the New York Conference
United Church of Christ
The annual meeting this year was held at the Silver Bay YMCA camp, a large open
venue on the shore of Lake George. With many things to do, along with the business of the
conference, one might find it difficult to get business done. But we did.
The keynote speaker was Diana Butler Bass, author of the book “Christianity for the
Rest of Us.” This book is about, how the neighborhood church is transforming the faith. Trans-
forming was the theme of this year's meeting, based on information from Diana's book and Ro-
mans chapter twelve.
The central thought of transformation is physically doing things, rather than some thing
intellectual, and that it is brought about through three elements. Those are Tradition, Wisdom,
and Practice. When we read chapter twelve of Paul's letter to the Romans he speaks of action
that leads to our transformation.
We also said farewell to three members of the NY Conference:
Reverend Michael Caine: The conference minister of Metro Association. He
will be leaving the end of July; he has accepted a call to be the pastor of Old First Congrega-
tional Church in Philadelphia.
Reverend David Felton, our regional minister, has decided it is time for retire-
ment. He will be with us till November.
Reverend Geoffrey A. Black, his leaving is bittersweet. Geoffrey is the sole can-
didate for the General Minister and President of the UCC. He has been the leader of the NY
Conference for eight years and has done many good things for us. This is pending a vote at the
General Synod meeting this year, which is in Michigan, June 26th to the 30th. When approved
he will then start his new position the 1st of October. So the bitterness of his leaving is greatly
over come by the sweetness of knowing that he will be bringing his leadership to the entire
church.
There was also other business, to be done, the annual budget, election of new officers
and other positions, and acceptance of the annual reports. There is no way that these items can
be discussed in this report. For those that are interested I will make the information available to
anyone as PDF files. The three items I just mentioned were passed. Sadly though, the budget
was presented as a deficit budget, with the hopes of that being closed by the end of June with,
careful spending and more churches submitting their OCWM monies in a more timely manner.
There were workshops to enrich one's faith or improve your ability to tell others how
God has blessed you and others. There was good food and time to catch up on how old friends
12
Continued
 46th Annual Meeting of the New York Conference-United Church of Christ p.2
are doing, make new friends or just have a simple conversation. There were also visitors from
Germany, from our partnership with the Evangelical Church. The UCC has formed a partner-
ship and the NY Conference has also formed one with the church from the area near Frankfort,
Germany.

We had some fun at a picnic lunch saying farewell and then at a more serious farewell Saturday
evening, before enjoying music and some less formal time of questions and answers with Diana
Butler Bass.

If anyone has any particular question or comment please feel free to contact me by e-mail, or
phone. This is not the best way for us, as delegates, to report the business of the conference so
we ask your indulgence. Thank you for allowing Lorrie and I to be your delegates to the NY
Conference annual meeting again this year.

HAVE FUN AT DARIEN LAKE AND HELP

SAFE JOURNEY!
Purchase a “Spring Spin” ticket to Darien Lake Theme Park Re-
sort for only $19.95 (normal ticket price is $35.99) and get 2 visits to
the park this season. That’s 2 visits to Darien for almost half the price
of one normal ticket! Your first visit to Darien Lake has to be on May
29th, 30th or 31st, the second visit can be anytime between September
12th - October 18th. Check out Darien Lake’s rides and attractions at
www.godarienlake.com! Safe Journey will earn $5 for each ticket sold,
so get your friends and family and enjoy a great day out at Darien Lake.
Call our office to purchase your tickets today, 585-425-1580!

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