THE EPISTLE

Volume 15 Issue 7 AUGUST 26, 2010

WELCOME
should sell products that are fair-trade,
BACK eco-friendly, organic, locally-made
SUNDAY (handmade) or that provide benefit to
Welcome back disabled, unemployed, poor or displaced
Sunday is individuals. Please help our church by
September 12! identifying potential vendors/artisans
After our summer you may know to participate in this show.
wanderings, we Booth fee is $75. Application deadline is
come home to our September 15, 2010.
church family
where we share in The My Brother's Keeper Gift Bazaar is
worship, fellowship,
a unique opportunity for the holiday
learning and service. We will return to our
shopping season - individuals can feel
“normal” look in the sanctuary and the rhythm
doubly good as they shop for their loved
of the worship service will return to its normal
pace. As is our custom we will have a “Welcome ones and contribute to a greater cause at
Back Sunday” picnic following worship. Christian the same time. The show will feature
Education for children, young people and adults such products as handmade goods from
will resume on Sunday September 19. New Africa, South America, and the Far East
members will also be received. plus handmade-jewelry, handmade
clothing, fair-trade coffees, handmade
VENDORS NEEDED FOR soaps, and other natural and locally
crafted gifts.

Gift Bazaar hours will be 2–8pm Friday,

Help us find vendors for our 2nd Annual My
Brother's Keeper Gift Bazaar! Vendors
November 5 and 10-4pm Saturday,
November 6. The First Congregational
Church is located at 26 East Church
Street in Fairport, NY. For more
information about becoming a vendor or
about the show contact Crista Deniz at
mbkfairport@frontier.com.
 2 THE EPISTLE
“Who Are We?”
Movie stars get them. Houses get them. I’m
talking about makeovers. People get tired of
looking the way they have always looked and so
they get a makeover. Houses can’t hold the
extra thirteen children just adopted from
Africa and so the house gets a makeover, or to
be more honest a re-make; often a new house!
People also re-invent themselves. If they can’t
sell themselves as they are, they come up with
a new model, just like cars used to come up with
completely new models that you could tell apart.
If you are old enough you might remember that
there was a distinct difference between the
1956 and the 1957 Chevrolet.
Now churches are re-inventing themselves
too. For a number of years the marketing
people told churches to ditch their
denominational labels, because people didn’t pay
any attention to them, anyway. The Lutheran
Church Missouri Synod took that advice and
many local churches began to cover up their
identity with the denomination. So, let’s say,
you were “Immanuel Lutheran Church”, you
suddenly began to call yourself “Immanuel
Church”. Maybe Lutheran was in small letters.
But apparently there has been a backlash and
new President of that denomination was just
elected. He was critical of this approach as he
said that in doing this the denomination had
jettisoned core Lutheran doctrines.
Now, I don’t have a horse in that race between
conservatives in a conservative denomination,
but it causes me to pause and think. All
churches want to grow. I don’t think I’ve ever
run into a church that said: “No let’s shrink!” As
we look to growth, we need to think of just
how that happens and what it means.
Churches have cultures and while culture
change may be necessary, we need to
remember who we are.
We also need to remember what the
purpose of the church is; the Christian
Church in general, the United Church of
Christ and First Congregational UCC in
particular. It is easy to ape the methods and
practices of other churches, but that doesn’t
always pay off. We are a mainline Protestant
Church out of the Reformed tradition. We
are part of the United Church of Christ. We
may not agree with all that our parent
denomination says or does, but we respect
the right of the various covenant partners
that make up the UCC, to speak their minds,
as long as we agree on the basics of who and
what we are.
In our sanctuary hangs a banner which says:
“In essentials unity. In non-essentials
liberty; in all things love.” This speaks to
who we are. We believe that when we were
created, God gave us a head as well as a
heart. We are to love God with heart and soul
and mind, and our neighbor as our self.
I firmly believe that there are people who
are looking for a church like ours; a church
which respects your mind, which connects you
to the historic church through word and
sacrament and which offers opportunities for
mission and outreach near at home and far
away. I believe that there are people who are
looking for a church with creative and solid
teaching and youth work; open to God’s
future, but not flipping back and forth
between this and that.
I also believe that we are such a church. Let’s
be open. Let’s be welcoming. Let’s reach out.
Your pastor,
John
 3 THE EPISTLE
THE 2010 UCC CHURCH-
WIDE GARAGE SALE
WHEN: THURSDAY, September 30
(SET-UP DAY)
FRIDAY, October 1, 10AM - 7PM
(SALE) &
SATURDAY October 2, 9AM - 3PM
(SALE)
WHY: TO BENEFIT THE CHURCH
ROOF FUND
HOW TO GET STARTED:
1. DECIDE to participate
2. SIGN UP for a booth (10' x 10') on the
fellowship hall bulletin board (or e-mail me
and I will assign one)
3. TEAM UP with church friends (or non-
church friends - we're not picky) to support a
booth
4. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE and get your sale
items together
5. PRICE your items before you arrive (we
will send out a handy pricing guide)
6. BRING your items to the church for setup
on Thursday afternoon/evening (coffee,
doughnuts will be provided)
7. SCHEDULE your booth coverage
(individuals in the same area may oversee
multiple booths)
8. SELL your stuff on Friday and Saturday
(booths are responsible for their individual
sales)
9. REMOVE unsold items at 3PM on
Saturday (Salvation Army/Goodwill will be
contacted for pickups)
The Church-Wide Garage Sale is
Coming!!! Prepare to CLEAN
HOUSE!
Gather up the toys that your kids no longer
use, the extra dishes, artwork, and bric-a-brac
that is clogging up your space and bring it to the
UCC's 1st Church-Wide Garage sale! We are
switching things up this year to make this sale
easier than ever. Church Members (or groups of
members) are asked to sign up for a booth space
in which to set up and sell their items. Just like
at a garage sale, you will be in charge of your
own "display" as well as pricing and selling
your items. All proceeds are to benefit our
church roof project.
Advent House items - We are fortunate to
have an opportunity to gather "HOT" unsold
items from the Advent House Annual garage
sale and bring it to our church for our sale.
Volunteers are needed to help identify items that
are likely to sell and bring them to our church
on Saturday, August 28th.
What if I don't have anything to sell?
Volunteers are also need to bake cookies, pies,
cakes, quick breads and other items for our
Baked Foods booth. We will also need
individuals to sell baked foods, act as floaters, to
help distribute signs and more.
 4 THE EPISTLE
What if I work on Friday and can't be there to -kitchen electronics - toasters, coffee pots, small
cover the booth? You may choose to share a microwaves (in good condition and clean!)
booth with someone who is available during the -ice skates, -bicycles
day, or let us know you need help. We will have a -musical instruments
signup sheet in Fellowship hall to solicit floaters -television sets
to alleviate this issue. -patio furniture (again - good condition and
What if I have a non-Church Member friend clean!)
who wants to participate? A limited number of -books (excluding technical books and
booths will be available for non-Church Members encyclopedias)
with a donation to the church of $75 (tax -small electronics like radios and little TV's (no
deductible). black and white)
-tools
Sign-ups are in Fellowship Hall! Questions: Talk
to Crista Deniz denizca@frontiernet.net, 388-5952 "NOT" Garage Sale Items (Save yourself the
trouble!)
-computers and computer peripherals - including
printers
-telephones
-tires
-golf clubs and bags
-bowling balls, bags and shoes
-large pieces of exercise equipment
-typewriters
-small office supplies - binders, clip boards,
storage racks, etc.

"OPTIONAL"
-Clothing is up to the individual booth holders
HOT" Garage Sale Items
-antiques and collectibles (attract area dealers)
-glassware, pots and pans, dishes WORSHIP SCHEDULE
-linens - sheets, towels, table linens
-baskets
-decorations - any holiday NOON HOLY COMMUNION
-toys and games Wednesday Noon Holy Communion
-baby furniture resumes on September 8. We gather for a
-children's clothes & books brief service of Holy Communion at noon in
-cook books the sanctuary. While this follows our Bible
-furniture items such as small tables, lamps, study session, you don’t need to attend one
bookcases, chairs
to attend the other. Take this opportunity to
-bric-a-brac
-records, CD's and DVD's
gather around the Lord’s Table for renewal
-jewelry and refreshment.
-oddities (in the past we have sold a doggie septic
system, and old movie projector, and a cupola)

"FAIR" Garage Sale Items (slower moving

usually with leftovers)
-plastic storage containers and bottles
 5 THE EPISTLE
SEPTEMBER WORSHIP
September 5: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm
1; Luke 14:25-33
“Choices and Costs”
September 12 (Homecoming Sunday):
Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; I Timothy
1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
“Mercy Me!”
September 19: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113; I
Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
“Managers”
September 26: Amos 6: 1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; I
Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31
“Merciful Reversal”
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Lectionary Bible Study resumes on
Wednesday September 8 at 11:00 AM. We
will look together at the readings for the
following Sunday. We pray that as we search
the Scriptures, God might speak to us through
his word. In order for you to prepare, here are
the readings through the month of September.
September 12: Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-
10; I Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
September 19: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113: I
Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
September 26: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; I
Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31
Come join us in the Snow Room!
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
UPDATES
MEET OUR NEW CHOIR
DIRECTOR
Well, perhaps ‘meet’ isn’t the right word since
many of you already know her. Heather
Barmore grew up in First Congregational UCC
of Fairport and she and her family have been
members for over 25 years. Heather very
recently became Heather Barmore Watras
(Congratulations!) and resides in the village of
Fairport with her new husband, Jesse, and their
dog, Ophelia.
We all know what a talented musician she is
because we’ve heard her sing and perform on
the oboe. But, for those who don’t know
Heather, or those who may not be aware of the
range of her skills, let me bring you up to date.
Heather received her Bachelor’s degree in
Music Education from Ithaca College and her
Master’s degree from the Eastman School of
Music. She is a teacher, a vocalist, and an
oboist. She currently teaches Instrumental
Music at Greece Odyssey Academy, grades 6-
12, where she is also responsible for directing
the Sixth Grade Band, Middle School Concert
Band, and High School Symphonic Band. For
the past 4 years she has been Music Director at
the First Congregational United Church of
Christ of Spencerport, NY. Her other activities
(in her spare time?) include singing with
Rochester’s premier chamber choir, Madrigalia,
and performing as a vocalist with the Nik
 6 THE EPISTLE
Entertainment Company (a.k.a Nik and the Nice
Guys).

And now, Heather is ‘coming home’ to First

Congregational as our choir director. I know you
will join everyone in welcoming her. And, I know
what she’d really like now that she is our choir
director……to have you sing in the choir!
The Music Committee
Sondra Franzen
Martha Holmes
Mike Root

MUSIC NEWS
For the month of September the choir will be
singing about…SINGING! By doing so, we
hope to demonstrate the joy and fulfillment
that comes from our participation in the
musical life of the church. ANYONE and
EVERYONE is invited to sing with the choir!
The Lord says, “Make a joyful noise!” If you
find JOY in singing, then the choir is the place
for you, regardless of your level of musical
experience. Please join us to give honor,
praise, and glory to God through the gift of
music that He so graciously gave us.
Our kick-off rehearsal for the new Chancel
Choir season is Saturday, September 11th at
9:30 AM in the Sanctuary. (If you want to
sing, but cannot make the kick-off rehearsal
on Saturday morning, please still plan to join
us on Sunday morning, September 12th,
beginning at 8:30am in the Upper Fellowship
Hall.)
Heather Watras (formerly Barmore)
oboelove@frontiernet.net
(585) 377-8336
EVENING CIRCLE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 13
We are starting off the year with a pot luck
supper on Monday, September 13th at 6:30
PM. Please bring a dish to pass and your
place setting. Also, items for the food shelf
are always appreciated.
We will be playing a “get to know you”
game after supper! New members are
always welcome, but this would be an
especially good time to come. Please call
Norma Harrington or Carol Moran for more
information.
MORNING CIRCLE
Morning Circle will meet on September 14 at 10
AM in Fellowship Hall. New members are
always welcome—just bring a sandwich and
stay for lunch—beverage and dessert provided.
In March we were introduced by Mrs. Emblidge
to Daystar, a facility in Pittsford that provides
daycare for medically-fragile infants. We will
collecting items for Daystar at the September
meeting. Needed are: Size 3 diapers, paper
towels, Clorox wipes, dishwater detergent, toilet
paper and postage stamps.
 7 THE EPISTLE
TO PARENTS OF COLLEGE
STUDENTS
ADVENT HOUSE GARAGE
The Board of Deacons would like to have the SALE
addresses and birthdays of your college The 2010 Advent House Garage Sale will be
students. We wish to send messages, cards, held on Friday, August 27, 2010 from 9:00 a.m.
and good wishes to your student through the to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 28, 2010
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Beginning at 12:00
year. This is our way of telling our young
noon on Saturday, 8/28, all items will be half
people that we miss them and wish them well priced. The sale will be held at the VFW,
in their studies. Please send this information located at 300 Macedon Center Road in
to Cathy at the church or to Beverly Gray, Fairport. This sale is one of our major
cgray3@rochester.rr.com. Thanks!! fundraisers and enables us to continue to
provide this no-cost care-giving ministry to the
dying and their families. Please come out and
support the sale!
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
BERTHA AGOR MEMORIAL
WANTED!! NURSERY SCHOOL OPEN
WANTED: Choir Members—whereabouts HOUSE
unknown
LAST SEEN: Hiding out in the congregation
DESCRIPTION: Male and female, young and
old, musical and cheerful, may be armed and
desperate for a robe.
REWARD: “Give and you shall receive.”
SURRENDER TO: Your friendly choir director,
Heather Watras!

BAMNS has several fall openings in their

TOOLS WANTED TO BENEFIT
PERINTON SENIOR CITIZENS
SOFI (Senior Options for Independence) will
collect used tools to resell at very affordable
prices. Clear out your workshop and donate your
power, hand, and yard tools and “handyman
supplies” for a tax deduction. What a better way to
give new life to your tools? More details will be
available as soon as we have space rented
(hopefully in September). In the meantime, you
can contact Jon Gehret (264-1448) for details.
classes for 3 and 4 year olds. The nursery
school teachers will be holding an open
house to explain their curriculum to parents
that might be interested in enrolling their
children. The Open House is scheduled on
September 14 from 5 to 7 PM, in the lower
level of our church. Please stop by for more
information.
 8 THE EPISTLE
FAMILY NEWS
Welcome back everyone!! We are excited to
welcome you to a new church school year. Lots of
enriching and fun activities are planned. Please
mark your calendars for the following events:
What’s Coming Up in Adult
Education……………….
Wednesday Morning Bible Study –
The Wednesday Morning Bible Study will
begin again on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. – noon
in the Snow Room. This weekly class
focuses on the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture
readings. Join us for some great discussion!
Following the Bible study, participants are
welcome to stay for a brief mid-week
service of Holy Communion in the
sanctuary.

Sunday Classes –
Sept. 19 – Adult education classes
begin with “Water for Sudan” president
Sept. 10: JYF & SYF
7 – 9 PM Location TBA Salva Dut giving a report on this past
season’s drilling efforts, complete with
Sept. 12: Welcome Back Sunday Service photos of the well funded by our church!!
A brief meeting of potential confirmation students, Sept. 26 – Our mission focus
parents, Mrs. Weidman and Pastor Cedarleaf will continues with a presentation by our youth
be held after worship in the Snow Room. group detailing July’s mission trip to
Welcome Back Family Picnic following
worship on the grassy lot behind the church; Hurricane, West Virginia.
Bring lawn chairs and a dish to pass. Hamburgers,
hot dogs and drinks will be provided.
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Sept. 18: Acolyte Training
11 a.m. – noon; Location: Sanctuary Our Christian sympathy is extended to Roberta
All interested 5th – 8th graders are invited to attend. Ackerman on the death
(Note: Confirmands are required to serve as of her daughter, Colleen
acolytes.) If your child would like to acolyte and Floramo of Florida. She
has already been trained, they do not have to be passed away on June
trained again. Please let Vicki Sherry know to put 26, 2010.
them on the schedule. Vicki’s number: 425-7336.

Sept. 19: Church School Classes Begin

Approx. 10: 50 – 11:35 a.m.; Classroom
assignments will be posted on a bulletin board in Anna Patricia Cedarleaf,
Fellowship Hall. (NOTE: Preschool classes will daughter of Andrea and
be held during the worship hour. Preschoolers David Cedarleaf, was
will go to Children’s Chapel. They will stay in born on July 17, 2010 in
Children’s Chapel for the brief worship time and Boston, MA. She is also
then go to their classroom for church school.) the granddaughter of
Pastor John and Jean
Cedarleaf.
 9 THE EPISTLE
The Safest Place
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS How to stay safe in the world today

1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are

Barbara Eaton, Perinton Park Manor
responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Charlotte Jackson, Fairport Baptist Home
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents
occur in the home.
Shirley Sumner, Perinton Park Manor
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because
Les Warren, Fairport Baptist Home
14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16%

of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
CONGRATULATIONS TO DIANE DUDLEY!
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in
Diane retired in June after 41 years of teaching in hospitals. So, .. above all else, avoid hospitals.
the Fairport School District. She taught third and
SO THEREFORE....
fourth grade You will be pleased to learn that only .001%
students and had a of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and
number of our those that do occur are usually related to previous
church members physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the
in her class over safest place for you to be at any given point in time is
the years. She at church!
hopes to relax
with knitting, And....Bible study is safe too. The percentage of
reading and deaths during Bible study is even less.
gardening this summer. Next fall she will
So, attend church, and read your Bible
continue her connections with children by IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
volunteering her time at Dudley School with first Submitted by Lois Evans
graders.

CHURCH SIGN
Honk if you love Jesus,
Text while driving if you want to meet him.
Stoneridge Church of God NEXT EPISTLE’S DEADLINE IS
Pastor Floyd Ingram
3 PM SEPTEMBER 16, 2010!