THE EPISTLE

Volume 16 Issue 6
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 GRADUATES!
High School
Wyatt C. Andreas is graduating from Fairport High School and will be attending MCC. He is the grandson of Arlene Cook. Michelle Brooks will be recognized as a high honor roll graduate when she graduates from Fairport High School later this month. In the fall she will be off to Pennsylvania State University to double major in Music and Health Policy and Administration. Michelle would like to thank her family and the entire UCC congregation for all of their love and support throughout the years. Kyle Goodrich will be attending John Carroll University this fall. Andy Grabowski is graduating from Victor High School, National Honor Society. Going to Springfield College in Massachusetts to study Biology and compete on the Men's Gymnastics Team. Steve Grabowski is graduating from Victor High School, Captain of Varsity Soccer & Hockey teams. Going to SUNY Oswego to study Business and play on the Varsity Soccer Team. Alex Henderson is graduating from Fairport High School and is entering Perdue University in the fall. He is the grandson of Dorothy Imgram. Erin Hoover is graduating from Penfield High School this June. She will be attending Colby College in Waterville, Maine studying Chemistry in the fall. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatrician. As Erin and her family move to opposite coasts, her hometown heart will always be in Western New

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York. You can expect to see Erin visiting her church family as often as possible during college and hopefully working at next summer's Reach Work Camps. Alexandra Sherry is graduating from Fairport High School. In the fall, she will be attending Elon University in North Carolina. Alex is planning to study Anthropology and International Studies. James Weidman V (Jimmy) is graduating from Fairport High School with an advanced Regents diploma. He plans to attend Finger Lakes Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in New Media. Paul Wright is graduating from Fairport High School. He will be attending Roberts Wesleyan College in the fall, majoring in Religion and Philosophy. He is interested in the Youth Ministry program and has been helping in that area at The Fathers House in Chili for the past 6 months. Paul hopes to help with the music, lighting, and sound for RWC productions.

College
Katie Brooks daughter of Dave and Sue Brooks, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Geneseo in December with her B.S. in Education. She is currently substitute teaching in both the Fairport and Pittsford Central School Districts while workings towards her Masters Degree in Reading and Literacy at Geneseo. At school she was an active participant in the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and various research teams. She looks forward to pursuing her dream of having her own classroom in the Rochester area. Adam C. Funderburk graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Human Computer Interaction at RIT's Department of Information and Sciences Technologies on May 21, 2011. Adam is also a graduate of Hamilton College and McQuaid Jesuit High School. He has accepted a position at Blackbaud in Charleston, South Carolina. Adam is the son of Kit and Nancy Funderburk of Fairport. Caroline Lizzio graduated from SUNY Brockport on May 14, 2011. She is now working at Harter, Secrest and Emery.

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Kyle Preston is graduating from Cornell University with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the field of optics. He is remaining in Ithaca to work in R&D with a medical imaging startup company. Michael Thompson, grandson of Jerry and Toni Thompson, graduated on May 22, 2011 from Quincy University in Quincy. Illinois. Michael majored in history with a minor in political science as well as an education program, and is certified to teach at the high school level. Emily Wright received her Associates Degree in English from MCC last week. She was able to accomplish this while training full time in the Olympic sport of Sprint Kayaking. She continues to train for the World Championships, Olympic Trials and US Nationals. Emily plans to attend SUNY Geneseo in the Fall but she is open to delaying that admission depending on the results of the race season.

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Sunday; same time, same place! As is mentioned elsewhere in this issue, were a bit more laid back and paired down for the summer. Things are happening though behind the scenes. Plans are being laid by boards and committees for the coming fall season and for the years ahead. All of you are by now aware that your council has been thinking seriously about who and what we are as a church and where we would like to be. These next couple of years will be important ones for our congregation as we move forward with plans for our future. As disciples of Jesus we are called to reach out beyond the walls of our church to our community and beyond. We have a good record of mission outreach and this will continue in the years to come. How are we doing in reaching out to welcome others to our community of faith? We all know that the culture has changed and that being part of a church is no longer something that is assumed. At the same time there is a hunger for an experience with the divine, whether named or not. There are folks who are looking for a community of faith where they can feel accepted and loved as well as challenged to grow. Are we such a community of faith? What can we continue to do or begin to do to make that a reality here at 26 E. Church Street? Is there a place for a church such as ours; a church which takes seriously and yet joyfully the historic Christian faith and yet seeks to make that faith real here and now; a church which centers its life in Jesus Christ and welcomes one and all to join us in our journey? I think there is and I hope you do too. If you do, then we need to be about that work even in the midst of summer daze. Your Pastor,

Summer Daze
We are a week from the beginning of summer and most of us, Im sure, are looking forward to a bit of down time. Those with children in school now have them at home. Things will be different. Vacations will be planned and carried out and hopefully there will be time to reflect and look forward to the fall. What is true for our families is equally true for our church family. Were all aware that Sunday worship attendance in the summer is low. People are away and enjoying the kind of weather that we dont have the rest of the year. However, if you are in town, remember that worship takes place each and every

John

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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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PASTORS VACATION TIME
Pastor Cedarleaf will be on vacation July 16-31 and August 20-28. The following guest preachers will be filling the pulpit. July 17 & 24: The Rev. Laurie Tiberi, Protestant Chaplain, University of Rochester

SUMMER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

We will be having two great opportunities for members of the congregation to be a part of our music ministry this summer: July 17th Show Up and PLAY Sunday! ANYONE, at any age or ability level, who plays a musical instrument is invited and encouraged to join us as part of the special music for this Sunday. My goal is to have as many instrumentalists from our congregation (and any other friends you would like to invite to join us) as possible to form an ensemble to play one or two hymns during the service. The hymn arrangements will be very playable (which means that they will be easy and fun!). We will meet in the Sanctuary at 8:30am to warm-up and run through the music together before the worship service. Please let me know via email, oboelove@frontiernet.net, phone 377-8336, or in person at church if you will be able to join us! July 31st Show Up and SING Sunday! ANYONE, at any age or ability level, who loves to sing is invited and encouraged to join us as part of the special music for this Sunday. My goal is to have as many singers from our congregation (and any other friends you would like to invite to join us) as possible to form a choir to sing an anthem during the service. The anthem will be very sing-able (which means that it will be easy and fun!). We will meet in the Sanctuary at 8:30am to warm-up and run through the music together before the worship service. Please let me know via email, oboelove@frontiernet.net, phone 377-8336, or in person at church if you will be able to join us! This is a great way to give Gods gift of music back to Him in honor, glory, and praise! I look forward to making meaningful music with you.

July 31: Kelly Weidman, former Director of Christian Education and Family Ministry Aug. 21: The Rev. Shirley-Pudney Eilers, former pastor of Brighton United Church of Christ Aug. 28: Kelly Weidman, former Director of Christian Education and Family Ministry

SUMMER WORSHIP
If youve been around First Church for a while you know that beginning the first Sunday in July, we change to a summer mode. The sanctuary loses its brass candelabra and altar candles and we replace them with pottery or wood. When we celebrate the Eucharist we use pottery vessels rather than silver. The worship service changes a bit with two readings rather than three. Our choir takes a break and we look forward to special music. This is a wonderful opportunity for any of our talented church members and friends to sing or play. The liturgy for the Eucharist is paired down also. This is a long season in the church year, either called Pentecost or Ordinary Time and it stretches all the way to the first Sunday in Advent, November 27. It is also an opportunity to use some sermon suggestions. Do you have an issue or topic that you would like addressed; something that you would like more light on or perhaps an issue that is troubling you? Please let me know and I will be happy to do a sermon around it. Just email me at jnc4@choiceonemail.com, or call or speak to me in person.

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BOARDS AND COMMITTEES NEWS FUNDRAISING CRUISE!
What a great response to First Churchs inaugural effort. To date, we have 13 people going on this Nov 5, 2011 Eastern Caribbean Cruise! Our fundraising total is $ 1875.00 so far, the majority of which is coming from Holland America. This is a great opportunity for Fun & Fellowship, but, at the same time, creating much needed "make-upthe gap" funds for our church and it's missions. For more information, contact Steve at 425-3569 or email to tanman@frontiernet.net

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Friday, October 14 and Saturday October 15, 2011 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 ChurchWide Garage sale! Last year was a huge success and we are continuing to make changes to the sale to make it easier for both volunteers and customers alike. To better utilize volunteers and make the sale more convenient for our customers, we will be organizing the church into "areas" based on merchandise category. Church Members (or groups of members) are asked to sign up to oversee specific areas rather than individual booths as we did last year. We again request all items be brought in prepriced and dropped off at the church the day prior to the sale. Pricing guidelines will be provided via email and through the Epistle. When donating items to the sale individuals are asked to deposit them in the correct "area" so that they can be setup. Volunteer Opportunities (Signup Sheets will be up at church through the summer until the time of the sale) Area captains will be needed to supervise the setup of each area. We will also need individuals to help customers in the areas during the day of the sale Baked foods booth will need donations and individuals to help service this area. Bake sale booth is one of the largest income areas from this sale. Individuals will be needed to help clear and setup the church for the sale as well as

READERS WANTED!
The Board of Elders, now the Board of Worship and Spiritual Life, has for many years assisted in Sunday worship by leading in the prayer of the day and by reading the first lesson and leading in the Psalm Response. The board wishes to invite others to share in this ministry. There is a sign-up sheet on the moveable bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to become a reader for a Sunday service. You will receive the readings during the week before your Sunday and they will include the Prayer of the Day and the introductions for each reading. If you have questions please speak to Toni Thompson, chair of the Board of Worship and Spiritual Life.

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SALVATION ARMYS GREEN KETTLE CAMPAIGN

Volunteer to ring at a GREEN kettle during 1 of the 4 weekends in June and help provide summer opportunities that will change Rochester kids forever. To volunteer call 987-9500 ext 2320.

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putting it back in place the day the sale ends.. Cashiers and an event Treasurer will be needed to make the sale a success Publicity volunteers to help put up flyers, add our event to community calendars (online and in print) are also needed.

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What if I don't have anything to sell? Please consider baking something for the Garage Sale or Volunteering to help even if you have nothing to donate. Volunteers and Baked Goods are essential to a successful sale! Contact Crista Deniz via e-mail (cristadeniz4@yahoo.com) or phone (585-388-5952) if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

ADVENT HOUSE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please call the House (223-6112) if you can help with any of the following: - need trucks and drivers to deliver large items for their annual Garage Sale from storage to the VFW on Monday and Tuesday, August 22 and 23. - Scout Troops and Youth Groups WITH SUPERVISORS are needed to off load trucks on Wednesday, August 24, at the VFW - lots of help - adults and youth - is needed Saturday, August 27, at 4:30 at the VFW to help "clean up" after the Garage Sale. Many hands make light work and lots of yummy treats will be available for the workers. Thanks to any and all who can help with this very important fund raiser!"

THE EPISTLE IS NOT

PUBLISHED IN JULY, SO THE NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE WILL BE AUGUST 18TH.

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Bill Cobb, Grand Vie, Caring House Barbara Eaton, Perinton Park Manor Charlotte Jackson, Fairport Baptist Home Shirley Sumner, Perinton Park Manor Dwight and Mildred Turner, Fairport Baptist Home Les Warren, Fairport Baptist Home

Our Christian sympathy is extended to Jordan Smith and his family on the death of his father, John Smith. John passed away on June 13, 2011. He was a long-time member of our church, joining our congregation in 1957. A memorial service will be held for John at the church, on July 1, 2011 at 11 AM.