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Volume 16 Issue 8 SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

he town of Perinton will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year and a number of activities are planned. The faith communities of Perinton have been making plans as part of the larger celebration. As the first church organized in the town, we have been a part of this planning process. Pat May, Toni Thompson and Pastor Cedarleaf have attended meetings and been involved in making plans for celebrating this important anniversary. At the present time two events are scheduled. The first will be an interfaith service entitled Celebrating Our Faith Communities. This will be held on Sunday July 1 from 2-3:30 pm at the Center Park amphitheatre and will include prayers, readings and music from the various faith communities. A massed choir will also be involved. The second event will be held on Sunday July 8. It will be a Holy Hunt. This scavenger hunt will focus on our houses of worship. Each participating church will also have available material which introduces themselves to the guests who come. This event will be held from approximately 1-3 PM Do you feel that you would like to contribute by being a host on July 8 or how about singing in the massed choir? Speak to Pat, Toni or John.

or many September marks the beginning of the church year. Of course we know that the real church year begins with the First Sunday of Advent, this year November 27. Still, the program year gets started in September when Christian Education classes resume and folks come back to church after enjoying a more relaxed summer. As we begin anew this month, there are some changes to note. After much discussion, we have decided to go back to the schedule we once had as far as Christian Education goes. Children and young people will attend classes during the worship service, following the childrens message. The senior high class will not meet on the first Sunday of the month so that they might join the rest of us when we celebrate Holy Communion. Of course they might also attend worship on the first Saturday at the 5:00 PM service, which will also include Holy Communion. Let make it clear that the reason this was chosen was purely practical. The reality was that often families did not stay for Church School following worship. It is not an ideal format, but it is what we have to do at this particular time. I wont go over what we all know about Sundays, what with various other activities etc. This is the reality and we are seeking to deal with the reality. At the same time, Im disappointed that those who teach Church School miss worship on a consistent basis and that children and young people are absent for the majority of our worship service. I still firmly believe that worship is for the whole family of God as is education.

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This month also marks a new emphasis on welcoming in our church family. All of us are committed to being an open and welcoming community of faith. Your membership committee has a new program of welcomers at worship. These folks are not ushers, but rather focused on seeking out visitors and making them feel welcome (as we all should do!) We have a new visitor center in Fellowship Hall with a computer that will allow visitors to access our web site and the information it holds. Remember you dont have to be an official welcomer to offer a word of welcome to folks who might visit us. Finally, a reminder that a congregation like ours needs each and every member to pitch in and do what needs to be done. This means more than serving on boards or committees, important as these are. It also means volunteering to be a nursery worker, teach a rotation for Church School, host a fellowship time and the list goes on. We are not a mega church which provides services to those who walk through its doors. We are, rather, a community of faith, the Body of Christ, which seeks to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best we are able and which seeks, as we say on the front of our bulletin, to be the people of Christ here and now. In order to do this we all need to do what needs to be done. See you in worship,

John

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We resume our Saturday Live worship services on Saturday October 1 at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary. These informal services of word, sacrament and music offer an opportunity to those who may not be available for worship on Sunday. They are also a good way of introducing the church to friends who be looking for a church home. Mark your calendars now for the first and third Saturdays of the month at 5:00 PM. Of course, there is nothing that says that you cant attend both Saturday and Sunday! The first Saturday service will always include the Lords Supper.

NEW MEMBER SUNDAY SET FOR OCTOBER 30TH

On Sunday October 30, we will welcome new members into our congregation. October 30 is Reformation Sunday, the day when we celebrate the special gifts of the Protestant reformers to the whole Christian Church. It is appropriate to welcome new members into the faith and family of Jesus Christ which we call First Congregational United Church of Christ. If you are interested in becoming a member of First Church by letter of transfer or re-affirmation of faith we would love to have you. Please call, speak to or e-mail pastor Cedarleaf: jnc4@choiceonemail.com, to let him know of your interest.

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SUNDAY WORSHIP
9:30 AM Sunday 5:00 PM, First and Third Saturdays September 18 Jonah 3:10-4:11; Matthew 20:1-16 Economics of Grace September 25 Exodus 17:1-7; Matthew 21:23-32 My Two Sons

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October 2-World Communion Sunday I Chronicles 16:23-34; Acts 2:42-47; John 10:11-18 One and Many October 9 Matthew 22:1-14 An Invitation October 16-Laity Sunday Tim Tindall preaching October 23 Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Matthew 22:34-46 Sum it up October 30-Reformation Sunday Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36 Pilates Question

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & FAMILY NEWS

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 18TH
CE classes for pre-K through senior high will be held during the worship service (aprox. 9:45 - 10:40am). Children will join the adults in worship and be dismissed to their classes after the pastor's "children's message". Pre-school students through 5th graders will be in our rotation program. Look at the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall each week (near the sanctuary entrance) to see which room your child will be assigned to that day. Junior High students will meet in the second floor classroom near the CE office. Senior High students will meet in the basement classroom. Topics being covered in the classes are: The Lords Prayer for rotation students, the 10 commandments in junior high and "Backstage Pass to the Bible" in senior high.

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UNDIE SUNDAY

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When: Sunday, October 2 Where: Collection Bin in Fellowship Hall Bring: UNDERWEAR (Childrens small & medium sizes for boys and girls 5-6) Also needed are hats, socks, warm gloves, jackets and sweatpants (size small). Donations will go to the kids at School #33 in Rochester

WORLD COMMUNION IS OCTOBER 2ND

In observance of World Communion Sunday, the rotation classes will be learning or reviewing the sacrament of communion. They will also be joining the congregation and people the world over in celebrating the Lords Supper.

WEDNESDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Please join us again this year for Wednesday morning Bible study which meets in the Snow Room from 11am - noon. The study is followed by a brief communion service.

COMING UP IN THE ADULT FORUM

The adult forum will continue to meet Sundays from approximately 10:45-11:45 in the Snow Room. Here is the schedule through October: September 18: Back to Basics: The Church and the United Church of Christ. September 25: Back to Basics: The Church and First Congregational Church. October 2: Donna Ecker, Executive Director, Bethany House October 9: Rob Bell video and discussion October 16: The Christian and War: Overview October 23: The Christian and War: Pacifism October 30: The Christian and War: Just War Pick up a cup of coffee or tea and join us in the Snow Room.

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COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BOARD OF FAMILY MINISTRIES EVENTS

FALL FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!
The movie "Rio" will be shown in Upper Fellowship Hall on Friday October 21 at 7:15 PM. Drinks, popcorn and candy will be provided. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a pillow! Friends are welcome!

LONG ACRE FARM VISIT-OCTOBER 16TH

Families are invited to Long Acre Farm on Sunday October 16 from 1-5pm for some fun on the farm! Admission is $4 per person which includes the corn maze, a hayride, the cow train ride and the "Back 40" which includes a number of attractions. This event is subsidized by the Board of family Ministry and is based on the purchase of 20 tickets or more. If you are interested please sign up on the family events bulletin board in Fellowship Hall

THE RACE TO NOWHERE

Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink educations who are burned out and worried that students arent developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do whats best for their kids, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace, students have become disengaged, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and young people arrive at college and workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America. The Eastside Youthworkers are presenting this film on October 2 at the Burgundy Baskin Inn from 6-9 PM. Advance tickets are $7, tickets at the door are $10. For advance tickets contact Karen Hamill at 746-9275 or sign up in Fellowship Hall.

FELLOWSHIP TIME HOSTS NEEDED

One of the things that helps to strengthen our community is the opportunity to come together following worship. We do this at what we sometimes call coffee hour, although you can also have tea and it doesnt last an hour. If this is an important part of our common life, then please step up and sign up to host a fellowship time. The process is simple and the rewards great. You dont need to provide food. Coffee, tea and lemonade mix for the children is provided. Sign up now on the moveable bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

SAFE JOURNEYS OCTOBER EVENTS

October is domestic violence awareness month and to mark the occasion, Safe Journey is organizing numerous events. Please show your support by taking part. Remember... 1-in-4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and 1-in-3 teens will be abused by a dating partner. Virtually everyone knows someone who's life has been touched by domestic violence. Saturday, October 8th, 7:30am - 11:00am: Safe Journey 5k & Family Fun Run/Obstacle Course in the village of Fairport and along the canal path. For details, go to www.safejourney.org.

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Saturday, October 8th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm: Pasta Dinner to support Safe Journey at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave, Fairport. $10/adult, $5 kids under 12, Free under 3. For details go to www.safejourney.org or call 585388-0040. Wednesday, October 13th: Join Safe Journey and the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence as we "Shine the Light" on the domestic violence by turning the state of NY purple. Do your part by wearing purple on Wednesday and find a reason to tell people why."

TO BE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS KEEPER

Jesus has challenged us to look after our brothers and sisters as we would hope someone would look after us; Do for others as we would have others do for us. Now is the opportunity to do thisa couple in our church family could use your support and help. Beth Maybee has ALS and increasingly needs someone with her at all times. Gary is her primary caregiver, but, like all caregivers, needs to have a few hours a week for some time to renew and refresh himself. During these few hours, Beth needs company.perhaps its your company. Beth likes to play board games, watch TV, go for a ride, take a walk while in her transport chair, or just have a nice conversation. While she has difficulty speaking, she can communicate very well with the use of her IPOD. Could you offer a couple of hours to get to know this charming and courageous lady? If so, please contact Gary Maybee. 585-425-2312 or gbmaybee@frontiernet.net For those who are interested, you may want to familiarize yourself with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease) which can be easily done on the internet or at the library. Gary would be happy to share more information with you. Sondra Franzen Board of Deacons; Meals and More

EVENING CIRCLE
Evening Circle is very excited to be hosting Michael from Kittelbergers Florist in Webster on Monday evening, October 17th at 7PM. Michael will be demonstrating how to put together a wonderful fall centerpiece. He will be making several and we will raffle them off at the end of the evening. Raffle tickets are two for $5.00 or five for $10. If you have been thinking of attending a circle meeting, this would be an excellent one to try. Please join us!

MORNING CIRCLE
Morning Circle would like to invite you to join us on October 11 for our next program. Don Naetzger II, project director for the new Finger Lakes Museum to be built at Keuka Lake State Park, will be our speaker. This museum, which will include outdoor exhibits, will be somewhat similar to the Adirondacks Museum. Don will speak at 10:45. Circle members, please come at 10:00 for our business meeting.

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NEIGHBORS-IN-NEED OFFERING

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On Sunday October 9 we will an opportunity to participate in the Neighbors-inNeed offering of the United Church of Christ. This offering supports the UCCs ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two thirds of the offering is used by the UCCs Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. One third of the offering supports the UCCs Council for American Indian Ministries. Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis. These churches and their pastors are supported by the Council for American Indian Ministries. Please check out the Mission Bulletin Board for more Neighborsin-Need information. As with all special offerings in our congregation, your participation is purely voluntary. No budgeted money goes to any of these offerings.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

NEW WELCOMING INITIATIVE
We would like to make the congregation aware of a new initiative, just started by the membership committee, intended to assist visitors in learning more about our church. We will have 1 to 2 "Welcomers" available at every worship service to welcome visitors to our church and answer any questions these visitors may have. Welcomers will be wearing green name tags. We also have a new Welcome Center at the back corner of Fellowship Hall and at the front Narthex of the church, where visitors can get information on the many offerings and happenings within our faith community. Please assist us in this initiative by welcoming visitors and referring them to the Welcomers with green name tags for more information.

Cedarleaf officiated. Renee Eaton is the niece of Janice and David Coon. The couple will reside in Rochester, NY.

October 20th 2011

Our sympathy is extended to Ted and Sandy Good on the recent death of Teds mother, Mary Elizabeth Good in Indiana. She passed away on September 5, 2011. A memorial service will be held for her in Indiana at a later date.

WELCOME TO THE NEW ARRIVAL!

Tristan Harper arrived on August 24, 2011. He is the son of Nathan and Charlotte Harper, and brother of Brianna Harper.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS!

Karen Dorr and Daniel Holland were united in marriage on September 2, 2011 at our church. Karen is the daughter of Kay and George Dorr. The new couple resides in W. Hollywood, CA.

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

Kyle Preston and Dana Muir were married on September 4, 2011 at the Willard Chapel in Auburn, NY. Pastor Cedarleaf officiated. Kyle is the son of Carole Preston. The newlyweds now reside in Ithaca, NY.

Renee Eaton and Randall Whitlock were married at our church on September 10, 2011. Rev.