THE EPISTLE

Volume 13 Issue 11 DECEMBER 18, 2008

OUR CHURCH’S 185TH BIRTHDAY

On December 18, 2009 First Congregational United Church
of Christ will celebrate its 185th birthday. We are ten years
older than the city of Rochester. We are also the first church
in the town of Perinton and have been on this same site since
the first building was erected in 1835! We have, through all
these years, been an integral part of the village of Fairport
and the town of Perinton. During the year, we will celebrate
in a number of ways with special events and times of wor-
ship. It will also be a time to focus on reaching out to the un-churched and inviting
them to become part of this family of faith. There are exciting days ahead and if you
would like to be a part of an informal committee to look at activities speak to our
church historian Toni Thompson or to Pastor Cedarleaf.

SUPPORT YOUTH MISSION TRIP

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER

Sunday January 11;

5:00 & 7:00 PM seating.
$6 for Adults, $4 for children 11 and under.
Purchase tickets after church in Fellowship Hall.
 PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, an the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and with-
out him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and
the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness
did not overcome it.” -John 1:1-5

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
In the Western hemisphere, the natural world cooperates with the coming of Christmas. We celebrate the
feast of the Incarnation four days after the winter solstice, when we have turned the corner and are moving
toward the light. Most of us associate this festival with Bethlehem and shepherds and Mary and Joseph and
the baby lying in the manger. We sing t he carols and wonder anew each year how the coming of the Beth-
lehem babe can have had such an influence on the world. We mark time, or at least we did, from his birth. It
used to be BC and now it is BCE, but it is all the same. Something changed on that night so long ago. A
new era began and it continues still until the close of the ages when the child of Bethlehem will return tri-
umphant and the kingdom of heaven will come to earth. So we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.”

In this out of sorts time, when wars and rumors of wars, echo in our ears and economic chaos seems to en-
velop us, when darkness seems to reign both in the world and often in our hearts, I am comforted by the
words of St. John at the beginning of his gospel.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”
You see this old, old story that is so familiar to us, is not about an ordinary baby who grows up to become a
noble man and who dies a horrible death because of his idealism. It is the story of God the Father come
down from heaven to live among us, sharing our life fully and freely and dying on the cross for the whole
world. We are used to sad stories of the darkness overcoming the light, of young people cut down in the
prime of life by violence; of senseless wars for less than noble purposes; of greed and arrogance among the
high and the mighty.

If this infant born in Bethlehem were just an ordinary baby then perhaps his story would be like so many
other stories, but his story is different, because it is God’s story and when God’s story is told then light does
indeed shine; hope is kindled and we can hear the angels sing God’s song of peace and good will to all the
world.

I wish you a most blessed Christmas and a new year filled with hope, joy and peace.

Your pastor,

John
 THE SEASON OF ADVENT
AND CHRISTMAS

December 21: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

The lighting of the fourth advent candle

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Response: Luke 1:46b-55
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-28
“Christ is Coming—Prepare”
“Proclaim His Coming”

December 24: Christmas Eve

5:00 PM Family Service

11:00 PM Festival Eucharist with choir

December 28: First Sunday of Christmas

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
“Adore and Tell”

January 4: Epiphany Sunday

The feast of Epiphany is on January 6, but we will celebrate it on January 4.

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
“A Star is Born”
 WORSHIP DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY (CONT)

January 11: Baptism of our Lord

“Our recreation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit/wind moved
over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s
movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon
Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to
re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.” -Sundays and Seasons
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
“Like a River”

January 18: Second Sunday after Epiphany: Laity Sunday

As each of us are called through baptism to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, whether lay or
ordained, so we celebrate our stories of faith. Our preacher for this day will be Ed McGrattan
and members of the Board of Elders will lead the service. Watch for a special treat in music for
this very special Laity Sunday Service.

January 25: Third Sunday after Epiphany

“Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the time after Epiphany plays out the implications
of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news
and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a simi-
lar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of disciple-
ship. Still, the two sets of fisherman brothers leave everything they have known and worked for
all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.” -Sundays and Seasons
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
I Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
 FEBRUARY SERMON SERIES

On the first three Sundays in February, Pastor Cedarleaf, will preach a series of

sermons on the topic of worship. The general title is “Why we Worship as we

Do?” On February 1, when we celebrate Holy Communion, the topic of the ser-

mon is: “The Innermost Sanctuary of the Whole Christian Worship”. On

February 8 we will discuss, “Calendars, Feasts, Fasts, Lectionaries and

Drama” and on February 15 our attention will turn to

“What’s so Reformed about Reformed Worship?”

Boy Scout Sunday

February 8
Our regular church service on
Sunday February 8th will recog-
nize the partnership between our
church and
Boy Scout Troop 207.
Scouts, leaders, and scout par-
ents will be in attendance to
help celebrate the 99th anniver-
sary of the founding of the Boy
Scouts of America.

PERINTON FOOD SHELF
A grateful THANK YOU to the volunteers
who deliver and place the food donations
on the donation shelves at the Perinton Food
Shelf. Your help brings food one step closer
to feeding the hungry in our community.
IRS RULES
To receive credit on your 2008 Giving
Statement for donations to the church all
checks must be dated December 31, 2008 or
earlier and received in the church office by
January 5, 2009.
THANK YOU!
Many thanks to all my friends here at First
Church for all the beautiful cards, prayers,
and kindness, and memorial gifts, after
mother’s recent passing.
It’s wonderful to be a part of such a
caring church family.
God’s blessings to all,
Paul Yerrick
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM JANUARY 15, 2009
Greetings from Advent House
During this Advent Season, we at Advent House
want to express our deepest gratitude for all that
you have done and continue to do to make our
House a Home. Your gifts of self, time, prayers,
love, and finances make this ministry possible.
Your generosity has touched the lives and hearts
of many, leaving them with the enduring mem-
ory of selfless giving. We thank you and wish
you a very blessed holiday season.
GREEN TABLECLOTHS MISSING!
The church originally had thirteen dark green ta-
blecloths, however now we only have six. If any-
one knows of their whereabouts, please let us
know. Thanks.
WELCOME TO THE
NEW ARRIVAL!
Oliver Sean Flannigan May was born
on November 24, 2008 in Denver, CO
to Corin Flannigan, widow of Sean
May. Oliver is the grandson of
Pat and Bill May.
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home
Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home
Geraldine Stearns, Perinton Manor
 YOUTH MISSSION TRIP
NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Our youth need to raise $10,000 to cover the MORNING CIRCLE
cost of the mission trip. We need silent auction Morning Circle will meet on January 13,
items for the upcoming Spaghetti dinner on 2009 at 10 AM in Fellowship Hall. Steve
January 11. Bartlett will speak about the history of
Do you have an item or service to offer? If so, Monroe Community Hospital.
signup on the rolling bulletin board in Fellow-
ship Hall or call Brian Sherry at 233-1010.

January 4, 11, 18 & 25

Adult Education

– The Lord’s Prayer – Presented by Dr. Tim Dwyer

During the month of January, Dr. Tim Dwyer, associate professor of Bible and
Ministry at Northeastern Seminary, will conduct a series of classes on The Lord’s
Prayer.
Back by popular demand, Dr. Dwyer is a professor at Roberts Wesleyan since
2003. Prior to that, Dr. Dwyer taught for 13 years at Anderson University School
of Theology in Indiana. He has served as a pastor and jail chaplain in the past, and
is an ordained minister in the Church of God. At Northeastern, Dr. Dwyer teaches
courses in Daniel/Revelation and the biblical languages. Dr. Dwyer was educated
at Aberdeen University in Scotland (Ph.D.); Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.);
Azusa Pacific University (B.A.); and San Jose City College (A.A.). He has also
studied at Yale and Indiana University.
Please join us for what is sure to be an enlightening educational experience!
.These classes will be held during Christian Education time following the worship
service. Classes take place in the Snow Room.

Mid-Week Daytime Class!

New Adult Ed Study Begins Jan. 7:
Finding God in the Questions
Come join our study and discussion group as we begin a new year focusing on the
book, “Finding God in the Questions” by Dr. Timothy Johnson. In this remark-
able book, Dr. Timothy Johnson, medical editor for ABC News, discloses his
deeply personal journey of faith. With the author, we will investigate the plausi-
bility of God’s existence and explores the significance of the person of Jesus.
Classes are held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – noon in the Snow Room. There
will be a $10 fee per book. Join us. Drop-ins welcome!
 Preschoolers & Elementary
Students: Ringing in the
New Year with a Study on
the Life of Christ
During the month of January, our students
in the rotation program will focus on the
life of Christ. They’ll learn about his visit
to the Temple in Jerusalem when he was a
boy, his baptism, and his ministry as an
adult.
Family News
Senior High To Connect
Music With the Message
During January, the Senior High class will
take part in an exciting new Bible Study.
They will hear today’s most popular
Christian artists address relevant issues
with a biblical perspective.
****ATTENTION: THERE IS NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 28. Classes will resume on January 4.
NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM JANUARY 15, 2009
Children’s Chapel Students
Making Special Gifts
for Special People
During December, our Children’s Chapel stu-
dents have been learning about God’s gift to us
and to all humankind – His gift of Jesus Christ.
After their short chapel service, the students
have been very busy making special gifts for
special people. These heartfelt gifts are the
children’s way of sharing their love with others
this Christmas season.
Junior High Class To Focus on
the Sacraments
Our Junior High class will spend January
learning about the sacraments of Baptism and
Holy Communion. We’ll discuss how these
sacraments impact our lives.

JYF/SYF NEWS
Junior High Movie Night
Planned for January 9
Calling all JYFers! Come join us
for a relaxing movie night on
January 9th. Food, fun and
friends….What could be better?
Senior High To Go
Late-Night Bowling on
January 9
Senior High Students – Mark your
calendars for another great late-
night bowling event on January 9.
Stay tuned for more information
regarding time and place.
Youth Group:
Sign Up to Help with the Spaghetti Dinner
on January 11
We need you to help cook, set up and serve a delicious
spaghetti dinner held to raise money for the 2009 mission
trip. Sign up in Fellowship Hall! All youth group mem-
bers are invited to help!
Senior High Class
Sponsoring African Child
The Senior High youth have decided, as a
group, to make a commitment to sponsor a
child in Africa through “Compassion In-
ternational.” Compassion International
began in 1952 and has sponsored more
than one million children. Presently, the
organization is active in more than 20
countries serving 700,000 children. It is a
non-denominational Christian Ministry.
Donations provide money for a child’s
education, health care and supplementary
food. In addition, the sponsored child will
become part of a local church-based pro-
gram with caring adults providing love,
guidance, personal attention, guided rec-
reation and safety.
The child they are sponsoring is six-year-
old, John Denis John. He lives with his
mother in Tanzania in an HIV/AIDS af-
fected area.
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: church1@choiceonemail.com
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
Choir Director: Janie Marini
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