THE EPISTLE

Volume 14 Issue 10 NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The center of the church’s life is the community
gathered around Word and Sacrament each and
HILLSIDE CHRISTMAS TREE every Sunday. Everything else that we do
Beginning November 29th through December 13th emanates from this center. If we do nothing else,
the Hillside we need to do worship. All else could fall away
Christmas and the church would still be the church; but if
Tree will be corporate worship ceases then there is no
located in church.
Fellowship
Hall. Please We live in a culture that is on the move all the
remember to time. We come and we go and are inundated
take an with activities to take part in. If we choose to we
ornament and can keep on the move from sun up to sun down
in exchange and into the night. There is a varied menu to
provide a choose from. Our lives can be enriched by
holiday gift to music, art, athletics and opportunities to serve,
one of Hillside’s troubled youth or family and while this is not a bad thing, it can stretch us
members. Hopefully, everyone will take an to the breaking point.
ornament (handmade by Janis Harper), give a gift
and help provide a bit of Christmas cheer. Gifts Sunday morning comes and we “need some
must be retuned by Sunday, December 13th. time for ourselves.” The church worships on
Please do not wrap the gift, but do provide Sunday, the first day of the week, the day on
wrapping paper and a bow. which our Lord rose from the dead. It has
gathered on this day from the very beginning of
its life to hear the Word proclaimed and to act it
out in the breaking of the bread. We continue to
do this in the year of our Lord 2009. As
members of his body, we are reminded in the
words of the Epistle to the Hebrews (our second
reading on November 15):

To “hold fast to the confession of our hope

Woody Allen once said, “Eighty per cent of
success is just showing up.” He makes a good
point. In a world where day in and day out we are
called to do more and more and to do it with the
latest gimmick, we need to remember that slow
and steady faithfulness, just showing up, is what is
needed. What works for the world of family and
business also works for the world of church.
without wavering, for he who has promised is
faithful. And let us consider how to provoke
one another to love and good deeds, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of
some…”
On November 29, we will begin the journey
once more as we celebrate the First Sunday of
Advent, the beginning of the church year. I
would encourage you to make a new church
 2 THE EPISTLE
year resolution, that you will be there in the midst
of your brothers and sisters as we join together in
worship, for that is who we are and what we are
about as members of the Body of Christ.
Your pastor,
John
HERITAGE/THANKSGIVING
SUNDAY
Our annual Heritage Sunday service will be
celebrated on November 22. Each year around this
time, we remember our historic Congregational
roots as we worship as our ancestors did. The
music and the order will reflect this heritage. Once
again our “Beadle”, will begin the service by
placing the Bible on the pulpit. Men and women
will be seated on opposite sides of the sanctuary.
We will not, of course, be completely accurate.
Our choir will sing and our organ will play and the
service will not last three hours!
This is not a performance, of course, but a service
of worship that our forebears would recognize as
familiar, through which they would have felt
drawn closer to the sovereign God, the maker of
heaven and earth. Our prayer is that we too might
feel the presence of this God as we gather together
on November 22.
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
“It is important to clarify which advent we are
preparing for this Advent. Since Advent is the
celebration of Christ’s ‘coming’, and Christ is
the kind of savior who keeps faithfully
appearing and reappearing in spite of our
faithlessness, we have the opportunity to
celebrate at least three advents or comings of
Christ during the Advent season: his first
coming in a humble birth (nativity), his
second coming to reign (parousia), and his
weekly (daily) real presence in the word and
supper (sacrament).
-Sundays and Seasons
November 29: First Sunday of Advent
+ Celebration of the Eucharist
+Blessing of the Advent Wreath and Lighting of
the First Candle
Jeremiah 33:14-16
A righteous branch springs from David
Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul (Ps. 25:1)
I Thessalonians 3:9-13
Strengthen hearts of holiness
Luke 21:25-36
Watch for the coming of the Son of Man
December 6: Second Sunday of Advent
St. Nicholas Day
+Celebration of the Eucharist
+Lighting of the Second Candle
Malachi 3:1-4
The messenger refines and purifies
Luke 1:68-79
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from
on high shall break upon us (Luke 1:78)
Philippians 1:3-11
A harvest of righteousness
Luke 3:1-6
Prepare the way of the Lord
 3 THE EPISTLE
December 13:Third Sunday of Advent
St. Lucy
+Lighting of the third candle
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Rejoice in God
Isaiah 12:2-6
In your midst is the Holy One of Israel (Isa.12: 6)
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice, the Lord is near
Luke 3:7-18
One more powerful is coming
December 20: Fourth Sunday of Advent
+Lighting of the fourth candle
Choral Presentation: “Ceremony of Carols”
With choir and instruments
December 24: Christmas Eve
5:30 PM: Family service of carols, and candles
11:00 PM: Festival Candlelight Eucharist with
choir
Isaiah 9:2-7
A child is born for us
Psalm 96
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad (Ps.96: 11)
Titus 2:11-14
The grace of God has appeared
Luke 2:1-20
God with us
The sign-up sheet for those people wishing to
donate money toward the purchase of
poinsettias used to decorate the church during
the Advent season has been posted on the
moveable bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. The
list of donors and dedications will be printed in
the church bulletin. Donations should be in the
amount of $10.00 per poinsettia plant. Payment
for the poinsettias can be turned in at the church
office or put in the Sunday offering plate.
Please make a notation on your check that
the payment is for “poinsettias”. A limited
number of Poinsettias will be available
following the Advent season for those people
wishing to take one home. The deadline to sign
up will be the end of November. Have
questions? See or call John Hecker (223-7584)
BOARD NEWS
MISSIONS:
FOCUS ON CAMP HACCAMO
Haccamo has often been thought to be an
ancient Native American word, but in reality it
stands for Handicapped Children’s Camp of
Monroe County. Founded by and funded mainly
by the Rotary Clubs of Monroe County, this
summer oasis has been providing a totally free
camping experience for thousands of children
and young adults with all types of
developmental disabilities, respite for families,
and personal and professional growth for
counselors in the Greater Rochester area for
over fifty-years. The camp is the oldest of its
kind in the United States. As of the summer of
 4 THE EPISTLE
2008, the annual LPGA Tournament discontinued
their sponsorship of Haccamo which cut the
camp’s budget in half. So now the Camp Haccamo
name and experience continues on the spectacular
157-acre Sunshine Campus in Rush, NY, offering
a larger garden in a fertile atmosphere for learning
and fun.
Over the years Camp Haccamo has been known
as “a place where smiles grow’” and Dan
Cashman a Board member and our contact at the
camp says, “The camping experience is alive and
well moving forward to the summer of 2010. With
the continued support of the Monroe County
Rotary Clubs and organizations like First Church
of Fairport we will continue to be known as a
place where smiles grow. Thank you First Church
for your generosity.”
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday, November 22 – Mission Trip
Presentation
Learn about Reach workcamp and why our kids
look forward to attending it all year! There will be
a slide show and presentation on the different
aspects of the annual mission trip. The Reach song
this year sums it up in a few words “I can’t
change the world but I can change the world for
one.”
Sunday, December 20 – Advent & Christmas
A special adult education class on Advent and
Christmas will be led by Pastor Cedarleaf.
NOTE: There will be NO church
school classes on Sunday, November
29, December 6 (due to Advent
dinner setup). Also there will be no
Adult Education on December 13
due to the Annual Financial meeting
will take place during that time.
Adult Education classes will resume
on Dec. 20.
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
OPENS DOORS TO ROCHESTERWORKS
PROGRAM
These remain difficutlt economic times, and
RochesterWorks is one of the area’s leading
agencies helping job seekers meet the challenge.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport will
begin to host weekly support groups to
individuals who are part of the agency’s Career
navigator program. Participants will be
following up in their job search and career
strategies, having completed an initial
comprehensive program.
The weekly groups will be lead by a “coach”
who will help the participants build on their
experience, encourage one another, and hold
each other accountable to move ahead. These
groups meet for about two hours; it is ploanned
to schedule four such meetings on one day each
week, with the day to be determined. These
groups are the first ones in the program to be set
for the south and east of Monroe County.
Bethlehem is located at 48 Perrin Street.
Fairport. Persons interested in this program, or
in any program of RochesterWorks should call
their offices at 585-683-0537 or Bethlehem
Lutheran Church, 585-223-0634
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
REQUEST FROM
FAIRPORT/PERINTON
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Each year the Fairport/Perinton Chamber of
Commerce honors a citizen from Perinton as
“Citizen of the Year”. This award gives special
recognition to those unique persons who have
devoted countless hours to serving the Perinton
community. In addition, the Chamber also
recognizes a “Youth Citizen of the Year”. This
award is given to a youth in our community that
 5 THE EPISTLE
has also given many volunteer hours to their
community.
The people of Perinton are invited to submit the
names of persons they feel are deserving of the
“Citizen of the Year” and “Youth Citizen of the
Year” awards. Nominiees for this award can come
from any walk of life or profession, but must have
made a substantial service, civic, or other
noteworthy contribution to the Perinton
community.
In order to receive proper consideration, all
nominations must be received no later than
December 1, 2009. Nominations must include a
brief background on the candidate and the name
and phone number of the person most familiar
with the candidate’s contributions to enable the
board to contact this person for more information.
Written response may be directed to th e Perinton
Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 413, Fairport,
NY 14450.
SALEM SOUP KITCHEN
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed for November 24 to help
prepare a noon day meal. We will carpool from
the church parking lot, leaving at 9:15 AM and
return mid-afternoon. Come help prepare lunch
for those in need.
FAMILY NEWS
Preschool & Elementary School
Happenings
Rotation Classes Learn About Life in Bible
Times
During the month of November, the rotation
students have been, learning about life in
Bible times and the story of Mary and Martha.
During one of the lessons, they will be
working on a mission project called “books
and blankets.” They have collected
children’s books and will be making fleece
blankets for the kindergarten class at School
33. This is part of the “Loving Our
Neighbors” theme that is incorporated in all
of the rotation classes.
Children’s Musical and Advent Dinner
December 6th
The children’s musical, “Help! We Need A
Christmas Play!”, will be held at 5 p.m. on
Sunday, Dec. 6, followed by the annual Advent
Dinner. Don’t miss this fun family event!
Spend a Night in Bethlehem on December, 20
Bring your family to spend a night in Bethlehem
on Sunday, Dec. 20 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Experience the sights and sounds of the
Bethlehem marketplace. Help in the carpentry
shop. Taste some bread in the bakery. Make a
necklace in the jewelry shop, and visit Baby
Jesus in the manger. This is a special night to
remember!
NOTE: There are no Christian education
classes on November 29 or Dec. 6. Classes
resume on Dec. 13.
Junior & Senior High Happenings
Junior High Church School To Travel
Through the Old Testament
During the months of November and December,
our Junior High class will continue working its
way through the major stories of the Old
Testament. Join us for some great discussion!
 6 THE EPISTLE
Senior High to Learn What It Means to Be A
Disciple IN SYMPATHY…..
Senior high school students have been following
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Ella
seven of their peers travel across the country to
Weirich. Ella passed away on October 16, 2009
meet some radical Jesus followers in the 24/7
in Utah while living there with her daughter,
Experience DVD. They have been watching
Nancy. Pastor Cedarleaf officiated at a service
interviews and discussing those who have been
for her at our church on October 23, 2009. Ella
making a difference in the world and who believe
first joined our church on May 1, 1938.
that faith requires action.

Senior High Sunday Night Bible Study

Continues THANK YOU FIRST CHURCH
Senior High students are invited to join Mrs. FRIENDS
Hamill on Sunday nights from 7 – 8:30 p.m. for a
Bible study on the Book of James. Through this
We want to thank you all most sincerely for
study, we’ll see that faith without actions is dead!
keeping Reed in your prayers these past 7
These sessions will be held in the Senior High
months, and now for the many comforting
classroom. Call Mrs. Hamill at 746-9275 prior to
notes, calls and expressions of support sent to
each session to let her know that you’re coming.
all of us and to Sally.
We find much solace in your caring thoughts
and truly appreciate your compassion.

Hanging of the Greens and Shopping!
Saturday, December 5
Come to the church to help decorate the sanctuary
for Christmas from 10am to noon. Then we will
head to Eastview Mall for lunch and shopping
until 4pm. Sign up in Fellowship Hall.
Help Present “A Night in Bethlehem!”
Come help present “A Night in Bethlehem” for the
families of our church on Sunday, Dec. 20 from 6
– 8:30 p.m. We need shopkeepers, bakers,
carpenters and more! Sign up in Fellowship Hall.
Gratefully,
Barbara and Frank Strong; Jenny, Doug,
Marshall, Megan and Sarah Strong
Lisa, Daland, Eric and Laura Juberg
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
A very special round of applause is extended to
Charlotte Jackson for her time and talent in
preparing the dedication name tags for our new
choir robes. Her efforts made for an easily
accomplished “sewing bee”. In addition to
Charlotte, we heartily thank Lois Evans and
Morning Circle members—Karen Junker, Carol
Moran, Jean Wilson, Dot Naetzker, Barb Law,
Toni Thompson and Jean Lauder.
Muriel Gabbey & Mary Jane Jones
 7 THE EPISTLE
Thursday of November as a day of
Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent
Father who dwelleth in the heavens.
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Martha Bowman, St. John’s Home —Abraham Lincoln,
1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home
Louise Deller, Cherry Ridge
Barbara Eaton, Perinton Park Manor
Dwight Turner
DEADLINE
FOR
DECEMBER
EPISTLE IS
3 PM,
DECEMBER
HAVE WE FORGOTTEN GOD?
10TH.
Have we forgotten God? We have been the
recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven;
we have been preserved these many years in
peace and prosperity; we have grown in
numbers, wealth and power as no other nation
has grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have THANKSGIVING

forgotten the gracious hand which preserved
us in peace and multiplied and enriched and
strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined,
in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these
blessings were produced by some superior
wisdom and virtue of our own.
Intoxicated with unbroken success we have
become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity
of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud
to pray to the God that made us.
Three kinds of giving “There are three kinds
of giving: grudge giving, duty giving and
thanksgiving. Grudge giving says, ‘I have
to’; duty giving says, ‘I ought to’; and
thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’ The latter
comes from a full heart. Thanksgiving is an
open gate into the love of God.”
—Robert N. Rodenmayer

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God

should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully
acknowledged, as with one heart and one
voice, by the whole of the American people. I
do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every
part of the United States, and also those who
are at sea and those who are sojourning in
foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last