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    THE EPISTLEVolume 14 Issue 4 APRIL 23, 2009

    NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    40 Days Lenten Project Goals Met!

    We are happy to announce that our church has met both of its

    Lenten goals for the 40 Days of Drips project. The Salem

    Nutrition Center (soup kitchen) has been refurbished with

    newly painted walls and ceiling and a sparkling new gymna-

    sium floor. Also, we met our goal of raising $8,000 (and then

    some!) to drill a well in Sudan a gift which will provide up to

    3,000 villagers with clean, safe drinking water. Salva Dut,

    founder ofWater for Sudan, will accept our gift and speak

    to us about his organization during the worship service on Sun-

    day, June 7. We will also dedicate a plaque, to go at the base of

    the well, on that day and celebrate with a special coffee hour.

    Many thanks to all who participated in our efforts!!

    See also The Power of Organized Religion p.2

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    The Power of Organized Religion

    This past March 6th the /Democrat & Chronicle/ reported on the efforts of our church, The

    First Congregational United Church of Christ of Fairport, to rehabilitate the Salem Nutrition

    Center, a soup kitchen operated in the Salem United Church of Christ in downtown Rochester.

    As coordinator of that Lenten Project for our church, I am pleased to report that our volunteers

    recently completed this project. Over 40 church volunteers gave 600 hours of their time to paint

    a gymnasium and food pantry area, repair badly damaged floor boards, strip the floors back to

    their original wood and then refinish the floors with several coats of sealer and varnish. Al-

    though most of the volunteers came from our church, many others came to help from surround-

    ing churches as well as the Salem UCC itself.

    To put in perspective the importance of this project, you should know that the Salem SoupKitchen served approximately 12,750 people last year and has been performing this task for thepast 25 years. It operates strictly as a volunteer organization supported entirely by local churchmembers. The soup kitchen also operates as a food pantry and clothing provider for all comers.

    In addition to rehabilitating the Salem Kitchen during this past Lenten period, our church si-

    multaneously raised in excess of $8,000 to drill a fresh water well in Sudan next year. Having

    fresh water is something we all take for granted. However, our church members learned from

    volunteers of The Water for Sudan Project that many Sudanese villagers walk miles on a daily

    basis to obtain fresh water for their villages.

    Our funds will now provide a well which will allow these villagers to have fresh water in their

    own village.

    However,my point is to emphasizethe power of organized religion.

    Sadly, we have recently heard so much about people abandoning organized religion. (See recentarticles in the /Democrat and Chronicle/ and last weeks issue of /Newsweek/). I am convinced

    that without the driving force of todays churches the projects described above never would

    have happened. As individuals we certainly know that given todays world economic situation,

    there are more needy people than ever. However, as much as individuals would like to make the

    world a better place, the lack of an organization to provide this assistance makes it virtually im-

    possible to accomplish transformation.

    Our pastor encourages us on a weekly basis to remember the poor. Through my church, Ifeel that I am now empowered to do my share to make the world a better place.

    From..Ted Avgerinos April 16. 2009

    Proud Member of The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fairport, NY

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    April 26: Third Sunday of Easter

    Acts 3:12-19

    Psalm 4

    I John 3:1-7

    Luke 24:36b-48

    Peace

    May 3:Fourth Sunday of Easter(Good Shepherd Sunday)

    The EucharistActs 4:5-12

    Psalm 23

    I John 3:16-24

    John 10:11-18

    Are we like sheep?

    May 10: Fifth Sunday of Easter

    Acts 8:26-40Psalm 22:25-31

    I John 4:7-21

    John 15:1-8

    Spiritual Gardening

    May 17: Sixth Sunday of Easter

    (Church School Sunday)(Annual Program Meeting)

    Acts 10:44-48

    Psalm 98

    1 John 5:1-6

    John 15:9-17

    Friends

    May 24: Seventh Sunday of Easter

    (Ascension Sunday)Acts 1:1-11

    Psalm 93

    Ephesians 1:15-23

    Luke 24:44-53

    Power, Authority, Rule

    May 31: Day of Pentecost

    The EucharistActs 2:1-21

    Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

    Romans 8:22-27

    John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

    Let Loose

    The Season of Easter

    Worship ScheduleSunday Worship at 9:30 AM

    Fellowship Time and Christian Education follow

    First Congregational United Church of Christ

    26 East Church Street Fairport NY 14450

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    PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE

    What a busy Lent we all had! It seems strange, on one level, to be so busy during a season of the

    church year when we are encouraged to look more deeply at our spiritual lives. We did that as we studied

    together Philip Yanceys The Jesus I Never Knew, and then moved on to try and live the life of Jesus in

    our two mission outreach projects.

    A number of our members as well as some other folks came together to transform the gymnasium

    at Salem United Church of Christ into a more hospitable room to share food with the guests of the Salem

    Nutrition Center. The ministry of the nutrition center is twenty-five years old and a number of our mem-

    bers have helped out on a monthly basis. Ted Avgerinos headed up this project and many dedicated volun-

    teers made it happen. Just as we are fed with the spiritual food of the body and blood of our Lord in the

    Eucharist, so too we seek to feed the hungry in our midst.

    This year, we undertook not only the Salem project but also a real stretch project to raise $8000

    to dig a well in the Sudan. When we began to talk about this, we wondered if we could do it and praise

    God, weve done it!! In fact we will be over the $8000 mark when all is said and done. Once again the

    members of First Church have reached deep into, not only their pockets, but also their hearts to help those

    outside the walls of this church. I couldnt be prouder as we celebrate our 185 th anniversary year, not by

    merely focusing on ourselves, but on our mission as followers of Jesus Christ.

    Four years ago, our Director of Christian Education and Family Ministry, Kelly Weidman, had the

    vision to tackle these Lenten mission projects, combining study and outreach. Weve worked with the

    Pines of Perinton, Joy Community Church, St. Josephs House of Hospitality and Bethany House and this

    year Salem Nutrition Center and Water for Sudan. While all these projects were unique, all of them fo-

    cused on our helping others. Kellys vision and enthusiasm for putting feet on our faith has borne muchfruit.

    All things change, though, and now Kelly moves from Director to member of the Board of Chris-

    tian Education, from paid staff member to volunteer. Kelly has done this job twice, with a break in be-

    tween. Her commitment and enthusiasm is beyond measure and we will miss her in the Director role. We

    know though that she will still be there working with us as we move forward with joy and confidence into

    our 186th year as a congregation.

    Karen Hamill who has been working with Kelly for the past few years and has done wonderful

    work with our Senior High young people will be taking over the Directors position. Im excited about

    what the future holds for us as a congregation as we continue to seek to be the people of Christ here and

    now. Ive been blessed to have such wonderful colleagues in ministry and such a committed cadre of lay

    leadership. Thank you and God bless us together as we live out our lives in faith and mission.

    Your pastor,

    John

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    THANK YOU!

    Dear Rev. Cedarleaf,

    Every day as I enter the front doors of Salem UCC, I take a quick detour to walkdown the stairs leading to the gymnasium. It is a truly awesome sight. And every day I give

    silent thanks for the labor of love that is represented in the now gleaming hardwood floors

    and the crisp, clean walls and ceiling of that gym.

    I have heard so many members of Salem UCC express their gratitude for the work

    that was done by so many generous members of the Fairport Church. On behalf of Salem,

    please let your members know just how very grateful we are. I am sure that the guests in the

    Salem Nutrition Center feel even more welcome, as do the audiences who enjoy the plays

    put on by the Off Monroe Players and the groups who come to play basketball on Mon-day and Thursday nights.

    What a gift you and your members have given. May your ministry grow and blossom!

    Blessings,

    Kathy Madigan, Interim Pastor

    PASTOR CEDARLEAF TO CHAIR COMMITTEE ON THE MINISTRY

    Pastor Cedarleaf was elected to chair the Committee on the Ministry of the Genesee

    Valley Association at their meeting on April 14. He has served on the committee for the

    past year. He also previously served on the committee and chaired it.

    The Committee on the Ministry is responsible for ordinations, installations, and

    other issues relating to pastoral ministry in the Genesee Valley Association of the New

    York Conference of the United Church of Christ.

    NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

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    FAIRPORT COMMUNITY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

    August 10-14, 2009

    Fairport Community Vacation Bible School is a fun-filled week of music, games,crafts, spending time with old friends, and meeting new friends! Children from

    age 3 to entering 7th grade are welcome to come spend five exciting mornings in

    SON-ROCK KIDS CAMP!

    Come experience Gods

    love in action!

    FCVBS will be held from

    August 10 through August14. Registration forms and

    volunteer forms will be

    available at our church or

    the Fairport Public Library

    starting in April. Teen and

    adult volunteers are always

    needed and appreciated!

    Examples of jobs we needfilled are classroom teach-

    ers and helpers, musicians,

    recreation crew, and

    crossing guards. We truly

    have a job for everyone!

    FCVBS still needs YOUR help to fill a few necessary leadership positions! These

    needs are: a registered nurse (This person needs to be on site the week of August

    10-14); and a music leader (someone excited about sharing Gods music with

    youth during the VBS).

    Please contact Heather Moore by email at [email protected] or by

    phone at (585) 259-0122 to get involved with this wonderful ministry!

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    7 NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

    Martha Bowman, St. Johns Home

    Barbara Cobb, Fairport Baptist Home

    Louise Deller, Aaron Manor

    Our sympathy is extended to Dottie

    Weiss and her family on the recent death

    of her mother, Maybel Wood. PastorCedarleaf officiated at her service at

    White Haven Memorial Park.

    CONGRATULATIONS ON

    THE NEW ARRIVAL!

    Jared William Mulley was born on Saturday,

    March 21, 2009. He is the son of Phil and Sta-

    cey Mulley, the brother of Ryan Mulley and the

    grandson of Nan and Bernie Notar.

    EVENING CIRCLEThe Evening Circle will meet on May 11th

    at 7:00 PM in the Snow Room. Joanne

    Haag will be sharing information on "Bits

    and Pieces", a shop that benefits Senior citi-

    zens, located in Fairport Village. We wel-

    come all to join us.

    MORNING CIRCLE

    MEMBERS: Our next meeting is on May

    12 at Joyce Cowdens home.

    1) If you did not sign up at the April meet-

    ing, please call Joyce at 223-0258.

    2) Important_: Meet in the church parking

    lot at 9:30 AM to carpool as there is no

    on-street parking.

    A GRADUATE IN YOUR FAMILY?If you have someone graduating from high

    school or college in your family, we would like

    to include them in our write-up for Graduation

    Sunday. Please submit a few sentences about

    themwhere they are graduating from and what

    their future plans are. Deadline for submissions

    is June 8, 2009.

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    8 NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    Brother and Sisters of First Church.You have been an encouragement as I continue my journey of faith, and my calling

    as a Lay Minister. The journey of my required studies nears its end, last year I did six

    months of Supervised Ministry at Kirk Haven Senior Care Facility. To complete the one

    year requirement I need to do another six months of Supervised Ministry within a church

    congregation. Because Pastor Cedarleaf is my mentor, I can not do it here at First Church.

    Reverend Shirley Pudney Eilers of Brighton United Church of Christ has agreed to be my

    supervisor. So I will be learning as well as teaching at Brighton UCC for six months start-

    ing in mid June. Though I am excited about this period of study and working with Rever-

    end Eilers, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you will be with me in

    spirit and prayer, as I conclude another portion of my faith journey. And I will keep First

    Church in my prayers as each of you follows your own path.

    As delegates to the New York Conference Lorrie and I will be at the annual meeting

    June 3rd to the 5th, so though my supervised ministry does not start till the middle of June I

    will be absent from church from the end of May till after Christmas. We each walk a differ-

    ent path in our journey of faith and I thank you all for your support as I continue the path

    that has been shown to me.

    Peace,Glenn Harris

    Sunday Mornings:Whats Coming Up in Adult Education

    May 3 Science & GodCan the two coexist peacefully? Or does one automatically cancel out the other? Lets discuss

    this together!

    May 10 Living Life to the FullestHow much time and energy do we spend wishing things were how they used to be? We often

    think about times in our past when things were different and want our lives to be like that again.

    But if were in some way hung up on the past, what does that mean for our lives now? This

    class will focus on embracing our past for what it is, in order to live our lives to the fullest, right

    here, right now.

    These classes/events will be held during Christian Education time in the Snow Room following

    the worship service.

    NOTE: Sunday morning classes will be suspended over the summer (May 17 Sept. 13).

    Classes will resume on Sept. 20.

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    Mid-Week Class! The ShackHave you read The Shack by William P. Young? Have you ever wondered

    what it would be like to confront God in person especially after suffering an un-speakable tragedy? What would you say? How would you act? What if God turned

    out to be something completely different from anything you ever imagined? De-

    scribed as a one of a kind invitation to journey to the very heart of God, this book

    attempts to answer that age-old question, If God is all powerful and full of love, why

    doesnt he do something about the pain and evil in our world?

    Join us as we discuss this book! Pastor Cedarleaf will lead two discussions on

    The Shack on Wednesday, April 29. One discussion will be held at 11 a.m. and the

    other at 7 p.m. Both will take place in the Snow Room. You can pick up a copy of

    The Shack at any local bookstore or Wegmans. It is also available at the library.Cost is approximately $10. Sign up in Fellowship Hall to participate in the discus-

    sion.

    Wednesday Morning Bible Study ReturnsJoin us on Wednesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. as we begin another Bible study (topic to be

    announced). Pastor Cedarleaf will lead our discussion.

    COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPEach year the Board of Family Ministry in conjunction with the Memorial

    Committee offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior planning to

    attend a two or four year college in the fall. The criteria that will be used in consid-

    ering applicants are: member of our church, graduating senior with plans to attend

    college in the fall, demonstrated involvement in the church, quality of essay, andstrength of letters of recommendation. Information and application packets are

    available in the church office and on the Family Ministry bulletin board in Fellow-

    ship Hall. All eligible students are encouraged to apply. All applications must be

    complete and submitted to the church office by May 1, 2008. Please contact Laurie

    DeLong (388-9204) if you have any questions.

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    SENIOR HIGH MAKES A DIFFERENCE

    For 30 hours, twelve members of the

    Senior High Youth gave up eating so others will

    be able to eat. With their sponsorships, your

    contributions, and the Purple Throne, $1560

    was raised for World Vision. The World Vi-

    sion Organization sponsors the 30-Hour Famine

    world-wide. It is a Christain humanitarian or-

    ganziation that provides hope and assistance to

    approxiately 100 million people in nearly 100

    countries.

    Here are some highlights from the time

    the group spent together on March 20 and 21.

    On Friday, we joined nine other local church

    youth groups for the kick-off worship at Risen

    Christ Lutheran Church and went bowling at

    Fairview Lanes. After bowling, our group did

    drive-by prayers to twelve families from the

    congregation and we ended the night with mid-

    night worship in the sanctuary. Saturday in-

    cluded Tribe Games, Bible study and working

    at Salem Nutrition Center. The Tribe Amazon

    games reflected the obstacles that many people

    must overcome every day just to survive. By

    Saturday afternoon we found that the lack of

    food affected our concentration and energy lev-

    els. Later we joined the other youth groups at

    Webster Presbyterian church for closing wor-

    ship and to break the fast. Broth and rice never

    tasted so good!Thanks for your on-going support of our

    youth.

    Melissa Tieslink

    Karen Hamill

    JYF/SYF NEWSYF/SYF NEWS May 3 CROP Walk!

    Well meet at noon, have some

    lunch and join others in a walk to raise

    money to fight hunger. The walk is

    approx. 3 miles on the canal. When were

    done, well treat ourselves to ice cream at

    Lickety Splits! Dont forget to wear your

    t-shirts!! (And dress for the weather.) Sign

    up in Fellowship Hall.

    May 15 JYF Movie NightJoin us for a fun evening of snacks,

    laughs and a great movie! Friends are wel-

    come. Well meet in our classroom from 7

    10 p.m. Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

    May 17 JYF and SYF

    Year-End Dinner

    &Celebration

    This event will include a potluck

    dinner, awards, end-of-year slide show and

    a fabulous drummer who will lead us in

    drumming circles! Come relax, enjoy

    some delicious food and a lot of laughs

    with friends as we celebrate a great year in

    youth group! The evenings activities will

    run from 6:30 8:30 p.m. in Fellowship

    Hall. Everyone should bring either a side

    dish or dessert to share. Sign up in Fellow-

    ship Hall.

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    11 NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    Family Newsamily NewsElementary Students: Learning About Christs Disciples

    May 3-our elementary students will learn about how Jesus called

    his disciples. In the art and drama rooms, they will learn that we are

    called to be Jesus disciples too.

    May 10 Church School Sunday PreparationOn this last day of church school, all students in grades Kinder-

    garten through 12th, will gather in Upper Fellowship Hall to prepare for

    Church School Sunday on May 17.

    May 17 Celebrate Church School Sunday!

    All of the children will participate in the worship service on this

    special day celebrating the end of the programming year for church

    school.

    NOTE: There will be NO Childrens Chapel on this day.

    May 15 -Family Ice Cream Social & Movie Night!

    Mark your calendars for this fun, family year-end celebration!

    Well start at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall savoring delicious ice creamsundaes. Then, well move upstairs to enjoy an entertaining family

    movie. Join us! Sign up in Fellowship Hall.

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    .. Coming May 15 ..

    Family Ice Cream Social & Movie Night!

    Mark your calendars for this fun, fam-

    ily year-end celebration! Well start at 7p.m. in Fellowship Hall savoring delicious

    ice cream sundaes.

    Then, well move upstairs to enjoy an en-

    tertaining family movie. Join us!

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    FUNDRAISING

    THROUGH RECYCLING

    Did you know:

    Every SECOND, 8 printer cartridges

    are thrown away. 2 ounces of oil are used

    to produce each inkjet cartridge. 3 quarts of

    oil are used to produce each laser cartridge. In

    a couple of months, cartridge remanufacturing

    will SAVE more OIL than was spilled by the

    Exxon Valdez in Price Edward Sound Alaska.

    Help us protect the environment and

    create fund for our church. Dont through

    away that cartridge, cell phone or portable

    electroni device. Bring them to our church and

    put them in the large cardboard box near the

    wooden mailboxes for recycling.

    Items that are accepted include: inkjet

    cartridges, laser/toner drums, fusers, PDAs,

    Cell phones, MP3s, digital cameras, laptops,

    camcorders, GPS devices, satellite radios,

    DVD players, USB memory sticks, gaming

    devices and external hard drives.

    Thanks for your donations!

    NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    Benefit for Safe

    Journey

    Join us for Doll Tea Party and

    Fashion ShowGet out your Spring hats and

    fancy dresses! Perinton Pres-

    byterian Church, Saturday,

    May 9, 2009 2 PM to 4 PM.

    Tickets $20 (Doll, Girl and

    Adult), $5 for additional family

    member. Call Joanne Hender-

    son at 421-9754 for tickets.

    Dolls and doll lovers of all ageswelcome! All children must be

    accompained by an adult. If

    you would like to volunteer or

    provide items for the raffle,

    please call Becky Girouard at

    381-2826 or send an email to

    Millie Seiler at

    [email protected]

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    14 NEXT EPISTLE DEADLINE 3 PM MAY 16, 2009

    Perinton Ecumenical MinistriesAdvent House, 1010 Moseley Road, Fairport, New York 14450

    Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton

    Fairport Community Vacation Bible School, Fairport GoodNeighbor Fund,

    Perinton Congregations Habitat for Humanity, Perinton Lay

    Clergy Council, Safe Journey

    P.O. Box 733, Fairport, New York 14450

    www.pem-emp.org

    2008 Annual Report to Our Members

    Introduction

    The Board of Directors of Perinton Ecumenical Ministries (PEM) and Ecumenical Ministries

    of Perinton (EMP) provide this annual report to our 13 member churches. As your representa-

    tives to these corporations, we appreciate your continuing support. We are publishing this re-

    port to help our church communities become more familiar with the important work of the min-

    istries and the support provided to them by the umbrella corporations.

    Perinton Ecumenical Ministries

    (PEM)This corporation is the legal structure for Ad-

    vent House, the non-profit comfort care

    home in Perinton providing an alternative

    living arrangement for the terminally ill

    when they can no longer be cared for in their

    own homes. The home operates with six

    staff members (one full time, five part time)

    and many volunteer angels who do every-

    thing from cleaning, gardening or stuffingenvelopes to resident care. There are no

    charges to the residents or their families nor

    are insurance monies received for residents

    care. The corporation conducts a financial

    audit every year.

    In the past year, Advent House cared for many

    residents, provided extensive family support,

    referrals and information. Major fundraisers

    included the Casa Larga Dinner Dance and

    Auction, the Golf Tournament and the 16th

    Annual Garage Sale. Representatives of Ad-

    vent House are always eager to visit churches,

    participate in Mission Sundays, provide infor-

    mation about Advent House and welcome new

    volunteers. Contact Glenda Hastings or Caro-

    lyn Ruffing at 223-6112, [email protected]

    or, for more information, visit

    www.TheAdventHouse.org. Advent Houses

    United Way Donor number is 1800.

    Continued

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    Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton (EMP)

    This corporation serves as the legal entityencompassing Safe Journey, Fairport Com-

    munity Vacation Bible School, the Fairport

    Good Neighbor Fund, Perinton Congrega-

    tions Habitat for Humanity and the Perinton

    Lay Clergy Council. With the increased fi-

    nancial support from member churches, EMP

    was able to cover the total insurance premi-

    ums for 2008. In addition, EMP contracted

    with an outside CPA and completed its first

    financial audit for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

    While our retired Treasurer was kind enough

    to file the Federal 990 forms, it was neces-

    sary to again pay for an outside the financial

    review required by New York state because

    of the income generated by all the ministries

    exceeded $100,000. This was primarily due

    to the completion of the Habitat House.

    EMPs financial plan is to be able to cover

    the full insurance premiums and financial

    reviews and filing requirements of the parent

    corporation and all the ministries but that

    will depend on the continued contributions

    from the member churches. In addition,

    EMP is developing a more extensive govern-

    ance plan. This year a Finance Committee

    was initiated for Safe Journey with the EMP

    Treasurer acting as Chair.

    Safe Journey

    Safe Journey underwent significant changes

    in 2008. After temporarily closing in June,

    due to a financial crisis, the EMP board in-

    vested in a 12-week restructuring and fund-

    raising effort for the ministry. The restruc-

    turing plan was unanimously adopted in Oc-

    tober 2008, and Allison O'Malley was hired

    as the new executive director. During the

    period between October and January, the

    ministry hired two additional part-time staff,

    conducted a very successful fundraiser, the

    5K Race, and executed the restructuring plan,

    which led to the re-opening on January 26,

    2009. The "new" Safe Journey is committed

    to providing victims of domestic violence

    with resources and support as they rebuild

    their lives and also to providing teen datingviolence prevention programs to girls and

    boys. The victim assistance programs will

    be offered at no cost, while some of the pre-

    vention programming will be fee-based. Nu-

    merous volunteers are needed and welcome!

    For more information or to volunteer, visit

    www.SafeJourney.org or contact Executive

    Director Allison OMalley at 425-1580.

    Perinton Ecumenical Ministries (cont.)

    Bethlehem Lutheran Church Church of the Assumption Church of the Resurrection

    Fairport Community Baptist Church Fairport United Methodist Church

    First Baptist Church of Fairport First Congregational United Church of Christ

    Mountain Rise United Church of Christ Perinton Presbyterian Church

    Risen Christ Lutheran Church South Perinton United Methodist Church

    St. John of Rochester Church St. Lukes Episcopal Church

    Continued

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    Perinton Ecumenical Ministries (cont.)

    Fairport Community Vacation Bible

    School(FCVBS) hosted over 100 enthusias-tic children at three of our member congrega-

    tions, Bethlehem Lutheran, First Congrega-

    tional UCC, and Fairport United Methodist.

    This is comparable to the number of children

    who attended FVBS in 2007. About a quar-

    ter of the children attending came to us

    through Community Lutheran Ministries

    from the city of Rochester. The returning

    Director and her staff are gearing up for an-

    other successful year in 2009. Due to the

    amount of volunteer interest and enthusiasm

    at this early stage in planning, projections are

    that FCVBS may serve even more children

    this summer. FCVBS is run entirely by vol-

    unteers and funded almost exclusively from

    church donations and tuition, with some ad-

    ditional support from local vendors.

    Fairport Good Neighbor Fund (FGNF) is

    an emergency fund managed by the pastorsof several Perinton congregations and admin-

    istered by LifeLine. Community members

    who are experiencing a financial emergency

    often reach out to a local church. The pastors

    or delegated staff of the member churches

    are now able to meet these needs after appli-

    cants are screened for eligibility. In 2008,

    payments of just over $6800 were made on

    behalf of 28 area residents to assist them, pri-

    marily with rent, but also to help with utili-

    ties and medical expenses. The Fund exists

    almost entirely on donations from its mem-

    ber churches.

    Perinton Congregations Habitat for Human-

    ity (PCHH) exceeded its goal of raising $65,000,recruited 114 volunteers, and built a house at 19

    Grape Street in Rochester, which was dedicated

    in a joyous ceremony in August 2008. This was

    the fourth home built by Perinton churches for

    Flower City Habitat since 1999. Eight of our

    member churches participated, but it is hoped

    that in the future all member churches will be

    represented. New this year was an online regis-

    tration via their website at

    www.PerintonHabitat.com

    Perinton Lay Clergy Council (PLCC) sponsors

    a number of community events which also raise

    money for local charities. The 2008 annual Crop

    Walk brought in $12,000 of which 25% stays in

    our local community. About 150 people at-

    tended the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at St.

    Johns in November, with donations of over

    $850 going to the Fairport Good Neighbor Fund.

    The Blanket Drive held in the spring brought injust over $3500. In coordination with the Perin-

    ton Food Shelf, PLCC creates and delivers holi-

    day baskets.

    Conclusion

    We are so appreciative of your churchs continu-

    ing support of these important ministries and the

    corporations that support them. We are currently

    updating our Website at www.pem-emp.org in

    order to provide current information about min-

    istry activities and contact links. If you have any

    questions or comments, please contact the PEM/

    EMP President, Cheryl Freer, at 377-7337 or

    [email protected].

    Respectfully submitted,

    The Board of Directors

    Perinton Ecumenical Ministries, Inc. and Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton, Inc.