THE EPISTLE Volume 26 Issue 3 March 25, 2021
Dear Members & Friends of First Church:
Do any of you watch a TV series that has each episode ending with a question or an unsolved mystery or a cliffhanger? I watch the UnXplained series hosted by William Shatner. Some of the episodes include – Bizarre Vanishings, Extraordinary Engineering, The Search for Atlantis, Mysteries of the Bible, The Truth About UFOs – just to name a few. Shatner always ends each episode by saying, “What do you think about. . . (whatever the episode is about)? That depends on what you believe about the unexplained.”
This year’s Easter Gospel is Mark 16:1-8 which ends with Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome running out of the empty tomb, filled with terror and saying nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. We are left without a neat conclusion that all the other gospels furnish us.
There is something within us that doesn’t like cliffhangers. We like when all the plot pieces find a resolution. Do you need some classic examples? Fairy tales that end “and they all lived happily ever after.” Or fables that drive home the point, “and the moral of the story is.” We even do it informally in conversation, “to make a long story short.” We like things to be neat and tidy, complete, and resolved. This is true about our lives, and especially true about our faith.
In fact, I think that’s why so many of us struggle with belief and faith in general – it simply leaves too much unresolved; too many questions; too many openings and different ways of understanding, none of which ever seem to fully satisfy our need to know. Like children, our faith can prompt us to exist in an ongoing cycle of “yes, but why?” with each new revelation. In Mark’s gospel, this seems to be part of the design. Mark’s version of Easter morning doesn’t come so much with a “the end,” but rather a “to be continued.” On one hand, this is incredible news. It is the point of the gospel and gives meaning to the devastation we experience in the drama of Holy Week. The story lacks its meaning if the ending is simply, “and then Jesus died.” The power of Easter morning lies in our ability to proclaim that death is never the final answer. That darkness never wins, for joy indeed comes in the morning. God did not let the violence and hatred and sin of the world have the final say.
The open and empty tomb brings an open-ended invitation to be a part of what is happening next. The story of God raising Jesus from the dead is amazing. But it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning. It’s a cliffhanger. If God can overcome even death, there are endless possibilities for what God can and will do next in our individual lives and in our church. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
Happy Easter!
Pastor Greg Rupright 2 THE EPISTLE
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS & MESSAGES (bold font indicates key scripture text(s) for the Message)
April 4th Easter Sunday Celebration – Holy Communion Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8 Reflection: “The Open-Ended Tomb”
April 11th Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31 Reflection: “Showing Up When Least Expected”
April 18th Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-48 Reflection: “Jesus Goes Virtual”
April 25th Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18 Reflection: “Lay It Down”
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5:00 PM VIRTUAL MAUNDY THURSDAY HOLY COMMUNION &TENEBRAE SERVICE
There will be a Virtual Maundy Thursday Holy Communion & Tenebrae Service on April 1st at 5:00 P.M live-streamed from our sanctuary. If you wish to participate in virtual Holy Communion, please have available a piece of bread/cracker/crouton and your favorite fruit of the vine. The link for the Service is https://www.facebook.com/First-Congregational-United-Church-of-Christ- Fairport-NY-174043249305098
WORSHIP MUSIC
We are so grateful for all the beautiful music we enjoy during our Sunday Church services, whether it be organ, singing, or instrumental. Many of us have been demonstrating our appreciation by clapping after the musical interludes. After feedback from numerous people, Worship Ministries discussed this topic and determined that we would like to discourage applause after the music is performed. The music during our Sunday Church service is not a performance; rather it is meant to be a form of prayer or praise. Our talented musicians are using their God-given gifts to enhance our services and offer prayers and praises to God.
We would like to continue to have the option to applaud after a special music performance such as the Easter and Christmas concerts. We also encourage applause if we have a musical program that is not part of a Sunday morning service, such as the organ concerts performed by Eastman students.
If you would like to comment on the subject of applause during Sunday Church services, please contact Diana Smith, Chairperson of Worship Ministries.
Thank you for your cooperation!
JESUS SEEKS DISCIPLES AND WE NEED YOU!
We are seeking youth and adult disciples to help bring Rocky Railway: Jesus' Power Pulls Us Through ( our upcoming Vacation Bible School) to life! Join us during the week of July 11-16 to lend a hand and catch the vibrant spirit that will fill our church. Volunteers are vital to the success of Vacation Bible School! We have opportunities of all shapes and sizes ranging from decorating, crew leader, game crew or snack helper. Please contact Christina Hartpence [email protected] interested. 4 THE EPISTLE
BUSINESS MANAGER JOB OPENING
In June, after serving the Church for 22 years, Sue Brooks will be retiring as Business Manager. Sue's dedication and professionalism will be greatly missed. The Trustees have commenced a search for her replacement. The job is a salaried one day per week position reporting to the Trustees. The Business Manager works closely with our Pastor, the Office Manager, and the Treasurer. Having experience in finance coupled with computer skills is required. Experience with the program "Quick Books" will be helpful. The position is open to all members of the Congregation, as well as non-members. A detailed job description may be obtained by contacting Vicki Sherry. If you have an interest in the position or know of someone who would, please contact any one of the Trustees (David Coon, Joe Charles, George Dorr, Jim Franzen or Dave Mosher).
STEP FORWARD AND VOLUNTEER!
Our 2020 – 2021 Program Year does not end until May 31st, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can help the Church by volunteering to serve on Church Council or one of our Boards for the 2021 – 2022 Program Year. Church Council has identified the following openings that we need to fill for terms beginning June 1st.
• The Assistant Moderator is a member of Church Council who works closely with the Moderator. This position can be as short as a 1-year term, but ideally at the end of the Moderator’s 2-year term the Assistant Moderator would become the Moderator. • The Clerk is a member of Church Council who records the meeting minutes for all Church Council, Annual Program and Annual Financial meetings. The term of the Clerk is at least 1 year. • Member at Large is a 2-year term on Church Council to provide broad representation of the Church membership. • The Board of Worship Ministries has openings for 2 new members. Members of this Board work with the Pastor on the worship and spiritual life of the Church. • The Board of Family Ministries directs fellowship programs to provide the youth of our Church with an environment for spiritual, social, and personal growth. There is 1 opening for a new member on this Board. • The Board of Membership needs 2 new members. This Board has responsibility for encouraging prospective members to join the Church, and then helps to integrate them into the life of the Church. • The Board of Trustees has custody and responsibility for all property and financial assets of the Church, including the Endowment Fund. There is 1 opening for a new member on this Board.
Also, if you would like to help with communication and promotion of our Church within the community, there is an opportunity there as well.
If you are interested in any of these positions, or even think you might be and have questions, contact our Moderator, Doug Strong, at 377-6818 or [email protected].
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APRIL ZOOM CONFIRMATION SESSIONS
Confirmation Sessions during April will be held on Sunday, April 11th & Sunday, April 25th from 1:00-2:30 P.M. via Zoom virtual meetings. Pastor Greg Rupright, the Rev. Dr. Greg Osterberg (Mt. Rise UCC), Crista Deniz, and Christina Hartpence will be the co- facilitators of the Confirmation Sessions. Crista Deniz has sent a Zoom Meeting Invitation to each of the confirmands and their parents.
NEW ZOOM BOOK STUDY & PRAYER GROUP
You are invited to participate in the 11:00 A.M. New Zoom Book Study & Prayer Group on the following Wednesdays: April 14th, 21st & 28th.
The book we will be reading is Mark’s Gospel from Scratch: The New Testament for Beginners by Donald L. Griggs & Charles D. Myers, Jr.
Zoom Book Study participants are expected to order their own books via Amazon. Here’s the Amazon link to place the order: https://www.amazon.com/Marks-Gospel-Scratch-Testament-Beginners/dp/0664234860
The link to join the New Zoom Book Study each Wednesday is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83347124887?pwd=Y2E0R054WndIaXFjK085d1JyZlVqdz09; Meeting ID: 833 4712 4887; Passcode: Bible
WEEKLY PASTOR’S BLOG BIBLE STUDY & REFLECTION
Each Thursday, Pastor Greg uploads a Bible Study & Reflection based on the upcoming Sunday’s scripture. Go to www.fairportucc.org and click on the Pastor’s Blog.
LIGHT THE NIGHT
A special way to honor or remember a loved one is to “light the night” in their honor. A donation of $50 will keep the steeple lights burning for one month. Your kind donation and the person in whose name the donation is made will be noted in the church bulletin each Sunday of that month. There are currently openings for Light the Night donations and dedications in June, September, and October. If you would like to sign up for one of these months, email Vicki Sherry. 6 THE EPISTLE
FIRST CHURCH BOOK CLUB 2020-2021
First Church book club generally meets from 1:00-2:30 on the last Monday of the month. Out of an abundance of caution First Church Book Club will be switching to Zoom meetings until further notice. We will be sending out an email to all book club participants with a link to the meeting. If you are interested and not on the list please contact Irene Utter at 425-7408 or [email protected] or join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88379414449?pwd=cDhiaXJQUXhudklEQ1J3SEdCbVcxQT09; Meeting ID: 883 7941 4449; Passcode: Bookclub. All are welcome to attend.
Date Book Title Author Leader March 29 The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Robert Dugoni Pat Edwards April 26 The Pioneers David McCullough Irene Utter May 31 A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles Barb Prystaj June 28 Planning meeting for 2021-2022
Dinner In with Philomina Update: Thanks to the generosity of participants, volunteers, and sponsors, Dinner In with Philomina raised nearly $12,000! We are so grateful to and for everyone who joined us for the event, including Philomina herself. Photos from the event and an incredible video about Philomina can be found on the RAIHN/Family Promise Facebook page.
Family Promise Giving Day: Family Promise of Greater Rochester (FPGROC, formerly RAIHN) is joining the more than 200 Family Promise affiliates leading up to and on April 21, 2021 in an effort to raise funds and awareness to fight family homelessness across the nation. Having a strong safety net can often make the difference for families at-risk of or experiencing homelessness. Be sure to follow FPGROC on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about homelessness and join our efforts! (https://www.facebook.com/RochesterAreaInterfaithHospitalityNetwork and @raihn585 on Instagram)
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Outreach Ministries
April 2021
Souper Bowl of Caring NEW Update! Our grand total that we raised together for the Perinton Food Shelf is $250. We also donated many non-perishable items that will be used to support and show Christ's love to our community. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Rice Bowls are due back the week of April 4th. Due to in-person worship being suspended, please contact Christina, [email protected] to schedule a time to drop off your Rice Bowl. Further instructions for Rice Bowl drop off will be put in the News in the Pews. There is still time to donate online: https://www.ricebowls.org/donate Thank you for sharing out of what God has given you! Upcoming Events
Palm Sunday Celebrates Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem March 28, 2021
Holy Week The week leading up to Easter March 28 - April 3, 2021
Maundy Commemorates the foot washing and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the April 1, 2021 Thursday Apostles
Good Friday Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary April 2, 2021
Holy Saturday Commemorates Jesus' body resting in the tomb April 3, 2021
Easter Sunday Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and his victory over sin and April 4, 2021 death. A recipe for Maundy Thursday, it is enough to remember that there is enough room at the table for all. May we awaken to God’s grace in these simple acts of blessing, eating, communing. May the warm bread comfort and sustain our spirits for the journey of faith. There will be six loaves, which means you can surprise your neighbors with warm bread and still have some to tuck into the freezer. Wonder Bread (From Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison) Combine in a very large bowl: 4 Tablespoons Canola Oil 4 Tablespoons Honey 3 Tablespoons Salt (I prefer sea salt, but any salt will work) Add: 8 Cups Warm Water 2 Tablespoons Yeast Stir and wait 5 minutes, until yeast is dissolved and bubbling. Stir in: 7 Cups White Flour 7 Cups Whole Wheat Flour 2 Cups Rolled Oats It is not necessary to knead the dough, but you can if you want to. (Note to experienced bread makers: This dough is a bit stickier than most bread doughs.) Divide dough into two oiled bowls. Cover and let rise until doubled. (About 1 1/2 hours) Punch down and divide it into 6 or 7 greased loaf pans and let rise until doubled. (Again, about 1 1/2 hours.) Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, rotating halfway through baking.
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Youth and Family Ministry News
Sunday April 4 - Happy Easter! Intergenerational and Communion Worship Service, No Sunday School Sunday April 11 - Sunday School (K-High School), Confirmation Class 1pm-2:30 Sunday April 18 – Sunday School (K-High School) Friday April 23 – Virtual Game Night-Escape Room! (See information below) Sunday April 25 - Sunday School (K-High School), Confirmation Class 1pm-2:30
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Vacation Bible School Coming this Summer for children ages 4yrs-6th grade! Registration will begin in May. Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway! On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. At VBS we will be richly blessed with the way God uses the Bible stories, songs, and activities to work in the lives of our kids and volunteers. We look forward to God at work!! Please let Christina, [email protected], know if you are interested in being a Rocky Railway volunteer! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Virtual Mission Experience Coming this Summer! A Youth Service Week in our own Community! More information soon! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Upcoming Events
Children and Teens are invited to a Virtual Escape Room on Friday April 23rd at 6:30pm Can you solve the clues, unlock the digital locks and escape the room? Join on Zoom: Topic: Virtual Escape Room Game Night Time: Apr 23, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83991795441?pwd=aUdPWFJBaXZFSWxPTEhlVlMzbjB5QT09
Meeting ID: 839 9179 5441 Passcode: 003260
Hope to “see” you there!
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SYMPATHY & CONDOLENCES
The members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ extend their heartfelt sympathy and condolences David Coon and his family on the passing of David’s mother, Beverly Coon, who entered eternal life on Friday, February 26, 2021. Rest eternal grant Beverly, O God; may light perpetual shine on her. Sympathy cards may be mailed to:
David Coon 115 West Avenue Fairport, NY 14450
LIGHT THE NIGHT
Thank you to Cathy and Dennis Dudley for keeping the steeple lights burning bright throughout the month of March in memory of Dorothy and Richard Dudley.
Thank you to Jean Lauder for “lighting the night” in April in memory of John Lauder.
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Mary Lou Woodhouse Marge Meyer
Next “Epistle” Deadline is April 15th (The Third Thursday)
Frequently our church will take photos or videos of members, including children and youth, involved in church related activities. These photos and videos may be used in church-produced publications, on our website or on social media including but not limited to Facebook. If you do not wish to have photos or videos of yourself or your child used, please see Vicki Sherry in the church office to sign an exclusion form. 10 THE EPISTLE
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 Pastor’s Phone: 585-223-8172 Fax: 585-223-4264 E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: fairportucc.org
Church Service Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Church Office Hours: 9:00-3:30 Monday through Friday (Monday-Thursday in July and August)
Rev. Gregory J. Rupright, Pastor Rev. Dr. John N. Cedarleaf, Pastor Emeritus Administrative Assistant: Vicki Sherry Church Moderator: Doug Strong Organist: Beatrice Benedict Our mission is to love God by serving others in the Director of Music Ministries: Heather Watras name of Jesus Christ. Business Administrator: Sue Brooks Our vision directs all our work: United in Christ's Wedding Coordinator: Betty Shamblen love, to be a blessing to our church and to our Dir. of Christian Ed. & Family Ministries: Christina Hartpence neighbors.
First Congregational United Church of Christ 26 East Church Street Fairport, NY, 14450