The Dialogue January 2017 FROM YOUR MINISTER JIMMY READER

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appy New Year! It will be 2017 soon (or maybe it is already as you read this). Another year gone – an uncertain, confusing, troubling year for many people, both personally and as a nation. Perhaps you are like me – praying daily for our nation and our world, and praying for wisdom to know what I (we) can do to help make the world a good place for all people. May that prayer be granted this year! There have been good things as well for many of us. Young people graduating from high school and college and entering into new careers - new job opportunities – moving into new homes – new relationships – and so much more for some of the people of our church. Life is always a mixture. Some have lost loved ones, and we have lost good friends. Some have faced physical challenges of different kinds – or the loss of a job – or a lost relationship. In the midst of the joy and the sadness, God is with us. God will be us every moment of this new year. This fall has been a good time at the United Church. We have several new families and individuals coming, bringing with them a new spirit of enthusiasm and anticipation for this new year. We had 16 children in our Christmas program this year, which was inspiring to us all. It’s good to meet people for the first time nearly every Sunday and to see many of them return again and again. I look forward to 2017 with anticipation of many good things for our congregation. Thank you for being part of it all!

In the heart of winter, the month of January (after the holidays) sometimes can feel like “down time,” going back to the daily routines of life. And no doubt it will be that in some ways for many of us. But this January at the United Church, there will also be a lot of activity and some new things and some hopeful signs for our future together. Here are some scheduled events and activities we hope you will participate in:  

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Saturday, January 7 at 9:00 am – “Undecorating” the sanctuary and building from Christmas Sunday, January 8 after worship – A “listening group” in the lounge with the Dream Team, where they will listen to your ideas and thoughts for our future together – A follow up to what many of you sent with your financial commitment, leading to a year-long emphasis on strengthening our future ministry Thursday, January 12 at 7:00 pm – Parents are invited to join the Board of Christian Education for an informal time together. We want to hear more about what parents would like to see happen at our church for children and families in 2017. Children are welcome to come, and we will have light refreshments and someone will play with the kids while the parents are meeting. Saturday, January 14, 8:00-10:00 am – Our monthly Pancake Breakfast is open to the whole community. Each month, the proceeds go to a different community nonprofit program. This month it will be the Coffee Connection, working with women in recovery from addiction. Sunday, January 15 during coffee hour – Richard Ashworth will be taking family and individual photos of people new to the church for a picture board in Howard Hall. Be sure to come ready for pictures, if your photo is not yet there. Sunday, January 22 after worship – The Trustees will present the 2017 budget for review and discussion. Sunday, January 29 after worship – At our annual congregational meeting in Howard Hall, we will get an overview of 2016 accomplishments and a preview of 2017 goals and hopes for the church. Everyone is invited!

All of this is in addition, of course, to our worship services every week and coffee hour – and Sunday School – and youth group – and board meetings – and all the daily activity around our church with PUNS (the preschool), Village Squares (square dancing), YMCA shuttle van, an A.A. group, Scouts, and even more. This is a busy place, a lively place, throughout the week. 2017 – Here we come!

FROM JIMMY AND JOY

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hank you so much for the many cards and generous gift for Christmas! Thank you for being a family for us, a place to laugh, cry, think, pray and share mutual support.

From Joy … I can tell you what I hear from Jimmy. He loves this church and all of you. We often pray together for many of you. Jimmy has been preaching for 46 years. I asked him how many churches he had pastored and he said, "Too many," but you are not one of the "too manys!" That includes 14 churches, including all the short-term/interim positions, and not including all the church consulting work he has done. He asked if he “had” to count them all. But the United Church of Pittsford is the best of all, his most favorite--and probably his last. What a way to end a career! We are so grateful to be in such a church. Dick talked on Sunday about the church where all of you can be who you are. That's especially true for Jimmy, and I love it too. From Jimmy … Indeed, it is true. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being your pastor. And, again, thank you for your generous Christmas gift and all the generosity you show us both throughout the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Unfortunately for us, Michael Brennan has decided to step down, below is his note to the congregation.

FROM MICHAEL BRENNAN

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hank you to all of you for welcoming and supporting me at UCP. I regret to announce that I am stepping down from my church position. My full-time work, doctoral studies and teaching responsibilities are all-consuming of my time and energies. I will continue to guide the youth group on a voluntary basis through the end of the school year, and I hope the resources saved on my position can be utilized to support the growing number of younger children joining Sunday School. In heartfelt gratitude, Michael

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MUSIC NOTES By Dot Borden

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’m very proud of the United Choir and the Rousing Ringers for all the music that they presented for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Even though they have a limited rehearsal time, the choirs have worked hard and have maintained a high level of musicianship in order to enhance the worship services. Thank you, all of you. Since the basis for a good choir is always the accompanist, I want to heartily thank Ashley for her superb work on the piano and organ. She consistently plays everything well, within a wide variety of styles of music. Besides being reliable, Ashley is delightful to have as a colleague and friend. As well as accompanying the choir, soloists, and small groups, the music she plays during the worship service is always chosen with care and performed with much sensitivity. UCP is most fortunate to have Ashley on our staff! Looking ahead for the United Choir, we will be changing our schedule a bit since I will be away for a few weeks, visiting my daughter and her husband in The Netherlands. (I’m very excited about going! This is my twelfth trip to that delightful country since my daughter moved there in 1981.) The Choir will be singing on January 15 and 22, doing the anthems, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and “Let Us Be Your Light”, respectively. The Rousing Ringers will take a “Winter Rest” and begin playing again in March.

THE TRUSTEES By Anne Passmore

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he Trustees are busy working on the budget for 2017. If you still have an outstanding balance for your 2016 pledge you may still send that to the church or place it in the plate marked as 2016. If you have not had the opportunity to pledge for 2017 you may also send a note to the office or place a note in the plate. We are working hard to fund inspiring and meaningful worship as well as a strong children's program. The budget will be presented at the congregational meeting at the end of January. Progress is being made on the legal documents for the Verizon project. A full report will also be given at the congregational meeting. Small repairs and upgraded items are being done each month. This month the electrical boxes to the church sign by Main Street were upgraded to provide more consistent power to the sign.

SIGN UP FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

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e are looking for volunteers to teach and assist in our Sunday school classes. Click on the link below, sign up in Howard Hall or call the office and Terri will sign you up. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0545adaf22aafe3-sunday5 After clicking on the link you must complete all the steps: 1. Click the date and position desired. 2. Hit "submit and signup" 3. Click "send email confirmation" so they have the information. 4. Hit "Sign up now “ Page 3

THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS by Ashley Danyew

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t takes many hands to do the work of Christmas—I am so grateful to all who played a part in this year’s Advent and Christmas services: Jeanne Carley, Audrey Johnson, and Donella Ashworth for all their help planning the Hanging of the Greens service Richard Ashworth for his beautiful photos and videos of our services Sue Miller, Nora Franklin, Ruth Nellis, and Wenda Silco for their help with visuals and decor Michael Brennan, our Sunday School staff, Board of Christian Education, and volunteers for planning and coordinating this year’s children’s Christmas play Chuck Silco for playing gathering music on the day of the play Linda Burnett and Steve Danyew for sharing instrumental music Kim Blood, Kathy Borden, and Verna Hazen for sharing vocal music Our worship leaders, ushers, hospitality members, and parking lot crew who helped welcome members of our church family, visitors, and guests Harry Carley, Karen White and family, Robert Massar, Angela and Alistair Pauling, the Broker family, Bob and Sharon Toles, and Kelsey and Audrey Natale for reading and lighting our Advent candles each week Our choir and handbell choir for sharing special music throughout the season (and their fearless leader, Dot Borden) The Kwarta family for sharing special music with us on Christmas Day Brian Kwarta, Scott Hanson, Dick Krager, and Charlie Page for their audio engineering skills

Thank you for all the ways you served and blessed our church and community this season! But as we all know, our work isn’t quite done. The work of Christmas continues, today and in the weeks to come: When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal the broken, To feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, To make music from the heart.

Howard Thurman I look forward to serving with you in 2017.

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SMART GIVING

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EXT YOUR GIFT OR GIVE ONLINE At the United Church, we are working at updating technology options in multiple ways. The world we live in is very different from a generation ago, even a decade ago, especially in areas of technology. For instance, many of us now pay our bills online and set them up for automatic payment so we don’t have to remember. And some people respond to appeals for help with a natural disaster, for instance, and text their donation to the number given. You can do all that now with your giving to the United Church of Pittsford. Some of the choices you can make now include:  Go to our website (www.ucpittsford.org) and click on the top-right button (“Smart Giving”), and make a one-time or recurring gift online.  Text “GIVE” to (585)481-8441. Register the first time with a credit or debit card and save the number in your phone. (You can always text EDIT to that number and update your information, set up a recurring gift, and check the status of a gift.) We use a company called Kindrid for this completely secure service, and your gift is available to be deposited in the church’s account the following day. You can use your phone to make a gift if you forgot a check or don’t have cash for the offering, but want to give that day anyway. Or if there’s a special need you didn’t know about and don’t want to forget. Some people I know never carry cash anymore or write checks. They just pay for things – or give – online or by text. Welcome to the 21st century!

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

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here are many helpers to thank! Our children were so wonderful in portraying Christmas in their pageant. Thank you to all who worked with them to enhance our special celebration. Each child played their part so well in perfect costumes, beautiful carols with the congregation singing along, and the children signing the ending carol all performed in the stable on our UCP altar. What a joy to be a part of this UCP Merry Christmas.

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UCP’S ANNUAL BOWLING PARTY We will be having our annual bowling party on February 18th at 1:00 pm. If you need bowling shoes, please arrive by 12:30 pm. It will be held at Bowl-a-Roll on Jefferson Road. This is always a fun time and a time for fellowship with some of our UCP family. Chuck Silco is kindly organizing this for us. Let him know if you have any questions.

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PHOTOBOARD UPDATE SAVE THE DATE On Sunday, January 15th, after the worship service, Richard Ashworth will be shooting new portraits to update our photoboard. If your picture isn’t on the photoboard now, or if it needs to be updated, please see Richard in Howard Hall after the service. (The new photos will be available for individual purchase, too.) Put the date in your calendar now!

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ALTAR FLOWERS FOR 2017

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ur new 2017 altar flower sign-up calendar is posted on the bulletin board. It’s time to sign up for your favorite Sunday. We will try to keep a few left-over poinsettias alive for the beginning of January, but fresh flower arrangements will be welcomed to beautify our sanctuary after our Christmas decorations have been put away for another year. Questions? See Wenda, Lynda or Judy Wolfe.

PLANNING AHEAD is a very busy month at UCP. Please mark your calendars with the following dates: J anuary January 1st: Communion January 7th: Un-decorating of the church January 8th: Listening session after worship January 14th: Rise & Shine Pancake Breakfast January 15th: Photos in Howard Hall after worship January 22nd: Proposed budget meeting January 29th: Annual Congregational Meeting

FOOD CUPBOARDS Motto Feeding Hope One Family at a Time

PITTSFORD FOOD CUPBOARD January 22nd & 29th: Items can be left in office basket throughout the month to be delivered. UCP donations are greatly appreciated and looked forward to. Happy New Year to all! Items: Dessert mixes, canned fruit, boxed potato mixes, rice mixes, quick bread mixes, canned beans, peas, beets, spinach, hearty and creamed soups, toiletries, jarred gravy, jello and pudding.

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY FOOD CUPBOARD January 1st: Tuna and canned fruit January 8th: Tuna and canned fruit January 15th: Hearty soup Thank you for your continued generosity.

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JANUARY Sunday

Monday

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New Year’s Day!

No PUNS

No Sunday School

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3

7:00-10:00 Village Squares

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15

16

7:00-10:00 Village Squares

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Martin Luther King Day No PUNS

7:00 pm Stamp Club

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24

Proposed Budget meeting after worship 9:00 am United Choir Rehearsal 1:00-3:00 PM PUNS Open House

18 7:00 pm Council Mtg.

No Sunday School

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11

7:00 pm Deacon's Mtg. 7:00 pm Scouts

9:00 am United Choir Rehearsal

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Thursday 5

Friday 6

7:00-10:00 Village Squares

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Saturday 7 9:00 am undecorate the church

7:00 pm Trustee Mtg.

7:00 pm Worship & Music Committee Mtg.

11:30 am Listening session after worship

Photos in HH after worship

Wednesday

Office Closed

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Communion Deacon’s Fund

Tuesday

7:00-8:00 AA Mtg.

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13

7:00 pm Board of Christian Educ. Mtg. with parents

3:00 pm Set up for Pancake Breakfast

14 8:00-10:00 am Rise & Shine Pancake Breakfast

7:00-8:00 AA Mtg.

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20

9:00-12:00 pm PUNS Work Day

7:00-8:00 AA Mtg.

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21

27

28

DIALOGUE DEADLINE 6:00 pm PUNS Special Persons Night

6:00 pm PUNS Special Persons Night

7:00-10:00 Village Squares

7:00 pm Scouts

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30

Annual Congregational Meeting

7:00 pm Scouts

6:00 pm PUNS Special Persons Night

6:00 pm PUNS Special Persons Night

7:00-8:00 AA Mtg.

7:00-10:00 Village Squares (Anti-Freeze Dance)

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PLANNING AHEAD? CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR ONLINE: http://www.ucpittsford.org/ucp_inside/calendar.php

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NAMES AND NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW Office Phone Number:

586-6870

Office Fax Number:

586-0782

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Reader, Minister

315-9241

Terri DiFiore, Church Secretary

586-6870

Dot Borden, Choir Director

624-2284

Dr. Ashley Danyew, Director or Worship Arts

678-925-6302

Michael Brennan, Christian Education Director

802-6948

Michelle Kwarta, Moderator

203-5205

Anne Passmore Chair, Trustees

586-9819

Richard Ashworth, Chair, Deacons

381-2189

Carol Harrison, Co-Chair Board of Christian Education

264-9401

COLLECTION CONTAINERS We have the following containers in the office. Used eye wear & HEARING AIDS These go to Lions Clubs International. Box Top$ for Education These go to Pittsford School District. Labels for Education These go to Hillside Children’s Center (attention campus school). Can tabs These go to St. Joseph’s School in Penfield for the Boston Burn Center. Most vegetable and soup cans now have pull off tabs. If you have any questions…..call Marilyn Krager at 586-8268.

United Church of Pittsford 123 South Main Street Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: (585) 586-6870 Fax: (585) 586-0782 We’re on the Web! www.ucpittsford.org Email us at: [email protected]

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1/1 1/1 1/3 1/3 1/6 1/6 1/12 1/15 1/16 1/17 1/19 1/22 1/24

Dawn Hyde Will Zink Linda Burnett Tom Silco Marie Bloom Diane Dobbertin Pat Robinson Carly Reeve David Allen Danny Page Sylvia Watkins Bob Stookey Sarah Thomas

“Like” us on Facebook at United Church of Pittsford.

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