The Sundial _______________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2017

FROM THE PRESIDENT: Do you know what the largest organ in your body is? Your skin! Did you know that fireman have found that if they sit down with traumatized people at accident/fire scenes, just a touch on their arm will comfort them. Imagine what it must have been like during the days of Jesus when people suffered from Leprosy. No one would touch them, and how they must have longed for a simple touch on their hand for comfort. I think it is important to remember after this holiday season, that Jesus touched people, and people touched Jesus, even it was only to reach out for His clothing. The following poem was written in 1921 by Myra Welch. She heard a speaker address a group of students on the power of God to bring out the best in people. She said she herself became filled with light and that the poem was written in just 30 minutes! She sent the poem anonymously to the editor of her local church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God and didn’t need her name on it. I invite you to read the following, and as you go forth in the coming days, think about ways that a simple touch on an arm, a hug, or even just quietly sitting with someone might bring comfort. After all, we are women of faith, and what better expression of God’s love in today’s world can we offer. The Touch of the Master's Hand: 'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer, thought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile. "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three?" "Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice; Going for three…" But no, From the room, far back, a grey-haired man, came forward and picked up the bow; Then wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loosened strings, He played a melody pure and sweet, as a caroling angel sings. The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low, Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow. "A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice, And going and gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand. What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply: "The touch of the Master's hand." And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin. Continued on page 2

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine, a game — and he travels on. He is "going" once, and "going" twice, he's "going" and almost "gone." But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought, by the touch of the Master's hand. Shirley London REPORT FROM THE INTERFAITH COLLABORATIVE ABOUT CHILD CARE SUBSIDY ADVOCACY THIS FALL: total number of letters delivered to County Executive, Cheryl Dinolfo: 2,654 (adults: 2,422; youth (ages 11+): 172; children (ages 3-10) 60. 72 faith communities and 3 organizations collected 2,324 adult letters. We are encouraged to support the continuation of the Nurse Family Partnership which provides home visits with new moms for two years, especially with their information on how to prevent child fatalities. This program must be funded by the 2017 Monroe County budget. The Children's Agenda is looking for feedback on what childrens' issues are we passionate about? What issues are our faith community passionate about? Please let us know your thoughts... Human Trafficking: recently a large article appeared in the Nov 22 Democrat & Chronicle telling about how courts and nonprofits help local victims recover and thrive. As CWU Rochester is a supporter of the Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking, we need you to be aware of this problem right here. A 6 or 8-year old child can be purchased from their family in a third-world country for $200 or less and re-sold for up to $20,000, if that child hasn't been abducted altogether. There is more slavery today than there was in the 1800s. American laws need to be made stronger and law enforcement and incarcerations need to be enforced. People need freedom, not slavery. Mary Smith JOIN US FOR A FREE HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP! Winter is HERE!! Let PathStone’s home energy program be your Energy Coach! Join us at our Free

Home Energy Workshop where programs will be discussed to help residents find ways they can make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. A home energy assessment can help find where leaks are in a home, tell how efficient your furnace is, and check for spots where insulation might be needed. Currently NYSERDA is offering free or reduced cost energy audits, income based grants of up to $4,000, and low interest loans to help homeowners get increased insulation, high efficiency furnaces, and help lower your RG&E bills. Our Free Home Energy Workshop is held on the second Tuesday of every month (February 14th and March 14th) at 404 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 from 5:30pm-6:30 pm. A contractor will also be in attendance to answer any questions you may have about the home energy assessment process. These programs are available to all homeowners, renters and landlords who get their energy through a major utility company (RG&E, NYSEG, and National Grid) and live in a 1-4 unit property. All residents are invited to join this free workshop. To find out how to make your home more energy efficient and register for this workshop call Courtney Klee at (585) 442-2030 ext. 213 or send an email to [email protected]. Registration for this event is required.” HYGIENE KIT GOALS FOR 2017 My name is Elizabeth Hood and I’m a chemistry major at the University at Buffalo. Although school keeps me busy during the semester, I have another passion I want to pursue further. For the last few years I have been collecting hygiene products for woman in shelters from the members of my church. Just from their donations alone I have put together hygiene kits for over 200 local women in shelters. Although I’m happy with my progress so far I would like to do even more. My goal for this year is 500 kits with items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, shampoo, soap, and anything else someone would use to stay clean. Anything, no matter how small,(will accept hotel and regular size) would be appreciated. Please leave donations at Irondequoit United Church of Christ (644 Titus Ave) Any questions, please call Laura Hood at 544-3020 or email Elizabeth at [email protected].

BIG THANK YOU TO BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOR THE 15 AFGHANS FOR PROJECT WARMUP ROCHESTER

11 Nester St., Rochester NY 14621

This month, our most needed items are:  Soup

HEALTH KITS PROGRAM Our Health Kits go to both women and men at the Mercy Outreach Center, a not-for-profit ministry of the Sisters of Mercy located at 142 Webster Avenue. The Outreach Center exists with the generosity of medical and administrative volunteers who give their time to help meet the basic health care needs of those in the community who are denied access to medical, dental and advocacy services because of their lack of financial resources. Mercy Outreach Center is a partner organization of Mercy Community Services, Inc., which also includes residential services, supporting young mothers who are

 Green Beans  Peas

 Tuna

without family support. Each Health Kit Consists of:

Volunteers gather on the 2nd Wednesday and Friday of each month around 9:00am to pack the bags. Won’t you consider joining us this month? Many hands make light work! Please call the CWU office for details or directions at 342-2790.

Shampoo Toothpaste/Toothbrush Razor/Shaving Cream (man) Deodorant Bar soap Washcloth Small pack tissues  Comb       

To Assemble a Health Kit:

Please pack in a 1-gallon plastic bag. Please label your kit “MAN” if intended for a male recipient. There is currently a great need for men’s kits. Please bring donations to our monthly Celebrations or to the CWU Office. Thank you in advance for your help with this important ministry!

CWU SHORT SUBJECTS FOR ALL OF US HUNGRY TO EXPERIENCE UNITY, REMEMBRANCE AND LOVE, On Saturday, February 11, at 4:30pm at Peace of Christ at St. Ambrose parish,(25 Empire Boulevard, Rochester) will hold a service of remembrance and healing. We gather around Rochester’s own Bell of Remembrance given to the Rochester faith community by the Franciscans. Join us with Brother David Schlatter, the Franciscan priest who presented the bell to us. Dinner follows at 6 p.m. (Come to either or both.) Music, dinner, a time of reflection and community. Tolling remembrance of those we miss, and the promise of love. Minimum donation $10 for dinner ticket to support the ministry of the bell. RSVP to GRCC 254-2570. WOMEN”S INTERFAITH COALITION(WIC)

The winter weather in Rochester is unpredictable , there will not be a general meeting for WIC members in February. Everyone is welcome to attend a Bible Study program at the Jewish Federation on February 8, from noon until 1:00 pm. This is a group independent from our Women's Interfaith group

Check out our website at the same address www.cwurochester.org. It is the best place to keep up to date on events, celebrations and recent news. CWU BOARD OF DIRECTORS Friday, February 17 at 9:30 am Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1000 Winton Road North, 14609 SUNDIAL ANNOUNCEMENT All submissions for the February Sundial must be received by January 28, 2017.Please send to: [email protected] COMMUNITY NEWS DIMITRI HOUSE EUCHRE TOURNAMENT On Sunday, February 26, Dimitri House is having a Euchre Tournament Fundraiser. Sign in at 11:30am - Cards fly at Noon! VFW, 300 Macedon Center Rd Fairport, NY 14450 Cost is $25 per player. Lunch is provided. Prizes for top 3 winners! Please bring a non-perishable food item for our cupboard! Three ways to register: 1) Call Dimitri House: (585) 325-1796 2) Email: [email protected] 3) Online at www.dimitri-house.org 100% of proceeds will support programs at Dimitri House. Dimitri House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving our neighbors in Rochester. Dimitri House provides food pantry and shelter services.

The title is "The Flood Narrative" from the Book of Genesis. The speakers are Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle, Pres. of Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and Rabbi Drorah Stetel, who is with Temple Emanu-El.

If you have a Facebook account, look us up and “like” us.

March's WIC meeting will be the Interfaith Luncheon at Temple B'rith Kodesh. Date and time to be announced.

www.facebook.com/cwurochester. Read about what the Church Women United Rochester & the Vicinity community is doing. We also list other relevant Community Events there. There are many ways to volunteer your time and get involved!

IRONDEQUOIT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST - RUTH CIRCLE Everyone is invited to Ruth Circle at Irondequoit United Church of Christ on February 21, 2017. Please join us at 12 noon.(Dessert and beverage will be supplied). The program begins at 1 PM: A guest speaker from Veteran Outreach will speak about their mission. For More information contact, Mabel Thayer at647-9886 LIVINGSTON COUNTY CARES The mission of Livingston County CARES is to help communities and individuals locally, regionally, statewide, nationwide and globally in humanitarian projects, including disaster relief and recovery efforts. Livingston County CARES provides a central repository for resources and information for individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to disaster relief efforts. Livingston County CARES is a collaborative effort among groups and organizations at SUNY Geneseo and in the Geneseo and Livingston County, New York communities that started in September 2005 to focus on relief and recovery efforts by helping people in Harrison County, Mississippi after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, we have sent 1,211 volunteers on 62 trips to work on over 90 homes and community projects, with an estimated value of over $1.6 million! Livingston County CARES has also established special funds and supported humanitarian relief and recovery projects in Haiti, Japan, Ghana, Nicaragua and the Philippines. Livingston County CARES believes that their response must address long-range as well as immediate needs and initially committed to a 10 year partnership with Harrison County, MS. Although that commitment was completed in 2016, much work remains to be done! Livingston County CARES will again sponsor three service trips to Biloxi, MS, (in January, March and May, 2017), two service trips to Brooklyn, NY for Hurricane Sandy recovery (in March and May, 2017), a March, 2017 alternative spring break trip to “Give Kids the World” in Orlando, FL to support a program for children with a chronic/terminal illness, as well as one to Detroit, MI to assist with projects that may help alleviate poverty. There will also be a weekend trip to

Rochester, NY in February with a focus on at-risk women and children, and the annual “Geneseo Goes to Town” service day in April. WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW? Livingston County CARES is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable and humanitarian organization. Tax deductible gifts of cash or checks may be donated to Livingston County CARES and sent to: C/O Center for Community, MacVittie College Union, Room 353, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454. You can also support Livingston County CARES by enjoying one of their semi-annual “Gumbo to Go” dinners (Gumbo, Louisiana cornbread and pralines). It is take-out only and can be picked up between 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church (corner of Second and Center St). At $10/dinner, it is a great way to support a good cause and indulge in a great taste of the south. The next date for Gumbo to Go is April 6, 2017. You can volunteer for a service trip, serve on our Board of Directors, or join our membership! For an annual donation of $25 (alumni and community) and $10 (students), you can become a member of Livingston County CARES and a part of the greater good! If you have any questions about Livingston County CARES or would like more information about volunteering, serving on our Board of Directors or becoming a member, visit the website at: http://livingstoncares.geneseo.edu, or contact Tom Matthews at 585-245-5857 or by email at [email protected] or Samantha Hebel at 585-245-5893 or by email at [email protected]. Please spread the word and share Livingston County CARES mission and activities with family, friends, colleagues and co-workers. Get your organization involved and encourage others to take action! UPCOMING EVENTS World Day of Prayer - March 3 2017 Church Women United State Assembly - April 28 -29 at the Radisson Riverside Hotel April Bible Study – April 7 May Friendship Day – May 5 June Picnic – June 1 Day of Reflection – October 6 World Community Day – November 3 Advent Celebration - December 1

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2016 CONTRIBUTORS Christine Greene Beth Myers Jean Murphy Colleen Trevisani Jayne Fay Carson Norma Albright GVA of UCC Nancy Hill Dean Vera Powley Presbyterian Women of DUPC Mountain Rise UCC Dorothy Borden Mary Smith Dorcas Rachel Circle of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Fairport United Methodist Women First Baptist Church and Society Esther Cable Dayle Bird Webster Baptist Church Henrietta UCC - Women's Fellowship Bethany Presbyterian Church - Presbyterian Women Mary J. Discher Greece United Methodist Church - Greece United Methodist Women Rev Sue Forsyth Barbara Outterson Presbyterian Women of DUPC Emily Thoburn Hilton Baptist Church Immanuel Evagleical Lutheran Church Odgen Presbyterian Church

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED IN ROCHESTER & VICINITY, INC.

2016

From the President In 2016, we continued to reach out and to change as the world around us was changing. In the first 6 months of the year, Lynn Ryder, our Community Outreach Coordinator continued to make new contacts to expand our visibility in the Rochester community. She maintained our web page, continued to be our representative on the Greater Rochester Community of Churches Faith in Action Board, coordinated our efforts with the Center for Youth, Catholic Charities (Diaper collection), and the Mercy Outreach Center (Health Kits). She also represented us on the Woman’s Interfaith Coalition (WIC) board. In August, Lynn resigned her position with CWU to accept a full time position at BOCES using her Culinary Degree. We wish her well in her new endeavors. Our other staff member, Amy Vallone, Office Manager of CWU continued to provide valuable support to all of us. Amy was in the office supporting our officers and the woman who were in charge of our monthly programs and celebrations; she was the contact person for the New York State and National CWU staff; and was in command of a myriad of details which also included publishing the Sundial (our CWU newsletter). She worked hard to organize our office, ensuring that needed records were quickly and easily sent to us as needed. In June, Amy also resigned from CWU to take a position in the Irondequoit School System. We also wish her well in her new job. We were pleased to announce, that Laura Hood, the office manager at Irondequoit United Church of Christ, agreed to accept a few hours of our work each week. So, should you call the office, or send an email, be prepared for a new voice and some new fingers responding to your emails. We said a sad goodbye to long term member Marie Barker. Marie exemplified the highest ideals and qualities of citizenship and humanitarian service. A recipient of the Valiant Woman award, Marie served as chairperson of Spiritual Resources, Day of Reflection, and the Daily Hello Program. She was our representative to the Women’s Interfaith Coalition (WIC) where she served as president for two years, and a member of our Executive Committee. She served as our representative to the Greater Rochester Community of Churches and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Community Food Cupboard. A humble servant, she was a deeply spiritual person who committed her life to her Lord and Savior while serving others, mirroring the image of Christ. She is deeply missed.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we received the “Outstanding Community Service Award” from the Voter’s Walk Enterprise. Located in the Susan B. Anthony Historic District, Voter’s Walk Enterprise was formed to encourage and support women in their business endeavors, while contributing to educating the public about this area’s rich history. Over the summer, the Executive Committee looked at how we could streamline some of activities. Our attendance at many of our celebrations has drastically decreased, we are challenged with getting leaders for the celebrations, and have had problems finding new handicapped accessible churches for our celebrations. Should we decrease the number of Sundials and only send them electronically? Would other people step up to do some of those things that staff members had been doing? In September, the CWU Board met and made the following decisions: The sites at which celebrations will be held will be reduced. Churches and sites recommended are: Third Presbyterian Church, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, the Brickstone, Irondequoit UCC, and Wesley United Methodist Church. The choice of these locations spreads our celebrations across the Rochester area, and they are all handicap accessible. We will expand our scope to include other religions and other interfaith groups.The Community Relations Coordinator job position is discontinued. This will significantly change what we are doing, and the way we are doing business. This change coupled with the reduction in attendance at celebrations and loss of volunteers, means that we need to look closely at how we can do things differently. We will continue to examine the number of celebrations we are scheduling. We will continue to hold seven of them in 2017, and while we recognize that small group discussions are extremely beneficial and enjoyable, it does affect who our speakers are and how complex our programs will be. We decided to continue our Christmas card mailing fund raiser for 2016. For a $5.00 donation per card, we mailed a card in the donor’s name to an individual (or group) that the donor wished to honor. We decided to put the book drive for Rochester inner city schools on hold for the time being. If you have collected books, please call the office and we can provide the name of someone to contact within the Rochester Education Foundation (REF). Some of our activities are continuing. We continued our involvement in the Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT) to actively and aggressively work to make people aware of problems that exist in the Rochester area. We continued to support with food, funding and volunteers at the Community Food Cupboard which distributes food to our area seniors. Through our Warm Up Rochester outreach program, we distributed handmade crochet and knitted lap robes and blankets to day care centers and organizations such as dialysis centers. We could not have done this without the CWU volunteers who are committed to the families and especially the children and women of the Rochester region and the greater community. I invite you to remember that change comes to all things. We can just sit back and let change overpower us, or we can implement a change in direction that will enable us to continue to control our destiny. We have decided that change is a good thing. It allows us to look at doing things differently, in a positive manner, and enables us to open different doors to follow the path that God has chosen for us.

- Shirley London, President

A Celebration Year-in-Review: We ended 2015 with the Advent Celebration theme “Companions on the Journey of Advent.” Gloria Ulterina and Jennifer Case took us on a journey into the lives of Mary and Elizabeth. Our celebration ended with a carol service, our Annual Meeting and the installation of officers. We began 2016 in March with the World Day of Prayer. The theme of “Streams in the Desert” led us into a program that touched on the plight of women and children in Cuba. A local NY Foster Mother, Barb HinesBell shared her experience of being of Cuban descent. Rev. David Ryder delivered an inspiring Homily about children and how we look at them. In April, a group of women gathered to learn more about Psalm 23. Led by Rev. Susan Maybeck, we delved into reading each line and then focusing on a single word in the line, considering what that word meant to us. We thought about this for a while and then discussed our interpretations and our collective thoughts. It was a stimulating discussion, and we each went away from the session with a new view of this wonderful Psalm. Our May Friendship Day Program titled, "Finding Grace At The Table" was truly a very timely spiritual and enriching program. Our speaker, Rev. Dr. J. Ester Rowe's message was very powerful and poignant, enabling the audience to truly visualize the entire setting during the delivery of her message. She talked about Jesus being invited to the home of a rich leader who was hosting a dinner/banquet. Jesus told the host he should also invite the poor, the lame, the crippled and others of the town as well. Therefore, the host sent his servants out again to invite the less fortunate to the dinner as well. All the special guest graciously accepted the invitation This was a wonderful reminder of God’s expectations for us. In June, our picnic/program was held at Buckland Lodge on Westfall Rd. Brigit Hurley, policy analyst of The Children's Agenda, spoke of the urgent need for more child care subsidies from Monroe County, New York State and our federal government. Young parents need and want to work to support their families, but the high cost of quality child care prohibits their choices. Attendees were requested to support initiatives to urge Monroe County government leaders to significantly increase funding for child care when the 2017 budget is proposed and voted on. Picnic food was provided by the CWU Board members. Our fall season began in October with the Day of Reflection. The gathering was facilitated by Dr. Deni Mack, Pastoral Associate at the Church of the Assumption. We sang, prayed, and participated in Lectio Divina, the art of reflecting on the sacred reading of scripture. Deni read the passage of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) three times with questions posed between each reading. Great discussion was had as the scripture enfolded us. Our November celebration was the World Community Day with the theme “Sharing Gifts at God’s Table.” Our speaker, Rev. Constance Henton, began by asking us what we would put on the table if we could choose anything. Discussions led us through joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, mercy, faith, meekness and temper. Our reasons differed, but the gifts that we would put onto that table would certainly make a difference in our world. Our last celebration took us into the season of Advent. We began with our annual meeting, followed by our speaker, Dr, Mary Kay Sweeney, who led us into Advent with a program of examining our gifts. We followed this with the installation of officers (Ellen Kimbrough, Treasurer and Barb Outterson, Secretary), and a light lunch. Our year ended in style with our traditional Christmas Tea. Held at Sue Forsyth’s home, this is always a festive affair with tea and cookies. What a wonderful way to end the year! We would like to express or deepest thanks to the following:

The Celebration Coordinators: Sophia Fretter, Esther Hammer, Barb Outterson, Sally Dodgson, Sue Forsyth, Irene Ingram, Ruby Richardson, Mary Ann Henry, and Audrey Davidson. Without your willingness to lead, we could not have had our dynamic and diversified celebrations. The following churches and establishments: Lake Avenue Baptist Church, The Brickstone, Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, The First Baptist Church of Rochester, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Penfield United Methodist Church, and the Irondequoit United Church of Christ. Your willingness to let us use your facilities allowed us to continue our ministry, Our speakers: Rev. David Ryder, Barbara Hines-Bell, Rev. Susan Maybeck, Gloria Ulterina, Jennifer Case, Brigit Hurley, Dr. Deni Mack, Rev. Constance Henton, and Dr. Mary Kay Sweeny. Your willingness to share all of your time allowed us to examine our hearts and learn more about what God has to offer us. Most of all, a very special thanks to all of the women in all of the churches that stepped forward to accept the servants role of working behind the scenes. We were blessed with your willingness to share your hospitality. - CWU Executive Board Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT) One of the organizations that Church Women United supports is the Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT). RRCAHT meets monthly at Temple Sinai. Members are from Rochesterarea organizations that are interested in victims of human trafficking, especially here in our communities. They offer a power point on signs to look for human trafficking to hotels. They support antitrafficking programs in schools and colleges. They offer an education travel kit that members can share for events, programs and displays. Members can request their support with their efforts to suppress human trafficking through awareness, advocacy and action. Please join them at five o'clock, second Thursday. Also visit their website. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Smith at [email protected]. Update on our activities with New York State Church Women United (NYSCWU): I have served on the NYSCWU Board for over 20 years. Currently I am communications coordinator which involves supporting initiatives which benefit our most vulnerable sisters and brothers. Mostly I advocate online on issues such as: anti-human trafficking, affordable moderate and low-income housing, a living wage, immigration reform, gun control legislation, nutritional school menus, early childhood education, care for God's creation, breaking the school-to-jail pipeline and on and on. It is both an honor and privilege to advocate in the name of CWU to hopefully make a difference in our troubled times. Please register for the State Assembly here in Rochester April 28-29 by accessing the CWUNYS website for detailed information. Mary Smith [email protected]. - Mary Smith The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester has experienced a significant increase in the number of requests for food since August. We are now serving an average of 56 Emergency households and 152 Senior households each month. In 2016, CWU helped to support The Cupboard with the contribution of $1000 and food items collected at May Friendship Day and World Community Day celebrations. - Ellen Kimbrough, CFC of Rochester Liaison

Health Kits Once again, during the past year, one of our CWU unit projects has been collecting and distributing Health Kits to the Mercy Outreach Center, a not-for-profit ministry of the Sisters of Mercy located at 142 Webster Avenue. The Outreach Center exists with the generosity of medical and administrative volunteers who give their time to help meet the basic health care needs of those in the community who are denied access to medical, dental and advocacy services because of their lack of financial resources. Mercy Outreach Center is a partner organization of Mercy Community Services, Inc., which also includes residential services, supporting young mothers who are without family support. Our Health Kits go to both women and men and they include shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, razor/shaving cream (man), deodorant, bar soap, wash cloth, small pack tissues, and a comb. If you are interested in either donating one or more of the items, or purchasing items and assembling one or more kits, please contact our office at (585)342-2790.

Warm-Up Rochester Afghan Project Church Women United's Warm Up Rochester Project has been ongoing this year, in spite of losing two of our contact churches' Knitting and Crocheting groups. I am in hopes of picking up some new afghan creators from the area.

We were the recipient of a large supply of knitted baby blankets. They were in every pastel color and pattern imaginable. These are distributed by BABY LOVE. I can picture a proud mother, wrapping her newborn child in a soft, warm blanket, handmade with love and prayers. Sometimes we have enough afghans for the new mothers to take one home.

Recently, we received a supply of seventeen colorful crocheted lap robes. These work well for keeping senior recipients warm during our cold wintery days.

So, you can see that this worthwhile project would be missed by our community. We are in hopes some more groups will take up this valuable project. Meanwhile, a very sincere thank you to those busy groups that so faithfully contribute their time and devotion to this labor of love. With many thanks, Claire Crump, Warm-Up Rochester Chair

Church Women United

Phone: (585) 342-2790

644 Titus Ave.

Website: www.cwurochester.org

Rochester, NY 14617

Email: [email protected]