THE SUNDIAL

Volume XVIII No. 3 November 2007

Advent Celebration

"Hope in the Coming of the Lord!@

Friday, December 7, 2007 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Mt. Rise UCC, 2 Mt. Rise, Fairport, NY

$3.00 registration

Bring Bag Lunch and your Bibles

Our Bible Study presenter will be Sheryl Zabel, Pastoral Associate at The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Fairport, NY

Remember to bring your donation for the Bake Sale, marked with a suggested offering price, and items for the Community Food Cupboard.

85^th Celebration Wrap-Up

Thank you so much to everyone who helped to make our 85^th celebration a great success!

Fairport United Methodist Women...... Honoring Dee Jones, with our love

Roudebush circle of Asbury First United Methodist Church............. Honoring Ginn Fitch

The Women of the Baptist Temple...... Wish to honor Eleen Utrupp, a long-time devoted member, who has touched many lives through teaching, missions, support and more. Her dedication and persevering have been an inspiration.

Dot Borden...................... In memory of Berta Holden, with love and deep respect

Gloria Klink..................... Honoring Sylvia King

Joan Hamb....................... To honor the women who served with me on the CWU Board. Each was special .................... in a unique way and shared many gifts.

Shirley G. London............. In honor of Rev. Sue Forsyth

A Friend............................ In honor of Duk Sun Lyu

Lois P. Davis..................... In memory of The Rev. Virginia Mackey

Mary Ellen Denio............... In honor of Joan Clark

Dorothea R. Hunter........... In honor of Rev. Deborah Hughes [Formerly @ Third Presby Ch, now Exec. Dir. of Susan B. Anthony House]

CWU Choir members........ In honor of the many women who have praised God through the music of the CWU Choir

A Friend............................ Honoring Dot Borden & Ellen Kimbrough

Mary J. Discher................. In honor of Betty Allinger

Jean Bartlett...................... In honor of Joan Clark

Betty C. Smith................... Honoring Frances Gebelein. AFrances joined Brick Presbyterian Church in 1943, taught church school for 20 years during which time she worked on the children=s TV show AKatie=s House@ with Florence King. She was active in several women=s groups, including Shaw Mission. She was first president of the Downtown Women=s Association. She has been on many committees, has been a deacon, and served on Session. An inspiration to us all with new ideas and encouragement.

Doris F. Starks......... Honoring Esther Hammer

The Sundial -2- November 2007

Friends.................... Honoring Ellie Newell, who lives her faith 24 hours a day!

Cecile Beutel........... In honor of Jean Murphy, who exemplifies >neighbor= and a dear Christian

Jan Gulick............... In Memory of Ruth Collyer

Shirley J. Haefele..... In honor of Gloria Klink

Barbara Hoffman.... In memory of my mother, Adele

Eloise Mulligan........ In honor of twin sister, Ruth J. Husung

Jean Murphy........... Honoring Cici Beutel Afor the many blessings in friendship, spirituality and love. Thank You.

Virginia Newman....... Honoring Helen Shannon

Ellen Kimbrough........ In Memory of Elsie Koeberle and Anne Nelson

Esther Cable............... Honoring Doris Morgan

Lura Masters.............. In honor of Joan Clark

Rev. Sue Forsyth........ Honoring CWU President Audrey Davidson

Tom Forsyth............... In honor of niece, Lisa Fox

Audrey Davidson........ In memory of her mother, Audrey Marie Southerland

Doris VanVechten..... In honor of Betty Allinger

Betty Allinger

June Becker

Patricia Braus & Ed Lopez

Helen Caswell

Diana DeBruycker

Tina Da Costa

Sally Dodgson

Pat Everett

Doris (Dee) Jones

Areta Lacy

Mary Ann Henry

Zell Hicks

Mary Lou Maynard

Ruth Morgan

Linda Norak

Catherine Olcott

Louise Slaughter

Deanna Smisloff

Frances Stiles

Colleen Vogt

Violet Williams

Marion Witt

Gifts In-Kind

Rep. Louise Slaughter Rev. Sue Forsyth The Country Club of Rochester

Mary Ann Henry Tom Forsytlh Queenie Allison, Photographer

Barbara Hoffman Abby Martino-Walker

Audrey Davidson Marilyn Powers, Photographer

Special Thanks To

Esther Hammer for making our Celebration banner and pencil favors.

Colleen Vogt for composing our Celebration hymn AGathering Harvest@

Found at the Country Club

One earring - fish hook - large tear-drop brown stone - gold prong & crystal bead at top

If you lost it, please call the office 342-2790, and be sure to leave your name and address so that we may mail it to you.

If anyone=s name was accidentally omitted, please call the office at 342-2790. Thanks.

The Sundial -3- November 2007

YCWU Leadership Initiative Weekend - 2007

(Young Church Women United)

The 2007 YCWU Leadership Initiative Weekend at beautiful Simpsonwood Conference & Retreat Center in Norcross, GA, provided a safe haven to seek answers and begin journeys toward each other. Thirty-two women took part in this experience B not all of them Ayoung,@ two State Presidents, current and former CWU National Communications chairs, and our National President Gail Mengel were also in attendance.

Packed with worship, music, hard subject matter and entitled AStepping Stones On the Journey B Dealing With Our Stuff@, the 2 2 days provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between us; to name our stuff; and to be transformed on our journey of becoming Aout-of-the box@ leaders. The workshop sessions were led and facilitated by three women who were licensed social workers and psychotherapists; two of whom were also ordained pastors.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED PEACE ALERTS

#1 AWhereas we believe that this is God=s world and that all of his children are free to choose the path of obedience to his will, and the way of justice and of love, which alone can accomplish his purpose for mankind;Y@ CWU Social Policy Book, 1941‑2004, page 166. CWU has taken a position on every major war since it=s beginning in 1941. The Iraq War is a critical issue of our times.

The CWU Action/Global Concerns Committee and the Legislative Office need your feedback, resolutions or statements on the Iraq war. Where does your denomination stand on Iraq?

Now is the time for you and your CWU unit to prepare to submit Social Policy Resolutions for consideration at the upcoming CWU Common Council. The Common Council will meet June 22‑24, 2008 in Independence, MO. Please submit your resolutions by March 1, 2008. [Sample Resolutions Drafts are available at the CWU office]

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#2 Despite Congress= lack of success so far in changing policy, some encouraging signs have emerged in recent weeks.

+ Appropriations Committee Chair D. Obey (WI) and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chair J. Murtha (PA) have announced that they will not allow the president=s $191 billion war funding request out of committee without a change in policy.

+ The House voted on October 2 to require the President to prepare and report on a plan for redeployment of U.S. forces out of Iraq. (To find out how your representative voted, go to: http://capwiz.com/fconl/vote.xc/?votenum=927&chamber=H&congress=1101&voteid=10 421661&state). US members of Congress need to know that their constituents appreciate these steps but want more concrete action to end the war.

URGE THE SENATE TO CHANGE COURSE IN IRAQ

The Iraq Study Group Implementation Act (S.1545/H.R. 2574) is the next practical step that Congress should take to change U.S. policy on Iraq. This bill has bipartisan support and could build momentum for stronger measures to end the Iraq war. You can find more information about the Iraq Study Group Implementation Act at: http://www.fcnl.org/issues/item.php?item_id=2772&issue_id=35

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The Sundial -4- November 2007

#3 FCNL=s Proposal for a New Political Strategy

Congress has the power to insist on a new political strategy instead of recycling military solutions. That new political strategy should include:

+ A timeline for U.S. withdrawal; + U.S. initiatives for negotiations to bring Iraqi nationalists to a cease‑fire and to the negotiating table; +U.S. participation in a regional peace process that includes talks and implementing actions with all of Iraq=s neighbors B including Syria and Iran; and +Substantial U.S. financial support for the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq.

To Use Your Computer to Take Action on Iraq Now, go to: http://capwiz.com/fconl/home/

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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS

[CWU Social Policy Book, 1941-2004, page 203]

CELEBRATE OCTOBER 24Cthe UN=s 62^nd Birthday!

Celebrate by contacting your members of Congress and ask them to support funding for the UN

October 24, the 62^nd Anniversary of the United Nations Charter=s >entry into force= took place. The UN was born in the ashes of two atrocious world wars to Asave succeeding generations from the scourge of war.@ The UN has been a forum to resolve global disputes and pro‑actively address transnational problems such as extreme poverty, weapons proliferation, climate change and disease.

Today, a well‑funded and functional UN is needed more than ever, and the support of member states largely determines whether the UN is either of these things. Member states fund UN institutions and decide whether to act constructively within the institution or to obstruct action. The role the U.S., one of the most powerful member states, chooses to play is particularly important in shaping the U.N.=s role. Go to: http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=10466721&type=CO to send a message to your members of Congress using your computer.

Patricia Burkhardt, Church Women United, Legislative Office, 100 Maryland Ave NE RM 100,

Washington, DC 20002, 202 544 8747, fax 202 544 9133

CWU Short Subjects

CWU Office Wish List Community Food Cupboard Wish List

White multi-purpose paper, 8.5 x 11 Soup Macaroni & Cheese

Copy paper, pastel & white, 8.5 x 11 Tuna Paper Products

White #10 blank envelopes Cereal Canned Fruit

Computer-IBM compatible Canned Meat

Thank You

Marie Barker, Lura Masters,

Joan & Patrina

for assembling the October Sundial.

Happy Thanksgiving

The office will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday November 23.

SPECIAL BULLETIN

A New Law to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

A new law is in effect as of October 1, 2007, to help survivors of domestic violence. Under the legislation signed by NYS Governor Elliot Spitzer, victims may petition for termination of a residential lease.

To be eligible, the person must have an order of protection in place from Criminal, Supreme, or Family Court, as well as to convince the court that a substantial risk of harm still exists and that moving will greatly reduce the risk. Go to www.ny.gov to find out more.

The Sundial -5- November 2007

Kids= Korner News

HUG (Help Us Grow) Tutoring Volunteers

HUG Homework and Tutoring assistance will begin it's 20^th year this November. Helping elementary school children with their reading and math has been our mission. We work one on one with the student with input from the teacher and parents.

We are asking for your help for only one hour and fifteen minutes on Mondays when school is in session. All are invited ‑ former teachers desirable, but a teaching background is not necessary, only a desire to help children improve their skills.

We begin November 19^th, 2007, at 3:45 pm at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, 1000 N. Winton Road. Please call Marie Bonferraro at 301‑3000 if you are willing to help. And pass the word along! Thank you!

The Sundial -6- November 2007

From Your Finance Committee

An idea we presented last year, we are suggesting again B that of giving a donation to Church Women United in honor of someone special in your life.

For each $5.00 donation, a beautiful Christmas card will be sent to the people you would like to honor, telling them of your thoughtfulness. Just include names and addresses with your check made out to Church Women United in Rochester and Vicinity, Inc., and mail to 644 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY 14617-3939.

Please send information after Thanksgiving.

The deadline for sending names is December 12, 2007.

Women=s Interfaith Coalition

Wednesday, November 28BWelcome and Coffee 10 am; program 10:30 to 11:30 am

at the Jewish Community Federation, 441 East Avenue, Rochester. Phyllis Kasden of the JCC will speak on the history of Judaism in Rochester, NY.

Tuesday, December 11 (Note: The Holiday Vegetarian Luncheon is held on a TUESDAY.) 11:45 to 2 pm, at 1010 East Avenue, next to Asbury First United Methodist Church. Entertainment: Introduction to and chance to walk the Labyrinth in the basement of Asbury. $10 per person; reservations with check by November 29, 2007. Mail to: Kathy Smith, 292 Countess Dr, W. Henrietta, NY 14586. [Parking limited; car pooling recommended]

Questions? Call Connie Fedorchuk 586-5609 or Jewelle Gayle-Jones 506-9618.

Community News

JOURNAL OF RELIGION & ABUSE Advocacy, Pastoral Care & Prevention

Fourth National Sermon Contest Announcement This contest is sponsored every two years by FaithTrust Institute for JORA, Journal of Religion & Abuse. It is our intention through the contest to encourage and support preaching that addresses sexual and domestic violence. DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2007 Sermon Topic: Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence in a Religious Context Award winners will be notified by January 10, 2008FaithTrust Institute, 2400 N. 45th Street, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98103email: enewsletter@faithtrustinstitute.org web: http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org

AThe real sin against life is to abuse and destroy beauty, even one's ownCeven more, one's own, for that has been put in our care and we are responsible for its well-being.@ By Katherine Anne Porter

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

AService, Witness, Justice Conference@ - January 24-26, 2008 - Reformation Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY - $25.00 registration fee includes resource materials, backpacks and 3 meals. Registration deadline: Jan. 1, 2008. For more info, call Loretta E. Horton at 1-800/638-3522, ext. 2404.

The Diakonia Leadership Institute focuses on skill and leadership development of low-income persons and those working in partnership with them. Our participants come from rural, urban and multi-ethnic settings.

The Late News

From the President

As we continue our journey of service, we also continue our commitment of empowering women to participate in ecumenical celebrations and development.

On Friday, October 5, we were inspired by our presenter, Dr. Stephanie Sauvé, as we celebrated ADay of Reflection@ at Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School. Dr. Sauvé challenged us to examine ourselves as AWise Womaning: Claiming the Sage in You.@ Then she presented narratives with different scenarios, and we were asked to identify the message in the narratives. To Sally Dodgson and her committee, thank you for a job well done!

Friday November 2, was World Community Day. The theme was, AEmbracing Justice under God=s Tent.@ The focus of this service was to lift concerns of homelessness, immigration and responses to disaster. The service was held at Baber AME Church on Meigs St., where we received two excellent welcomes. We were welcomed by Rev. Marlowe Washington, the Pastor of Baber, and again by Ms. Carolyn Bailey. The program was written by national members of CWU. To Eloise Mulligan and her committee, thank you for a job well done!

We were delighted to have representatives from Sanctuary House to receive the monetary gift from our 85^th Anniversary Celebration.

Our hope and prayer is that the Rochester Unit of CWU will continue to grow in the Spirit of Christ.

B Audrey T. Davidson, President

Something To Consider

When you are writing your Christmas cards

this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20307-5001