The Health Kits consist of:
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Bar Soap
• Sturdy Comb (Combs without Handles)
• Tooth paste
• Comb
• Tissues (trial size packs)
• Wash Cloth
• Socks

Please Note Change: Tooth brushes are no longer needed; they are supplied at the jail. Thanks.

This is a good on-going project for a group to work on. - Betty Allinger, Women’s Ministry Chair

2007 In Review

From the President…

An outpouring of our hearts is lifted up to God in thanksgiving and gratitude for all HE has provided, and allowed Church Women United in Rochester and vicinity to accomplish in the year 2007.

With God's Grace and mercies, along with your diligent commitment, love and support, CWU experienced a wonderfully successful year:

• In March, the World Day of Prayer theme was AUnited Under God's Tent.@ This theme was centered on displaced families and refugees around the world, as well as in our own community.
• March 16th, Vanessa Mangan, a representative from UNITE HERE informed us of the efforts being made to form a union for hotel workers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here in Rochester. It was noted that hotel workers receive very low wages which are far below the federal poverty line, leaving many workers unable to afford health care.
• In March, Alberta Hunt led our annual World Day of Prayer worship service which was written by the women of South Africa. It was a spirit filled service, and the Church Women United Choir sang melodiously.
• March 30, began the first of the EIA Initiatives which culminated on June 1, 2007. This year the focus was "Housing and the Homeless." Each initiative was enlightening, providing necessary useful information concerning privately- owned housing, shelters for the homeless, battered women, and women with children. In addition, we were also informed of newer affordable subsided housing, and housing for senior citizens.
• On April 20th and 21st, several of us from the Rochester CWU, traveled to Palmyra, NY to attend CWU=s New York State conference. The theme was "Spirit-Filled-Under God's Wing: A Celebration of Hope." We were excited to be a part of this occasion along with our CWU choir participating.
• May 4th, was the May Friendship Day Celebration. The National theme was, "Friends Under God's Wing." This theme reflected different aspects of friendship: the treasured longtime friends, and the new friends you make by reaching out to others. May 4th was also a time for CWU women who visited different residents of housing for the homeless, battered women and housing for senior citizens, to share their experiences with others. We were divided into groups and an appointed CWU woman reported on her experience.
• In June, we said goodbye to Colleen Vogt as Executive Director. We congratulated her as she has returned to college perusing a degree in the field of education.
• In July, we hired a new CWU Executive Director, Rev. Patrina D. Freeman, who began working right away, doing whatever she could to enhance the organization. CWU also held a Yard Sale during the Corn Hill Festival. It was a wonderful experience and a fantastic fellowship.
• September 22nd was CWU 85th Anniversary Luncheon. This celebration was one which will be impressed in our minds forever. It was a classic event, with extraordinary CWU women who were totally committed to making this celebration a wonderful success. $585.00, proceeds from the *5th Anniversary Celebration, were donated to the Sanctuary House, and $85.00 was donated to CWU in New York State.
• On October 5th, we celebrated a "Day of Reflection" at Colgate Rochester Divinity School with Dr. Stephanie Sauvé as our speaker. Dr. Sauvé challenged us to examine ourselves as "Wise Womaning: Claiming the Sage in You."
• November 2, was World Community Day. The theme for this event was, "Embracing Justice under God's Tent." This year the focus was to lift concerns of the homeless, the immigrants, and how we respond to disaster.
• December 1st the Annual Tea hosted by Rev. Sue Forsyth was held. This was a wonderful fellowship with different delicious teas, and many varieties of delicious cookies.
• Our Advent Celebration and Annual Meeting was held December 7, at Mt. Rise Church in Fairport, New York. Our morning Bible Study leader was Sheryl Zabel. Her theme was, "Hope in the Coming of the Lord." The emphasis was on "Advent" as a time of great hope and great expectation. The Worship Program and the CWU Officers' Installation Service reinforced the Advent theme. As usual, it was great listening to Christmas music rendered by the CWU Choir.

Many positive and wonderful events happened in 2007, including writing a letter to the editor of the Democratic and Chronicle lifting our voices against the reinstatement of the Death Penalty.

Your participation in the ongoing Health Kit Project is greatly appreciated. These kits are distributed to women who are being mainstreamed back into society. Our newest project, visiting churches of another denomination has been received with open arms. Thanks to all who have allowed CWU women to be a part of your morning worship service.

As Church Women United continue working and servicing to shine the light of God by combating social injustice; increasing our ecumenical denominations; and providing programs which will attract younger women of diverse races, let us cloth ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, reaching out to others to shine the light of God all over the world. -in Christ, Audrey Davidson

Daily Hello

• New Callers 0
• New Callees 1
• Callees Discontinued 1 (Died)
• Total Callers 4
• Total Callees 6

EIA Celebration Report

The results of programming in '06 showed a strong concern for the homeless in Rochester. Following the concerns in '07 we gave emphasis as to where and who our homeless are and how we can help them. In April we reviewed with county and city staff the housing and services that are offered to our homeless men, women and children. In May we visited two Salvation Army shelters for women and children and, also, a shelter for women and their children under the Catholic Family Center umbrella. Tours were also provided to interested church women at two senior citizen housing projects.

Information on all these tours was shared at the May celebration with discussions and ideas of areas that could be served by CWU women.

The June meeting reflected on these suggestions and ways to help. It was suggested that we have clothing and "Dollars for Diapers" collections. These were carried out. We also provided health kits to agencies needing them (tooth paste, hair brushes, shampoo, etc.)

The health kits shared with Monroe County continued with more than 400 delivered there. Warm clothing was collected for women being discharged in winter months without coats, gloves, etc. Donations were collected and packed by CWU women in several churches.

The reading program continued with reader mentors working with children at school 4 (city school district). It was a close relationship between mentors and children who looked forward to the weekly sessions.

Celebrations in May, September, October and November were based on national CWU materials. The celebrations provided for spiritual growth and strengthening of convictions. We look forward to 2008 with anticipation of more. -Betty Allinger

CWU Finance Committee

2007 Special Finance Projects:

• June - Auction (Hilton Baptist Church) $272.50
• July - Yard Sale (Corn Hill Weekend) $749.50
• September - 85th Anniversary celebration receipts $5,659.35
• December - Bake Sale at the Advent Celebration $90.50
• December - Christmas Cards given in honor of friends or relatives $960.00

Task Force on Courts

The efforts to recruit new members drew a few people who seemed interested, but most did not decide to stay after learning about the observation procedures and reports to be written afterward. Linda is continuing to try different avenues to advertise for more members. Despite our reduced active membership, the judges continue to appreciate our observations, and we hope to continue to deserve their kind words. - Alison Wilder

The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester, Inc.

The need for donations of canned soup, macaroni and cheese, and tuna is greater than ever since Foodlink is unable to furnish The Cupboard with as much food as in the past. We strive to provide foods for a healthy, balanced diet, but that has not always been possible in the past year.

We also have a need for volunteers who could work a few hours a month packing food bags.

Thank you to all who support The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester; you make it possible for us to continue to serve our community. - Ellen Kimbrough

CWU Video Presentations

As we move on to visions in CWU, the VIDEO will remain an important record of faith in action. It is still available for viewing by arranging a date for presentation with Esther Hammer (244-2706) or by calling the CWU office (342-2790). - Esther Hammer

2006 In Review

From the President…

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, what glorious blessings God has allowed The Rochester Church Women United Unit to encounter. As we reflect on the blessings of the past year, we have wonderful highlights to share:

• We welcomed our new energetic Executive Director Colleen Vogt to Church Women United.
• We thank our Office Manager Joan Clark for all of her support and patience through our transition.
• In March, Alberta Hunt led our annual World Day of Prayer worship service which was written by the women of South Africa. It was a spirit filled service, and the Church Women United Choir sang melodiously.
• Vice President Betty Allinger challenged us with our first Education, Insight and Action initiatives (EIA) in April, May and June.
• Our June Action meeting culminated with a luncheon and a fun-filled auction!
• In July, several of us met at Red Wing Stadium in celebration of Women’s Day at the Ballpark. They announced Church Women United on the loud speaker and our name (CWU), and pictures of our group were on the billboard. And…the Red Wings won the game!
• In September, our State President, Carol Deys attended our Board of Directors meeting and spoke to us from her heart. President Deys also acknowledged Marie Barker as our nominee for the 2006 Humanitarian Award.
• In October, our Executive Director Colleen Vogt led us in a beautiful Taize service of prayer and music for our Day of Reflection. Lura Masters provided musical accompaniment.
• In November, our World Community Day service was led by a new board member Eloise Mulligan. Sally Dodgson led us in Bible Study, followed by worship. Our guest speakers represented the Muslim, Jewish and Baha’i traditions. In light of our chaotic world situation, each spoke a message of peace and good will. After worship, we were pleasantly treated to a delicious “Salad Buffet” luncheon.
• And now, we come to this celebration, our Advent Celebration! Jean Murphy, thank you and your committee for your gracious hospitality and welcome! We know that you have worked diligently preparing for this meeting and Advent Service.

• The choir - under the direction of Linda Moore.
• Task Force on Courts - collaboratively led by Executive Director, Colleen Vogt, and Sue Soper.
• Daily Hello calls made under the direction of Marie Barker.
• Claire Crump and Joan Clark - coordinated the distribution of our afghans under the Warm-Up Rochester program.
• Ellie Newell and her volunteers who work with the Housing Advocacy Coalition.
• Ellen Kimbrough and the Community Food Cupboard.
• Betty Allinger for coordinating the collection of hygiene kits.

Church Women United….celebrating 85 years of ecumenical prayer and service! Come help us write the next chapter!

CWU Celebrations Report

As education and parenting skills and housing rank high as areas of concern, we set in action our new directives. They include a reading group at a Rochester city school, providing formula and diapers to mothers at a shelter for homeless mothers and children (the median age of children at the shelter is 4 years). We have also begun a new partnership with the Monroe County Facility providing health kits for inmates on their release.

Watch for The Sundial (CWU newsletter) in December for details. Reserve the first Friday in March 2007 for World Day of Prayer, and in April, May and June for E.I.A. events.

The celebrations this fall followed National CWU guidelines and our local traditions. The Day of Reflection, World Community Day and Advent helped us reflect on our inner beings and brought us back to the strength that helps us meet the challenges of the world (E.I.A.).

I am grateful to the celebration chair persons and their committees for helping set up a successful year. –Betty Allinger, Vice President

CWU Finance Committee

• December 2005 – Christmas Cards given in honor of friends or relatives totaled $785.00
• June 2006–Auction at the Picnic totaled $281.50
• November 2006 - Bake Sale at World Community Day totaled $121.50

Warm Up Rochester - Afghan Project

This fall, the following were delivered:

• 8 lap robes were delivered to Day at the Park-Adult Medical Day Care
• 7 child size afghans - St. Monica’s Preschool
• 6 adult size -Kidney Dialysis Unit
• 10 adult – AIDS Rochester
• 7 adult - St. Monica’s Sojourner House
• 10 adult - Step by Step

Task Force on Courts

We now have fewer than a dozen regular court observers, mainly due to declining health of either the observers or their loved ones, and so we have concentrated on a few courts. Last Winter and Spring we observed mainly in Family Court and Town Courts; lately County Courts were added to the list. With few exceptions, the courts in our county seem to be well run.

Vince Rizzo, Supervisor of the Assistant District Attorneys, spoke to our group about his office and problems he sees, such as having fewer ADAs, 70, today than we had eight years ago, which means lower quality service to those who need it. (Funding which doesn't keep up with the needs and maternity leaves have left both public defenders and ADAs with heavy caseloads.) District Courts would save money over the current system of courts for each town and some villages, but it would involve changes in the law and public thinking.

Another area of possible injustice is for migrant workers who may need a translator but don't get one in some town courts, or whose cases aren't handled promptly enough. Mr. Rizzo felt that TFOC has played a hand in the gradual improvement of our court system to be more professional.

Another pat on the back was received by Sue in a letter from Eugene Pigott, Presiding Justice of the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Fourth Department, in Buffalo. He wrote to her "complimenting you on the outstanding work that the Church Women United do for Bench and Bar in taking time to observe the many courts of Monroe County. I only wish we had such a service here in Erie County, and indeed, all of the 22 counties of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department."

The need for our services and more were pointed out in an October series of articles in the New York Times. It described the state of town justice courts, which often lack the trained personnel and financial resources to provide professional service to their residents. In response to this article Sue wrote an op-ed piece for the Democrat and Chronicle on November 14, "To Uphold Justice, Repair Town Courts."

Sue has continued to obtain grants to fund the Task Force, such as paying her salary and to reimburse observers for parking fees paid downtown. Audibility in the courts has been an on-going issue, and recently 19 more microphones were provided for city and county courtrooms. We can only hope they will be used! We also hope that a promised article in the D&C by Mike Ziegler will entice more healthy volunteers to join the Task Force.– Alison Wilder

Daily Hello

• New Callers 0
• New Callees 1
• Callers Discontinued 2
• Callees Discontinued 3 (Died)
• Total Callers 4
• Total Callees 7

The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester

The need for donations of staples, especially soup, tuna and canned fruit is great, as we strive to provide a balanced diet for those who come to us for assistance. At times, some of our shelves are rather bare.

We also have a need for volunteers who could work a few hours a month packing food bags or stocking shelves.

Thank you to all who support The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester; it is only because of you that The Cupboard is able to continue to serve our community. –Ellen Kimbrough

CWU Video Presentations

In 2006, women in the Evening Circle of Bethany Presbyterian Church had such an opportunity on April 4. As we move on to visions in CWU, the VIDEO will remain an important record of faith-in-action. It is still available for viewing by arranging a date for presentation with Esther Hammer (244-2706) or by calling the CWU office (342-2790). –Esther Hammer

2005 In Review

From the President......

As we looked toward the future, the executive committee began to re-vision CWU this past summer. Working with the executive committee members Ellen Kimbrough (our superb leader!), Audrey Davidson, Dot Borden and Shirley London, our re-visioning of CWU began to take form. When the re-visioning plan was presented to the board this fall, the discussion was full of energy. With suggestions made and taken, the plan was adopted unanimously. The re-visioning has produced amazing results: a new job description for the Executive Director, revised job descriptions for our officers and various board positions, revised by-laws, revised celebration check list, and a new approach to our programs.

We folded the annual meeting into our Advent Celebration and our spring programs will focus on education, insight, and action. It is an exciting time at Church Women United.

In late summer, Mary Ellen Denio (M’Ellen), our Executive Director, tendered her resignation. M’Ellen had the opportunity to move back to Old Forge, her hometown, and to work at the Old Forge Hardware. To M’Ellen we say thank you for her years of service to Church Women United and the greater community.

Many of you know Sue Soper, chair of Task Force on Courts, and the incredible work she has accomplished with the court watchers’ program. As Sue is moving toward retirement, volunteers are needed to help with the various administrative tasks as well as court watching. Training is available… just call the CWU office if you are interested in working with the Task Force.

I want to thank all of the celebration chairs for the thoughtful worship services they planned and executed. We were blessed to hear Rev. Violet Fisher, Bishop of the United Methodist Church, this past World Day of Prayer. Our May Friendship Day brought the choir and its glorious voices to our service. We were inspired by our own Sally Dodgson who led us in Bible study at the fall Day of Reflection. In November, World Community Day took us to West Henrietta Baptist Church for lunch and message by Rev. David Hess. Our upcoming Advent Celebration will include Bible study with Deni Mack, a short business meeting, the installation of new officers and board members, and a choir-centered worship service.

In January, our Annual Meeting guest speaker was Rosemary Mitchell, Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation, who spoke to us on the lack of economic justice for women and children in the Rochester and surrounding area. Our Legislative Institute, in collaboration with the Downtown Community Forum and the Rochester Education Foundation, focused on education issues in our city. In April, our Urban Causeway took us to Cameron Ministries and helped us understand the impact this ministry has in its neighborhood. Our picnic in June brought smiles and fascination as we watched clown Joyce Hitchcock transform into her clown character. The auction was fun and the food was excellent!

As mentioned above, our choir, under the direction of Linda Moore, continues to sing at our celebrations and in the greater community. Esther Hammer took our CWU video to various churches and spoke to community issues and concerns such as lead poisoning. Marie Barker continues to speak to shut-ins through our Daily Hello program. A new slide program that highlights affordable housing is being developed by the Housing Advocacy Coalition volunteers Ellie Newell, Doris VanVechten, and Joan Palmer. Our Warm Up Rochester project is alive and well as volunteers continue to knit and crochet afghans for donation to various agencies in our area. Although personal items are no longer accepted in the Monroe County jails, we continue to collect personal hygiene items for emergency and non-emergency programs such as St. Joseph’s House.

It has been an amazing year! Our churches supported our work for victims of the hurricanes, we worked with the Rochester Education Foundation to collect used musical instruments and money to refurbish them for our city schools, and we continue to stand for justice and peace through our community work.

Thank you for all of your support this past year, and remember, you are Church Women United! –Blessings, Sue!

Daily Hello

• New Callees 0
• New Callers 0
• Discontinued Callees 4 (2 died; 1 entered assisted living home and 1 now being cared for by family)
• Discontinued Callers 2
• Total Callees 9
• Total Callers 6

–Respectfully submitted, Marie Barker

The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester

The food items we are able to provide vary from month to month depending on what is available from Foodlink, what is donated directly to The Cupboard and how much money is available for food purchases. Your donations of food and cash are very much appreciated.

Volunteers are always needed to pack food bags, stock shelves and maintain food storage areas. To volunteer, please call 325-4990. –Ellen Kimbrough

Hurricane Katrina

Warm Up Rochester - Afghan Project

Afghans, lap robes, and crib-size afghans were taken to various local agencies to be distributed to needy people. –Audrey Davidson

Task Force on Courts

We have continued to meet monthly and get out a newsletter much respected by the courts. Meeting attendance had fluctuated from 6 to 18 people. Since attendance has been low, we have not invited many speakers. Our July meeting featured Dan DeBruin, who is the Resource Coordinator for the Juvenile Drug Court.

With the loss of observers, we have also gained a few new members who were trained by Mary Davis, Roberta Bradley, Alison Wilder and Katherine Thomas. Trainees appreciate the help given to them by court personnel.

Court observing has been concentrated in the Family Court and Town Courts with some observations in City Court.

We have been supported by grants from Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, the Rochester Area Community Foundation and the First Unitarian Church donated a Sunday plate collection in September.

Presently, our main concern is to find a replacement for coordinator Sue Soper, who feels she will have to retire this year.– Sue Soper

Church Women United Choir

2004 In Review

From the President......

In April, we danced, sang, and celebrated during our Urban Causeway celebration which was held at Monroe Community Hospital, in collaboration with Merging Two Worlds, Finger Lakes Development Disabilities Services Office, and Monroe Community Hospital. It was a Sunday afternoon celebrating the gifts of the developmentally disabled.

Two of our faith-filled women were honored this year by CWU. Sally Dodgson was honored at our May Friendship Day celebration with the Valiant Woman Award for her faithful contributions to CWU and the community. Duk Sun Lyu, who has faithfully served on our CWU board for 25 years, was honored at the Greater Rochester Community of Churches Faith In Action dinner in June.

We hosted the Finger Lakes Sectional of CWU units in June with our State President, Barbara Shuck and Sectional Leader, Carol Deys. We worshiped together, ate together and played together [remember the fun we had with our auction?]!

In November, we collaborated and celebrated World Community Day with members of the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and the greater community as we shared worship together in the tradition of our Native American sisters.

We continue to advocate in our community through our participation in the Task Force on Courts and the Housing Advocacy Coalition. In February, our Legislative Institute focused on lead poisoning in our city and greater community. Our choir continues to sing in nursing homes; calls continue to be made to shut-ins by our Daily Hello callers; and hand-made afghans and lap robes continue to be distributed to various agencies in our community. Our voice continues to be heard in the community through our representatives to the Interfaith Forum, the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, and the Women’s Interfaith Coalition. We continue to interface with Church World Service.

During our monthly board meetings, we have heard speakers from the Education Foundation, Metro Justice, Step by Step, and Action. We were blessed with Bible studies led by Sally Dodgson, Peg Ridley and Joy Swanton and Dr. Paul Hammer. We prayed together with other Christians around the world on World Community Day. We continue to speak about our mission at various churches and organizations with the help of our video.

As we review our year, one sees how alive we are in the light and love of God. BUT we must also face our challenges: an aging volunteer population and little money. We will assess our programs, celebrations, and services this coming year as we vision the future for CWU. We are far from finished with our work in the community and the greater community. With hope, love and support, we will continue to make a difference in our community. Remember, we are Church Women United! –Rev. Sue Forsyth

Daily Hello

• New Callers 0
• Discontinued Callers 4
• New Callees 0
• Discontinued callees 5
• Total Callers 8
• Total Callees 13

CWU Video “As Jessica’s World Turns”

On February 9, fifteen persons attended an evening circle meeting at the First Congregational Church in Fairport, where the VIDEO was presented with discussion, invited by Marge Meyer.

On April 18, twenty persons enjoyed the VIDEO and discussion at a Pot Luck Dinner after church at the South Livonia Congregational Church in Livonia, NY. We were invited by Rev. Sue Forsyth.

On April 22, twelve persons at the Brighton UCC Church in Henrietta received the VIDEO and discussion at an evening meeting, invited by Joan Palmer.

On November 22, six members of the Elizabeth Circle of the Henrietta UCC Church enjoyed the VIDEO and discussion in an evening meeting at the home of one of its members, Barbara Widmer.

A total of 73 persons were exposed to the VIDEO and participated in discussion before and after the presentation during this 2004 year. Many expressed concern for the fact that there are fewer members active in women’s groups in churches today compared to previous years. It is our hope that these presentations will inspire women to want to be a part of the special fellowship and enrichment Church Women United celebrations and projects bring to the community. –Esther Hammer, VIDEO Project Presenter

Jail Kit Project

In the meantime, we will accept personal items from the following list to be shared with community agencies, serving homeless, young mothers, group homes, etc. The list includes shampoo, combs, deodorant, Kleenex, tooth past, bar soap. –Betty Allinger

The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester

In 2004, 348 adults and 583 children were fed through the Emergency Program. Each month 170 Senior adults and 33 children/grandchildren were served through the Senior and Long-term Family Program.

Thank you to all who support The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester; it is only because of you that The Cupboard is able to continue to serve our community. –Ellen Kimbrough

Task Force on Courts

Many of the meetings were enriched with the presentations by outside speakers:

• Cookie Waller, who leads Teen Court
• Ron Pawelczak, Chief Clerk of Family Court
• Justice Karen Morris, Brighton Town Justice
• Ed Nowak, Monroe County Public Defender
• Supreme Court Justice Thomas Van Strydonck and
• Kim Robinson, from the Fund for Modern Courts.

Looking forward to 2005, Kim Robinson has encouraged the group to study Family Court more intensively in the Spring, with assistance from the Fund for Modern Courts.

In order to keep the task force operating, Sue needs help with:

• training the new observers,
• writing the newsletter,
• writing grant applications, and
• disseminating annual court schedules and other information for the group.
• She also has been responsible for organizing and leading the meetings, preparing agendas and inviting speakers, and answering requests for information and presentations to other groups.

Church Women United Choir

During 2004, the choir sang in nursing homes in Brockport, Spencerport, Greece, and for the Senior Citizen's Center in Spencerport, and participated in the CWU May Friendship Day and Advent Services, in May and December, respectively.

The CWU Choir is currently welcoming new members. Anyone who might be interested in joining CWU Choir, please contact Linda Moore, at 225-7027 for more information.

Warm Up Rochester