Vol. 29, No. 9 September 2020

FROM THE PASTOR

What a year this has been! Who could have imagined last fall, that we would be in the midst of a pandemic by spring? The past five months have been unlike anything many of us have ever experienced before.

We are always learning and growing. Sometimes the challenges we face in life force us to change in ways we had never imagined. A year ago, when I met most of you on Rally Day, I never considered that I’d spend months preaching to an empty church with only an iPhone for company as it recorded my words.

Today, as I write these words, I look toward the coming year and I know that things cannot and will not be as they were last year. We will wear masks. We will use hand sanitizer. We will refrain from hugging and singing. And yet, we find ways to overcome adversity and we will develop creative approaches to being God’s church as we move forward.

September is upon us. Schools are opening in their own hybrid approach. We too, have to learn how to be in our world in new ways. Some of us worship from home, others of us gather in the sanctuary and yet, we are one body. The Sunday after Labor Day will arrive and some of those who have been away for the summer will return. Others will discover the live stream option for worship. The time of worship will change to 10:30 on “Rally Day,” September 13th.

Instead of a balloon parade in the sanctuary and ice cream in the basement, we will gather for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 but following church, the Sunday School families will meet in Baker Park for a socially distanced “Rally Day.” And yes, there will be ice cream, because it’s a tradition!

Normally the choir performs on Rally Day. This year, since it is not safe to sing together we will show a recording of one of the choir’s performances last year as accompanied by a brass quartet. We will have some live music on Sundays, but if the special music is sung or a wind instrument the offering will be a recording, so as to not spread droplets or aerosolized particles. We want to do all that we can to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus!

We are modifying our worship and we are adapting for Sunday School and youth group. We have learned to zoom, and to share communion from our homes. We have been touched by how difficult it is to not sing in this congregation that is so deeply grounded in music.

I wonder what other things we have learned during this pandemic. I’d like to invite us to spend some time contemplating and sharing what we’ve learned about church and about ourselves during this time of COVID-19.

You are invited to a zoom meeting on Thursday September 24th at 7pm to share with others your thoughts and insights about our mission and ministry together. Reflecting on the past year and especially on the past five months, will help us to discern God’s presence in our lives and how we are growing as a congregation.

Think for a moment about something you have done or learned during this time of social distancing and isolation. How has this time shaped your understanding of what it means to be a community of faith? How have your values changed or been clarified by living through this pandemic?

My hope is that we will listen to God’s spirit as we share with one another about our experiences of this pandemic. Someone who has been “essential” during this time may have learned something dramatically different from someone who has followed strictly “stay at home” orders. May we offer our insights and grow from other’s experiences.

Please consider joining in this conversation as we reflect on what we have learned about ourselves, our church, and our world during this pandemic. Perhaps you’ll have something to share about how you’ve coped with the stress of this situation that will bring blessing to others. Or maybe you’ll learn something. The most important thing is to be open with others as we reflect on how God has been at work in our lives during this time. Come join us on Thursday, September 24th at 7pm to connect with others and to share your journey! Peace, Dawn

FROM OUR MODERATORWhat To Say To Someone Grieving?

Over the past month I’ve received numerous sympathy cards after the loss of my mother. I’ve never been able to send one of these to friends or family when they’ve lost someone because I didn’t know what to say.

But I’ve come to realize it isn’t so much what you say, but the small yet impactful action of sending something. The cards, notes, emails and texts I’ve received are signs of support. Some notes share a memory, others just let me know how sorry they are for my loss. But every note reminds me I’m not alone in my struggle. And to everyone who sent those notes, thank you!

We are all grieving is some way right now. We grieve the loss of normal life, family reunions, weddings, gathering with friends, dinners, sports, concerts, vacations, bridge, volunteering or any of the activities we haven’t been able to do.

So the important lesson I’ve learned is that it doesn’t really matter what you say to someone grieving or in what format you say it. All you need to do is acknowledge their loss and let them know you care. It’s as simple as that.

I’m sorry for your loss! And I’m here for you!

Hannah Morgan

Church Moderator

Prayer ListMuriel Allemand (Jim & Connie Malone’s friend); Steve Beck (Heidi Schwarz’s

brother); Keith Blaker; Brad Bliss; Ruth Bundy (Cheryl Bootes’ friend); Marjorie Case; Cathy Coots; Peggy & Bob DeSantis (Dorice & Don Raw, Sr.’s friends); Don

DeSmith; Julie English (Janet & Kim Tenreiro’s friend); Family of Melanie (Dennis & Jennifer Maxfield’s niece); Brian Fuscaldo (Mara Huberlie’s nephew); Jerry Gomez

(Kathi Nacca’s friend); Gayle Henry; Carin Herren; Jeff Johnson (Jim & John Johnson’s brother); Barb Kutner; Carol Kober (Debbie Lyon’s neighbor); Jim Kolesar

(George & Carin Herren’s friend); Sue Kotalik;  Laura (Karen DeMay’s sister); Michelle List (JoAnn Reed’s friend); Loren (Meg & Jack Radley’s friend); Lynn (Joan

Ryan’s friend); Scott Lyon (Betty’s son); Eileen McCarthy (Carla DeMeco & Betsy Dresser’s friend); Sally Mueller; Liz Nelson (Kathy Ward’s friend); Claude Peters;

Chris Pritchard (Rick, Cindy Mullen & George Herren’s friend); Jack and Meg Radley; Sara (Meg & Jack Radley’s granddaughter); Scott and Amanda (nephew and

niece of Don & Marilyn DeSmith); John Paul and Pat Smith; Smith/Dworetsky Family (Okke & Kathy Postma’s friends); Sally Stowell (Alice Berry’s mother); Walker

(Don & Dorice Raw’s friend); Kathy Ward; Gordon Wenner (George & Carin Herren’s friend); Merle Winn (Amy Ogden’s friend); Josh Yeo (Barb Stahl’s friend);

Jason Zeller (Kathy Ward’s son); Linda Zeller (Kathy Ward’s daughter in law)

Our condolences to Hannah Morgan & family, whose mother and grandmother passed away recently.

Happy Birthday! Sept 2 Meg Radley Sept 21 Nataelee MullenSept 3 Judy Holcomb Sept 22 Mickey Ely & Sally ClancySept 5 Daniel Rice Sept 23 Kathi Nevin, Cathy Payne &

Sept 6 Putt Moore & Bryan McGuire Debbie LyonSept 7 Kurt Rudolph & Matt Schroeter Sept 24 Logan PiorkowskiSept 8 Scot Warnshouse Sept 26 Karen DeMay, Heidi Schwarz Sept 9 John Rugg & Sandy RobertsSept 13 Dorice Raw, Barb Hackel & Nancy Finkle Sept 27 Samaya MorseSept 14 Ken Ogden Sept 28 Sue KotalikSept 15 Jan Waxman Sept 30 Don Raw, Jr. & Jan HarterSept 17 Emily BlakerSept 18 George HerrenSept 19 John Gilbert Sept 20 John Paul & Jack Berry

Spotlight: Alicia Francis, Office Manager When Alicia Francis first applied for the CE Director position at First Congregational Church, she was just looking for a job as she adjusted to her personal life changes following her divorce. “I had a teaching degree so I felt very qualified and I always knew I loved Canandaigua so when I heard about the opportunity at the church, I figured it could be a good fit.” Given the fact that she is still here 10 years later, her initial instincts were obviously correct.

Much has changed over the last decade as her two young children are now young adults. Her daughter Mattison is 19 and studying for a business degree at West Virginia University and son Grady is 17 and will be a senior at Pal-Mac High School where he plays varsity hockey. Her job has also changed as she moved into the position of Office Manager, a job that requires wearing many different hats. She notes that this past year has been particularly challenging with the hiring of a new pastor, the onset of the COVID epidemic and the move to online services. Rather than being frustrated by the numerous

tasks and responsibilities, Alicia says that is what keeps the job interesting. “I love the variety and the fact that every day is different.”

Her ability to quickly adapt stems from a childhood that required her to be flexible. “My father was an educator and as he rose through the system to eventually become Superintendent at the Victor Central Schools, so we had to move numerous times. She points out that she went to 3 different high schools, which for any teenager can be pretty intimidating. “You learn to make friends quickly, but also learn not to get too attached.” Alicia in her direct “tell it like it is” manner also points out that her father at one stage was also the Superintendent of her high school, so that could get pretty uncomfortable at times! After that, Alicia went to SUNY Fredonia for her Bachelors’ degree in Elem. Ed. She then went on to Grad. school at St. John Fisher college a little bit later in life, finishing her Masters’ degree when she was pregnant with her daughter in 2001.

One of the clear benefits from her early life adaptions was that it seems to have shaped her into a resilient, strong woman. “When I first started in the Office Manager position I wasn’t sure I could handle the accounting tasks because that wasn’t my background but gradually I grew more confident.” She also credits the church members associated with finance, notably Tarry Shipley, who were always willing to help and very patient! “We have so many intelligent, interesting people in our congregation and that is also what makes this job so enjoyable.”

What does she like to do in her spare time? She describes herself as basically a homebody but she does love hiking with her trusted companions Scooby and India – her two rescue dogs. Her favorite spots are Grimes Glen, the Erie Canal trail and Pathways in Palmyra. As the church begins to gradually reopen, Alicia looks forward to seeing the many familiar faces she has come to know over the years. “It has been a wonderful part of my life and I feel blessed to be part of this church family.”

Submitted by Mara Huberlie

Alicia Francis, our Office Manager, at her 10th Anniversary Celebration on August 27th

Celebrating Alicia Francis’ 10th Anniversary

We have been blessed to have Alicia Francis on staff at the First Congregational Church for ten years. The first two years Alicia was the Christian Ed director and for the past eight she has been the Church Office manager. We will give thanks for Alicia and her ministry among us on Sunday, September 20th during worship.

August marked her actual tenth anniversary so the staff had a surprise party to celebrate this milestone. The church gave her flowers, Betty and Debbie Lyon hosted the socially distanced gathering at their lake house, and the staff all found special gifts for a gift basket to show Alicia how special she is and how much we value her work on behalf of the church.

Edie, Debbie, Dawn, Alicia and Denise

Laptop NeededIn an effort to make our livestreaming more efficient, we are asking if any member of the congregation (or anyone you know!) has a fully functioning laptop that they are no longer

using and would like to donate. We can also provide a “Gift In Kind” receipt. We are in search of a laptop that utilizes an ethernet cable, and has wifi capabilities.

This laptop would be used “go live” on YouTube each Sundays. Please let Dawn know if you can help!

Live Streaming!August 16th was our first live streamed service. Thank you to Scott, a member of

Henrietta UCC, who volunteered his time to help us choose a camera, get it set up and programmed and trained us to use YouTube live! Thanks also to Matt Rodgers for his

help with helping our sound system connect to the live stream camera! And to Don Raw Jr. and Steve Brooks for their hours of set up and determination to make sure that the viewers at home have the very best experience possible. Thanks to Laurie Stoutz who

donated the iPad that runs the new camera. There is still a learning curve, but we are on our way. YouTube live take about 24 hours to process the live event before it is available

as a video. If you subscribe to our YouTube channel you will be notified whenever we are streaming live. Go to YouTube and search for First Congregational Church of

Canandaigua and click the option to subscribe. We heard from people in four different states who tuned in on our first Sunday streaming as well as the people in Canandaigua

who will worship from home until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. We will archive on

past services and bulletins on the website so that people can watch previous weeks. Thank you to everyone who has put in so much work to make live streaming possible!

In Person WorshipWe started meeting together for socially distanced worship in person at the beginning of August. Thank you to everybody who served on the reopening team to help develop a

plan that is designed to make worship safe for everyone. The reopening plan is posted on the website and has been mailed out to everyone on our email list. If you would like a

copy of the plan please contact Alicia in the church office.But a plan is nothing without cooperation and follow through! Thanks to Bill Blaker,

Fred Henry and Guy Burns for developing the safety protocol for ushers and for recruiting and training them. Thanks also to Sue Hawkes and Lin Case for creating

signage and training greeters as well as thanks to Don Raw Jr and Fred Henry for creating a plexiglass shield around the pulpit and organ. There are so many pieces of preparing for in person worship and I would like to thank ALL of the volunteers who have helped

to make this a successful move back to worship in the sanctuary.

Lay ReadersWe are looking for lay readers for October and November. If you are interested in helping to lead in person worship this fall please contact Dawn. Anyone is welcome to be a lay reader, even if you’ve not done it before. We would love to have you participate!

Introducing the New Testament Adult Education Classes

So far, we have 24 people signed up to participate in our Adult Education classes this fall. We will be doing a six-week series that is an overview of the New Testament. In order to attain social distancing we will have two small groups that meet in person (one inside and one outside) and a larger group for those who choose to meet via zoom. The zoom class will meet on Monday at 2. Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 a small group will meet at Dawn’s house in the yard or in the garage depending upon weather. And there will also be a group that meets in person in the social rooms at the church on Thursday at 10. We will maintain social distance and wear masks. The tentative schedule for the classes are:

Zoom Meeting Mondays 2:00Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 19, 26

Outside Socially Distanced at Dawn's House Tuesdays at 2:30

Dates: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 13, 20, 27

Inside Socially Distanced in the Social Rooms at church Thursdays 10Dates: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29

Please let Dawn know if you are interested in joining. Books that have been ordered are available for pick up at the church. If you are not comfortable coming to the church and need your book delivered please let us know. The books are $15 and if you’d like to reimburse the church for the cost please send or drop off a check with “Adult Education” in the memo line. Thanks!

An update from the Resource Committee   The Resource Committee decided to begin meeting on ZOOM earlier than traditionally because of the unusual circumstances this year.  We recognize the challenging year ahead for our church's financial health and well-being.     Our congregation has been very fortunate to feel a connection by being "together" with our online Sunday church services.  These services have been attended by out-of-town, and even out-of-state visitors thanks to the recommendations of our members.  Because of that, the Resource Committee discussed instituting an online giving option on our website.  Also, it has become apparent that many people are now favoring online giving. That set the wheels in motion for a team of four people to carefully study different ways to do this.  Incorporating PayPal as a method is currently being explored.        The absence of passing the collection plate has significantly affected our funds.  Also, due to not regularly attending the church services, pledges can be slow in being received while expenses continue.  We encourage members

to regularly submit their pledges so our church may keep abreast of expenses.  After a great deal of study of different ways to do this, incorporating PayPal as a method of giving is being explored.

Barb Stahl and Laurie Stoutz, Co-Chairs

Online Giving OptionsAs you have heard, the Resource Committee is setting up PayPal as an online giving option. This is NOT intended to be a way to pay pledges because there is a fee associated with each transaction. If you would like to set up a monthly Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) that sends funds directly from your bank to pay your pledge, there is no fee associated with that service. You’ll hear more about setting up Electronic Funds Transfers next month from the Resources Committee. If you are interested in setting up EFT please notify Alicia in the office. The PayPal option for online giving on the website is intended to be for special one-time gifts, or for people who do not pledge who want to support the church. It is important to have an option for online giving but we encourage you to pay your pledge with Electronic Funds Transfer or by check. Thank you so much for your support!

Greetings from Andy Platou

Long time church member, Andy is living in Presque Isle, Maine near his daughter Andria and her husband. He is quite busty socializing with the residents of his assisted living complex and is a master of jigsaw puzzles. Andy lives so far North, that there is no Corona virus within fifty miles of his location. Andy is planning on returning to Canandaigua in a year and a half to celebrate his 100th birthday. A little know fact about Andy, is that during World War Two he served as crew chief for the supersonic wind tunnel at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds working with Dr. Hubble. After he left the service, he continued working at the Proving Grounds for a total of 35 years. If you get a chance, drop Andy a line. I'm sure he would be thrilled to hear from you.Andy Platou

6 Dewberry Drive Apt 238C Presque Isle, Me. 04769

~ Jim DeMay

Sunday School Update:The Christian Education Committee has decided that Sunday School and Youth will meet

via Zoom on September 20 and 27.  We will wait to see what happens with the school opening before we begin to consider meeting at the church.  We will let you know when we are ready to come back to in-person classes.  If you have any questions, please e-mail

Debbie at ce@canandaiguachurch.org

CHRISTIAN ED

A new TWIST on

Rally Day!Sunday, September 13

Noon to 2 p.m.

Come to aPicnic in the Park at Baker Park!

Bring the whole family, bring your own lunch!This will be a chance for our church families with children to get back

together while maintaining appropriate social distancing.

Questions? E-mail Debbie at ce@canandaiguachurch.org . Hope to see you then!

 Sacred Conversation on Race

In response to the upheaval and protest resulting from the violence toward, and the murder of, so many people of color, we hope to begin a sacred conversation on race within our congregation. This phrase is chosen intentionally because this is not a political conversation, it is a sacred conversation. We will examine how our faith informs our actions and how God teaches us to treat others. We use the word conversation because we want for this to be a dialogue among congregants who may not have the same opinion but who will listen to, respect and engage with one another. And we use the phrase “on race” instead of “about racism” because the intent is to engage around this important issue rather than to put people on the defensive because of our language. We hope that everyone will come to this conversation with open hearts and minds.

A sub-committee of Social Action will begin this discussion and options for study this fall. They will share their thoughts with the church family as they move forward. Anyone who is interested in joining the sub-committee or Social Action can contact Nancy Parsons, Social Action Committee.

Thank you for your interest.

Nancy Parsons

Diaper Drive Thank You!

First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, Healthy Families staff are extremely appreciative of your generosity and thoughtfulness! The diapers and wipes that you donated will meet the needs of the families we serve within this community. Our main goal is to support parents as they care for their child/children. Meeting their most basic needs seems simple, but it becomes costly for our small program. Your donations are valuable to our program staff and those we serve. We cannot thank you enough! A special thank-you to Kathi Nacca for hearing my request and putting this all in motion. Blessings to you all! With appreciation and gratitude, The Healthy Families Team Sarah Scorsone

A THANK YOU FROM THE BLAKER FAMILY:

To our Church Family,

We would like to say Thank you to everyone for your prayers, card, flowers and kind words during Keith’s medical problems and the passing of Sue’s Mom, Louise Pool, and our grandson, Joe Eddinger. It meant so much to us and words cannot express our appreciation and love for all of you! We are so grateful to have such a caring and loving church family.

Bless you all,

Bill, Sue and all of the Blaker family

Gleaner’s UpdateGleaner’s Kitchen continues to hand out bagged lunches every day and bags of food for families twice a week. Although volunteers cannot be there, hungry people come to the door every day. Gleaner’s still needs our help. If you are able, please send a check to help them continue. Tom Carter can make money go a long way by using Foodlink. The address is Gleaner’s Community Kitchen, Attn: Tom Carter, manager, c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church, 183 North Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Thank you and God bless you. ~ Carla DeMeco

Tues Sept. 1 – Men’s Group 8 Gateway GrilleWed Sept. 2 - Small Group 10 am Mickey Ely’sSunday Sept. 6 - Worship 9:30 (Last 9:30 Service) Live Streaming and in person Lori Vail Supply Preacher, Steve Kane Substitute OrganistMon. Sept 7 Office Closed – Happy Labor Day!Tues. Sept 8 – Men’s Group 8 Gateway GrilleThurs. Sept. 10 – Resource Comm. 11:00 zoom

Sunday Sept. 13 – Worship 10:30, Live Stream & in person, Rally Day picnic 12-2 Baker ParkMon. Sept. 14 – Adult Ed zoom 2; Trustees 4:00Tues Sept. 15 – Men’s Group 8 Gateway Grille; Adult Ed 2:30 Outside at Dawn’s; Council 7, Weathervane deadlineWed Sept. 16 - Small Group 10 am Mickey Ely’sThursday Sept. 17 - Adult Ed inside social rooms 10Sunday Sept. 20 – Worship 10:30 Live Streaming and in person, Celebration of Alicia’s 10th anniversary at the Church; zoom Sunday SchoolMonday Sept. 21 - Adult Ed zoom 2;Tues Sept. 22 – Men’s’ Group 8 Gateway Grille; Nominating Comm. 9:00; Adult Ed 2:30 Outside at Dawn’sThurs. Sept. 24 – Adult Ed inside social rooms 10; Zoom Meeting “What Have We Learned During Covid-19?” 7:00 Sunday Sept. 27 – Worship 10:30 Live Streaming and in person, Social Action Meeting 11:45 (zoom or in person), Zoom Sunday SchoolMonday Sept. 28 - Adult Ed zoom 2Tues Sept. 29 – Men’s Group 8 Gateway Grille; Adult Ed 2:30 Outside at Dawn’s