Genesee Valley District Office
585-340-9525; Fax 585-340-9526
geneseevalleyumc@crcds.edu
www.geneseevalleyumc.org


E-News from the Valley!!!!
 (March 11, 2010)

E-News is an email communication tool (sent each Thursday) of the Genesee Valley District Office to clergy and laity across the District. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, just “reply” to this message and include “remove” in the subject line. If you know of someone that would benefit from this mailing please notify the district office.

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Table of contents:
(1) NEW! Note from the D.S. (2) NEW! Joys & Concerns (3) Dates to Remember (4) NEW! Spring Preview Day at CRCDS (5) NEW! Rush 4NY – A Benefit Concert (6) NEW! GRCC Newsletter (7) NEW! Camp Asbury to host Spring Work Day (8) NEW! Geneseo to host trip to Sight & Sound Theatre (9) Wesley Chaplaincy Needs your Help! (10) Metro Branch Pray In (11) We need your helping hands (12) If your marriage needs help (13) Awakening to the God who is Already There (14) Metro Branch Invites you to a meeting on Bridges & Circles (15) MissionInsight Ready (16) 4WORD 2010 (17) Willie Santiago  (18) District Day Information Announced (19) Branch Meeting Schedule (20) Committee Meetings (21) Directory Updates

Local Church Announcements:  

(22)  Perry UMC to hold Lenten Fellowship Breakfast (23) Bergen UMC to host Pancake Breakfast


(1) NEW! Note from the D.S.

 

in the valley

 

it is Lent and…we… the body of Christ in the Genesee Valley District… will be a transforming presence in leading and developing a diverse community of Christ’s disciples…

even as we journey though the wilderness of Lent

 

 

we are fast approaching the edge of the wilderness…the promised land awaits…

      who will we believe?  God is with us here…

 

we are standing outside or inside the walls…Jericho…

the elimination of these barriers awaits…

      will we sound the trumpet?  God is with us here…

 

we are almost able to see the rock…rolled in front of the tomb…

                                                      will we go further?  will the stone be rolled away?

      is there any question about resurrection?  God is with us here…

 

the wilderness and lent are great times to discuss difficult and hard things…

                                                      sometimes we even question the presence of God…

      still…the Word is…that if we seek first God’s Kingdom …and not our own…

      if we give proper priority to God…if we follow Christ…

                  abundant life!  …  spring!  …  shalom!

 

we sacrifice in lent to help us understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us…

 

enjoy?...celebrate lent!

 

      enjoy…celebrate change!

 

 

                                                                                                        may it be so!

                                   

       ted

 

 

We will discuss difficult issues this coming Tuesday…but I know that we can do this in the Spirit of Christ…with Christ-like affection for one another and especially for those who are serving as messengers of proposals which are still in process.  We are not expecting answers on Tuesday…but rather an update on what is the current status of ongoing discussions. 

 

A look at the upcoming weeks 3/12/10 – 4/2/10

 

Friday, March 12, 2010 = Ted’s Sabbath

Saturday, March 13, 2010 = Visit to Garland UMC (9:30am)

Sunday, March 14, 2010 = Visit to South Perinton (charge conference 12:30pm)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 = GV District Day @ Victor UMC (9:00am until 8:00pm)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 = DCoM Meeting @ CRCDS, room #210 (9:00am)

Thursday, March 18, 2010 = Appointment (10:00am)

Thursday, March 18, 2010 = Meeting (5:00 – 6:30pm)

Thursday, March 18, 2010 = District Leadership Meeting @ Avon UMC (6:30pm)

Friday, March 19, 2010 = Ted’s Sabbath

Saturday, March 20, 2010 = Appointment in Buffalo

Sunday, March 21, 2010 = Visit to Walworth UMC (11:00am – Ted to preach)

Monday, March 22, 2010 = GRCC meeting (12:00pm)

Monday, March 22, 2010 = District Trustees Meeting @ CRCDS (6:00pm)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 = Appointment (10:00am)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 = District Superintendency Meeting @ CRCDS (7:00pm)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 = Metro Branch @ West Ave (9:30am)

Thursday, March 25, 2010 = Appointment (11:45am)

Friday, March 26, 2010 = Ted’s Sabbath

Sunday, March 28, 2010 = Visit to Penfield UMC (9:00am – Ted to preach)

Monday, March 29, 2010 = One on One with the Bishop (2:45pm)

Friday, April 2, 2010 = Walk Maplewood Section of Rochester @ Covenant UMC (9:15am)

Friday, April 2, 2010 = Office Closed for Holiday

 

 

*Please note: Whenever Ted is traveling or in multiple day meetings you may call the District Office and Betsy will know how to reach him.* 

 

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(2) NEW! Joys & Concerns

 

The Western New York Conference regrets to inform you that Mrs. Marjorie Calkins died Saturday, March 6, 2010.  She was 93 years old.
 
She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years the Rev. William S. Calkins, Jr.  Rev. Calkins served pastorates in the New Jersey Conference, Genesee Conference and the WNY Conference for close to 40 years.  The Calkins served WNY Conference at Gainesville, North Gainesville, Olean: People’s, Allegany, Bolivar, Perry, Elmgrove, Rochester: West Avenue, Millville, Friendship, Sardinia, Garwoods, Swain, and Belmont.

Calling hours are Friday, March 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 North Main Street, Perry, NY.  A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 13 at Perry: First UMC, 35 Covington St., Perry, NY at 2:00 pm with the Revs. Doug Wilson and Wilson Jones officiating.  The Committal will be at the Irondequoit Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to William Calkins III, 2821 Puccini Place, Tucson, AZ  85741.

********

Prayers are requested for Rev. Margaret Scott (Fairport UMC), who is recovering from emergency abdominal surgery.  Update:  Margaret Scott thanks all who have kept her in prayer; she is recovering well and has returned to work part time.

********

Prayers are requested for Rev. Richard Harrington (Retired) who is in Rochester General Hospital with health concerns.  Update:  Dick Harrington is out of the hospital and settling into his new place at Heather Heights.   Heather Heights is located at 160 West Jefferson Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534. Tel: 585.264.1600
       ******

Prayers of Joy for Rev.  Matt Farrell (Bergen UMC), wife Kelli and big sister Emma  on the birth of  Joshua Wells Farrell born 3/2 at 12:25;  8 pounds 21 1/2 inches...healthy.

 

 

If you have other prayer concerns or joys that you would like listed on the e-news, please contact the district office.  We welcome all information.

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(3) Dates to Remember

 

 

2010 DATES FROM BISHOP MATTHEWS  - Do not plan weddings or church functions for the following dates in 2010.  Put them on your calendar today and save these dates:

 

NEW NEW (as of 1/13/10) !!!!    PRE CONFERENCE BRIEFING DATES ANNOUNCED!!!!!   Please plan to attend one of the five sessions offered.

 

2010 Pre-Conference Briefings

SATURDAY 5/15/2010

9:30am – 12:00 noon = Oneida St Paul’s UMC

3:00pm – 5:30pm = Gouverneur UMC

 

SUNDAY 5/16/2010

3:00pm – 5:30pm = Elmira New Beginnings UMC

 

Saturday 5/22/2010

9:30am – 12:00 Noon = Olean: Christ UMC

3:00pm – 5:00pm = Faith UMC (if map questing use the following: 174 Pinnacle Road, Rochester NY 14534)

 

March 16, 2010 – GV District Day Meeting @ Victor UMC (9:00am - evening)

May 1, 2010 = Awakening to the God who is already There w/Leonard Sweet @ Faith UMC (10:00am – 4:00pm)

May 6, 2010 – District Conference @ North Chili UMC (info to come)

May 20, 2010 = WNY Retirement Luncheon @ Batavia (12:30pm)

May 20, 2010 = Order of Elders Day – info to come

June 4, 2010 (Friday) – Clergy Session @ Asbury First; Laity session @ Covenant UMC; Memorial Service in the evening at Asbury First UMC

June 5, 2010 (Saturday) – WNY Annual Conference – 1 day to bring us to a close

June 19, 2010 (Saturday) – Uniting Service of four Annual Conferences @ OnCenter in Syracuse NY (9:00am – 6:00pm)

September 11, 2010 (Saturday) – Adjourned Session and Uniting Worship Celebration of new conference in Albany NY @ Empire State Plaza (9:00am – 4:00pm)

October 15, 2010 = Bishop Day on the Genesee Valley District (more info to come)

 

 

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(4) NEW! Spring Preview Day at CRCDS

Spring Preview Day – Tuesday, March 30 9 AM – 5 PM

Prospective students are invited to spend the day at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and learn more about their graduate education programs, including M.Div., M.A., D.Min., and Graduate Certificate programs.  Free $35 application fee vouchers will be given to all participants! For more information please visit www.crcds.edu; or contact Polly Bush at admissions@crcds.edu or (585) 340-9500 to register.

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(5) NEW! Rush 4 NY – A Benefit Concert

Rush 4 NY – a benefit concert supporting NY missions.  Performing at the event will be Sandwich Crackers; Parotia; Jack Bandit (formerly Whitecliff Drive); Sans Ego; The Radium Girls.  The event will take place March 26th at 7:00pm at the Rush UMC located at 6200 Rush Lima Road, Rush NY .  The cost is $5.00 at the door.  Please contact the church for more information 585-533-2170.

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(6) NEW! Greater Rochester Community of Churches Spring Newsletter

 

 

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(7) NEW! Camp Asbury to host Spring Work Day

Camp Asbury is having its Spring Work Day on Saturday, May 1 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.  Churches can earn overnight credits for their youth groups to have a retreat.  They can get more details from me at Camp Asbury(585-237-5262).  Please let me know how many are coming from your church so that we can provide lunch.  Bring rakes, gloves, outdoor working tools. 

 

Thanks.

 

Larry W.

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(8) NEW! Geneseo  UMC hosting a trip to the Sight & Sound Theatre

Geneseo United Methodist Church is hosting a trip April 16th-17th to the Sight and Sound Millennium Theater in Lancaster, Pa, to see their new musical "Joseph" (this is NOT "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," but it is based on the same story found in the Bible). We still have some seats available! If you are interested in joining us, please call Karen Woodworth @ (585) 243-4749 (home) or (585) 243-3160 (church)  

 

 

Price:

Approximately 175.00 per adult. Teens  and children will be cheaper as their tickets for the show are cheaper (Teen 28.00, child 16.00. Adult tickets for the show are $54.15)

 

$175.00* includes:  Transportation down and back (by motor coach)

                             Dinner at Hershey Farm Restaurant

                             Show 

                             Hotel

                             Breakfast

(lunch on the way down and on the way back will be each person's own responsibility. Either a lunch can be packed or bought at one of the rest stops that the bus will make). 

 

*this price will depend on how many people can go as the price for the motor coach will be divided by participants.

 

 

 

Although some of the details are still being worked out, the itinerary looks like this:

 

9:00 am Friday April 16th- leave from Geneseo UMC 

 

(There will be several stops on the way down to stretch, eat, etc).

 

 4:30 pm (approximately) Arrive at hotel to leave luggage and freshen up before dinner

 

5:30pm Dinner at Hershey Farm Restaurant

 

7:00pm arrive at Millenium Theater

 

7:30pm Show starts

 

After Show back to Hotel

 

Saturday April 17 Breakfast (time TBD - most likely around 8:00-9:00am)

 

(Possibility of an hour or so after breakfast to shop before getting on motor coach to return home)

 

4:30 pm (approximate) arrive at Geneseo UMC

 

 

If anyone is interested in joining us, it is imperative that they call me ASAP (no later than March 18th).   We do need to have the full money by March 20th to pay for our tickets for the theater.  The sooner we get the tickets, the more likely we will be able to sit together as other groups are also going at that time. Checks can be made out to Geneseo United Methodist Church (please write "Lancaster Trip" in memo line)

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(9)  Wesley Chaplaincy needs your help!

 

Some of our churches, local pastors and laity have been very helpful in providing coverage for worship at Wesley Gardens in Rochester, supporting Rev. Keiper.  Financial support for his position there is divided between Wesley and the Conference, through individual gifts and Golden Cross offering in May.  This year we cannot wait for the Golden Cross offerings to dribble in, and ask that all of our district churches make some contribution, however small to ensure that chaplaincy services are maintained there! 

You can send a check directly to the district office for Wesley Chaplaincy (please make checks payable to GV District Office and put Wesley in the memo line.  The office will forward one check on), or make your Golden Cross offering early to the conference, where it is divided in two (half for Beechwood-Blocher and half for Wesley).  If you can take up an offering early and would like promotional info for your bulletin, please let Margaret Scott know at mspastor@frontiernet.net

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(10)  Metro Branch Pray In

The metro branch will be holding their next pray-in at Grace UMC on Saturday March 20.  Come for breakfast at 9 and have conversation with folks at the Deacon's Table (an outreach ministry of Grace) then join us for prayer at 10 AM.  This is a great opportunity to begin to get involved with ministry in the city of Rochester.

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(11) We need your helping hands! More precisely, your hand prints!

 

The Worship Team for the Founding Conference to be held in Syracuse on June 19, has designed an opening celebration that will incorporate colored hand prints from across the entire Upper New York Area. Here's what you can do to help us:

   

Make your hand print with finger paint or tempra paint on plain white paper. Young and old alike are needed. Use your imagination when it comes to color combinations and the shape of the imprint from your hand--open palm, front of hand, back of hand, closed fist. Each 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper should have only the number of hand prints on it that do not touch or overlap. The handprints will be separated for...we'll you'll just have to come to conference to find out. 

   

We would like as many hand prints from as many people and as many different churches as possible, remembering "many hands make light work" and in this case, many hand prints will make for a brighter celebration. There will be opportunities at upcoming pre-conference briefings for those in attendance to make hand prints at that time.

   

Mail your hand prints to Rev. Richard Sivers, First UMC, 144 Cedar St., Corning, NY 14830. Please DO NOT fold your papers to avoid creases, chipping and cracking. All hand prints should be received by Rev. Sivers on or before June 10. If you have any questions, you can email Rick at fumchcurch@stny.rr.com.

   

Make sure you have a hand in this monumental celebration as we become one new conference together.

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(12) IF YOUR MARRIAGE NEEDS HELP

 Retrouvaille can be a lifeline.  Retrouvaille (Re-Tro-Vi) is an internationally recognized program designed to help and support married couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties. If you and your spouse are willing to put in an honest effort, you are invited---encouraged to –allow this ministry to give you the tools necessary to repair your relationship and strengthen your marriage.  The next Rochester Retrouvaille program runs from Friday evening, April 9-11th .  Although the program is Catholic in origin, it is open to all faiths. No couple is turned due to financial concerns.  For more information, brochures are in the commons area in the Care Notes display.   Or call Retrouvaille of Rochester at 585-293-1552 or toll free 1-800-470-2230 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.  All inquiries are confidential.  It is not too late to register.

All inquiries remain confidential. It is not too late to register.


MARRIAGE RENEWAL PROGRAM HELPS  COUPLES IN TROUBLE

Retrouvaille Weekend, April 9-11, 2010:  Difficulties in your marriage? If your marital relationship is strained consider participating in a Retrouvaille Weekend. 
Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples renew their marriages and find hope and healing.

A Lifeline for Marriage - Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi, meaning
rediscovery) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages.  This
international program has helped tens of thousands of couples experiencing
marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery.
For information about the Rochester program beginning with a weekend April
9-11, call 585-293-1552 or toll free 1-800-470-2230 or visit the web site at
www.HelpOurMarriage.com  All inquiries are confidential.

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(13) Awakening to the God who is Already There

With Leonard Sweet

An Event sponsored by the Evangelism Ministry Team of the WNY conference

Saturday May 1, 2010

10:00am to 4:30pm

Faith United Methodist Church,

174 Pinnacle Rd.

Pittsford NY 14534 

 

Registration Form

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(14) Metro Branch invites you to meeting on Bridges & Circles

The Metro Branch invites you to West Ave UMC on Wednesday, March 24, at 10:00 to hear from Rev. Craig French about a ministry in which he’s engaged called Bridges & Circles. It is “a community based initiative to bring people together to help lift families out of poverty.  Unlike traditional government programs, Bridges & Circles provides relationships to create a support system for struggling families.  Through their participation, families gain the knowledge and skills needed to bring themselves out of poverty.  CNY Bridges & Circles is a program for individuals and families to make real and permanent change in their lives,and the work at the community level also sets it apart from other poverty efforts.”

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(15) MissionInsite Ready for Upper New York Area Congregational Development!

Dear Pastors and Church Leaders,

 

          You may have heard that the Upper New York Area has been working to get Mission Insite up and functioning. Mission Insite is a web based demographics provider that you can use from your local computer.  As we plan ministry it is important to know the context of that ministry.  Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and reports that are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.  The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite.  But in order to access the website you will need to register your local church. The attachments provide instruction for you to register and establish the user name and password for your local church. Rev.Lauren Swanson and myself are designated administrators for this site and so if you have problems you can call Michelle Saxon at Mission Insite or either of us.  Our contact information is:     

Rev. Dr. Ronald Isaman at 716-397-9993 or email ronisaman@wnyumc.org.

Rev. Lauren Swanson at 315-420-8852 or email lauren@ncnyumc.org

 

A website has been set up for you to access this information.  Please go to: http://wnysite.brickriver.com/page.asp?PKValue=1251

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(16) 4WORD 2010

The 6th Annual event for youth in grades 7-12 of North Central NY, Troy, Western NY, and Wyoming Conferences! Bring your youth group to praise God and form new friendships!


Where: Holiday Inn, Liverpool, NY (Syracuse)

When: April 23-25, 2010

Speakers: Youth . . . from each conference

Registrations must be postmarked by April 9, 2010.  To download a registration form or for more information go to:  http://wny.brickriver.com/files/oEvent_Calendar_EUXQLB/4WORD_Registration_G2UCRJMY.pdf

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(17)  Willie Santiago to visit Genesee Valley District

The Church is alive and well in Cuba!

 

Willie Santiago from the Cuba Connection Ministries will be here in the Genesee Valley District … March 18-26! 

 

Willie is a Methodist who works ecumenically and with government agencies in Cuba to bring about the transformation of lives for Jesus Christ.  He has a tremendous story to tell of Christians and the Church alive in Cuba today! 

 

Call Betsy in the District Office (585-340-9525) to reserve a time to share with Willie!

 

18th at North Chili UMC - dinner

19th at Hilton UMC - dinner at 6:00pm

20th at Adams Basin UMC - lunch at noon

21st at Faith UMC - church school at 11:30am

24th at Boulevard UMC in Binghamton

 

Willie would delight to speak at breakfast, lunch or dinner…with United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men…or United Methodist Youth…the whole church!

He could be part of a Worship experience…Bible Study…special meeting…

Be creative…Willie is! 

 

Let’s turn out to give Willie a warm and hospitable Genesee Valley District welcome by inviting him to be part of something!   

 

Thanks for extending the connection…and for seeking to understand mission!

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 (18)  District Day Information

INFORMATION SHARING SESSION REGARDING THE UPPER NEW YORK Annual Conference SHARED MINISTRIES, CLERGY BENEFITS (PENSION AND HEALTH INSURANCE), AND CLERGY MINIMUM COMPENSATION LEVELS

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM     Active Clergy in attendance

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM       Retired Clergy and Surviving Spouses in attendance

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM       Laity in attendance (Lay Leader, Lay Member, SPPRC Chair, Finance Chair)

 

 


Cornerstone District

Monday, March 15, 2010

Christ First UMC, 663 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown NY 14701

 

Genesee Valley District

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Victor UMC, 106 East Main Street, Victor NY 14564.  585-924-2621

 

 

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(19) Upcoming Branch Meetings

Branch #1 Northwest

 

Branch #2 Home – This branch meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at Tully’s in Batavia.

 

Branch #3 LetchworthThe next meeting will be held on TBA, at Noon at Perry First. Bring a sandwich or just come for the fellowship. If you want to pick up a sandwich at                                                   Rocker’s, across the street from Perry First, call ahead: 237-0010.

 

Branch #4 Kudzu – Thursday, April 22nd   @ the new Slayton Place in Spencerport Village  @ noon

 

Branch #5 South – Friday, March 26th @ ??  at 9:00am.   Future dates 4th Friday of the month –  4/23

Branch #6 Rts 5 & 20 – 

 

Branch #7 Eastside – March 16th at 8:00am @ Denny’s in Victor

 

Branch #8 “The Ranch”TBD @ 9:00am at Webster UMC, Regular mtgs.: 9:00 Am

 

Branch #10 METRO – Wednesday March 24th @ West Ave UMC at 9:30am.  Future dates:  4/28 @ Covenant UMC

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(20) Committee Meetings

 

The Genesee Valley Lay Speaking Committee meets at 4:30 pm on Third Monday’s of the month at Bill Grey’s in Henrietta.    All lay speakers are invited and encouraged to attend when they are able   Everyone’s input is valued. 

 

District Leadership Team Meetings are held the third Thursday of every other month at Avon UMC.  The meetings start at 6:30pm.  Future dates:  3/18

 

District Trustees Meeting on Monday March 22nd at CRCDS in room #312.  The meeting starts at 6:00pm.

 

District Superintendency Meeting on Tuesday March 23rd at CRCDS in room #312.  The meeting starts at 7:00pm.

 

District Union Meeting on Tuesday March 30th at Avon UMC.  The meeting starts at 7:00pm.

 

Please note: the district office is available to send out reminder cards for your meetings if you notify us in advance that you wish this done.

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(21) Directory Updates 

Corrections to the 2009-2010 directories are listed below:

 

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Local Church Events and Announcements

 

(22) Perry UMC to host Lenten Fellowship Breakfast

Perry United Methodist Church

35 Covington Street, Perry, NY 14530

perryumc@frontiernet.net

585-237-5369                

Lenten Fellowship Breakfast

 

Supporting the General Fund & Noah’s Ark

March 28, 2010 8:30 AM

Adults $6; Kids 5-12 $3; Kids under 5 FREE

Menu

Assorted Juices. Assorted Fruits and Muffins, Breakfast Casserole, Home Fries, Toast, Coffee/Tea

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(23) Bergen UMC presents Pancake Breakfast

Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction; Sat., March 13

Serving from 8am to 10:30 am

 

Little Hands Preschool

Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 S. Lake St. (Route 19)

 

Cost: Adults-- $7; Children under 10--$5; and Family of 4 or more  --$20

 

Benefit: Little Hands Preschool scholarships

Call church office at 494-1312

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Betsy O'Flynn

Administrative Assistant

Genesee Valley District Office

United Methodist Church

1100 South Goodman Street

Rochester, NY 14620

585-340-9525

585-340-9526 (Fax)

geneseevalleyumc@crcds.edu

www.geneseevalleyumc.org