NEWS IN THE PEWS
February 22, 2026
EASTER EGG HUNT: First Congregational UCC will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 -11:00. Youth from ages 4-14 are invited to come hunt for eggs which will be filled with toys, candy, and cash.
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BED BUILD: The Board of Family Ministries and Christian Ed committees will be partnering with 2 other churches to sponsor a Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build at our church on Saturday April 25 from 9-12. Last year we built over 30 beds for local children in need. Due to the expense of this event, the youth will raise funds through donations from their Bag Lunch fundraiser on March 22 and Baked Goods Sale on April 19. Contributions can also be made online through the Fairport UCC website. As we are joining with two other congregations this year, our volunteer pool will be limited to 15 individuals. Preference will be given to church members / youth ahead of non-church members. sign up at: https://bit.ly/FairportUCCbuild
A SERVICE FOR HEALING & WHOLENESS will be held today in the Snow Room immediately following the Worship Service. All are welcome!
HAT & GLOVE DRIVE: Hello Everyone! If you would be interested in donating hats or gloves to support the Macedon Food Pantry please buy new or bring in gently worn items! These donations will greatly support the community and we appreciate your generosity! There will be a QR code, that links to Amazon, posted in Fellowship Hall if that is an easier option. ~ Ava Grace Cedarleaf
LENTEN STUDY & DISCUSSION GROUP begins today at 11:30 in the Snow Room. We generally meet on Sundays at 11:15 A.M. & Wednesdays at 10:30 A.M. unless otherwise announced. We will be reading and discussing Meeting Jesus at the Table: A Lenten Study by Cynthia M. Campbell & Christine Coy Fohr. The cost of the book is $9.27. Please make a check out to First Congregational UCC and write Lenten Book in the memo section of the check.
ANOTHER EUCHRE DATE ADDED: Now there are two Euchre dates this winter. Sunday Feb 22 and Mar 08, both 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. Sign-up for 1 or both dates. Bring a snack to pass. Pizza and soda will be provided.
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE & SUPPORT: 1) Since people are in need every hour of the day, please consider contributing to "One Great Hour of Sharing" this year. Donations will be accepted each Sunday in Lent (through March 15) in Fellowship Hall, or you may put a check in the offering plate or mail it to the church. Checks should be made out to: First Congregational UCC and write "OGHS" on the memo line. 2) The congregation is also encouraged to write a brief message of encouragement to incarcerated individuals. Please use the special blank notes available in Fellowship Hall (from 2/22- 3/15), where there will also be a collection box for completed notes. They will be delivered to upstate New York prisons at Easter time. Messages should be signed with first names only and no other identifying information about yourself or First Congregational Church. Let's honor Jesus' declaration, "I was in prison and you came to visit me," (Matthew 25:36 NIV) by reminding an incarcerated individual that they are not forgotten! The final day to submit a note is March 15.
MUSIC CONCERT: Come enjoy a concert performed by Joe Crookston on Saturday, February 28th at 7:00 P.M. in our sanctuary. Joe Crookston is a Singer, Songwriter & Folk Guitarist based in Ithaca, NY. He is on a 10-state tour (to include our concert) before traveling to Ireland in July for a week of concerts. We are privileged to have him. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of lively music! Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Follow the link on the church website to purchase tickets in advance.
KNITTING CIRCLE will not meet in December. We will meet again on Monday, January 5th, at 1:00pm. Any questions contact Irene Utter at iutter@rochester.rr.com or call 585-425-7408
FIRST CHURCH BOOK CLUB will meet tomorrow, February 23rd, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss If I Were You by Lynn Austin. All are welcome. Any questions call Irene Utter 585-425-7408 or email iutter@rochester.rr.com. On March 30 we will discuss Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
SAVE THE POP TABS: Help Rochester Ronald McDonald House. Place them in the jug in Fellowship Hall.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP: The bulletin can be accessed via the QR code on your mobile phone or tablet. Prayer requests must be emailed to Pastor Greg at revgregrup.ucc@gmail.com by 8:00am on Sunday with the subject line Joy or Prayer Concern. You can view the Virtual Worship Service on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/First-Congregational-United-Church-of-Christ-Fairport-NY-174043249305098/. An audio Worship Service will be uploaded to our church’s website each week, usually on Monday.
PERINTON FOOD SHELF current list of most needed items can be found on their website at https://perintonfoodshelf.org/#needed. SMALL SIZES ARE PREFERRED.
LIGHT THE NIGHT: Thank you to Irene and Wade Utter for lighting the steeple through the month of February in memory of their son, Daniel Utter.
THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH
Sunday:
11:00 AM Healing Service
11:30 AM Lenten Discussion
Monday:
1:00 PM Book Club
Wednesday:
10:30 AM Lenten Discussion
Thursday:
7:00 PM New Life AA (SR)
Saturday:
7:00 PM Joe Crookston Concert
Rev. Gregory J. Rupright, Pastor
Rev. Dr. John N. Cedarleaf, Pastor Emeritus
Beatrice Benedict, Organist
Payton Dziekan, Director of Music
Vicki Sherry, Administrative Assistant
Christian Copyright Licensing International #2320160
Phone: 585-223-0224; Website: fairportucc.org
Office email: vsherry.ucc@gmail.com
