1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

OCTOBER 2014 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 10
Henrietta United Church of Christ
Celebrating God’s Grace through Worship and Praise
IN THIS ISSUE:
God is still speaking.
What would happen if
we listened?
In September, we took a
fresh look at the first line of our
HUCC
Mission
Statement:
Celebrate God's grace through
worship and praise. Doing this
has deepened my appreciation
of how foundational weekly
worship is for our lives and our
life together. What our everyday
world wants from us is to
perform its tasks, meet its
quotas, buy its products,
increase its profits, conform to
its values, wink at its flaws, and
certainly not challenge it,
change it or redeem it. So we
live in a kind of spiritual flatland,
unaware that we are rapidly
running in circles but not gaining
any ground. That’s why we need
worship. It roots us and grounds
us in the depths of God’s
boundless love. It stretches us
towards the heights of God’s
vision for us. It helps us each
find our own true shape as sons
and daughters of the living God.
It connects us with each other at
the level of the heart and soul. It
empowers us to help make
God’s reign of love, peace and
hope a reality in the world.
The Deacons, Council, Pastor
Martha and I have been
pondering ways to make each
worship service as alive,
engaging and uplifting as we
can. On September 21 I
preached a sermon on “The
Work of Worship,” which guides
Page 3
“Life: Here and Hereafter” study
group to start October 10.
Page 4
Newcomers Class to begin on
November 9.
Page 5
Shut-Ins would love to hear from
our members.
Page 6
Halloween Party will be October
18. Roast Beef Dinner has been
scheduled for November 1.
Page 7
Youth Choir; October Bell
Ringers and Coffee Hour
Helpers.
Page 12
Youth news.
Page 13
Discussion to be held on the NY
Conference Annual Meeting
Resolution on Hydrofracking.
Page 14
Birthdays and anniversaries.
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World Communion Sunday
On October 5, we will be joining Christians
all over the world who are celebrating World
Communion Sunday as the worldwide Body
of Christ. Our worship will include prayers
from other countries, and our communion
bread will be bread from other parts of the
world (with a gluten free option).
A Word from the Pastor...cont.
us on how to enter into Sunday
worship in a way that creates
room for God to work in us
(e-mail Kim in the office if you
would like a copy).
We are varying our sung
responses
during
worship,
balancing between familiar and
fresh, so we don’t “wear them
out.” We are experimenting with
congregational responses for our
gathered prayers. We are making
printed copies of the sermons for
people with hearing difficulties
to follow them to follow them
better. We are working on having
someone run the sound board
every Sunday. We have decided
to
continue
having
the
announcements read by one
person (exceptions will be made
for special church events, but
please contact me ahead of
time). We are looking ahead to
using more projected words and
images. Trustees are also looking
into possible blinds or darker
tinting for the front windows to
make projected images easier to
see. And the Deacons, Pastor
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Martha and I are always open to
your suggestions on how to
make worship more meaningful
to you.
It is worship that reminds us
who we are and why we are
here. And it is worship that
molds us into a united
community of faith, hope and
love.
In October, we’ll be taking a
fresh look at the second element
of our Mission Statement: Listen
for God’s voice through the study
of ancient testimonies and
scriptures, daily prayer and
meditation, and attention to
God’s present activity in the
world. This is a challenge in
today’s world, where we are
bombarded with voices and
messages demanding us to
listen. Listening for God’s voice
requires a very different kind of
listening. God’s voice may come
through words we read or hear
that “speak to us” in a special
way. But it might also come
through a “God-incidence,” an
inspiration, a sense of not being
alone, a dream, a piece of music,
a nudge, a “still, small voice,” or
wordless silence.
Here’s a suggestion for each
board or committee chairperson.
Try beginning your meeting this
month with an example of a way
you have heard God speaking to
you, perhaps in one of these
ways. And then invite others to
share. If you do this, you will be
surprised at the level at which
you connect during your
meeting. I’d love to hear if you
try this and how it goes.
And I would really like it if any
of you would share any stories or
experiences you have had in the
past or the present that is an
example of God speaking to you.
You can e-mail me at
[email protected],
call me, or tell me in person.
“God is still speaking,” as we
proclaim in the UCC. Let’s really
try to listen. And let’s see what
we hear!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Dave
On October 12th,
we will be baptizing
Lilliana Speed,
daughter of
Tony & Mandy Speed.
“Life: Here and Hereafter” study
group starts October 10
In a couple of recent sermons, I have
mentioned the book Heaven and Hell Unveiled. It
is based on over 30 years of study that its author,
Stafford Betty, undertook to see
what can be reliably learned about
life after death. The book gives a
fascinating overview (or should I
say underview?) of many different
facets of the afterlife. It addresses
such things as guardian angels (or
spirit
guides),
how
spirits
experience God, what spirits do for
eternity (they don’t do much
resting!), divine justice, hellish
states, “evil spirits,” reincarnation,
religious beliefs, and how this life
affects our experience in the next.
I have read a number of books
on this subject, as well as studied what the Bible
says about it, and I found this book harmonizing
all of these different sources in a remarkable
way. But I have found the book to be even more
inspirational than it is informational. It has
helped me see this world in the context of a
Reality that’s much bigger than what meets the
human eye. And it has helped me see my life
with a clearer sense of purpose and increased
spiritual insight.
I would love to share this remarkable book
with you and have us reflect on it together. So,
with the encouragement of our Deacons, we
have changed our fall study group’s topic from
the Old Testament to “Life: Here and Hereafter.”
We are planning on six sessions on
Friday evenings beginning October 10
(a week earlier than previously
announced). The study will begin at
7:00 pm, preceded by an optional soup
and bread supper at 6:30 (not 6:00 as
previously announced). Pastor Martha
and Alan Dailey will join me in
facilitating the group.
The book is not long or difficult, and
each session will deal with three or so
chapters in the book. I’d like to order
books for each of the participants or
couples, so please sign up in the
Fellowship Hall by October 5, or send me an
email at [email protected] if you’d
like to attend. You can also email me if you can’t
attend but want to order a book. Our cost is $15
and you can donate the full amount or pay what
you’re able.
This may well be a study group for which you
are eternally grateful!
Pastor Dave
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Everyone who is not
already a member of
HUCC is cordially
invited to attend our
Newcomers
Class,
which will be held at
9:00 am the three
Sundays
beginning
November 9. The class
will be led by Pastor
Dave
and
Pastor
Martha. Child care will
be provided.
The class will help orient people to the
interesting history of our church, how the
work of the church is organized, what the
groups and opportunities for service are, and
how the UCC came to be. It also helps participants understand and experience the key values of our church, form a supportive spiritual
community with other newcomers, and discover their gifts for daily ministry. Those who
wish may become members of the church
after taking the class. If you are interested or
would like more information, please contact
Pastor Dave at 334-0030 or by email at
[email protected].
Pastor’s as Waiters
The Harvest Home Coalition will be sponsoring the next “Pastors as Waiters” dinners on
two separate Monday evenings; October 6 and
October 20.
To
accommodate
everyone,
we
especially invite Protestants on October 6 and
Roman Catholics on October 20, but anyone
can attend either or both. The dinners are
served from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Peppermint’s
Restaurant, located at 4870 West Henrietta Rd.
in Henrietta (just south of Lehigh Station Rd.)
No reservations are required. Pastor Dave will
be waiting tables
on October 6.
Tips to the
pastors and church
leaders as well as a
portion of each
meal will go to the
next Harvest Home
Coalition’s house
for Habitat for
Humanity.
HUCC'ers at Work
John Loughner and Bob Day have been faithfully painting the new windows all through the summer,
and have now completed this big project. All the painting of the upstairs is now complete. As with any
building, you’re never really “finished,” but we’re about as finished as we’ll ever be. Thank you, John and
Bob!
John Loughner also coordinated our mowing crew, that has kept our lawn looking so good. Working
with John this summer were Jim Guppy, Duane Miner, Tony Speed, Pat Swisher, Joan Barnes, Fred Clark,
John Peterson, Ravi Misra, and Dean Bridenbaker. Thank you, all!
Marilyn Buxton, our own Master Gardener, has continued to oversee our major landscaping plan.
Working on her crew have been Dick Buxton, Ann Torres, John Loughner, Pat Rose, and Desi and Sandy
Alvarez (complete with back hoe!).
Thank you!
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Photo Directory Portraits in October
We have set the date for pictures to be taken for our new photo
directory! You have a choice of October 3 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
or October 4 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and November 4th has just
been added!
There is no cost to be a part of the pictorial directory. You will
get a FREE 8x10 portrait and a copy of the directory. You can, if you
want, order prints too (hate to say this, but think Christmas!!!).
If you are interested in participating, please contact Su Grimes
at 794-8394. Please indicate which date and time you want and
how many are going to be in the picture. We will also have sign
ups after church on Sundays.
If you can help with layout and design of the activity pages,
please let Su know. If you can help with signing people in for their
portraits, please sign up on the signup board.
Pastor Dave on
Retreat
Pastor Dave will be
attending a retreat the
evening
of
Thursday,
October 16 until Monday,
October 20.
Pastor Martha will be
preaching and leading
worship on October 19.
Shut-Ins
It was suggested that we invite people to visit or call our members who can’t come to church. On behalf
of our Deacons, Jo Kenyon coordinates volunteers who make monthly visits to most of our shut-ins. But our
shut-ins would appreciate more contact from their church family. Here is our current list. Phone numbers
are listed for those who can receive phone calls.
Betty Cloen (can’t get out in freezing temperatures)
104 Metropolitan Drive
Rochester, NY 14620
442.0014
Dorothy Long
Monroe Community Hospital
FR 4E, Rm 9
Henrietta, NY 14467
Barbara Comstock
Woodcrest Commons
4455 W Henrietta Rd, Room 169
Henrietta, NY 14467
Jean Losinger
Perinton Park Manor
7 Chardonnay Dr, Room 74
Fairport, NY 14450
425.2756
Barb Frielinghaus
Woodcrest Commons
4455 W Henrietta Rd, Room 126
Henrietta, NY 14467
392.9512
Willetta Thatcher
Episcopal Church Home
505 Mt Hope Ave, Room 449
Rochester, NY 14620
Flo Glena (in a day program Monday through Thursday)
51 Parkerhouse Rd
Rochester, NY 14623
359.9685
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HUCC Halloween Party
Roast Beef Dinner
Saturday, October 18th
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Come join us for a Potluck dinner followed by crafts,
games, and Trunk or Treating in our parking lot!
Decorate your vehicle if you so choose! Wear your best
costume! Fun for all ages!
In the case of rain, Trunk or Treating will be held inside.
Sign ups will be in the Fellowship Hall.
For questions call Laura Markwick at 218-0504 or email at
[email protected]
RHAFT Donations Needed
There is a Basket for any weekly
donations to the food cupboard in the
Narthex.
All donations are welcome but there
is great need at this time for canned
meats such as tuna and chicken etc.
RHAFT could also use personal hygiene
articles such as toothpaste, shampoo,
deodorants, etc.
The summer has been very busy and the cupboard is very low
on supplies. Many thanks for any donation you can make.
Living in Harmony News
Living in Harmony is an interfaith environmental group that
meets monthly at Henrietta UCC. Pastor Dave and Liz Pixley
co-founded the group in 2002. We are excited to be showing the
locally produced film "Climate Zone" at our October 14 meeting
beginning at 7:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall.
"Climate Zone" was produced and directed by three local
people and is a compelling and sometimes humorous account of
ways that global climate change is affecting the Rochester region
now, as well as predictions for the future. Just because we are
not near the ocean does not mean our lives will be unchanged. If
you wonder how our local climate will be affected - and how we
can influence the outcome - plan now to attend.
The film is just over an hour - and popcorn WILL be served! If
you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Pixley, at
[email protected] or 334-0977.
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The Fall Roast Beef Dinner has
been rescheduled and is now
going to be held on Saturday,
November 1st with servings at
5:00 pm and again at 6:15 pm.
Take-outs will be available.
Tickets will be on sale beginning
Sunday, October 5th.
Flyers will also be available
that Sunday for worshipers to
take and distribute to friends and
family to help promote the event.
John Loughner has agreed to
coordinate all of the food cooked
in the kitchen, and Judy Hawk will
coordinate the rest of the
activity.
This is a team effort, and we
need all of you to be a part of the
team. If everyone participates to
some degree, no one should be
burdened.
Can’t move heavy tables?
Then bake corn muffins, or dry
dishes, or be a table server—
there are jobs for all, and the sign
-up sheets are now posted in the
Fellowship Hall.
October Bell Ringers
The Misra Family will
have the honor of
ringing the church bell
for the October 5th
worship service.
Inviting all singers, any age!
We are eager to get started with a fun song
in October. Practices will be after church in the
Music Room on October 5 & October 12 for
about 30 minutes. We will meet before church
at 9:45 am on October 19 for one more
practice before singing in church that day.
Questions? Please see Dawn Pixley or Laura
Markwick .
Coffee Hour Helpers for
the month of October
are:
October 5:
Betty Cloen, Misra Family &
Tracy Meyer
October 12 & 19 are still Open
October 26:
Eileen Clark, Bob Planishek & Sherry Yacuzzo
Church Women United of Rochester NY and Vicinity
October Day of Reflection
The Day of Reflection Theme is "Changing Rumination into Self Illumination". "Rumination is defined
as the compulsively focused attention on the symptoms of one's distress, and on its possible causes and
consequences, as opposed to its solutions." There are those times in life we replay the same scenario...of
"would haves, should haves, and could haves" over and over in our minds. This can lead to self doubt,
stress, insomnia, and many other blocks to our over all wellness. On the Day of Reflection some basic
tools of self awareness and wellness techniques will be offered.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Waring Baptist Church
1921 Norton Avenue, Rochester
9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Guest Speaker: Rev. Shirley Pudney-Eilers
Registration Fee - $3.00 per person
Complimentary Luncheon Provided
RSVP by calling 342.2790
CSU in Rochester’s Day of Reflection is a day designed for spiritual reflection & renewal.
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October
Mission
IMA World Health was founded when CWS and other Christian based agencies figured out working
together made sense.
IMA World Health is focused on providing health services, healing and building healthy communities
around the world. It offers sustainable and efficient solutions to health-related problems that are far too
common in the developing world.
The four primary areas of focus are:
Providing essential medicines and medical supplies
Fighting and controlling targeted diseases
Educating and training health care workers and communities
Strengthening indigenous health care systems
Our specific donation to IMH World Health is designated to fight the Ebola outbreak in western Africa.
Early August a state of emergency was declared in Liberia as the country grappled with the Ebola
outbreak, which had killed more than 3,000 people primarily in West African countries.
IMA World Health and partners (one being CWS) are fighting the spread of Ebola in Liberia. They are
working with Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL) and ACT Liberia Forum to provide training,
essential equipment and supplies to help keep the health care workers safe while treating patients infected
with the Ebola virus.
CWS Statement on Ebola Outbreak
CWS is closely following the Ebola outbreak in western Africa and is mindful of our humanitarian
colleagues who are responding.
Monies of the “One Great Hour of Sharing” gifts have been given to fight the Ebola outbreak.
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Men’s Breakfast @ Peppermint’s
Pie Sale
All men are invited to the Men’s Breakfast at Peppermint’s
Restaurant at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 11.
It’s a great way to get to know other men of the church
better. Pastor Dave will provide a conversation starter.
Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact Jack Brown at
334.6306 or [email protected].
Job Opening for Administrative Asst
PART TIME JOB SHARE – 10 HOURS/WEEK
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II
DUTIES:
 Manage Communication within and outside the church
 Assist pastors with and administration and coordination
 Oversee and coordinate scheduling of church activities and
building use
 Manage office processes, supplies and equipment
 Design, edit, create, and disseminate church communication
QUALIFICATIONS:
 Ability to work effectively with others
 Excellent organization skills, ability to prioritize and keep track of
multiple tasks
 Excellent writing skills, including grammar, syntax and punctuation
 Strong computer skills, including but not limited to data base
management, word processing, publishing, graphic art, emailing,
PowerPoint, social media, and photo editing.
 Knowledge of church structure, language and culture an advantage
 Associates degree or comparable breadth of knowledge and
experience
Please send resume to Sue Grimes at [email protected]
The Harvest Home Coalition of
churches, of which we are a part,
is continuing to raise money for
the next Habitat for Humanity
build in Rochester. The next build
will be in some time in the future,
when we have raised enough
money for it to be within reach.
We are again participating in
the annual sale of large, delicious
pies made by Kelly’s Farm
Market.
Each pie weighs approximately
4½ pounds and will provide 8 to
10 generous servings. Order
forms will be available soon or
you can contact John Loughner or
Jim Guppy for more information.
Kimberly’s hours will be
Monday through Friday from
10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day
until the second administrative
assistant position is filled.
In addition, please be sure to
update your email contact list to
reflect that the email to use for
ALL administrative items is
[email protected].
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Lehigh
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Main
St., AnRd, P.O. Box 430, Henrietta, NY 14467 | 585.334.0030 | www.henriettaucc.org
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Introductory Confirmation Meeting
Pastor Martha will be leading a group for teens (grades 7-12)
who are thinking about participating in the Rite of Confirmation.
Confirmation class usually begins in the fall and concludes in the
spring, including class sessions and projects/trips outside of the
church. Here’s a great chance to:
 Ask questions
 Explore your spirituality
 Journey in faith with your pals at HUCC
 Learn about the wider church
 Learn more about the Bible
 Learn about other religious groups
 Make a difference through service projects
 Consider God’s purpose for your life
 Affirm your faith through the Rite of Confirmation, if you so
choose.
Youth and parents who are interested, please join us after
worship in the library on October 12, from Noon to 1:30 pm to map
out the schedule for the year.
Questions? Email Pastor Martha at [email protected] or
give her a call at 473-5744.
Updating Church School
Records
Sunday school is up and
running! Parents, please
check with your child’s
teacher to fill out an
updated registration form;
this is important so that
teachers and assistants are
aware of your contact
information as well as your
child’s allergies, special
needs, and anything else
you would like to share.
Forms are available in each
classroom.
Youth News
As you can see by these photos, HUCC youth had a great September meeting with our new Mountain Rise
friends! Come and hang out at our next Youth Group meeting, Sunday, October 19 after worship. We’ll make
some plans, play some games and share a bag lunch from Noon – 2:00 pm. And mark your calendars for the
next Shanty Town, November 7-8 at Spencerport UCC! More details to come.
Special thanks to all the folks who came out to our Applebee’s fundraiser! The total amount raised was
not available at the time of publication, but we’ll let you know when we know.
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Discussion of NY Conference Annual Meeting Resolution on Hydrofracking
In the August Newsletter, two Resolutions
passed at the 2014 NY Conference Annual
Meeting were briefly mentioned, with a
promise that discussion opportunities would
be provided in the fall. The first of these
discussions will occur on Sunday, October 5,
from 5:00 - 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. A
simple soup supper will be provided. A sign-up
sheet is posted in the Fellowship Hall, so we
can plan for food needs.
Title of the resolution we will discuss: 1) A
RESOLUTION OF THE NEW YORK CONFERENCE
OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST TO
ENCOURAGE ITS PASTORS AND MEMBERS TO
URGE OUR UNITED STATES CONGRESSIONAL
DELEGATES AND STATE LAWMAKERS TO
ENACT A MORATORIUM ON ALL NEW UNCONVENTIONAL SHALE GAS WELL DRILLING UNTIL LONG TERM
RESPECT FOR EARTH, WATER AND PEOPLE IS ACHIEVED.
A version of this resolution on hydrofracking of natural gas will very likely be introduced at the next
General Synod meeting of the UCC in 2015. Because the topic is relevant as well as controversial, you
may wish to learn more about it. The resolution contains a number of recommended actions. Copies are
available on the table in the Narthex; please pick one up and read it before October 5 if possible. You do
not have to know anything about the topic to participate in the discussion! As you may know,
congregations in the United Church of Christ are not bound by decisions made at the state or national
level; however, we are asked to educate ourselves on important issues discussed. Please plan to attend!
If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Pixley (334-0977 or [email protected]).
“These Days” Available
The newest issue of the
“These Days” daily devotional
magazine is now available in
the literature rack in the
narthex.
These inspirational daily
readings are provided by
our Deacons, thanks to
your support of our
Deacons Fund. Pick
up a copy and get a
lift for each day.
Please send all newsletter submissions to
Kimberly Crowe at [email protected]
or drop them off in the office. All submissions must
be received by the 15th day of the month for
inclusion in the following months newsletter.
The newsletter will be printed and sent out
approximately one full week before the first day of
the month. Every effort will be made to include
anything submitted after the monthly deadline of
the 15th of the month but cannot be guaranteed.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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George Prentice
Carol Becker
Raychel Ghysel
John Loughner
Danielle Petroske
Brady Griffin
Carl Ronnenberg
Betty Cloen
Joan Van Scoter
Jean Winton
Carmela Bentivegna
Alan Dailey
Carol Eisenmann
Daniel & Julie Dain
Katy Sturm
Gabriel Adamson
Desi Alvarez
Eve Williams
Dennis Muck
Logan Sherman
Bryce Higgins
James Traynor
Amanda Matlack
Jack Brown
Robert McHargue
Robert Hand
Camellia Higgins
Sara Weyman
Matthew Slawson
Kathy D’Ambra
Holly LaPorta
Grace Nevol
Ann Torres
Santina Fusco
Rick Stocum
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October 3
October 5
October 5
October 5
October 5
October 6
October 6
October 7
October 9
October 9
October 11
October 12
October 14
October 15
October 15
October 17
October 18
October 19
October 20
October 20
October 21
October 21
October 25
October 26
October 26
October 27
October 27
October 27
October 28
October 29
October 29
October 30
October 30
October 31
October 31
After nine years of working in
the office and 33 years as a
member of HUCC and of the
choir, Donna Palmer is moving to
Greenville,
South
Carolina,
where she will be making a home
there with her friend, Tom.
A reception was held in
Donna’s honor on September 7th
to wish her farewell and
Godspeed.
Dorcas Guild
Tuesday, October 7 @ 7:00 pm
Patty Lookup’s Home
49 Ward Hill Rd.
Bookworms
Monday, October 13 @ 7:00 pm
Liz Pixley's Home
Living in Harmony
Tuesday, October 14 @ 7:00 pm
Fellowship Hall
1400West
Lehigh
Station
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Main
St., AnRd, P.O. Box 430, Henrietta, NY 14467 | 585.334.0030 | www.henriettaucc.org
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*** - Outside Facility
All - Entire Building
B - Basement
CR - Classroom
FH - Fellowship Hall
K - Kitchen
L - Library
MR - Music Room
O - Office
S - Sanctuary
S/FH - Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall
Room Legend
/FH
Henrietta United
of Christ
THE Church
COVENANTER
P.O. Box 430
1400 Lehigh Station Rd
Henrietta, NY 14467
Contact Us:
P. O. Box 430
1400 Lehigh Station Road
Henrietta, New York 14467
585.334.0030
Senior Pastor, David Inglis
[email protected]
Associate Pastor, Martha Koenig Stone
[email protected]
Kimberly Crowe, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Website
www.henriettaucc.org
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