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Many people, churches and organizations
affiliated with GRCC are doing great things in our local
community and around the world. This page keeps an archive of
our monthly member highlights. If there is someone you or
your organization would like to highlight, please
let us know.
Consider also honoring them at our annual GRCC Faith in Action Celebration.
March 2010 - Book
Buddies - Webster United Church of Christ
 One of the more recent additions to the small groups at UCC Webster is
a group called “Book Buddies” which was inspired by eleven year old,
Natalie Bila (who also participates in the Drama Kids, International
group hosted by the church). After helping to collect games for the
“Santa’s Workshop” for hospitalized children at Christmas time, Natalie
wondered how she could help children throughout the remainder of the
year. Her curiosity led her to many inquiries which resulted in the
development of “Book Buddies”. From now until the end of April,
Natalie, now assisted by her 9 year old sister Sarah, will collect new
or gently used books for children in grades K-6 to be delivered in May
to students at Rochester City School #41. After just 3 weeks of
collection through the church, they have acquired over 250 books for
their project. After the winter recess, both girls will be looking for
book donations from their classmates at Willink Middle School and
DeWitt Rd. School in Webster, NY.
If you would like to help the girls with their book collection, you may
drop off books at the church, 570 Klem Road. Located in the Narthex is
a basket for the books.
October 2009
- Kodjo's Dream: Wells and Latrines
Lakeside Presbyterian Church is
sponsoring a mission project, and we
are inviting others to join us as Mission Partners. Kodjo Koumako and
his wife Fati have worshiped with us for 7 years since their arrival
from Togo, West Africa. Educated as a civil engineer, he and members of
his family, who still live in Togo, have a great desire to improve the
situation in the village of Ilama where many originated and have family
still living there. They have designed a project to build 1 well and 2
latrines in each of the 6 village neighborhoods. Currently, there is
one shallow well that dries up and no latrines to serve a growing
population of over 3,300.
Check our web site.
Check out our project brochure.
Our Session has approved a proposal
detailing a transparent process
whereby the Family (which includes Kodjo and his brother and cousin,
both of whom are members of the Togolese Parliament) will provide 30%
of the cost and Donors provide 70% of the cost. Our goal is to raise
$30,000. However, we are a very small church with a very great mission
opportunity and can succeed only with the help of others.
- Schedule our power point presentation
showing pictures Kodjo took while in Togo
this March.
- Become a Mission Partner. Your church or
organization would find this
an inspiring opportunity.
- Call Mona Durgin, Project Chairperson
(585) 227-2876
Mission Partners thus far
- Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church
- Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
August 2009 -
Sr. Gratia L'Esperance
On August 18, 2009 Sr. Gratia L'Esperance, a
past president and current board member of TIAR, received the St.
Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry Lifetime Ministry Award.
In summary three particular points were set forth among so many more
which could have been cited:
1. Sr.
Gratia was the first woman graduate of St. Bernard's (and possibly may
be the first woman graduate of a seminary ministry formation program in
the country--or in the world?) This followed and has been followed by
an exemplary record of service in ministry.
2. She has been involved and lead in the Interfaith Alliance (TIAR). In
an era when the hostilities between faiths has wrought such enormous
destruction, Gratia has become a force in fostering understanding and
respect among diverse faiths.
3. Her work, recently completed--with the Mercy Center With the Aging
was conducted with grace and insight.
CONGRATULATIONS SISTER GRATIA!
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