Fall Happenings at BLC
Fellowship, Food, & Faith
We are pleased to introduce a new opportunity this fall- Fellowship, Food, and Faith! On September 10, October 8, and November 12, gather at 11:30am in the Sanctuary for a short worship service with Holy Communion, followed by lunch provided by BLC in the Fellowship Hall! This is open to anyone in the BLC community and anyone who would appreciate connecting with others. Help us plan for your presence and RSVP to the church office at 585-223-0634 or office@blcfairport.org.
Opportunities for Youth
Worship for Kids during Sunday services: While we hear Scripture and sermon in worship, kids (ages 3 through elementary) are invited to a special time of hearing the Word just for them! They will gather in the room next to Pastor Hoffman’s office where they will hear a Bible story (usually from the Spark Story Bible), maybe watch a short video introducing the theme or message or sometimes do an activity, talk about the story and pray together. Then they’ll return to the sanctuary before we begin communion. We hope this allows the youngest saints to both participate fully in worship (the gathering time and the meal) while also hearing God’s Word in a developmentally-appropriate way.
Confirmation: This year, BLC is partnering with St. Paul’s, Pittsford in a joint confirmation program. There is an information session for students and their parents after worship on September 10th, and the Kick-Off Event will be Sunday, September 17th at 4:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
LYO: There is an informational gathering for LYO students and their parents after worship on Sunday, September 17th and an information session about the upcoming National Youth Gathering in the summer of 2024 on Sunday, September 24th at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Upcoming Calendar
october, 2024
Sign up for announcements and reminders:
Music
Bell Choir: Have you ever wanted to play handbells or chimes? Stop by and visit with us at our Open House on Wednesdays, September 6 and 13 at 6:15 in the bell room! We welcome everyone from 6th grade and older. No prior experience required!
Chancel Choir: Lift up your voice and sing! We invite anyone who enjoys singing to participate! High school students are encouraged to join, as are those who cannot make a full year commitment, but who can attend for shorter periods of time. Wednesday rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary beginning September 6th.
Children’s Choir: Kids entering Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join the choir! Invite your friends and neighbors! Rehearsals are Sunday mornings after worship at 10:15am in the choir room.
Folk Group: Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 13th at 6:15pm in the choir room.
Dulcimers: Rehearsals begin Friday, September 15th at 3pm in the sanctuary.
Service Opportunities
Hat Ministry: This year we are collecting men’s hats to send to the Seafarers Ministry, as well as donating to other local organizations. These hats can be knit, crocheted or made on a loom but need to be adult size, for men with no Pom Poms. Yarn and patterns are available in the narthex. Any questions please contact the church office.
Second Sunday Dinner Ministry (SSDM): BLC is part of the Perinton Sunday Dinner ministry where different area churches provide meals to those in need in our community. On the second Sunday of each month, a group from BLC prepares and delivers about 65+ hot meals. The next SSDM days will be September 10th and October 8th. Contact the church office (office@blcfairport.org or 223-0634) if you would like to get involved!
Habitat for Humanity Builds: BLC regularly hosts a Habitat for Humanity building day through Flower City Habitat for Humanity Perinton Congregations. Look for the next build date coming up in November! No construction experience required!
Quilters: On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 7pm, BLC Quilters gather to iron, cut, sort, and package fabric to make quilts for Linus Blankets. We take packages home to sew and sometimes much more! On the 5th Thursday we gather to tie a quilt for Lutheran World Relief. If you can see yourself with time on Thursdays, time to sew at home (we’ll give you a kit with easy directions or make your own,) or time just occasionally on the 5th Thursday, please join us! All skill levels are needed and welcome.
Pines of Perinton Food Distribution: For the 3rd consecutive year, we have partnered with Moll Farms to purchase shares of fresh fruits and vegetables to give to our neighbors at the Pines of Perinton at no cost through the summer and fall. We are recruiting hunger activists who are interested in this fun, meaningful opportunity that helps support local farmers/agriculture, addresses food insecurity, and Builds Lasting Community! How can you help?
- Meet up in the BLC parking lot each Wednesday afternoon at 4:45. We will package/divvy up the food together
- Meet at the Pines of Perinton to assist with the food distribution at 5:30. This is typically a time to visit, get to know our neighbors and build relationship/connection.
- Join for one or both of the above for one week or all weeks. The more, the merrier!
- Interested, but have questions? Contact the church office at office@blcfairport.org or 223-0634.
Connect and Grow
Love You Like a Sister: The Love You Like a Sister (LYLAS) program is like a prayer secret santa- each participant will be given another participant to keep in their prayers throughout the year and in turn, will have someone praying for them. The partners are kept anonymous until a final reveal at the end of the year. You can also send cards or a small gift for major holidays, birthdays, or other important dates for your partner (though not required!) If you are interested in participating for the 2023-2024 year, please complete a LYLAS information form so your partner will be able to get to know you better! Forms should be submitted by Sunday, October 29th and can be completed here or found on the kiosk in the Narthex!
Ladies’ Night Out: Join the women of BLC for a Ladies’ Night Out on Monday, October 23rd at 7PM in the Fellowship Hall! Our evening titled “BLC Rocks Lasting Community” will include fellowship, a rock painting craft, and light refreshments. Partners will also be revealed for the Love You Like a Sister (LYLAS) program and forms will be available to join LYLAS for the coming year. If you participated in LYLAS this season, please remember to bring a small gift for your partner as you reveal your identity. Sign up under the LIVE portion of the kiosk in the Narthex or feel free to RSVP to the church office.
Sunday Morning Fellowship: After worship each Sunday morning, gather in the Narthex with us for light refreshments and a time to chat with other BLC members, friends, and visitors.
Mid-Week Bible Study: Beautiful Savior- What does it mean that Jesus Saves? A special 2 week Bible Study beginning September 13th. Pastor Amy will base this study on a chapter from Bishop Satterlee’s new book. Copies will be provided in the workroom but know that it is not necessary to read it to participate in the conversation. Bible Study meets in person or on Zoom (check the church calendar) Wednesdays at 9:30. Even if you’re not a usual Bible Study attendee, you’re welcome to join this special study.
Women’s Fellowship: We will have our first gathering of the year on Tuesday, September 12 at 7pm in the sitting room across the hall from the choir room. Pastor Amy will lead our discussion on the second Tuesday of each month. We invite you to obtain a copy of Belonging – 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple by Karoline M. Lewis or reach out to the office if you want us to purchase a copy on your behalf. We’ll then move on to another book later in the year after that one is done. Hope to see you there!
Ruth Circle: Monthly meetings of Ruth Circle will resume on Monday, September 11th at 1pm in Courtyard Sitting Room. We will meet on the second Monday of each month and continue reading Max Lucado’s book “Traveling Light”.
Men’s Breakfast: Gather with the men of BLC on the first Wednesday of each month at the Landmark Restaurant in East Rochester for fellowship, food, and fun.
Support Group for Caregivers: If you are caregiving for a loved one (elderly parent, spouse, relative or anyone dear to you), feel free to join us at Caregiver Support Group! The participants share with and learn from each other; this is not a lecture or class! We meet every other Tuesday with our next upcoming meetings on September 12th and 26th at 2PM in the Courtyard Sitting Room.
Grief Support Group: Grief Support Group is a time of sharing and conversation open to those who have experienced loss. There is no specific agenda other than connecting with others who are walking a similar road. We meet every other Tuesday with our next upcoming meetings on September 12th and 26th at 11AM in the Courtyard Sitting Room.