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Weekly Edition April 7, 2016
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Flower City Work Camp 2016
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By Michelle Lentine
Friday April 1st brought to an end another successful Flower City Work Camp. Flower City is an annual weeklong camp for 7th - 12th grade students who serve in the name of Jesus Christ in the City of Rochester. The teens minister by doing house repairs, kids' evangelical clubs, soccer camps, basketball camps, city clean sweeps, and prayer walks. This year 750 students and 400 adults answered the call "That the city might see Jesus."
Camp serves a couple of purposes. Students are the main missionaries and are provided with training, support, and fellowship throughout the week. Worship time, devotional discussions, corporate and individual prayer time and scriptural teaching are a huge part of the day for students. Adult leaders provide structure, support, encouragement and modeling of our faith in action. As a result, students' confidence in themselves is boosted and they come to realize that they too can be useful in God's Kingdom. Their faith is reinforced as they experience Phil. 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Flower City's other purpose is to serve and show the love of God to our neighbors. The mission field is right in our hometown and through acts of service, kindness, generosity, prayer and sharing God's word, Flower City demonstrates the church as described in the Book of Acts. This past week 640 city residents heard the message of Jesus Christ. This does not include those met on prayer walks who felt blessed to hear that they are cared for by God and those who serve in his name. Many of the prayer requests have been about healing and restoration in the city of Rochester. This is what is so special about Flower City. Through our bold service, we can know our neighbors better and respond compassionately to their hearts' cry. This gives us confidence that we don't have to wait another year to respond to our neighbors, but can respond daily wherever we are.
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Edgewood's staff was pleasantly surprised to learn that our church had been nominated for an award. Eva Thomas, principal of School 19, nominated Edgewood for the ESL Jefferson Award for Public Service for all that we do to serve at the school. The letter we received said: "Although you did not receive an award at this time, we want you to know that your spirit of volunteerism is what helps make Rochester the special place that it is. You should be very proud of your volunteer accomplishments and of the lives that you have touched." This honor is a reflection of the large number of people in our congregation who have committed themselves to serving God and those in need. Thank you all for embracing your call to minister in his name!
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Doubting Thomas Becomes a Rock of Faith
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By Mike Myers, Student of the Word
 Certainly the resurrection of Jesus is a keystone of our faith. If there is no resurrection Christianity collapses. There are many arguments for the veracity of the resurrection but none is more convincing than the faith of the Apostles. After the death of Judas the remaining 11 disciples proved their unwavering belief. Ten of the eleven martyred themselves in defense of faith. The lone survivor was the Apostle John who spent his later years under house arrest on the island of Patmos. They dedicated their lives to Jesus and spreading the Gospel. They were firsthand witnesses to the Jesus that walked the earth as man.
Two thousand years later many of us are like the apostle Thomas in the Gospel of John. The resurrection was so contrary to popular sensibilities that Thomas needed to feel the savior's wounds in order to wrap his head around the miracle. Thereafter he spent all his energies to spread the Word. Early Christian writings, including the Didascalia, indicate that Thomas went as far as Southwestern India where there had been a Jewish community. The St. Thomas Christians of Kerala, India today date back the origins of their church to Thomas in about 50 AD.
According to ancient tradition, the apostle was martyred by a spear in Mylapore, India about 72 AD. The Church in India survives to this day surrounded by Hindus and Muslims. Thomas, who questioned the risen Jesus, became a most dedicated servant. Surely there is hope for us as well.
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 Sunday, April 10
Sermon Series: Lost
Sermon Title: "The Lost Coin"
Response Team News
Be prepared to join The Response Team each week at Edgewood's new Worship Blog:
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Maternity Leave
Kim Roth's maternity leave begins Friday, April 8. Any questions regarding her ministry areas can be directed to Pastor Daria during this time at daria.roesch@gmail.com.
Kentucky Missions Trip Meeting
Interested in going on our missions trip to Jackson, Kentucky, July 9-16? Come to the important informational meeting this Sunday, April 10 at 10:00 am in the church office. Contact Pastor Tom (694-0099) with any questions.
VBS Registration
Registration is now available for this year's Vacation Bible School for kids ages 3 by July 25 through those entering 6th grade. "Deep Sea Discovery" VBS is July 25-29, 9:30-Noon. Register your child here. Any questions, contact Pastor Daria at daria.roesch@gmail.com.
Men's Prayer Breakfast
All men of the church are invited to this time of food, fellowship, and prayer on Saturday, April 23 at 8:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Sojourners Pancake Supper
Sojourners, Edgewood's ministry to those ages 45 to 65, will have a pancake supper on Sunday April 24, 5:00-8:00 pm. Please bring a beverage or dessert to share and stay for games after the meal. RSVP to Eloise: eloisemyers@juno.com or 271-3922.
Monthly Prayer Meeting
Our next monthly prayer meeting will be Sunday, May 1, at 6:00 pm. Plans are underway for something special at this meeting. You won't want to miss it!
Young at Heart May Event
Join the Young At Heart, our ministry to retirees, at noon, Tuesday May 10, in the EFMC Fellowship Hall for a catered lunch, followed by a presentation on Mongolia. Joel Snell's brother and sister-in-law, Luke and Billie Snell, have traveled all over the world as part of Luke's work and have interesting stories and pictures to share from their travels to Mongolia. There will be a display of some of the native art they have collected over the years. Bring a friend along to enjoy this special time together. The cost for lunch is $8.00. Be sure to sign up at the Info Desk in the lobby so no one will go away hungry.
EFMC Matching Grant Scholarships
All traditional undergraduate students enrolled during the 2016-2017 fall and/or spring semesters full time at Roberts Wesleyan College (or other Free Methodist Colleges) whose home church is Edgewood Free Methodist are eligible to apply for a $500 matching grant scholarship. The Free Methodist college you attend will match the $500 gift. Application forms are available at the Info Desk in the church lobby. Please be sure to fill out the application form sheet plus the application form attached to the brochure and include a letter telling about yourself and your financial need. Applications must be returned to EFMC no later than Sunday, May 29, to be considered.
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 Edgewood Work Day
All are invited to help clean up and care for areas of the church building and grounds on Saturday, April 16. For more information, contact Pastor Tom at tkilburn250@gmail.com.
Rochester City Clean Sweep
Save the date for this opportunity to help spruce up the neighborhoods where Edgewood is engaged in ministry in the city: Saturday, April 30.
Vacation Bible School
Volunteers are needed for this awesome week (July 25-29) of ministry to kids ages 3 to entering 6th grade in the Fall. We need teachers, assistants, crew leaders, and more. Please contact Pastor Daria at daria.roesch@gmail.com.
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