The Grapevine - The Latest News from His Branches

A Garden Bouquet

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:50:00 +0000

Susan Morehouse Releases New CD

At an Open House for family and supporters today, Susan will be introducing her new harp CD Harpsongs II - A Bouquet from My Mother's Garden.

The album is a 65-minute "bouquet" of 22 classical, Celtic, and spiritual pieces, several of which feature Nicole Ferguson on the flute.

If you would be interested in obtaining a copy, please visit Susan's website or contact her directly.

French Quarter Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:46:00 +0000

A Taste of the Crescent City in the Flower City

Only open for six weeks, the French Quarter Café on Arnett Boulevard already has the cozy feeling of a neighborhood institution. The warm, friendly dining room has little touches that make it feel just a bit like a tea parlor or your grandmother's living room, and the service is attentive and helpful without feeling intrusive or fussy. The real triumph is the food: simple, honest, straightforward - the sort of food your mother or grandmother would cook if she happened to be from New Orleans.

Click here to read the entire review by James Leach in this week's City Newspaper.

Good Neighbors

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:32:00 +0000

Local entrepreneur invests in neighborhood's future.

In one form or another, 332-336 Arnett Blvd. has long been home to commerce.Part of the row building housed The Creator's Hands gift store and gallery for a number of years. When the business showcasing works by American artists and craftspeople moved out in 2005, the storefront windows looked out on some far less savory capitalism, with occasional drug dealing out front.

Today the space in the 83-year-old building, just west of the Arnett branch of the Rochester Public Library, is hosting a family of businesses and business services aimed at a target audience of a few square blocks of southwest Rochester.

Inside the operation called "The Arnett," a small coffee shop sits alongside a copy shop. Diners at the cajun/creole restaurant The French Quarter Cafe eat steps away from a credit counseling service and a business consulting operation.

The idea is to provide both a series of niche businesses lacking in the city's 19th Ward, such as higher-end retail, and the needed training and services to help other businesses launch in the area.

The neighborhood "has a lot of good housing value," said David Dey, who created The Arnett and runs a pair of operations there with his wife, LaDonna. "But on the other hand, it has a series of challenges. It's an ideal area to launch this model."

Click here to read the entire Democrat & Chronicle article by Matthew Daneman.

EO to begin STD testing

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:35:00 +0000

His Branches and Embracing Options have received a $1000 grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation through the intercession of Dr. Andrew Doniger and his staff at the Monroe County Health Department to fund a pilot project offering EO clients free urine testing for the two most common STDs, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Jessica Speares, our Rochester Youth Year worker, has been studying the issue and planning with Dr. Morehouse and Sandi Clawson for nearly a year, developing protocols and teaching materials and training volunteers. The pilot project will start next week and end with a full analysis of the results after 50 tests (at $20 a test) have been done. Those clients who test positive will be offered follow up clinical services through Grace Family Medicine. We're trusting that the results of our initial project will demonstrate the need and justify the allocation of further funds to continue. Please pray that our counselors, using this additional testing tool, will be able to reach more and more at-risk individuals with our message of hope, healing, and life.

Spring MD Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:01:00 +0000

The MCCF Spring MD Breakfast will be held on Saturday morning, April 26, from 9-11 am at the Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue.

Drs. Dave and Mary Kay Ness will be back from Oaxaca Mexico to share with us about their commitment and recent missions experiences serving in Roca Blanca. For more background information about the ministry they've become involved in, check out their website and then come to hear an up-to-date report!

Please mark your calendars and RSVP using our Response page. Be sure to note our new location (click here for Directions to the Academy of Medicine).

RISEGO Grand Opening!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:22:00 +0000

GMC Open House on 2/2

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, February 2nd from Noon to 4 pm we'll be holding an Open House at the Gerhardt Ministry Center (906-918 N. Goodman St. next door to Joy Community Church). Our satellite medical office (Joy Family Medicine) and crisis pregnancy care center (Embracing Options) will be open as well as a food pantry (the Hope Shop) next door. Staff will be there to show you the facilities and answer any questions you may have. Refreshments will be served. Come and bring your friends and neighbors!

SOHL Day of Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Embracing Options will be hosting its 2nd Annual SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life) Day of Prayer on Friday, January 18th, from noon to 5 pm in our conference room at 350 Arnett Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14619. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided.

Invited: All Pro-Lifers in the Rochester area who either stand on the front lines daily against abortion or if you have a heart for the sanctity of human life. We ask Pastors to come pray with and over us to bless us for the upcoming year of this battle against abortion and its ravages on our community. Contact Sandi Clawson at: (525) 235-0690 if you'd like to attend or share a brief message of encouragement for all the staff and volunteers in the local pro-life community.

Winter Missions Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Please set aside the date and sign up now for our Winter Missions Breakfast coming up on Saturday, January 19th, from 9-11 am at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue. We're going to have a smorgasbord of local speakers (including 2 URMC residents and one faculty member) who'll be talking about missions experiences and opportunities from Honduras to Iraq, by way of Uganda and Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, so don't miss this one!

Please mark your calendars and RSVP using our Response page. Be sure to note change of location (click here for Directions to the Academy of Medicine).

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:54:00 +0000

Merry Christmas
from the Morehouses!

As time goes by we are more and more grateful for our family and friends, our health, the Life we have in Christ, and our spiritual family at Joy Community Church. We’d love to hear from you and spend more time together! In the meantime, click here to read our annual letter to friends and family and check out some of our candid pictures.

Christmas Caroling!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:18:00 +0000

Christmas Caroling in the Park

Join us on Tuesday, December 18th from 6:30-7:30 pm
at the corner of Arnett and Wellington.

All are welcome! Bring flashlights or candles. Hot cocoa provided.

RISEGO Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:11:00 +0000

I am writing to invite you to either Open House event on Friday, December 7, 2007 or Friday, December 14, 2007. The events will allow our special friends to tour the Social Entrepreneurship Center before we open it up to the general public later this month.

You have been instrumental in helping RISEGO achieve this milestone. We also had a great deal of help from youth and volunteers (some pictured above) that have devoted their weekends to help complete the development project. The specific event information is as follows:

Date: December 7, 2007 or December 14, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: 336 Arnett Blvd., Rochester, NY

We look forward to seeing you on December 7th or 14th. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

David Dey
President & CEO, RISEGO, Inc.

DREAM GIRLS Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:16:00 +0000

EMBRACING OPTIONS presents our 1st "DREAM GIRLS" Christmas Party to be held here at 342 Arnett Boulevard on Sunday December 16th from 2 to 4 pm.

GIRLS ONLY, ages 13-18. Dessert and hot beverages provided on beautiful Tea Cup sets. Bring a friend and both will receive a Christmas gift. Call Jess to hold your place - space is limited - (585) 355-1317.

NEEDED for the event: Mature Christian women to come along side these young girls to love on them and show the love of Christ to our young girls in the neighborhood. Donation of home made desserts and/or Christmas cookies. For more information, contact Sandi Clawson at (585) 235-0690.

News from Jerusalem

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:07:00 +0000

Beverley Timgren writes from Jerusalem:

I returned to Israel early November and am settling back into life here. I kept in touch with my staff dentist and was able to keep the dental service going as usual in my absence. Besides our Lebanese patients, I was also contacted by a local congregation to ask if we could offer dental care to several Sudanese refugee families they were helping and of course I was happy to help them too. Since returning I've visited a number of Lebanese families, including family members of the Lebanese family I have been helping to resettle in Canada who were very happy to have a first hand report from me. Next week, I'll take dental equipment and supplies to a new project in the Bethlehem area.

Personally, although I know I still have work here, I also know the Lord planned for me to be available to help my youngest sister in her fight with cancer and I seek guidance as to how to use my time over the next months. Linda is starting radiation treatment today over the next two weeks. Chemotherapy will follow starting sometime in January or February. Please keep her in prayer as she undergoes treatment. We are praying for healing, that she will come through all of this cancer free.

While in Canada I explored new ministry opportunities and found a training course for ESL that would give me a certificate from Cambridge University that is widely recognized throughout the world. I also found opportunities for ministry among new immigrants and refugees. 2008 will be my 25th year of ministry in the Middle East (Lebanon and Israel). As I shared with you during my last visit to Rochester, I believe the Lord is preparing me for changes, but I'm praying for guidance as to what and when.

I missed seeing all of you this year, but I hope to visit again sometime next year. Until then, I appreciate your friendship and your faithful support in prayer.

Click here to read Beverley's 2007 Holiday newsletter.

Stephen Series Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:36:00 +0000

On October 13, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY will host a Stephen Series Caring Ministry Workshop from 8:30 am, to 1:00p.m., which will feature three sessions highlighting Stephen Ministry.

Is your congregation committed to lay ministry and caring ministry? Would 10 or 20 trained caregivers make a difference at your church? Experience a sample of the training Stephen Ministers receive, such as “Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief” and “How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way.” Learn why more than 9,000 congregations representing more than 100 Christian denominations use the Stephen Series for training and organizing laypeople to do one-to-one caring ministry.

The cost of this workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. Put together a group from your congregation to attend this outstanding workshop. For more information or to register for this half-day Caring Ministry Workshop, call Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600 or click here to register online.

Praying for Jerusalem

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:32:00 +0000

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM

The International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, instituted with the endorsement of hundreds of Christian leaders from around the world, representing tens of millions of Christians, will be held annually on the first Sunday of every October, until the coming of Messiah. Our call is for sustained, fervent, informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people. This global grassroots prayer initiative coincides with the season of Yom Kippur, and for the first time in Church history, makes an effort at linking the Christian liturgical calendar with the Biblical, Jewish calendar.

On October 7th, this coming Sunday, thousands of worshipers from around the world will be lifting up their voices in prayer on behalf of Israel as they pray for the Peace of Jerusalem according to the scriptural mandate given in Psalm 122: 6–9: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Would you consider taking a few minutes during your Sunday morning service to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and all its inhabitants? For further information, please contact Diane Beaudoin, Rochester Coordinator for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Embracing Options Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:11:00 +0000

Embracing Options of His Branches, Inc.

cordially extends an invitation to our
first Annual Fundraising Banquet

Please join us for an evening
of food, fellowship and
celebration of our Lord's guidance
and provision over the past year.

Thursday evening, October 11th, 2007 at

New Life Fellowship
330 Wellington Avenue
Rochester, NY 14619

Dinner & program with special guest speaker:

Pastor Mark Mills
from Glory to Glory Fellowship

from 6:00 pm 'til 8:00 pm

Tickets are $35. RSVP by October 6th
to Sandi Clawson

Entrepreneurship Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:32:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 10th from 3-5 pm His Branches will host a workshop sponsored by Rochester Youth Year and led by Bob Tobin, Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the University of Rochester’s Center for Entrepreneurship, titled “An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship.” We've been chosen as hosts through Jessica Speares, our full-time RYY worker.

As Bob describes it:
“A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change. Whereas business entrepreneurs typically measure performance in profit and return, social entrepreneurs assess their success in terms of the impact they have on society.”

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Click here to view a program flyer. For registration or more information contact Sam Nichols, RYY Program Coordinator at (585) 275-5957.

19th Ward House Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:15:00 +0000

The 19th Ward Community Association's thirty-second House Tour will take place on Saturday, October 6 from noon to 5 pm. This year's Tour will feature seven fabulous houses, including the home of Dr. Bill and Susan Morehouse, St. Monica's School, and the Pioneer Cemetery. As usual, the tour will highlight diverse architectural styles and decors. Gracious homeowners include singles, families and extended families, all eager to share their love of their homes and the neighborhood. Tickets cost $10 with a $2/ticket discount for Association members purchasing tickets at the Association office. Tickets are also available (at full price) at Hunt's Hardware, The Creator's Hands, Parkleigh, and at all Wegman's locations (Wegman's sells vouchers which must be redeemed for a ticket book at the Office on or before the tour).

Discussions with tour-goers in prior years reveals several reasons people take our tour - curiosity about the "old neighborhood" where they or their parents grew up, prospective homeowners interested in learning what it is like to live in the 19th Ward, and searching for decorating/renovating ideas.

Click here to read the description of the Morehouse's home published in the House Tour guide.

RYO Literacy Program

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 16:55:00 +0000

Rochester Youth Outreach is co-sponsoring a Children's Literacy Program with the Arnett Branch Library this fall on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, starting on September 25th. Under the supervision of RYO's Jessica Speares and Gabe Pelligrino from the Library, volunteers from Roberts Wesleyan College and Elim Bible Institute will be working with 4-8 year old kids whose parents have signed them up.

The program will offer enrolled children a safe place to go after school, a confidence builder in academics, nutritious snacks, and parental involvement.

Click here to view a flyer and here to download an application form.

Cut the Violence Event

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:34:00 +0000

Willie J. Lightfoot, County Legislator and member of our Board, will be hosting another "Cut the Violence Initiative" event on Monday, September 17th from 4-7 pm at the Jefferson Avenue Childhood Development Center, 793 Jefferson Avenue. From 3-4 pm a special community forum will be held to talk about the recent rash of violence in the neighborhood. Community agencies, including Embracing Options and Rochester Youth Outreach, will have information booths, and youth will be offered free haircuts at New Creations Unisex Barbershop, 649 Jefferson Avenue.

Willie has this to say about the project:
I have partnered with Councilman Adam McFadden and his “Thou Shall Not Kill” campaign to create the “Cut The Violence Initiative,” which brings local service agencies, and professional barbers together to combat the violence with our youth. We have successfully held many “Cut the Violence” events at different locations throughout the City, providing free haircuts and assisting over 400 families. We know that violence is not just in the 27th district but plagues our entire community. I am committed to linking community service agencies with over 160 local professional barbershops and beauticians who are willing to offer their shops as informational centers and safe havens for young people.

Click here to read more about Willie's role in the community as a professional barber. Contact WJL office @ 753-1940 for more information.

Leo Holmsten Award

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 01:16:00 +0000

This year's Leo Holmsten Human Life Award will be presented to Jann Armantrout at at gala community banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main St., Rochester on Friday evening, September 21, 2007. Jann is Life Issues Coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, co-founder and Vice President of Adult Stem Cell Initiative, Inc., and a frequent speaker-debater-writer on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. His Branches will be having a table and hosting an exhibit with Embracing Options. Want to join us at this wonderful event? Just contact Elaine at 235-9000 to reserve a seat at our table!

Schedule:
6:00 pm - Reception & Co-Sponsor Exhibits
6:45 pm - Dinner (very elegant)
COST: $40/person — Tables of 8
Please RSVP by September 12

For more information
Click here for a flyer.
Phone: Diann (585/381-5605) or Cathy (585/381-4927)
Web: www.lhhl.org
E-mail: dhayes13@rochester.rr.com

Fall MD Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:45:00 +0000

The next MCCF Breakfast will be held on Saturday morning, September 29th, from 9-11 am at the Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue. Dr. David Holmes, President of the Western NY chapter of CMDA, will be coming with a team from Buffalo to address the topic "To the Least of These." David has been instrumental in advocating for improved medical care for the underserved in his community, most recently through the establishment of the Good Neighbors Health Care center.

Please mark your calendars and RSVP using our Response page. Be sure to note change of location (click here for Directions to the Academy of Medicine).

EO reaches out to NE

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:40:00 +0000

Plans are well underway for Embracing Options to open a new office in Rochester's NE side! For over a year, EO has been forging a strategic alliance with Joy Community Church with committed volunteers, training, and fund-raising. Now a full office suite has been set aside in the new Gerhardt Ministry Center (GMC) on the corner of Bay and Goodman Streets for a second EO office. The hitch? The space needs major renovations. Thursday evening and Saturday work sessions are being organized to rehab the facility. The new satellite's director, Kirsten Smith, hopes to begin offering services to the NE community early this fall, working in close conjuction with staff in the GMC Hope Shop and Ali Reeves, PA, in our new medical office when they open downstairs. Troublingly high rates of abortion and sexually-transmitted illnesses indicate that the need is great. If you would like to help, please contact Sandi Clawson at 235-0690.

Block Party a Big Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Bill) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:16:00 +0000

This year's Arnett Block Party is going to go down in neighborhood history as one of the most successful community events in years! Hundreds turned out on a wonderfully sunny, dry, warm Saturday to enjoy music, free food, face painting, rap artist Cuevo, helium balloons, spectacular entertainment, educational booths, Gabe Pelligrino reading stories reading, free horse rides, Happy the clown, and a juggling act put on by Wes and Jeff Peden that had us gasping with delight.

With two blocks of Arnett Blvd. officially closed off, RPD had its van there, along with an ambulance from Rural-Metro and a Fire Truck, all for kids to climb up in and meet their crews. As the afternoon was drawing to a close, the New Life Fellowship flag team led us in a procession down the Boulevard to our newly renovated neighborhood park, the Arnett Bird & Butterfly Garden, for a Gospel concert and ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony.

Monroe County Legislator Willie Lightfoot served as MC, assisted in the park dedication by State Senator Joe Robach and Commissioner of Parks Charles Reeves.

Click here to view a slide show of the festivities (previews below). Thanks to everyone who helped make our day so successful. You're what it's all about! Please stay tuned for opportunities to team up with the Arnett Block Association in making our neighborhood a place we can all proudly call home. And of course we'll need help planning next year's Block Party!