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SOHL Day of Prayer

2012-01-13T07:02:00.001-08:00

Sunday, Jan. 22nd is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHL). Embracing Options is offering FREE bulletin inserts for your congregation. Please click here to read our SOLS Invitation. It contains a letter for your pastor, document "What is SOHL Sunday?" and an order form to order them to share with your church family. Please contact our office at (585) 235-0690 and let us know how many FREE inserts you want for your congregation.

7th Annual SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life) Day of Prayer, Friday January 20th from 12:30 to 4:30 pm (3:45 p.m. we will be a Memorial Service held for the little ones lost to abortion) at Embracing Options, 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 Althea Pitts-Swails at (585) 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.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the Morehouses!

We deeply appreciate all your support and look forward to serving together with you in the coming year.

Click here to read our holiday letter.

SOHL Commemoration Events

2010-12-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Jan. 23rd is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHL). Embracing Options is offering FREE bulletin inserts for your congregation. Please see the attached file. It contains a letter for your pastor, document "What is SOHL Sunday?" and an order form to order them to share with your church family. Please contact our office at (585) 235-0690 and let us know how many FREE inserts you want for your congregation.

6th Annual SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life) Day of Prayer, Friday January 21st from Noon to 5 pm (4 p.m. will be a Memorial Service held for the dear little ones lost to abortion) at Embracing Options, 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 (585) 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.

Webster Center Opens!

2010-04-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

By: Nicole Friberg, Webster Center Director

What is Embracing Options? We are a Christ-centered Crisis Pregnancy Center. We address the needs of individual women by sharing the Gospel and empowering them to make positive life-affirming choices. Embracing Options is a Care Net affiliate. Care Net is a national network of 1,180 pregnancy centers that provide free support to pregnant women.

The United Methodist Church of Webster Outreach House Embracing Options committee consists of Ray and Laurie Dutcher, Dave and Bobbi Olson, Pastor Lee, and Nicole Friberg. We have been meeting, working and praying on this for a little over a year.

At Embracing Options, we offer free pregnancy tests, on-going peer counseling and friendship, referrals for medical care, referrals for legal assistance or other needed community services, referrals for adoption or foster care, post-abortion counseling (PACE), and referrals to a church.

Embracing Options is a para-church ministry. Everything we do for our client, we do to point her in the way of God and His love. We show her that she has potential, because she is created in the image of God. We give her a Bible to have for her own. When hurting women encounter Jesus Christ in the midst of their crisis, their lives are forever changed.

I am excited to say that our opening date was March 29th. Our hours of operation are Mondays from noon - 5 pm and Thursdays from 10 am - 2:00 pm.

I cannot speak for everyone who is on the committee, but I can tell you why I feel the calling to be involved in this. As some of you may know, our three children are all adopted. If their birth mothers had not chosen life, we would not have them here with us today. We thank God every day that they chose life, so we could be so blessed with these three amazing children.

To be Pro Life does not just mean we are against abortion. To be Pro Life means we honor, respect, and love all of God's creations from conception to death.

You may be asking yourselves, what can I, as a member of our congregation, do to help?

There are many ways you can help. We are looking for volunteers to peer counsel (requires 16 hours of Care Net training, provided by us). We are also looking for volunteers to join on our electronic prayer team (we need prayers for our volunteers, director, committee, and our clients). If you feel God is calling you to any of these, please contact Nicole at 585-545-4690.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jer.1:5

EO and Grace Family Medicine

2009-12-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

Dr. Morehouse with mom and new arrival!

Many of you know that Sandi and others at EO are busy quietly meeting with young women in crisis (over 200 this year), offering pregnancy tests, counseling regarding abstinence and STDs, and helping the girls find pro-life solutions to their dilemmas. These are complex problems in lives that are mixed up and sometimes appear hopeless. Many come to Christ as the gospel is shared and their lives turn around. What you may not be aware of is that often these girls find a safe place for prenatal care at Grace Family Medicine where Dr. Morehouse goes on to deliver their rescued babies. The young women continue to bring their new children for care at our office. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to continue the care and discipling that was begun upstairs at Embracing Options. What an amazing collaborative effort in His Kingdom! Isn’t God good? We need your help to keep this effort going!

Hidden Pain

2009-09-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Politics suppresses the problems of many post-abortive women

Her tears spilled from her cheeks as she told me the story of her abortion, some 11 years earlier. “Last fall, my husband put his arms around me from the back and whispered in my ear, ‘Our baby would have been 10 years old today,’ and we both cried,” she said as more tears came.

She was in for her first prenatal visit, excited about having her third child. As part of her obstetric history, I asked her about other pregnancies. She happily told of her two term pregnancies. But then I asked if she had experienced any miscarriages or abortions. I learned early in my career that woman generally don't mention abortions unless specifically asked. “Oh, yes, one abortion,” she said. Then I asked an open-ended question, the question that generated all the tears, simply, “How do you feel about that?”

“Oh, terrible. It's the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life,” she said. I've heard many other women use that exact phrase.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Anderson in this month's issue of WORLD Magazine. Embracing Option's PACE program offers full support and healing counsel for women who have suffered the after-effects abortion.

Webster Methodist Partnership

2009-07-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Raymond Dutcher, Pastor Lee Carlson and Dr. William Morehouse

Last Sunday, Dr. Bill was invited to the Webster United Methodist "Praise in the Park" worship service. The congregations of, The First UMC of West Webster, North Ontario UMC, UMC of Webster, Union Hill UMC and Walworth UMC, came together to worship the Lord out at Casey Park in Ontario, NY. There were over 100 people gathered under two large tents, followed by a delicious pot-blessing picnic luncheon.

It was a beautiful sunny day in the park. The worship team and choir were just awesome! The joy of the Lord was truly present while everyone joined in worship and prayer with united hearts to give the praise and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. A pastor or church elder from each church took part in the service. The theme of the day was from John 15:1-8 about the vine and the branches. Pastor Glen Hardman's message was titled "What Kind of Plant Are You?" His closing statement was that many people see the branches before they ever see the Vine (our Lord Jesus). How fitting that Dr. Bill was asked to come and share the ministry of His Branches during their Ministry Moment of the service.

Ray Dutcher opened in prayer and announced that the loose offering was being donated to the work of His Branches. Dr. Bill then shared briefly about his 30 years in the city and how honored he is to see his vision spread into the surrounding suburbs. He was called to the city of Rochester to serve the underserved and share the love of Christ. His Branches has many ways of doing so through medical care, counseling, and pregnancy help with Embracing Options and is looking forward to partnering with the East side folks at the UMC of Webster who are praying to open an Embracing Options satellite within the next year in their Ministry Outreach House. Dr. Bill thanked the gathering for their generous donations and closed in prayer with thanksgiving.

Reported by Sandi Clawson

Volunteer Training Opportunity

2009-07-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Care Net Volunteer Training Sessions

WHERE:

EO @ HBI, 342 Arnett Blvd, Rochester, NY 14619
EO @ GNOC, 916 N Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14609

WHEN:

Thursday, July 23rd @ HBI, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, July 25th @ GNOC, 8 am – 1 pm
Thursday, July 30th @ HBI, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, Aug. 8th @ GNOC, 8 am – 1 pm

** MUST COMPLETE ALL 4 TRAINING SESSIONS !! **

Please bring your Bible to all the training sessions because we will be using them throughout the classes.
A coffee break will be provided mid way through each class. You may want to bring a lunch/dinner to eat during that time.
Suggested donation of $25.00 for training materials. If for any reason the donation will be a burden for you financially please contact one of our offices for scholarship. Thank you!

Click here for an application form. If you have any questions please call either Sandi Clawson Clawson at (585) 235-0690 or Kirsten Smith at (315) 524-8508. Thank you!

A Pro-life Majority

2009-05-16T03:45:00.000-07:00

Focus on Volunteers!

2009-05-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Embracing Options would like to take this opportunity to highlight and thank the people who are the heart and soul, and the hands and feet of the organization. Without them, this ministry could not exist. Their duty and dedication in assisting young women and men through life crises cannot be measured. Who are these amazing heroes? Our volunteers!

Click here to read the special volunteer issue of our Spring Newsletter, Choices for Life, Volume 1, Issue 2.

URGENT PRAYER !!!

2009-04-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Please stand with us now as Chris counsels a VERY abortion minded woman right now... We'll keep you posted, Sandi

"Be still & know that I am God" psalm 46:10
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sandi Clawson, director
EMBRACING OPTIONS / www.embracingoptions.org
342 Arnett Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14619
(585) 235-0690 / 24 hour hot-line

Open House!

2009-03-17T06:36:00.001-07:00

update on D-19 & Aunt "T"

2009-01-30T14:40:00.001-08:00

Warriors,

At the beginning of the week, D-19 (pinky swear girl) came in & tested positive for pregnancy. She aborted back in 2007 under pressure from her mom. Today she came in & met with one of our partner agencies to plug into their program in helping her continue on her college path while having a child. It's encourageing because when she left the other day I had a aweful feeling in my gut that she may abort again. Praise God she took a baby gift today, a book "what to expect while expecting" and plans to tell her mother on Sunday. Please keep her in your prayers and also that her mother's heart be softened into accepting she is choosing life for herself and her child.

Also, I ran into Aunt T the other evening downstairs and she was happy to report everybody is well. When I peeked into the room I saw that one of the girls was with her and I asked "O-10" how her Christmas was & she said it was the "BEST EVER!" while jumping up & down. I asked what she thought of the delivery truck showing up to deliver that brand new dining room set and she beamed. They've been having dinner together at it every night. Praise God! The little things we all take for granted and goes to show that our kids really just want our time. I praise God for the opportunity to see His impact on this family and young ones. Thanks again to all of you who lifted this family in prayer and who were able to bless them with the material things they "wished" for. Anything is possible with God!!!

Thank you for holding all of this up in prayer.

God bless you, Sandi

"Be still & know that I am God" psalm 46:10
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sandi Clawson, director
EMBRACING OPTIONS / www.embracingoptions.org
342 Arnett Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14619
(585) 235-0690 / 24 hour hot-line

You're Invited!

2008-12-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

Sanctity of Human Life
Day of Prayer

Dear Prayer Warrior,

You are cordially invited to Embracing Options Annual Day of Prayer. January is Sanctity of Human Life (SOHL) month with Sunday the 18th as SOHL Day.

This is our 3rd annual day of prayer for the Sanctity of ALL human life. We invite all our co-laborers and Prayer Warriors in the Pro-Life movement to join us. The day consists of Pastors coming in to pray for us, over us, and charge us in the New Year.

When: Friday, January 16, 2009
Where: Embracing Options, 342 Arnett Blvd., Rochester 14619
Time: 12 pm ~ 4 pm

This will be an Open House so you may come
and go as your schedule allows.

Memorial Service following: Pastor David Clawson will lead a candlelight service to honor the babies that have been lost to abortion in the past years. This is open to all and begins at 4 pm.

We pray you would be able to join us. It is only with prayer that the staff and volunteers see lives changed and SAVED!

Thank you and God Bless,

Sandi Clawson, Kirsten Smith, the EO Board, staff and volunteers

Click here for a printable PDF flyer

EO to begin STD testing

2008-04-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

GMC Open House on 2/2

2008-01-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

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 second crisis pregnancy center and a new His Branches satellite medical office (Joy Family Medicine) 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

2007-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life) Day of Prayer, Friday January 18th from noon to 5 pm at Embracing Options, 342 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.

DREAM GIRLS Christmas Party

2007-12-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

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.

GMC Work Days

2007-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! Praise the Lord we are getting very close, and I thank you all for your patience as this project has gone on a bit longer than expected, but we are getting very close. The City Fire Marshall and Doyle Security will complete their work by December 15, so we should be able to open that next week. Praise God!

We have lots of small tasks left to do, as you can see by the attached list. If the Lord has blessed you with a little or a lot of time in this busy season, we would be blessed to have you join us for a work night or day.

We are located on the Southeast corner of Bay and Goodman. Park in back; go up the back stairs; and follow the deck to the door on at the end: we are inside to the left.

Work sessions: Thursday night November 29, 5:30 - 10:00 pm and Saturday December 1, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

John Gramlich (872-1085)

Click here for an update on the project!

Healing Choices

2007-10-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

An Abortion Recovery Retreat

Please get the word out. Browncroft Community Church is sponsoring a confidential, Bible-based weekend getaway for women who have experienced one or more abortions on January 11-13, 2008 where women can join with other women who understand their abortion pain. Cost: $25 includes Workbook, 2 nights lodging, and all meals. For more information, contact retreat leaders Karen Hunter at (585) 967-9151 or Susan Rebis at (585) 342-4127.

Come to Our Fall Banquet!

2007-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

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