This Weekend
"Cherished by Earth"
Rev. Joel Miller, Preaching

Saturday, April 22, 2017
4:30pm Music by Orange Sky

Sunday, April 23, 2017
9:30am Music by Zachary Zwahlen
11:15am  Music by Zachary Zwahlen and
the First Unitarian Choir

This week, our Plate collection will help support

Next Weekend : 
Rev. Tina Simson, Preaching
Joys & Sorrows
Let Us Keep You In Our Thoughts and Prayers
If you have a joy or concern to share, please contact Rev. Tina Simson at tsimson@rochesterunitarian.org or 585-271-9070 x104 for inclusion in our newsletter.
Events Calendar
Our new Events Calendar is now live! Click here to view it.
Board Notes
Growing Things
After accepting the March minutes and treasurers report, the treasurer indicated that income and expenditures are meeting the appropriate 75% benchmark. The Board's vote (April 3, 2017 email) recommending a single flexible roof funding proposal to the congregation and the affirmative congregational vote funding the roof replacement (April 9, 2017) were entered into the minutes. There was a reminder that General Assembly is in New Orleans June 21-25, 2017 and it is a presidential election year.
 
Rev. Joel's minister's report highlighted the formation of a Personnel Team:  Tom Wetherell, Chair; Tim Farnum, Board of Trustees; and Kim Joy, staff.  A new Worship Team will be led by Roberta Buckle. Rev. Joel is reviewing insurances covering church assets.  Our attorney suggested increasing the building insurance.  To read more, click here .
Together We Thrive
Good news! We are making steady progress toward meeting our Pledge Drive Goal of $834,000. With 117 pledges received, we have reached $339,290, and $45,022 in matching funds. The match is very important; remember, each dollar of increase in your pledge will be matched by an anonymous, generous donor. To watch our progress, check out the weekly "Together We Thrive" reports posted on the kiosk in the Lobby. Let's keep the momentum going. When contacted by a volunteer Steward, please make your pledge through them and share your thoughts about our church. There are now two easy additional ways to pledge.  Beginning Saturday, April 22, after each service, through Sunday, May 21, there will be Pledging Tables where you can make your pledge. Pledging can also be done on our church website at www.rochesterunitarian.org. C lick on "Giving" and an easy-to-use form will pop up.  Be sure you've seen our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) information sheet available at the kiosk in the Lobby or by contacting an Annual Budget Drive (ABD) Committee member. Reaching our budget goal will show that "Together We Thrive!" It's not too late to volunteer your help with the drive. Just  contact one of our ABD Committee members: John Solberg and Paul Suwijn, co-chairs; Sue Ames, John Farrell, Cynthia Looney, Louise Paulsen.
Roof Communication Team Report
The roof repair project is progressing and several important milestones have been achieved since the Roof Communication Team's last report. On April 9, a congregational meeting was held after the 11:15am service. At that meeting, the finance plan proposed by the Board of Trustees was presented and questions on the status of the roof project were answered in an open forum. At the end of the meeting, the question was called and the congregation unanimously approved the financing plan proposed by the Board of Trustees. To read more, click here .
Happening in the Week Ahead
Together, Sharing & Inspiring
The art exhibit, Together, Sharing & Inspiring, by Gail Rivera and Colleen Kunz, is now in the Williams Gallery until Thursday, June 8. Gail Rivera begins by focusing on creative energy and uses color, texture, and design to create abstract acrylic paintings or collages. Colleen Kunz usually starts with an image and then plays with acrylic paint or clay to develop her ideas into paintings or ceramic pieces. They nourish their creative instincts by sometimes working together, or discussing their process, and then helping each other decide when the art is finished. Both feel collaborating this way gives them renewed energy and increased confidence. Exhibit opening reception is Friday, May 5, 5:00-8:00pm.
Spring Greetings from LabyrinthQuest!
This month, LabyrinthQuest will be at our church this Thursday, April 20, 7:00-9:00pm with healing practitioners, live music, and the Healing Boutique. Click here for more for details. 
Earth Day Share Out!
Serve others by sharing your environmental practices.  Simply use the sticky notes provided in our Lobby, write down your environmental practice and your name, and stick it on the giant Lobby blackboard within one of the categories listed.   By Earth Day Weekend, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, we will have built a collective resource in each other for encouraging deeper environmental justice engagement, with fellow UU's who can lend the know-how to get started, share tips, or take the next step.  This event is sponsored by the Environmental Climate Task Force (Adult) and the UU Environmental and Animal Team (K-5).
Environmental Climate Task Force
On Earth Weekend, the Environmental Climate Task Force encourages you to get more involved by stopping at their letter writing table after services.  Consider signing a letter asking New York State to divest its retirement funds from fossil fuels. Currently, the pension fund invests nearly $10 billion in fossil fuel companies, which are driving climate destruction such as Superstorm Sandy that devastated New York City. You can also sign a postcard expressing concern over oil trains passing through our neighborhoods, asking that oil trains have adequate insurance to cover the liability of a catastrophic accident.
Bookstore Open This Sunday
Is your stockpile of reading material dwindling because you whittled it down over our long, cold winter? Replenish your summer reading supply by visiting your bookstore during Sunday services this weekend. The bookstore will be open this Sunday, April 23, 9:00am-1:00pm. As always, we have a variety of new titles and all books are discounted at least 20% off list price. There are a variety of donated new books at discounts of at least 50% off list price. Stop in and check out some great books for spring and summer, chat with other congregants and the bookstore volunteers, and support our church community.
Holocaust Remembrance Day and a Unitarian Story
In the spirit of friendship and fellowship, Temple B'rith Kodesh (2131 Elmwood Ave 14618) has invited our church members and friends to their Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) observance next Friday, April 28, 6:00pm. This event is co-organized by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) at our church. There will be a brief Shabbat service followed by a light supper and screening of Defying the Nazis: The Sharp's War, a film about a Unitarian minister and his wife who went to Europe to help refugees fleeing the Nazis. During the next few years, they and other Unitarians helped refugees find sanctuary and brought many children to safety in the United States. Their story has been told in a film by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, the Sharp's grandson, that aired on PBS last fall. RSVP required by Monday, April 24, to Jack Maniloff at jack_maniloff@urmc.rochester.edu or 585-442-4451.
Upcoming Events & News
Congratulations to Rev. Carlos!
Mazel tov! Rev. Carlos has accepted the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation's (Seattle, WA) invitation to participate in its candidating week for the position as their next settled minister. Candidating is the final stage in a congregation calling its next settled minister. At the conclusion of the week the congregation is asked for its affirmative vote. If successful, Rev. Carlos would be the second settled minister in the congregation's 54 year history. This invitation comes after a long process which included extensive interviews, reference checks, a pre-candidating week with extensive meetings with the search committee, lunches, dinners, conversations, tours of Seattle and environs, preaching at a neutral pulpit and many invitations to drink coffee.  Rev. Carlos was selected as WSUU's candidate among four finalists in a field of 26 applicants.  Westside is a 228 member strong congregation in a thriving and vibrant neighborhood of Seattle. Since 2002 the congregation has experienced tremendous expansion. Named a breakthrough congregation in 2011, Westside is poised for its next phase of growth in which they expect Rev. Carlos to contribute significantly to their ongoing success. Many thanks to Chris Farnum, John Farrell and Tom Perry (Committee on Fellowship Renewal) and Rev. Joel for their support.We wish Rev. Carlos the best of luck during his upcoming candidating week in Seattle. 
Healing Circles
Listening to one another is a primary task of interim time, so we learn to trust each other again as we prepare to call a new minister to our community. Our Reference Team, through their work with the congregation and Dr. Brubaker, recommended these circles. It is the important work of each of us as a member of the congregation. The Listening Healing Circles are scheduled through May. Please follow  this link  and sign up for a session. Those who are uncomfortable signing up online, please call Rev. Tina at 585-271-9070 x104. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Tina at  tsimson@rochesterunitarian.org .
Food Cupboard Reminder
"Listen, Open, Serve" every day is what we say at our church.  Let's remember to serve by contributing food to the basket in the Lobby. Donations go to the Brighton Food Cupboard for distribution to the less fortunate in this community. Cans, unopened packages, non-perishable foods are welcome. Our contact person is Alison Wilder and she can be reached at awilder@frontiernet.net or 585-342-2459.
Compassion and Justice 2017
Interfaith Impact of NYS (IINYS) is the Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network for New York. Monday, May 1, is the annual legislative advocacy day for IINYS. Please consider coming with us and talking to legislative leaders about three vital issues: moving NYS to single payer healthcare (NY Health Act); a responsible NYS climate change response (Community and Climate Protection Act); and, HALTing overuse of solitary confinement. Participation is free thanks to the Gilbert Spirit Fund. For details, click here.  To arrange for transportation, contact John Keevert at  jkeev@frontiernet.net . 
Contemplative Photography
Do you have a camera on your phone? Spring is such a wonderful time to behold nature's abundance. Instead of taking pictures, we will explore receiving pictures as a contemplative practice. This can help you slow down and delight in the holy moments all around you. This five-part series will include short weekly contemplative photo assignments, based on themes, and time together as a group sharing your photos and reflections. The less you know about photography, the better! Our attitude (it is Spring after all!) will be playful and light. The group will meet Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 6:30-7:30 pm. Please commit to attend four of the five evenings. You must have access to email. This group is led by Rev. Joy Collins. For questions, or to register, contact Rev. Joy at 585-749-0695 or  joy@revjoycollins.com. There is no charge. All are welcome to come and discover the magic of Spring!
Wednesday AM Book Club
The next meeting of the Wednesday AM Book Club is Thursday, May 4, 11:00am. The book for discussion is Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance. All are welcome. For more information, email John Swartz at johnswartz@yahoo.com.
r/Evolution:  A Celebration of Organ and Dance
Join us on Sunday, May 7, 3:00pm, for this unique concert showcasing our organ, sponsored by the Edward T. Schell III Crescendo Fund. The concert features Zachary Zwahlen on organ, and dancers under the direction of Al lison Bohman, a choreographer, educator and dance artist based out of Rochester, New York.  No tickets needed, free will donations are accepted and will benefit the Crescendo Fund.  A reception will follow the concert.
Currents
Currents is a group that meets monthly to explore in-depth topical issues, selected by the group. All are welcome to attend as many or as few discussions as you like.  The moderator for May is Gary Pudup and the next meeting is Wednesday, May 10, 12:15pm. T o be included on the email distribution list, and receive articles on the topic prior to the meeting, email Dave McLaughlin at davebcctf@hotmail.com with "Currents" on the subject line.
UU's Reading Non-Fiction
In May, we'll be reading about aspects of war that are rarely mentioned or even contemplated. Mary Roach, the author of the books Gulp, Spook, and Bonk, has now given us Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War, in which she explores the way soldiers cope with the side of war that includes gastrointestinal distress, uniform fabric, heat exhaustion, and sometimes sheer panic. All are welcome to join us when we discuss this book on Wednesday, May 10, 7:00-8:30pm. For questions, contact Audrey Perry at auperry066@gmail.com or 585-244-4013.
Aging Gratefully - Our Next Meeting and Topic 
Aging Gratefully, a discussion group open to everyone age 60 and over, meets to discuss a topic related to aging. The next meeting is Thursday, May 11, 1:30-3:00pm and the topic is "Remembering a Place which is Important to Us." For more information, contact Garry Mount at gmount@frontiernet.net.
Recycled Plant Sale
Spring weather has really arrived, so you are reminded again to check your garden for plants that have overtaken available space, or are otherwise candidates to bring to our church for the rest of us to buy on Mother's Day weekend, Saturday, May 13, 4:00-6:00pm and Sunday, May 14, 9:30am-1:00pm. Proceeds will benefit our church grounds. For further information, to offer plants or to volunteer, contact Nancy Koch at nkoch@rochester.rr.com or 585-662-5537, or Alison Wilder at awilder@frontiernet.net or 585-342-2459.
Next Starting Point Class
Register Now! Starting Point provides an enjoyable exploration of our church, Unitarian Universalism, and how we join together in community to deepen our understanding of ourselves and Unitarian Universalism. The next class will be held on Saturday, June 3, 9:30am-2:00pm. To express your interest, contact Rev. Carlos at  connections@rochesterunitarian.org , with "June Starting Point" in the subject line.
UUA Vote 2017
A live streaming forum of the three candidates for President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was presented at the recent annual St. Lawrence gathering. Each answered a series of questions regarding their views. For more information on the candidates,  click here. To learn about being a delegate and voting, click here. More information will be forthcoming.
Environmental Climate Task Force Green Tip of the Week
Get ready for all the fresh produce coming from local markets and our gardens. From the New York League of Conservation Voters, here are some innovative and natural tips to keep it fresh as long as possible.  Cucumbers last longer when stored at room temperature; do not refrigerate.  Keep carrots crisp by standing them in water after cutting off the leafy green tops.  Potatoes can be kept from sprouting by storing them with apples, but not in the refrigerator.  Herbs and leafy greens will last longer when stored in water, just like a bouquet.  Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair, Recycle.
Pledge Payment Options
You have options in the way your pledge payments are processed.  Some choose to send a check directly to our church. Another good alternative is automatic ACH contributions from your checking account, which is the easiest way for our Church Office to receive pledge contributions. They are easy to set up and they save our church credit card fees. Your monthly contributions would come out of your account on the 15th of each month. If you're interested, please contact Al Gundlach at 585-271-9070 x103 or agundlach@rochesterunitarian.org.
Get Connected!
Church Website :  www.rochesterunitarian.org.

Church Office:   585-271-9070 (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm) 

Want to learn more or thinking about Membership?  Email Rev. Carlos R. Martinez at cmartinez@rochesterunitarian.org.

Newsletter submissions:  Send to  announcements@rochesterunitarian.org .
Next deadline is Tuesday, April 25 at 10:00am. 

Order of Service or Screen announcement submissions:   Send to  announcements@rochesterunitarian.org.    Next deadline is Thursday, April 27, at 1:00pm.

Building usage requests:  Email  office@rochesterunitarian.org .  

For Emergency Pastoral Care:   585-330-9177
  
Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.