This Weekend
"Beloved on Every Street"
Rev. Joel Miller, Preaching
Rev. Tina Simson, Co-Leading

Saturday, May 6, 2017
4:30pm Music by Orange Sky

Sunday, May 7, 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 :
 "A River Runs Through Us"
Rev. Joel Miller, Preaching
Joys & Sorrows
Let Us Keep You In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Please hold Rich and Gail Wilder in your hearts and prayers; Lilibeth Gucker, their loving daughter-in-law, passed away Saturday, April 29. A memorial service will be held at our church on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00amWe also hold John Rasor and his family in our hearts; his dear wife Esel died on Thursday, April 27 after a long illness. A memorial is planned for Friday, June 2 at 2:00pm at our church.  Our hearts are with long time member  Richard Anderson  for the loss of his wife, Maria Anderson, in December.  Rev. Joel will officiate a brief service and internment of ashes of Maria on  Saturday, June 10 at 1:00pm  in the Memorial Gardens of our church.  "To live in hearts that love is not to die." If you have a joy or concern to share, please contact Rev. Tina Simson at 585-271-9070 x104 or tsimson@rochesterunitarian.org  for inclusion in our newsletter.
Events Calendar
Our new Events Calendar is now live!  Click here to view it.
Together We Thrive
Pledge Drive Update from our Thrive Team
As before, we are gradually rolling towards our goal of $834K for next year's budget.  With 63% of members and friends yet to pledge, we have 42% of our dollar goal outstanding.  Thankfully, 37% of pledges are "in" and the dollar for dollar match is greatly helping too! Pledge tables in the church are staffed after every service for the next three weekends, so ask yourself, what's the benefit of waiting? or why am I putting it off? Meeting our goal or, in a worst case scenario, failing to do so, will impact our search capabilities for settled ministers when we field a Search Committee. Top quality ministerial candidates will carefully dissect our history, our building, our weather and yes, our financials to see if indeed we are a healthy congregation.  The easy math says 37% + 63% = THRIVE!  So let's prime the pump and get this done together! Questions? Your THRIVE TEAM of Paul Suwijn, John Solberg, Sue Ames, Cynthia Looney, Louise Paulsen and John Farrell are happy to have a conversation.

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.
Worship Theme Article:  Embodiment
What Does It Mean To Be A Community of Embodiment?

"I spend most time wondering if I should be somewhere else.  Instead, I'm learning to shape the words "thank you" with my first breath each morning.  My last breath each night.  So when the very last breath comes, at least I will know I was grateful for all the places I was so sure I was not supposed to be."

- Sarah Kay, Poet, from The Paradox

We spend so much time in disappointment. We worry we're missing out. We long for something better. Focused on how imperfect or incomplete our current situation is, we hunger for elsewhere. To read more, click here.

Minister's Column by Rev. Carlos R. Martinez
Dear Friends,
 
I have just returned from my Candidating Week in Seattle.  I learned a lot about myself and the congregation which was considering me as its candidate for its second settled minister in its 54 year history. The big learning was my readiness to serve a congregation with whom I fell in love on paper but had yet to meet.  My Candidating Week concluded without a call but with a deeper appreciation of the qualities necessary to serve a congregation of the size, culture, maturity and locale such as the one I met in Seattle. 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. The opening reception for this exhibit is this Friday, May 5, 5:00-8:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Bagels! Bagels! Bagels!
Stop in the Susan B. Anthony Lounge after services on Sunday, May 7 to enjoy fresh, warm bagels from the Bagel Bin, brought to you by our UU/Schools Partnership.
Bookstore Open This Sunday
The bookstore will be open this Sunday, May 7 (and on May 14 and 21).
It's a great chance to stock up on really good books for your summer reading. Most titles are offered at 20% off list price; some titles are discounted even more. And we have some donated new books that are discounted at 50% or more. So stop in after Sunday services and find that book you know you'll want to read over the long hot summer. Chat with the bookstore volunteers and other congregants and support your church.
Community Choice Aggregation
The Environmental Climate Task Force invites you to stop by Room 110 this Sunday, May 7 at 10:40am between services to learn about Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). This option for electric power offers the possibility that municipalities can procure long-term, lower, and fixed electric rates with a 100% renewable energy option. For more information, contact John Keevert at jkeev@frontiernet.net.
Uke Jam
Bring your ukulele and join our little group this Sunday, May 7, 12:45-2:45pm for an informal session of music making.  We play an eclectic variety of tunes, some of which will be selected from The Daily Ukulele by Liz and Jim Beloff.  Contact Dave Teegarden at beakertee@aol.com for more information.
r/Evolution:  A Celebration of Organ and Dance
Join us this  Sunday, May 7, 3:00pm, for this unique concert showcasing our organ, sponsored by the Edward T. Schell III Crescendo Fund. The concert features organist Zachary Zwahlen, 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.
Waking Up White
Our  Black Lives Matter/Youth Lives Matter Task Force   will be sponsoring a two-session workshop entitled "Waking Up White: An Exploration of our Racial Beliefs and Values." This workshop will be based on the book   Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race   by Debby Irving. The meetings will be held next   Tuesday, May 9 at 7:00pm   in Williams Gallery and   Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00pm  in Gilbert Hall. Each night, participants will be able to choose between a number of sub-groups based on different discussion topics, which will be changed in the second week. In each of the groups the focus will be on sharing your experiences of "whiteness," your awareness of systemic racism, and possible future involvement in working towards a more beloved and equitable American community. Copies of the books are available in the bookstore and on Amazon. If you plan to read the book and attend, please respond with your name, and intention to attend one or both nights, either to Ingrid Bock at 
cellopets@yahoo.com  or to Len Stein at  drlstein@rochester.rr.com  ASAP as we can accommodate 48 applicants.
Healing Circles - Last Chance is May 10!
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 last offering will be Wednesday, May 10. 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 .
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 at 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
This month, 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.
Literature And Visual Arts (LAVA) Book Group
All are welcome to a discussion of  Dead Wake by Erik Larson on Friday, May 12 at 7:00pm in the Susan B. Anthony Lounge. The Lusitania, an ocean liner sailing from New York to Britain during World War I, was sunk by a German submarine with a loss of nearly 1200 lives. This suspenseful, non-fiction story asks why the British Admiralty did not take obvious steps to protect her. For more information, click here.
Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale
We're offering recycled plants from our own gardens, plus annuals and perennials attractive to pollinating bees and butterflies, and some potted & decorated as Mother's Day gifts. Put the sale on your calendar for next Saturday, May 13, 4:00-6:00pm, and Sunday, May 14, 9:30am-1:00pm. For information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Koch at nkoch@rochester.rr.com or 585-662-5537, or Alison Wilder at 585-342-2459 or awilder@frontiernet.net .
Upcoming Events & News
Special Announcement
There will be NO SATURDAY SERVICE on May 20. Sunday services on May 21 are scheduled for the usual time, 9:30am and 11:15am.  Sunday, May 28 will begin our summer schedule with one service at 10:00am.
FirstLight Players Call
Enjoy moving to lively folk dance music? Come use these talents in a demonstration group for our congregation. We will lead church service attendees in a simple and brief interactive piece playing off of this month's theme of Embodiment. Ages 10 and up can experience being movement leaders. Partner not required, but do bring friends for the fun. This is a single service commitment with a 45 minute advance run through Sunday, May 21 at 8:45am or10:30am. To sign-up, contact Lynn Kinsman by May 19 at lynchestersings@yahoo.com or 585-350-6211.
Earth Day Share Out! Results
Thank you for your participation in Earth Day Share Out! Our Youth UU Animal and Environmental Team encourages the greening of our congregation.  For our compiled list, click here. Read it through and see if someone's action sounds like a good fit for you. Contact her or him to find out more information. If there is a related activity you would like our Youth Team or our Environmental Climate Task Force to host in the future, contact Andrea Porter at  porter.aa@gmail.com.
Thank You For Your Generosity
Two weekends a month, our Plate collections go to a community organization outside our church. On the other weekends, the collection goes directly to support our church budget. This fiscal church year, we have already donated $19,456 back to our greater community (excluding the Greater Good fund).  On April 1 & 2, $758.50 was collected for our church.  On April 8 & 9, $1,035.75 was collected for Spiritus Christi Mental Health Clinic. On April 15 & 16, $835 was collected for our church.  On April 22 & 23, $741.96 was collected for Roc/ACTS.  On April 29 & 30, $587.21 was collected for our church.
Gilbert Spirit Fund Awards
For a full list of organizations awarded Gilbert Spirit Funds for 2017, as approved by the Board of Trustees of our church, click hereMembers of the 2017 Gilbert Spirit Fund Awards Panel are: David Day, Suzie Farrell, Kyrill Gill, Christine Gordon, John Steepy, and Jane Tuttle.
Fuun Bunch
All those interested in forming a social group to enjoy dinner and drinks at local restaurants once a month, email Phil Hildreth at philhildreth@comcast.net .
Electronic Recycling
We will be doing recycling of electronics again this year!  The bins will be available from Sunday, June 11 through Sunday, June 18.  For a list of acceptable items, click here.
Say Goodbye & Good Wishes to Rev. Carlos
Everyone's invited to a potluck lunch on Sunday, June 18 at 11:30am in the Sanctuary. We'll provide plates and silverware; please bring a dish to share. If you have questions, contact Chris Farnum at  chris.farnum@gmail.com.
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.
Environmental Climate Task Force Green Tips of the Week
Although we won't have a need for air conditioning this week, warmer humid weather is on the way. Air conditioning puts immense pressure on the power grid during peak demand times and is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some recommendations from the NY League of Conservation Voters to maintain a cooler home and reduce the use of air conditioning this summer:
* On sunny days, use curtains, blinds and awnings to minimize incoming heat.
* Open windows at night for cooler air cross ventilation.
* Install vents & fans so that as heat rises it can exit your home.
* Turn off all heat sources such as stove and oven, lamps, computer and TV.
* Avoid hot showers, washing dishes and clothes until after  dark.
* Dry clothes on the line outside in the morning.
* Properly insulate your home to keep heat out and cool air in.
* Drink water frequently; you'll feel cooler when well-hydrated.
* Wear light colors and loosely woven natural fabrics.
Reduce, Reuse, Re-Purpose, Recycle. 
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, May 9 at 10:00am. 

Order of Service or Screen announcement submissions:   Send to  announcements@rochesterunitarian.org.    Next deadline is Thursday, May 11, at 1:00pm.

Building usage requests:  Email  office@rochesterunitarian.org .  

For Emergency Pastoral Care:   585-330-9177