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FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
WEEKLY CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
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"Offering Small Grace"
Rev. Tina Simson, Preaching
Eileen Casey-Campbell, Co-Leading
Saturday, April 29, 2017
4:30pm Music by Orange Sky
Sunday, April 30, 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
:
"Beloved on Every Street"
Rev. Joel Miller, Preaching
Rev. Tina Simson, Co-Leading
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Let Us Keep You In Our Thoughts and Prayers
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.
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ABD NEWS FLASH! The Together We Thrive team reports encouraging news about the ongoing pledge drive. As of now, just 30% of our members and friends have completed their pledges totaling $424K, or 51% towards the targeted $834K. This means we are 49% short of the goal. The challenge to the 70% of members and friends who have not made their pledge is to step up and get it done. Pledging tables are available after every service as a convenience, so look for signs in the Lobby directing you to the pledging tables. If you prefer to go online,
click here. Remember, every dollar increase in individual pledges generates a matching dollar from the anonymous member generously providing the match. As consumers of the services provided us by our dedicated staff, we have the responsibility, indeed the duty, to provide a sustainable budget to pay our staff and run what is a large building throughout the year. If you have any questions or feedback, find a Thrive Team member, Cynthia Looney, Sue Ames, John Farrell, John Solberg or Paul Suwijn. Thanks everyone for the enthusiasm and generosity, proof positive that we can, and we will Thrive!
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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.
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Our new Events Calendar is now live!
Click here to view it.
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Happening in the Week Ahead
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Something Old and Something New at the Rummage Sale
The Rummage Sale is always looking for something old, so think of us when you're spring cleaning. This year, however, we're also trying something new. Since we have so many talented bakers, we're having a bake sale during the rummage sale. The bi-friars will be "manning" the concession stand again, but not with burgers and dogs, but with brownies, muffins and cookies supplied by our fantastic UU bakers. Sign up in the Lobby on Saturday, April 29 or Sunday, 30 after services. For more information click here, contact Sandy Hollands at 585-703-2979 or
sandy.hollands@gmail.com
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UU101: Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church
The next class will be offered this Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30, after each service. UU101 is a 45 minute introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. No need for prior registration, just meet outside the Sanctuary after service. Look for the UU101 sign; children are welcome.
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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
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Wednesday AM Book Club
The next meeting of the Wednesday AM Book Club is Wednesday, May 3, 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.
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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 practices, with suggestions of what to focus on, 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, 6:30-7:30pm. 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 as well as re-defining "spiritual practice."
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Adirondack Wilderness Weekend
Camp Unirondack's Spring Work Weekend is Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7. Work Weekends are a great opportunity for community members new and old to spend time together at camp while helping to improve the camp facilities. If you have never been to camp before, Work Weekends are a relaxed and casual way to make new friends and get to know Camp Unirondack. You contibute a minimum of three hours of work for camp during the weekend. Cost is $15 per person to cover food. For more information and to register, click here.
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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 Friday, May 5, 5:00-8:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
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Hardin Burns Comes to Cafe Veritas
Next Saturday, May 6, at 7:30pm, Hardin Burns performs at Cafe Veritas, with Teagan Ward opening. For more information, click here. |
Community Choice Aggregation
The Environmental Climate Task Force invites you to stop by Room 110 on
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. There is one CCA operating in New York State right now, Westchester Power, and many throughout the country. Sue Hughes-Smith of Rochester People's Power Coalition will update us on the possibilities for Community Choice Aggregation in our area. For more information, contact John Keevert at jkeev@frontiernet.net.
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r/Evolution: A Celebration of Organ and Dance
Join us next
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.
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Waking Up White
The
Black Lives Matter/Youth Lives Matter Task Force
of the Social Justice Council 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 on
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
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Fuun Bunch
All those interested in a monthly social event for adults and families, please contact Phil Hildreth at philhildreth@comcast.net.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale
Dig up those spreading or crowded healthy garden plants, label them and bring them to our church for sale. Put some in a cute container to sell as a Mother's Day gift. The Mother's Day Weekend Plant Sale is
Saturday, May 13, 4:00-6:00pm, and
Sunday, May 14, 9:30am-1:00pm. For information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Koch at 585-662-5537 or
nkoch@rochester.rr.com
, or Alison Wilder at 585-342-2459 or
awilder@frontiernet.net
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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.
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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.
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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
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Food Cupboard Reminder
Basic food requests are for soup, tuna, canned fruit and vegetables. Add to that canned milk, cereal, crackers, baby food, and toiletries, and you have many choices of something to contribute at our church weekly. All donations are taken to the Brighton Food Cupboard. Our contact person is Alison Wilder and she can be reached at awilder@frontiernet.net or 585-342-2459.
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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.
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Environmental Climate Task Force Greenish Tip of the Week
With Spring here it's the time of year when many of us head out into the yard and care for our gardens. If your soil needs a little boost to make your plants flourish, add
c
omposted cow manure.
It increases moisture-holding capacity in sandy soils and will help keep nutrients from leaching through the soil away from a plant's roots. Cow manure will also aerate soils that contain clay. Cow manure contains a lot
of beneficial bacteria which convert nitrogen and other nutrients into an easily available form for a plant. And cow manure comes from a cow, so it's source is organic. Reuse, Recycle and spread composted cow poo
i
n the yard!
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Church Office:
585-271-9070 (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm)
Next deadline is Tuesday, May 2 at 10:00am.
For Emergency Pastoral Care:
585-330-9177
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Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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