Weekly Connections Newsletter

First Unitarian Church

Weekly Connections

Upcoming Virtual Worship Services

Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 10:00 AM (Children's worship at 9:30 AM)

"Drinking from the Wellspring of Our Faith"

Rev. Libby Moore and Rev. Tina Simson, guest preachers

Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM (Children's worship at 9:30 AM)

Rev. Yadenee Hailu guest preacher

Meet us online (live-captioning also available there)

or if you do not have access to the internet, call 646-876-9923,

and use meeting ID #5852719070

Our Summer Theme

This summer, we invite all members and friends of First Unitarian to explore our summer theme of Be the Church by identifying and committing to finding a way to Listen, Open, & Serve both inside the church community and outside the church in the wider world .

Join us!

Gratitudes, Joys and Sorrows

We're here if you need us! Pastoral Care is available through our Pastoral Care phone line (585-270-0851) or via email . Rev. Bob, Rev. Shari, or a minister-on-call will be monitoring both.

This Week's News and Reminders

Rochester Young Adults -

This is for YOU!

If you are between the ages of 18-35 and seeking connection with other UUs, check out this video invitation from Jenna! This groups meets each Friday at 6:30pm & we'd love to have you join us.

Contact Jenna

HELP US WELCOME REV. MARGALIE

THIS SATURDAY!

Join us outside at church this Saturday, August 1 from 11:00am - noon as we (safely) welcome our new Assistant Minister, Rev. Margalie Belizaire, to First Unitarian Church and Rochester. Come by 220 Winton Road South and wave, hoot & holler, beep your horn, display a sign, streamers, etc. Let's also welcome her by bringing a gift - here's a wish list! Extras will be donated to a local food bank as needed. Practicing safe physical distance and with masks on, let's open our hearts to welcome Rev. Margalie to our church family!

We are offering a Grief group to cope with death of spouse or partner: This virtual monthly grief group is for anyone who needs support following the death of a spouse or partner. It is led by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata, an affiliated community minister. The group meets online on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00-2:30pm . Next session is August 5 . Email Rev. Lynn to register or for more information or call 585-330-1340.

Free online Guided Meditation Series . What better way to savor the end of summer than to take an hour a week to practice being alive and present! Online classes (via Zoom) will be held on Thursdays August 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 5:30pm (the 3:00pm class is already full). First time and beginning meditators are welcome. Being gently guided is such a gift to yourself. It is best if you can attend at least 3 of the 4 classes. Questions, or to sign up, email Rev Joy Collins or call/text 585-749-0695. This is a free program. It is wonderful to center your heart in a small community!

Want to delve deeper at First Unitarian? Take part in Starting Point, an in-depth look at Unitarian Universalism, First Unitarian history, our community, and your own personal beliefs. It will be a virtual meeting over Zoom on Saturday, August 15 from 9:30am-3:00pm . This class is for newcomers and seasoned members alike! This is the required class for those interested in joining Soul Matters groups. Please contact Shannan Foos , Membership Coordinator, to register.

Calls to Action

Are you worried whether the November 2020 elections will be free, fair, safe and secure? UUtheVote suggests we write or email our senators: Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand. Ask them to be sure to include special election funding in the next stimulus package. To protect public health, every American must have the option to vote by mail. To make in-person voting safe, polling places will need more staff, expanded early voting days and hours, larger locations, and sanitation supplies for poll workers and voters. The non-partisan Brennen Center believes Congress should create a pool of at least $4 billion that state and local officials can use to ensure our elections in 2020 are free, fair, safe, and secure. Tell the Senators that an additional $3.6 billion is needed in addition to the $0.4 billion previously allocated. Increased voting by mail will also require substantial funding to sustain the U.S. Postal Service.

The Criminal Justice Ministry invites you to talks given by local black leaders in an outdoor series in August. This event is sponsored by the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church (175 Genesee Street), the series is open to the public. It will be held every Sunday in August from 9:00-9:30am on the front lawn of the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church. The first speaker, on August 2 , will be Dr. Myers-Small, the former superintendent of the Brockport Central School system, discussing “Blacks and Education.” The remaining schedule includes:

August 9 : "Blacks and Economics" Malik Evans, at-large member of the Rochester City Council and former member and president of the Rochester School Board.

August 16 : "Black Solidarity" Willie Lightfoot, at-large member of the Rochester City Council and former Monroe County legislator.

August 23 : "Blacks and Poverty" DeMond Meeks, Democratic candidate for the 137th New York State Assembly District and a former administrative organizer for SEIU 1199, a labor organization known as United Health Workers East.

August 30 : “Blacks and Voting/Public Policy" Dr. Cephas Archie, chief equity officer for the City of Rochester and former chief diversity officer for SUNY Brockport.