Auction Inferno!!

Our 2015 Service Auction yielded great fun and "funds."  Together, bidders, donors, and volunteers raised over $5,000 to support our church's mission!  Thanks to the many, many people who helped by bringing food for lunch and volunteering at the auction.  Special thanks go to the leaders:  chief planner Paula Marchese; tellers and clerks Dave VanArsdale, Bill Jones, Glenda Brayman, and Karl Abbott;  and proxy queens Jerianne Barnes and Karen Ruganis.  And of course to all of you who volunteered, donated an item, and/or made a bid... thank you for being a part of this treasured event!  We had some unsold items- watch for the list being posted soon.

Can You Hear Me Now?

On January 16th an ad hoc group gathered to assess the hearing assistance systems in place in our church.  With the guidance of Carl, a sound engineer from Brighton Sound and Jane Hickok, a user of hearing aids, we were able to determine that our hearing loop is in working order. It is accessed by using a t-switch (telecoil) on most hearing aids. Its weak spot is in the left quadrant (facing the pulpit) of the sanctuary due to a hum from the heating system which is below the sanctuary floor. Sitting on the right improves things markedly.

We also updated batteries on the 2 induction loop receivers available for loan just outside the sanctuary during the service. 

We are interested in learning needs of congregation members and friends regarding hearing needs. To that end, a brief five question survey will be available for a few weeks to get input so we can determine next steps and stay up with the needs as they develop.

We hope the answer to the question, Can you Hear Me Now is Yes, Loud and Clear. Thanks for your help.

 Jane and Bill Hickok, Elizabeth Osta, Tom Ruganis, Dave Van Arsdale, Michael Van Arsdale 

This Week at First Universalist

Thank you for keeping us updated, both when you schedule events and when you need to cancel one!  Please continue to do so. Send news of your events to [email protected]; or call 546-2826.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2015:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, February 15: To Seek a Blessed Life. The approaching season of Lent is associated with a call to center down, and to pray. What's a good UU to make of the practice of prayer? Today begins a sermon series inspired by that question.  Rev. Celie Katovitch.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, February 15: UU Prophetic Witness.  Phil Ebersole will review and facilitate a discussion of Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor, which is the UUA's recommended "common read" for 2014-2015.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Kids ages four and older join us every week in the sanctuary for the first portion of our worship service. Children's Worship begins after the Message for All Ages. Nursery care for babies and younger children is on the second floor provided throughout the service. We also have seating in our second floor foyer, where parents can hold their little ones and listen to the service via speaker.

ARE YOU NEW TO FIRST UNIVERSALIST?  Have you come a few times and want to find out more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation?  Then stop by the Welcome Table  in the Clara Barton Lounge during coffee hour.  You'll find friendly folks there every Sunday who are eager to talk with you!

FOOD INGATHERING is TODAY. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit The Community Food Cupboard on Nester Street. There is a particular need for mac and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, canned stew, canned tuna, and cold cereal.

AUCTION INFERNO!!  Our 2015 Service Auction yielded great fun and "funds."  Together, bidders, donors, and volunteers raised over $5,000 to support our church's mission!  Thanks to the many, many people who helped by bringing food for lunch and volunteering at the auction.  Special thanks go to the leaders:  chief planner Paula Marchese; tellers and clerks Dave VanArsdale, Bill Jones, Glenda Brayman, and Karl Abbott;  and proxy queens Jerianne Barnes and Karen Ruganis.  And of course to all of you who volunteered, donated an item, and/or made a bid... thank you for being a part of this treasured event!  We had some unsold items- watch for the list being posted soon.

SURVEYS concerning the hearing loop in the sanctuary are available. If you'd like, please fill one out and return it to the church office. Thanks!

BOOK GROUP: The February book, Rodrigo's Land, is written by our church member, Steven Farrington. It is a historical novel set in Spain and Cuba in the 1500's, and is available on Amazon in both paperback and ebook. We will meet Feb. 22 at noon, in the Adult Lounge.

PLEASE NOTE: In honor of the worship service we share, please consider entering the sanctuary before the prelude, or during the time of welcoming each other if you are arriving later. Thank you for helping us create a sacred space.

FOR THE NEW YEAR, TRAIN FOR RAIHN* Tuesday, February 10th,  6:30 PM at Christ Church, 36 S Main St, Pittsford. The training covers the RAIHN philosophy and expectations for guests and volunteers. You do not need to pre-register to attend the training--just show up! *Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: helping homeless families achieve sustainable independence

INTERFAITH IMPACT OF NEW YORK STATE will hold its annual legislative briefing at First Universalist on Sunday, March 15, 2:00-4:30 pm. The topic is "Show Me the Money: Escalating Inequality Hurts," with Michael Kink from Strong Economy for all Coalition (Albany), Ann Johnson of ACT Rochester and a fast food worker. Escalating Inequality is a UUA study-action issue. Questions: Contact Dick Gilbert at 244-7403.

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY will be March 27-28, 2015 in Niagara Falls. This year's theme is "Deep Roots, Broad Wings". If interested, please contact Tom Williams.

EASTMAN LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES: Concerts are held in the sanctuary each Thursday at 12:15 pm. They are free and open to the public.

A CARING COMMITTEE REMINDER: When a family member enters the hospital, needs emergency meals, needs transportation to church, or wants home visits; please contact Ruth Fitzgerald [email protected] 225-0555,or Eileen Fernandez, [email protected].