Auction 2015

Just a few more days to donate your item, service,  or event!!  The deadline for donations is this coming Wednesday, January 21.  Please fill out a paper form and turn it in at church, or go to our website and click on the auction link to donate.  

The more items, the better... so don't miss out on helping with our church's biggest fundraiser of the year!  And of course,  plan to attend the auction on February 1 after the service.  Questions?  Contact Paula Marchese at [email protected]. 

Love Reaches Out

On Jan 24, 2015 from 9a.m. to noon, our Communications Committee will host Love Reaches Out: Deep Dive brand development workshop in the Clara Barton Lounge. Participants will develop a phrase that captures who we are, what we do and why it matters. They will assess our newsletter and website to determine changes needed to match the phrase. 

Interested? This workshop is open to all members and friends. RSVP or questions: see, call or email Lisa Gwinner, Nancy Gaede, Connie Valk or Newcomb Losh. If childcare is needed, let Lisa know by Jan 18th.

Temporary Shelter for the Homeless

The Downtown United Presbyterian Church (DUPC) has agreed to provide shelter in the evening for the homeless currently living at Sanctuary Village, until the warehouse the Glazer Foundation is making available is ready. The warehouse should be ready in two weeks. Until then DUPC will need help from other churches to provide shelter in their building, including food and volunteers that are willing to spend the night.

Food: Those interested is providing food for an evening meal can drop food off at DUPC starting at 3PM each day. Because the kitchen will not be available at DUPC, food donations should include the means to eat it with (paper cups, plates, plastic tableware, napkins, etc.). Nothing can be heated on site, so food that needs to be cooked should be delivered hot. Any donation of food is welcomed. You don't have to donate the whole meal and you don't have to commit to contributing every day for the next two weeks. Whatever you can help with will be greatly appreciated.

Evening Volunteers: For those who can consider this, community volunteers will work with trained volunteers to provide evening coverage. 

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 JANUARY 18, 2015:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, January 25:Think Small. We're usually encouraged to "think big" ... today we turn the tables, and explore one particular area where we, as churchgoers in the age of church decline, need to think small(er). Rev. Celie Katovitch.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, January 25: Mark Morrison-Reed. Janet Rothbeind will review Mark Morrison-Reed's memoir, In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby, with emphasis on his ministry here at First Universalist Church.  Those who remember Mark are invited to come and share their memories.

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!

SOCIAL JUSTICE PLATE OFFERING is today. Money collected will benefit St. Martin's Place, an organization that provides a safe house for the homeless and provides meals for those who are hungry. Last year 19,000 meals were served to those in need. The Sisters of St. Joseph in Rochester and volunteers provide a place where hope and encouragement are a part of the offerings. Those who want help in finding a job are teamed with a mentor and helped with applying for employment. We ask that you give generously to support the continuation of services at St. Martin's Place.

AUCTION 2015: Just a few more days to donate your item, service, or event!!  The deadline for donations is this coming Wednesday, January 21.  Please fill out a paper form and turn it in at church, or go to our website and click on the auction link to donate.  The more items, the better... so don't miss out on helping with our church's biggest fundraiser of the year!  And of course,  plan to attend the auction on February 1 after the service.  Questions?  Contact Paula Marchese at [email protected]

IF YOU ARE NEW to First Universalist or to Unitarian Universalism, we invite you to take part in an orientation session TODAY. We'll discuss our order of service and hymn book...the meaning behind different parts of our service and what resources you can find in our hymnal. The session will begin at 11:45 am in the Adult Lounge and last for about an hour.  Child care will be available. We look forward to getting to know you better.

LOVE REACHES OUT WORKSHOP: On Jan 24, 2015 from 9 a.m. to noon, our Communications Committee will host Love Reaches Out: Deep Dive brand development workshop in the Clara Barton Lounge. Participants will develop a phrase that captures who we are, what we do and why it matters. They will assess our newsletter and website to determine changes needed to match the phrase. Interested? This workshop is open to all members and friends. RSVP or questions: see, call or email Lisa Gwinner, Nancy Gaede, Connie Valk or Newcomb Losh. If childcare is needed, let Lisa know by Jan 18th.

BOOK GROUP: Sunday, January 25 at 12:15 in the Adult Lounge. We will read Heather Menzies Jones' Nanoman. This book is available from Amazon (you will need her middle name). We will also have a copy or two to pass around. The novel takes an irreverant look at modern American life with a great deal of humor while it also tells a good story. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please contact Sarah Singal or Shirley Bond.

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 or [email protected].

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].

HEARING LOOP IN SANCTUARY: Please use the T setting on your hearing aid or see an usher for a receiver.