Auction 2015!

It's Here!  It's Here!  That lovely time of year!!!!  We are talking about AUCTION TIME!!  Our Service Auction is on Sunday, February 1,  and the deadline for donations is WEDNESDAY,  JANUARY 21.  

Donate NOW- online at uuroc.org, or via paper forms available outside the sanctuary and in the Clara Barton Lounge.  Don't miss out on having YOUR service, item, or event included!  

Questions about the auction or what to donate?  Contact Paula Marchese at [email protected] or Ann Rhody at [email protected].

New Books for Sale During 

Coffee Hour

 The First Universalist church library and bookstore has received a new shipment of books for sale.  They are In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby by Mark Morrison-Reed, War Zone Faith: An Army Chaplain's Reflections from Afghanistan by George Tyger, and A Good Telling: Bringing Worship to Life With Story by Kristin Meier.

RAIHN Training

If you haven't trained for RAIHN yet, you can do so this Saturday, January 10th from 9- 11 AM at Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 761 Elmgrove Road.  The training covers the RAIHN philosophy and expectations for guests and volunteers. You do not need to pre-register--just show up!   Questions? Ask Chris DeGolyer (461-3616).

*Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: helping homeless families achieve sustainable independence 

Interfaith Impact of New York State  

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].

Bragdon Program

The Local History & Genealogy Department of the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County is hosting a program for its Rochester's Rich History series, focusing on famed architect Claude Bragdon and the story of the New York Central Railroad Station, which was located at Central Avenue and N. Clinton Avenue at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The public is invited to attend this program at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 18, Rundel Auditorium, third floor, Rundel Memorial Building, 115 South Avenue. This presentation will also explore the history of Bragdon's career in Rochester and the sources of his inspiration and vision for the station. It will also provide a look at some of the materials and techniques the UR project team is using to recreate the experience of being inside one of Rochester's lost architectural gems, including First Universalist Church. For more information about this program, you can call 585-428-8370. 

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 11, 2015:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday.This Sunday we will reflect upon Dr. King's legacy in the era of Ferguson. Rev. Celie Katovitch.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, January 18: Free Will. Is human behavior determined by heredity and circumstances?  Or do we have a free will that is independent of these realities.  Phil Ebersole will lead a discussion.

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 Sunday, January 11. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit The Food Cupboard on Nester Street. There is a particular need for low-sodium canned soup, low-sodium canned vegetables, and mac and cheese.

IF YOU ARE NEW to First Universalist or to Unitarian Universalism, we invite you to take part in an orientation session. On Sunday, January 18, 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.

IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!!!  That lovely time of year!!!!  We are talking about AUCTION TIME!!  Our Service Auction is on Sunday, February 1,  and the deadline for donations is WEDNESDAY,  JANUARY 21.  Donate NOW- online at uuroc.org, or via paper forms available outside the sanctuary and in the Clara Barton Lounge.  Don't miss out on having YOUR service, item, or event included!  Questions about the auction or what to donate?  Contact Paula Marchese at [email protected] or Ann Rhody at [email protected].

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.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER? If you are considering making First Universalist your spiritual home, you are warmly invited to chat with Rev. Celie any time. Please drop by her office after the service or contact her to arrange a conversation. 

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.