February's social justice plate offering is Sunday, February 15. Money collected will benefit the minister's discretionary fund. Distributions from this fund provide confidential assistance to church or community members facing emergency financial need. It also enables the minister to provide ministry to the congregation and wider community in ways not enumerated in the annual budget. 

The January social justice plate provided $404 for St Martin's Place, providing food, shelter and other services for those in need. Thank you for your generosity.

Volunteer Opportunities

When First Universalist members/friends immediately stepped up to the plate to respond to the needs of Rochester's homeless population, it was publicly acknowledged by the minister of the host church,  and appreciated by all. Once again, this opportunity to volunteer has emerged,  to give time and/or resources to society's most overlooked population. 

A residence has been made available, where residents have food, a warm 'bed', and guidance.  It is under the auspices of the House of Mercy, and overseen by a social worker. Several people in this church are already giving of their time, but more are needed. Interested? Contact Carole Hoffman at [email protected] or call 678 4525 or call the shelter at 328 6857 to find out how you can contribute.     

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 15, 2015:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, February 22: Help! UUs and prayer, part II. Rev. Celie Katovitch.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, February 22: Inside Saudi Arabia.  Janus Mary Jones will review and facilitate a discussion of In the Land of Invisible Women by Dr. Qanta Ahmed, a liberal British Muslim who spent two years as a physician serving women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  She told of restriction, overt racism and oppression, as well as kindness, charity and humor.

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 the minister's discretionary fund. Distributions from this fund provide confidential assistance to church or community members facing emergency financial need. 

LUUNCH BUUNCH: Everyone is welcome  to join the Luunch Buunch Sunday, February 15, at The Burger Bar, Wegman's at Pittsford Plaza, 12:30 - on the main level. There is a wide range of options for all tastes and diets.

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.

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!

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].

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