From the Ministerial Search Committee:

Cottage Meetings? Isn't the Survey enough information?

The answer is "no". The word "cottage" conjures up the words "small and comfy". Discussion in small, informal groups generates different ideas from the data gathered from surveys and large group gatherings.  That's why the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) is eager to gather your collective thoughts within Cottage Group Meetings in order to help determine the qualities we want in the best candidate for settled minister.

Sign up by contacting the 'host" for the meetings!

Fall Orientation Series

Are you new to First Universalist?  Do you want to know more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation?  Have you been here forever and want to share your love of our community and our faith?  Then plan to join Reverend Munson and folks from the Membership Committee for our fall orientation series.  Sessions will be held on the second floor in the adult lounge.  They will start at 12:15 and last for about an hour.  Childcare will be provided.

We'll begin on October 6 by watching and discussing Voices of a Liberal Faith, a DVD about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.  On October 20, Reverend Munson will lead the group in discussing where each of us has come from theologically, and where we see ourselves today.  On November 3, we'll talk about our strengths and talents, involvement in the church community, and how we, as your church community, can help and support you on your faith journey.

So please join us for one or all of these sessions.  All are welcome! Contact Nancy at [email protected]. 

Ministerial Search Survey

You can access the Ministerial Search Committee survey via the internet at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YK32L69 

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 SEPTEMBER 22, 2013:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, September 29: Why Should We Be Good? If the "bottom line" for Unitarian Universalists is that we should lead good lives, we may still need to ask "why?" Why should we be good; wouldn't it be more fun to be bad? The Rev. Dr. Peter Lee Scott, Minister Emeritus of UU churches in Little Falls and Salisbury Center, is our guest speaker.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, September 29: Hell's Ramparts Fell.  John Murray is generally considered to be the founder of the Universalist denomination in the United States.  We'll talk about who he was and why his doctrine of universal salvation was embraced so fervently by some and hated by others.  Phil Ebersole will facilitate.

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 provided throughout the service on the second floor.  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!

BOOK CLUB: The next meeting is TODAY at 12:15 in the Adult Lounge. The book choice is "The Plague of Doves" by Louise Erdrich. Everyone is welcome to attend.

MINISTERIAL SEARCH SURVEY: We hear you.  Actually, we are hoping to hear you! Each member and friend of the congregation has an opportunity to be heard via the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) survey.  You can access it via the internet at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YK32L69 or obtain a paper copy from the church office or a member of the MSC.

FALL ORIENTATION SERIES: We'll begin on October 6 by watching and discussing Voices of a Liberal Faith, a DVD about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.  On October 20, Reverend Munson will lead the group in discussing where each of us has come from theologically, and where we see ourselves today.  On November 3, we'll talk about our strengths and talents, involvement in the church community, and how we, as your church community, can help and support you on your faith journey. They will start at 12:15 and last for about an hour. Childcare will be provided. So please join us for one or all of these sessions.  All are welcome! Contact Nancy at [email protected].

THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE is seeking 4 candidates who would like to attend the Annual Meeting of the New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU)  to be held  October 25-26, 2013 at St Paul's Universalist Church in Little Fall, NY.  Please contact Tom Williams at [email protected] if you are interested.    

FALL CLEAN-UP DAY has been scheduled for Saturday October 19, starting at 9:00 AM.  There will be all kinds of cleaning, fixing, painting, etc. jobs to be completed.  Bring along your favorite tools or products.  Breakfast snacks and a light lunch will be provided.  Much socializing fun will also be part of the agenda.  For more information, contact the church office or Alain Perregaux at [email protected] (654-5794).

THANKS to the two people who have signed up so far for recycling. If all homeowners households will accept just one rotation, the work can get done with no undue burden on any individual. Without recycling there will be increased refuse charges, and the increased likelihood of mice in the kitchen.

ST. LAWRENCE DISTRICT WOMEN AND RELIGION is hosting the Fourth Annual Women's Spirituality Conference on October 11-12 at the First UU Society of Syracuse. For more information about the conference and to register, please visit our website at: www.slduuwr.org. Call or email Jody Brown at (315) 476-0447 or [email protected].

THANK YOU FROM SCHOOL 7: We have been delivering backpacks to School 7 over the last few weeks, and the staff is very appreciative; children go to the parent liasion's office to select a brand new backpack and come out with big smiles. The social justice plate from last April made this possible; thank you to this generous congregation.

PEACE VIGIL: Weekly, Sunday Noon-to-1 PM, at Goodman Street & East Ave. Your choice of peaceful signs to hold, if you will.  Just show up or contact Hal Bauer.

VOICES UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE:  Saturday, Sept 28th at 7PM at DUPC, Fundraiser for Americans United's defense lawyers regarding the case in Greece, NY. Suggested donations are $10, $25, and $50.

RAIHN TRAINING: Thursday, Oct. 3rd from 7-9 PM at Summerville Presbyterian Church, 4845 St. Paul Blvd. Contact the RAIHN office at 585-506-9050or  [email protected]

CAMERON COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: Tues, Oct 22, 5-7 pm, 48 Cameron St. Enjoy an evening and introduce a friend to the good work of CCM.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Cameron Communities Ministries, 48 Cameron St, Tuesdays 9 am -1 pm in the clothing house. Please contact Eleanor Siegfried 465-0324.

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] or 225-2301.

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