We are sorry to report that sometime overnight Monday - Tuesday the church was broken into.  There was no vandalism for its own sake. Significant damage, costly to be sure, but it's insured (with a high deductible).   The "perps" got very little money, which seems to be what they were after.  Let's hope they tell their "friends" that First Universalist is not worth the effort.  

With thanks to Kris White who came in to work and found the trouble, kept her head, and called the police.  To Ed Deller, Michael VanArsdale, and Michael Scott, who stepped up for support, clean up, computer replacement, and securing of the building. 

Thanks -

 Plate Offering

The social justice plate offering is this Sunday, February 16. Money collected will benefit Foodlink, a local organization that has donated millions of pounds of food to the needy in our community for many years. 

Bryan Holten Concert

Bryan Holten will play Franck's Pri�re, Op. 20, on the Eastman at Washington Square concert, to be held at the usual weekly time on Thursday, February 20 at 12:15p. 

This is the first of two recitals this year that will feature our Robert Hope-Jones organ; the second will be March 6, featuring two organists of the ESM Organ Department.

The concerts are free and open to the public.

RAIHN* Week  

We still need a few good volunteers for our upcoming RAIHN Week, February 23-March 2, when we will welcome temporarily homeless families to stay in our church for the week.

If you haven't attended training, you can still volunteer to launder bedding. If you're unsure what a specific task involves, you can ask to shadow a seasoned volunteer.

 If you missed last week's volunteer training, another training is scheduled for Monday, March 3d, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Glory Worship Center, 4409 Lake Ave (Charlotte).

To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Chris DeGolyer ([email protected] or 461-3616) after church on Sunday. 

*Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: Keeping Families Together, Bringing Families Home

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 16, 2014:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, February 23: This I Believe I'll venture out on this "limb" this morning, and I invite you to join me.  What is it you believe? Rev. Martha Munson

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, February 23: Choosing Charity  What is your favorite charity?  How do you choose which charity to support?  Janet Rothbeind will help us share our thoughts. (originally scheduled for Dec.)

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!

SOCIAL JUSTICE PLATE OFFERING is today. Money collected will benefit Foodlink, a local organization that has donated millions of pounds of food to the needy in our community for many years

2014-15 BUDGET: The finance team is beginning to develop the 2014-2015 budget.  Do you have ideas or input?  Is your committee planning something special that will require a change in funding?  If there is anything you'd like to let us know, please contact Ann Rhody ([email protected]) or any member of the finance team by the end of February.

FIRST UNIVERSALIST'S OWN Bryan Holten will play Franck's Pri�re, Op. 20, on the Eastman at Washington Square concert, to be held at the usual weekly time on Thursday, February 20 at 12:15p. This is the first of two recitals this year that will feature our Robert Hope-Jones organ; the second will be March 6, featuring two organists of the ESM Organ Department.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Sunday, March 16, in the sanctuary following the service. This meeting be in regard to the roof repair project.  More details will be coming.

LADIES WHO LUNCH will meet on Thursday, March 6 at White Swans Asian Cafe at 798 Clinton Ave for authentic Asian Fusion, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese food. Interested? See Marti Eggers, who will be coordinating this lunch.

AUCTION NEWS: Together, bidders, donors, and volunteers raised over $6,900 to support our church's mission!  Many, many people helped, in large ways and small.  Thanks to all, and especially our leaders:  planners Paula Marchese and Lauretta Young; tellers and clerks Dave VanArsdale, Elizabeth Osta, and Bill Jones;  lunch coordinator Tim Mullins;  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- the list is posted on our website and on the bulletin board.

PRINTED DIRECTORY: It's been some time since a printed directory has been published.  Before we do so, we want to be sure the information is accurate. We would like you to confirm, correct, or add your information by the end of February. Look for our master copy, along with directions, in the Clara Barton Lounge. Thanks for your help.

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 2014: MARCH 28-29, ERIE PA: A  joint effort with the Ohio-Meadville District and the St. Lawrence District. District Assembly will take place at the Avalon Hotel and Convention Center, Erie, PA. Among our attendees, two may be designated as official delegates. If you would like to serve in this capacity, please contact Tom Williams at [email protected] 

RAIHN* Week is a week away We still need a few good volunteers for our upcoming RAIHN Week, February 23-March 2, when we will welcome temporarily homeless families to stay in our church for the week.If you haven't attended training, you can still volunteer to launder bedding. If you're unsure what a specific task involves, you can ask to shadow a seasoned volunteer. If you missed last week's volunteer training, another training is scheduled for Monday, March 3d, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Glory Worship Center, 4409 Lake Ave (Charlotte).To volunteer or if you have questions, contact Chris DeGolyer ([email protected] or 461-3616) after church on Sunday. *Rochester Interfaith Hospitality Network: Keeping Families Together, Bringing Families Home

EASTMAN LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Concerts are held on Thursdays in the sanctuary from 12:15 to 12:45, 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.