HELP PROVIDE A HOT MEAL THIS WINTER:  The temporary shelter for the homeless, called REACH Home,  is up and running smoothly, due to the outpouring of caring and generosity of the many groups and churches  throughout Rochester.  The primary, and most needed item, is the hot meal prepared and taken into the House every evening. The First Universalist Church of Rochester will be providing a full course meal on Friday, February 5th, at 5 PM.  As we engage 7 or 8 people to be part of this venture, each person’s contribution will be minimized.  If you are interested in joining this effort for February and/or future months, please see Carole Hoffman or email her at choffman002@rochester.rr.com.  Thank you.

TRAIN for RAIHN:  Learn how to join other church members in helping temporarily homeless families get back on their feet.  Attend a training session on Tuesday, February 2nd, 7-9 pm at Temple Beth El, 139 S. Winton Rd., Rochester. RSVP to Jen Canning, coordinator@raihn.org or 506-9050.

THE BOOK GROUP:  On January 31st, the Book Group will discuss Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande at 12 noon in the second floor lounge. For questions see Shirley Bond or Sarah Singal. 

WINTER BOOTS NEEDED:  The REACH Homeless Shelter is in need of winter boots for both men and women. Please check the deepest regions of your closets and see what's there!  You can check your local thrift stores as well.  They are also asking again for (new) underwear.  Please bring your donations to church and Beth Ares will deliver them to the shelter.  Thank you.

IMPLICIT SOCIAL ATTITUDES:   The Social Justice Committee invites you to join them on February 21st and 28th for a look at Implicit Social Attitudes about Race.  Recently, the film “I’m Not Racist, Am I?” was shown by GRCC/Faith in Action Network.  It has sparked action in our hearts and our minds.  Another driving force for this endeavor are words from Martin Luther King, Jr. (as quoted by Patti Singer in her D&C column 1/19/2016), “Driving out darkness, driving out hate with the light of love.”  We are hoping to start a Congregational conversation about racism and how we can address it personally and systemically.  Please mark these two special dates: 

Sunday, February 21 - Noon during MOCHA, take an Implicit Social Attitudes test about Race. (The personal results will be confidential unless you divulge them)

Sunday, February 28 - Noon, in the sanctuary, we will discuss the test for a better understanding of the results and what we can do as a congregation to address racism in our society.  This endeavor will be lead by Jon Greenbaum of RocACTS.  We welcome and encourage your participation and ideas.  This is a tiny beginning step for all of us.  We hope you’ll join the walk.

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSINGS:  During this winter season, please note that cancellations of church activities can be viewed at 13wham.com.